Last weekend I had the pleasure of driving to the cities to meet up with my best friends. The catch? We were throwing my friend a surprise party! My friend is leaving tomorrow and flying to New Zealand and I still can’t believe it. I’m incredibly happy for her, but I’ll still miss her unique laugh. She was my neighbor for at least a decade and I had known her since I was 3 years old. It’s amazing to still know someone you knew from that young of an age.

Her party was at an Irish brewery/taproom in Uptown. It’s perfect because that’s a place her mom frequently visits and my friend made a comment, “Maybe my mom will be there.” Once we pulled up to the brewery, we showed her to the surprise tap room where everyone just yelled surprise with such an explosive volume. She didn’t know what to say and was just shocked that this happened. What is there to say? It’s hard to put into words how much your friends and family mean to you.

It was great to be able to escape my college stress for a day and see my awesome friends. One of the reasons why I’m eagerly waiting for graduation is because I want to be closer to the Twin Cities. I love the atmosphere, the small businesses, and the people waiting for me. I have one last ode to my friend; have a great time and fly safe! This isn’t goodbye, but a see you later. Hopefully in New Zealand though because I need to see Hobbiton.