Sinks and sinkholes

For the past 3 days, this was my sink.

The rod that held the stopper rusted and broke off. The nut was rusted on and I had a handy man come, he broke everything  aka the stopper) so I visited my local Ace Hardware and.......

Know what this is?

The sweet sweet smell of success.

To all that doubted me? Suck it.

To all that were hoping when I broke my sink, that I would attempt to fix it, then fail miserably? Well that was kind of me, so I'm glad I didn't completely mess it up.

Usually, when I do something for the first time I usually proclaim "I should be a professional __________!" (Carpenter, tire changer, etc.) you will never here me say I want to be a plumber. First of all, it's hotter than hell under that sink. Second, water usually equals rust, and rust stains pretty much everything. Third, plumbers get a bad rep for butt cracks. I do not want to be associated with that.

So first I took everything apart and got all new pieces (it was a kit I had to)

I put the stopper in with the opening to the back, and the 2 washer things around the pivot ball.

The stick goes in at an angle to catch the stopper.

Jiggle the stick and the stopper pops up.

Tighten with your BRAND NEW grippy wrench (necessary? Absolutely vital in this operation)

And done. Sent a snapchat that said I was complete and super excited. Tried to use it and it fell off.

Snapchat sad face.

So. What's the difference in these 2? 

The clip! Only the most important piece in the whole sink.

What have I learned?

Next time I need to fix something, pour a glass of wine first (not mid way through) and stop swearing, it really doesn't accomplish anything.

On another note. Sinkholes have become more and more common in Florida. Why? I dunno read an article about it. 

Again, I'm the navy star - at a low risk of sinkholes, only 2-3 in my county and the last one was in 2008. Except for this one, found on the beach in 2011...which I'm sure they've taken care of by now...

xo A