Holiday Party Weekend! Like they did in 2023, my Boston-based Company invited all employees to gather in Beantown to celebrate our 2024 accomplishments. Prior to departing home today, I teleworked until 1300. Next, I drove to Lebanon and volunteered (1.5 hours) at the LISTEN Food Pantry. After that, I headed to the Dartmouth Coach parking lot and left my car there (first time parking). From that point, I set up in the station to wait for my bus to South Station. During this time, I talked to one of the drivers about the improvements that D-C has made over the last few years. At 1500, I got on my bus and we headed south on I-89. Along the way, I read and watched a movie ("Kicking and Screaming") on the bus entertainment system. We stopped at New London and a few more people got on the bus. After reaching the end of I-89, we got on I-93. I found my seat to be very cramped due to the person in front of me deciding to recline his seat all the way back (grr). Fortunately, I didn't have anyone sitting next to me. We hit a lot of traffic near the Massachusetts border and, from there, it was slow going. As a result, we arrived to South Station 30 minutes late (1755). Still, my ride on the bus was was much more relaxing than dealing with gas-break-gas during a drive all the way down from New Hampshire. I quickly exited the station and walked about half a mile to my hotel. Once again, our company got us rooms at The Dagney (near the Aquarium) - VERY nice digs! I checked into the hotel at about 1815 and immediately went to my room. After getting changed, I returned to the lobby and found my boss (Chris D). We then joined the rest of my colleagues, who were celebrating in the hotel bar. I stayed with all of them there from about 1830 to 2130 - it was great to see many of the people I met last year and also some new hires. I tried several Old Fashioned drinks (good). Afterwards, I returned to my room and did some reading before bed (2200). I'm looking forward to tomorrow's planned entertainment!
