Off the Top

I’m used to being called by recruiters (a.k.a. headhunters). This week at my current work location, I have received three distinct calls from the same recruiter, who called me by name and skillset. This would be unremakable, save the fact that I don’t even know my own phone number here.

Do you remember the days when you would answer the phone — rotary dial with a 25 foot cord, of course.

“Hello?”

“Hello, this is Aunt Martha. Is your mom there? Tell her it’s long distance.”

Just a few months ago, I was remarking that I have not heard anyone use that line in at least fifteen years, probably twenty. Naturally, the reason is that we don’t pay 25 or 40 cents per minute for long distance anymore. Now, if we are smart, we can pay as little as 2 or 3 cents per minute. So it’s no surprise.

Just yesterday, however, I called Aunt J and asked for my cousin, and received, “May I take a message? I’m on the other line with my sister long distance.” So it was nice to hear the old phone lingo again.