Sometimes, in a rare moment, my desk is graced with the presence of an important looking envelop. One without a clear window signaling the inherent request for money. My passion for packaging usually has my heart beating a little faster as I open it, and all is well until I read the four letter word … ‘Ball’. Cocktail parties, movie premiers even formal dinners I can do, but Balls are my kryptonite.
From what I can tell most women read the word and instantly delight in visions of manicures, pedicures, hours in the hair salon, and weeks choosing the ultimate awe-inspiring high/low cut dress. I however seem to lack the ‘Ball excitement’ gene, either that or something in my DNA converts it to a ‘Ball hyperventilate’ gene.
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Entrance © The Ponder Room
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Don’t get me wrong I’m not completely devoid of female traits and have even been known to use Hollywood tap on the odd occasion.
True while most women use it to tantalize, I praise god for its ability to close that annoying gap between the second and third buttons on your blouse when you sit down. The gap that would otherwise expose your predisposition for comfy Berlie Sports over Victoria Secret.
Last month the usual panic set in when I received an invitation to the Hyundai Hopman Cup … Ball, one of THE social events of the year (Hopman Cup.)
My mind wavered for a moment and then told me to ‘bury the invitation at the bottom of the paper pile, plenty of time to worry about that later’.
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The Showgirls
© The Ponder Room
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And so New Years Eve 2011 saw me return home after a heart warming late lunch with family. The clock showing 3pm meant I couldn’t put it off any longer. I had three hours to fashion an outfit, rectify my hair, pick up my ‘plus one’ and it to Burswood Ballroom.
On arrival it was a case of sprinting up the red carpet, trying not to notice the looks of indignation from the media who realised they’d wasted a shot on some unimportant nobody.
Once through the Elvis flanked Wedding Chapel entrance and into the darkened ‘Viva Los Hopman’, Los Vegas themed room, I found our table and sat down. Looking around the room I pondered:
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What a great job event planners do.
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Why women who don’t need Hollywood Tap bother using it, and those who clearly should don’t?
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That size 4 and 6 female body types were the exception not the rule, and usually seated next to an older, bald, size 10 man. This one had us all pondering throughout the night.
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What all the fuss was about as celebrities, sports stars, models, sponsors and the rest of us got on with the business of mingling and having a really great night. Well done again Hopman Cup organisers, a fantastic night!
I thought you might like to see some photos from the night – I’ll post some more over the next few days.
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MC’s Bec Hewitt Tim Gossage
© The Ponder Room
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3 Comments
LOL – I am also missing the “ball excitement” gene, so you’re not alone. Look forward to seeing some more pics though!
Phew I thought it was something unique to me or maybe something I’d left behind in NZ when I came to Oz.
I definitely have the ball hyperventilate gene. Great piece.