December 18, 2008. Chevy Chase, Md. Parties.

Our parties just get better and better. I am not sure why. Perhaps it is because we have a lot of young people in the office. In recent years, many agents have hired administrative staff, who tend to be young and lively, but that is really not the answer. When I looked out at the dance floor, most of the dancers were in the mature group, not the young ones. In fact, Ken was hoping that Gary was fit, as he certainly was getting a workout on the dance floor. He looked spectacular in Melinda's red shawl. But Will, a young man, was the best sport, dancing with all the ladies and doing it very well too. Carol E can always get the group dancing, and Linda P and her husband were a great asset on the dance floor. The food was good and the drinks flowed freely, which always makes for a good party. I think the real reason for the success of the party is that these folks really do like each other, but they are so busy with their job that they never see each other on a regular basis. Other than sales meetings, which are short once a week, the agents and the staff come and go and come and go again, never staying in the office for a long period of time. Another reason the parties just get better is that many folks have been at the Holiday Party for twenty one years, so the spouses know each other by now so they can catch up on the past year's activities. But whatever the reason, it was a great party. Maureen waved her magic wand and organized the details at Tommy Joe's, and we all just arrived and enjoyed the event. Of course, we have some traditions. Being wreathed by Peppy is important. Now we look forward to a dynamite 2009, and our celebration at the Holiday Party, 2009.