Today I was specifically told that I could not take my team out for a decent lunch as an End of the Year "Thank You" because we need to cut back on expenses and items deemed "Not necessary for business performance" have to be curtailed. I had to physically cancel a lunch I had pre-planned and explain that management deemed it a wasteful spend of resources.
Then I heard that my boss was flying last minute out to California. First Class. The Ticket Cost $9200.
Being a good employee I obeyed, and did not take them to lunch. We did, however, just get back from Dinner at a good steakhouse. And I may have treated them to 7 or so bottles of
2007 Joseph Phelps Insignia.
Also, since everyone worked such late hours today because of the dinner and whatnot (It was a pure business expense...I made sure everyone had with them a piece of paper to take notes with, and I passed around some pens), they all have the morning off. (Well, except one guy, who is taking his time in the afternoon.)
I will submit my expense report tomorrow. May be interesting.
Side Note: While a "Surf and Turf" option of Lobster and Steak was not specifically on the menu, the steakhouse was happy to provide such an option for whoever wanted it as a special request. Lots of people wanted it. Who am I to say no?