Well, I made it back from a short stay in oblivion. In many ways, it was the waiting that hurt the most. Bureaucratic time runs too slow, especially if you’re caught in the eddies.

Basically, my bank did not send out a replacement debit card for my expiring card. After giving it a good wait, just in case some wayward demon had nothing better to do than mess with someone’s life, I called and the rep said, “Yes, I’d waited long enough and he’d send out a new card and, by the way your card has been cancelled.”

I think sure that’s okay as long as I get a new card. Then reality slapped me upside the head and I looked at the sorry state of the contents of my wallet: $8. I count it lucky they feed us here at the shelter, otherwise I would’ve gotten awfully hungry between then and now.

The request for a replacement card was not fruitful. After fourteen (business) days, I went to see my friendly customer service rep at the nearest branch, which is in fact miles from here, and she found the right person in the myriad of cubicles within Bank O’Merica. That person said she could send it next day air ensuring delivery last Thursday afternoon. I was pleased.

Thursday came and went.

Friday came, I asked questions of the mail person, and went.

Of course, there is no mail delivery over the weekend.

Monday, as I was leaving the cafeteria from lunch, our case aide handed me the overnight envelope. I signed out, went across the street to the cash machine, retrieved sufficient funds, bought a candy bar, and then realized Tuesday was laundry day.

Yesterday (Wednesday), I got my cell service back and attempted to get the modem up and running. I paid, but the service has a built in delay. I couldn’t get the silly thing to work until this morning.

November 9, 2011 is now my day of departure from the shelter. Don’t know quite where I’m going, but I will be going on that day.