Well, my landlord switched me to electric heat in December. I phoned and got on "budget billing" right away and I've been paying that amount - just getting reminders from my bank and not looking at an actual bill.

So, it's my fault and they couldn't help me out.

So, I work in Puerto Rico and sometimes, since English isn't everyone's first language, things come out funny.

For example, my Puerto Rican co-worker says to our African American boss this morning, "You're looking very African AMerican today."

I almost swallowed my tongue trying not to laugh. Thankfully, my boss took it well.

My local utility provider lets you pay on a "budget." They average out your usage over the past six months and that's what you pay. My last budget payment was $95 a month. They recalculated last month and it's up to $105, but with the increased oil prices and the high temperatures I figure that's actually pretty decent. While I may pay more than I use some months, it saves me from getting nasty shocks like sumi's.

eta: I just read sumi's recent post. I think you got screwed by them. It shouldn't happen like that.

From aways back, re. best breakup memo: I've met Robert Olen Butler! But now I can't remember if he was the GIANT asshole who did a guest workshop at my grad program or if he was okay. I need to check with my main grad school friend. But am I understanding that his now-ex is in her early 30s now and they've been together for 10 years and she was in a 10-year long abusive marriage before that??? Meaning since she was an early teen she's been married? WTF? Or did I read wrong?

sarameg, when I picked up insulin at the vet last week they gave me a box of syringes. It's the new policy! But they may just be the u40 syringes not the u100s that are more easily available at drugstores. You should check though!

Lisah, when I met him he was a HUGE GIANT asshole, and skeevy to boot. Not that it proves that he's the same giant asshole you're thinking of, but it's a data point of some kind.

I'm onto a third (and final) interview for this job. It's looking good, and the contract rates are looking pretty good. I could use some generalized -ma, and maybe some specific -ma at 1PM CST this afternoon.

I am tired of driving out to the airport, though.

I am on the budget payment but they don't recalculate until the end of the year - at which you owe anything you haven't paid. It totally sucks.

To ad insult to injury - I have high bills in March and April thanks to being unable to turn off my heat. (My landlord did not inform me that my heat could only be turned off by turning off the breaker.)

lisah, thanks for the tip. Since I don't have to spend a kajillion on special insulin at the vet, it may not apply. Can't hurt to find out though.

Speaking of which, I have problem with morning autopilot: I really really don't remember giving the cat his shot this morning. Bad owner! Ahrg. Of course, I also don't remember making coffee, but I know I drank it.

Sumi, that's - bizarre. I've never lived somewhere that you paid heat where it wasn't under your control. I'd be having a talk with the landlord.

when I met him he was a HUGE GIANT asshole, and skeevy to boot. Not that it proves that he's the same giant asshole you're thinking of, but it's a data point of some kind.

I bet it was him. I was having DRAMA with one of my professors so that is kind of clouding my memory of the time.

sarameg, I bet you did give him his shot. I've totally had those mornings though. (and better to miss a shot then give him two anyway)