Sunday, December 16, 2007

Partying Down Carlson Style

We missed the Christmas Party last year when Brooks worked at The Pointe, because he had already given his notice that he was going to start working for Carlson. I was totally bummed, because that would have been a nice party for sure. So, this year I was really looking forward to the Carlson Party. They are a great company, and very secure. They have plenty of money, and are not afraid to spend it on their employees. So, I was totally psyched about where we would be going and what would be happening. Brooks remained calm and cool about the whole thing, but we don't get out much without the kids, so I was ready! Taylor tried a new babysitter and everything went great for him. He sat and watched some Sponge Bob with her and apparently laughed a bunch. He even took a bath, and get this-put himself to bed! She asked if he wanted her to lay down with him, and he said "nope" and went to sleep all by himself. He also apparently didn't notice that we were gone in the first place. He also didn't throw any tantrums or go wild and crazy, like he normally does for us. Usually around 8:30 or so he decides he is a wrestler and we have to deal with various wrestler moves when we least expect it. His favorite is "the plop" where he stands up and jumps on you. Jasmine could care less for that one.

Anyway, we happily left on our merry way to Old Town Scottsdale and a restaurant called Kazmierz. We'd looked it up on the internet before hand, and figured it was one of those uber trendy places. We entered through an unmarked door in the back. Which really was kinda silly, as we couldn't find it without someone pointing it out to us, and when I left to call Kristin and check up on Taylor, I had to point it out to a few people who were looking for the same door. We mingled around the bar for a bit, then went into a private room, and had our own wine connoisseur for the evening. The unpregnant people got to try five different wines, plus champagne set to complement their dinner. I smelled the wine and tried to teach Brooks a little about a proper wine tasting, but he could have cared less. That may be the one area where I am slightly more sophisticated then he. The appetizers were delish and Jasmine loved the brushetta best. The salad was next and sooooo delicious. It had arugula and pearl couscous-yum! The main course was an espresso rubbed steak with Yukon potatoes and some type of orange sauce on top. It was OK, but not the best steak I have had. But, for the price (free to us, a bajillion dollars for Carlson) I could not complain. Dessert was a warm brownie served in a cup, and a peanut butter and chocolate ball with a peanut butter cookie on the side. It was very chocolately and delicious! Carlson gave all their employees gifts from Tiffany's. The men received ballpoint pens and the ladies got sterling silver link bracelets-very pretty. We looked them up on the website later when we got home, and Brooks' pen was $150. He wants to sign out new mortgage papers with it.

It was so much fun to get out and have a nice dinner. Everyone he works with is so nice, and they all joke and get along together really well. I can't say enough how cool it is that he works for such a great company and how much they really do for their employees to show they care about them. There are some big changes happening with the company, and it is so exciting that Brooks gets to grow with them.

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