Hello friends! This post is coming a day late. There are so many stories to share! The North Pole Express is in its final week of operations for the year, and recently we had our Essex Steam Train holiday cocktail party. That was tons of fun! More details on the party are coming up later in the post.
As always, the views shared here are my own and may not reflect the company’s.
Today I will share more stories from the 2024 season of the North Pole Express. Ready to read some wintery tales? Let’s get our tickets!
A Perfect Moment
On Saturday, December 14th, I was aboard Train 1 as a Trainman. We had taken the train down into the South Yard at Essex. Engine 40 backed down and coupled on to the train. Pretty routine, but what came next made it special.
I was standing in the open vestibule of the Middletown coach’s north end. Jayden, the other trainman, was with me. Engine 40 began pulling the train northward into the station, huffing and puffing as she pulled. As Jayden and I stood there, we both remarked what a privilege it was to be at the railroad, working with steam locomotives.
That moment, as routine as it was, felt special to Jayden and I because we truly appreciated how lucky we were. The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat truly is a special place to work
Holiday Party
On Monday, December 16th, 2024, I put on a tasteful outfit and drove to Cheshire to pick up my girlfriend Angela from her house. Angela and I started dating recently. We both work for the railroad. I am on the train crew, while she is Baabera Woolysmith, one of our North Polians.
We drove down together from Cheshire to Westbrook at the local Elks Lodge, where the party was being held. Once inside, we were greeted by many of our coworkers, none of which were in their work attire. Many were dressed to impress.
Among those who greeted us were Sydney, Jennifer, Stephanie, Nick, Kyle, and Meredith. Just about everyone had a drink in hand. It was an open bar, after all.
Food and Drink
Unlike last year’s holiday party, which was a dinner, this year was a cocktail party. There was still plenty of food to eat, including meatballs, scallops wrapped in bacon, shrimp, and other delicious party food.
At about 7 pm, dessert was served. Angela and I both had a helping of cheesecake, which was tasty and filling. Before that, I helped myself to shrimp and scallops in bacon. Both were appetizing and scrumptious.
The bar was an open bar this year, which was a big change from previous years. I got a lager, while Angela ordered a fruity drink, her favorite kind.
Fun with Coworkers
Angela, I, and our coworkers were in high spirits at the party. Angela’s fellow North Polians were particularly spirited (which I find common among theatre people). Sydney Yargeau, my dear friend, was dressed in a sparkly outfit with a red bow in her hair, while Toby had on a Christmas suit with lights on it, plus a Santa cowboy hat.
Stephanie’s plus one was Jennifer, an old friend from my ren faire days. It was lovely reconnecting with her. She told me how her husband Rob had gone back to school to become a rocket scientist, like one does!
Some of my fellow train operations crew were there, including Paul, Stew, Jayden, and Wil. Some of our Santa and Mrs. Claus actors and actresses were also present. One of them, George, came right up to me to wish me a merry Christmas. What a class act!
A Happy Couple
On a more personal note, this was Angela and I’s first public outing as a couple. It was at this party that some of our coworkers learned about our relationship for the first time. One such person was Kevin, our company President and CEO. He congratulated us, and told Angela that she had found someone with a big heart. So kind!
Meredith, our food service manager, offered to take photos of Angela and I. She photographed us by the Christmas tree. The photos came out beautiful. Thanks, Meredith!
Everyone we spoke to was so glad to hear about our relationship. Johanna and Tulio Milani were particularly thrilled. Tulio pitched the idea of a double date for the four of us, which we happily accepted. Once North Pole is done, we’ll go on that double date!
Overdoing It?
Because it was an open bar and free food at this event, some of my coworkers overindulged. Predictable, right? Anyway, that led to some pretty hilarious (but also heartwarming) conversations.
One coworker, in her drunken state, told Angela and I how happy she was for the two of us, which we both greatly appreciated. She also may have overshared a bit when she told us how the North Pole Express helped get her out of a dark place when she first signed on. To reassure her, I told her that the NPE has also done wonders for my mental health. It’s true!
The following afternoon, I asked one of my coworkers how she liked the party. She said that she had a great time but drank too much (oops!). I’m sure glad that she made it home safe! An open bar is great, but it’s important to enjoy it responsibly. Just like a trip on the North Pole Express, come to think of it.
Ending the Evening
After bidding goodnight to many wonderful people, Angela and I climbed into my car and drove back to Cheshire. We had a great conversation on the drive home, talking about what we enjoyed about the party, the stories our coworkers shared, and what we had planned for the rest of the winter.
I told Angela that I had a conversation with Wayne, our track foreman. I plan to work with his crew over the winter, repairing and updating the tracks (that will make for excellent blog material). Angela shared that Johanna had encouraged her to audition for an upcoming show, a production of The Producers, which Johanna is directing.
I dropped Angela off at her home at around 10 pm. We parted ways with a long hug and a gentle kiss, knowing we would see each other at the railroad soon. I truly love that woman. I am so blessed to be a boyfriend again.
As always, thanks for reading!
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