Stories from the road.......

Helllllo.....are you there?

2012-02-01T04:52:00.000-05:00

Good Morning February.....
Since it's the first day of a month....this is as a good of a time as any to let you know what I am thinking!
I'm at a blogging crossroads.....I've been here before, I know!
Forgive me if I sound like a broken record......
I'd rather be a broken record than a record that squeals and annoys!

The truth of the matter is---I'm wondering if my blog is relevant or important or even read!
Yes, I know, I shouldn't care because it's not like this is my livelyhood!
Maybe I don't care if no one reads it!
Do you want to know the truth? I love this blog.
My silly little blog....I love it.
I've thought about making it more commercialized or making a living from it or giving it an entirely different slant. Then, I stop and realize that I just love it the way it is. So, I keep going....
Yet.....if you you want to know the truth--- there are days when I wonder why I am getting up at the crack of dawn to write it.

Perhaps I've never really asked the hard question.....SHOULD I CONTINUE TO BLOG EACH DAY?

As much as I truly love to get up at 4:30 am to make a cup of tea and then saunter into my little office and blog about whatever it is that I want to blog about, I'm wondering if it's necessary that I do it every single morning.
Perhaps some mornings I should just sleep in.....
I just don't know.....

Even if you NEVER comment, I'm going to ask you to comment TODAY....
Here's my question.....it's an easy one....just answer YES or NO.....
DO YOU READ MY BLOG EVERY DAY?
Because if you're here.....I'll be here.
If you need me....I need you.

Just let me know.....don't be shy.

Kicking off the final week of football.....

2012-01-30T05:06:00.000-05:00

We're only days away from the biggest game of the year.....
Well, not for us here in Pittsburgh.
We're not playing in the big game....
Even so, we're still part of all the hoopla.
Even if it isn't black and gold.
We can't escape all the talk about Super Bowl foods, Super Bowl drinks, Super Bowl commercials, Super Bowl parties, Super Bowl fashions, Super Bowl bets......yadda, yadda, yadda

All weekend---from the Parade in the Sunday paper to every Food Network show to the evening news--it's Super Bowl, Super Bowl, Super Bowl all the time.
Since we can't talk about our home team, we're busy talking about food and drinks.
Not an easy way to break free of the holiday food habit.
The year is filled with so many booby traps to derail even the best intentions!
I guess this is what you call an Interception....

I get by with a little help from my friends......

2012-01-29T05:17:00.000-05:00

Especially on a jam packed Sunday when there's no time to dabble in the kitchen.

I'm getting out my crock pot.....


I got a jar of this.....


And a package of this......boneless chuck roast (found it on sale at Bottom Dollar for $2.48/lb)

I got a package of this....

Trader Joe's is by far the best but any good quality brand will do!

About 10-15 minutes before we are ready to eat---I am going to slice my polenta a medium thickness and saute it up in a little olive oil.
Then, I'm going to put 1-2 pieces of polenta in a flat bowl and slather with Italian Beef

Then......I'm going to top it with a hefty hand full of this...


I prefer Trader Joe's Italian Cheese blend but this will do just fine

After weeks and weeks of kitchen olympics and holiday cooking, no matter how much you love it all, you just get plain tired.
That's where I am at right now.
In addition to that--I am still wrestling with packing up all of my Christmas decor. Here in Judiland--it's a very complex and tedious process involving lots of tissue paper and packing materials and labels and cartons and tape and scissors and bags and boxes.....and hauling it all down into the basement and into the Christmas storage room (yes, I have one!). Little by little, I've been working on the deChristmasization of Judiland. However, with what the next few weeks have in store for me work wise-- I am now at very critical point--- the transformation has to be completed today.   If it doesn't get finished today....it will be March before I have the time and the energy to devote to this arduous procedure!
Am I up for the challenge?
God only knows.
But, let's face it....if there's even a remote chance that I am going to win the war on banishing Christmas from my house once and for all, Sunday dinner can't be a major activity.
Even though Sunday dinner has to be a major activity.....well....at least I try to make it a major activity in the week since it's one of the only meals Carmen and I get a chance to have together and chat a bit.

My inspiration came in the form of a gift from a friend coupled with a visit to Williams Sonoma yesterday.   My dear friend Angela got me a box full of Williams Sonoma goodies for my birthday. And, in the box was a jar of Italian Beef Sandwich Starter. She knows I love all things WS.
Then, yesterday, when I made a quick stop into Williams Sonoma to pick up a jar of one of my favorite things on the planet--Williams Sonoma Carmelized Shallots , they happened to be demonstrating the Italian Beef Sandwich Starter.   It was yummy. I decided right then and there that I was making it for Sunday dinner. And, since it tasted almost identical to a menu item at one of my favorite little bistros--Italian Beef over Polenta, I decided that was how I was going to serve it.

