A funny thing happened at the office as I was going into yet another meeting with muckity-mucks and the Big Cheese. This incident made me and the boss laugh so hard, I had to share…

Context: I often am asked to attend meetings that involve management, including The Big Cheese (TBC) and sometimes Deputy Big Cheese. I have know TBC for over two decades, dating back to when I worked for another employer but came to the office of my current employer for occasional meetings. TBC has routinely seen me rather dressed down, especially on Fridays when (clean, non-frayed or holey) jeans are commonly worn by seasoned pros who enjoy the relaxed dress code.

Context of meeting: first time NewGuy (who I wrote about before) was asked to attend a meeting at which TBC was to attend. Several other management-types were also expected, including my regular boss, with whom I enjoy a friendly and great relationship.

I walk up the stairs to TBC’s conference room, as it’s only one flight up. I arrive a little early, as I pride myself on punctuality, and take a seat in the middle of the table opposite the door.

There I am — nice shirt with a collar (and tie, even), with denim jeans and a pair of black cherry caiman Lucchese Classics cowboy boots on my feet. But because I am seated at the table, all you can see is me in a shirt-and-tie.

NewGuy arrived. I expected some nervousness from him, and I was not surprised to see him in a suit — and a new suit at that, even with what appeared to be new dress shoes (sigh….)

NewGuy stopped right inside the door, looking a bit bewildered. (Candidly, he looked like a deer-in-the-headlights.)

I thought he was trying to figure out where to sit since it is understandable that he was unfamiliar with unspoken office norms and TBC’s preferences. Ever being helpful, I suggested that he come sit next to me, opposite the usual place where TBC usually prefers to sit at the middle of the table (rather than the end.)

Others were arriving for the meeting, including my boss, who quickly went around the other side of the table to sit to my left.

As NewGuy was making his way around the table to sit on my right, I pushed my chair back and he suddenly realized what I was wearing. His jaw dropped, and then he stammered, “but, but, but, you’re wearing jeans and boots!”

The second he said that, TBC entered the room and from across the table said, “well, [bhd] has always been a bit different, but I like how he thinks.”

My boss and I exchanged a glance, and we both couldn’t help but burst into laughter (briefly, but we couldn’t hold it back). DPC also giggled a little bit. But TBC was all business… so we got right down to work. These 20-minute meetings are intense, but TBC has a heavy schedule, so we don’t waste a minute.

After the meeting, my boss kept coming by my office at random times of the day and giggling while saying, “but… but… but…” then guffawing with gales of laughter.

I finally saw NewGuy later and said, “you know, just like I said before, if you want me to help you select a new pair of boots that will compliment that new suit of yours, just let me know.” I don’t think his jaw has recovered from the dropping it continues to do, poor kid.

Life is short: Let there be no “but…but…buts…” about it!