Incidentals...

I like that word. It describes so much of my life.

Incidentals....that's what happens between the small, medium and large events in life. I spend huge amounts of time making the big decision and then marvel at the incidentals that come with it.

For instance, I put a lot of thought into changing TV service providers. Weighed the pros and cons of each provider's offerings. Reviewed the literature. Took the big step. Or, I thought it was the big step. The technicians did all the work; I just answered their questions.

I have a new TV provider, new long distance service on my home phone, internet access, and WiFi. I can see, in just one week, that it has made a huge difference in my life. For one thing, I am no longer tethered to a computer, router, and DSL in my home office.

And when I say that there is nothing to watch on TV, I mean either I am not in the mood to watch TV, or I am too lazy to click through the channels. Doesn't matter which, I don't need to sit and watch TV all the time anyway.

But now, for the incidentals. Sitting on the dining room table, waiting for my attention, are two cardboard boxes from the former service provider. Sure, makes sense: return the old receivers in the boxes, using the prepaid mailing label.

Ah, could it be so simple? Of course not: incidentals. I have to climb a ladder up to the roof, and remove the little thingy from the satellite dish. And another thingy from the phone terminal. I don't really mind; I want the satellite people to be able to sleep at night, knowing that Cali is NOT stealing signal from their satellite dish.

Then, I have to go to the local shipping store and take in the boxes. Incidentals: I have to find the place first. Another incidental: I need gas before I drive all over Podunk. And still another incidental: how long will it take? I have other appointments today.

I like to take time off in October and enjoy the fall days. Last year, I went to New England to see the fall colors and it was beautiful. This summer, I had the huge trees taken out of my front yard. They were diseased and dangerous. Now they are gone and there are no bright orange, red and gold leaves to enjoy.

Incidentals.

It's all okay. I'm on vacation this week. Not working but still getting paid. How cool is that?