Time changes things, though, so maybe messing around at the keyboard will eventually translate to real-life tinkering. Feels like all that is missing is time.

You grew a lot of stuff, impressive. I'm waiting on my Fall seeds: radishes, cilantro, parsley, romaine lettuce, carrots, spinach, and broccoli. Hoping to save the basil and sage I grew this Summer. Next Spring will be a big one.

My theory won't hold for every single person, but there does seem to be a correlation between hacking and DIY. Ten years ago, I was like you, but over that last decade, I've gradually converted myself into a DIY freak. The danger is expecting I can do pretty much anything, which has blown up in my face (literally) a few times. It's good to know your limitations.

You're not weird, at least not b/c of this comment

I feel like I have failed as a man and husband but I'd honestly rather pay a professional to do it and do it well rather than waste time trying to fix a washer or assemble a garden shed. Even if I succeed in a simple task, I don't really derive the same pleasure as I would from getting a computer program working.

In the last (UK) economic downturn, a significant number of my mates did evening courses in 'Plumbing'. I thought they were mad. Completely mad.

Or maybe I'm just weird. [ Now worries that every single socnet comment of mine ends this way ]

Your wife's garden sounds awesome; I love eating home-cooked, home-grown food.

I've done a lot of DIY electrical and plumbing work as well as built a shed, put in hardwood floors and replacing windows. What a difference new windows make. I had a friend show me how to do the first and then I did another nine. Don't pay $150 per window installation unless you don't have a ladder that reaches second story windows; if you can operate a drill and a level, you can install a window for free.

Good on ya for plumbing. I can never seem to get that right, but my plumber loves me.

Apprenticing is a great concept, one that translates into development too. I was thinking that would be a good way to start learning cars, since I don't have a spare one to break.

I'd be happy to handle a working garden, but it wouldn't save you money. I'm not cheap

I enjoy building things, but seriously lack the patience for it. Measure twice and cut once? Bollocks. Just cut it.

It's probably why I like tech so much, the only tangible thing lost is time.

If I ever found someone that would take me in as an apprentice though, I'd be all over it.

I rebuild cars, hot them up, paint them. I do my own carpentry, plastering, electrical and plumbing.

The internet has been a great help with DIY, especially cars. The collective knowledge available is amazing. I've also noticed that DIY tools are getting cheaper by the year.

I don't do gardening!!! You're welcome to come to my place and do some.