Wild Goose Chase

We have been out of town for the past several weeks and had our mail held at the P.O.  We picked it up this morning, sorted it, and began paying some bills.  I realized that the KUB one was due TODAY.  They charge $3 to pay by phone, and Scotch ole me didn't want to do that.  So I headed out to the service center on Asheville Highway to pay in person, so as to avoid the late fee.

It was 12:30 and of course everyone in town was there to pay on their lunch hour.  I was #17 in line.  Soon there were at least that many behind me, as only two cashiers were on duty.  When I got almost to the front of the line, I noticed a small sign which said "No debit or credit payments allowed."  Bummer.  I don't carry the checkbook with me, and all I had was my debit card...what to do?  I gave up my place in line and went back to the car to think this out. 

I had wasted about an hour of my time and probably more than $3 in gas and still didn't have that silly bill paid!  I decided to check my options (nicely listed on the back of the bill, which by the way did not say that no debit or credit cards were allowed if you pay in person.)  Not seeing one that would help me, I called and waited my "11-14 minutes" on hold in order to speak to a representative. 

Finally "Alice" came on the line and I explained my situation.  She took note of my suggestion that they add "No debit or credit" to the options on the bill back...and then informed me that she would flag our account to stop any late payment fees.  Satisfied, I thanked her and went on my way home where I promptly paid online.  It will be credited tomorrow.  Problem solved!

Moral of story?  Call first!  You get more options and will save yourself time, gas money, and frustration. 

Things I observed today:  lots of needy people, with cranky, sleepy toddlers waiting in line to try to pay a little and hold off service termination; an upset woman calling to report that KUB is a monopoly "which is illegal in the United States;" a crippled man who was having trouble standing in that long line; a man on oxygen who was agreeing agressively with the woman accusing KUB of the monopoly thing; lots and lots of folks who could use a little sunshine, a smile, a hand-up, some love.  Their situation may or may not be of their own doing; I don't know.  But I do know this, if my wild goose chase is the worst thing that happens to me today, I will be very blessed.

I imagine the majority in that line would trade places any day.  Let's go out and make somebody's day be passing along some sunshine...a warm smile...a kind word...a little Jesus.  Just something to think about this beautiful autumn afternoon.