plumbing a depth

So, there I am, thinking of my three-five-double-"O" heartbreak and lust, trying to get though the day, ruminating on my alienation from god-knows-what... then real life comes and dumps me back on my arse.

The hot water cylinder in my flat has a developed a crack, resulting in a pissing leak that threatens to invade the downstairs neighbours. Today, the plumber called me up with his sobering assessment - a new cylinder is needed, and it will cost... wait for it... £700 + VAT. When you think about the hours taken to do the work, he's really asking for over £100 per hour - extortionate. But it's not something you can refuse - a bit like removing a dead organ and replacing it with a transplant: you can go without, but you won't last long. OK, that's somewhat of a melodramatic comparison, but you understand the sick feeling I have now.