I'm sitting here basically doing my best impersonation of a root vegetable, thinking of what to open with. Truth be told, we pulled it off once again and fun was had by all! In no particular order...here we go!
Newbie
Our most recent hire (12/07) decided our holiday party was not mandatory and made other plans...well, after all, they did consult with our receptionist...REALLY!! Ever watch people hire the wrong person, even after you have told them repeatedly this is not a good choice...TOLD YA SO!! Your going to want popcorn for this show, cause the ending will be spectacular!
Receptionist
One of my direct reports, ignores the litany of emails I sent regarding timing, tasks and availability of our runner for breaks etc., day of our party! So after I give them their task lists that must be executed first thing in the morning, yes, this is the exact time to take a break, oh and while on that break run home and get your dish for the potluck, because it is all about you, your outfit, and your store bought Santa cake!! Briefly touched upon the issue yesterday and was met with major tude, discussed today in more detail after my second set of aspirin kicked in!
Awards and Prizes
This year, I was selected most likely to star in a Broadway musical...why is it so flippin hard to just win best office space!!
The raffle prizes provided the biggest tickle of the day because, not only did I win one of the two lunch on the company dime certificates, my daily lunch buddy and best friend won the other one!! HILARIOUS and 100% random!!! So many people expressed interest in going to lunch with us, never mind they could have gone at anytime before we had the certificates, no worries...We've started a wait list, ranking will be done in order of people who are least likely to talk about work at lunch and those who don't make me consider bitch slapping them at least once a day...short list really, should be easy!
Most Likely to Star in a B Movie went to the person who beat me out for Best Smile last year...I feel vindicated, his teeth are crooked anyway! He received the Rocky Horror Picture Show DVD, picked out by yours truly...tehehe:)
Most Likely to Brighten Up a Bad Day was handily won by one of our resident pooches! Have to say we all got that one right, she was so happy to receive her brand new squeaky toy in front of everyone then ignored us the rest of the day!
Biggest Story Teller, won by a guy who has been with us less than one year and has been late almost everyday since he started, but the stories are always involved and amusing. Most recently he shared the news his girlfriend is pregnant, so his prize was the children's book, The Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas! Oh yeah, he gave his resignation on Monday! Woo Hoo!!
Food and Drink
Very nice selection of food available, even after I weeded out all the dishes I would not eat because I know certain people do not wash their hands before leaving the restroom.
Drinks plentiful as always. I did miss the annual drunk Bob show when one of them starts hitting on any of the new young blonde staffers and their spouse falls off the steps onto whichever poor soul is standing right below them...last year it was me...good times!
Live Performances
Not as bad as anticipated. Still basically like a full on audition with a captive audience, but for those who are still impressed with working in entertainment and music it was a treat and remains one of the many things that set us apart from the hum drum corporate world. The rapper briefly looked my way while he was freestyling, I think my return stare let him know it was not going to be a good idea to say anything about me, he finished without incident...good boy!
Donations for the Homeless
Proud to say the box runneth over with new socks, tshirts, and undies in all sizes, for men, women and children! Will be taking those over to our local homeless shelter next week!
In summary, every year I swear this party and preparation is going to kill us, because people just do not have a clue how hard HR works to make it look seamless and easy, and every year when I've had enough and am completely over it, the party starts, the bubbly flows, the hugs are plentiful, people are happy, laughter fills the air, and I think we might just make it after all.
And we're off...
