no, you're a knob and tube

Progress made!!<br /><br />I can cross #4 off my <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/01/2012-goals.html" target="_blank">2012 goal list</a>! That blasted crooked, crappy, creaky (and any other c adjectives you can think of) chandelier is gone.<br /><br />You may remember it was a lovely 80's brass when we moved in.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbXCnLoT4tUHdKFRWhpUBpYB1M-nslXgfmV-qR758H9g6hzZ05zHkGWgm4OuKeIGBpgDQ7qzf-nTai2oKFa0aZz8lNZ4CqQ-M7QN3wwCMzPI8DQ2gQmSGNzZP2dN2oIYXbb0nJzT8WU5L/s1600/-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBbXCnLoT4tUHdKFRWhpUBpYB1M-nslXgfmV-qR758H9g6hzZ05zHkGWgm4OuKeIGBpgDQ7qzf-nTai2oKFa0aZz8lNZ4CqQ-M7QN3wwCMzPI8DQ2gQmSGNzZP2dN2oIYXbb0nJzT8WU5L/s640/-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I sprayed it black immediately and it stayed that way for a few years.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCelAn84D0LgA27D4zX5cwBW65FczMqRr42JnDwA7HnniiZihCmT5vzU25FMd7d8FLp1z1CKf4tEurn3dL-diZE-ciXJlMlgH0DNGvtMxNWPSVUA7YxONjbxoxm7i3Knk8GnPQvCHYzzZ/s1600/IMG_0708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyCelAn84D0LgA27D4zX5cwBW65FczMqRr42JnDwA7HnniiZihCmT5vzU25FMd7d8FLp1z1CKf4tEurn3dL-diZE-ciXJlMlgH0DNGvtMxNWPSVUA7YxONjbxoxm7i3Knk8GnPQvCHYzzZ/s640/IMG_0708.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Until its most recent life in white.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6g9E1ggLNNK848ZDMwDD8t4m5pb-qDAmv8Uh9_gSy_9xd4JD6bUz9mygsr4vsHuJjdvZpgJngyhgau4-44Nf_pWGIPzfgTv4LyXdEPzVvu7fjvsgwCIDuFYATu1NJrjpcv5FXMSe8rja/s1600/PA300415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6g9E1ggLNNK848ZDMwDD8t4m5pb-qDAmv8Uh9_gSy_9xd4JD6bUz9mygsr4vsHuJjdvZpgJngyhgau4-44Nf_pWGIPzfgTv4LyXdEPzVvu7fjvsgwCIDuFYATu1NJrjpcv5FXMSe8rja/s640/PA300415.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Its had shades, no shades, round bulbs, candle bulbs. You named it, I've tried it. I should say here that this is a classic chandelier shape, and in many cases I really do like it. However in this instance it always felt like putting lipstick on a pig.<br /><br />It had also been hung way too high and, the cherry on top, several of the arms were loose and crooked and all tightening attempts would fail. Usually resulting in a shade popping off and landing in your salad. True story.<br /><br />So after years and years of hearing me complain about it, my parents were kind enough to give me a new chandelier for Christmas. WAHOO!<br /><br />Now normally this would be an hour project on Saturday as my husband has hung many a light in his day.<br /><br />However, since the table is off center, I wanted the light centered over the table, rather than centered in the room. We've had many guests bang their head on that chandelier, so it was really for the safety of those I love. I know, I know, I'm a giver.<br /><br />Luke, being the wonderful husband he is, said no problem (while rolling his eyes) and headed up to the attic. Not a problem was the verdict. We measured, figured out where the new hole needed to be and he got to cutting. A perfect hole for a plaster ceiling I would say.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYBMdCqe6X-0ROl0M1wIbRAFishfBkAOz5CRirFNYTmF1wu4pW9-biBW5n7jsqRODWFwSgDB-s_Ja45f_iUymt6G9u_JRJOFxeFJ1BRiUfeGJSaAsOIguUhyphenhyphenXX-lvcVJcu1nvkoAqHAwI/s1600/P1143101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYBMdCqe6X-0ROl0M1wIbRAFishfBkAOz5CRirFNYTmF1wu4pW9-biBW5n7jsqRODWFwSgDB-s_Ja45f_iUymt6G9u_JRJOFxeFJ1BRiUfeGJSaAsOIguUhyphenhyphenXX-lvcVJcu1nvkoAqHAwI/s640/P1143101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now all he needed to do was move the wiring over a few inches, drop it thru the new hole, install and enjoy.<br /><br />It was all going just too well.<br /><br />Enter <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knob_and_tube_wiring" target="_blank">knob and tube</a> wiring. For those not familiar with it, its kind of like asbestos - best not bother it if you don't have to. And really, comparing something in your home to asbestos? Never a good sign.