In a departure from the seriousness of late…

I’m growing out my beard.

I normally wear my beard rather close-trimmed. I have tried growing it out before and failed. It gets to a certain point and then I can’t stand it any more, or I don’t like how it looks so I just trim it back to normal length. This time, I ‘m going to push past the awkward stage.

I’ve always wanted to see what my full beard looks like. Every one is different.

I’m hoping for a really nice “Grizzly Adams”

Or perhaps a “ZZ Top”.

Unfortunately, right now it’s looking like the classic “mumbling homeless guy”.

In the vein of “sometime you have to just say it because sometimes just saying it helps”…

I am seriously depressed about the damage to my thumb. “Arthritis” was the catch all term he used for “messed up cartilage”, and he seemed to have no idea if it would really get better or not. It’s still sore even though I have it immobilized most of the day. There’s another 2 to 4 months of this before I am supposed to go back and see the doctor.

Unless there are some serious improvements, it’s unlikely that I will ever play bass again. At least, nothing like how I used to. The thought of not jamming along to some 12 bar riff, locking with a drummer, while someone screams on the guitar… ever again… that’s hard for me to take. One of my favorite things in the world. Sure, I don’t do it much now. But to have it laid out in front of me that I will never do it again? That’s pretty rough.

Even if the joint stays this way, it’s possible that I may play guitar again, though likely not for as long, nor as energetically as I used to. Holding a pick is doable, but not for long.

Not being able to pick up my 2 year old. Not being able to open a jar. Not being able to turn the stupid key in the car ignition. They seem minor individually, but together they’re starting to take their toll.

I’m not sleeping well. MrsPages is ready to take the frying pan to bed to clonk me with when I get up to read in the middle of the night. My devotions and scripture reading have tanked. I know now is the time that they should be increasing, but I just want to sit and do nothing. I’m not very good company (when I’m not hiding in my office). I’m not exercising. I’m not writing anything.

Mid-life crisis brought on a bit abruptly? Perhaps. Facing my own aging and mortality? Maybe.

Whatever it’s called, I’m just bummed.

The bake element in our Maytag stove burned out last week. MrsPages was getting ready to cook brunch for company (and we had company coming the next morning too) when there was a bright flash and *foom* *fizzle* the element died.

MrsPages ingeniously managed to cook the meal by turning the broiler on until the oven reached temperature, then turning it off, then turning it on again when it cooled. What a pain. So without further ado, I present:

How to replace the lower bake element in a Maytag Oven

You’ll need:

• A replacement element. I got mine for $35 from Reliable Parts. Any generic appliance store should have them in stock. The same element is used across many models, so they’re pretty common.
  

• A Pair of pliers (I used needlenose)
• A medium philips screwdriver (cross shaped head)
• A small slot screwdriver

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Step 1. Unplug it. If it’s wired in to the wall, turn the breaker off.

Step 2. Make sure it’s unplugged. Don’t laugh, go double check. Really.

Step 3. Make absolutely sure it’s unplugged. You really don’t want to be messing with 220 volts. Honest.

Step 4. Pull the oven out and remove the half dozen or so screws that keep the back cover on.



Step 5. Find the wires that connect to the lower bake element.

Step 6. Remove the clips from the element. You’ll likely need a pair of pliers. Be gentle, just take a firm hold and wiggle while you tug the connector off.

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Step 7. Open the oven door and remove the 2 screws holding the element in place inside the oven.

Step 8. Inside the oven, remove the broken element (just pull it straight out of the holes in the back oven wall). If the element is badly broken there may be white dust coming out. Be careful, this dust is apparently rather toxic.

Step 9. Insert the ends of the new element through the holes in the back oven wall and replace the two screws to hold the new element in place.

Step 10. Back behind the oven, using the small slot screwdriver, slightly bend open the crimped part of the connector on the wires. You might not need to do this. If you can manage the next step without it, don’t bother.

Step 11. Slide the connectors on to the ends of the new element and lightly crimp the connector with the pliers. Give the wire a tug to make sure it’s on securely. Lots of heat and electricity flow through this wire, and a loose connector can work its way off and be dangerous.

Step 12. Replace the back cover and all the screws that hold it on.

Step 13. Take this opportunity to clean the dried crud off the sides of the oven.

Step 14. Plug the oven in or turn the breaker back on and test it. Use an oven thermometer to check that the oven reaches the proper temperature and stays there.

If it doesn’t work at this point, call a repair person. The element burning out can damage the thermostat or other components. At least you’ve saved yourself the cost of this part of the repair!

If it does work, pat yourself on the back for having avoided $100-an-hour labour costs and 100 percent parts markup for a 10 minute do-it-yourself job!

UPDATE October 2009: I just replaced the element again. I found a replacement at Home Depot in the appliance section for the same price as the appliance place.

“Guess which hand it’s in!” as played by a two year old.

Keep trying Ash, you’ll figure it out.

(The best part of the game is how she giggles like a maniac when you get it wrong.)

[editor's note: LittlestPage giggles like a maniac, not Ash. ]

[editor's note #2: Well, Ash giggles too, but with a little more restraint.]