Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

Ever notice how a glitch in one part of your life spills over to many other parts? For instance, banking. It’s no longer just a matter of going into the bank and closing an account by writing a check for the balance. Oh no!

You might have automatic debits (Think house payment here) or credits (Think payroll deposits here), and those providers must be notified. Otherwise, you could be in default of payment. (Think bad mark on your credit here). Then there’s your ATM card and your debit card that also must be cancelled, since the account they are attached to is no longer open.

Or what about electricity? When the power goes out – as it does in most neighborhoods from time to time – there’s an audible groan at our house. With three computers, ovens on timers, and electric clock radios, it’s a major restoration project. In addition, our garage doors don’t go up, our sump pump doesn’t go on, and our burglar alarm doesn’t go off. It’s even worse than switching to Daylight Savings time each spring, because at least you know it’s coming.

Then there’s health insurance. When I changed providers, I needed a new membership card, which didn’t arrive in time for my annual physical. So I explained the problem to the doctor’s office administrator, who was sympathetic and agreed to wait to bill me. While I appreciated her understanding, it’s still something I need to follow-up on.

Email addresses also pose problems. I recently gave up one Internet provider for another and, unlike the trends in cell phones, I could not keep the name I’d used for years. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how many places and people have the old name. Of course, I sent an email alert to everyone I thought of, but when I stopped getting various email zines or reports, I realized I had hardly scratched the surface. The stores where I bought on line or the opinion polls I answered have lost track of me.

After spending a lot of time last year making various changes, I plan to sit out 2005 in the mode of the status quo. I’m keeping the same residence, the same telephone number, the same bank, the same car, the same hairstyle, and the same mate. Especially the same mate.