DIYD

Yesterday was a day long, mega day of doing it myself.

My downhill bike had a blown fork seal from before my Utah trip and made worse while being there. $20 in parts and $20 in tools plus an hour of my time and it was done. Fortunately I used to work as a bike mechanic, so this was pretty easy for me, though it was my first time doing it at home rather than in a shop.

It would have been at least $60 if I dropped it off at a shop, so I saved a little money and got to put the kind of detailed attention into the job that really only comes from having a personal stake in the outcome. And as I want to sell this bike and get a different one, it felt good to give it some quality maintenance.

Next I modded my gun. I went to REI and bought webbing and buckles and made myself my own tactical sling. Six dollars in parts for me versus $20 for buying a new one. Then I bought a Magpul grip and a different mounting point for my sling. Just a quick scan of Youtube for some video advice and these projects were done as well. Though I do need to get the armorer tool for my rifle to make this kind of thing easier
Also for the gun I was able to trade doing a bicycle tune up for a new quadrail fore grip. This will now let me mount the Magpul vertical fore grip I want. Does this kind of barter make me part of the "new" economy? Or just smart to trade one hour of my skilled time for a $75 dollar part?

Last and most assuredly least I went 'kitchen beautician" and dyed my hair light brown. Temporarily dyed, don't get your chonis in a knot. $8 and 20 minutes of my time. Last I heard a good color job was like $100+.

(please tell me no dude really has ever worn this shirt!!)

Do It Yourself, Dangit!