[Real Life] Curt* New Yorker: Scene II

(Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring)

New Yorker: “Business Records” Me: “Hi, I need some information about a DBA.” NY: “We're located—" Me: “Look, I’m in San Francisco. I sent a letter a month ago with a SASE, a money order—" NY: “Name of the business?” Me: “A Sweatshop**” NY: “A Sweatshop?” Me: “Yep.” NY: “HOLD!” (twiddle thumbs – twiddle thumbs)

NY: “HELLO!***” Me: “Ouch, yeah?” NY: “A Sweatshop?” Me: “Yep.” NY: (to someone in the same room) “Yeah, he said ‘A Sweatshop.’”

(Indiscernible female voice in the background)

NY: “She says it’s not in our computer. She’s going to have to look it up manually.” Me: “How long will that take?” NY Female in the Background: “I’m only one woman! I'm only one woman! I’m only one woman!” NY: “She’s only one woman. She's completely backed up. She's only one woman. You understand?” NY Female in the Background: “I’m only one woman! I'm only one woman! I’m only one woman!” Me: (laughing) “Umm, yeah-- so like, never.****”

(Click*****)

* This time it’s really rude. NY County Clerk's office has to be outsourced to a penitentiary—though I think the guys in the pen are probably a lot nicer.

** Not the real name of the company

*** He yelled so loud it frightened a coworker in my office. I think he damaged my ear drum.

**** This is not a misogynistic statement, rather a statement about ineptness.

***** I hung up on him.