Sunday, December 9, 2007

An experiment in socializing

Our little Christmas party/cocktail party went off quite well. Food, drink, and good company. It gave us a chance to be adults and have a social life if only for one evening. Ørjan dropped off Magnus at his mum's for the night which meant we also had a night alone. We haven't had one of those since our wedding anniversary this year when my mum took him for the night and we checked ourselves into the same room we shared on our wedding night. Without revealing too many details about our late-night activities I will however say that it was fantastic. I have a very loving husband that respects and appreciates my body... even at this stage of my pregnancy. Anyhow...

Last night was better than we both had anticipated. Ørjan's mum (as well as Sverre and the great grandparents) returned Magnus home and watched him for the night while we went out. Ørjan was hesitant to make a committment to attend his workplace Christmas party for over two weeks for various reasons, but I reminded him that despite all the paranoia and worries that he carries about work it was still a party and his boss, little bosses, and co-workers were only there to have a good time. We also made the decision to seat ourselves at a more social table this year which maybe was a pleasant mistake. Ørjan isn't a drinker (not even very much of a social drinker when pressured) but he appeared to have no problem pushing his limits as he challenged Oleg. I can't lean on the common misconceptions and stereotypes that Russians or Ukrainians are big drinkers, but having a Ukrainian father has given me many fine and not so pleasant drinking memories and experiences. I could see that Ørjan was intent on having a good time, but I smelled trouble when I could see him encouraging Oleg to take several more drinks and shots with him. Long story short - someone woke up with a bad headache but at least he didn't have to sleep with a bucket next to the bed! I wasn't disappointed that he decided to have a few more drinks than he could handle, but I was however worried that his condition would be slightly more altered when we returned home.

I think we enjoyed ourselves much more than last year for several reasons: A better band (it's slightly personal when it comes to last year's entertainment), a better table, and we didn't bring our worries and guilt with us this year. I've been pushing Ørjan to try to be somewhat more social (since we rarely get out due to Magnus) and I think he succeeded at it. Last year we sat at the end of the hall (which was very conveniently directly across from the food) but it was very cold and drafty. This year we sat directly across from the bar which gave us a more social view of the julebordet but unfortunately meant we were the last ones to choose our food. Speaking of the food - it was ok. Typical Christmas food (a cold table, warm table: pinnekjøtt, julepølser, ribbe, medisterkaker, and dessert which he had no room for!) eaten the same way as last year.

Now Ørjan's still sleeping off his big night and Magnus is napping. It's been a great weekend. Friday and Saturday were our very needed nights off, and today appears to be a lazy Sunday. Perfect.

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