"We're not party people, we're just lonely in big crowds"

This year's work Christmas party was extravagant. There were suits and slinky dresses almost everywhere. It's not at all my scene. My voice gets lost in all the noise - Along with everything else. So I just watch... Looking for snippets of value in a carpet bomb of lights, music, and unfocused intention. It wears me down. Half an hour in I was ready to wander aimlessly around town - With the hope of eventually finding a CalTrain station. After some consideration, trading one lost for another didn't seem like the best choice. So I stayed and found familiar friends followed by a retreat to the lowest key room around. No costumed dancers and bright colored shots... Just two pool tables and some very large couches. And that's where I stayed. Sitting and chatting with Livia (Biz's shack-up) and enjoying a respite from the weight outside.

When I got home, Lane was already asleep. Snuggled up tight with a variety of stuffed critters. I climbed into the long since warm bed, traded a few half asleep kisses, and fell asleep wondering why I ever left.