Why I Haven't Started Painting Mac's Room
There was that time I electrocuted myself.
The moment is gone. A missing few seconds between balancing on the chair with my fingers lined up along the ends of the fluorescent bulb, and then standing in the middle of the floor, arms loose by my sides, but still the bulb clutched safe in my hand.
I was slack-jawed staring when my co-worker came out of the back room.
"You okay?"
"Yeah."
Truth is, I was actually better than okay. My skin felt new, my brain felt rewired and sparking. I was thinking the most scintillating thoughts. Everything I touched vibrated its own particular thereness into me. I floated around for the next few hours feeling - and there is no other word for it - reborn.
Consciously, it was all gain and no pain. I should be sticking forks in outlets, pressing my tongue to the tops of 9 volt batteries. I should be raring to take down the light fixture in Mac's old room to paint the ceiling.
The drop cloths are laid down, the holes are patched and sanded. The supplies lined up neatly. Have been for a week. I always find something else to do.
Whatever happened in those few seconds, between on the chair and off, it terrified my lizard brain and we want no part of it at all.
Damn lizard bits! But primal fear has got to live someplace...
As an peace offering to the deep, wordless scaliness that inhabits us all, did you consider, ummm, turning off the breakers to that room?
Ha! Indeed.
I turned the light on in that room, flipped the breakers till it went off, turned the lightswitch off for good measure. I got the damn fixture unscrewed, looked at the innards, and quailed.
I knew what to do, I just couldn't bring myself to touch them. But I'm going to make myself. It's ridiculous to listen to the lizard about some things.
When you do overcome the lizard be careful to touch only one connection/ wire at a time.
The theory is that then you can't be electrocuted even if there is power still there.
Cool! Although shock treatments are now passe, I think there's still something good about introducing the human body to electricity. Look how energized we feel after a thunderstorm! Nuthin wrong with a jolt now and then.
This post is shocking!
Ok seriously, Megan, I am going to do some electrical work soon, and Coyote is going to supervise so I don't electrocute myself - he's good at that stuff.
Do you have someone who can supervise you?
Bandobras - My dad also taught me to use needle-nose pliers to take one wire and touch it to the other wire. If they're live, they'll short out.
XUP - Theoretically I agree with you, but then, I'm still scared of the fixture.
Woodsy - Yep, Steve is dropping by today to, as he put it, be the second in my duel with the fixture. And to call 911 if I electrocute myself. That thing is coming down!