Christmas Party, 2006

Janet and Hugh

The office Christmas party at the Sir Francis Drake was a long and liquid affair, made bittersweet by the sale of a major division. This occasion was the last time that all 150 of us would be together. For next year’s gathering we’ll be lucky to attract half that number.

Cocktails started promptly at noon. As I do at every holiday party, I chatted with the retirees. Most looked better than ever; the worry lines are gone, they eat less, exercise more, and have lost weight. (Retirement is an option that will soon be available to me, so I’m watching and wondering.) One gentleman was walking with a cane. We spoke for half an hour about hip and knee replacements, medical plans, and pre-existing conditions. 10 years ago we might have talked about travel plans; now an incident-free stroll to the grocery store is a satisfying sojourn.

IT Department

A photographer was there to commemorate the occasion. I posed for three different group pictures, reflecting a year of multi-tasking. Revelry was still going strong when I left at 5:30, centerpiece in hand. What a swell party it was. © 2006 Stephen Yuen

The flowers still look good after three days.