For some reason, I got a wild hair to update the lighting in the basement. I forgot why, but even with windows open and the two opposing florescent lights, this room was always dark. I started watching some YT videos and learned about wafer lights, 6" LED lights that simply clamp to drywall/ceiling tiles.
Lucky for me, the basement has a drop ceiling and I've been complaining about the lights for years. Years!
For about $100, I was able to get lights (x6), wiring, grommets and connectors. I did have to make a trip to Ace to pick up the right grommets, but after that, it was just some climbing up and down a ladder, snipping wires, connecting wires, cutting fiberglass ceiling tiles, and then, after about 4-5 hours, completion.
I was gonna put in 6 lights, but ended up going with 5. Sort of a weird configuration, but it works in the space. Really brightens things up and all I need now is a dimmer switch. Really like the improvement.
 |
| Now I just need to clean the room. |
***
That was one cool thing from yesterday. The other was that Paul from MS called me. I've known him for a few years now, since he started working at the EBC as a contractor. He's climbed the ladder and is now a manager of the ES team and he's been trying to get me back. We've been talking the past few weeks since I visited in December and it sounded promising, but turns out there is no budget for me to come back to my old team.
However, over at the IEC, an opening happened and they have an immediate need for someone. Paul brought me up to Cindy, who runs the IEC, and they agreed that they needed to talk to me. So he called me yesterday and we got the ball rolling. I was put in touch with Suzanne, who works for an agency that staffs people at the IEC. I had talked to Suzanne last year when I was looking, so we got back in touch and she sent over the background check paperwork.
Though it's not done yet, it looks promising and I had people congratulating me via text already. Until I sign the docs, I won't feel comfortable, but once it happens, it's a nice step forward. Back to the people and place I love, steady check (but paid only once a month), benefits (better than what we have), and lots of growth potential.
***
Been playing way too much The Division 2. It's crazy, when I have free time, if I'm not hanging with Marci and watching our new obsession, Life Below Zero, all I want to do is play TD2. It's such a great grind and they drop just enough positive reinforcement to make me want to get on and play more. It doesn't help that Danny is into it, either, so we're jumping on a few times a week if he's up for it.
Love it!
***
Music has been on the backburner for now. PITO had a gig earlier this month and hasn't rehearsed since. Cass and Robb played a quick 3 song Dear John Letters set last weekend for a Crocodile show. Too cold to go, so I stayed at home. I did have Sunset Grooves practice last weekend, which was fun, as always. We are sounding pretty good, despite having a month off from our last show. And we had rehearsal planned this Sunday for our upcoming 2/2 gig, but Dennis just let us know he has something going on that night, so looks like only one more practice until the show.
As far as PITO stuff, we have a show 3/2 at Darrell's and hoping we can get some recording done at Lang between then and now. Sadly, though, both Cass (friend) and Robb (cousin) have lost people close to them, so there may be some Real Life events getting booked that may cause delays. All good.
***
Speaking of music, I keep thinking of recording more bass covers, doing a deep dive on Nate Mendel/Foo Fighters, showing off picking skills and justifying the GAS for a NM signature P bass. There's one in Bellingham for $1075 that I might be able to get for $950 if I go pick it up? Of course, I have no money, but one can dream and keep it in mind... Maybe if I get some gigs and CNY money and birthday money? Who knows; it's the last thing I need, but GAS is GAS.
Ok, that's it for now, quick update. Time to brush my teeth and gear up for a run. Warmest it's been in a week and I skipped yesterday to install the lights. I can almost see the sun peeking through the clouds!
