Going Away Party

So this post is only a week late, no big deal... I really have to get better at this blog thing.

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. 

 I didn't know I would be receiving gifts, but what can I say, I have pretty sweet friends! This adorable apron is from Tiffany and Christine. How did they know I've been wanting to get myself an apron? Most definitely packed that! Dorothy got me one of those reed diffuser things that I can't wait to use to make my new place smell amazing. Viv and Kim got me pomegranate liquer, which sounds really yummy, but I was not able to pack. Carol got me flowers!

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!