Friday Madness

Still high and slightly intoxicated from last night's end of year celebration, I will attempt to piece together, recall, and coherently weave a picture of what I'll call a fantabulous event of merriment. The venue and theme were never revealed to us, everything was kept hush hush while everyone's curiosity peaked. Six buses shuttled 300 or so people to the "mystery location" after work yesterday. And true enough, it looked mysterious as it could ever be... at least from the outside it can easily be thought of as some sort of gangster hide-out. We were greeted by costumed hosts (imagine masquerade style), the hallway was glittering with lights and draped with dark red velvet (imagine Chicago and cabaret). Champagne was served at the door, while hors d'ouevres of fresh oysters and cucumber-wrapped smoke salmon go around. While everyone is getting all settled and relaxed in the party, mingling with everyone else, projected screens were showing clips of interviews with the company's big bosses and board members... but more on "bloopers" and funny slides of these interviews. The MD was around, joking and showing his outdated dance moves - for a moment there I was speechless to see this man acting silly. Anyway, to formally kick-start the event there was the announcement of company stock incentives being rewarded to each one (hep hep... let me consult my accountant for the tax implications of this... calling on dear sis!) Further bringing up the jolly mood was drawing of prizes - and they weren't small prizes either (e.g. $500 voucher for Tiffany & Co., $1500 plane ticket, and a lot more). I didn't win anything... dang!... who wouldn't mind splurging in that store in Collins Street. But there's always next year.

Just when I thought that it couldn't get any better, they surprised us more with an "inner" chamber to the venue. Where we were was just a teaser... we were led to a theatre-like room where the real party begins. Hosted by performers (yes, cabaret style but on the more decent end of the spectrum... haha!) and very talented and hilarious broadway singers (whom the ladies initially thought would perform a full monty... not!), we were all on a roll. A night of music and booze, man... one discovers and witnesses the hidden personalities of the normally-serious-suit-and-tie-wearing colleagues. Give them more to drink and they'll be up the stage singing along and head-banging with the band. I probably consumed an illegal amount of champagne myself and quite proud that I've pushed that personal limit many many notches up! Had an insane time on the dance floor, was complimented as "looking ravishing" by one of the bigwigs, met many people from different divisions... not too bad a night and not too bad for a first christmas party with the company eh?

While seemingly untiring in energy, I quickly conked out as my head touched my pillow. It's been quite some time already since I partied like this. When all that adrenalin rush finally subsided, and the alcohol executed its best act... I was knocked into a heavy sleep, and then with a slight reminder of the night before the next morning.

Some random thoughts: (1) there is an art of keeping a tube-top dress from slipping down when one is jumping about and dancing, be vigilant lest you end up flashing some unfortunate soul; (2) one way to thwart an eager and unwelcome person is to pretend that you're going to the loo to puke, that will surely turn him off; (3) move around, talk to other people, don't just stick with your old familiar group, but don't totally ditch them too; (4) don't chew your oysters, let it slip down your throat; (5) you can never be over-dressed in parties like this.