20th
Me, on the phone with gas company: I’m calling because my stove and oven won’t work.
Customer service rep: We don’t have your name on file. Did you ever register?
Me: I think so.
Rep: How long have you been living there?
Me: Over two years.
Rep: (finds record of my name in previous apartments, in Ft. Greene, Park Slope). You have a balance of $4.44 on your account. You can pay it today.
Me: Okay, but I want to find out why my stove and oven won’t work.
Rep: This is very strange. This is very strange. (Puts me on hold while checking something.) We don’t have anyone’s name currently on file for your unit. You’ve been receiving service with us?
Me: I think so.
Rep: For how long have you been there, two years?
Me: Yes.
Rep: And you were able to cook?!
Me: Yes. In fact I was able to write a book and make a career out of cooking in that very kitchen, for two years.
Rep: (long pause) This is very strange.
