a little downtrodden
with patience and help from george, we managed to identify the electrical problem. the wires are old. like, older-than-time old. the fabric and the black stuff covering the wire is disintegrating, creating faulty connections and blowing circuits... and some moron* decided to put half the house on one breaker.
yup.
however, it's actually been kind of fun trying to figure stuff out. it's like a big, sparky puzzle. i was only half kidding when i said to mom or someone that i should go to matc to be an electrician.
realtor ben came over to help and got us going in a good direction. we replaced two of the crappy wires and have power upstairs again. heh.
it's funny the perspective change that comes with home buying. everyone will try their best to describe this change to you, but it doesn't sink in until you can't find your phone charger, or your q-tips, but you have power in the livingroom. somehow, it is a great feeling to come home to a place that is yours. all yours. well, the bank owns it, but no one considers that fact until the 1st of the month. :)
*sorry, moron, if you read this; but really. wtf were you thinking? 9 outlets and 3 ceiling lights on one breaker? jesus.