<br /><br />Apparently the wire was just a few inches short of reaching the new hole. And my husband's many attempts at getting a new wire to connect to the old wire were just not working. Something about the grounding of the wire blah blah blah. All I heard was 'electrician needed'.<br /><br />Damn.<br /><br />So while we waited for the electrician, we patched the old hole and painted the ceiling. And when I say we I mean Luke did the work and I said "looks great babe."<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijguEv5Sfzh789rPt4I1v0XLcwOZGm3BR0TQKyIvOiOQ4TrhzkquW3ztBOBC3E8MwPa6AvtjLkV-i5XvIhMQCeRMG_AVJnvC1Lq-5KNv06RjxchtfWh1poXc_mFrzeNQSNQZmNKrIHhmR4/s1600/P2053686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijguEv5Sfzh789rPt4I1v0XLcwOZGm3BR0TQKyIvOiOQ4TrhzkquW3ztBOBC3E8MwPa6AvtjLkV-i5XvIhMQCeRMG_AVJnvC1Lq-5KNv06RjxchtfWh1poXc_mFrzeNQSNQZmNKrIHhmR4/s640/P2053686.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A week later the electrician finally arrives and after a lot of grumbling and several "You sure you want me to do this lady? You know that whole ain't in the center of the room?" I had my new wired and ready hole.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7KGLv9XSsmS5bsrZs_uEB76jFvusKIM-KpoPvsIrfA2yqeg4R2FteX2dNxoQSf9WMs7VGDWnZ3s0Fq7ytbaiZs_5kYexfyZV5gIF4GVe7xw32C1UF-1-Iq7hhH1wUS7kB5Ta9uTthWld/s1600/P2113785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7KGLv9XSsmS5bsrZs_uEB76jFvusKIM-KpoPvsIrfA2yqeg4R2FteX2dNxoQSf9WMs7VGDWnZ3s0Fq7ytbaiZs_5kYexfyZV5gIF4GVe7xw32C1UF-1-Iq7hhH1wUS7kB5Ta9uTthWld/s320/P2113785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And now....<br /><br />tahdah!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xo28L5GlUc8hWd7twe2_YQytkVeaeUEeuy1xEac0kPm8TGh74s_rJ1flsr32RRzuNtRR4WIMAMNdyjpPVrETSWzBvKtHI7W2ynSpJwFwf-hr4D24rxJw8o800fM902vow0Qrc_j0WQn_/s1600/P2214521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xo28L5GlUc8hWd7twe2_YQytkVeaeUEeuy1xEac0kPm8TGh74s_rJ1flsr32RRzuNtRR4WIMAMNdyjpPVrETSWzBvKtHI7W2ynSpJwFwf-hr4D24rxJw8o800fM902vow0Qrc_j0WQn_/s640/P2214521.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />I love it! Its warm, more to scale for the room, and it gives off a really great glow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8y-llprd4r_HIN5nRgZVH0oUvfjiScds6MbDldlJgRgod8jvExbFYDBQ9sJ_ouSbwUi2YFWlbXSJM4_-aYxmDKMMjx01NacN1rbeKHrWrCoYsbN-9kgCNiCEe7JrYb2c3OGMIlsn5f1E/s1600/P2224531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8y-llprd4r_HIN5nRgZVH0oUvfjiScds6MbDldlJgRgod8jvExbFYDBQ9sJ_ouSbwUi2YFWlbXSJM4_-aYxmDKMMjx01NacN1rbeKHrWrCoYsbN-9kgCNiCEe7JrYb2c3OGMIlsn5f1E/s640/P2224531.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />It also gives off a saucy reflection in the mirror.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiExwTH32cfJHTDvHJOphtv2KGQUjTD0uSy5yQK_KOqAL_3F49mTGVZPrv6_YUN5Wf2vLhghw7ZzgK4gYhIkF3AnDSIbRtjIoPvlZV_axSFblQrWQdQ-02nUwVNVPO4rEUEzk7k-gQA_8N/s1600/P2224533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiExwTH32cfJHTDvHJOphtv2KGQUjTD0uSy5yQK_KOqAL_3F49mTGVZPrv6_YUN5Wf2vLhghw7ZzgK4gYhIkF3AnDSIbRtjIoPvlZV_axSFblQrWQdQ-02nUwVNVPO4rEUEzk7k-gQA_8N/s640/P2224533.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />But of course, nothing is ever 'done'. Now I've got to fix the curtains. But that's another story for another day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfyYTBHLDMcwoeDB0FGKNsnO4YrPZIX1E1BTGrxNxb0XhIFVTh_gXRHaGvSfLKp_loIG_IQsV57VnIQdePlxqdtLe6FCuW9YW5tSlDW-BWlHYAxzC5Z01jBKLI76NSU1ze93mD8xu5-TB/s1600/P2224539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRfyYTBHLDMcwoeDB0FGKNsnO4YrPZIX1E1BTGrxNxb0XhIFVTh_gXRHaGvSfLKp_loIG_IQsV57VnIQdePlxqdtLe6FCuW9YW5tSlDW-BWlHYAxzC5Z01jBKLI76NSU1ze93mD8xu5-TB/s640/P2224539.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>For now, I'll just enjoy my new lovely lady. Have you had any electrical projects lately? Been able to cross anything off your resolution list yet? Ever had an electrician tell you "whatever lady, I guess its your house."?

