So we stuck around because I really thought we won, but as M soon pointed out that the whole Finance team was feverishly calculating the numbers in the corner, I knew my team wasn’t going to win.    But we decided to wait till we had the official word.

In the meantime food and drinks started to come around and I began to wonder what we would be able to eat.  As vegetarians, finding yourself in a place like TGIFridays is less than ideal, yet the early servings of bruschetta and salad were a decent start given we hadn’t eaten in hours.  Then things got tricky as the potato skins came out covered in bacon.  I found myself tempted to pick off the bacon, but felt it would be too much of a spectacle.  Making matters worse were the plates upon plates of chicken fingers coming in by the minute.  

I was having trouble coping and with few options before me I began to get a little agitated.  Then the big announcement came from the leader of the Finance team.

Yup, as if you didn’t see this coming…we didn’t win, in fact we came in 3rd.  

At this point I was outraged as M tried to calm me down, but I was having none of it.  Even after we were offered fried macaroni and cheese balls, I couldn’t bring myself to pick at the bottom of the plate with the final three balls looking like sad greasy globs of starch.  

As a reformed carnivore I needed to leave.  I had become the person I once ridiculed.  It’s hard to explain the life of a vegetarian to those who eat meat as it’s a completely foreign concept to many. 

Do I miss meat?  

Not as much as I thought I would a year on.  I do it for a better future for myself and for the ones I love.  I’m not looking to convert anyone, but I guess all I’m asking for is a little understanding of us in the minority because nights like this make it difficult.  

Fortunately my partner in crime knew I was ready to leave and offered no objection to us heading home to take care of Gizmo.  Naturally M helped me feel better as we walked home…

T: (Pouting)

M: “Sweetie, it’s okay.  Meanwhile you do know that the money isn’t for everyone to spend, it has to be put towards a company event, right?” 

T: “Really?  I was thinking it could go towards Valentines or something.”

M: “So it’s not really their money.”

T: “Hmmm, thanks honey I feel better already.”

M: “So, what do you want for dinner?”

T: “Chicken fing…ummm… cereal.”