Written by Dallea Caldwell
There are a number of dubious television shows targeting impressionable adults, pressuring them to do it themselves. No longer is parental permission and supervision advised, not even for activities involving sharp objects or choking hazards (or what toddlers like to call bite-sized), or when operating heavy machinery — their oversized peanut heads before they grow into them, for example. For years, an audience who – for social responsibility’s sake – were told “don’t try this at home,” are now being indoctrinated into a trendy self-reliance that beckons them to the unknown dangers of D.I.Y.
It is up to responsible of adults to determine whether a task is doable, too daunting, or too dangerous to “D.I.” without a trained professional. One must research to learn the requirements of the project and be capable of an honest self-assessment. Otherwise, a project can go from home addition to hospital admission.
Here are a few sample projects and their respective how-to intelligence reports. Categorized in order of difficulty…
D.D.I.Y. (Definitely Do It Yourself)
YDI? Because it’s safe and fun!
Strawberry Jam: for the sweet taste of success!
Infinity Scarves: because nothing trends like an original!
Homework: because you have to.
U.D.I.Y.I.G. (Ugh… Do It Yourself… I guess)
YDI? Because it’s cheap and safe… and you’ve got nothing better to do.
Repair Drywall: because once you get it over with, you can add pretty colors.
Garbage Disposal Trouble Shooting: because broken disposals smell.
House Cleaning: so that when the maid comes, you’re not embarrassed.
G.I.Y.C.D.I.Y. (Great If You Can Do It Yourself)
YDI? Because you’re pretty handy and find the work rewarding.
Patio Stone Installation: because it makes you look like manual labor is beneath you.
Wooden Gazebo: because you did something similar in woodshop, but it was for the birds.
F.T.L.O.G. D.N.D.I.Y. (For the Love of God, Do Not Do It Yourself)
Y Not DI? Because you can harm yourself and others.
Spay/Neuter Your Pets: Because when vets told you to do it, they didn’t mean personally.
DIY Coffins: It’s a thing, but it’s weird.
Downed Power Line Repair: Because it adds new meaning to Elton John’s Rocket Man.
To DIY Or Not To DIY…
Whether or not you do it yourself, it’s got to be done right and safely. So, if you realize you need professional help on an upcoming project after all, visit www.talklocal.com to get connected to the right handyman by phone and in seconds. And, follow Talk Local on Pinterest for great DIY inspiration.
Tags: DIY
