Special congratulations are in order for the Central Mass II Cape Cod relay team.  In case you don't remember what team you were on, Central Mass II consisted of Steve, Dan, Curtis, David and myself.  Seems we took first place in the Corporate Challenge division for Large Mixed (meaning boys and girls) Business.  We were first out of seven teams.  The results are also posted on the marathon website.

I arrived at home last night to find a large box waiting for me from the Sovereign Bank Cape Cod Marathon Relay.  Inside was a big - I'm talking huge! - trophy with a plaque that reads:

The Enterprise Cup

Corporate Challenge

Sovereign Bank Marathon Relay

FIRST PLACE

Mixed Large Business

2006

It is really quite impressive.  It's a big silver plated cup on a wooden base.  It is now proudly displayed on my desk.

Now, McCarthy, I know right now you are saying, "What the $%)^?!  We came in first!".  This may be true.  But, unfortunately, your team lacked the one essential element to ensure the ultimate victory - girl power!  Since your team was comprised of only those of the male persuasion, you were not in our league.  Your team did not fare too badly, however, as you came in 2nd place in your division, that being Men's Large Business.  But, I'm sure your trophy, if you received one at all, was much less grand.  And, I must also add, there were only 2 teams in your category, so that also translates to last place.  But let's not split hairs.

Along with the trophy, each team member was awarded a handsome medal.  Steve and Dan - I will send yours to you interoffice.  Curtis - I will bring yours to the Y.  Dave - I can either mail it to you if you give me your address or give it to you at our next race.  The cup, however, will remain with me, at least until I have fully exhausted its potential to bring me widespread admiration and praise.  I will bring it to the next manager's meeting so you can all feast your eyes upon this most beautiful trophy.  Perhaps I may even let you touch it.

Now, I hope that the Central Mass I team does not think that I am being condescending in any way.  I am certainly not taking this opportunity to gloat, to rub your face in the dirt, or to say that my team was better than yours.  That would be mean, and mean people suck.  Plus, it's Christmas.

But I ask each of you this simple question - Who would you rather be?  The man who crosses the finish line first, or the one who has the biggest cup?

Merry Christmas to everyone!  And next year, may the best team win again!  Now I am going to polish my trophy.

Jocelyn