Gala la la la la and etc.

I should mention that on Friday night I attended my board's Christmas Gala. It was fun. I don't know many of my co-workers very well, but it was great to see how many of us attended the event. Some offices only had a few people there, and we had almost 30, (our office only has about 40 agents...) My sister was there with her boyfriend, my friend Lisa with her new boyfriend, and I spent some time with an agent whom I like and respect, but have never met. Very cool. The volunteers that put the party together did a great job. I saw some agents that I have worked with over the years, and some agents that I used to work with at other offices. A few agents I avoided like the plague, but it is good seeing that these people can have fun.

Billy is in Buffalo. He called me when they arrived at the hotel, and then later from a local bar. Very lucky man! I hope that he is having a great time, he's been a little stressed lately, and life is about these little side trips. It's what you remember down the road. Rarely does one look back at a long week of work and think, 'yeah, that week was great, what an adventure...' You've got to do these things while you can...

It's a little strange being here sans Billy and Pooch. Usually I'm with one, the other, or both. Not last night! Needless to say that I sleep like a rock...

So let's see, my mom is visiting her brother in Michigan this week-end, and my brother Dave is working today. That means I have to go let out the dogs a couple of times. When Dave called last night to ask me, (my mom already did...) he laughed pretty hard when I told him that I have an open house today, and he realized I have to take the Riverside Elevator truck. Not very professional. I thought that I would just park around the corner, but then potential attendees think that nobody is there.... Rats! Oh well...

I have to start thinking about Christmas cards. I usually send out about 200-250. Oh yes, each personalized, handwritten, (I love getting all cards, but it bugs me when they arrive with only a signature,) and hand addressed. It usually takes me an entire day. I love Canada411.com for finding addresses, much easier than flipping through a phone book, then busting out a magnifying glass to find the postal code... I had enough forethought last year to purchase a pile of cards during the Boxing Day sales. Brilliant! In order to get started I have to almost empty the Closet Under The Stairs. Never an exciting prospect.

I should start thinking about making some flyers and preparing for the open house. I have to run to Sears this morning to buy a gift card, and dinner at Mrs. Grady's tonight. I think at the open house I'll make a Christmas list, and add some names to my Christmas card list, (if I don't do it before I start I will be sending out cards to forgotten friends and clients until December 24th...) Do you find yourself becoming better prepared and organized over the years? More efficient? If I could just get the Closet Under The Stairs more accessible...