Please hold...

"Please hold while I transfer your call!!"

That has to be one of the most irritating combination of words, usually heard when one calls a major company in dire need of some crucial information.

I am sitting here in such a situation and it just dawned upon me that the "soothing", "enjoyable" music is anything but that. I have been listening to an up-beat jazzy tune for the past 10 minutes, and it has been driving me nuts. And somehow, the occasional interruption that announces that "Your call is important to us, and will be answered shortly. While you wait, why not go on out website and buy things?" do not convince me that someone will be helping me "soon!".

As I sit here patiently I ponder if there are really that many people all calling the same number I am at this precise moment in time. Or maybe the people on the other end of the line are simply too lazy? I choose to give them the benefit of the doubt just as a sour voice comes on the phone and asks me what I need.

I patiently ask, and then before I finish I hear the dreaded words again: "Ok, let me tranfer you" Oh! but this time I get to listen to a sweet, piano ballad that all but makes me fall asleep.

Finally, an automated voice comes on and asks me questions. (I absolutely despise talking to machines. It makes me feel so stupid.) And then it tells me to call another number and have a great day.

Bloody hell.