That Is So Me...

“That is so me”,  always offers an interesting look into the often cavernous gap between a person’s self perception and reality.  Not that I’m immune to it all.  As if taking a sip of Mr. Boston Vodka, an uncomfortable shudder shakes me when my own mis-adventures in self-delusion pass through my mind.

“Sure Rob, you are just like Data from the “Goonies” except for the whole Caucasian thing…oh and your lack of science acumen or your inability to tie your shoes properly let alone creating slippery shoes doesn’t matter…but other than that it is pretty much dead on.  After all you had a group of friends and bike when you were his age.”

So it is with great apprehension that I say this: there are times where I feel like suing the writer of “Up All Night” for personality infringement.  Chris Brinkley, the male lead played by Will Arnett may as well be me, “except for his Juris Doctorate, beautiful house, and ability to skate well enough to play hockey.  There is that Jet fan problem as well”

….still, unlike Data at his core the similarities strike far too close to home far too often.

Whether it is a conversation that he had with his wife Reagan while muting his Xbox headset and flipping the microphone up (which I understand oozes sex appeal) or his ability to say the most awkward thing possible at any given moment, it often feels that we are soul brothers.( If fictional characters have a soul…)

Make no mistake: this comparison and identification has nothing to do with delusions that I am as funny or cool as Will Arnett (though I do a mean chicken dance).  It comes from the core of who the character is: a dork who loves his wife and daughter with all his heart.  That love triggered his staying at home with his daughter Amy, while Reagan is the main breadwinner.

Not that I’m alone in this role (it is an ever-increasing demographic), I can tell you that to many men what Chris and I did (and still do) does not garner the respect it deserves.  At many a social event I feel like an outcast, unable to connect with the men and not really feeling comfortable commiserating with the stay-at-home moms.

For that reason, in spite of those Mr. Boston like-shakes from the past, I can’t help but say: “Chris Brinkley…that is so me”.