Thursday, October 16, 2008

Me vs. The Dryer

So here's what happened... Sunday I purchased a washer and dryer on Craigslist. This was very exciting. I hate laundromats. I managed to find a pretty good deal, and a person who was willing to deliver the appliances to me. The man was very nice, and had his girlfriend with him, which made me feel more comfortable having a stranger come to my house. He installed the washer for me, but the plug for the dryer didn't fit in the outlet in my apartment. So the guy explained to me what kind of plug to get, and how to install it. When I returned from a successful trip to Home Depot, feeling accomplished and independent, I began the attempted install. After I plugged the dryer in, I saw a problem, so I climbed atop the washer and wedged myself between it, the dryer, and the wall. Moments later there was a pop, a spark, and boom... no power. In the entire apartment. So, I stood there, wedged in the crevasse, afraid to touch anything, and unable to see. I managed to climb out. It was like pulling yourself out of the deep end of the pool. In the pitch dark. I couldn't find the circuit board, and in the face of the following day, full of work and school, and a paper that needed to be turned in, I started to have a bit of a break down. I decided to go to bed, and deal with everything in the light of day. (It was late in the evening by this point). I dreamt of California. It looked more like Hawaii in my dream. I wondered why I ever left. When I woke up, I laughed at myself a bit, but was still fairly overwhelmed. I couldn't print my paper, couldn't use the internet to e-mail it to myself (because I don't have wireless) and I started stressing about the food going bad in my fridge... I tried everything I could think of with the switchboard to no avail. So I needed to make some phone calls... only to discover my phone was dying and I couldn't plug in the charger. (Are we a bit dependent upon technology? )

In the end, I managed to go to school, work, get my paper turned in (there's a corner of my apartment where I can borrow my neighbor's wireless internet, so I e-mailed it to myself) and at the end of the day, the electrician came. He got the power back on, and got the dryer hooked up (no more laundromats! Yay!) and fervently recommended that I not attempt any further installations of major appliances. He also mentioned that I was lucky not to have been seriously hurt. Did I mention that I already had a minor fear of being electrocuted, and that I literally say a prayer every time I plug something in? Oh yeah. So this helped a lot.

That's my story.

5 comments:

Mom Ryan said...

Quite a story about the dryer installation! There was much mention of "Joe, the Plumber" during the last debate. Perhaps, you should consider "Joe, the electrician" as a future mate?? Ok, just kidding! Happy that it all got worked out, and you are not still stuck in the dark. Thanks for the tip on the movie. Although with all the economy falling apart, I was thinking of "The Secret Life of Bees", reviews are mixed by I loved the book! Love u... Happy weekend!

Linda Z said...

Oh, no! Hope everything is ok, now!! :)

Anonymous said...

You forgot to mention the part where you called your very smart friend Kayla who suggested a bunch of things that did not work...I tried. I am glad you did not get seriously hurt, I hope Mr. Right comes along soon before you need any more appliances.

Rob, Kelly, Bennett, and Elodie said...

Wow,what a saga. It stinks when there is no one to come and rescue you-I've been there. I have had my share of messed up appliances,crumbling dry wall, and even water that I literally could not turn off. I have never, however, almost electrocuted myself (that I know of), I and am SO glad that did not happen to you! It is very sad to picture you scrambling in the dark!! You got through it, though, and you are stronger for it :).

Anonymous said...

Whooo! Boooo! That must of been scary. I shocked my self once but never got electrocuted.