Okay, I'll admit it. I am just a little bit anal when it comes to things like my caller ID and checking to see who called me-even if they don't leave a message. I am always checking back to see who called. And it drives me absolutely nuts when a number comes up without a name and I don't recognize it. So when I discovered how easy it was to use a reverse telephone lookup online, I absolutely loved it!

These days, now that I'm using my cell phone more than ever, it seems like there are even more of those crazy "now who was that?" calls where the person doesn't choose to leave a message on my voicemail. And unlike my land line, hardly any of the numbers on my cell phone include a name identifying the caller unless that caller is already in my contact list. For need-to-know people like me, this definitely creates a dilemma and a distraction. Using a reverse telephone number lookup helps cure my curiosity, though.

Generally, I jot the telephone number down or just make a mental note to check it later. Then, when I have a few minutes to go on my computer, I type the number into a reverse telephone lookup, and in just a few seconds, I can find out who was calling-or at least who owned the telephone number the call came from. I can usually also see the names of all the people in the household, sometimes their ages, and their address.

These extra little details often help tip me off to the situation, as well. For instance, sometimes I'll see that the call came from my sister-in-law's parents house, and I'll realize that my sister-in-law must have tried calling me when she was visiting and that's why I didn't' recognize the number. Occasionally, it will be a name and address I don't recognize at all, and usually I chalk those up to being a wrong number-unless the number keeps showing up, that is.

I have to admit there are other times when my curiosity just gets the best of me and I have to use the reverse telephone number lookup, as well. Usually, before I respond to any ads in the newspaper or on Craigslist, I'll look up the telephone number so I know who I'm calling before I pick up the phone. I've also been known to check RSVP numbers on invitations to see who I'm calling-particularly on invitations like the ones for home parties and not personal occasions.

And now and again I've been tempted-though I haven't done it yet-to plug a number I've seen on a bathroom stall wall into the reverse telephone lookup-just because "inquiring minds want to know!" Don't worry. I haven't actually done it! (I don't usually remember to jot the number down. It's not like I have anything to write with at that time!)

Sometimes I wonder if I've missed my calling. Maybe this inquiring mind is a sign that I need to change careers. Perhaps I was always meant to be a detective. I'll bet detectives and private investigators use their reverse telephone number lookup service all the time! Hmmm. Maybe I'll change my name to Nancy Drew.