Uglyhead

This morning I had a Session meeting that lasted to almost 1:00 PM. By the time I got home I thought that the day was shot (in terms of projects). However, while I was reheating lunch I received a call from Matt, who had talked with me earlier in the week about starting a work swap. By dinner time we were putting the final touches on a new garbage disposal! Matt rescued my Saturday and helped me knock off a long overdue project (the disposal was a gift from Pam’s parents almost two years ago). It was also a blast working along side a friend and dividing the labor. Not only do many-hands make light the work, but they also allow the time to pass more quickly and with fewer breaks (I easily get bored or distracted when working alone). I cannot wait to return the favor.

One thing that perturbed me about the project was something that we discovered that the builders had not done right. In order to run power to the disposal, I removed the dishwasher and installed a junction box behind it. From there I ran a line to the disposal and also to a switch above the counter. When I pulled out the unit I discovered that the rear leveling feet were just laying on the floor. It was quite cockeyed without them, too. I always thought there was something strange about the dishwasher, but I always assumed that we had made a mistake when picking it out when we upgraded the appliances at the time of purchase. Rather than having a flimsy dishwasher, it now appears that whoever installed the unit was in a hurry. I would still like to upgrade to a nicer (and more quiet) dishwasher in the future, but it will be interesting to see if this one runs better being level and more secure.

I think that the idea of a work swap is great. I know of a few others in the St. Elmo community who do, or have done, a project swap with as many as three or four folks. With that many people you can tackle some big projects, or just get your leaves raked in a couple hours (leaving time for football, fellowship and beer). What was also fun about today was that it was a family affair. Matt brought his son Dana over to play with Aidan. It gave his wife a little bit of a breather, as well as Pamela, too. Without a playmate, Aidan and Isabel would have probably bugged mommy all afternoon. Instead, they played quietly together (mainly with toy trains). Not only that, but everyone put away their toys after they were done with them! What more can a parent ask for?