About pocket dialing and pocket change

It has happened in the past and I didn't know what it meant until last week, when it happened again. I returned home from an errand in town and my answering machine was flashing. As I played the message I realized the people calling didn't mean to and the message recorded their private conversation. Now this could be an embarrassing message depending, although I recognized the voices on my machine.

The message lasted about five minutes and it was mostly my aunt's voice I could hear as she was laughing quite loud. In the background I could hear my uncle very faintly. I didn't call them back that day as I was trying to figure out what I would say.

As I asked around I kept hearing the term "pocket dialing." Apparently this is a new term that came about because a lot of people carry their cell phone in their pocket and it can accidentally dial a number from your address book when you are not suspecting. One neighbor told me there is a button that will freeze the key pad, but who ever thinks to do that?

I did finally call my aunt's house only to find out they had no idea they had called my home and left such an unplanned message. They probably hit the redial button while moving the phone from one room to another. I was happy the message sounded like they may have been watching something funny on television. You can use your imagination from there.

New Year resolutions

The best resolution I've ever made is the only one I have ever stuck to and I'd like to share it again because I think it is so great. When you go to pay at the register, use your coins first. This not only keeps my purse lighter but I have been told by register attendants it makes their cash drawers easier to deposit at the bank.

The drawback is that it will annoy some patrons behind me at the fast food counter especially when I'm trying to count out 28 pennies. I have found one helpful organizing method. I count out 100 cents and put it in a zipper lock snack baggie and mark the bag. Then as I am waiting for my total I can dump the coins in my hand so I am close to the total. Have a happy and safe New Year's.

Lisa Welch is a Johnson Lane resident and can be reached at 267-9350.