Last weekend, I held a going away party. I was wavering about having it for the longest time, but momma really encouraged me to have it. I told her I would only have it if I got to do the entire party planning. I'm so SO glad I did it and got to plan it my way. Seeing a lot of my friends for one last time was great and I had so much fun deciding on the menu and prepping the food.
On the menu: Pulled Pork Sandwich with Coleslaw, Pesto Pizza, Clam and Shrimp Linguine, Bacon-Broccoli Salad, Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Hummus, Pita Chips, Veggie Platter, Fruit Platter, and Raspberry Cheesecake Bites.
Group picture! Somehow it feels awkward to force everyone into one room to take a picture like this together, but it was important to momma and I'll probably really appreciate this picture in a couple of years. This was only some of the earlier guests too!
I made these really fun photo props for everyone to play with and have an excuse to take fun pictures. It definitely worked! Love it!
I am so glad I did this. Having this party made me realize how lucky I am to have such incredible friends. While I went to school at UCI, I felt pretty disconnected from these friends and felt like maybe we grew apart. And I had so much fun at UCI meeting new people that I did a pretty bad job staying in touch with a lot of people from home. But I moved home for nearly a year and it's like I never even left. I am still included in outings and such, and they even took time out of their busy lives to hang out with me at this little shindig! I am hoping this time around (and because I'm even farther away), I can do a better job of being a friend and this blog will keep those interested updated with my whereabouts.
PS: PLEASE visit me in Illinois friends!