Phones

Once upon a time, I used to hate making or taking phone calls. I think not having that face-to-face interaction with a person is what made a phone call difficult. It could also have been the fact that I didn't much care to talk to people I didn't know. Either way, wasn't a fan of phone calls. Now though, after two jobs which required very frequent phone usage, I'm over it. In fact, I love talking to people on the phone.

I don't have to answer the phone very often at my current job, nor do I attempt to, as most of the calls are usually for my supervisor or our office secretary. But on the days when I'm alone in the office or on the days when the phone just doesn't stop ringing, I'll help out and answer the phone. I am never disappointed.

"OSU Extension, Vinton County. This is Kate speaking, how may I help you?"
"15x32 filter!!"
"I'm sorry?"
"15x32 filter!!!!"
"I'm sorry, but this is the Extension office."
"Oh. This isn't NAPA?"
"No."
(I'm hoping it's the same person each time, because I've had conversations similar to this three different times)

<my intro>
"My name is Raul, and this call will be monitored."
"Okay?"
"We need to speak to <former employee>"
"I'm sorry, they no longer work here."
"Ma'am, you shouldn't lie about these things."

<my intro>
"Yeah, I just want to know when my court date is."
"I'm sorry?"
"I didn't know what the number was, so I just tried this one. Sorry if it's not right."
"No, this isn't the courthouse. I can give you their number though."
"Can't you just transfer me?"
"No. We're not in the same building, and we're not on the same phone system."
heavy sigh "Well, I guess I'll just have to do this myself."

Answering the phones is always an adventure.