Monday, February 25, 2008

Let There Be Light

Today I did a little fix-it project that was long overdue. I fixed the overhead light in Maia and Teensy's room. It's been broken for years. I'm not proud of that, but it's a fact. Someone in my house had a slight temper tantrum and pulled the pull cord right out of the ceiling fan so that there was no longer a way to turn the light off and on. I thought that someone should be the one to fix it. Well, that never happened and who were the losers in this power struggle? My poor girls (although it only really gets dark when they are in their room in the winter). Anyway, today I was feeling like some things in my life were uncontrollable (i.e. Mackenna Rose) and I looked at that stupid light and just couldn't take it anymore so I fixed it. I'm handy like that.

I got out my trusty power screwdriver and took the light fixture off the ceiling fan and took the whole shebang to The Home Depot. In my mind, visits to The Home Depot are just like the commercials. You're met at the door by a smiling apron-clad employee who is a general contractor/master electrician/master carpenter--you know, the whole nine yards--who just happens to want to work at a home improvement store. Then, the jack-of-all-trades sweeps you to the exact location of exactly what you need whilst telling you the three simple steps it will take to get your job done. Well, my visit didn't quite go exactly like that, since I was accompanied by Teensy and said uncontrollable two year-old. I knew where the lighting section was without an escort but then had to hunt down a worker. She/he (Teensy and I are at odds as to which this particular employee was) was as friendly as the ones on the commercials, but certainly not as knowledgeable. While I was busy threatening Kennna she/he looked through the fan light switches and grabbed one for me. Then she/he proceeded to tell me that "whoever took this part off" (holding the piece of the light I'd brought in with me) would know how to put the new part in. When I said, "Oh, I took it apart," she/he looked duly impressed and muttered something about how I sure knew what I was doing. Sure?!? (Side note: the part she/he gave me wasn't right and I ended up running back there to exchange it, sans assistance from an orange aproned friend.)

I did hit one little snafu when I discovered that the wires on the new part weren't compatible with the old light socket, itself, but it wasn't insurmountable. In the end, I changed that light socket, too, as well as the original fan light switch. Then I cut the power to the upstairs, reattached the necessary wires, turned the breaker back on and... voila! There was light! And Michael thinks I waste my time watching all that HGTV. I think this little payoff speaks for itself.

I am rather pleased with myself, in case you couldn't tell. The whole project cost under $6 and took about a half hour (plus four years, but who's counting?). I should have done it ages ago. Maia is tickled to have a light again; she seriously does not remember a time when her room had a light.

14 comments:

whitney allison said...

Do you think they know that no one can tell what they are? When I worked at the Picture People I had a manager who's name was Stephanie and all the little kids would say "mom is he going to take my picture?" And I'd just have to walk away because what else was I supposed to do? As a side note Stephanie also wore men's cologne.

Dawn said...

OoooH you show off???
I'm only jelous

Jessica said...

Wow! You are handy. I'm pleaed with myself if I change a lightbulb. You actually get into the wiring and everything - I'm impressed!

Jenni said...

Good job Mendy!! I'm totally impressed! And the Home Depot story was very funny! I've never had a commercial type moment in there either!

Amber said...

I didn't care for this entry because I don't care for your attitude toward your sweet, innocent baby girl.

Congratulations on making TV pay you for watching!!

Christie said...

WOW, I am so impressed, this I could never do! You're so handy.... I guess I need to start watching HGTV.

Cami said...

Good for you!! I finally got sick of waiting for Jake to change our kitchen light and fixed it myself, but it was no ceiling fan!! Nice job!

I always wonder where my happy helpers are at Home Depot too.

Deb said...

what a great story! that's so awesome on so many levels!

but i can't believe you found a home depot employee who wasn't surly. i always get the ones who practically roll their eyes at the thought of answering my questions. so congrats to you!

Tracy said...

I am in awe at your greatness. You are hired as my interior decorator and handy woman. The thought of attempting to do what you did would never even enter my mind. If Chris didn't fix things, I'd be calling up a tall, buff, handyman (preferably with an accent) to come maintain my house. You are woman -- hear you roar!

Stacey said...

You are women....Hear you roar!!

Cynthia said...

My kind of woman! I had a similarly unhelpful experience at said store when I replaced the garbage disposal in my apartment. Hopefully your DH (dear hubby) praises your handiness to all...since we all know who that "someone" is. BTW, you (and Whitney) crack me up with the "she/he"! I think Aunt Amber is begging for a weekend alone with said 2 year-old. :)

Unknown said...

Way to go Mendy. I think watching HGTV pays off too!! And I love the whole Home Depot story. I wish their store was like the commericals. It would save me tons of time!!!

Joni said...

I am totally impressed. I would be afraid of electrifying myself. You're a fun writer too Mendy! Wouldn't it be great if real life was just like commercials?

Sally said...

Well done, well done! Light fixtures scare me off--definitely man's work, in my opinion. But you conquered it nicely and I have lots of respect for your newfound abilities. :)

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