Although I am dreading the work that lies ahead of me, I'm looking forward to the aroma that will fill the house as my crock pot and my jarred sauce does my cooking for me today!

Yes, it's A LOT of work.....

2012-01-28T06:52:00.000-05:00

What's that old saying?
About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age?
No, not that one.....
But, of course, it is one worth noting.
The one I'm thinking about is the one we all know.
Although the exact wording escapes me now.
It's the one that we have all heard a gazillion times....from our mothers, from our fathers, from our teachers....
Oh, you know the one.
The one about anything worth having is worth working for???

I suppose I've been so busy living it that I can't remember it verbatim.
All I know is that it's true....especially when it comes to weight maintenance.

A martini a day keeps the stress away!

2012-01-27T05:28:00.000-05:00

If only I could do one martini a day!

The fact that I didn't have one a day might be the reason why I became a stress EATER.

Martinis could have saved me!

Yes, I know, I talk about martinis alot.
(that's because I love them!)
But, I only have one martini night a week....Thursday nights.
~~Not counting weekends.~~
Each Thursday night, I have one martini.....my standard Tanqueray gin, shaken, up with a twist.
On my birthday....I had two. On a Monday! So, beat me.....
At certain places, on special occasions, I have my all time favorite---a Hendrix martini (I can only handle one safely....).
Trust me....if you get a chance to try one...do it. It will change your life!
Although I always have ~~a jug~~ a bottle of Tangueray gin in the house, I buy one bottle of Hendrix gin a year.
When we make martinis at home, I drink Tangueray on non-special days and Hendrix on holidays--I buy the bottle for my birthday and have the first one on my birthday and the rest on holidays---Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, ~~if-I've had-an-exceptionally-bad-day~~, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, ~~my daughter's birthday~~, Labor Day, ~~my son's birthday~~, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Carmen's birthday, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and then I have the last drops on my birthday before buying my next bottle....
By the way...I do not share my Hendrix
I guess you could say that I drink martinis very ritualistic.

I sure wish I would have met martinis earlier in my life.
Thanks to my Lapband, I was introduced to them.
Another reason why I love my Lapband!
You see, I was always a gin and tonic girl.
But, after you get a Lapband, you have to give up the fizzy stuff.
I thought I was going to die giving up Diet Coke and Tonic Water.
But, I figured out how to survive without them both.
Instead of Diet Coke---I became addicted to Snapple Diet Peach Iced Tea.
Instead of Tonic Water--I found myself in love with a spritz of vermouth and a twist of lime with my gin.
THANK YOU LAPBAND!!!
Now that I've become acquainted with my Thursday night martini, I truly believe that if I would have found it sooner, I might not have gained all that weight that I did from stress eating.
Perhaps I would never have needed to get my Lapband.

The road to what cures you is always filled with twists!
Lime twists---in my case!

Sometimes someone else says it better......

2012-01-26T04:54:00.000-05:00

I didn't take the easy way out......

Lapband Girl posted a link to this wonderful article on her Facebook page.
If you've got a minute, read it. It won't take long, I promise.
It couldn't have come at a better time for me.
These three simple opening sentences somehow comforted me.....Let’s start off by clarifying a few things. Weight-loss is hard. Weight maintenance is harder.
(the rest of the article is great too.....especially helpful in realizing that weight loss surgery is an essential option in the fight against obesity, the fight for good health and the fight to live!)

Those first words of the article served as a reminder that my journey is not over and I am not alone in that.
Sometimes it's easy to think that it is or that it should be.
But, it's not.
Yes, I have lost the weight with a tool that made all the difference for me.
Now, I have to keep it off.
Funny thing....after four years of living with my beloved Lap band....I'm very familiar with it and I know how to work around it---which means that I know what I can safely get past my band without any major issues.
Sometimes knowledge can be a very dangerous thing.

Midweek Midlife.....

2012-01-25T20:33:00.000-05:00

Enough said.......

The pants have spoken.....

2012-01-24T04:36:00.000-05:00

"Judi, you are done!"

And, I heard them loud and clear this morning.
Evidently, my hearing is not so good between Thanksgiving and my birthday.
Thankfully, today, my hearing has returned.

It's back to Lapband basics.
Either that or tossing out my SIZE 8 Petites.

I've been on this road before.
I'm not tossing any more sizes.
I'm going to listen to my pants.
They are smarter than me.
It's time I admit to it!

I might have a higher education but my pants have street smarts.
I can't outsmart them.
No matter how hard I try.

Today, I'm a girl who admits to the fact that my pants win.

