Image by The Rep

I wish my ticket for The Arkansas Repertory Theatre's ArtWorks fundraiser would have come with a warning on it.

Here's why:

For weeks I looked forward to the excitement of the auction, the chance to view some first-rate art and possibly take home a few pieces. And The Rep saw me coming. They've been hosting this event for 22 years, and they know the revenue increases associated with having an open bar staffed by bartenders whose favorite line is, "Say when."

Two drinks in, it was taking me a lot longer to say, "When," than it was to raise my bidding number. And wouldn't you know it, about two drinks in (maybe more -- who's counting?) a painting that I thought was beautiful (I somehow can't remember what it looked like anymore) came up for auction.

I quickly raised my number and left it up until I was finally called on, shocked when the auctioneer pointed at me and quoted a figure much higher than it was when I first raised my number. I didn't need lightning-quick reflexes to pull my number down – my friends did it for me. Now that was something to raise my glass to!

In the end, I walked away with a reasonably priced piece of pottery and -- hopefully -- most of my dignity. It was a full house, so I'm hoping I blended in. I'll definitely be back next year for the art, the socializing, and the Coca-Cola, hold the rum. Cheers!