I've decided, as Jeep owner (well, part-owner, since most of it still belongs to the credit union), that I need to really be able to work on my car. Hell, there's no major fancy-schmancy computer shit, it's modular, and you can order damn near any part yourself.

The wisdom of this was revealed to me when I took the Jeep in to have the broken seat belt replaced. I was told by my reputable, trusty mechanics that the labor wouldn't be very much, but that the parts would bring the cost up to around $400. I almost cried when I heard that, because $400 is amongst the things I don't have. I told him I'd think about it, and then got off the phone.

I pondered for a bit, and then got online. A bit of Googling and I had three different sites offering the exact factory replacement seat belt I needed, all for $69, plus shipping. As soon as UPS gets my part to me, I can make my first major(ish) car repair. I hope. I may need help, but we shall see.

My mechanic was mighty impressed when I informed him what I was going to be paying for the part. I'd say their dealer is robbing them on the deal.

To make this all a little sweeter, one of my Half.com books sold today. It is a big, heavy art history book that I still have from my student days, and I shall be getting enough from that sale to cover the seat belt expense (after I get to the post office and ship it out). I was suprised that the book sold as quickly as it did. It is kind of an obscure selection, so I find the timing very serendipitous.