DIY: The Elders (part II)

UC#1-SU / MacGyver

Well. I’m working on fashioning a stand-up computer desk, without going out and purchasing anything new. So, I started by clearing off a wooden desk that I have in my office, and have been using to store miscellaneous papers and pictures, and occasionally using it to write on. Then I retrieved a raised wooden stand from the basement, that I had purchased with some used furniture about 10 yr. ago, and have only ever used to store miscellaneous pieces of fabric and sewing equipment.

Laptop placed on top. Then I raised the extra monitor with a thick Webster dictionary. Got a spare keyboard from UC#1, propped it up on a thick book of photography, sitting on a metal stand saved from somewhere, then stationed on a wooden tabletop from an antique typewriter table. Used duct tape to secure keyboard on old looseleaf binder.

So now, my laptop screen Is straight ahead, and my arms are straight out from my body to type. The keyboard is a little different from my Mac, but I guess I’ll get used to it soon!

~UC#1-SU (aka MacGyver)

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UC#1-SU / Details

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Wait…. someone’s actually reading my emails?

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Semi-Sequitur: Did We Get it Wrong?

What if it really was Lady MacGyver, not Lady Godiva?

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SU#3

When I was around 14 years old, I was summoned on weekend morning at our house on [undisclosed location] by UC#4. A friend of his had gotten his VW stuck in the mud deep in the woods. I believe the location was known for teenage intimacy and/or for smoking wacky tobacco and drinking beer. UC#4’s friend gathered up 8-10 guys and we went out into the woods and picked up the car and moved it onto dry ground by hand. The ‘stuck’ person waved and went off into the early morning sun.

I have many embarrassing stories I can share regarding home and car repair attempts that ultimately concluded in a kinda-sorta fix, potential ER visit or finally calling a professional. For another day.

UC#3

[ed. note: On the advice of my attorneys, I plead innocent of all charges.]

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Ok, one more story. First of all, add bungee cords to the list of Necessary Items.

When we lived in Maryland in the late 1980’s, we had some tough winters with lots of snow and sleet. I had a crappy car and a 40 mile (64 km) commute each way to school. One evening at school, I went out to my car and the door was frozen shut. I eventually pried it open, but the door would not latch closed due to ice in the locking mechanism. So I drove home at 60 mph (100kph) holding the door closed with my right hand and steering with my left. It was a manual shift car, so this was tricky.

The next day, I went and bought a long bungee cord and would wrap it around the interior door handles of the driver’s and passenger’s doors to hold the door shut. I eventually went and bought 4 bottles of rubbing alcohol to put in the trunk and then would pour alcohol into the door to melt the ice so I could retire the bungee cord.

UC#3

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UC#2

College students have to be resourceful, especially if their security deposit is on the line.

Here’s UC#2 and his room mate getting ready to move out for the summer. Note the toothpaste drywall technique.