I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call entry 84: Life Got in The Way.
Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.
My morning writing before I started entry 84: Life Got in The Way
I didn’t get to my morning pages today. Life got in the way. I needed to take a trip to the doctor’s office for bloodwork. Rooster offered to take me to breakfast, and I couldn’t say no. When we returned home, Rooster had to wage his monthly war with the electric company. They changed their system and didn’t send us a bill. The electric company has managed to screw it up for the past six months. My husband tries to explain that we are old. If we don’t get the bill, we might forget to make payment. They can continue their current process if they promise not to cut the lights if we forget to pay.
When this was all said and done, I was in no mood to write. I posted the blog post I had written instead.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 84: Life Got in The Way
I read the Fourth story in the book Nine Stories By J.D. Salinger today. The Laughing Men revolves around a boy’s club Salinger belonged to as a kid. The leader told them an exciting story about a bandit that operated on the Paris-Chinese border. This tall tell had the kids captivated. The atmosphere changed when the Chef started picking up a young woman named Mary Hudson. She joined the baseball games until she showed up at the ballpark crying one day. Everything changed after that. I’m enjoying these short stories, even though I read them long ago in the distant past.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 84: Life Got in The Way
I decided I would rock out with Heart Greatest Hits today. These ladies proved rock-n-roll wasn’t just for men. They had the perfect combination of sounds to make us all rock.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
I am thankful my husband stays on top of the utility bills. If he didn’t, we’d be sitting in the dark with an extra month’s charge for our cell phone coverage.
This old lady says
If it seems like the utility companies are out to rip you off right now, it’s not your imagination because they are. I remember when You could trust institutions like the local utility companies, the railroads, medical facilities, and the government. It doesn’t work that way anymore. Something has changed. I’m unsure what it is, but I don’t like it. I’ll probably be put in some social media jail for speaking my mind. Oh, well, it wouldn’t be the first time I got into trouble for speaking my mind, and it won’t be the last.
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!
I get it about the utility bills. I heard something on npr about the tipping point of unexplained extra fees that people are willing to pay without taking the time to call and question or dispute them. the amount was $2.99. it can be for any obscure fee such as ‘local processing fee’ etc. most people won’t take the time to call about it unless it is $3.00 or more, because it’s too much time and hassle to do so. as a result ,the companies make millions more in added ‘fees’ without having to do anything.
Our cell phone company attempted charge us twice for the same month. The electric company can’t seem to send us a bill. It’s getting fustrating.
Prices of everything are insane and getting worse. It seems there is nothing we can do and it’s really depressing 🙁
You are right. Customer service doesn’t exist anymore, so you can’t even get the information you need to see if you are being over charged.
😡
I like Heart. I’m sorry about the lack of clairty regarding billing for utilities. I’m supposed to be on a budget plan but keep getting notices that the montly amount has exceeded the scheduled (budget) amount. But of course the fee is higher, since the company raised everyone’s rates forty percent.
I know. It’s a vicious cycle.
My electric bill is finally down to under $100 a month, consistently. We’ve had the wood stove since 2018 (no AC), but the electric bill stayed around $150 a month until just recently. After a year or so, they should’ve realized we’re not using as much electricity, and the bill should’ve reflected it.
It’s all so very frustrating.
Prices are insane!!!! I just $7.00 for eggs and I wanted to cry.
I know what you mean.