Work Christmas Party (Nov.23, 2018)

Our company Christmas party is tonight in the city at the River Cree Casino so my plan was to work until lunch then head in there.

I got lots done this morning - even came in extra early so I could get my office decorated for Christmas.

I ended up scheduling a meeting for 1 pm so I went home at lunch, showered and packed then headed back to the office for the meeting.

Once the meeting was over, I was off to the city.

Today is Black Friday so I really wanted to get to the Hallmark store to see if they had any deals going on.

Even though it was way over on the other side of the city from where I needed to go, I headed over there.

Much to my surprise (and disappointment), the store was gone when I got there.

It must have closed up but I just never noticed.

I knew there was one in the mall but no way I was going there today so instead I went into Addition Elle to look for a top to wear tonight.

I wanted something sparkly but they didn't have much to chose from.

I tried on a bunch of stuff and didn't like anything but I really needed something so I settled on getting just a black tshirt.

I figured I could get a really fancy necklace and bling it up.

When I was looking for one, I came across a black flowered top.

It wasn't glitzy or glammy or anything but I thought I'd give it a try and as soon as I had it on I knew it was the one.

I loved it!

Being Black Friday, everything in the store was 50% off (BONUS) so I grabbed a bra, a necklace, some bracelets and a hat for my niece.

I had a quick look around Michaels too and picked up some glitzy reindeer antlers to break out later at the party.

I was running late so made my way over to the casino where our party was.

Traffic was crazy.

I got there and parked REALLY far away from the entrance.

The reception desk was busy and when I got up there, I realized I didn't have my wallet.

So I had to go all the way back to the truck to find it.

I searched everywhere and I could not find it.

I was starting to panic and freak out.

I thought I must have set it on the side of the truck then drove away so I was thinking that I'd have to go back through all that traffic back to the store to look.

I had one more look through the truck just in case and ended up finding it way under my seat.

I was so relieved.

I went back and got all checked in.

I had already done my hair so I just needed to change and I was ready for the party in 15 minutes.

I headed down and found Bl and his wife, TL at a table so asked if I could join them.

Soon enough, SG and her hubby and BH and her hubby joined us.

So did NCT and KT.  The area KT works in has been moved around from district to district over the past few years but now is back in our district again so it was nice that they were able to come and party with us again.

SG and her hubby JG rounded out our table.

SV had to cancel last minute because she has a pinched nerve and is really in a lot of pain.

We missed having her there.


The tables were set very nicely.

I made sure to get around and take pictures of everyone from our district.

I used to do it when we had our parties in town and it was nice to get back to it.

It's a great way to make sure I get around and say hi to everyone.
So following are a bunch of my co-workers.

JH and his wife.

RM and his lady.

RH & wife

BT & wife

JD & Wife

JV & Wife

JZ & Wife

CT was able to make it and it was so nice to see her there.

I told her and her hubby, JT, how lovely their girls are and how much I enjoyed their visit to the office.


These are mainly the E&I group.
They are a great group of friends and all really nice guys - awesome to work with, as are all my co-workers.

CS & Wife

TC & Wife

BH with AR & his wife.

These guys are our EIT's and they are super nice.

They work in our St Albert office though so we don't see them that often.

Got one of just AR & his wife as well.

Last but not least, CL and his wife.

It was nice to see so many had showed up.

Our parties used to be right in town which was much more convenient so I'm glad they still make an effort to come.

We got our usual girls picture too - our numbers sure have dwindled over the years.

Here are a few from years past.

2008

2008

2009

2009

2010

We attended the Christmas Party in Red Earth that year too.

2010

2011

2012

I couldn't find any pictures from 2013 for some reason?

I was in NYC in 2014 in early December and missed the Christmas party that year.

2015

I attended in 2016 but sadly didn't take any pictures.

2017

There, that was a fun throwback to the past.

Supper was great.

There was salmon, turkey and beef - quite the spread.

Dessert was really good too - I had to try a little bit of each.

The sauce on the bread pudding was my favorite.

My old bose RH was there with her daughter as her date and she and I danced all night long.

I put on a lot of steps.

I think by the time I went to bed, I already had 7000 steps towards tomorrows total racked up.


You know I had to get a selfie with them.


There was lots of merry making going on throughout the night.

Lots of pictures of everyone all prettied up too.

There was lots of visiting,

Mingling,

Just general fun.

Nobody just sat at one table, everyone got up and moved around and visited everyone else.

The line ups to the bar were quite long but at least you could visit while you were standing in line.

The ties were loosened by this time or gone altogether.

I made sure to get in a few of the pictures myself.

Just being silly.

As usual, we closed out the party.

There were a few folks there from Edson district too so we congratulated them on hanging in there and we all took pictures together.  

The crew that hung in until the bitter end.

We went out to the casino but kind of split up after that.

I tried my hand at a couple of slot machines but had no luck so called it a night and headed to my room.


I had a whole big king size bed all to myself.

I did miss My Honey though!

It was close to 4 am when I finally laid my head on the pillow.

I can't remember the last time I stayed up this late.

It was a fun night and I am glad I decided to come in the end.

Got lots of steps in today!

Yup!

That is all for today, until next time, be happy.