A certain look in the eye and an easy smile.

Today is the official launch day for our new product line. For the last ten months we have been making arrangements with partners in Hong Kong and mainland China, working on UL documentation and all the other crap that goes into starting a electronic manufacturing company. During this time we have moved into a new building and hired new personnel. Shiny.

So what's my gripe? My boss has decided that today is "dress up day". That means I put on the dreaded slacks and funeral shoes and walk around the office feeling like a self conscious monkey.

When I was selling records for a living, one of my rules was "never trust anyone wearing slacks". Alright, I know that this is a different business and all that but I sit in a cubicle and talk on the phone. I don't meet face to face with anyone. Am I wearing the slacks for the benefit of the UPS guy? Did I mention I feel like a monkey? Hey everyone look at the monkey in the fancy pants and fancy shoes!

Later this afternoon I'll have to go do the shipping. I'll move some palates around, build some boxes, maybe use some shrink wrap. I'll get dusty. If there is a lot of stuff going out I'll sweat. I'll get sweaty and dusty in my fancy fucking pants and black leather shoes.

Look, I wear a button down shirt or polo shirt every day. I understand that I work in a "professional environment". But I also wear jeans, no holes, no rips. They look fine in case customers come by the office and I can do the shipping and receiving and not worry about the dust and what not.

In closing, I feel like a monkey. Fuck stupid "dress up day". My boss wants to feel all fortune 500 and shit on the opening day of the new business. Look man, I have to deal with the old business, It's been in operation since I was in high school. I have orders to ship. The new website looks great and the customers are exited, but it's just another day at the office for me.