You know, you're right about the 'not trying to impress anyone' thing. I used to look down on that tarp and milk crate setup, figured it was just being cheap. But hearing you put it that way, it makes total sense for a work truck. If you're just hauling tools and materials, who cares what the bed looks like? That extra money goes right into buying a better saw or more lumber. I guess I was just judging it on looks instead of practicality.

Coal just feels more real" is exactly why I still use a flip phone, because sometimes the struggle is part of the fun.

Pile on indeed. Did a 14 pounder last weekend and ended up right around 6 pounds after trimming the fat cap and pulling the meat. Always double check your math before the party or you’ll be scrambling for sides.

Oh man, the three highlighter system is basically the same setup I landed on too. But here's what I'm wondering - do you ever find yourself ignoring certain colors when you're in a hurry? Like I notice I'll skip over the pink bills highlight if I'm already dreading opening that envelope, and then suddenly it's late. How do you keep yourself from tuning out the colors when the task is something you really don't want to look at?

Man that is such a good point! I see this mistake all the time too and it makes me cringe. The steel needs that airflow underneath or you are just asking for trouble with moisture getting trapped. Pier blocks and a gravel base are the way to go for sure, it lets everything breathe and drain properly. I watched a buddy learn this the hard way after two years when his floor started feeling spongy in one corner. Really glad you are spreading this advice because it saves people a lot of heartache down the road.