The Top Left Drawer

     How many times has it happened to you?  You are running a tad late for work, you throw everything you can together at the last minute including that morning, ritualistic, must-have, can't function without-it, cup of Joe, jump into the car and rush ahead to your office only to realize that when you get there, not only did you forget a few minor hygienic details, and on top of all that you look down only to find a dark, unforgivable, quarter-size spot of your coffee dotted predominantly for all to see, on last year's Christmas gift...the power tie.  All is not lost, my friend, for you are a dapper chapper and soon to be a happy pappy who is well-prepared for such a morning Monday-like challenge to strike at your first impression's line of defense.  It is time to crack open your secret weapon - the Top Left Drawer.  Many in your office sit in awe of your appearance, "How does he do it?" They ask.  "How can he be so well kept while others trot around, head down, defeated, with coffee all over their brand new ties...and there's you, ready to take on the day with a powerful first-impression that says, "Yup, I'm here, came to play, and my tie is clean."

     Let's start at the beginning.  First - It is not your fault.  You can not blame yourself for this minor oversight which you are about to remedy.  Secondly, you prepare for meetings with your coworkers, boss, and clients, why not prepare for the unexpected, which will be something you should expect to happen when you least expect it, follow me?

     Keep a crisp white shirt (sealed so it will not stain or collect dirt) carefully folded in the drawer.  It will be difficult to know what kind of jacket or pants you might be wearing, so go bland, but clean for your backup shirt, and do the same with your tie.  Keep it simple - KISS - keep it simple & solid.

     You should invest in a dopp kit for the office, nothing to big, you are not going away for the weekend, just for the day.  Pack a toothbrush and toothpaste.  Let's face it, we've all sped out of the house to make the morning meeting at the office and somehow our oral hygiene completely eluded us.

     Mouthwash - for the mornings when you have no time for the toothbrush.

     Mint gum - when you have no time for the mouthwash, and for a buck, you can be the office hero for those in a similar predicament.

     Deodorant / Antiperspirant  - no client or coworker is comfortable around one who sweats uncontrollably resulting in donut sized wet circles which can only be hidden by your gun show.  Using a derivative of the late Chris Farley that you are searching for or returning from the gym will not impress...anyone.

     Hand sanitizer - it is after all...the cold and flu season.  You might be healthy, but do you know if they are?  For that matter, it would be a good idea to grab a few cough drops for a sore throat, a bottle of Zicam for a runny nose, and hand lotion for cracked or dry skin. Chapped and scarred hands was impressive when you were in high school, but when you became a man, you put away childish things.  Your lady will prefer a softer touch over that of something resembling the paws of your golden retriever after a midwinter-night's stroll to take care of business.

     Baby wipes - yup, you read correctly.  Does your office spend uber amounts of petty cash on 600 thread count bath tissue?  Neither does ours, and now you have nothing about which you may fret.  You have it covered...so to speak.

     Finally, a light cologne.  The last thing you want to do is over power the office, but you certainly do not want to show up to a date with your wife smelling like the office or the factory from whence you just emerged.

     Keep the aforementioned in your top left drawer for your convenience, and not only will you be the go-to guy with style and then some for the apocalyptic unprepared, you can walk with confidence knowing that your throat is good-to-go for your speech, your hands are clean for that firm handshake with the boss, and your wife will have thought you stopped at home first to freshen up before the big date, but...then again...that's just my humble opinion.