The saga began a week ago. I received a call from the gas company, saying that my gas meter was slated for replacement: would I be available the next day between 8-4 for someone to come take care of it? I said yes, and was told that I would receive a call the next day with an approximate time. So I hung around the house all day, but no one came, and no one called.

Tuesday, at 4:30 pm, I received a phone call asking if I was available that evening for the meter replacement. No, I wasn't, as I had people coming over later, so we scheduled it for Thursday (today).

Today was a beautiful day. I'd had a playdate scheduled at the park, but cancelled to be here for the gas company. I wanted to take a walk around the neighborhood, but was stuck at my house. My sister came over for a bit to keep me company, but I really just wanted to be out enjoying the day, not confined to my house and yard.

4 o'clock came and went, so I called the gas company at 5:30. Our house was still on the schedule for tonight, so we could expect a call later this evening. Having spent the entire day cooped up at home, I was pretty irate. Why should I give up even more of my time waiting on them?

I understand that things come up, but a phone call would have been much appreciated. How hard would it have been for someone to call at say, noon, to say there was no possible way to be here before 3? That would've given me time to walk to the store for milk, and spend some time playing at the nearby park.

It is currently 7:20, and I've still not heard anything. When are they planning on coming?