I have lived in places which required 11 digit dialing (1+area code+number) for years. Some had overlay codes (where your neighbor could have a different area code) and others were geography-based numbers. In the Twin Cities I had at least one phone number in 3 of the 4 area codes in the metropolitan area. In New York, I had numbers in four NYC area codes (718, 626, 347 and 212) and two conference numbers with an Iowa code (712). That's why when someone asks my phone number, there's a long pause  before I answer. And why I have my office number - with 315 - taped to my office phone.  

     Last week's front page news, "New Area Code (680) Coming to CNY! Get ready to dial 11 digits" caused a panic, even though we had been warned about this over a year ago. Now, there are just six weeks to go and there's a rush for many people and businesses to change stationery, business cards, advertisements and the myriad of places phone numbers appear.

     Phone numbers used to tell a story. In the days before all-digit dialing, an exchange name [we had PArkview since we lived near Shaw Park] designated a location more specifically than an area code. Phone numbers were both a geography lesson and a way of reaching somebody.

     We can try to resist this change, but we won't reach the person we're calling. The new area code hubbub reminds us that things change, even when they stay the same. That's true in all of life, not just phone numbers. When it comes to real life, change is something we can count on. The true measure is how well we respond when dealing with the adjustments life calls on us to make.

     For what it's worth, TAY has been updating our phone number for about a year already. You'll find us at  315-445-0002.