When Husbanks acquired his grandfather’s Honda Civic in December, there was conversation about which of our cars would stay, and which would go. Emotionally (for me), we decided that my car would be the one to say goodbye.  It was older, had more miles, and was more expensive to repair. It just made more sense.

I am paraphrasing that, because getting rid of that car was an emotional process that involved many cheeseburgers and discussion and tears and phone calls on my end. Yes, cheeseburgers are part of tough decisions.

When Husbanks transferred the title of the Honda Civic from his grandfather’s name to his name … he didn’t put my name on the title. At all. Hil, who gave up the car in her name for this car, had no car in her name. Hil, a contributor to the family financially, had no car in her name. The only vehicle I owned was a bike! Women before us have FOUGHT to own property. Because I work as hard as a man, I should own the property to reflect that, right?

To add to this theme, Husbanks was also the “primary lender” on the home loan, making me a measly “co-borrower.” Husbanks was also the “head of household” in the church software, while I was in the “Part of Husbanks’ Family” field. 

What did I have to show for my hard-earned living? What did I have to show for Women’s Progress?

I revolted. Here are examples of my extreme brattyness:

1. Labling file folders “Ryan’s Car” and “Ryan’s OTHER CAR!!!” instead of “Jetta” and “Honda.”
2. Telling Ryan to take the car to get all oil changes, repairs, etc.
3. Having my mom call Ryan to ask permission to operate the Honda.
4.Placing “women’s property rights” facts on Ryan’s facebook page weekly.
5. Starting a “Ryan’s to do list” and switching out reasons he should put my name on the title of the car.
6. Asking before we went anywhere together, “Are we taking your car … or your other car?”

Yesterday, when Husbanks and I sat down to refinance our home loan, I noticed a switch. He made me the primary lender, and he the co-borrower. Who needs a car when you can own a piece of the American Dream?

Thanks, Husbanks. You heard my plea. Trailblazers for women’s rights applaud you. 

And I fully realize you will now look to me to fix the light switch in our bathroom.