Christmas with the YaYa's

Every job, no matter what the required skill set or responisibilities, has the potential to create stress from time to time. My ability to respond to that stress in my job is dependent upon many things like adequate sleep, preparation for the task at hand and who I am working with on the project. I also need to have peers I can "unload" on when things feel like they are getting out of hand--a sort of reality check. Over the past year, several women, all with "big" jobs, have formed an incredible friendship. We call ourselves YaYa's. We drink, we cook, we eat out, we laugh, we catch each other's back at work every day, and support each other both emotionally and professionally. Perhaps this is the women's version of the "good old boys" network! We can sense when each other are in need of a YaYa intervention. When an intervention is required, a page will be made and as many as possible will respond. If it is not a critical moment, an email might be sent noting that the patio at Mitchell's at 6pm is available. Last night, we got together to celebrate Christmas. Most of the YaYa's are excellent cooks. Our celebration included a succulent standing rib roast, garlic-mashed redskins, corn casserole, seven layer salad, rolls & butter. Dessert, a pistachio pudding layer on a cookie crust with whipped topping, was a light and very tasty end to a perfect meal. Before we dined, we reminisced about the huge successes we've had this year as friends and in our jobs. We drank champagne, we drank wine, and we tremendously enjoyed each other's company.