We don’t have a landline, and I like it that way.  I’m not constantly interrupted by phone calls, which makes working from home a truly virtual experience.  Our cell phones don’t work in the hills where we live, so we can’t use them.  I don’t even have voicemail set up on my phone, it’s just not worth leaving a potential client in the lurch because I never know when I’m going to town or whether I’ll actually remember to turn my phone on.  If folks want to get in touch with me, they know by now (we’ve been here three years) to email me.

But, there are a few of my friends or relatives who don’t live on the computer as I do, therefore, I try to take the time to call them every once in a while.

Last week, I called a relative.  I hadn’t spoken to her since the beginning of summer, and I happened to be on the road for an hour and figured that’d be enough time to catch up and chat with her.

Let me just start by saying that my feelings were hurt and I probably won’t be calling her anytime soon.  First, she had to tell me all about their lives (which is good), but when she asked questions about our lives, she would interrupt me with something else about their life (which is not so good).  Then, her house-guest walked in and she carried on a conversation with him WHILE I WAS STILL ON THE PHONE.  Then, she asked me about my extended family and as I was explaining some things, she immediately said – sorry, I have to take this other call.  Bye, love you. 

And.  She.  Hung.  Up.  On.  Me.

I have no time for rudeness from my children or anyone else.  I have no patience for people who say they love you, but don’t listen to you.  I have always tried to maintain a relationship with people I don’t see often (and since I’ve lived in so many places, there’s a lot of folks I don’t see often) – but, not at the expense of my time being wasted. 

I’m going back to live in my virtual world – it’s the only way I can maintain my peace of mind!