Changing a Lightbulb
It should've been easy
A week ago, I noticed that in the light in my living room, only one bulb was working.
Changing a light bulb isn’t hard. You don’t need any special knowledge, skill, or equipment. I’ve changed heaps of bulbs in my life — many as part of my former job and a few at home.
I climbed up to get one of the bulbs out so I knew what to buy. But it wasn’t easy — I learned they weren’t ‘normal’ globes. However, I had a general idea of what I needed.
At the hardware store, I found the right thing — um, the right shape, but I had no idea about the numbers (watts, volts, etc.). Before I purchased it, I checked I could return it if it was wrong.
Then I had to ask the Caretaker in my building for help. I felt really uncomfortable (stupid!) because changing a bulb should be so easy!!
He came with a ladder and two screwdrivers.
Easy? No way!! It was hard work. Even he had trouble getting a globe out (and he's a professional!).
He had still more trouble getting the new one in!
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So he decided to take the whole thing off the ceiling.
One problem - he needed a different screwdriver.
I was standing on a chair, holding the light fitting because it was still connected to the ceiling by a wire. Leaving me, he went downstairs to get what he needed.
Please door - don't lock behind him!
He arrived back a few minutes later and quickly undid the last screw and I was free to get down from the chair.
Then he worked at getting the other old bulb out and new ones in (he had a couple of extras). To do that, he undid more parts.
He finally got the new globes into the holders, but it was impossible to get some of those 'extra parts' back in place. In addition, a few things were damaged along the way. Oops!!
Having done all he could, we got in place to put the whole thing back up. First, he connected all the wires, then we turned the light on to test it. All three bulbs came on.
Yay - we were winning!
The next step was to screw it to the ceiling.
Done.
This week I'm going to buy a new light. One where I don't need special equipment - or help - to change the bulbs!
