I'm working in an office again which means: I’m leaving my home before sunrise. I’m wearing a bra. I’m packing lunches. I’m driving downtown 5 days a week. I’m now a person who talks about the weather and says things like, “Happy Friday!” Smile, nod, chuckle, repeat, until our little heads fall off.
I’m probably saying too much in the office. And I’m also probably saying too little. Sometimes people laugh at my deadpan delivery and all I’m doing is stating my opinion. Other times people are shocked by my dark humor. Listen, I’m not trying to make happy people laugh. I’m trying to make fellow dead inside people laugh.
I’ve been very lucky to work remotely for 4.5 years. I have a job and benefits so I’m not complaining. I simply forgot what constantly being around people feels like. Whoever thought open floor concepts and shared offices boost creativity and morale should never know peace.
When I get home from work, I want to turn my brain off. I want to zone out. I want to leave my body. I am part of the couch now. I am this girl. If you’re not familiar, please watch this commercial.
Nighttime Taylor deserves to be set free. Let the decompression begin. Let the recharging to be able to socialize just enough that coworkers don’t think I’m a bitch begin. Maybe after I adapt to my new routine, I’ll want to do other activities. But right now, I’m carving out quality time for my dear, comforting friend, Nostalgia.
No matter what kind of mood I’m in, silly movies have always been a salve I can depend on to make me feel better. I crave them. I enjoy films that perfectly capture the culture of a specific year or decade. (Of course, a lot of things don’t age well but it serves as a time capsule of how most of society behaved then. A history lesson in a way.) I want to be lost in a ‘90s fever dream.
I love nonsense. So I have no idea why or how I had never seen Son in Law. It genuinely exceeded my expectations. Carla Gugino and Pauly Shore had my full attention. I’m laughing out loud. I’m wiping tears from face. I’m wanting to wear short-alls and way too many bracelets.
They start out as friends. He convinces her to stay in college. They montage all over Los Angeles. They shock her family during Thanksgiving with their California outfits and attitudes. Pauly’s character Crawl doesn’t fit into the stereotypical 1993 man mold. He is sensitive. He is affectionate. He talks about his feelings. He encourages everyone to be their authentic selves. The city boy changes the country family for the better. 🥹 I am a sucker for a fish out of water story.
This led to watching Encino Man, which made me cry any time the buddies comforted each other. Brendan Fraser is the king of warmth and you can’t help but root for him. Long live friendship, stoner comedy and embracing your soft side.
Why does it still seem rare for straight men to hug like this? Dig up frozen cavemen in your backyards together and hug more, you cowards!
In a sea of blonde jocks and macho bad boys, Pauly and his characters stand out to me. I think he — like lots of actors who get too popular, too fast, loved then loathed — set the stage for other wacky, sensitive, funny characters. Characters like JD and Turk on Scrubs wouldn’t have been the same if they didn’t have an intimate friendship and silly sense of humor.
Life is short. We might as well laugh at the absurdity of it and tell people we love them.
I love this so much and sooooo grateful someone understands the working in an office experience 🙈 it’s a lot and once I’m home, please no one speak to me or look in my direction 😆
An excellent read that made me smile with a knowing head bob. Always enjoy your pieces…. They are very relatable. Excellent!🩷