Christmas Party Strategies For The MI.

Matthew · Post by **Matthew** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:15 pm

I have gone to a couple of Christmas parties this weekend. In past years it has been with fear a trepidation in that I might eat something that would set me off. This year I really considered not going to them at all but then thought what a shame to let MC get in the way of the holiday spirit and visiting with wonderful people.

So I have come up with a different strategy. Had something to eat before I left so I was not hungry. When I got their I picked up a paper plate and plastic glass. Poured something into the glass, it doesn’t matter what since I was not going to drink it anyway, and had one of the nicest two hours wandering around catching up with people that I have not seen in a long time. It seems that if you have an empty plate and a glass with something in it no one asks questions why you are not eating or drinking and you can just enjoy the moment, having great conversations and visiting without having to explain anything.

I little boy and girl , I would guess six and ten years old were examining the food table and had never seen a platter with all kinds of pickled vegetables. While I was explaining what they were their father came over so I introduced myself. Turns out that he is a civil engineer doing project managment and was a student of my fathers in the late seventies at the University of Connecticut . They called him Milo The Mind Boggler in that he faced them with a lot of real life engineering challenges. He has kept up with many of his classmates all who feel that Milo’s challenges to creative problem solving have enabled them to do what they are doing today. He related a lot of anecdotes that I never would have known about. A side of my father that I never knew.

What a poignant moment in that the anniversary of his death was December 8 so I have been thinking about him allot.

So don’t give up on Christmas parties , you never know what might happen when it is as simple as wandering around with an empty plate and glass.

In the spirit of the Season

Matthew

Post by **tex** » Sun Dec 17, 2006 9:57 pm

Matthew,

I'm gonna try that too. LOL.

Tex

P S Hey, I enjoyed the phone conversation last night. My phone showed that we talked for over two hours. As they say, time flies when you're having fun. LOL.

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 6:48 am

Morning Matthew,

What an excellent idea. I don't go to too many holiday parties but if I do I would always eat before I go. Just found over the years and even before CC that being a vegan there was little to eat at one.

Love, Maggie

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 7:03 am

I think you hit on a splendid idea, Matthew!!! Congratulations!! Also, what a wonderful experience with your Father's former student. I know you really appreciated it.

Love, Shirley

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 7:29 am

Sage advice, Matthew.

That is a great idea to carry around the plate and cup. I often eat before I go but hadn't thought about that.

And how nice to learn more about your dad. It must be a case of the apple not falling far from the tree, because it is obvious to me that your dad passed his "creative problem solving" abilities on to you. He would be proud of the way you tackled and subdued the MC monster, I'm sure.

At my dad's funeral I heard stories about him, too, and it meant so much.
How fortuitous that you decided to go to the party. (But we know that there are really no "accidents", right?).

Thanks.

Love,

Polly

artteacher · Post by **artteacher** » Wed Dec 20, 2006 6:30 am

You rock, Matthew.

Love, Marsha