Could we have a little quiet please?

Gregg and I had the opportunity this past Saturday to attend the City of Wheaton 150th Birthday Gala.  It was quite the event -- black ties and long dresses all over, gold satin tablecloths and napkins, gorgeous floral arrangements, gold rimmed china and glassware, harpists, fancy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.  The folks who voluntarily busted their butts for the past year in order to make this happen, did so with the intentions that all the proceeds from the celebration would benefit 15 area charities, of which one of those charities is where I work.  Hence, why I wanted to go.  Gregg went by default, although he is actively involved with the same group.  I told him we were going.  

While I will spare all the details surrounding our involvement in this beyond simply attending, I just want to state one thing very clearly.  I really get frustrated when people cannot sit quietly for presentations and speeches.  Now granted, it was long and we were seated just outside the main banquet area, but there were closed circuit tv's showing us what was going on and the doors were opened between the 2 rooms.  Why is it that people can sit quietly in a movie theater for 2, even 3 hours, when the performers would have no clue whether you were talking or not, but when real live people have prepared and stand before you in the flesh, you have no qualms speaking to your neighbor and across the round table of 10 at the same time they are trying to give their carefully thought out words?  Would it not be better for you to remove yourself from the room and go into the hall or bathroom to have your discussions and return when you are ready to sit quietly?  It certainly does make it difficult for others to enjoy the event.  I considered throwing pieces of my pretzel roll at the offenders, but it was too good to waste.

And so, although we looked AWESOME, I think Gregg would agree with me that we are not meant to attend these events except on rare occasions.  I love getting dressed up, but when I do I hope that I am acting appropriately.  Maybe it comes with age (although most of the gregarious ones were old enough to know better), or maybe it comes from having been on the side of the presenting fence where you compete with the talkers, but I think falling asleep (although not the preferred method of listening to speeches) would be a better alternative -- at least until the snoring starts.  I was grateful for the quiet found in the CheckOut area where my co-workers were stationed until such time as those doors opened and the throngs invaded.  

And now, on to the next event.....let's see how this group will do!