Karen Turns 30

So explain this one to me - we had two heavies from Head Office coming down to our workplace today to inspect the site and so forth. They were due to arrive about 11.00am, so we had the store looking bright, clean and full as buggery. The longer the day went, the harder it was to keep it in this order. Finally, all other employees drifted off home, leaving me to man the fort alone. At five to four, my relief showed up - and bugger me, so did these dickheads from Head Office. They expected me to hang around and help show them around, to which I (im)politely declined. When quizzed as to why, I explained it was Friday afternoon, my shift had finished, and I was going home. They then questioned my loyalty to the company.
I left before I gave that sentence the blast of obscenity it deserved.

After a day like this, it is nice to be able to unwind with two dozen scotches (and, in the days before I gave up smoking, about 30 cigarettes...). So it was fortunate that this evening presented the lovely Karen Fulton's 30th birthday celebration at which to do this.
I felt extremely priviliged to be invited to this star-studded event. Only the families of Fulton and Foreman were invited, along with West Kiama Superstar Families, the Peters' and the Kearin's.
The night went really well. Karen, despite being the birthday girl, still cooked the meal. Anthony, the wonderful host, did actually get me my first drink, before telling me it was now my responsibility to get my own for the rest of the evening. I did this by grabbing the bottle of scotch, and the Coke, and placing it at out section of the dinner table.
As the 'families' left around 9, it was left to the seven of us (the Fulton's of Anthony and Karen, the Kearin's of Jason and Manette, the Peters' of Helen and myself, and rogue brother Fulton Shane) to continue on.
It was probably the first time we had all congregated in what is the Fulton's lounge room - and it was great! It appears to be the only room in any of our three homes where everyone can face each other comfortably and just talk crap. Which we then did with relish!

Funny to hear the girls' qualms about the way us guys talk to each other. Manette especially seemed to be worries about the level of sarcasm and cynicism we use in our everyday conversation. As we said, it's the way we've talked to each other for 20 years, right back to early high school, so none of it is meant to be harmful. (Anthony was our target on the night, with his new haircut coming under fire).
I hope no one takes any of that seriously. These guys are the closest friends I have, and we all actually get on well together. I really don't think we could possibly get on better.
Even though I am a fat, bald guy....(thanks Manette....)

Anthony professed himself to be amazed that we only got through one bottle of scotch. Problem was that there was only one to start with. If there had been three, then no doubt we would all be sporting raging hangovers tomorrow....

Actually, getting back to the previous notice - I can see where the girls (and other people around us) think we go over the top. I know that I certainly become quite obnoxious, whenever I become overly passionate on a topic, or just liquored up in general. I don't mean to do so, it just comes out that way. Most of the time, it just gets laughed off - but there are times days later, when reflecting on what was said, that I wonder why the hell people even want to associate with me.

But that's just me. I'm an idiot.