For our 2nd Annual Christmas lunch, we met at Kobe. Not only did we celebrate our second year as independent agents, but one of my good friends had recently joined us because we’d switched from insurance agents to call center agents or “guides” as our present company referred to the position.
Last year, when we’d all made our great escape from employee-dom, we women had taken our group picture sans the husbands when one of the men shouted, “Fuck A**,” the company where we’d all left. This time around, everyone was in the picture when the same guy yelled the same outburst, soliciting the biggest group photo laugh.
Despite the fact that only one of us remained an insurance agent, all of us absolutely loved no longer being an employee and took full advantage of our flexible schedules. When it was my turn to offer inspirational words for the new year, I advised everyone to stay on the right side of natural selection. After the laughter died down, I explained that if we ever found ourselves in a losing proposition because what we’re currently doing is no longer working, then we have to at least tweak what we’re doing.
After we finished up our Christmas pictures around the tree, the grill show began. The funniest part was the chef putting out the fire with a boy-shaped bottle, pissing out water, followed by a fake bottle that he pointed at one of my friends who had been constantly on her phone.
He startled her, causing her to touch her face and look at her clothes, then she asked, “Is there something on my face?” We all laughed at her. I asked her, “How could there be something on your face if you don’t feel it?”
From there, the food and cocktails flowed as wonderfully as the conversation. The courses of fried rice, scallops, and steak, built upon themselves, followed by my dessert drink: a Godiva chocolate martini!
Par for the course, we were the loudest, happiest table in the restaurant. Truly the best intersection of good libations and conversation. That good feeling fueled me all the way home through damn near gridlock.
The following Tuesday, my apartment complex hosted its “Jingle & Mingle” social. I attend these events with the lowest of expectations since I’m only going to eat and drink my yearly increase of rent’s worth. For this event, though, I actually had fun dressing up and meeting new people.
Plus, other people dressed up. My Santa hat with the tiara didn’t escape notice, but this look wasn’t too hard to throw together since a third of my closet is costumes and accessories. I had a very interesting series of conversations with one couple, who I’m sure I wouldn’t have met outside of this event, so I got a little more than I bargained for.
One thing I knew was waiting for me was a bottle of Malbec. After the resolution of the last miscommunication between the leasing office and me, the leasing agent asked if I preferred red or white wine. I told her red, especially Malbec.
I’ve stored it in the cabinet for 2019. I’m still not drinking alcohol at home during the holidays. I’m going to modify that once the holidays are over. I like the routine I have now of making a carafe of fruit flavored water with only three tablespoons of sugar. Along with seven cups of water, it’s not a sugary beverage, but it’s different than just plain water.
One of the best things my carafe of flavored water mocktail does for me is give me an elegant solution to my routine of having a glass of wine with lunch. Just plain water seems too blah, but I’m committed to reducing my alcohol consumption to just with dinner, which that gifted bottle of Malbec will be on Jan. 1st!