a small party...

sometimes i have the opportunity to attend some cool events.  i had one of those opportunities the other day.  let me set the scene.  i was enjoying a quiet evening sitting at a table for two, in a darkly lit room with my notebook, writing a short story and sipping a crisp cold scotch ale.  it was one of those moments when the words were flowing freely, when a ding on my phone, i hadn't heard in a while, interrupted me.  the message read:

i have a small party to go to in seattle.  do you want to come?

after a quick review of my clothes, because i knew i wasn't going to have time to go home and change, i said yes, where should i meet you?  so i met my friend and off we went.  on our way down i thought i should find out what i was walking in to.  so, what kind of party are we going to?  after a small chuckle my friend said, it's my company post holiday party.  a company holiday party?  crap, i wasn't dressed appropriately for a holiday party.  i was wearing jeans, an over sized black sweater with a huge white cross on my chest, and flat suede tan boots. 

we pull into the parking garage at the century link stadium with thousands of other cars, find a parking spot and funnel, like a cow in a herd going to slaughter, through the doors to this:

you guessed it, i found myself at amazon's post holiday party.  let me just say this right now, amazon throws one heck of a party.  there is so much amazingness to share, i don't even know where to start.  i suppose i should show the back side of the invitation because it was a map of everything to see

we entered the party smack dab in the middle at icy arctic.  we were greeted with an all male chorus group, dressed in holiday gear complete with earmuffs, singing holiday favorites with an amazon twist. after bypassing the coat check, we entered the party.  first thing i noticed was the shear volume of people.  this "small" holiday party, was the size of the town of snohomish, just a sea of people everywhere you look.

the icy arctic had giant inflatable igloos that you could sit inside of and eat some of the glorious food that was everywhere, or sip on a free beverage.  the snowy park had a karaoke stage and an elevated stage with skaters.  the northern lights was like a night club, it had the main stage, a trapeze artist, and stilt walkers.  the cozy lodge was the game center: foosball, shuffle board, billiards, air hockey and a fire a mini marshmallow into a paint can attached to a wall with a mini bow.  the warm retreat was lit by red lights had tarot card readers and tons of couches for lounging.  every area had food stations, beverage stations and picture opportunities (either a portrait type of photo booth type).

with so many people, you might be hard pressed to find someone you know, if you hadn't made prior arrangements to meet somewhere.  so for the evening we played two games who is the employee? and do you know that person?  the people watching at this party was awesome, my favorite duo was the man who's plus one was a robot.  oh and remember i didn't think i had on the proper attire?  well, the dress ranged anywhere from the man in his swim trunks, t-shirt and flip flops to full on tux and ball gowns.  i fit right in.  

if you ever have a chance to go to a party hosted by amazon, go!  you will not be disappointed.  it was definitely a blast, an opportunity i am glad i didn't pass up.  thank you friend!