Thanks guys,

Naw, I don't particuarly have a portfolio of any worth at this point, or likely ever will. I'm not a professional photographer; I'm a mechanical engineer. Pictures are fun for me, they aren't (weren't)money.

I was just trying to play myself up as a person who knew what they were talking about in order to justify my request for a larger sum. Seems to have worked in this situation.

As for purchases, already got a NY 3000 U-lock and my replacement cheapo Krypto so I am good to go in that dept. Don't need a new frame, love the one I have. Carbon is icky in most circumstances, IMO. Beer will definitely be purchased, as well as a 2-3 year subscription renewal to DirtRag.

Had my torch set stolen about a year ago, just as I was getting all my frame building supplies together. So I think that will definitely be in the formula. Perhaps I should have mentioned I would like to build up a track frame, in order to keep the powers that be from mysteriously moving my thread.....