We had a nice slow start to the day and went to a Safeway to pick up supplies for the evening's party. Mark was the beer picker and subsequently it was a well stocked party. We met up with an old high school buddy of Mark's at Stanford and went out for a yummy Indian buffet lunch, it was nice to pick and choose what you want. The afternoon was full of smiles as we ended up at the Bay by Candlestick Park for some windsurfing. It was windier then than it is ever regularly up at Lake Arthur. This was my first lesson and settled on the accomplishment of being able to stand on the board sure footed with the wind at my back determined to send me reeling head first into the frigid waters. I could easily stand in the water so I really had nothing to fear other than getting my head wet� I was not looking forward to that. A jiggly, slightly unstable hold on the board, I was cheered on by Mark. I had a good time but I think learning at the lake makes more sense for me. Soon I too will be a maniac on the water. Martin had only positive comments on Mark's style and the level of ability he demonstrated. Saying he was a natural and would make a good windsurfer. Although getting stuck downwind and having to walk the 'walk of shame' back, I was still proud of him when he did manage to catch some of the wind and boogie. I, as well as Mark, was really impressed by the wet suit's performance. It was pretty chilly out but we were still kept pretty snug. The only part of me that really go cold was my hands, to the point where the 50 degree water felt nice and warm when I dipped them in (huge mistake when I would take them out again, CHILLY!) Getting out of wet wetsuits with damp skin and the sun setting and a big chill in the air from the breeze� need I say more? Getting out of it in the car wasn't an easier option either. Silly me, giggling to myself at just how ridiculous it must look! Mental images of wrestling with an octopus stuck to my skin was first to mind. After a bit of shuffling off of the premises by the park patrol we were snug in a warm dry car ride back to Martin's. We had just enough time to take a hot shower and put on some relatively clean clothes, greet the first guest and bundle ourselves out the door to make a cup and ice run. Mark and I still have not had dinner and becoming some-what ravenous, looks like it'll be snack foods and alcohol tonight! I'll leave the party for Mark to describe because he was central to quite a few of the group conversations, clearly the quiet people segregated off to one side (myself included). We got to see a bunch of people we haven't seen in a while and got to talk to Martin and Celeste a bit more. As the party dwindled down, Mark lay snoring, cuddled on the couch beside me. We ended up staying up and chatting until 2 am. We have an early rise to catch our flight at 7:35am. [1/30/2004--Note: Mark never returned to the journal to fill in the details of the party, it was the first time in a while for both of us to see west coast unhinged folks.]