Stalked in Spanish--This Close to Navidad too!

Saturday I answered the phone even though the caller ID said "unknown name."  I was greeted with "Buenas Tardes" and a fast-talking hispanic trying to get me to accept a phone card that would allow me to call free in the United States.  I already can call free in the United States with our phone plan.  I made sure we couldn't use the card to call to Mexico and told the nice fellow that we didn't need his card.  I also told him I didn't know Spanish too well.  He didn't give up, but he did start saying "free" instead of "gratis."  Isn't it funny how the words someone will change to English for you are the most basic ones that you already knew in the other language? "Puede usted llamar en los estados unidos FREE."  Oh, now I understand.  I admired his perserverance and I eventually thought that maybe we could use the card from another phone sometime in a pinch.  So I gave him my address.  Then he wanted to transfer me to his supervisor to "confirm."  

I started to be nervous that I had agreed to buy something because I didn't understand everything the guy said.  I knew something was free, but . . . I told the supervisor that I didn't feel comfortable enough with my Spanish to confirm and asked them to call later when they could to my Spanish-speaking esposo.  The supervisor and the original guy both panicked that they were losing me and started saying, "Senorita Olivia ..."  I thought I was a senora, being married and all, but they were calling out desperately for Senorita Olivia.  I gave a brusque adios and hung up.  

Right away, they tried to call back (thanks goodness for that caller ID).  They called back six times and I didn't answer.  After Edgar got up to go to work (he's working nights) they called again.  I made him answer.  They explained it all to him, he thanked them for their attention and said, "No gracias."  They called right back and told Edgar that his wife had really wanted the phone card.  Sure.  Blame it on the wife.  Edgar knew that wasn't true and he did something completely out of character.  He got sassy.  I didn't know he could do that (fortunately for me, I don't think he can in English).  He said, "Mira, Senor . . ." and went off and then he hung up.

They didn't call back until just a few minutes ago.  I didn't answer the phone.  You've got to admire their perserverance.

May your days be merry and bright

And may no one phone-stalk you tonight.