Christmastime and Tortoise Shells

At work today I got to have the dubious honor of handing out some of the Christmas bonuses to the staff. It was monetary and not cheap like a subscription for the Jelly of the Month club so I was received fairly well. To help with the festive occasion, I donned a very large, very tacky Santa hat. It truly is amazing the feeling that one has when handing out presents. This is what the season is all about-that warm sensation in your gut that is just a fantastic feeling. Oh wait, that's the Eggnog....
Becky is in full party mode. We have the First (and possibly last) Ugly Christmas Sweater Party this weekend. Over 100 people are expected and for the life of me I am not sure how in the hell happened. I didn't think I knew 100 people, let alone invite them to my sanctum sanctorum so they can silently judge me and my house (like I do when I go to parties). Just kidding, but this is the most people we have every had in the house at one time and certainly enough alcohol to soothe the most chapped of Holiday moods. Can't say I am not nervous but it will be good to branch out from my introverted self and suck down a few brews with over 100 of my closest friends.
The kids are on their way to Henderson for the weekend with my folks. Thank God for Mom and Dad stepping up to the plate to help out. Couldn't imagine doing this party with three wee ones around. The pooch is headed to the Spa (aka Vet) for the weekend where she will be far away from our guests' crotches and the the allure of the onion dip. That dog just doesn't have any social graces, bless her little heart....
What I have discovered about planning a party with my wife is that the party takes on a life of it's own. I thought "hey, put out some chips, beer on ice...we got a party". Apparently that is not the way it is done. There are "considerations" to be had, varying from who mixes well with whom, the amount and quality of beverages, the food and the prep/presentation of the food and so forth. This thing went from a small soiree to a major undertaking. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I am just amazed with the amount of planning that goes into this. It will be a success-for the simple reason that my wife IS in charge of it. She thrives on this shit. Me? Not so much. The more planning/elaborate the party, the more tortoise like my personality becomes and I shut down. Not sure why, but it does. Oh well, time to break out the Holiday Tortoise shell and prepare for what appears to be a kick ass party. Cheers!