To Be Lucky or Unlucky

I am kind of superstitious and I often think about the many occasions that are presumed to be lucky or unlucky. About six weeks ago, I scheduled a medical appointment that many adults over the age of 40 are supposed to make. I have put off having the procedure for four years, but I have been pressed by family and friends to follow through on my commitment to have a colonoscopy. The only time available was on Friday the 13th (which I thought was most appropriate). So, I decided to dedicate the rest of my week tackling issues that I know will cause me even more consternation than the end-of-the-week exam.

On Monday, I lost 45 minutes of my life while I waited to get my AT&T business phone bill corrected since I never did sign on for three-way calling. I noticed the extra $7.50 on my bill and knew that someone made a mistake. After waiting on hold for about 25 minutes, I was able to correct the problem. I also saved another $5 per month for phone services I have never used but was being charged for. Fortunately, I was able to work with a knowledgeable and intelligent phone company manager who credited my account and justified the effort.

For about the past month, one of my televisions has not transmitted the high-definition signal as advertised. I knew it was not the television, so I needed to call DirecTV to solve the problem. After spending a good portion of my Tuesday evening on the telephone, the signal was enhanced and the picture on my Vizio TV is now perfect. Plus, the customer service representative discounted my bill proportionately since I was not able to see the full picture promised by the satellite company. Thus, I saved about $20.

Today (Wednesday), I finally broke down and called Xcel Energy about the last three months of utility charges for my home at 410 Spring Street in Eau Claire. The house has been vacant since October, but I continue to receive invoices that equal last year's expenses. Obviously, nobody from Xcel has read my meter for a few months and I will surely receive a credit on future bills, but I dislike having to pay for something that I know is not accurate. I was assured that someone would personally read my meter by the end of the week.

I have considered spending time at the retail outlet of my local cell phone provider tomorrow (Thursday), but I may not have the patience to experience an entire week of doing things that cause anxiety. I figure I have had three really good days of getting things done, so why push it? Plus, if the worst thing that happens to me on Friday the 13th is that I become physically uncomfortable for the day, then I will have avoided all of the negative superstitions. On the other hand, we get to do Friday the 13th again in March and November. So, good luck.