The President's Christmas Party

The President of the University throws many parties throughout the year.

They're during the day and I don't have to take time off to go, so kind of get fired up about them.

I always drive over with Vonda.

Vonda's worked at The University for at least seventy-eight years.

She knows everyone.

And their dogs, too.

Usually I find the most comfortable seat in the room and watch people instead of actually mingling.

Because I don't want to talk to anyone, I just want to observe their social weirdnesses.

The food is pretty much the same at every party since they're all catered by the same company.

Tiny cucumber sandwiches with cream cheese and paprika.

Spinach and artichoke dip crostinis.

And, a little tart with curly chocolate shavings on top.

I get seduced by that one every time.

I always regret it.

Because it pretty much tastes like dirt.

This year, extra excitement was added with real, live, lit candles.

I kept an eye on the name-tag-writing table.

I was just sure one of the ladies was going to lean over and accidentally catch her hair on fire.

It didn't happen.

But it would have been a lot cooler if it had.

Maybe next year I can talk someone into fireworks.

Or a bonfire.