The Friends Who Stick Around

Korrin B.

January 15, 2009 - 3:45 PM

I don't think you learn who your true friends from high school are until you move away to college. It isn't until there are miles between you and that best friend you've had since forever that you get to see who keeps in touch, who sticks around, and who forgets. Out of all of the friends I had in high school, there is one who has consistently shown me that she'll make the trip for me. She does it because when everything is stripped away; her true colors show her genuine care for me. Her name is Erin. We met our freshman year of high school in our health class and even during times when we're too busy to call, we still know that we're buddies. She comes up at least once a year to Eugene to visit me. Her first visit this year was last Tuesday and although we only had a little bit of time together, we had a blast.

On Wednesday, I finished class at 11:20am and had nothing else planned. We spent the entire day being awesome throughout Eugene. Our first stop was at the new shoe store over in the Oakway Center. When we walked in, I had to catch my breath. I had never seen so many beautiful shoes ready for me to fall in love with in one room before. I left with three pairs of heels, two of which Erin picked out for me. She is the best at helping me sort through clearance racks.

After burning what seemed like thousands of calories shoe shopping, we had lunch over at the Agate Alley Bistro. It was our first time going there. Every time Erin comes to Eugene, we try as many new, local restaurants as we can! I highly recommend the Agate Alley Bistro. It was a totally mellow, delicious little place.

Next, we went to the University of Oregon Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. I love that museum. It has such an amazing collection of work. It is great that it is centrally located on the campus. Some days I stop in there between classes or after a big test. It helps me relax looking at the art.

We looked at some more local shops, visited a few friends, and then, of course, it was back to food. We went to Ambrosia for dinner in downtown Eugene. It was also quite tasty and had a nice ambiance to it. We decided to dress up for it, so I had an excuse to throw on a dress and some heels. It was great having that time to just talk and catch up. We stopped by the Sweet Life on the way back home to grab some dessert to go. The Sweet Life is amazing just in case anyone reading this hasn't been there. They have incredible cakes, cheesecakes, pastries, ice cream - oh yeah.

Anyway, we ended the night back at my house, eating desserts and talking. She left the next morning, so it was a short visit, but it was really all we needed. Despite the distance and despite our busy schedules, I know that Erin and I will remain friends. Sometimes I feel as though I needed college in order to see who was really there.