Today, I got an early morning call from a number I didn’t recognize; and because that usually means it’s either a bill collector or a wrong number, I did the only reasonable thing… I didn’t answer.
They were gracious enough to leave a message, which immediately ruled out the wrong number theory. It turns out it was “an important call from People’s Gas reminding me that my next payment it due soon”. I’m sure this was also a reminder that my last payment was due… a month ago.
It’s true, I needed a reminder… kinda. I didn’t totally forget to pay, it’s just that whenever I’m short on cash, gas and electric get pushed to the “I’ll pay this next month” pile. Not because they aren’t important bills, it’s just that after some experience, I’ve learned that missing a payment with these guys doesn’t really have any immediate consequences.
They only charge something like a dollar in late fees and they wait until you get ridiculous with the missed payments to start hounding you. It’s more of a warning than a reminder, but it works just the same. I know that by the time I get that call, I better find a way to come up with the money or… it’s bonfires and candlelight.
Now usually, by the time I get the call I’ve scrounged up enough to pay the bills… BUT if that were the case today, then this wouldn’t be my broke new life. So…
Thinking about having a gas and electric party… EVERYBODY’S invited… only 5 bucks for a night with me and, uhm… I hope you don’t mind if it’s BYOB… the party fund is depleted this month… you understand.
