DIY

"Do It Yourself"

This is a phrase I became familiar with AFTER Lyle and I were betrothed. Maybe he showed signs of this when we were dating, but I really didn't pick up on it 'til thereafter. This is a phrase that defines part of Lyle's personality. Now, he's not overconfident in something he knows nothing about. So what does he do? He researches it to death until he is competent in holding a conversation about it. After this research and learning he makes a decision. Either he feels confident enough to "do it himself" or he hands it over to a professional.

The first evidence I saw of his DIY personality? He changed the oil on his car about a month after we moved to Kentucky. That way, he realized, we can pay the same amount for a regular oil change, BUT use the UPGRADED oil that his car "has always needed". I don't care how it gets done...just get it done is more my personality. I am learning though! Besides, then he was able to change my oil too, and he is very efficient at doing so.

The second piece of evidence? Lyle removed and replaced two indoor handles and the outdoor handle of my car! What? Let me explain. The quote from the Toyota dealer was some figure over $500 to fix these three handles (time, parts, etc.). WHAT?! We do NOT have extra in the budget for that. So Lyle (after some research of course), orders the parts on Ebay and contemplates buying a "fix it" user guide online for $30 to help him replace the parts. What does he do instead? He decides to replace the outdoor handles around 7pm on Friday night after he changes the oil on the cars. So with only a few hours before dusk he begins the ordeal. Does he order the instruction book? Nope.
He goes out there...sees some screws, unscrews them, some things pop off, begins pulling and prying the rest of the inside of the door off (what?...yes). Meanwhile, pieces are falling to the ground and he is just putting them aside.

Then he calls for me to help him so I can hold the flashlight (b/c yes the sun has gone down now). So right here is is probably telling me I need to actually hold the flashlight up and help him because I am pretty much just sitting there in awe at this situation. I'm not going to lie...I was praying he knew how to put together what he had taken apart. Oh Ciara of little faith! It is dark dark and a little chilly, but I survived and I held that flashlight for a good 30-45 minutes until all was done!

And here is the proud man himself. He hasn't been this happy since he hung that picture frame...nay he was happier!My car handle has been working perfectly since the job was done! It actually makes me feel like Toya (yes the name for my 10 year old car) is young again.

The next morning the FIRST thing he said in bed when we woke up was, I should get out there and fix those door handles before it gets too late. LOL...he couldn't wait to FIX something again.

BEFORE (I would have to open the door for everyone. HA!)

AFTER
Man...and to think that it was so easy for Lyle to order and install that I did without these handles for a good solid year or longer...lol!

He's workin away (as it is drizzling rain).

Ok, so now it was time for me to step up to the plate. Lyle has had a pair of jeans that needed mending and I had been putting it off for weeks. Finally, I decided I would "do it myself" and not take it to a seamstress. Basically he had a frayed hem along the back of the leg. Then he tried to cover up the fray with blue sharpie! LYLE! WHAT?! Even my mother can attest that I don't do any sewing past buttons, but recently I have wanted to sew. In fact, a sewing machine is already on my Christmas list for this year. I want to be self sufficient in mending /hemming clothes and in decorating my home. SO...I thought I could start with his jeans.
Ashley, it's like you're there with me in the pic, right?! My good friend, Ashley, was nice enough to put up with my trying. We took apart the hem, cut the material, and realized we didn't have the jean thread. WOW...you were really prepared weren't you? Ok, so after going to the store to get the thread, I realize that the thread is too dark and that I need to try this another night.

I will post more pictures if this is a success.
If not...DON'T ask about it. It could be a sore subject for a while.