Beat It!!

I enjoy going to business parties. Probably the biggest reason is my wonderful husband. He is an amazing "people person" and people tend to really enjoy him. And as he is talking with people, he always talks me up- telling people how wonderful I am, which is probably not deserved. But when his co-workers meet me, they usually meet me with an "awe", like I'm this amazing person--because of how BA Baracas talks about me. Sometimes, it's nice to be a mysterious stranger whom is married to the life of the party.

Last night was a Christmas work party. BA Baracus knew probably half of the 50 people there. I knew a small handful, at most. We got sat at the young, party table because...well, we weren't over 50. I have to insert that I don't understand girls sometimes. I had at least twice the amount of fabric covering my body as all the girls on my table. And I got cold every now and then. I get wanting to be "sexy", but how about wanting to be warm?

Anyway, things went on pretty uneventful until the live band started. BA Baracas decided that it was our night. When I got back from using the restroom, he was tearing up the dance floor. Oh, how I wish I could've grabbed my camera and had at least a small video clip. I'm so sorry I didn't! It would've provided you all with some good humor for the day. He brought out all the dance moves- everything. At the end of the song, one of our friends announced, "And there is BA Baracas without any alcohol!"

Later, when "Beat It" came on, BA was disapointed that a less sober young man found his way to the dance floor with his also less sober date and they took the entire dance floor doing some staggering rendition of Michael Jackson.

My most favorite couple of the night to watch, however, was a couple probably in their 60s. Very dignified looking. Like someone who would be a Bishop- perhaps a little on the conservative side. This couple would go out on the dance floor and dance like 20 year olds. Not just your usual "deacon shuffle", the whole thing, shaking the bootie included.

And, I must mention a couple of older women, probably in their 70s. Very "grandma" looking women. VERY nice. Out on the dance floor dancing like they were young. I want to be like that when I get older. Young is as young does.

I'm sad it will be our last year to attend this party. I had a great time.


About two weeks ago, my brain temporarily stopped working when I gave in to my children's request for a friend Christmas party. And, furthermore, it hadn't started working again when I told them they could each invite 5 kids. A few days later when I was in fully functioning mode, I knew it was too late to turn back. So a few nights ago BA Baracas and I the children put on a Christmas party for their friends. BA Baracas and I The children got everything ready amidst fighting and threatenings of groundings cheerfully and without incidence.

All 20 children came (a few had siblings that were my children's ages that they hadn't included in their 5 friends list). I split them into a younger group and an older group. BA Baracas took the older group and I took the younger group. We had planned activities in 15 minute rotations. Everything went well until we were doing the white elephant gift exchange.

You should have seen the younger kids. It was very apparent that their parents had spoken to them about what they might or might not get at a white elephant gift exchange, and they were all WONDERFUL!! I was in the middle of the event with the younger kids downstairs when BA Baracas came down with a concerned look on his face. They had finished the gift exchange upstairs. "Do we have extra presents down here for the kids who hate their gifts?"

That's when we switched groups.

BA Baracus has a hard time laying down the law.

I don't.

The scolding I gave to the older group was as severe as I could make it, considering they were at my house, of their own free will and choice, for a Christmas party. Still...

The outright complaining ended, but they did ask if they could trade gifts. I didn't mind that as long as there wasn't any complaining. There was. But I ignored it. Thank goodness for a few of the peacemakers who were more concerned that others were happy than that they got spectacular gifts (Doe being one of them. Sorry, I just have to take a moment to brag. But as soon as I brag, I know that it has nothing to do with me. He came this way- our peacemaker through and through.)

We made it through the party. It turned out ok. I even would probably do it again. But not for a few years.



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