Rage against the machine

I had to change an airline reservation. So I call the handy little number provided for my convenience and of course get an automated operator.

We go through the press one for English options (don't get me started on that) and press two for reservations.

Then it was time for me to "say" my trip ID number. So I rattle off a ten digit or more number and then get to listen to R2D2 do his version of Manheim Steamrollers Christmas Album. At least I think it was R2D2. Whatever I was listening to was truly bizzare.

So after a few moments my nice little recorded automated operator lady comes back and says.

"I'm sorry. I did not understand you."

"I'm not surprised," I reply.

"im sorry, I did not understand you. Did you say five?"

Now I can get the connection between surprised and five but I am totally aggravated with the process and not in the mood to be nice to a machine.

"I did not say five," I said. "Can I talk to a real person?"

"I'm sorry. I did not understand you. Did you say agent?"

"No, but I do need to talk to my agent. Perhaps if you let me talk to a real person I could get on with my life."

"I'm sorry, I did not understand you. Did you say eight?"

"NO! I said let me talk to a real person."

"Please hang on while I connect you with an operator. There will be a moment of silence followed by a chime."

Yay! A real person. I think I have this figured out. To test my theroy I called the cable company. Instead of pressing in all the numbers I just started punching zero. TaDa! A real person appeared.

I think I'm on to something. I'll let you know how it turns out.