The sober socialite

I'm back! I got past the downer first few days and finally feel back to myself. I knew I wasn't myself during the week because I heard the news of Destiney's Child reforming on Tuesday, and I just didn't have energy to get excited. But I finally feel back to myself, cheering them on, and every other diva out there. However, one thing I was really dreading in doing this diet was having to go out and socialise with people drinking and eating, with me on the water. For the first weekend I had initalliy planned to spend it hibernating until I got more used to the shakes. I just had this horrible image of me walking past the big bright lights of the chip shops that selfishly open later at the weekends and me glaring at them with fondness/resentment. Why I chose to live in a flat above three take-aways I'll never know! But the first Friday coincided with my friends birthday, and I didn't want to miss his birthday celebration just because I wanted a body like Beyonce. So off I went with my Evian bottle of water, sitting on the train there I was expecting again to be the moody person there, feeling really down and teased by all the sweet sweet smells of vino and beers and crisps and oooohh the beautiful tastes of my former fridays. I got there........and loved it! I, Rachel Catherine Ann Mc Closkey, can have fun sober! I had a brilliant night, firstly, everyone was so supportive about the diet. As I said in my first post, I had pre-warned people about it, so they wouldn't tempt me with drinks. And they we're brilliant. Everyone gave me such warm encouragement about the diet and It made me feel really good about myself! Also, someone played this little beauty, now HOW could I be moody when my beloved Bee Gee's were playing. I was  chair dancing to the sweet sounds and loving it! (Chair dancing=sitting down cosy in a chair but still dancing)

I stayed until 1am (rock n roll y'all) and only left because we had to get a long bus home. But I was still full of energy on the bus. Y'know when you used to think it was only hippies who said they were "High on Life".......well slap my bum and call me a hippie! I had a great night, and was at the very least,  hyper (calm yourself, woman!). The only thing was, because it was so cold getting home, when I eventually did, I really wanted a warm piece of toast, but alas, off to bed I went with my h20. My mum saw the positive side in this as "Well Rachel, at least it was something healthier like a piece of toast you craved and not a kebab!" Personally, I'm not a kebab kinda gal, more of a chicken strip and chips, but you get her point, it's a good sign! And we all know, you take the "C" of "chips" what do you get.......... mmmm hmmm. Big ones!

Speaking of chips.... that very friday, I reached a funny moment I wasn't expecting to reach for another few weeks. Dearbhail told me about how she got to the point where she could enjoy the smell of nice food alone. On Friday, my housemate and friend got some chips from the take-out (who can be bothered to cook on a friday, eh?) and hid in their room to eat them, in support of my diet. But I went down, had a big whiff of them, enjoyed the seductive salty smell for a min, then that was enough. I walked on feeling sassier than a Strictly Come Dancing contestant and felt so proud of myself. I've since been doing this, it's so strange to enjoy just the smell, I find more funny than anything!

A major positive from this diet was waking up on Saturday hangover free! And as soon as I had my first shake I had so much energy it was strange! So I watched some of my pop videos (pop princess-loud and proud!) then I got so much cleaning and organising done! I'm turning into my mother I know - When I start talking about the improvement of meat when cooked in a slow-cooker just call me Colette and lets be done with it. I always justified a hangover if it was a really good night. I had a really good night, and felt great the next day! I'm not sure if this will be every time, Friday was a small gathering with close friends, maybe when I have to go to a club for a friends birthday and there's Redstripe falling down my back, and hearing slurred conversations like  "No, but you are my BEST friend, I mean it, no but you ARE" (I'm guilty of it) I might not be so "high on life" But swings and roundabouts people!

Saturday night was my first outing to a pub, I had arranged a few weeks ago to meet up with some of the girls from Uni, I was feeling confident that Friday went so well so left the nerves behind. I listened to Spice Girls on my iPod on the way there to pump myself up. I had a really nice time, it was nice to catch up and I brought some water just to have something to sip on, it's only social! After everyone bought some nibbles from the shop, if truth be told I would've loved a packet of Beef Hula Hoops but, it's not worth it girlfriend!

Now I'm just looking forward to my first weigh in with the pharmacist! I'm quite nervous but optimistic that hard work pays off. I'm really pleased how the first week has gone and hoping I can keep going with the same positive attitude. Friends and family supporting me has really really held me together with it, but then again, what is Beyonce without her backing dancers?