This year we had a different kind of Christmas party.  Our little office has ballooned into 12 people, and thus a much bigger Christmas party than we've ever had.  Lucky for us, we've hired some very creative people who not only enjoy making up stories, but also acting them out!  So this year, we had a Mindfly Mystery Murder at our Christmas party.  Kyle wrote the entire plot and provided background information for all 18 players. Miguel was on his way back from Mt. Baker and although the party was starting at 6pm, he still wasn't back by that time.  Unfortunately we had offered Theresa a ride to the party due to the snowy conditions, and she was waiting for us to pick her up.

Miguel arrived in front of our house and then the marathon shower and dress-up event ensued in order to get us to Theresa's house and finally to Rusty's house by 7pm; one hour late.  Right on time by our standards.  I was Evelyn, dressed in the black flapper dress I got for Halloween in high school, Nina's snow white hair, black leather boots and a blue feather headband.  Miguel was Lt. Brian Hughes dressed in a black t-shirt, floppy white pants, a trenchcoat and sunglasses straight out of Ponch's dresser drawer in CHIPS.  Theresa was Penelope and all dressed up for the occasion as well.  We opened the door to find a myriad of folks dressed to the nines just like us; Karina, Janae, Rusty, and all their counterparts.  

Kyle did a fabulous job of organizing the murder and the clues without being too overbearing.  I thought it was a refreshing way to spend a company party, rather than trying to carry on with the standard small talk and awkward silences that often accompany such an occasion.  I spent the night trying to figure what in the heck was going on, and talking trash about Daphne (Kara) and Penelope (Theresa).  Apparently Lucas (Rusty) wasn't giving me enough stage time in my Jazz career, so I was working on him to give me a chance.  Meanwhile, Daphne and I formed a truce and decided to work on a duet for our next performance.  I did find it difficult to remember all the names of people involved.  People were talking about revealing photos of Beverly hidden in a safe, and she was the daughter of William and the granddaughter of Gregory.  It was certainly a challenge keeping it all straight without a pen and pencil in hand.  

Regardless of its challenges, everyone was able to choose who they thought committed the murder, and by the end of the night we found out it was Mary (Syd), the wife - but soon to be ex-wife - of the deceased.  I give the night an A+ for fun and participation from everyone who showed up.  A big thanks to Rusty for being such a good sport, and to Kara for putting up with all of us - and for having such a wonderful spread of appetizers to keep us satiated.  Mindfly is truly a special place to work, and I'm so grateful to have so many fun and interesting people to share my days with. 

Theresa also wrote a story about our party and you can read it here....check out our portfolio while you're at it!