Rediscovering the ordinary telephone

Remember when your landline was your lifeline? That was the era of a phone booth on every street corner or in every public lobby. When you'd carry a supply of dimes or quarters so you could call home or call a friend if you needed help? They were a far cry from the smartphones of today that know everything about you before you know it yourself - yet sometimes I long for the days of the simple little black telephone.

During the pandemic, I'm realizing just how useful they can be.

Last Friday morning, I got a phone call from someone who was involved in screening a former co-worker of mine for a possible job opening. She had given my name as a reference. The caller said he'd like to set up a particular time for doing this reference check. And since my day was pretty much wide open, we arranged to speak again at 1PM. I hope she's got a chance at the job. I know she was keen to work in the financial area and this position in HR sounds as if it would be a good along her career path.

Then this morning, I got a call from my rheumatologist's office. My appointment that was long ago scheduled for the afternoon of the 28th will be going ahead... over the phone. Meanwhile, I'll be jotting down a few notes so that I don't forget to ask her anything.

It wouldn't be practical for all types of medical appointment but it's ideal for the type of how-goes-the-arthritis appointments that I have every eight or nine months while things are under control. Much better than sitting in a waiting room reading Readers' Digest!