The clock hit midnight and we watched Dick Clark (who is still alive, yes) kiss someone on national television. In order to get this “pretty picture” out of our mind, we (my friends Laura and Rhiannon—we were playing DDR and watching movies) came up with the insane idea of phoning our former English teacher, Ms. Sukalo, who currently resides in the Big Apple.
So Laura dug out a phone card and we attempted to reach her several times. For the first few attempts, no luck. Busy line, “circuits were busy”, blah, blah. Apparently everyone drinks and dials on New Year’s Eve. Go figure. Finally, at about the third try, we get through! Success—or was it?
“United Airlines.” 
United Airlines? United Airlines? So I thought I had dialled a wrong number, and hang up, too chicken to say anything. Of course Laura pointed out that they had probably just said that as a New Year’s (drunken) prank. We tried it again—line was busy. At this point, we wanted to check that we had the number right. We went on an epic quest, first confirming the area code, then confirming it was not the number of United Airlines. Boy were we dumb. Lastly, we looked up the phone number in the white pages and it was a cell phone. So we tried again.
Fifth try got us United Airlines again. This time we weren’t giving up. I gallantly surrendered the phone to Rhiannon, who has more pluck than me, and she asked in succession these question three: “Where are you located?” (New York City). “What is your address?” (We have it right here… one moment.) “What’s your phone number?”
At this point, we were hearing hushed voices in the background. Then suddenly someone (hello, Ms. Sukalo) burst out laughing and the voices were no longer so hushed. We tried to elicit further response only to have the call cut out on us and get replaced by a busy signal. And that’s where this tale ends. Or does it?
Well of course not, because I just have to take things too far. I fired off an email to Ms. Sukalo with contributions from Laura and Rhiannon, congratulating her on redecorating her apartment into an airline. And that’s where we left things. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow (or the day after that … or the day after that—check your email, Ms. Sukalo). But it was an interesting New Year’s diversion!
Speaking of which, I have fallen in love with Dance Dance Revolution. 
I suck at it, but it’s just too hard to hate that game.
Have a happy new year. Speaking of which, if you haven’t already heard, we’ve decided to give 2007 a miss, since it probably won’t be a very good year anyway. I’m thinking a rerun of 2002 may be in order. Sorry for the inconvenience this abrupt change in the schedule causes, but I‘m sure we’ll all adjust soon.
Don’t touch that remote.
» 3 people have an opinion
I feel I may be responsible for that last line. 
Thanks for the help, happy New Year, etc. etc.
Arg…I think Interpol is tampering with my computer again…so, I will attempt to post a second comment.
Thanks Ben, Rhiannon and Laura for thinking of me (though the thought of phoning me was all started by Dick Clark….so, thanks Dick, I guess). Also, I assure all of you that I do not live within the confines of the school. Well, not since I was kicked out because we needed a place to store the wrestling mats. Since then, I have found a nice and happy home on the Upper West Side.
Finally, I am truly touched by your attempts to phone me and I wish I did receive the call. I am also touched that you guys thought of me and, despite the geographical distance, I was still a part of your merriment and fun. All of you know that I am more than happy to participate in any insane acitivity, especially when I don’t even realize I am participating (that is, until I receive an email and read about it on a blog). lol.
This story will be the event that marks the beginning of the new year for me and I feel so blessed to have the three of you in my life. I love you guys and let the spirit of S7 live on (pick a book for the summer, gang. We have a lot of reading to do!) All the best!
Sooks
It was a blast having you over Ben
We totally have to do that some other time.
I just thought of something, don’t teachers live in schools? Thus, Sooks would have to be renting out her space for extra cash (I mean , living in NY you’d need the extra cash right?)
Anyway, if anyone wants to look at my account its on my blog (as listed as my website) though I’ll tell you right now it isn’t as interesting as Ben‘s. Then again, everything I write is boring to some degree. Now I’m rambling like Stuart McLean (but not as well as he does, and not quite as monotonus as he does, though you can’t really hear me typing this .. not that I’m saying it out loud or anything..).
I think its time I ended this comment. Again, happy new year Ben! And happy new year to all of your stalkers..and by stalkers I mean anyone who may come across this comment and possibly start stalking me, which isn’t a bad thing.. I mean I like meeting new people and all..*trails off*
Monday, January 1, 2007 at 2:10 AM