My new company had its holiday party last Friday evening at a local Marriott. This was particularly exciting for me, as it was the first company holiday function I’ve attended that was not (a) held in the office conference room and (b) replete with unusual interpretations of traditional potluck contributions. I dressed in my cocktail finest, brought Bobby as my date (for the sole purpose of having someone on hand to repeatedly yank up my strapless dress), and had a wonderful time. I even drank a bit too much for the first time in over six months, which at this point in my life means I had 1.6 glasses of wine instead of 1.5. Rigorous biking has lowered my tolerance to a level that considers Robitussin to be on par with Everclear.
The highlight of the evening, however, was the raffle. I dislike raffles because I continually get my hopes up as the announcer slooooowly reads off the numbers, only to be crushed when the last number turns out to be wrong. This time was no exception. Our CEO was choosing and reading the numbers with the help of his executive assistant, and the first dozen items went to people other than me. When he pulled an envelope out of his suit and announced that it was a $300 American Express gift card, I hardly registered the moment, at least not until he read the number and it was mine.
I’d say something witty about my “outrageous” reaction and then say I was kidding, but there’s no need.
I said quietly, “That’s me,” and then started to walk out onto the dance floor towards the CEO. By the time I got there, I was running – in my cocktail dress – and I jumped on him and hugged him, microphone, suit, and all. Then I tackled his assistant, hugged her, and did my tearful Miss America wave to the two hundred people in the room. Bobby says they were laughing and clapping, but it was all just a blur and I’m partially convinced he’s lying to cover the fact that everyone was just staring awkwardly. But I don’t care. I won $300.
The rest of the night was even more awesome after that, and more than a few people congratulated me on my win. My favorite response was the senior executive who approached me to say dryly, “You really should work on being a bit more enthusiastic.”
Nice!! Congrats! I wish I won $300! I hope you spend it on something awesome for yourself 🙂
My fiance and I went to his ship’s holiday party where they were doing the same thing, and since Im a douchebag, I was making comments about the prizes and/or the winners haha, but anyway, they called out one of those iPod shuffles and I leaned over and said “Wow, those things are pieces of shit, they are worth like $5.00” and that was when they called his name saying he won.
He laughed at me and said “thanks bitch!” lovingly of course.
Keep posting. I love reading your blog. 🙂