If the memo says it starts at 1, what does that mean, exactly?

[PHmom]

So, today was supposed to be my work Christmas party. They sent out a memo about a week ago stating that it would be on this date and start at 1. When it was being discussed, I explained I could come earlier on a Sunday (so 1 was fine) but not at 3 (as they were originally discussing). We were having a catered lunch from a local restaurant.

First, I get a text from my supervisor on Friday evening letting me know we all needed to bring a dessert. Well, we were told food was covered and that was our "Christmas present" from "upper management" (and it was kind of short notice) but, whatever, fine, I'll bring something.

Then I arrive today at about 5 'til 1 - no one is there yet (from my department - the facility itself is open). So I take my dessert to the room where we're supposed to be having the party and wait a few minutes. At 1, I walk back out to the lobby and start looking for people. At 1:10, I text my supervisor and ask if the party is still on b/c no one is there yet. Before she replies one of my co-workers comes in with her dessert and we discuss whether we have the right date/time and agree that we do (we found a copy of the memo). My supervisor replies and says she thought it was at 2 but she's "on the way" and she also says that another co-worker is "picking up the food and she's on the way too."

Now, I haven't eaten lunch (and didn't have much of anything for breakfast either) so I'm quite hungry at this point. So I ask her whether the food will be arriving before 2 to which she replies "she's on the way".

At 1:25 I was fed up (and not fed - LOL) so I sent her another text and said "sorry, I'm leaving". As I got to the parking lot, I met two more co-workers just arriving. Neither with a dessert. On the way home, the person who was picking up the food called me and I explained to her I couldn't hang around all afternoon (she was still on her way there - not sure if she had the food yet or not).

So now I am pretty well annoyed with everyone I work with (except the one who was there at 1:10 and had her dessert). Apparently the plan all along was for it to be held later than one and for a few of us to provide dessert to the others.

[motherofmolly]

yeah that sucks and bites butt. sorry that happened.

[gem7]

That stinks!! Sorry that happened!

[clippyclippy]

Wow. How frustrating and totally disorganized! Sorry that happened!

[ELLE-TN]

well I hope you took your dessert with you :)

[CW&M Mom]

well I hope you took your dessert with you :)

Ditto!

[PHmom]

I wish I had - lol - but it was back in the room where we were supposed to be having the party (on the waaaay other side of the building) and I was so annoyed, I just left it and left. All I could think about was getting something to eat at that point - lol!

I am kind of dreading tomorrow - hopefully I won't get any attitude for leaving. I know I was in the right but at least one person is notorious for taking things personally and turning it into her issue, not yours, no matter what it is.

[jkljkl]

I would have done the same thing - left. My time is too valuable to waste. Moreover, I don't feel obligated to attend any company sponsored holiday party. I got sick of these a long time ago, and quit going. I'd rather spend time with my friends and family during the holidays - not co-workers. (Also, as an aside, I really don't care to see the nasty Christmas sweaters that people wear to these events).

[PHmom]

The main reason I went was to visit with one particular co-worker who I haven't seen much lately (she had to change her hours b/c of school and now is usually there when I'm not) - she is going out of town for two weeks over Christmas so I wanted to see her before she left. She was one of the two in the parking lot so I did at least get to see her for a minute.

[Troop1379]

sorry to hear about your party. sounds like you work with me. Things change all the time at my work. Hope you have a great day at work tomorrow