I hate sanding joint compound.  I'd rather do anything but that, especially when its on the ceiling.
Nonetheless, that is what we have been doing:  sanding, spackling, let dry, and repeat.

I did, however, get the new kitchen wiring connected to the circuit panel and confirm that everything works.  I have a ceiling light and a functional old art deco lamp above the sink.

 The rest of the room still looks much as it did last week, except for the one corner we finished.