rrrring rrrring: missed the call but learns the lesson.

So, today L. was reluctantly working on a job application. 

L: “What’s the telephone number of that phone I carry around?”

M: “Where is it?”

L: opening a drawer in the desk, “It’s not here.”

M: “Where is it?”

L: “I have it.” (gesturing vaguely toward his room)

M:  “Let me just call it.  If you are going to use that number in your job applications, let’s make sure that you have it on you and it’s charged.”

phone: rrrring ring ring

L. follows the sound and finds the phone in a bag he had used that was sitting in the basement. He comes upstairs, opens the phone and makes a phone call.

L:  “Hello.  I got a call two days ago, and I’m sorry, my phone was off.” 

He had gotten a call from somebody at a music store in response to an on-line application he had put in.  Because he hadn’t bothered to carry the phone or check it, he didn't know he was missing out on a job that would have been good for him. Sigh…

So, I resisted the urge to rub it in or lecture, except that I said, “Thank you.”  The kid should be grateful; I’m doing everything I can to help him avoid spending the summer working with me.