Saying Goodbye to the Party Girl

That’s me on the right, in case you were wondering.

Okay, so not completely. But I’m pretty sure if you look in my photo albums circa 1999, there’s probably a shot with me just like this.  Holding my college roommate and instead of a Music Awards backdrop, we’re talking a room full of scattered Frosted Flakes and the remnants of a destroyed Phil Collins and Alanis Morissette CD collection.  And yes, I’d be holding her like this.  [With or without my shirt, not sure.]

Okay, so I’m kidding. (Sort of.)

Party Girl is classic Meredith.

But….

Party Girl was pretty unhappy, because no matter how much make-up and fun she put on… there was always the regret in the morning. Why did I eat an entire turkey reuben sandwich at 3:00 in the morning??? (Ah-hem. Above photo). Or waking up in the morning to find a pizza box…with no memory of who ate the pizza.  Only knowing that the fact I had pizza sauce on my shirt strongly indicated that it was me who ate the entire pizza. Why can’t I lose weight????

Granted… this was not a “usual” occurrence.  But I’m just saying, I like to have fun. I can drink beer with the boys and down the same amount of food. I like going out and drinking wine and having martinis and bar hopping all around the place.

Which is super cute when you are 19.

Somehow turns sad at 33.

I guess you can say that these last twenty-two days of “perfect” eating have taught me a few things.

Mainly, that I think it’s time to say goodbye to the Party Girl.

For example, I just spent the afternoon setting up a cocktail reception at our firm. I had to pass over the most awesome finger foods, wine, beer and vodka. Just had to set it up. Put it out, and walk away.

Yes, I could have stayed, but I thought I’d just walk away and not be social.

Because if I start drinking and snacking… then….

It’s a struggle for me… the social aspect… (not the stripping off the pants thing…)

Because I’m a “where’s the party —oh, right here it is! yeah baby” kind of girl. But I walked away. I have to clean it up in 45 minutes. But that will just be scraps.  That would be sad if I inhale any then…. it would be like eating out of a trashcan.

I am learning that feeling good and healthy (and sleeping amazing!!) is better than feeling like the life of the party. Not that I was anyway…

Now, I’m the life of the gym! Oh yeah, baby… watch me swim laps! Watch me run 11 miles on the treadmill.

I’m a wild one!

[And for the record, I think I am finally okay with that.]