Just call me Mrs. Handy

Did you know that my Grandpa was an electrician? He owned and operated Cascade Electric up in Northwest Washington State.  I know he would have been very proud of his granddaughter last week.  I fixed something electrical and I lived to tell about it.

We love our screened-in porch.  Being from Southern California, I didn't realize how much these things are worth every. single. penny.  We can dine al fresco without our Midwest friends, Mr. and Mrs. Mosquito, dining with us. 

"Sorry, sir, I don't see a reservation for a Mr. Skeeter. Please wait outside."

Our little screened in porch is so nice and cozy, and, up until last week, dark.  Granted, during the summer months when it stays light out until 9:00 or later, this isn't a big issue.  But, now that it's dark by 7:30ish, we would like to, as my mom would say, "shed some light on the subject." For over a year (or more?) the pull switch on the light switch connected to the ceiling fan has been broken.  Dan is super at completing tasks on his "honey-do" list, but this little problem has eluded him.  Not that he didn't know how to fix it, it just wasn't on the top of the list. This is where I came in.  

I knew we were going to be wanting to sit out on the porch during these incredible Fall nights, and as much as I love candlelight, I do like electricity too. It's a wonderful invention.  So I rolled up my sleeves and asked Google for some help.

And sure 'nough, youtube came in and saved the day like Super Grover (sorry, we've been on a Sesame Street kick lately). I found this handy dandy little video.

O.k. Got the video. Watched the video. Now to get the part.  Thanks to the super huge and orange hardware store around the corner, I was able to find what I was looking for in under 10 min. That's an accomplishment in itself! Part bought for $3.22.

Even messed up my nail polish in the process :)

Now the real test: fix the switch.  Deep breath. Turn off the breaker. Double check that the breaker is turned off. Climb up ladder. Climb down ladder and quick teach Landon how to dial 911 in case his mommy starts to light up like a Christmas tree. Climb back up the ladder. Deep breath.

Insert boost of confidence

I can do this!!

And, I did!!!

Can't see it very well, but there is a brand new switch in there.  I even had to strip some wires, and put on some little things called "wire nuts." (Yes, I had to Google that too).

TADA!! I did it all by myself!!

Electricity is a wonderful thing!

Don't you think my Grandpa would have been proud?