A little pants humor.....

Hello 53.
Hello water.

Hello to the fact that even though it can pass through my Lapband that doesn't mean I should eat it.
Good bye Trader Joes Cranberry Oatmeal Dunkers
Good bye Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark.
Good bye to all that other shit that I have no idea why I eat.

It's time to believe in my pants.

Getting into my pants is what it's all about......

Hello 53........

2012-01-23T05:02:00.000-05:00

Please be gentle with me......

Carmen and I......our snowy weekend roadtrip!

Yes, it's my birthday.

Roadtrip!!!!

2012-01-20T04:17:00.000-05:00

Which is exactly what I need...right about now!

Yes, the car is packed with everything my sorority girl needs for another semester at collegeland.
And, our bags are packed for a little weekend doing our quaint little town thing, visiting with our almost-PhD son and celebrating the end of me being a 52 year old.
First stop---collegeland.
Then, we're heading over the hills and down into the valley.....until we land.

Wineries. Breweries. Little shops. Taverns. A charming little inn.

A nip in the air. Snow capped mountains. A roaring fire.

A little time away from Judiland.

Sounds like a perfect way to close out being 52 and getting ready to greet 53.

Although my house is not completely deChristmased and I have more work and chores and projects than I can shake a stick at right now, I'm not going to worry about any of that....for the next 72 hours.
For the moment, I am all about bidding my little girl farewell and goodluck and all that jazz and then enjoying some quality time away from it all. I've come to the conclusion that the only way to ease into empty nesting....no matter how many times you have to face it....is to schedule a little trip ASAP. So,that's what I am doing!
We'll think about all that other shit on Monday.
No. Tuesday.
Because Monday is my birthday.
I don't mess with anything messy or yucky on my birthday.
I'm a Diva like that.

I BLACKED OUT......

2012-01-19T04:34:00.000-05:00

in protest of the ANTI PIRACY LEGISLATION.


The government is not going to tell me what I can't write on my blog!	Only my children have that right.....

Hey, I am a girl who likes to be at the height of fashion.
I like to be trendy and in the know.
So, when I heard about the SOPA blackout yesterday, I took it as my cue to stand strong with my fellow cyberspace brethren and really impact the world..
I didn't blog yesterday.
Did you notice?

No one can say I'm not in touch with what's going on!
I wonder if those legislators got the message when they found out that Stories from the Road had joined the blackout.
No matter.
At least I got a little bit of extra much- needed sleep.
Sometimes protesting has it's advantages!

Sometimes I think I'm the only one......

2012-01-17T05:19:00.000-05:00

How about you?

I think it's normal to look around and think that no one else has to deal with the things you have to deal with, that no one is exhausted as you are, that no one thinks the crazy things that you think, that no one feels the same way as you.....
Maybe that's just me....

When I find myself feeling this way, I know it's time for a girlfriend intervention.
Either that or prozac.

I don't know about you but when I am with my girlfriends over the holidays.....it just ain't the same.
Sure, it's good. No, it's great. It really is.
But, it's not a re-energizing or soul-soothing time.
We're all merry and bright or bitching about all the work involved in bringing the holidays to life or we are so damn preoccupied with holiday stuff and sharing appetizer recipes that we don't really get the true benefits of our friendship.
We party on. We laugh. We drink. We talk about how we are going to stop all the madness....next year.
Then, we go home and keep on going.....because.....hey.....it's the holidays.
We banish all the negative thoughts and narly issues and things that keep us up at night.
We turn off the maddening to-do lists in our head, we put our careers on the back burner, we try not to think about the festering problems that won't seem to go away and we put on our smiling faces and greet everyone with a kiss, a hug and a merry smile.

When real life starts creeping in.......the pity party begins.
And, I'm having a pretty big pity party.
It would be nice to know there are others out there ~~suffering in their own pity parties~~ to share my thoughts with.

I'm sure I'm not the only one feeling this way.
Or, am I?
I think it's time for some research......I need some girlfriend time.
I'm feeling a wine night coming on!

Happy Monday.......

2012-01-16T05:18:00.000-05:00

If today is a work holiday for you, I am very jealous.
Very jealous.

Detox me, please!

2012-01-15T10:04:00.001-05:00

I'm feeling the effects!

