From The Past: March 10, 2004

It is unfortunate, but as a family, we have learned to wait for the answering machine to pick up so that we can hear who is calling. Even though we are on the do not call telemarketer list, we still get called. There are exceptions to that list like political solicitations and charities.

Once we hear a familiar voice, we then pick up the phone. A lot of people would ask: why not get caller ID? Well, the answering machine is FREE and caller ID is $2 or $3 per month. I’m frugal when it comes to some things and this is one of them.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, at exactly 9:50 PM the phone rang and I felt it was late enough (read: safe enough) to pick up the phone. Nope. It was a southern voice asking for Kevin. I asked who it was and she told me that her name was Jennifer and she was calling on behalf of (I don’t remember the name) tobacco company. I was surprised to say the least. I informed her, “It is very late here and we would appreciate your taking our number off of your call list.” I think I ticked her off. In her best southern drawl, she informed me, “well, you won’t be gettin’ any more coupons from us eithea!” and hung up.

Well, Miss Jennifer and your tobacco company, you think that we’ll be missing those coupons, but the joke is really on you. Kevin and I have not smoked since the summer of 2002. All of those coupons that you spend your precious money mailing to us every few months go straight into the garbage. Even though I take pleasure in your company throwing money away like this, I will enjoy even more not having so much junk mail.

By the way, for those of you who know us and call: If we are here and can get to the phone, we will pick up. There are sometimes circumstances that keep us from answering. The #1 reason for not answering is because we are not at home.