The Perils of Technology

Pizza. That is all they wanted for dinner last night. Pizza. Ok. We decided on how many, what toppings etc. I was charged, as always, with the task of calling and placing the order. Simple. I have done it a zillion times, and no lasting scars.

I dialed the phone. It rang several times. Nothing unusual. "Hello" I hear on the other end. I was not expecting "Hello". I was not expecting the voice to be familiar. Who could this be?? Who did I know that would be working at a Pizza Delivery store? No, this voice was older. Much older.

"Who is this?" I boldly asked. My husband was sitting across the table from me, my 20-something children glaring at me. They wanted to hear their pizza order being placed.

"Who is this?" the voice on the other end demanded. Wow. That kind of force could only come from one person. My mother.

"Mom??? What are you doing....?" I didn't get to finish my question.

"What are YOU doing? YOU called me!" Uh oh. It was that "you-are-now-in-trouble-girl" voice.

"I am trying to order a pizza" I proudly proclaimed.

"Well", she said calmly, "order one for me too".

By the time I hung up, my family was on the floor rolling in laughter. I dialed the number to order a pizza and somehow got my mother. Only me. You see, we have a new (we have had it over a year) telephone system. My husband thinks that somehow I signaled the speed dial directory, and what ever number I pushed to dial the pizza place, referenced my mother's telephone number.

I did finally get it right. I ordered the pizza. Everyone is still laughing. Only me.

Busted

Well, summer is finally here, and I am finally done with all my stuff so I can relax and have some down time. I do so love summer, for the adventure, fun and crazy experiences I seem to always encounter. It is like have a second childhood as a grownup. Lots of laughter, intrigue and silly circumstances.

Today being the start of the July 4th holiday, we as a family decided what we were going to have to eat over the weekend. At my son's office yesterday they had a holiday luncheon. One of the gentleman brought in brownies that his wife had made. it just so happens I know his wife well, and my son was mystified by the brownies. After getting the recipe from her, I gathered the ingredients so that my husband would bake them tonight. We needed Creme de Menthe.

Errands took up a good portion of the day, and my daughter was kind enough to go with me on my travels. Our last stop was the PA State Store, for Creme de Menthe. I didn't know it came in green and clear, so I called my friend to find out which to buy. In the mean time, while I was still on the phone, my daughter was telling me about other drinks to make with Creme de Menthe, a man came by and asked her if I was a teacher. Of course she quickly said yes....turns out his children attend the school where I teach, in a younger grade. He was very funny, and was very proud to proclaim me "busted" in the state store!! My friend on the phone was totally confused, and as I hung up--I turned and saw another parent from my school, this one I knew. Really and truly I was busted.

It was funny, and ever so innocent, but nonetheless I was discovered in the State Store, probably the last place I would be expected to be. I am sure the stories will fly about how I was actually seen there...and with my daughter. Lots of laughter, and giggles, and I hope when this story is told everyone who hears it laughs.

(For those readers who do not know....we in Pennsylvania must buy wine and spirits in a state run store...a State Store)