I decided to go into work on Monday since the office would be closed Wed-Fri this week and we were only working a half day on Tuesday.
At 11:30 am everyone headed over to a local steakhouse for the company’s annual holiday luncheon. This year it wasn’t nearly as long as last years because instead of waiting until after lunch, they did the grab-bag during lunch. Plus less people participated in this year’s grab bag. Our owner gave us a little talking to, calling us grinches, but the reason (at least for me and a few others) we didn’t participate is that 90% of the gifts are bottles of alcohol. I told the owner’s wife I’d love it if they could do a non-alcohol swap and then I’d participate. I think it would encourage more creative gifts too. There were a little less alcohol related gifts this year, but that’s because the owner put in two gifts of his own, one of which was a crockpot (and selected two non-participants to go in on the grab bag by way of selecting cards from a deck and picking the two people with the highest suit).
Lunch was better this year too. I had steak both years but this year it was filet and it was very tasty. I recall the baked potato tasting weird before so my boss and I both asked if they’d substitute it for rice pilaf instead which they did. So that was nice. Everyone received two free drink tickets and some people also visited the bar for additional lubrication, so people were in high spirits once things started wrapping up around 2:15 pm. I got a few hugs and a lot of Merry Christmas wishes. It made me happy to be working some place where I like my coworkers.
In addition to a nice Christmas bonus check, the owner gave everyone insulated cups with the redesigned company logo on them.
Logo intentionally not show for privacy reasons
He explained how as a child he learned from his father how important drinking enough water is to one’s health. This has always been a challenge of mine personally, thanks to my bladder condition, but I have been making a bigger effort to drink water and he’s definitely onto something because I’ve been feeling pretty good lately.
I headed to Target afterwards to pick up Trivial Pursuit Hints.
I’ve never been a big fan of Trivial Pursuit, but between a 50% off Cartwheel offer and a $3 Hasbro coupon, it only cost $5. Plus it seems easier than the traditional Trivial Pursuit games. I plan on trying it at my parents’ house on New Years Eve.