Lynne- Couple of suggestions here- changing flats gets easier with experience. Also, how old are your tires? I find the newer the tire, sometimes the harder to get the darned thing off!

You might practice at home in the kitchen or someplace where you have lots of light. I'm not the speediest when it comes to changing flats, but I can get it done. I'll bet BF will be happy to work with you as it's in his best interest that you learn how to do this with ease. The front tire is easier to take off so Id start with that one.The hardest part about the back tire is (for me) getting it back on with the chain in the right place! I have a rag in my seat bag which I use to get my hands clean after playing with the chain. Some people have handiwipes which are also convenient and easy to store. You'll be a champ soon, it just takes lots of practice!

Also, I highly recommend that you purchase a pump. I have a Topeak Road Morph pump- has a little foot on it and works like a floor pump. (Even has a little gauge!) You can get them at REI. I'm not strong enough to pump 100 lbs in my tire going sideways so this was a good alternative. Cannisters are fine, if you can figure them out, but you have to carry extra cartridges which can be heavy. Just my thoughts on that.

Lucky you- REI guys are great aren't they!!!!