Flexes and Fests

It's funny and uncomfortable at times. Some companies include contractors in all of their activities, other's in only some and then there are those that include us in nothing. The funny part is trying to figure out what's the story where you are and the uncomfortable part is finding out who to ask and asking. The person who lets you know if you're not included feels uncomfortable like they're telling you that you're not worthy but I don't feel that way it's really a business matter.
This place seems to have so many contractors that they are usually including us in most things, at the last place I was the only contractor and I wasn't able to participate in flex time, but included in meetings, seminars and group get togethers, before that; no meetings, no seminars, but yes on the flex time and get togethers.
Cost doesn't seem to be the issue all the time either, at least not on the flex time eight hours is eight hours but maybe more on whether who is there to keep an eye on you. However everyone in the department where I wasn't able to participate took advantage of summer flex time and I was often the last one to leave. Meetings have a cost factor (if you're in the meeting you aren't being productive) but then you also don't have a handle on how a project is going. Seminars and group get togethers are cost.
Anyway the fall food fest was Friday and there was quite an assortment. The group is international and there was Japanese food, Chinese food, Kenyan food, American and my contribution goofy food. I made a Halloween punch. Everything was more sophisticated or everyday. But mine was at least fun. No one seemed to have the Halloween spirit. Oh well. I enjoyed it all, too much of it as a matter of fact.