Thermal Cutoff
So my dryer has been repaired. Last weekend I reported a faint burnt-toast smell and then no heat in the dryer. But with a fast $114 drop in my bank account I have a working dryer. The Thermal Cutoff broke.
This time of year lots of our thermal cutoffs go on the fritz. You know that little internal gauge that is supposed to warn us that racing to coupon sales and baking cookies for all the teachers is stressing us out. The monitor that tells us to sit in front of the fire, or pray for the year’s blessings, or visit a lonely friend, seems to short circuit the first of December. Our temperature rises, the pressure builds and suddenly we’re too hot, smoking under the stress of the season.
Too bad we don’t all heed the Thermal Cutoff. But like my dryer, maybe I’m overloaded. Yes, I am a notorious overloader, filling my dryer with 15 towels and cranking up the heat, and pouring too many activities into my days. But I have learned a bit about cramming too much in at Christmas time. When I feel that gauge starting to falter, the one that results in cranky tones and loss of peace, I call for repair. Fortunately it doesn’t usually cost $114.
I like to recharge my internal temperature control by watching the Heat Miser with the kids or making a pot of decaf and lingering in conversation with my husband. A little bit of methodical planning helps the frantic pace too. This weekend I’m going to wrap gifts. Tomorrow I’ll put the stamps on the Christmas card envelopes. Smaller loads for both the dryer and me should keep our thermal cutoffs from costly repairs.
10 Responses to “Thermal Cutoff”
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December 4th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for the reminder!
December 5th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Every year I burn out Christmas and totally miss the aweness of it all. This year has been so wacky that I told my husband I just can’t go full tilt for the holidays. It’s been great so far. I didn’t put up ALL the trees and I don’t have every single room decorated. It’s still festive, but I actually have time to sit down with the boys and kick their hiney at Party Mario!
December 5th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Yep. My Thermal Cutoff melted down about three weeks ago. Just ask my family.
December 5th, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Thank you for bringing this up. I needed this reminder!!
xo,
Audrey
Pinks & Blues
December 6th, 2007 at 1:09 am
Aah yes. The thermal cutoff. I needed one today. Thirty 8th graders all trying to talk at once is enough to overheat mine! I managed to get it cooled down again. I think blogging tonight may have reset it!!
Blessings.
December 6th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
I think I am actually too relaxed this year! I haven’t decorated anything yet, haven’t ordered the xmas card pictures, haven’t baked any cookies, just started my xmas shopping today, but I’m happy and stress free.
December 9th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” ahhh…. I love love love the Heat Miser and his chilly “bro”, Cold Miser. The little dance they do is the best. You just can’t beat claymation.
Strangely enough, even though I am spread WAY too thin and am getting inadequate amounts of sleep, all is going well. Course, I’m busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kickin’ contest, but busy is good, right? Keeps me from being idle. I suppose.
December 12th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Love this post! Found your site through the mom blogs, and I must say, very creative of you. And, great points you make!
December 13th, 2007 at 12:59 am
Hi. I just came for a visit. Interesting blog. I liked it!
January 21st, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Thank you for bringing this up. I needed this reminder!!