Tanya

I know a lot about the people who used to have our phone number. "Used-to" as in at least 2 1/2 years ago, before we moved into this house! At first I was mad at Qwest for redistributing a phone number too quickly. But now I wonder why these people had such a large network of contacts they don't keep in very good touch with!

Their names are Tanya and Dale. Their last name was something like Madsen. They ran a business out of their home, called something like Bindery Enterprises. They did business with the Timberwolves, among others. I receive phone calls for them several times a month.

I have gotten to being not the friendliest with these callers. It's so hard for me to ever get to the phone on time in the first place, so I am more than annoyed with telemarketers and "wrong numbers". But now I'm starting to feel bad for these people. I sometimes hear the disappointment in their voices when they realize they aren't able to get a hold of their beloved Tanya. Sometimes I pick up and they say "Tanya!" Sometimes it's "Taaaaahnnnyaaaaa?" in this excited "can you believe it's me we haven't talked in forever" tone. (Just got another one of those, hence my inspiration for writing.) Recently I was very polite to an elderly woman caller. It was Tanya's grandmother! When I explained I never knew Tanya, she said in a cheery tone "Well, that's too bad, she's a really nice girl! You would really like her."

I bet I would. But I bet I'd never get a hold of her. If I ever do, here is what I'll say: TANYA - CALL YOUR GRANDMA ONCE IN 3 YEARS!