---
id:
aliases: []
tags:
  - authorship/original
  - destiny/permanent
  - original-format/digital-text
  - original-format/typewritten-print
  - status/complete
  - type/daily
title: 2025-11-10
---
# 2025-11-10

## 2025-11-10 06:53 --- Monday Morning Before Work

I've been trying to be alone with my thoughts more
recently. It's almost bizarre how working in silence
for an hour makes the thought of music or an audio­book
seem overstimulating, It feels right, though.

To want to converse with myself rather than let my
superego be drowned out by appealing sounds or a
fantasy story I've already heard, or obscure facts
about a game I've never played and never will.

I still relapse, of course, a lifetime (albeit
a short one) of unhealthy interaction with computers
will do that, but I'm making quick progress.

I watched a video yesterday that suggested that
it might be my growing understanding of computers
rather than my self discipline that's lead to this
change in the dynamic between me and them. That,
in understanding _how_ they function, I've turned
them from _devices_ into _things_, which lack
the mystical allure of the former. Whatever
the reason, it's good progress as far
as I'm concerned. It feels good to be introspective
and to have time to build skills people care about,
like music and style and... birdwatching...

## 2025-11-10 10:40

#topic/estimating

A significant change from Ace to PDI in my mentality during takeoff
is that I now tend to expect that (within reason)
"holes" in takeoff scripts are _intentional omissions_,
not holes in cost coverage.

## 2025-11-10 11:14

#occupational/takeoff

I was updating my notes,
filling in gaps in scripts based on Joel's,
when I noticed a strange paragraph:

> [!quote] `OneNote`/`Joel Take-off`/`Misc. Notes`
> Drop Down Ceilings vs. GWB (Gypsum Wall Boards)
>
> Drop down ceiling is technically "Exposed" (the real term should be accessable),
> so Romex and SER is not permited. Will need to use MC.
>
> > [!image]
> > ### 334.12 Uses Not Permitted.
> >
> > #### 334.12(A) Types NM and NMC.
> >
> > Types NM and NMC cables shall not be permitted as follows:
> >
> > 1. In any dwelling or structure not specifically
> > permitted in 334.10(1), (2), (3)
> > 
> > 2. ==Exposed in dropped or suspended ceilings==
> > in other than one- and two-family and multifamily dwellings

This analysis of 334.12(A)(2) is flawed.

Based on the [[nfpa-70_100_definitions|Article 100]] definitions
of [[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Exposed (as applied to wiring methods).|exposed]]
and [[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Dwelling, Multifamily.|dwelling]],
[[nfpa-70_334_nm-cable#334.12(A) Types NM and NMC.|334.12(A)(2)]]
can be paraphrased as follows:

> [!cite] NEC 334.12(A)(2), pp.
> Types NM and NMC cable are not permitted to be installed
> in accessible spaces above suspended ceilings,
> _except in buildings containing one or more dwelling units._

The prohibition of 334.12(A)(2) _never_ applies to apartments or condos,
And only applies to hotels and dormitories on a basis of AHJ interpretation
(See [[multi-family-dwellings#Are Hotels Multifamily Dwellings?]]).

It's unclear to me if this a genuine misunderstanding
or just a [[heuristics|rule of thumb]] to cover the case
that guestrooms are not interpreted to be dwelling units.
If it's the latter, I believe it's far too conservative
to be used whole-cloth on all estimates.

## 2025-11-10 15:15

### "Feeder"

#topic/construction/electrical

The NEC definition of feeder is quite strict.
I'm certain I misuse it frequently.

![[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Feeder.]]

It _does not_ include power conductors to
[[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Utilization Equipment.|utilization equipment]],
those are a [[nfpa-70_100_definitions#Branch Circuit.|branch circuit]]

## 2025-11-10 20:00 --- Monday Evening, Before Bed

Today while (a peer) and I were walking, he asked
me what I thought of his qualities as an estimator.
I told him I think he has the right of it, that having beliefs
about what's correct that don't change just because
a senior says they should, is a good sign.

I can't remember now if I knew it before today,
but my relationship with Dale, my former manager,
while never "good", was much improved when I started
pushing back on his direction and feedback. I became
an estimator, where before I was just someone who
could estimate for him. He hated it, and let me know,
but I never felt more sure of my position.

Estimating is not a field where you get ahead
by being more technically skilled or efficient.

You distinguish yourself by convincing your superiors
that you understand the objective and how to achieve
it. The best estimators---as measured by compensation
package---are not doing takeoff, they're
telling other estimators what to take off and how.

Conquer your self-doubt. Tell your boss they're
wrong and stupid and they should feel bad. Profit.
