Post-Holiday Party & Vampire Weekend

When I think "corporate holiday party," I think of awkward interactions with coworkers that no one talks about on Monday and a lot of watch-checking to determine an appropriate time to sneak out (I have never experienced this, but that's what I imagine happens at most of these events). The Amazon Post-Holiday Party was nothing like this. It was a magical winter wonderland of activities, music and amazing food. And we all got to go! For free!

Contrary to popular belief, it is not an MLK holiday party. Since Amazon is pretty busy around the actual holidays, they push the party into the new year after things calm down a little. Which is great for me, because I can actually go! With most companies having them in December, I can never go because my co-op cycle is January to June. I missed Wayfair's last year by a couple weeks. This arrangement works out perfectly for co-ops and other interns, which I'm sure was an influential factor when choosing the date.

It was at Century Link Field (locally known as The Clink) which is where the Seattle Seahawks play. Today, actually. Kind of cool to think that I was in the same place that the NFC championship would be played the night before it happened. It's the same feeling I got by having my prom at M&T Stadium, where the Baltimore Ravens play. I don't know why I find this so interesting, but I do. I've never been to a professional football game, but I've been in 2 stadiums!

They went all-out for this party. There were actors walking around dressed as snow-people who talk to you. There were ice sculptures and photo booths and a laser field maze. There was an entire room of game tables (foosball, ping pong, pool, air hockey...) and 2 guys playing piano. There was a huge dance floor that had club music. And an upper floor with a balcony that looked over the first floor. Basically, it was massive. There were trillions of people and no one knew anyone. I stuck with the other co ops and tried not to get lost. 

At 10:00, Vampire Weekend, the main event came on the the stage. We made our way to the front and stayed there for the hour-long performance. It was amazing. I love their music and they were even better live. If I ever hear of them playing around Boston, I'm definitely going to figure out a way to go. It was one of the better concerts I've ever been to. Who would have thought it would have been at a corporate holiday party?

Side note: As far as the football of today goes, I don't know what I feel. I want the Patriots to beat the Broncos because of my allegiance to New England. But my love for Peyton Manning is pretty deep, so it's hard to root against him. I also want the Seahawks to beat the 49ers, because work is not going to be fun tomorrow if they lose. And the whole 12 thing is contagious. However, I don't want the Seahawks to play the Patriots in the Super Bowl because it would be painful regardless of who wins. So today, I'm a big ball of stress and I wish the Eagles were still in the playoffs so I could root for my team without having to question my secondary allegiances. So...wake me up tomorrow when the Super Bowl teams are set.