What kind of dumb are you?

[kainsworth]

When I talk to people about things like architecture and design and art history, I usually feel pretty smart. I know a lot about construction techniques, including systems work and finishing. I can hold my own in a conversation about food and wine, AutoCAD and Photoshop, and most kinds of music. But this morning, I feel like an idiot.

My brakes on my car started sticking to the point that the car is almost un-drivable. I took it to the brake shop, and they showed me everything that was wrong, and explained how much it would cost to fix it. I had no idea what they were talking about. I was completely at their mercy, and they knew it.

So I told them I have to call my "husband" first and talk to him about it. (Tom and I have been together for quite a while, but are not married. I only use the term "husband" occasionally when I think I need it.) I talked to Tom, and then handed my cell phone to the brake guy, and had Tom talk to him. I'm pretty sure I'm only paying for what I need done.

So I guess I'm totally car-dumb. Not too people-dumb, and not too money-dumb. What are you dumb about?

[Snagg]

Actually, I'm far more interested in the New Guinea mangrove bat.

[TeeBubbaDee]

Sorry Snagg, Can't help ya there. All I got is the majority of wood baseball bats today are made from northern white ash harvested from Pennsylvania or New York.

[TeeBubbaDee]

Don't feel bad Quinn, Since I have never watched her show, I don't know much about Oprah either.

[CWO3ROBBIE]

Sheldon, I used to know a little about those also. In another land(West Texas/NM), long, long ago. Where was the pic. Calif.? or Africa?

[Kittycat]

What kind of dumb am I?? All kinds of DUMB!!! lol

[CuppaJoe]

Kainsworth, this is a great topic. We all have our strong and weak points. I'm pretty multi talented when it comes to technical things and not to inept in a social situation, but there are areas regarding art and cooking for instance that I feel clueless.
In order to help each other here at TBD I started a thread in the new Welcome Lounge (tab at the top of every page) called the Coffee Bean Bag, where we all throw in little annoying daily household, cooking, automotive, plumbing, fix-it problems and get some help from another TBDer who may have some knowledge in the subject. We have covered everything from rolling pie dough, to lighting pilot lights, to repairing holes in your wall to how to winterise your outdoor faucets, even repairing your car when someone "keys" it. We have some good cooks, fix-it guys and even a longtime auto dealership service advisor that keep an eye on the thread to see who can help. So come visit, drop a question and we will see if we can put some smart in dumb's place.
It's a good place to come to get a little help and where you won't be made to feel dumb or have anyone try to sell you a "solution".

[Mother Sanity (JackieRodzinski)]

I'm naive. (And tired of this TBD thing not working...as my kids say, "peace out".

[DannyO]

Everything about what other people are thinking. I'm always amazed at what they do next. It never fails to surprise.

[funesthememorious]

Dumb as a dumb animal sitting there pressing a lever to get a "fix" of something.