Who can forget Steve Martin’s famous line in the 1979 movie “The Jerk” when the family received the new phone books?   Growing up I remember that same emotion.  As soon as we got our new phone book we would quickly look up our listing, then our family members, and our neighbors.  As I got older I would also look to see who had the best Yellow Page ad placement. It was enough to yell out in reminiscent form “The new phone book’s here! The new phone book’s here!”  (Okay, so maybe I’ve lived a boring life, but I’m illustrating a point!) 

Yesterday we received our new phone book.  It was in a disposable plastic bag and thrown on the street at the end of our driveway. No fanfare here.  I didn’t even check to see if my name was spelled correctly.  Instead, I tried to recall if I had ever opened the phone book they threw at our house last year.  Haven’t things changed? 

Today when I need a number I use Google text or check a website.  Sometimes I simply Google the business, person or even phone number I am looking for.  There are so many options these days.  Honestly, though, I kind of miss the hoopla over receiving a new phone book, but that missing excitement only reminds me how much culture is different from when I was growing up.  We used to get excited about the little things of life.

I wonder if I’m the only one who joined the Jerk in celebrating the new phone book each year.  Do you miss it?  What memories of previous era come to your mind that you miss today?   

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