oh, how could i forget to mention the all-company party?

so after "pro bono publico" saturday night, a party was held for everyone at the conference beneath the tree at the edith (this amazing little outdoor space i love). i figured i'd make an appearance, see what was going down, probably head back to conn early. ha! the booze was flowing, the bodies were dancing, and everyone was donning the candy necklaces provided. so i joined into the festivities and danced the night away. i had to say goodbye to jim, one of our critics who was only here for a week--*tear*--and then found some people i knew on the dancefloor. the theme turned into a tribute to the 1980s in all its electronic glory. we rocked out. during the one slow song of the evening--extreme's "more than words"--we were told to find a partner and act like we were at an eighth grade dance. everyone took it to the extreme--arms straight out, barely touching each other, nervous faces and gigles. it was hilarious, and my "date", justin--kept me laughing the entire time. good times...

around quarter to three, four of us headed down to the beach--my first trip there since arriving. we walked down the path and left our shoes on a bench before rolling up our jeans and wading into the surprisingly warm water. i let the water reach my ankles and then stood there, digging my toes into the wet sand and feeling the tug of the current as it lapped at my legs. justing, sarah rob and i formed a line looking out at the blackness, where we couldn't tell where sky ended and water began. no one spoke--all just looked at the sky, the water, the beach, thinking whatever. it was one of those moments of contentment that you know you're always going to remember.

after that, we piled onto one of the lifeguard's chairs, laughing as we each sat down and discovered the condensation on the seat. much laughter ensued.

after awhile, sarah and i headed back to conn, arriving in our respective rooms around quarter after four. fun, fun night, but i yelled at my alarm clock a few hours later when it woke me up at seven...