DIY fun vs. money

[grok]

I made a DIY heini about seven years ago. It has a lid from a 1930's milkshaker (alluminum). I loved it for the DIY. I have only used it a couple of times. It's very hard to clean and then there is my fear of ahlzeimers
I bought a titanium pot and it works great. It is heavier. I'm not so worried about the extra grams. A little woried about the safety of the alluminum. Even though my scout gear back in the day (and today I believe) is made of alluminum. What I miss is the DIY factor and the total uniqueness of the pot.

As I write this thread it occurs to me that I have loved the DIY and when I am most pasionate about it the budget is low. Every chance I get I replace something that I have lovingly crafted with a high price brand name. Plastic spork... TI spork. Heini pot... TI pot. Alcohol stove V8 can... TI stove. Two sticks... vargo chopsticks (no guilt on that one... AWESOME!!!)

For the cool factor I love all of my toys. But the fun factor isn't the same. Not to mention the weight goes up. DIY is much lighter.

So heres my point, (two cents). My kid has six lightsabers, two barbarian swords, and a battle axe. They are all collecting dust. I tied a stick to a rope in the back yard for a rope swing. Then I showed him how he could hone his 'ninja' skills with a broom stick for a sword. He uses it everyday.

Stick on a rope= $nada
Kid not on the Wii= $Priceless!

I think it may be time to cut up an Eddie Bauer backpack for parts

[WarmSoda]

I'm not so worried about the extra grams. A little woried about the safety of the alluminum.

Aluminum (aluminium for brits) is okay to cook with and doesn't cause alzheimers. Here is a link to some information from the Alzhiemers Society referencing the relevant scientific studies.

I think the titanium cookware is better, but not because the aluminum is unhealthy.

[grok]

I was a journalist so I refuse to spell correctly