Hook him up

Once I had a place to stay, getting hooked up for utilities and TV was the obvious next step. Obvious, but with a twist. After all, this is Paradise.

I went to the business office to request a TV connection. That requires a cable box, and to get one, one has to apply in person at the business office. The sign-in procedure was familiar (see: We’ll learn her to wait). The waiting room was a good place to discover customer concerns. I got the wrong bill. I’m not getting the service I signed for. I need another installation time. This cable box does not work. I took notes for the sign-up process.

At the service counter, a déjà vu experience was in store (see: Going Postal): We don’t have any cable boxes. How do I get one? Apply and wait. It was the same routine as the post office. I knew what had worked there; would it work here, too? It was worth a try, especially since Super Bowl weekend was coming up.

Would you take my customer information now? Sure, here are the forms. While returning the paperwork, I added a reminder about the upcoming Big Game. The lady that entered the data into the computer noticed my occupation.

You a doc? Yes, Ma’am. You don’t need a box. I don’t? No, I’ll give you basic service without the cable box. Just a minute. She got on the phone. Doc wants to see Super Bowl. Hook him up. No, not next week, this afternoon. Installation time, cable box and service issues were bypassed in an instant. I set up credit card billing to avoid monthly trips and lines to pay bills.We agreed on an installation time a little later that afternoon.

The cable company truck beat me to the apartment. They didn’t give you a box? No problem, mon!! Apparently, the installers liked this challenge. By the time they were done, I was surprised how many channels one could get without a cable box. I had TV; the utilities could wait till after the Super Bowl.

As with other things, it takes the patience of a saint to get hooked up in Paradise. I found a few short-cuts: wireless for phone and internet service, a cistern for water, and a shared electrical bill. Now, all I needed was electricity.

That’s the next story: Powerless in Paradise