Mike Pictor

Yesterday was my company christmas party. I fel the need to have fun, and go all out, and give Helen an escort worthy of her.

First of all, for the first time ever, I got highlights in my hair, in addition to getting a hair cut.

This was a very new experience for me. Oh I have heard about people doing this, but I had never done. I had no idea what to ask for, to suggest. Amy was very good, made some suggestions, some comments, and then just took charge. In retrospect, I think I would have preferred thicker lines, when my hair is dry it’s very hard to see the colour as a distinct element, but it’s a fine first try. At least I know what I may be getting into, and can decide if I want to do anything more interesting.

Second, I rented a tux. This picture….is not my favourite, it was about an hour after the hair cut, and with the product, and styling, it came off more …. poofy then I wanted, but it looks better with just a regular combing, and no goop. In any case, it’s the only shot I managed to get of me (forgot to get any taken of us at the party proper.

It was the whole deal. There was a cumberbund, vest, frech cuffs, a bowtie….I’ve *never* worn a bow tie. It was fun.  You’ve seen the picture of Helen of course, but she’s worth re-posting.

The party itself was good fun, though as usual for these things, too loud. I don’t know why dance parties must have sound so loud that you basically can’t talk. Our DJs though, are very good, and very understanding. They actually nudged the sound down a bit at Helen’s request.

There were blessedly fewer stupid party games, just music and dancing. Helen and I tried some ballroom, cha-cha, triple swing mostly, a little rhumba and mambo, but there is just so little space, and a floor that is too crowded, that it’s hard to do it justice. Still, the DJs were pleased by our willing effort though, as we got a special door prize of a bottle of wine…I think for just being generally able and enthusiastic on the dance floor.

Everyone was dressed very spiff, and Helen turned heads yet again when people realized she had made her own outfit. The only person to recognize the inspiration for Helen’s dress however, was the other person in an indian outfit herself.

Helen went absolutely kid-in-a-candy-store when she saw this outfit. They chatted a fair bit about how lovely indian fashion was, a kindred spirit I think.