Situation: Office Team Event at a Lawn Bowling Club

I am 32 years old, living in Sydney, new to the game and MPUAForum. This is my first post right here! Would love to get comments or feedback from other members.

Joined a group of 7-8 colleagues - couple male but mostly female - and worked my way to the centre. I am new to this team and don't know many people yet.

Started by asking the group “What's the most embarrassing concert you've ever been to?” which got great responses. I called Justin Timberlake as my most embarrassing which opened up a side conversation with HB9 to my left probably no older than 23. She called Nickelback and I hit her with a mild neg.

HB9: Nickelback
Cerebral80: Haha that's 1 demerit point (with a judgmental face)
HB9: But it was a long time ago when their first album came out
Cerebral80: OK give you a pass on this one (grudgingly)

Next question to the group “What are your top 3 bands or musicians that you would pay anything to see live if they were still alive or not broken up or whatever other reason not playing live anymore?”

This one really set the group off. To spice it up we added a rule that a band or musician once called out by someone cannot be repeated which made it harder for people at the end of the line. Again, here we go with HB9.

Cerebral80: The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Guns n' Roses original lineup
HB9: Nirvana, The Temptations and….. (struggling for #3, takes a few minutes to think before she blurts out) Savage Garden
Cerebral80: Hahahaha that's 2 demerit points
HB9: But I was like 10 when I listened to them!
Cerebral80: C'mon you gotta admit you cracked under pressure
HB9: Yeah (a little deflated)
Cerebral80: Love this game, gives you so much insight
HB9: So what insight did you get on me
Cerebral80: Oh that you're really young and.... (pause) that must be awesome
HB9: (Big laugh)

Next question “What song will you drive out your flashy new convertible on when you buy one?”

At some point during this round HB9 left the group and other people joined in. This one got really interesting as well and I had most people telling me that they're loving this conversation and want me to keep it going. At this point, I came under pressure since I did not have anymore questions ready to go. Tried to come up with one on the spot but it didn't really work so we moved on to other things. But I got to hang out with the group until pretty late that night, felt good about my performance and got some extra attention in the office the next day.

Questions:

1. What should I say to HB9 when I pass her by in the office next?
2. Any suggestions on questions I can add to this routine?
3. Any feedback or comments on the quality and content of this post?

when you see her say "hey how are you? i thought of a new nickname for ya" she'll reply and tell her from now on she is called "nickelback" it should break the ice, and it'l remember the fun she had with you. then just keep the convo fun and light hearted. drop into the convo that theres a new restaurant/activity/ shopping mall etc etc that you want to see. and then suggest she go with you....