Cable modems work in mysterious ways

So first I order the wrong internet service: they say it takes 2-3 weeks to hook up (long already) but when I call, it turns out to be five. I go to someone else; they come in a week. The modem won't turn on. The installation guys comes back the same day, can't get anything to go. The next day they call to see if anything has changed--it hasn't. The next day the repair guy comes, but he's powerless too. Today, the repair guy from the next level (with the extra fancy tools) shows up and determines there's something wrong with the part of the cable that's under the street in front of our house. He'll have to order the construction crew--maybe they can still come this week. He leaves, we're resigned (for the moment) to more waiting, more commuting to family computers in neighboring towns. Then I just happen to glance over at the modem, and suddenly all the little lights that should be burning are buring. And lo, I can initiate the modem from our computer and we're on-line IN OUR OWN HOUSE!! Mission accomplished within a month. If only customs would release our container...