In all honesty, I had been dreading yesterday’s holiday office party ever since it was announced. I didn’t know what to expect, especially with an office full of awkward men, but in the end, I had one of the best evenings in a long time.
Before heading over to Fratello’s, the marketing girls and I exchanged our Secret Santa gifts. I was a little worried as to what I’d get, and most Secret Santa exchanges always worry me. I always hope that I can pull off the “ohh thanks this is awesome!” face. Luckily this year I didn’t have to worry about that.
How amazing is the authentic Coach wristlet my boss picked out for me?! I was floored when I opened my box and this pretty baby was looking up at me. I had a Coach clutch that Mike bought for me several Christmas’ ago but it was stolen last March and I’ve been missing it ever since, so this gift was perfect! We had a $20 limit, but knowing my boss, I’m sure she got it for a couple bucks. She’s a couponing queen, and with a Coach outlet a few towns over, I know she scored an amazing deal on it!
I also received a Panera gift card and 5 scratchy tickets from Chris, the Business Development Manager, who could easily fit in as one of my Dad’s brothers. He’s awesome, and he picked me 2 winning tickets too!
After our exchange, it was then time for us to head next door to set up the prize tables at Fratello’s before our firm came over.
We set up in miraculous timing and ended up just sitting around a table and shooting the shit for an hour or so.
Once everyone arrived, we played a 45 minute round of White Elephant, which consists of picking a wrapped gift and switching with your coworkers for the alloted time. When time is called, whichever gift you’re holding is yours to open and keep.
Chris, my boss and I were discussing when to call time, and when we saw that Shawna had the Justin Bieber wrapped gift, Chris ran to the front to call time. Shawna walked away with a poster of the Biebs and scratchy tickets. Also, just look at her ugly sweater that claimed 1st prize! I did pretty good myself and left with a Target gift card!
It was then time to eat, and if you remember my previous post, there was some amazing food on the menu. Before sitting down, I enjoyed one mini stuffed mushroom, a shrimp dunked in sauce, and a marinated chicken skewer.
When it was time for lunch, I chose a broiled salmon, a potato half, green beans and salad. The meal was pretty good but something didn’t sit well, which I think must have been a butter they sautéed in.
The dessert came out quickly after, and my boss, knowing how I am with cake and cupcakes nudged me and teased me that the cake was out. I knew she wanted me to have a piece, and although I originally was going to stand strong, I went up to check out the slices with Jen. My heart stopped when I spotted carrot cake and had to grab it.
I had several bites of the cake/frosting together, but honestly, the frosting was where it was at, so I went to town eating all of the frosting. Now keep in mind sitting with us were Chris and the President of our company. Chris, noticed what I was doing, started teasing me about my frosting obsession. Well, they couldn’t stop laughing when they saw my finished plate.
It’s a good thing when you can make the President, V.P, a handful of engineers and your boss laugh, but not so sure if it’s a good thing when your new nickname is “Frosting.” It’s okay, I’ll take it. 😉
P.S, that frosting was AMAZING!
After our dessert, we listened to several speeches, got teary eyed over a surprise retirement dedicated to Woody, and then the raffle for gifts began!
I was worried I was going to get stuck going home with a bottle of booze, but I lucked out with an early raffle drawing and walked away with a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble! Yay, can’t wait to have fun at B&N, and am hoping to find a great book on nutrition and clean eating.
All in all I’d say I walked away from our Friday party pretty damn well off! I’m so blessed to work for a firm that values their employees and enjoys spoiling them and taking care of them!
Running on Peanut Butter 