Dork Alert: Uh that would be me over here...

Yes, I am a dork. A very big one indeed. I am just going ape over here because next Sunday I get to go to a concert. Most of you have probably been to several, but here I am less than a month from turning 40 and this will be my first real concert. And it is my favorite artist, Rob Thomas! I couldn't believe it when I discovered he is playing here in my town, so I just went nutso trying to find someone to work for me. I'll be cutting it close, but I got the time off. May have to leave a little early, but I'm going baby! So yes, I am excited and thrilled to go. And guess what? I am going all by myself. This probably isn't going to be near as much fun as going with someone else, but the interesting part of this is that I would never have considered doing that any other time in my life before surgery. I am still far from being a very secure individual, but things have improved greatly for me since I've lost weight in that things that would damn near send me into panic attacks before are no longer as terrifying for me now. The fact that I can blend in is incredible. And here is the funniest part: I have become my old self in that I am an extrovert by nature, and the more I blend in, the more I call attention to myself. Isn't that weird? But it's not uncomfortable like it was when I was over 300 lbs. I didn't want people to notice me then, but now I'm not worried about the negative attention so much, and feel more comfortable calling attention to myself in other ways now. Anyway, I just had to share. Silly, I know, but that is why, then, that I would be such a big dork! Dina

You're my hero! I've been to dozens and dozens of concerts, but never by myself. It's just been in the last year or so that I can even eat in public by myself. It's amazing how we still keep growing. Hugs, Connie

Well, I can eat in public no problem, but holy cow...a seasoned pro at concerts and now I am wondering if I should be all nervous and jerky for going alone! Oh well, I'll bury my head in the sand later. Hey - if I'm lucky I'll be able to bring some fresh roasted coffee beans for him and he'll actually get them. That would be a grand hoot. Wish I knew some of the security folks out there!!! Dina

Nervous and jerky? You? Perish the thought. If I were closer, I'd certainly be going with you. Actually, I can think of plenty of concerts where I probably would have had a better time if I had gone alone so go and enjoy yourself. Live in the moment and rock on. sister! Hey, are any of your off duty officers working at the concert? If so, maybe you can get your beans delivered that way. Hugs, C.

Go & have a blast!!! I am sure you won't regret a minute of it!! Marilyn, the Bearlady

Girl, go and have a blast!! I know, in the past, I've put off going and doing the things that I know would make me happy - like concerts. I'm so glad that you're taking the bull by the horns and going to see Rob! This yet another milestone for you babe! If I could get up there, I'd surely go with you. I find myself doing some things by myself that I would never do by myself pre-surgery. I can only take baby steps. I can only put one foot in front of the other. I'm NO where near my goal, but my independence is stronger than ever and at this point in my life, that's a big deal. Thanks for sharing. It's good to see and hear from you! Email me sometime and catch me up on things, OK? Take care - have fun - and I want a report on the show! Hugs, Wendy

Oh you bet I'll report on the show. I'd email you now though but have less than 3.5 hours to get a little sleep before work. Why oh why do I do this to myself? Ugh!!! Dina

your not a dork your awesome! I went to my very first concert the year i turned 42. I had always wanted to see "Meatloaf". when I found out he was playing at the local civic center I got tickets and went! It was fabulous! I dragged my daughter and her best friend with me. Now 11 years later they still laugh about how excited I had been. that same year was a big turnign point for me in my life. I had been divorced. Then after the concert I figured i could do anythign and got my tatto! what a wild thing huh? hahahaha This year I'm feeling alittle wild and have contemplated having my nose pierced with the tinest little stud. I dont know if I'll go through with it but I'm strongly contemplating. Maybe its the 11 year itch?

Oh Pammy - you are my hero. My friend Lynda who talked me into the nose piercing is in her 50's and I just have to say that I find it utterly cool to venture out like that ... 11 year itch or not! And hey - now I don't feel so odd that I've not been to a concert yet! Dina