no, you're a knob and tube

Progress made!!I can cross #4 off my 2012 goal list! That blasted crooked, crappy, creaky (and any other c adjectives you can think of) chandelier is gone.You may remember it was a lovely 80's brass when we moved in.I sprayed it black immediately and…

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Persevering

Sometimes there are just no words. Given that I tend to be such a "chatty Cathy" at times, this might seem unimaginable to those who really know me.  I'm going to try to find the words though. <br /><br />I once said that if I could accomplish my weight loss goals, I could accomplish anything life threw at me.  I would know that I had the perseverance necessary to get through <i>anything </i>at all.  It's a really hard journey for us at times... losing weight.  It takes hard work, dedication, heart, self love, discipline, focus, and most importantly, time.    <br /><br />When things don't go the way we want them to <i>when </i>we want them to, <i>those </i>are the most important times for us on this journey.  Afterall, when things are going well, there is nothing to worry about right?   Our character isn't being challenged.  But when we hit those stumbling blocks along the way, we need to know that we will get through it eventually.  It is during <i>those</i> times that our character is being developed.  Do we choose to react to our emotions, and eat away the pain of our current problem{s}, in other words, do what we've always done?  Or do we choose to be positive and know that in God's bigger plan for us is something better - a bigger loss next week, perhaps, if we stay obedient to the plan we've been asked to follow.<br /><br />We didn't put on The Big Weight over night, so the troubles are not going to go away over night either.  Still, we have to really work at achieving what we want and when challenges come along, <i>as they always will</i>, we need to face them head on.  We need not run away.  We need not get angry.  We need not feel hopeless. <br /><br />Someday The Big Weight will be no more.<br /><br />Someday I will look back and say instead:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <i>"</i><i>It wasn't weight loss that was my greatest accomplishment in life.  It was that after having my heart broken into a million pieces by someone whom I trusted would never do that, I still managed to put a smile on my face and trust in God that it would get better.......and it did!"</i>  </blockquote><br /><i>That </i>will make me unstoppable.

