Social Butterfly

Well, since our flight home got canceled, we're just sitting around with the sweet kitty enjoying a bottle of wine and this total NON-blizzard (way to go, weather people. Seriously.) And since it's not even 8:00 and we've already been in our pajamas for hours, have watched TV and a movie, and have finished that bottle of wine, there really is no better time to report on the ridiculous holiday party schedule I've been maintaining these past few weeks. I'm telling you- it is hard work having to actually go out! And drink too many cocktails! And chit-chat with too many people!

Our three weeks of between Thanksgiving and Christmas detox and exercise began to unravel the first week of December with my office holiday party. I had some major doubts abut this party, for several very important reasons: #1- it was at the office. #2- the decorations were hand colored by the party planning committee in true The Office style. #3, and by far the worst of the worst- there were party games planned. Turns out, though, that party was great! Being at the office instead of a crowded bar meant that we all had a seat AND could hear each other talk. The hand-crafted decorations (which turned out to be a timeline of the last decade, which, according to said timeline, really seemed to suck.) And, I totally ROCKED that party game- We got second place! Most importantly, there was the world's most delicious champagne punch, and it kept finding its way into my cup.

And so, Hangover season began. Apparently, I'm getting too old to live like a rock star.

Next came Eric's office holiday party, which was held at the very fancy University Club. I'm really surprised that riffraff like us are even allowed in there, but they seemed to make an exception as long as you were wearing a suit and swore that you would not even think about using your cell phone. That party was extremely fun despite itself- the sub-par food was far outshone by our raucous kids table and the freely flowing cocktails.

And yet, was that enough to satisfy us? Of course not! We were out on the town! And the Whiskey Trader was right across the street!

So, joined by Eric's boss, we very stupidly continued the party well into the evening at that fine establishment. Let's just say, that Saturday was not the most productive...

Ah, but we couldn't rest long, for that evening, we had yet another holiday party to attend. Our friends Jeff and Jessica from NYU just got engaged and were hosting a party to celebrate the holidays and to show off Jess' ring :) Luckily for us, we actually used our Mastered brains that night, and abstained from holiday libations.

It doesn't stop there though, my friends. Last Sunday was the most important party yet, because that was the day that Paul and I returned to our roots- The Broadway Party. Paul is now assistant conductor for A Little Night Music starring, oh I don't know, some small-time actors they call Catherine Zeta-Jones and Angela Lansbury.

So, we went to opening night and got the royal treatment (meaning the very last row in the corner. Sweet!) and then were lucky enough to go to Tavern on the Green for The Big Party. It was, of course, fantastic, but, between us (and Paul), it was no Grey Gardens Party. Those parties spoiled us for life.

Unfortunately, we were not cool enough to go to the real fancy party- apparently only Catherine and Angela, their movie star friends, and the extremely rich people that paid for them were allowed in THAT party. We were stuck in the back with the help. Of course, by "the help" I'm talking about the CAST (soooooooooo not important to the success of a Broadway show), the orchestra, and the crew. It was still great, and even though I TECHNICALLY did not party with movie stars, I still say I did.

And I also did not get home until almost 2 am. On a school night!

Fortunately (both for my sanity and my liver), I was able to take a couple of nights off this week. Then on Thursday, my boss threw a lovely, quaint cocktail party for us at his apartment. As I said, it was lovely and quaint and should NOT have been a reason to stay out until almost midnight. But, apparently my co-workers are a little too fun and make me stop using my brain, and I did stay out quite late. At least Grandma and Grandpa got what I can only assume was an extremely amusing phone call at the end of the evening...

And then, blessedly, it was Friday- the last day of work, and what I thought to be a final, sweet day of rest before heading to Colorado for The Real Party. But, luckily for EVERYONE (hello, sarcasm!), the National Weather Center predicted the storm of the century and Delta canceled all their flights from here to Miami nearly 24 hours before the first flakes were even supposed to fall. Some call that preparation. I call that panic. And a fairly large loss of money (for the airline and their lovely customers). We've managed to book a new flight for tomorrow night, so cross all your fingers!

Although it is sad and a bit distressing to not be home right now, I have to admit that this isn't so bad- a last night with our tiny Christmas tree, our sweet, very happy to not yet be abandoned kitty, and a (very, very) gently falling snow to usher in the holiday.

But, tomorrow-- Colorado or BUST!