The Office is one of the greatest, most brilliant shows to hit TV. There’s so many cringe-worthy, hilarious, and embarrassing moments that it makes sense I have found all 9 seasons (but really the first 7) to be a little too relatable. Here are 5 times my life has exactly mirrored an Office episode (& proof that I need my own show).
Michael Scott – “You have no idea how high I can fly.”
First of all, Michael Scott has had 7 seasons worth of relatable moments. Let’s just acknowledge that. But, the moment I felt I related to him the most was when he quit Dunder Mifflin. If you don’t recall the episode, he said these famous last words to CEO David Wallace after giving his two weeks notice. Late 2019-Early 2020 I was applying to externships to complete the last year of my AuD program. I, for whatever reason, wanted to move to Houston SO BAD that I applied to probably every listing in the city and surrounding suburbs. And can you believe I got hit with rejection after rejection?!? Obviously since I’m currently living 500 miles away. At first I had a real Hazel London/Bella Noche moment like, “Well damn, if you can’t get a job in Houston where the hell could you go?” But then I remembered who I was, what skills I possess, and who I had on my side. Shoutout to Jesus. I eventually was offered a position, but until then silently in my head after finishing another “thanks, but no thanks” email I was saying, “You have no idea how high I can fly”
Stanley Hudson – Pretzel Day
Stanley is very entertaining and says one of my favorite lines of the series, “Boy have ya lost your mind? ‘Cause I’ll help ya find it!” However, there is 1 day a year where we for sure share one mind. . . Pretzel Day. As soon as free pretzels were announced, with all the toppings, Stanley jumped out of his office chair and ran down the stairs to get in line. This is literally me every time there are snacks or any type of free food brought in to work. I have no clue why I have no self-control, but I don’t. Even at all family functions I am first in line with a plate, tip toeing to the food line during the prayer. To all the women who order the steak with an appetizer on the first date & who do the bare minimum prep work during the holidays, but take the first slice of turkey… YOU ARE SEEN!
Darryl Philbin – “I’m really busy down here, Mike”
In my opinion, Darryl is an underrated character on The Office. He brings all the “I’m here to do my job, and that’s it” vibes every time he’s on screen. The moment I knew we were one in the same was when Michael rushed down to the warehouse asking him various question after sending a personal photo to the wrong email. As Michael is in a panic, Darryl sits with his feet up while eating chicken wings and says “I’m really busy down here, Mike.” Let’s normalize “busy” also meaning eating wings and just not being interested in what someone has to say. To be honest I haven’t tapped into this level of not caring. Just know that right before calls make it to voicemail I am on the other end of the phone, wing in hand, being really “busy”.
Phyllis Vance – “How much wine do you have?”
This is very small part of the show and in the latter 2 seasons. Jim needed a favor from Stanley and Phyllis and decided to ask them over a nice dinner. In true Phyllis form, much like when she got drunk with Bob during her lunch, she went straight for the booze. Although I have admittedly never had a drink during the work day, AFTER WORK(?!?)… “how much wine do you have?” After like 2 glasses I’m singing Party Next Door on my snapchat story which means the negative energy from the workday has been replaced with a nice semi-sweet red. HAVE A GLASS (or several) SIS! I don’t know when I reached peak auntie-dom, but here I am. *pour a glass, lights a candle, & turns on Anita Baker*
Pam Beesley – Walking the coals
Most of the time Pam sat quietly by as her life changed for better or worse. However, during Beach Day Pam chose to walk across burning coals and confront the office staff. Not only did she call everyone out for not showing up for her, but she confessed her feelings for Jim in front of his girlfriend. This was a big turning point, and one that I feel I have been experiencing in moments over this past year. At some point I started breaking those fears and dismissing the labels that I have allowed to be placed on me. It hurts, and growth is not linear, but walking across those coals feels good on the other side. After I work to undo all the negativity, I confront toxic people and behaviors and set boundaries for myself. Unapologetically. So the Dundie for largest growth goes to Pam Beasley. But really it’s me. lol
Dass It! Typical me, living my life one Office scene at time. Until next time, stay happy. Stay healthy.
