Martini Party, 2006

Tonight was the annual Martini Party, as hosted by Cathie and Anthony. This is their first official Martini Party as a married couple, to boot (though I’m waaay behind on posting their wedding pics).

I spotted this guy and had a chuckle, as Anthony’s last name is DeMoon. I had no idea he had a logo!

I know I’ve mentioned this before, but Anthony is a former coworker – and used to work on the Q101 site. He was also the only person crazy enough to actually accept The Vending Machine Challenge™.

The martini setup – shakers and sauce aplenty. Instructions are written on cards, and there are multiple martini recipes spread out across the countertop. Gin, vodka, limes, olives, stirrers, you name it and it’s there.

I was a bit more reserved this year, compared to last year. I showed up somewhat late, and didn’t really take that many photos. I guess I’m a little more camera shy if I’m not doing shots of Ouzo. Go figure.

I spent a good part of the night chatting with Matt and Jessica. We hit upon a wide array of topics including smoking, men and women’s attitudes towards shoes, and hazing within fraternities versus sororities.

Also, as we were standing around in the kitchen – we were reminiscing about some of the prior parties to have graced this apartment (Cathie was also an employee at Q101 back in the day). While the Martini Party has a slightly more upscale feel to it, this kitchen has seen its share of drunken shenanigans.

A close shot of one of the many martinis floating around. I think this one belonged to Russ, who works at Q101 on the Sales side. He and I talked at length about living out in the suburbs, and the killer commute.

It seems like a lifetime ago, but when I first moved to Chicago… I did the reverse commute. My first job was out in the suburbs, and I took the Metra out there for a solid two plus years… day in, day out. Russ and I chatted a lot about Barrington, Crystal Lake, and how that lengthy commute prevents you from seeing sunshine in your home during the winter months.

Cathie and Anthony, near the end of the evening. What a cute couple. :)

I’m reminded of one of my favorite pictures of them – the one I took almost a year ago, when the came in to the office to announce their engagement.

I took a somewhat early leave, and excused myself around midnight or so. Hopped a cab and watched the city go by through the window. On the ride home, I thought about the cab ride I took from almost two years ago, and about my friend Katie. I haven’t talked with her in ages – I really should give her a call.