PurpAnd

My office was split not too long ago with many folks moving to a new East Bay office. This change transplanted nearly 30% of the staff leaving some emptiness here in SF. One of the transplants I miss most, was a guy I affectionately called ‘Odd Guy’ due to his curious statements and awkward social skills.

Many of you probably know a person like him. He stares at you seemingly trying to think of something to say, but instead makes you feel as if you have something stuck to your forehead. He laughs little serial killer laughs with a sorta phlegmy giggle, but you know (hope) he could never actually hurt you. He stands facing you for several seconds after a conversation has ended as if he’s processing what was said. Apparently a process that prohibits any physical movement. And he says things that make you wonder whether he is a Rockefeller.

Another of his interesting habits was his constant headshaking. He would say something or ask a question and then while staring at you and waiting for a response, he would shake his head erradically, like a bobble head on the dash of a car.

One day we were sitting in our respective offices, adjacent to one another, and he came over to inform me that the window at the end of the hall was open. (We are on the 8th floor and the windows do not have screens). He said, “Hey, did you see that window? That window is wide open. Someone having a bad day could really just jump right out of here.”

You see, most people wouldn’t say stuff like that. I know that’s not what I thought when I saw the window was open. But I do now. It’s ruined me. Whenever I see that window is open I think, well, Odd Guy would love this. Maybe I should call him to let him know. Or better yet, I should drive to the East Bay, stand in the doorway of his office, stare at him like he’s wearing a dress, and shake my head while I tell him the crazy story that is the openness of our 8th floor window.