I apologize in advance for the poor pictures I took tonight. But, I’m taking a photography class soon, so you have a limited amount of time to enjoy / make fun of my tragic handy-work.
In other news, my cat died and we had him stuffed.
Okay, not really, but he did stand like a statue on our book case long enough to creep me out and make me grab the camera.
Yep, still there…
Afternoon snackage was the usual weird, yet blogger friendly fare – Vitatop with PB and iced coffee…
Roasted broccoli and an unpictured granola bar on the way to the party.
Ben’s work Christmas party was tonight. It was held at Orange Hill in Orange, CA.
This place has the most amazing views! It’s on a hill (shocking) and you can see for miles and miles. There are outside fire pits so you can enjoy the views year ‘round too! Tonight was cold by SoCal standards, around 48 or so, but the fire pits made it pleasant.
As soon as we arrived I got a Vodka tonic.
Champagne was served with dinner too. You guys know I love all things bubbly and would drink champagne exclusively if they stocked it at race fuel stations. True story.
We sat inside, but there were HUGE windows so we could enjoy the view with dinner. Luckily, it was a clear night.
Appetizers included crab stuffed mushrooms. I miss MD crab!
Hot, doughy sourdough rolls with butter were served before the salad course. I cannot turn down a hot roll. Cannot and will not.
For my main dish I ordered the grilled salmon. Fact: If there is salmon on the menu I get it every time. Or at least 99 times out of 100.
Do you know why dessert is served last? Um, because it’s always the best part of the night. It’s science.
This was the first petit four I’ve ever had! It’s a big night here in RER land.
Except I kept pronouncing it “Petite Four” and even when corrected 3 times couldn’t get it right. Oh well. Oh well. It was chocolate and I was happy.
Ben’s friend Brian got me a champagne and raspberry liquor drink. I think I love champagne even more after tonight – if that’s even possible!
After dinner and chatting and fun we went outside to enjoy the views.
I had only met one of Ben’s co-workers before so it was really great to get to spend time with everyone. I had a great time 
Happy Holidays!
Question: Did you have your work holiday party yet? Does you work do something fun?
I started a Christmas slipper exchange at my old work where we did a secret Santa inspired gift exchange, but you had to get the other person slippers. Everyone loved it so much they’ve been doing it for years every since!
Your cat does look stuffed…sitting so straight and still! Our cat is far to ADD for that!
We have a department get together at co-workers house, but I’ll be at work for that…go figure. I’ve also heard tale of a department lunch at the new mongolian grill in town. I’m excited for that!
Maybe when you come to town for Fitbloggin you can get some yummy MD crab cakes…I so hope that I can make it!!!! I went to Nacho Mammas over the summer and got crab nachoes…holy cow they were amazing!!! Have a great day:)
Our office party is on the 22nd. I’m the organizer! We’re going to an Italian place that has karaoke. It’s been our go-to place for the last three years. The karaoke adds an extra element of fun, and it’s all pretty laid back and casual, which matching our office environment.
What a cool looking restaurant! It reminds me of the Portland City Grill. It’s on the top floor of a 40 story building and the views of the entire city are amazing. The food is excellent too. What a romantic spot!
You look so pretty! That coat is the absolute perfect color for you 🙂
Looks like a great party! That’s one thing I miss about working, the office holiday party!! Such a fun time 🙂
Jen
This restaurant looks super swanky! And you guys look great!
First, you look so beautiful!
Second, the cat pictures CRACKED ME UP. And that’s not necessarily a great thing, since I’m at my desk at work trying to discretely check my Google reader.
Ha! Sorry, but I’m glad you got a laugh out of it.
We did for the first time last year, but people must have not liked it because they didn’t do one this year! And we’re off from now until January 4th, so it won’t be happening.
Is it lame to admit that I almost believed you stuffed your cat for a brief moment? Today’s our company’s holiday party. We rent a room at a nice Italian restaurant and will eat tons of pasta! We have one of those crazy gift exchanges where you draw numbers get gifts and then steal gifts from people…not sure quite how this works as I’ve never done it before.
What a great night! You look beautiful and I love the color of your jacket.
I don’t have a job, therefore, I don’t have a party to attend. My husband’s work party is today, in the middle of the day, and you have to pay $$$ to go. It’s the dumbest thing ever, if you ask me. We’re not going.
Thanks 🙂
Yeah, if I had to pay money to go to a Christmas party I wouldn’t go.
you went to orange hill!? i’ve heard about that place for years…wanted to go there in my non-veg days!
It was really nice! We had a set menu and they didn’t even offer a vegetarian option so I have no idea how good those dishes would be.
Sure did – a Southern-style spread with fried turkey, BBQ, mac ‘n cheese, yams, green beans and a ton of dessert. It was on Wednesday, and I haven’t been hungry since!
We don’t have anything… 🙁 Boo. But I guess as a teacher I get 2 whole weeks off paid, so I shouldn’t complain much. 🙂
The party looked fab and so did dessert!
LOVE your hair curled! Looks so pretty! U both looked so nice all dressed up!
We have a pot luck at work, but I would never object if someone wanted to throw a fancy Christmas party for the teachers.
Love the slipper exchange idea. I need a group to exchange slippers with…
Sounds like a fantastic party. You guys look so great too!