Rosalita.....jump a little lighter........

Sometimes, we just don't celebrate ourselves enough. We're so busy getting through the day or the week or the latest crisis that we don't stand still long enough to realize what's really happening. Are we too busy to know when it's time for an it's- all-about-me-party? Shame on us......

Ever since I joined the Lapbanded life, hundreds of things have been happening around me everyday. The worlds of my Lapbanded friends and I are changing. In big ways, in small ways.....in every way. As of late--I'm doing halleluias over being able to wear all the underwear in my drawer. Now, that's a good thing for sure. (You should see some of my undies....I've missed them so!) While I'm doing that, others are changing careers, having sex for the first time, moving to the other side of the country, walking out of abusive relationships, picking up good looking men in bars and buying sports cars--to name just a few things! Then, there are folks who are finally able to do things that most people find commonplace. Case in point--one woman announced with giddy glee that she could wear panty hose! I guess if you could never wear pantyhose, that would be a big thing (even though I'm happy if I never have to wear those things again)! But, to not be able to wear them....as in your body won't let you...that sucks! There are folks who never had a bathing suit who are buying bathing suits and going to swimming pools and going on vacations. There are women who wore a Size 24 for most of their adult life and now they are buying size 12s. Others who wouldn't have been caught dead exercising are joining gyms. Moms and Dads who didn't have the energy or the confidence to play with their children are now going to the park and swinging on swings! Isn't this all worthy of a party, a celebration or at the very least--a shout out? I should say so. In fact, I think it's time for a mega party. With margaritas and martinis and wine and even fancy protein-packed foods. We'll listen to rock n'roll....the good stuff. Lots of Bruce. Maybe a little Bob. We'll turn it up real loud and we'll sing along. I'll twirl.

It's amazing what obesity can rob from a person. Sometimes it's the most basic things....like going out in public or sitting on a bus. Yes, I know...it's not all about looking good and fitting into seats. Obesity brings with it all kinds of health issues. But, we all know....what your poor health doesn't suck out of you, the indignities of your size does. Leaving the life of an obese person behind and embracing a world where you are not obese can be daunting! Yet, the pleasures of it are undescribable (is that a word?). I mean, even the most miserable day can be improved with one look at your stomach...it's flatter, there's less of it and it's not poking out from the zipper of your pants. Even when things are going bad...if they are going bad while you are wearing a cute outfit....somehow it's okay. But, we're not used to that. Why? Well...before our Lapbanded lives began....if something bad happened.....you could take no solace in your ever growing belly. And, if you were hearing news that you'd rather not hear---there was no comfort in your moo-moo or your pants that were splitting at the seams.

Maybe it's just me but somehow life's miseries were compounded by the fact that I was.....yes, I'm going to say it.....FAT. Naturally, all of that conditioning did not help me in the self esteem department. Celebrating yourself just didn't fit into the picture when you're...yes, I'm going to say it again......FAT. I was oh so happy to celebrate other people. Hell, I'd cook and decorate and do a jig....for someone else. For me.....let me hide in the kitchen and take charge of the buffet table. Celebrating me was out of the question. Oh sure, celebrate my meatballs but don't try to put me in the hot seat. I did not want anyone to celebrate me and I didn't want to celebrate myself. Let me be the hostess with the mostess but not the center of attention. After all, I was fat. No, I just wasn't fat. I was FAT and hopeless. That's what many of my years were like----FAT with no hope of changing my fatness. Until my Lapband. Alright.... go ahead....say it...."there she goes again.....talking about how in love she is with her lapband...". This time you're wrong. What I'm saying right now is.....I was fat and hopeless before *I*.....me, Judi......made the decision to change my life and stick with it. Now, because of ME, I'm happier, healthier and I have better clothes. If that's not worthy of a celebration....I don't know what is!

We're doing it. An all-about-Judi party....right here, right now. You're all invited. I'll bring the gin..... you bring the limes. I'll dig up the rest. I've got my CD's....I'll turn them up real high. I know all the words and we'll let the music seep into our souls. I've got cigarettes in the freezer and leopard print glasses in my purse. I've got red shoes, dangly earrings and a sparkly, over-the-top necklace. Oh yes......it's a party.
So.....come sit my fire..... we'll try a new concoction and make that highway run......right here, right now....on my journey.....

Cantina
1.5 oz. Tanqueray Gin
1 oz. Limoncello
.25 oz. lime juice
2 dashes orange bitters
Brandy

In a shaker add the all the ingredients except the brandy. Shake briefly, just to mix the ingredients then strain into a Collins glass full of ice.
Add a brandy float on top and garnish with a lime.

Then, we'll dance..........

Celebrate Good Times, COME ON......
Spread out now Rosie, doctor come cut loose her mama's reins
You know playin' blindman's bluff is a little baby's game
You pick up Little Dynamite, I'm gonna pick up Little Gun
And together we're gonna go out tonight and make that highway run
You don't have to call me lieutenant Rosie and I don't want to be your son
The only lover I'm ever gonna need's your soft sweet little girl's tongue Rosie you're the one
Dynamite's in the belfry playin' with the bats
Little Gun's downtown in front of Woolworth's tryin' out his attitude on all the cats
Papa's on the corner waitin' for the bus
Mama she's home in the window waitin' up for us
She'll be there in that chair when they wrestle her upstairs
'Cause you know we ain't gonna come
I ain't here for business
I'm only here for fun
And Rosie you're the one


Rosalita jump a little lighter
Se–orita come sit by my fire
I just want to be your love, ain't no lie
Rosalita you're my stone desire

Jack the Rabbit and Weak Knees Willie, you know they're gonna be there
Ah, sloppy Sue and Big Bones Billie, they'll be comin' up for air
We're gonna play some pool, skip some school, act real cool
Stay out all night, it's gonna feel all right
So Rosie come out tonight, baby come out tonight
Windows are for cheaters, chimneys for the poor
Closets are for hangers, winners use the door
So use it Rosie, that's what it's there for



Now I know your mama she don't like me 'cause I play in a rock and roll band
And I know your daddy he don't dig me but he never did understand
Papa lowered the boom, he locked you in your room
I'm comin' to lend a hand
I'm comin' to liberate you, confiscate you, I want to be your man
Someday we'll look back on this and it will all seem funny
But now you're sad, your mama's mad
And your papa says he knows that I don't have any money
Tell him this is last chance to get his daughter in a fine romance
Because a record company, Rosie, just gave me a big advance

My tires were slashed and I almost crashed but the Lord had mercy
My machine she's a dud, I'm stuck in the mud somewhere in the swamps of Jersey
Hold on tight, stay up all night 'cause Rosie I'm comin' on strong
By the time we meet the morning light I will hold you in my arms
I know a pretty little place in Southern California down San Diego way
There's a little cafe where they play guitars all night and day
You can hear them in the back room strummin'
So hold tight baby 'cause don't you know daddy's comin'