Yes, its true. I skipped Thursdays post. I was too busy or I just didnt feel it. So, anyway, yesterday was Friday. The Friday before Christmas is the day for the office lunch. So basically the office is closed. Cara was there early, for her, and got a few things done. I got there at about 1130 because I had some stuff to take care of before lunch. Lunch is always a late lunch. Today its at 130. Cara left about 1. I managed to get out by 145, so I was late to the restaurant.
But thats ok, I only have to go to pay for it.
This year we ate at Empress Tavern. Chosen by the employees because I reduse to have input. That gives them buy in and I cant be blamed. The restaurant is in the basement of a very, very old movie theater in downyown Sacramento. Remodeled of course. But going down the stairs has a distinct feel of moviehouse. Kinda weird. The room has all brick walls and ceilings. I am sure its at least a 75 year old building. And no straight lines. The walls and ceiling curve through the cavernous space, in a sweeping fashion somewhat like waves. Very cool room.
I allow, as the host, for everyone to order what they want. Apps, entrees, cocktails, whatever. One day a year for excess. An additional Christmas present, if you will. We got plenty ot food. We ordered appetizers, mussels, brussels sprouts, mac n cheese, and potato wedges. That alone is more than I ever eat for lunch. The mussels were truly exquisite while everything else was only very good.
Emily and I split our lunches. I ordered the burger (best in Sacramento this year) and she ordered the fried chicken sandwich. The burger was better but it really tasted alot like a Big Mac. But I like Big Macs. A couple of others at the sfs thought the same thing. Funny.
Most of the others ordered beer and wine. Michael ordered a strange tiki cocktail made with scotch. Strange. I ordered an older fashion. Was so good, I ordered another. I lke a good old fashion. Mine are still better. Way better. By mine I mean the ones I make at home. Which do approach incredible. And surpass it. Yes, they are that good.
We, of course its Christmas, brought gifts for all. Emily picked out gifts for all the girls. I was in charge of Walker so he got a bottle of my favorite tequila. Which is the finest of gifts. I picked it so its the best. Walker bought me a bottle of nice rum. Which will become a Mai Tai. Which is another drink I make very well. Better than Trader Vic and he invented the drink. In 1944. Or 46. Something. Give him a few years and he will be good at it. The office buys me a gift every year as well. This year I got a little “disc” that helps you find lost keys or glasses or whatever. But, the coolest thing, my phone has the app on it for finding things. So all i ne d donis press the button on my key fob and my phone rings. Even if set on silent. I love it.
After lunch I went back to the office. It was only 430 and I still had lots of work to do. I had a ton of calls to return and I actually had a tax return to work on. Not really exciting stuff, like most days, but again it pays the bills. Great news. A client called and he had to come and see me. He owes me money so I told him to bring money with him. So he brought 1000$ cash. Right at Christmas. This year has been crazy, I have collected $6k AR in the last week. No one pays at Christmas. Ever. This year, money. Wow. Good for last minute gifts and liquor. Or gifts of liquor. Plenty of sundry expense at the holidays.
I went home at about 7. The kids were both out with friends. Emily and I spent a couple hours cleaning. We have shiwings tomorrow at our house. So the work never ends. I did take the time to have a little to eat. Was not starving after the large lunch but had some. And, btw cleaning the house sucks.
We got to bed. We have lots to get ready for tomorrow. Party and going to Windsor to see Marika.