A couple of things happened Thursday evening. Actually a whole lot of things happened on Thursday, the day before the last day before our winter vacation…but I'll just focus on Thursday evening.

After a hectic, hectic day, the annual winter concert was held.

Then, for the first time, the holiday party was held following the winter concert.

It kept me up (and out) way past my bedtime, but I really enjoyed it.

The party was held at a restaurant not far from school.

It's a place we've been to often, but this was different because there were trays of appetizers all for us. (Sliders, baked macaroni and cheese [I think], pita chips and spinach and artichoke dip, chocolate covered strawberries.)

What wasn't different was that we were in a public section, with some tables reserved, but the whole section wasn't closed off - it was still public. That was a little weird.

The food was great, though, and the company was good. I work with some pretty great people.

And it means that on Friday after dismissal my vacation begins. (That's historically been when we have our party.) I am A-OK with that.

I could have skipped this party, I suppose, and had an early-ish Thursday night and then an earlier-than-usual dismissal on Friday…but I wanted to be with my co-workers. I'm glad I did it.

The only problem is, after a late Thursday night, having enough coffee Friday morning to get me to dismissal on Friday.

I'll bite that bullet.

The two weeks off will be my reward.