Bureaucracy is ridiculous
I just had someone call and say the couldn't authorize a reimbursement for food for an event. Apparently my assistant hadn't written on the voucher if there were more than 10 people at the event, which is information they need. I get that, I do, really, but the voucher was for over $400, and the receipts were from Dunkin Donuts and Subway. I mean, would it be possible to feed fewer than 10 people for more than $400 from those two places? I think everyone would explode!

I could cite many more examples, but won't.

Had a lot of wine at a Christmas party last night. I'm pretty sure I behaved myself, although I was tempted not to. It was a very bizzare mix of attourneys over 40 and theater people under 30, plus spouses. This made for some deep room segmentation, although everyone pretty much wanted to stick near the liquor (which flowed liberally).

Yesterday's shopping was made very very easy by friendly salespeople. First at Brooks Brothers, where after I stood looking pathetic for a few minutes a manager swooped in, got me what I needed (I had the order # and size ready) and had me sold to, boxed, and out the door in a matter of minutes. Then I went to Marshall Fields. I had some thoughts of going to 900 North instead, but remembered the key advantage of Marshall Fields: a friend behind the counter! And there she was, just completing a sale. So I acquired a personal shopper in a very old friend (who got a sweet commission off my sale). It was funny, she was so excited to help me think of things for my female relatives, make suggestions, etc., and would switch instantly from helpful friend to trained salesperson. We arrived back at her home counter (Estee Lauder) just in time for her manager to see her ring up my incredibly expensive and lauder-filled transaction. All in all, it worked out well for everybody. It also means I am DONE with my Christmas shopping. Thank the lord. And I think I got good things for everybody. Except my brother-in-law--I got him what he wanted, it's just so damn boring.

I am giving gifts this year primarily of books and things that make you prettier (which is, in one case, a sweet coffee maker). Oh, and everybody is getting a copy of the 15th edition Chicago Manual of Style. I decided I couldn't give the CMS as a stand-alone gift, and nor could I give it to one person--too stilted, too academic, too boring a present. But 6 copies floating around the family? Pure Genius. Although I'm afraid my family members who won't be with me christmas morning may not get the joke. I can see my cousin saying "gee, a grammar book and a board game. wow, heidi is really thinking of me". Oh well, I leave the creative ideas to my sister. I'm the practical one.
- posted by Heidi @ 9:58 AM