The former editor, Scott Dykowski, was a huge fan of the TV show, “The Office.” A common activity for any “Office” fan is to pick characters that remind you of people around the workplace.
One day, he and his wife, Sarah, were partaking in such an activity and their attention turned to me. I winced and braced for impact.
It was suggested I might be a Jim, referring to the prankster protagonist that many viewers like. (“Oh, not what I expected,” I thought.)
‘No, he’s definitely Andy!’
(There it is....)
For those unfamiliar, Andy is a pompous pseudointellectual who always talks about his education and has anger issues. He also is a fan of musical theater who sings loudly—and that’s why I expected the comparison.
Since I was a child, I’ve always been the type to sing along in the car (much to some of my friends’ ‘joy’), grab any karaoke game I can find and yes, I sing at the office.
I never had much of a reason until Wyndi and I were talking about our Tuesday habits.
“I can always tell you’re stressed out because you start singing.”
She said she was familiar with the behavior because a former editor did the same thing.
I had never really recognized why I sing to myself more as our press deadline looms, but it makes sense. A momentary break into a song I enjoy releases just a little bit of the tension and offers a temporary distraction from the timetable.
It was endearing to be working with and dating someone who saw something in myself I hadn’t seen and actually appreciates it.
So beware if you step into the office on a Tuesday afternoon. There might be some music. The A/C usually drowns me out if you’re in the front but feel free to step back and sing along. I take requests.