Some of the more random things I get paid to do

I've had plenty of moments at work where I've marveled at the randomness and goofiness of what I'm paid to do.  In the earlier part of the year the spokesperson (SP) for the account I work on was asked to do be present at kickoff meetings in a few different regions. 

My job?  Hang out with him.  I was some combination of being present to represent the agency other part being his handler.  His appearances were all surprises and so he needed to lay low prior to the events.  This individual is not a sit in his hotel room and chill kind of guy so in every market we set out to explore.

In Nashville we enjoyed a visit to The Hatch - a classic printing press shop I had actually used for an ad job.  They actually remembered that job.  I wondered how annoying we were.  Turns out it was just very high volume for them relative to other jobs at the time.

We had lunch at Sam's - a classic Nashville BBQ establishment and then took a tour of the Ryman.  Even though said spokesperson was in a baseball cap and not looking much like his character the woman who took his ticket recognized him and exclaimed in a delightful southern accent "You're that guy on TV!"  Another woman in the tour group also figured it out.  Her husband had no clue and commented "I feel like Elvis is standing in front of me and I don't know it."  Instead of paying attention to the tour guide, he looked up the spots on You Tube.

In NC, we passed a billboard featuring SP.  We were headed to the airport and he was texting his wife.  He took a quick look up and returned to his phone.  SP has a great sense of humor and humility so I made a funny remark about his indifference at his larger than life image.

One of the appearances was at a resort outside of Atlanta.  We contemplated horseback riding or a boat ride.  Somehow Scrabble came into the conversation and I mentioned my mad skillz.  So, on a beautiful day in a summer camp like setting we sat inside playing Scrabble.  It actually turned out to be a little bit more of a tutorial.  SP has fantastic improv & acting skills but Scrabble - not so much.  Here we are, posing as if we're in the midst of an intense play.

SP has three children.  My dad traveled a lot and I am familiar with the traveling parent needing to bring something back to the kids upon returning home.  SP's kids had some unusual requests (a doll that looks like a grownup and talks) and it was like a scavenger hunt trying to find this item (and others) during the trips.  We never located the requested items but based on what was purchased, I think SP was going to be let back in the house upon his return.