Today was wire-to-wire busy at work. First time since I’ve started that I’ve been on the go nonstop at CenturyCo. I guess I’ve gotten spoiled, not having to sweat over tight publishing deadlines.

So, I’m on the Party Planning Committee. I didn’t volunteer for this, but rather, inherited the role when I accepted the job. Which is fine and makes me laugh, because I am reminded of the Dunder-Mifflin Party Planning Committee on one of my favorite sitcoms of all time, The Office. I had forgotten just how well that show portrays Corporate America at its finest. Uncannily so. Remember their half-assed attempt at celebrating Kelly’s birthday?

Don’t worry, our holiday party will be a million times better—even if it’s virtual this year. I’m impressed with all the legwork everybody has done in planning this event. I’m even more impressed with the budget they have set aside for employee gifts and giveaways. We’re talking thousands of dollars. Holy cow. Still wondering how I got so lucky and landed this job!

Last year’s holiday “party” was a potluck at work and a gingerbread house contest. Don’t get me wrong; it was fun, but I had zero percent chance of winning an iPad or Roomba or Apple watch or snowblower.

I know the season isn’t about stuff, but dammit, I really like stuff. Not even going to apologize for that.

Still not sure if I’m writing every day this month…


19 responses to “The Party Planning Committee”

  1. “The Office” brings back great memories. Coincidentally, my brother has worked at a paper company for a long time. OMgosh, Ipad? Apple Watch? You don’t need another snow blower, Mark.🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know, lol. With my luck, I’ll win that one!

      Your brother didn’t happen to live in Scranton PA, did he??

      Liked by 1 person

      1. No, although, he would often say how parts of “The Office” are true to life. For a second there I forgot how Mindy Kaling was part (a big part) of the show, until I watched the clip.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Watching that clip reminds me of just how brilliant the show was. So damn funny. I love the ensemble cast!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Who needs an iPad when you could win a lava lamp…? 😄 If you ask me gifts need to be more creative than…what did you say, snowblowers? Lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That was just one example. I’m impressed with everything on the list…but you’re right; there isn’t a single lava lamp on there!

      Yet.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Already 2/3 of the month tho…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Things are looking pretty good!

      Liked by 1 person

    1. A former coworker of mine was a big fan of The Office and it’s tradition that every year, on our birthdays, we post that on each other’s Facebook walls.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. And hang a barely inflated black balloon somewhere. 🙂

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  4. Never underestimate the importance of stuff. Just ask my husband, he had to build a two story barn to house his.
    😳

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha, yes. Your hubby is the king of stuff!

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Oh my God! So much stuff! Gotta get rid of all the stuff! You and the husband – I swear!

    P.S. We are unapologetic lovers of The Office. That is to say, the ORIGINAL (British) The Office. All others are thieving imposters!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. OK, now, I have to say that yes, I love the original British version of The Office. But the U.S. version is a very worthy show in its own right. With about a billion more episodes too, lol.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. That’s fabulous, though I’m unsure about the virtual part. I’m over the Zoom happy hours at this point. Holy cow on the prizes! All we get is a giant poinsettia (which I do appreciate). Good luck!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. […] having our virtual holiday party this Thursday over Microsoft Teams. It’s definitely an innovative way to celebrate, and […]

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  8. […] and other tomfoolery that, while fun, might not be appropriate for the corporate world. So, the Party Planning Committee tasked me with writing the script. Gotta make sure he says what we want him to say, for the most […]

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