I was trying to figure out this whole LinkedIn networking thing when I got a phone call from Nathan.  So it was a nice break because when it comes to doing new things, that learning curve can get frustrating.

This was Nathan’s first time depositing checks into his new checking account.  We opened the account because, at 16, it’s important for him to learn how to use a debit card and write checks.  Yes I know.  Who writes checks anymore?  I do.  Not a lot, but enough that I know there will be times when he will need to write one, too.

He was standing in front of the ATM machine when he called because, on a Saturday, the bank is closed at this hour.  “What do I do?” he asks.

“Have you signed the checks?” I asked.

“No, you told me not to do that until I deposited them.”

“Right.   And now that you’re going to deposit them, it’s a good time.”

He didn’t have a pen.  And could only find a pencil in his car.

“How ’bout pencil?’ he asked.

Honestly, that one threw me for a second.  It’s been so long that I actually had to think about the answer.  “Uh, no.  It needs to be a pen.”

We hung up while he went in search of someone with a pen.

Two minutes later (I decided not to continue my work on LinkedIn while waiting) he calls back.

“Okay.  I signed the checks and filled in all the information on the envelope.”

Information on the envelope?  I never do that.

Then he throws this one out:  “I’m depositing cash, too.”

Alrightie, now I’m stumped.  Can you put cash into the envelope in an ATM machine?  I have no idea.  Instead of admitting this to him (which is unlike me because I usually have no problem admitting I’m clueless) I told him it’s always a good idea to have extra cash at home in a safe place; you won’t be able to use your debit card everywhere.

He bought it.

So then I told him I would wait on the other end while he followed the instructions by himself.  About a minute later, maybe more, I hear, “Okay.  I’m done.”

Yippee.  One more thing to cross off my list of things my kids need to know before they leave home.

Now I have to decide if I want to cross “Figure out LinkedIn” off my list.  Nah.