The company is too large to have just one party; each division or group has a separate celebration. Because Byron works in two divergent areas we get multiple invitations…. but this year we forgot to attend the decadent big party and instead had dinner with the research crew.
What does the scaled-down version look like?
Last year they rented the Seattle Art Museum during the Frida Kahlo exhibit and we had free run of the place. This year they chose the only truly grand hotel in town. The food and open bar were endless; the tables were massed together with enormous floral decorations. I think that there might have been some kind of carnivale theme based on the big swaths of fabric and sparkly masks.
I like free stuff. I also like research scientists. So long as I can avoid the question So what do you do? these events are always quite jolly. Much fun was had by all.
I always say: if you sell out, at least get lots of treats out of the deal.
Plus, I had a good excuse to wear my demented majorette dress.