Guys are saying, "Looks great to me!"

Moms are pros at sitting in the pediatrician’s office, the hair salon, the orthodontist’s office, even the emergency room. But the waiting areas we must dread above all are those that have anything to do with car maintenance.

It’s obvious that these waiting rooms were designed (if we can use such a generous term) by guys, for guys. They are strictly utilitarian with hardly any creature comforts, save a pot of stale coffee and a half empty vending machine. No matter how friendly the staff, the waiting room makes the routine experience of oil changes, new tires, and tune-ups about as pleasant to anticipate as a root canal without the comfort of sedation.

Granted, when the homekeeping chores are divided, it’s usually the men who are charged with handling the family vehicles, and we know most of them scarcely notice fluorescent lighting, tacky posters and stuff lying all around. Doesn’t that describe the preferred male habitat, the basement man cave?

Unfortunately, routine car maintenance isn’t so much about interest or skill as it is about whoever has the flexibility to wait, and that brings us moms back to these godforsaken waiting rooms.

About the only thing you can do is look for car shops within walking distance to shopping. Failing that, bring a good book or a current magazine of your own (unless you like old issues of Field and Stream).

Kudos go to Hoover Toyota on hwy 150, which offers wi-fi and plenty of magazines in its lounge area. However, you are doomed if you prefer any entertainment other than Fox News.