In which I dress up fancy, for a real party!

[eve_prime]

This evening I went to a "not-going-away" party for one of our faculty, who changed his mind about another job, and whose wife is expecting their first child in a month, which was also celebrated. The party was at the lovely home of one of the faculty whom I know best, and we were encouraged to dress up for the occasion, which is very unusual in Eugene, and thus something of an adventure. I don't have a normal party dress, so I wore a long purple dress from India, with a black lace shawl, and purple and gold cloissonnée hair combs. Also I wore nylons! (For the first time in how many years?) I found them while hunting for my amethyst necklace, which I never did find, but it was an interesting search. (The 100+ extra books in my room make it hard to get to the jewelry boxes.)

So, the party. I met and conversed with new people, I talked about local public schools with the guest of honor, and I got caught up with my closest friend among fellow grad students. I enjoyed the live band, and the salt water fish tank (anemones!), and the three very friendly cats I discovered when I went outside to look down on the lights of the city. I left early (to be home by 10 p.m.), but if I'd stayed longer I'm sure I would have had some other good conversations. I don't think I'd been to a real, grown-up party in a very long time, and the dress-up aspect was a kick.