The 2-0-2

When it comes to phone numbers, the contacts list in my cell phone is my best friend.  In fact, I can probably count the number of numbers that I've memorized on one hand.  And despite being a geography major, my knowledge of phone number area codes is also limited.  I know of 404, 770, and 678, all around the Atlanta area.  I know of 706 in Athens, Augusta, Columbus and northern Georgia.  (And of course 706-542 for UGA).  478 can be found in central Georgia and 229 around Valdosta.  There's also 912 along the Georgia coast, or as I've heard some locals call it, THE 9-1-2.  If it's a number I don't know, especially if it's not one of these area codes, I may or may not pick up the phone.

Anyway, on the first day of December, I was driving down the Atlanta Highway singing along with the B-52s hit Love Shack.  (Alright, it was actually the Stone Mountain Freeway by that point, but that's not what's in the song, now is it?)  At this point, my cell phone starts ringing.  I'm not one to get a lot of phone calls either, so in my surprise, I glanced down at the phone--a number I didn't recognize.  As I was driving in traffic, I planned on ignoring it, figuring it was a wrong number, or even worse, a telemarketer.  It was at that point, I somehow recognized the number.  202. . . 202. . . I thought.  That's Washington, DC!  As quickly as I could, I fumbled with my phone, which was charging, pulled off the road, and answered.

So in the parking lot of an NTB on Highway 78, I had my first conversation with the Office of Congressman Lewis.  I interviewed over the phone on that Friday.  I would also be interviewed by the Office of Congressman John Barrow, and both would offer me jobs on the same day: Monday, December 13.  Indeed, if Barrow's office had called me, instead of e-mailing, I would have said yes then and there--not wanting to risk being without any internship.  But they decided to e-mail instead.  And in the time between them sending the e-mail and my response, I had already gotten a call from my contact in the Lewis office.  And that was all it took.  So the moral of today's story, is to never underestimate the power of the old-fashioned telephone. . .

and to know your area codes.