Work Holiday Party

I wont say that the people I work with are uptight, or don't like to have any fun, but with the nature of the jobs we do, seriousness usually plays as a factor in day-to-day work life. For those of you that don't know, I work for the University of Vermont in the Alumni Relations division. The main reason for us to exist is philanthropy:

phi'lan'thro'py-
The effort or inclination to increase the well-being of humankind, as by charitable aid or donations.

Now I don't do any of the fundraising myself, I work in the IT Department supporting about 100 people with their day-to-day technical needs as well as many other technical related tasks. So now I'm sure you can imagine what the office life is, or at least get a good idea.

For our party this year my division had rented out a small cafe/bar in downtown Burlington for the afternoon; from noon until 4:30. We had a DJ with karaoke, a full bar and munchies to eat catered by the place were at.

The food was a bit "sophisticated" for my tastes, although it didn't taste bad at all. They had a whole cheese, cracker and bread platter with many kinds of toasts, breads and cheeses. This was great, except that I found that in order to spread the cheese, or eat from this platter you really needed to use two hands, and that would require you to put your drink down. On another table they had skewers with chicken on them, this was probably the most normal food that they had out. Along side the chicken were some quesadillas. I was pretty sure they were chicken too, at first, but then I was informed that they were in fact, duck. Duck quesadillas?? Who the hell makes duck quesadillas? They were yummy, of course, but a bit high class again for my taste.

Finally there were waitresses carrying around trays with the final two food items on them: cucumbers with spices and tuna on them, and little toasts with salmon. Two items I'd never go out and look for, or have cravings for, or actually ever think about again.

It was great to see everyone let loose, though. Many of the people I work with were rosy-cheeked with a nice alcohol buzz going through their bodies. Early in the afternoon they had a talent show where a few of my co-workers showed their talent's to the group. There was one person who played a keyboard, another group of people that made a music video and a few other acts with people singing. After that, came the karaoke.

Now there are two things that make me think I can sing: the shower, and alcohol; and thanks to Iced Teas brewed in New York I was able to get up in front of everyone and sing a song. My choice: The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. I wanted to do a song that everyone would know and sing along with. It worked like a charm, I had the whole place singing along with me, probably for the best though, as I was unable to hear myself sing, so I have no idea how off key I was. They really should have a monitor when you sing karaoke so you can hear how you're sounding and adjust as you see fit. Altogether, people loved my song and I was told I did a really good job.

In all, it was great to see everyone loosen up. It was amusing to see a majority of the division drunk as can be and it was an altogether good time. Parties like this one bring you to a more social level with your co-workers and allow you to develop an other-than-work relationship with them. In my oppinion, parties like this should happen at least quarterly.

I'd be there.