"Well I never lived the dreams of the prom kings and the drama queens. I'd like to think the best of me is still hiding up my sleeve..."---John Mayer

Yesterday: ---Got up at six, rather was supposed to get up at 6 but ended up waking only to the call from Andy and proceeding to buzz around the room shouting obcenities about my lateness ---Made our way to Children's Hospital and delivered the brilliant presentation to the stunned residents - RIOGHT ---Worked for the money at the gym ---Indulged in a little pampering and curling and styling at the local beauty salon, coming out with a very beautiful and expensive"updo" ---Worked my best to beautify myself, slipped on the dress and shoes and shawl and matching bag, grabbed the arm of a cutie, and made my way to the pre-parties with the Formal to follow

The day felt incredibly long, but was wonderful. If you know me, you'll know that I'm not one of those types who loves to dress up and play to role of a princess and act all prim and proper for an evening. The same belief was held by my date - heh, how fitting - but we both turned out looking stunning if I do say so myself.

As we arrived at the Formal I found myself leaving him for a bit to do the typical "girl thing" of complimenting all the other girls on their dresses and hair and dates. We all looked good, we all looked happy, we were all enjoying the moment for a change. Then came the obligatory meet and greets and the pictures and handshaking and all of the nonsense that comes with these types of formal occasions. For some reason I'm always so suprised about the way that this charming, charismatic individual seems to escape from somewhere hidden inside of me at these types of events. Suddenly I become sparkling and elegant and witty. (Would you want me when I'm not myself? Wait it out while I am someone else?) I suppose that everyone's best side comes to view with all of the makeup and perfectly placed clothes and gorgeous gowns.

Despite the poor quality of the D.J., the intense amount of line dancing that occured, and the slight difficulty encountered with the seating arangements it was a wonderful night. Good lighthearted fun was shared that could, of course, come from none other but the "Ritual Jester" of the evening. He was so cute and sarcastic and entertaining when things started to come to a lull. Knees touching during dinner, arm around my shoulder watching the other couples, hand caressing my face as we danced - he was the perfect gentleman.

I let myself go, and let all the freeze-frame moments of the night take over - making it one of the best formal events that I'd attended. Maybe it was the company I'd attended with, maybe it was just the feeling of being in that dress and feeling so special and "beautiful". He was behind me when I wanted him to be, placing his hands and head in all of the right places, giving me time with the girls when it was warranted. I couldn't have asked for a better date, a better evening, a better memory.

Even later when the magic was over, and people started filing out, the conversation continued and some of the radiance followed. Slipping his arm through mine, walking in the warm evening air of D.C. Tracing delicate patterns on my hands as we talked about the past and present and everything inbetween.

I'm not going to worry about what's to come, I can only wait for the pictures to develop and see if anything else does in the following months...it was hella fun and a nice change of pace on a Friday night.

"Searching all my days just to find you. I'm not sure who I'm looking for.

I'll know it when I see you."