Finally a Birthday & New Years to celebrate!

Beaming is the word I would use for my 37th birthday and New Year’s celebration events. Let me just say that every time I tell someone I am in Las Vegas for the holidays (my parents live there) there is an assumption I am a party animal 24/7. I never really took advantage of what it offered. I was too self-conscious. How was I ever going to compete with the younger hotter crowd?

Let me tell you about the photo in the black and white dress. That was me about 40 pounds heavier (not heaviest). I went out with my cousin and his best friend. They were kind to be my “dates” for my birthday. I bought the drinks so I’m sure I looked like a cougar. College kids take the oath of poverty. Most of the night I sipped my drink and let the boys have fun with girls who approached them. I remember the moment they took that photo. I sighed to smile.

Red top photo- I had an amazing dinner at home and rocked out to one of my favorite bands the Black Keys. From the parking garage to the arena I had a strut. In my head I heard the Saturday Night movie theme. I might be a year older but I felt damn good.

Gold top photo- That is two of several New Years Eve kisses at the Venetian casino. I made it my mission to have an amazing time by
A. Make eye contact
B. Believe that I don’t need to compete with anyone
C. Smile with pure joy. It worked like a charm. I never wanted to leave.
Just like a My Fair Lady song “I could have danced all night and still have begged for more. I could have spread my wings and done a thousand (wink wink) things.”

I really just had to share. Thanks.

P.S. I would also like to add that I was able to maintain my weight even around my mother’s cooking (I spied lard in the kitchen counter top). I woke up every morning (except Jan 1 for obvious reasons) and walked around the neighborhood.