Pleased To Meet You!
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is meeting fans of the show. It feels good to have people come up to me and say how much they enjoy my work. Of course, it feels less good when I'm on my phone, having a heated argument with my health insurance provider. Or, when I'm running to catch the one functioning elevator in my building. Or, when I'm trying to convince the traffic cop that I am indeed parked legally.
Not that I would ever brush someone off. Just understand that I might not have a witty remark after learning about a $400 hospital co-pay.
It's a funny thing when people recognize you. Most of the time they know that they know you from somewhere, even if they don't really know who you are, like the man who told me yesterday: "Rob Elgas (Ch. 5), I love your work!"
Then there are those who know who I am, but are hesitant to introduce themselves. Often, they'll whisper to a friend: "That's the sports guy from WGN." But I tend not to introduce myself, because I don't want to come off as a pompous jackass: "Yes, I AM Pat Tomasulo."
Plus, what if the one time I introduce myself to someone I think knows who I am, they really DON'T know who I am?
"Hi. Yes, I'm him. Pat Tomasulo, nice to meet you?"
"Who? I thought you looked like a guy I went to camp with. Did you spend any summers in Lake Geneva?"
I think most viewers I've met on the street would tell you I'm very much like the guy you see on TV, but much more handsome, more carved out of stone by the hand of God, and what the hell- WAY TALLER.
**Footnotes**
Special thanks to professional trumpet player Stephen Orejudos, who booked a separate gig in the 5 minutes he and I worked together. To contact Stephen, visit his website:
Also, thanks to my good friends Gator, Alex and Juan- two of whom were the menacing-looking men in the front seat of that lowrider. Turns out they only look scary- 2 of them work in law enforcement, and one is a claims adjuster for an insurance company! They run car clubs as a hobby, and often use the profits for fund-raisers. Visit their website at:
Comments
I love your videos! They crack me up. You should make a public appearance in Naperville sometime.
Posted by: Sue | August 7, 2007 10:55 AM