Out of the ordinary…

Not mine.. it’s missing the zoom button and pieced back together, but those of others.

I might have mentioned my awesome weekend, where I got to shed the “mom persona” for just a few hours and head out with some friends…

And please don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t love being a mom, but sometimes I like to go out and be Heather and not “Sam’s Mom” or “Matt’s mom” or on the rare occasion “Matt and Sam’s Mom”.

I also like to get all dolled up. (And by dolled up, I mean an awesome pair of jeans, something other than a sweatshirt, and my boots… because the only good thing about the winter are my heeled boots.)

And this weekend? I got to do that twice!

Now, there was something else that was amazing about this weekend. To some, it’s probably nothing but for me it’s a milestone… something that I didn’t think was possible.

I had more fun than I ever thought I would, at a bar/restaurant, and I had not one drop of alcohol. Seriously.

I don’t think I’ve ever done that before. And truth be told, the last time I got together like this with people (um, February) it was not such a great night… well fun wise, it was off the charts, but it came with repercussions. Nothing major, but heavy conviction on my part… and at church the next morning (coincidentally, the first time at the best church.ever.) it was made very clear by the big man that I was not supposed to be out like that.

Now, I’ve had drinks since then, but they were in the peaceful setting of a restaurant by myself, or with the company of others. Probably twice. And never more than one drink. But I removed myself from situations where I would be tempted.

There were quite a few people who were worried about me going out Friday night, specifically my church friends. When they asked of my plans, and I told them, there was just a pause followed by a quiet “well, have a good time.”

I told many not to worry about me, but in the back of my mind, I wondered if they really did need to worry about me.

Friday night came and I donned my new favorite jeans, my “first date” shirt that’s been sitting lonely in my drawer for ever… (and this wasn’t a date, but I like that shirt… alot… so i decided to wear it) and headed out. (Might I mention, I said a prayer before I left.)

I was greeted by my buddies… many who I haven’t seen since February. Mike was in from Kansas and I’ve missed him. He and I would always go to the Chinese buffet and talk and talk and talk… I’ve not been to one since he left. Most of the people there used to work with me at the local TV station years ago, and in many ways, it was a little reunion.

Of course, there were people there that I didn’t know as well. So, I got to meet new people. Alcohol helps me open up a little. I needed no help this evening. We laughed, we joked, we got loud… and I had a blast!

More than once, I was offered a drink. I never had the desire. I sat there and sipped the Diet Dr. Pepper. Did they laugh at me? Not in a bad way.

When I rolled in the door at midnight, I was proud of myself. But it brought even more smiles when I was able to tell all my church friends that I was responsible. Well, that and that I spoke of God, my church, and other stuff while out. (I’m not sure they took anything in…they were all drunk!)

But…

There were pictures. And when they came today from my friend, I was tickled. I like them. They show how much fun I was having, and I have to be honest. It’s been awhile since I had fun like that.

Yes, it was a good night.

Until next time…

Heather

PS. I am in no way, shape or form knocking partaking in alcoholic beverages or that it’s bad if you do. For me, it was a conviction and one that I was working on. I’m also stating that I don’t/never did have a drinking problem. You’re talking to the light weight who got smashed twice a year… 4th of July and Christmas. Like I said, it’s just something that God presented to me and I have worked with.