San Francisco Bay Gala

Last night, I attended the San Francisco Bay Gala, benefiting The Bay Institute and Aquarium of the Bay, at the Maritime Museum. Our company was one of the major sponsors - and I'm pretty sure it was MAJOR. Our logo was the biggest on all the banners; it looked like we were the ones hosting the event. Either that, or we were the ones who submitted the biggest logo. ;)

As you can see, I got to wear a pretty little black dress, tryin' to work it =D. There were about 15 of us from our company. Our CEO actually knows my name now, but I don't know if that was because he saw my name tag or if he really remembered because I sent him a few emails to remind him of the event. Either way, he said hello and gave me a hug and I was uncomfortable (I mean, he IS the Big BIG Boss) so I smiled and walked away haha... I saw a few other acquaintances, but I didn't schmooze much.

It was a really fun night though. Our General Manager was his usual hilarious self. I pretty much just laughed my ass off listening to him and the other directors bounce off each other. We hung out at the breezy outdoor reception area, having apps and drinks, and making fun of the entertainment (girls on stilts and a lady dressed like a jellyfish.)

There were tons of great appetizers, including oysters in a half shell, tuna tartare mini tacos, thumb-sized mini burgers, an inside out BLT (bacon on the outside with a tomato paste and a crouton in the middle... soooo freakin good!) and a few other ones I can't describe or didn't bother to know the name because I just stuffed them in my mouth. Then the buffet included to-die-for empanadas, steak strips, and shrimp in garlic-butter sauce. The desserts were OMG-I-need-to-stop-eating-already-but-i-can't-because-it's-soooo-good. Oh the food was amazing! The best part of all - Open. Bar.

Well, it wasn't like I got pissed-drunk. I had 2 cocktails and a glass of champagne. I had to drive home after all. Just enough to not be so shy. I talked to just a few people. Almost everyone at that event knew each other since most folks had been in the industry forever. I'll get there someday...

I hung out with the girls from work the rest of the night, and I really enjoyed their company. Even though I see them every single day, it's nice to get to know them outside of work. They're all a bit older than me, but I feel like we're all on the same level. They're really fun to be with (did that sound a bit... corporate?)

Well, I love my job, and it has been an amazing year for me. I may not be making much, but it's more important that I enjoy what I'm doing. I really do. The hospitality/tourism industry is what I've wanted to do since I was young, and I'm finally here.

God is awesome.