Wednesday, July 02, 2003

Our headquarters is located on the south side of the Potomac River. That means it’s in Virginia, with a Virginia street address. Apparently, what’s so confusing for people is that HQ has a 202 area code. 202 is the area code for Washington, DC.

I don’t know how much research people have to do to get our number, but I cannot even begin to tell you how many phone calls I get from people who are actually trying to reach HQ. Because we have the 703 area code, they assume that we must be the main USMS office. After all, we are in Virginia too, although not at the address that’s listed for HQ. We’re actually in a different town.

I can understand the confusion. Really.

But let me tell you something (a few things):

1. I usually know what I’m talking about with regard to people and phone numbers. I’m the receptionist - it’s what I do. I have a rather large list of phone numbers posted right next to my phone. They include other court offices, personnel in the office, jails, etc. I even have a handy USMS directory for all USMS office and personnel.

2. When I tell you that the person you’re looking for is not in this office and that he’s probably at HQ, I’m not just trying to get rid of you. I’m actually trying to help.

3. When I give you the phone number, with that 202 area code, don’t ask me if I’m sure if that’s the right number. Who is the USMS employee here?

4. Please do not argue with me when I explain to you that yes, our HQ is in Virginia, but we’re not it, and yes, they have a 202 number.

This rant is the result of the 7th person today that has questioned my information. And it’s only 1:40pm - there are just about four more hours in my day to deal with these idiots.

And I won’t even mention the multitudes of people who’ve invaded our office today that I have to buzz into the door because they don’t have building passes - guards from the jails, USMS deputies from other offices, technicians, etc.  Not an hour has passed that I haven’t been interrupted at least 8 or 9 times in 30 minutes by people at the door.

Have I mentioned that I’m PMSing? TMI?