Blah

Well, the internets are working very slowly today. And that´s putting a damper on an otherwise very boring afternoon. I had planned on finishing some work (check) and then falling into an open-eyed slumber but the absence of reliable internets connections is impeding my ability to laze off like a typical government worker.

When I left Javeriana this afternoon, I saw some protests in the street. Some anti-King George students had blockaded the road and were getting quite militant while the cops watched. No tear gas or water cannons, but then again, those who attend Javeriana are rich, so you wouldn´t want the cops busting up some rich kids, now would you? Class is everything.

I went out last night, with much reluctance, with my co-workers. It was pretty boring for the most part. They are very cliquish and I found it difficult to make conversation as the person I was talking with invariably would get distracted by a friend, start chatting with the other person, and totally forget that I had been in mid-sentence. Whatever. These people are for the most part, not my kind of people. There´s a lot of reasons for that, and I´ll likely profile them on a day in which I actually have a smidgeon of energy, but suffice it to say, Blah.

At any rate, I analyzed the social dynamic last night and I came to the realization that the organization of a table for a social gathering is incredibly important for creating interaction. Last night was in the American style and by that I mean, a long ass table with 15 people meaning that you can only really talk with the person in front or next to you (if you´re on the end, like I was). Law firms in the US sometimes get that this layout doesn´t work, but my general experience in the US was much like this. Big ass tables, lots of shouting, shitty time.

On the other hand is the British style. One thing about the Brits, they know how to socialize. The only time I had a professional work party that utilized the afor mentioned layout strategy, it was organized by a prick of an American partner (with a 2 drink limit). It was, without a doubt, a shit ass time.

But, the more typical Brit layout was without tables. The idea isn´t to go sit on your ass and act formal. The idea was to get to the pub, have some drinks, and let loose. Low level shrubs like myself were encouraged to talk to tall trees, as the partners and big wigs actually sought us out and wanted to chat with us. Basically, it was: gather in an open space, add beer, and mix. And it works.

Meetings like last night, however, are made for big wigs to feel important. They become the center of attention, they feel like because they´re enjoying the spotlight, everyone must be enjoying it too, and most of the people pretty much kiss ass all of the time.

You can say I was less than thrilled to be there. Fortunately, I didn´t have to pay for anything and I took my boss´s car service home. So, at the end of the day, I got some free food, two Rum and Coke´s and a lack of sleep.

Perhaps next time we can go to an actual pub and mingle naturally instead of sitting in the spotlight of the big bosses who are hoping we worship them for all their big boss glory.

God I hate corporate life.