You all know that I’m single and in my 50s. I have numerous friends, but a lot of the local ones are younger and married and there are many more who live a few hours away. So, it isn’t always easy for me to call someone up and make spontaneous plans for an evening out.
Over the years I’ve learned how to venture out solo if there’s something that I want to do and don’t have a friend to do it with. When you’re a single woman, this is a valuable asset. Otherwise, you spend a lot of time sitting home, often resentful because you really want to be out… there…doing…something…fun.
I will admit that when I got to my way high weight, I ventured out solo less often and avoided some activities unless they were ones with which I was very familiar, like to a local movie theater. Funny how the whole solo thing can become more of an issue at night, right? I’ve never thought twice about it when a day time event like a festival or a craft fair is involved. Fat or thinner, I won’t eat alone in restaurants around my home area, but I don’t have an issue with it if I’m traveling. Another odd aspect of the whole venturing solo deal.
Anyway, back to today. I’m venturing out alone tonight. Some people I recently got to know through a business-connected program are involved in a fundraising event up the Keys. The organization is raising money for scholarships for kids to teach them fishing, marine conservation and the like. The party is a casino night. I love casino nights, particularly those that take place in actual casinos with real money, but, hey, black jack is black jack whether the chips you cash in result in actual cash or in prize points. When the announcement/invitation was issued, I decided to accept. I asked a couple of friends if they wanted to go but the ticket price was a little more than they wanted to spend. I refused to let absence of a companion get in my way.
The theme is country western. I even dug through my closet and found my boots. I haven’t worn them in about 10 years. At some point my feet got a little too big to maneuver through the boot shaft. I tried them on yesterday and, ta da, they fit again! My jeans fit me well so all I need to do is decide what top to wear and I’m set.
Even more than the outfit, I have my attitude in place. I refuse to feel uncomfortable or awkward because I’m flying solo. I have no problem socializing with people I know or introducing myself to people I don’t. Sitting at a card table without a partner is not as obvious as a dining table at, say, a wedding. I am 100% open to the feeling that this will be a fun night.
Whether the cards go my way doesn’t matter. I already feel like a winner!
Weighty Matters 
I can do pretty much anything on my own… except eat at a restaurant. I hate eating at restaurants alone.
I have learned to go out on my own over the years, and especially when I go on a vacation (which isn’t often). My six-week wanderung cured me of any fear of eating out or doing things alone. I just haven’t done much of it since I’ve been in Houston. But as I’m changing locales again, I intend to re-introduce myself to the city I once knew quite well. I intend to not let a lack of companionship stop me either, on those occasions when my friends cannot make it. I think it’s very powerful to be able to go do things solo, especially as a woman. So yay for you! I hope you have a blast!
Skye, it’s great that you’re envisioning your life in Seattle and how you plan to live it. This is inspiring and empowering!
I’m home and had a fun evening. Socialized over black jack and met several nice people I didn’t know before.
I’m late, but just wanted to say
YEE HAW!!!
Julie
Have fun!!!
You GO, girl! As another 50-something single woman, you have my admiration and awe…I rarely go out on my own. Of course, I rarely go out at all, so that might have something to do with it, Have fun!