Okay, so I am not quite back on the 27th Floor yet. I am still at sea level, amidst piles of boxes, preparing for the big move. My 25th, if anyone is counting. As much as I should be an expert on this, it doesn't feel that way at the moment.

Today I called to turn on the electricity. At first it was pretty impressive when they said they would call me back so I wouldn't have to wait on hold. Of course, when they called me back it was all automated, so I was put on hold anyway. Oh well. But that's not the best part.

I try to explain that I am moving back to the same address where I previously had service -- there must be a record. But because it was over 24 month ago (in my case, 29), it as if I am starting from scratch. So much for actually finding an old bill with my account number on it. But wait, it gets better.

She figures out that this is an apartment building. And then asks if the meter is accessible, and if there are any dogs on the property. Again, I explain that this is a 30 story building with 24-hour security. (Even though I lived there, I have no idea where the meter is). She would know better than I if there were any problems. I mean, there are at least 300 customers there. I guess she didn't like my answer.

Her next question was about my employer. I explained that I was currently unemployed. She responds in this voice that sounds like a mother scolding a five year old, "well how then do you expect to pay this bill!?" She really caught me off guard, or I would have asked why she cared. They waived the deposit and set up the account, so I suppose I should be grateful. It was so hard not to ask to speak with her supervisor.