New Math

"Forty." Richard says as I sit poised in front of the calculator. I punch in 4 - 0.
"Divided into one thousand six hundred and forty three."
I hit the clear button.
"Why do you always do that to me? You say it backwards. What was the number again?" I ask.
"It's not backwards," he whines.
"Yes it is. Say one thousand six hundred and forty three divided by forty. That's how it has to go into the calculator." By now I'm totally exasperated.

Anyone who knows us knows will know that Richard is thirteen years older than me. He's really quick at doing math problems in his head. It's taken me awhile to figure out what our disconnect is when it comes to electronic devices. He doesn't know how to turn on the computer. But he knows exactly what he can use it for. He's very familiar with the term information super highway. Whenever he needs to know something, I'm the first person he asks to look it up on Yay Who as he calls it.

"When did they start teaching new math in school?" The light bulb finally turned on in my head.
"I have no idea. What's new math?" he responded.
"The difference between you and me," I said. "Forty one point zero seven five."
"Well you do look pretty good for your age," Richard winked.
New math. The way to a woman's heart. Or is it old math. Either way it sure works for me.