Haha. We're even.

This week, Chris and I marked yet another adventure in married life-the combining of the cell phone plans. We have now combined bank accounts, I have changed my name on nearly everything (except my email, which I'm never giving up), and jointly filed our taxes (well, Chris did that. I provided moral support). When we strolled into AT&T at 4:30 Monday afternoon we had no idea it would be so emotionally exhausting. (Duhn-duhn-DUHN).

Chris decided he wanted some super fancy phone that we had to order ahead of time. We had discussed that he would keep his phone number, which he'd had for a few years and still involved a Bellingham, WA area code. Great, I thought. I never want to change my phone number. I am the only person I know who has had the same phone number since 1999. My phone number also bore the badge of the 775....that of northern Nevada, my home sweet home.

After at least 20 minutes discussion of discounts, phone plans, and a little bartering on Chris's part (I just walk away--can't handle the pressure), the lovely associate informed us that Chris can't keep his phone number. What-what-Whaaat? Um, not what we discussed. Apparently, because I am the name on the account, and this account was opened in Nevada, it is considered a different market. Consequently, either Chris needed to switch to a Nevada number, or we both had to switch to Spokane numbers (and close and re-open the account to do this).

Chris casually mentions how it makes sense for us both to switch our numbers, since we live in Spokane. I comment that I've had the same phone number for 12 years. He says it makes no sense for him to change to a Nevada number. I nearly shout, "I changed my name!" And I'm pretty sure every person in that store mumbled under his breath, "Mmhmm, that's true." I looked at Chris's face and noticed the sweet expression of defeat.

He is now a (not so)proud member of the 775. I know it's a big step for him. But at least he didn't have to go to the DMV.