"You are invited to my party!"

"If you agree to some ground rules

- You send a request to be considered to be qualified to be invited
- Someone - cannot say who - decides who qualifies. Last year attendance is no assurance of qualification.
- You are expected to pay your own way

But trust me, those who show up will have a great time.

Let me also say: those who do not get accepted, I really cannot help much influence the decision, so please just accept it gracefully."

I will have to gracefully not apply to be considered to be qualified to be invited to this party. My CEO promised me a nice dinner if I saved the firm the travel budget and several billable days. I know it will be a nice dinner because he knows what the event cost us last year.

I must admit, though, it was a tough decision to miss the party of the year.