Inspiration Persevering

Sometimes there are just no words. Given that I tend to be such a "chatty Cathy" at times, this might seem unimaginable to those who really know me.  I'm going to try to find the words though. I once said that if I could accomplish my weight loss goa…

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Library Director - Clark Memorial Library

<strong>Library Director</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Clark Memorial Library</strong></span>, Bethany, Connecticut. The Bethany Library Association is seeking a part-time Library Director who can plan, organize and direct the town library program in Bethany, Connecticut, a rural community of 5,575 residents. The Board is seeking an applicant who possesses a Master’s Degree in Library Science and has skills in a broad range of current library technologies. In addition, the applicant should be able to plan innovative, creative and responsive programs to meet the needs of the community. Salary: $35,000 for 28-30 hours /week. Interested candidates should send their resumes to Deborah Demander, Chairperson, Bethany Library Association, 538 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 06524.

Library Director - Clark Memorial Library

Library Director - Clark Memorial Library, Bethany, Connecticut. The Bethany Library Association is seeking a part-time Library Director who can plan, organize and direct the town library program in Bethany, Connecticut, a rural community of 5,5…

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Catalog Librarian - Trinity College

<strong>Catalog Librarian</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Trinity College</strong></span>. The Catalog Librarian provides leadership and guidance in developing and maintaining the library’s cataloging and metadata services. He/she collaborates on reviewing and prioritizing projects, developing appropriate cataloging/metadata standards, database maintenance routines and staff training. Work includes responsibilities for the library catalog and other local databases including our e-resource knowledge base and digital repositories. May assist with other library technical services activities based on areas of expertise. Requirements: ALA accredited master’s degree in library science; cataloging experience, preferable in an academic library; thorough knowledge of AACR2, Library of Congress Subject Headings, Library of Congress classification, MARC formats, and OCLC cataloging input standards; familiarity with tools for handling batch files and metadata standards such as Dublin Core VRA Core, and EAD; good organizational and interpersonal skills; creativity, adaptability, and an aptitude for learning new technological tools and techniques; working knowledge of one or more non-English Western European language. Review of applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit cover letter, resume and the names and telephone numbers of three professional references to: <a href="mailto:resumes@trincoll.edu">resumes@trincoll.edu</a>. Trinity College is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants with disabilities should request, in advance, any needed accommodation in order to participate in the application process.

Catalog Librarian - Trinity College

Catalog Librarian - Trinity College. The Catalog Librarian provides leadership and guidance in developing and maintaining the library’s cataloging and metadata services. He/she collaborates on reviewing and prioritizing projects, developing appro…

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Head Librarian - Pequot Library

