Today has been one rushed moment to the next. My phone kept going off all morning- from text messages, to missed phone calls, to words with friends notifications. All I wanted- get back to work and return calls. I scrolled through my cell phone memorized the first number off my missed call list and dialed into my office phone.
When calling people for the first time ever, I usually say “Hi this is Denise. May I please speak to …”
Not today!
Coworker: “Hello?” (In thick accent)
Me: “Hey coworker what’s up? Sorry I missed your call! I was in meetings all morning then lunch and now I’m finally here.”
Coworker: “oh what did you have for lunch?”
Me: “Ummm Whataburger why?”
Coworker: “I can’t remember why I called you. Oh I was looking for Mr. Martinez and was not sure about his office hours but Grace already told me so thanks for everything. I think that’s why I called.”
Me: “Oh okay…” (Completely confused- who the fuck is Grace?) “let me know if you remember.”
I stared at the computer screen for a bit. Confused and not sure what to do next- I pulled up the missed number on my cell and cross referenced it to the one I dialed on my office phone. The last digit was incorrect. I spoke for five minutes to a complete stranger.
What would have happened if I had been on the phone longer? Get me started on a phone conversation and I am bound to divulge too much information. Whenever my students use the phone I remind them about phone etiquette and here I am talking to compete strangers. I know better.
So you know what GI Joe knowing is not half the battle- it is applying what you know!
Friday, come on down!
