issue with I2C on pico (initialization)

tried putting timeout in E.on('init') - nothing. it almost seems as if the init function does not get called when the device is plugged into power.
if i plug it in, connect it to the ide, and then run load(), then it works as intended, but otherwise it doesnt look like it's working. any way to debug?

in fact, try running this and let me know if it works:

function ledInit() {
  digitalPulse(LED1,1,200);
  digitalPulse(LED2,1,400);
}

E.on('init',function() {
  USB.setConsole();
  console.log('ini');

  ledInit();
  setTimeout(ledInit,2000);
});

for me, it only works when i run load() from command line.. on powerup, nothing happens