Today I decided that putting off that light installation had to stop- we've had the light for months in a box. I mean, you only live once.
Now, you need to understand that the wiring in our house is unconventional to say the least. Our fuse-box is labeled, but we've discovered over time the labels were probably just guesses as to what made sense to the builder. So, when turning off the fuse for the light, I can't just turn it off and know with any certainty I'm not getting shocked. And, I really didn't want the hassle of flipping a switch and running to the other room and back a dozen times.
The first thing I did was plug in the radio in the guest bath so when I found the appropriate switch I'd hear the sound go off. I flipped the first switch and the radio died. I couldn't believe my luck!
Which was a good first thought, because the light was still on. This meant the plug was on a different circuit than the lights. I needed Plan B.
So, I hired Kenna. I had her sit in the hallway outside the bathroom with the instructions to tell me when the light went off. Feeling confident she could handle it, I went to the fuse-box.
Flipped a switch. Silence. Flipped it back on.
Flipped a switch. Silence. Flipped it back on.
Flipped a switch. Silence. Flipped it back on.
Flipped a switch. Silence. Flipped it back on.
Flipped a switch. Silence. Flipped it back on.
Flipped a switch. "Daddy! The light went off. But then it came back on!" I make the assumption that that meant the previous switch was the correct one. With Kenna, this is a shot-in-the-dark guess. But it was right this time. She happily ran off to watch some TV, but not before reminding me to make sure I took down the towels before painting. That's tomorrow's chore.
I go about removing the old light, which is simple. I check what I need to buy at Lowe's, then Kenna and I head out. When we get back, we have lunch. She's watching A.N.T. Farm on Netflix, so I go back to my bedroom to watch some Justice League cartoons. It's then that I realize the power is out for that plug in our bedroom. So, the south wall (only) of our bedroom, our bathroom, and the light (only) in the guest bath are on the same circuit. It kinda makes sense, if you're under some sort of chemical influence.
I watch Kenna's show with her, and rapidly eat lunch. She reminds me again about the towels, which I again tell her I will take care of tomorrow.
I soon determine that I have to cut a second hole in the drywall to gain access to put a support board and the wire box, as the existing hole (which is round) is too small for either of those things to fit. Once that is done, I have to figure out the best way to attach those two things. I decide to attach the board to the wall behind the one I'm working on by screwing it into the drywall that faces into Leslie's closet next to the guest bath. I screw a couple screws in from the bathroom side, and want to make it extra secure by going from the other side. As I start to screw it in, I hear a "Thunk!" as the board falls down into the wall. I grab the back up board board, and decide to just screw it in from one side. The box attaches with no problems, the I patch up the access panel in the drywall I made.
Now, the new light fixture has a circular wall attachment, just slightly larger than the existing hole. I anchor some screws into the drywall, and hope for the best. Kenna arrives to again warn me about the towels. I wire up the light, get everything in place, and start to attach the fixture to the wall.
Then it falls out of the wall.
The anchors didn't hold, so now I move the fixture up slightly to get a good hold, and it works perfectly.
Except for the 1/3 inch exposed gap below the fixture where the hole can be seen. Fortunately, I have spackle. I finish up the touch up spackle from old screw holes and get everything ready for tomorrows painting.
With a deep breath, I flip the circuit and hope for light and no fire.
It worked! And my house is still standing! And I didn't curse once while doing the chore!
I am seriously tired. I have worked harder since being unemployed for two weeks than in four years in my old job. But I am feeling like each day I can see an accomplishment, I can see something being done that matters, even if it is just a cosmetic light fixture. I do not want to make a career of electrical work, but it feels good to do something with my hands. I enjoy it. In small doses.
Kristin came home with word that she has an interview next Friday for the Music position she is subbing in. Her principal did some checking with HR and found she DID NOT have to certified for music after all, but she is going to do it anyway. Things are looking real good there, but prayers are extremely welcomed. Her principal seems to love her, which is not surprising, because my wife is awesome.
Tomorrow I paint the bathroom. There is this nagging feeling that I need to do something in preparation for it. Something with towels...
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