Getting along swimmingly at a sea-themed soiree

On Thursday night, I went to the 2014 Book Of Lists party with Pfister artist-in-residence Stephanie Barenz and my parter, Royal.

The party’s theme this year was “Under The Sea” and its mission was, as always, to celebrate the media firm’s Book of Lists, which is a compilation of the lists published each week in the Milwaukee Business Journal.

The unofficial mission of the evening, however, was to enjoy the art of the six Pfister artist finalists, eat from an incredible seafood-loaded buffet, imbibe boozy blue drinks, play carnival-esque games and attempt to stay upright while balancing on a mechanical surfboard.

Let’s just say it was harder than it looked.

The annual shindig is described as “the best business networking event” of the year and attracts more than 500 business-area executives which means lots of suits, ties and, this year, plenty of lobster claws and mermaid tails, too.

A sea-friendly spirit was in full force and the details – from the bowls of goldfish crackers to the insanely detailed starfish and seahorse cookies for dessert to the super fresh mussels – made the evening a wave of success.

But perhaps my favorite part of the evening was all of the costumes. I particularly enjoyed the lobster lady in the elevator and the hippie Neptune dude as well as my own chance to toss on a coconut bra and sailor’s cap and climb inside a photo booth with my super fun party mates.

My time as the Pfister Narrator is winding down, and to stick with a water metaphor in honor of the sea-themed party, I’m swirling the drain over here. Hence, these moments, and documentation of these moments, are really starting to make a splash in my nostalgic parts.

Too smiley to be a crab. Must be a lobster.

Sea creatures say “cheese,” too.

Secret: That’s not his real beard.

Nice tail.

One blue drink too many?