Monday, December 15, 2014

holiday party

No one would ever describe me as a party animal.  Not when I was young, and certainly not now.

But tonight is the annual BAFTA holiday party and I feel I should go.  It's always a nice event, held at the British Consul General's exquisite apartment.

I should go because it is the right thing to do.  I am active in this organization, and know a lot of people.  Plus, it is a good networking opportunity.  

I leave my home dressed in black (of course), armed with a handful of business cards. My goal is to come home with none.

I get to the party and am immediately approached by a a new member of the screening committee, a woman I just recently met.  "I'm all caught up on your blog, " she tells me.  "Yours is the only blog I read." I had no idea she reads it, and am truly flattered that she does. I get some red wine, and end up in conversation with her and another BAFTA colleague.

After a few passed hors d'oeuvres (the stuffed crab is the best), I make my way over to another circle of friends.  Everyone is polished and well-dressed.  We talk about movies and exchange thoughts on our favorites.  Dorine loved Inherent Vice, the one my friend had an anxiety attack over. She hated it that much.

I make it over to say hi to Christina, BAFTA's chief executive, and an exceptionally nice woman. We talk for a few minutes before I leave; too many others are vying for her attention.

I return to my small circle of friends to say good-bye.  It is already 15 minutes past the end time of this party. I know this may sound hokey, but really, I feel lucky to be part of this organization.

I leave with all the business cards I came with. I have not given out even one. But that's okay.  I had a great time socializing with people I genuinely like.

And the best part?  I'm home by 8:15.

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