Although I started a new job this week, my old company was gracious enough to invite me to their holiday party, which took place last Wednesday at the speakeasy style bar, the Back Room.
This is the nondescript bar entrance, which is marked by this sign. In any other city, this would be just plain dirty, but in New York, of course it gives the bar an immediate hip cache.
Then you walk through this tunnel.
And up the steps to this simple door. Once you step inside, you're met by the warm glow of the soft wood decor in this intimate split level bar. Our party however took place away from the plebes in a private room that is accessed by a fake bookshelf entrance.
Perry gives the speech thanking everyone for their hard work. Note the tea cup which is how mixed drinks are served. The party opened with the exchange of secret santa gifts.
Tony was my secret santa, so here he is opening his present. Xbox game.
Cliff with his video game gift card.
Midway, Jim, my all time favorite finance guy (how many accounting guys do you know of who can break dance and recite lyrics to almost every rap song out there?) shows up! You can't get more gangsta then the maroon v-neck.
Dave, the self-proclaimed Madden champ of the universe, was my secret santa. Thanks for the nice Adidas kicks! My last two weeks at the company I was relocated next to him and basically killed his productivity by engaging him in riveting discussions and arguments as disparate as the history of sneakers, how badly I could destroy him at Madden, and whether Superman or Predator could beat the Green Lantern (I said Green Lantern is superior to both). Did I mention Dave also used to work as Madonna's bodyguard in the '90s?
Damaris thanking Sharon for her gift.
Tom digging through his bag for his gift.
And Tom brough the arts by reading a poem he wrote.
Not only did Marelle receive a poem, Tom also got her this...object, which I understand is called a "see-dee." It's like a record that you put into this machine, and it plays music! I think my parents have this machine.
Christien opening his gift. After my sneakers, this might be the second dopest gift!
And he also got hot sauce!
And Perry nervously awaiting her gift. I think Christien got her a gift card to a massage salon or something.
Staceyann making sure her thoughts are known!
Jim's like "screw gifts." Food, bitches!
Staceyann the diva in full force!
Staceyann thanking Perry. Note how carefully Perry is holding her glass o' alcohol. Sorry Perry for spilling vodka tonic on you later that night!!
Lea freaking out because she thought she knew who her secret santa was. Wrong!
Lea is very excited about her gift from Tara.
Jim with his gift. You can probably surmise that he has kids.
The other company who shares the same office spaces gives Perry a little familiar color token of appreciation.
Rory makes an appearance!
Lea doing something here.
Looks like I got two secret santa gifts.
I always tip well. I think she made about 10 bucks. Honestly though, this behavior should be encouraged at all bars.
Haha. Rory and Linda!
Me and Jim. Note the collar shirt and v-neck sweater combo. I haven't dressed like this since college when I was going through my J Crew phase.
Tony will probably claim he was 'dragged' out onto the dance floor, although it looks like he is a very willing participant here with his own agency. Go Ton-y! Go-Ton-y! Drop it low, Ton-y!
Damaris shows her appreciation for Tony's dancing skills.
Me and Tony! The bar serves their beer in paper bags. I guess that's cool? Although it seems very non environmentally friendly.
My now former co-workers! Miss you all!
Lea trying to choke Damaris.
Haha.
By the end of the night everyone was treating the bartender like an old friend and coworker. Gawd, open bars rock.
Dance dance revolution in full effect.
Haha.
Tony and his harem, I mean very respectable and awesome coworkers!
Tony and Marelle.
After the open bar ended, Staceyann, Lea, and I got the munchies.
Ah, the drunken mouth open photo shot never gets old.
See! It never gets old.
Mmmm pizza.
Lea conducting a pizza orchestra.
Not sure whether Staceyann is laughing or about to throw up.
After pizza, I insisted on McDonalds, where Lea got us four cheeseburgers, fries, and a 10 piece McNugget.
But this is what's crazy! THREE out of the four cheeseburgers did NOT have meat in them. What the fuck?! At least we were able to get a comped refill on our soda.