November 3, 2023

It started in May 2015 in State College... Mackenzie, finishing up her senior year, and Austin, not quite ready to move on from the comfort of the Penn State bubble after graduating the prior semester, both found themselves nearing the culmination of the second greatest accomplishment of their senior year - the completion of 55 Days of Cafe. Mackenzie was a little frazzled during finals week and headed to meet her friend at Cafe for their daily check-in, which at this point in the semester consisted of orange juice and chocolate milk for them. Austin, who was fully enjoying the freedom of having graduated the prior semester had not a care in the world and was embracing the idyllic State College Spring weather and drinks with friends. Mackenzie and her friend sat at the same table as Austin, having recognized mutual friends also there. Mackenzie and Austin introduced themselves to each other. Mackenzie asked Austin, "where are you from?" To which Austin confidently replied, "New York." Mackenzie, in trying to come off as cool and collected replied, "Oh, like upstate." "No- Brooklyn," Austin replied. The abrupt response and the looming time series analysis final exam took the conversation away and Mackenzie forgot about Austin... at least for about a week. Both had achieved the goal that many sought, but few conquered - they had completed the challenge of 55 Days of Cafe and were awarded [a pretty incredible] party at Tussey Mountain, involving a bbq, batting cages, go-kart racing, and a perfect Spring day for jumping in the lake with friends. Austin and Mackenzie gave conversation another go at the party. Over the course of the day with all of the adventures at the party, Mackenzie accidentally broke her flip-flop, to which Austin immediately let her wear his. Not being even close to the same size shoe, the gesture was nonetheless endearing. Mackenzie and Austin got to know each other as she hobbled around in flip-flops that were too large for her (probably would have made more sense to just go barefoot), while enjoying their final days with friends before parting to take on the real world. Mackenzie and Austin stayed in touch as Mackenzie moved to Baltimore and Austin remained in State College to work. Over the next year, they visited each other between their two homes before Mackenzie moved to Philadelphia and Austin eventually joined. Seven years, two states, 4,224 miles, and one career change later, and we are so excited to celebrate with all of you! Thanks to all of you for being a part of this journey.