I'm pretty sure I was punked yesterday. And if I end up on someone's radio show, or TV program, I want you to know it first. Because it was either a practical joke or the dumbest person ever to call a college campus got through to me.
"Pete from PA" had left a message a week ago, but didn't bother to leave a phone number. I didn't bother to try to figure it out. He called again on Saturday morning and left a message - "Yo JOSH!, I was wondering if you were gonna get back to me. CALL ME. [Insert number]." Pete was shouting into the phone.
Since it was Monday, I decided to do the right thing. I called him back. Got his voicemail. I left a message.
Pete from PA called back in a few minutes.
He said immediately, "JOSH! I'm sorry. Sometimes I'm real dumb. Or I sound dumb. And I just want to apologize for being rude but can you tell me about that program YOU GOT?."
At that point, I googled his area code to make sure this wasn't the handy work of Judd or Jason. As far as I know they don't know anyone in Pennsylvania. But they get around, and they know Jackie and Glen. I wonder if Pete is related to Jackie and Glen?
I asked Pete which program. "Aw, I guess that music one."
"OK. Pete, how old are you?"
- "Aw, that's complicated. I'm older most people in my class."
"When are you graduating from high school?"
- "Aw, that's kinda up in the air. JOSH! What kinda school you got there? Is that a good school?"
Readers, you get the point. This conversation was going nowhere at 9:15 am.
"Pete, do you have Internet? Here's a Website. Take a look. Call me."
-"JOSH, thank you."
During my career, I've had the privilege of corresponding with prisoners. A hooker named Sheniqua made her way into my office at Texas Tech one day. I've been in every kind of school that exists in the US of A. I've talked to thousands of mothers, and a few pissed off dads. I've had lengthy conversations with a deaf mute, and I've managed to get my point across with the Chinese and the Russians.
But, Pete from PA took it to a completely different level.
I still think my brothers are involved. And if they're not, what I really want to know -- just where in the heck did Pete get my number?