A fate worse than death

I was born with an inability to talk on the phone to anyone. ever. easily.

I used to sit around for twenty minutes at a time as a third grade writing out and rehearsing what I was going to say on the phone to my best friend when I called her to invite her over to play.

I don't know what it is that terrifies me. BUT, it does. And it takes me a few tries to get comfortable with speaking to a specific individual.

My job search has been especially difficult because calling to show you care really is an effective strategy-- a strategy I feel is almost entirely inaccessible to me.

So, I call my older sister Talyn (because I've worked up an immunity to talking on the phone to her) and say "I'm going to call Riverview Elementary now. What do I say?" She lays out the script. I write it down. I rehearse in my mind and out loud for good measure, pick up the phone and dial the number.

I almost always stutter or interrpt the person with whom I am corresponding. However, today I am a success.

I went through the tragic routine, called the elementary school that may consider me for hire, and asked if the job was still available. I was informed the secretary had not yet conversed with the principal concerning that issue, and that I should call back tomorrow (A fate worse than death).

But then, three hours later my phone rang, and as I had programmed the elementary school number on my phone, so as to not be surprised by any calls, I answered the phone knowing full well it was the secretary. BUT, it was not! It was the principal calling to schedule an appointment with me for an interview!