<strong>Head Librarian</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Pequot Library</strong></span> in Southport CT. The Head Librarian reports to the Executive Director and supervises and coordinates library adult and children’s public services and technical services. The Head Librarian: Helps the Library keep abreast of the highest professional standards in the library world and takes initiative to implement those standards; Ensures friendly, encouraging, professional reference, research and circulation services for all library users; Represents the Library to the community both inside the institution and outside at community events, conferences, etc.; The Head Librarian also oversees and maintains and develops the Library’s popular reading collection of books, periodicals and other materials. The Salary for this position meets CLA recommended minimum standards and will be based on experience and previous positions held. Responsibilities: Assists the Executive Director in the creation of long-range, strategic, and annual plans to help ensure the Library meets the informational needs of the community it serves and to determine appropriate staffing levels. Participates with the rest of the staff and the Committee of the Library in the development and presentation of a wide range of educational programming for children and adults. Hires, trains, schedules, evaluates and supervises circulation, reference, adult and children’s public service and technical service staff. Ensures that all public access technology is up to date and functioning properly. Evaluates and modifies service procedures to meet the needs of the library patrons. Coordinates and participates in the development, evaluation, and selection and deaccession of library materials for the adult popular reading collection and reference services. Supervises and participates in ordering cataloging, circulation, repair and maintenance of material. Submits to the Executive Director timely narrative and statistical reports on the use of the library. Pequot Library: For over 120 years, Pequot Library has been a pillar of Fairfield County, providing professional, encouraging library services and diverse programming to the local and regional community. Pequot Library: Helps adults and children alike to develop a life-long interest in reading and learning through engaging programs and special activities; Presents concerts, exhibits, lectures, and a wide range of cultural, educational and community events in both its auditorium and Perkin Art Gallery; Engages the pressing issues of the day with its collections and adult programs; Integrates its internationally important Special Collections into its day-to-day service to the community through exhibits, programs and hands-on events; Preserves its original 1889 building, one of Connecticut’s historic treasures, as an ideal setting for all these activities. A MLS from an accredited Library School is required, and a minimum of five years of increasing management responsibility strongly recommended. Please submit material by <span style="color: red;">April 1, 2012</span>. Please email a cover letter and a resume along with three recommendations to <a href="mailto:Snydacker@pequotlibrary.org">Snydacker@pequotlibrary.org</a>.

Head Librarian - Pequot Library

Head Librarian - Pequot Library in Southport CT. The Head Librarian reports to the Executive Director and supervises and coordinates library adult and children’s public services and technical services. The Head Librarian: Helps the Library keep a…

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Assistant Librarian – Beacon Falls Public Library

<strong>Assistant Librarian</strong> – The <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Beacon Falls Public Library</strong></span> is seeking a friendly, outgoing and well-organized team player with exceptional customer service skills to fill a 30-hr. /week full-time vacancy. The Assistant Librarian must possess a jack-of-all-trades background with proven proficiency in math, Microsoft Excel and Word, familiarity with web-based library automation systems, preferably Evergreen, and cataloging know-how. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, all library bookkeeping and record keeping functions, monthly financial and statistical reports, interlibrary loans, a full range of circulation desk duties, cataloging, preparing CLC audio and video circuit packets for shelf/exchange, and supervision of library volunteers. The Assistant Librarian reports directly to the Library Director and fills in for the Director during periods of absence. The ideal candidate will also possess proficiency in Web 2.0 applications including, but not limited to, Facebook and Twitter, and the ability to update the library’s website using the content management platform, Drupal. Regular hours include one evening per week until 8 P.M. and 1-2 Saturdays per month. Some flexibility in scheduling will be necessary. Starting salary is $19.74/hr. Generous benefit package applies. MLS degree preferred, but not required. Submit resume, cover letter, two professional and one personal letter of reference by email attachment in word or pdf format please to Marsha Durley at <a href="mailto:director@mybflib.org">director@mybflib.org</a>. Applications accepted until the position is filled. EOE.

Assistant Librarian – Beacon Falls Public Library

Assistant Librarian – The Beacon Falls Public Library is seeking a friendly, outgoing and well-organized team player with exceptional customer service skills to fill a 30-hr. /week full-time vacancy. The Assistant Librarian must possess a jack-of-a…

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Part-Time position at the Circulation Desk - Avon Free Public Library

<strong>Part-Time position at the Circulation Desk</strong> - <span style="color: #48286d;"><strong>Avon Free Public Library</strong></span>. 23 hours/week including one evening and one Saturday rotation. Candidates will also be considered for substitute positions. Closing date: <span style="color: red;">March 6, 2012</span>. Job description, salary, and Employment Application at <a href="http://www.town.avon.ct.us/" target="_blank">www.town.avon.ct.us</a> (under job opportunities) or call (860) 409-4301. EOE.

Part-Time position at the Circulation Desk - Avon Free Public Library

Part-Time position at the Circulation Desk - Avon Free Public Library. 23 hours/week including one evening and one Saturday rotation. Candidates will also be considered for substitute positions. Closing date: March 6, 2012. Job description, salar…

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