Glad that's over

Our "big" boss's holiday party was last night, at her house. 

I survived. :-)

Before I ramble, I have to say that I'm working on about 4 hours sleep, because I didn't get to bed till after midnight and was awake around 4:45. So I might not make sense...but do I ever?

Random thoughts:

• Her house is much, much larger that appears from the outside. Tardis-like, really. No wonder she has a cleaning service come in once a week. She gave us a tour, because they had the home built and still are working on it. Some (if not all) of her bathrooms are bigger than my bedrooms. Really lovely, no doubt about their standard of living.
• Three kids (I knew that), who have every conceivable toy and who are in martial arts, skating, soccer, etc. I guess that's typical today, but it's so not my own experience.
• My "old" boss and his partner/wife were no shows, as she was sick, apparently. I'll never know if that was true or an excuse, but it's too bad they weren't there.
• I rather like peppermint martinis -- had my first (and only) last night, one of the guests (friend of theirs) was making them.
• I thought I looked pretty good, until I saw my face in one of the bathroom mirrors. Looked like I had two black eyes and was 10 years older than I am, that's how tired-looking I was. Scary. I need a good anti-aging eye cream, and never mind that they all contain mild irritants, which is why they reduce the appearance of fine lines (skin puffs up in reaction to the irritant).
• Massive amount of food. I had eaten supper, so didn't have much, not even any sweets, if you can believe it. I know, it astonished me too. Ha.
• Mostly I was keenly aware of the difference in standard of living and life opportunities between me and those I was chatting with (listening to). I didn't grow up with a father who was in charge of one of the military bases in the country (our big boss), I didn't marry someone who's an engineer or high profile real estate something or other, I've lived most of my adult life one paycheque away from bankruptcy, and have struggled with depression for decades. I make a decent living, but it's one income and everything goes to bills and the cats. So (by choice) I don't have the means to go to concerts or take holidays or travel. I just didn't feel like I had much common ground. No one was "uppity," not at all. They're all hard-working, successful individuals with their own challenges. Because we all have challenges. (For example, my big boss's oldest child is special needs, though I don't know what the problem is.)
• So mainly I smiled and laughed appropriately and kept my mouth shut otherwise. Which worked well because my loud, obnoxious cat-loving co-worker was happy to talk about herself and their travels, etc.
• I was very grateful to get home safe and sound; thanks to one of my coworkers who played chauffeur and who therefore was forced to limit himself to one beer. I appreciated his sacrifice. :-P

Oh, and by choice, I bought a new winter coat yesterday, 60% off at Sears. I had popped in to quickly look for something else (of course), ended up with a warm, lightweight coat. It's not poofy on, has no fur or fake fur (which I hate) and best of all, has a great hood.

So for the price of a concert ticket, I got something practical and new and attractive (to me). I'm donating back two of my winter coats to Value Village (it's the circle of clothing life--buy from VV, donate back to VV), will keep one old navy jacket and now have this new one.

At least this holiday party galvanized me into finding some new (not just "new to me") clothing and outerwear, so that I don't always look like I just came from barn chores. (Okay, slight exaggeration, it's just how I usually feel, as clothing isn't on my top ten priority list.)

Oh, and for any Northern Reflections shoppers in Canada (Mom), they had their cords on sale for $20 yesterday (regularly $65), plus 50% off all regular priced merchandise. I bought one pair of black cords, that's all. So check today if you're in need of anything!

Peace.