Work gives PRESENTS!

The diner never did this! Today was the holiday party at work. I wore my dress from when I graduated high school with a long sleeve black shirt underneath. Josh told me most people get a new outfit for something like this and I should at least have some summer dresses and some winter ones but he told me this last night when I was getting ready for bed so it wasn't like I could go try to find something. Plus that just seems silly to have dresses for different seasons. Josh told me I'm wrong, to ask his mother.

The holiday party wasn't just the office I work in but all the companies on the floor. I had to meet with one of my teachers and got to the party like a half hour after it started because I also had to change my clothes in a bathroom first. The woman who coordinated came up when I walked in and let me know she told the bartender I am 21. I went to the bar but then didn't know what to ask for so I asked him what other people were drinking. He kind of looked me up and down and then told me, "You want white wine. You don't want to spill red wine on the dress." After I had my drink I noticed a lot of other people were also drinking white wine so it was nice he didn't lie to me.

It was more fun than I thought it would be. I don't know why I was so nervous but it was great. There was a pumpkin soup that was really good and I want to learn how to make, and amazing cheesecake for dessert. It turns out that the rule is at work parties you never talk about work. You talk about everything aside from work. When I was about to leave Arnie came over to walk me out. He gave me an envelope and told me to take off tomorrow and Saturday as part of my end-of-year bonus. "I get an end of year bonus?!" Arnie smiled and told me to get home safely.

In the envelope was a card that he wrote on saying I am doing a great job and he's so glad I agreed to work with him and to have a relaxing weekend. Inside the card was also a check for $300 and a giftcard thingie to a fancy spa. I'm going to double check in the morning but I think it's enough to take my sisters and all three of us can do something.

I wondered to Josh if I'm supposed to give Arnie a holiday present now since he gave me one, but Josh was very firm in saying nothing but a heartfelt thank you note. That you never give the boss a holiday present. You only give people who work under you. Josh has never had a real job in his life, but he seemed so certain.

P.S. For the last few weeks I have really pushed to get to bed by midnight every night. Sometimes I don't quite make it, but except for the last week (finals) I have at least started getting ready for bed by midnight. I don't feel any more well-rested or anything in the mornings. But I noticed that if I don't get into bed by 12:30 then if I try to get up early I'm like super sluggish and crash in the afternoon.

Tomorrow I am sleeping really late and already left a note for my sisters saying I don't have to work tomorrow and they shouldn't wake me up.