During the time I was working at S&L, it was common for vendors to take customer’s out to huge lunches and dinners and to give gifts at Christmas time.

One day a vendor came by and was bringing a bunch of us to lunch at Trader Vic’s in the Palmer house, which was right across the street from our offices. In an unusual turn, our boss, Len, was going with us. Well I am not a big drinker so usually only had one drink when we went out. My boss ordered a round of Mai Tai’s. I figured since he was there, we would only have 1, so no problem. I was about halfway through mine, when another round arrived. At the third round, I was a drink behind. I finished 3 of the 4 which were delivered by the time we left.

Later that afternoon, I was trying to work and not doing a very good job of it. My boss came in dropped a big book on my desk and startled me. He seemed unaffected by the 4 drinks he had at lunch. Laughing at me, he said that I probably should go home early.