I know.
What does a lovely farewell party—wintry, wine, friends, and spontaneous, animated conversation—have to do with, ugh, high school?
Yearbook
I just found my yearbook from 10th grade.
People wrote: “Stay sweet.” They said: “You’re lucky you won’t have Ms. Franks next year.” And: “Good luck at your new school.”
Moving on
The first day of 11th grade, I was set to start at a boarding school in Durham called the North Carolina School of Science & Math. NCSSM. (Or, as Durham Academy liked to call us, “S&M”).
So on my last day of sophomore year, some people threw me a surprise party to say goodbye. I was really shocked. A lot of people came. And it was weird, they had cake and a card signed by everybody.
About a dozen of us had gone through elementary and junior high school together in a pack (”AG”). I wouldn’t be with them when the time came to wear our caps and gowns. It was strange. It was good. It was sad.
List
Here’s how this was like DK’s going-away party we had in November in Seattle:
- Anticipation. You’re about to embark on something new.
- Light sadness. You’re leaving some really wonderful people.
- Energy. You’re excited to meet new people.
- Pleasant surprise. A little sappiness is nice. (Thanks you guys!)
- Detachment. You’re in this weird, floaty in-between space.
- Anxiousness. You’re not sure if the next thing is really going to be “better.”
- Acceptance. But you know what? Winging it’s OK.
Last night for DK at Vermillion
A very special thank you to those of you who came out to our party. We had a brilliant time. Wish we could continue to be at Vermillion for Designers Korner, but hey. Best of luck to Diana as she continues to evolve Vermillion.
And thanks again to the rest of you who came, please enjoy these pictures on our Flickr photostream.
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