*Saturday Happy Hour at home--one Tangueray Rangpur Martini (try it! amazing!, 3 oz. Tanqueray Rangpur gin, 2 drops aromatic bitters, lime twist, pour gin in a shaker FULL of ice and shake vigorously, strain into glass and garnish with the lime twist)

*Girls night out with my little girl and my sister.
*Dinner at Stone Pepper Grille-- Thai shrimp and martini
Since we were headed to the movies at Settler's Ridge, we had hoped to get into Anthony's (this is our third attempt! boo! the place is always packed!)
Given we were on a time table--due to the movies, we had to find a place nearby that did not have a 2 hour wait.
That's how we ended up at Stone Pepper Grille.
The martini was just fine and the Thai shrimp was tastey enough.
But, for some reason, my band was not too happy with that tastey Thai shrimp.
Thus, the many visits to their restroom.
Which, might I add was tastefully decorated and very clean.
By the time we left the restaurant, I can assure you that I did not retain one calorie from the martinis or the shrimp!

So, it only stood to reason that I felt completely justified in ordering myself *the extra large vat of buttered popcorn* to share with my movie mates (although they did not eat that much!).

Well, friends, I ain't feeling so great this morning.
After a very long night of tossing and turning and stomach misery and feeling just overall lousy, I am facing my long Sunday to-do list not so chipperly!
I feel like I'm looking down the barrel of a gun right now.....

Oh, don't blame it on the martinis.
It was completely the result of that huge tub of movie theater popcorn!
Believe me, I know a martini hangover and this ain't it.
THIS, my friends, is the result of that damn popcorn that I munched my way through as I bee-bopped in my seat while watching Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton sing and snipe through the movie Joyful Noise (a cute enough movie, worth watching, a little disjointed, good music, will keep you bouncing in your seat, not an academy award winner but a feel good kinda movie that's not all that probable but gee, go see it...)

Sure, sure, that movie theater popcorn sounds innocent enough.
After all, movies and popcorn is an American rite!
Let me assure you, that might have been the case--last night.
This morning---not so much.
It is guilty as charged!!!

Here's the evidence:
From Web MD:
Would you scarf down a pound of baby back ribs and a scoopof Haagen-Dazs ice cream or maybe two Big Macs while watching the latestrelease at the movies?
That's what a new report says you’re getting in terms of fat and calorieswith a large tub of movie theater popcorn, and that's before they pour on thebuttery topping.

Holy Popcorn!

I'm heading to Detox.....right after I clean the kitchen, take my aunt grocery shopping, make Sunday supper, do the laundry, clean the kitchen again, do more laundry, clean the bathrooms, put away the laundry, change the bed linens.....

Um, well, maybe I'll go to Detox after I have a glass of wine.

The party has to end sometime.....8-(

2012-01-14T06:33:00.000-05:00

My little girl......who makes me laugh like no one else can!

Sigh...........

I'm heading into the final week of being a working mother with a child at home.
Yes, the holiday/semester break is coming to an end for my princess daughter.
By this time next week, she's back to college and I'm back to my ~~quiet house~~ empty nest.
Although I will miss her terribly, it will get me back to my ~~not as exciting~~ regular life.
How boring is that?
Since she's been home, life has been a party and ~~I gained weight and I'm exhausted~~ my body is feeling the effects.
First, we kicked off the holidays in grand style with lots of eating, drinking and making merry.
Then, we rollicked and frollicked our way from Christmas until New Years.
After that, we had lots of girl dates--dinners, lunches and get togethers with friends.
Many, many, many trips to Starbucks for Chai Lattes.
Late night reruns of Friends while munching on Trader Joe's oatmeal cranberry dunkers and pop corn, drinking Snapple diet peach iced tea (then not being able to fall asleep due to all of the caffeine!).
Not to mention all the cooking and cleaning and shopping and movie watching.
But, we ain't done yet!
Before she goes, we're planning to sneak in all those things we didn't get to while she was here.....a few movies, mom and daughter facials and pedicures, a trip to our favorite sushi place, trying out my new recipe for macaroni and cheese with carmelized onions (I'll share the recipe if it turns out as amazing as I heard it was!) and whatever else is left on the list.....

One more week of partying.
I'll take it.

Fatdoom dreams.....

2012-01-13T05:12:00.000-05:00

When I woke up this morning, I didn't give much thought to the fact that it was Friday the 13th.
I was just thankful that it was FRIDAY.
Somewhere between throwing water on my face and running down the steps to put the kettle on for tea, the dream that I had came rushing back to me.....
All of a sudden, I recalled the feeling that I had in my dream....that old familiar feeling.....of fatdoom.
What is fatdoom and why did I feel fatdoom?
Fatdoom is that feeling that weight is creeping on and you have no control.
And, in my dream, I was standing on a scale that registered 152.
No! No! No!
Of course, 152 is by no means FAT.
But, for a girl who has fought her way past 200, past 190, past 180, past 170, past 160, past 150 and wrestles between 135 and 142, 152 means fatdoom.
Rational? Who in the hell cares. It's just what it means to me.

Now, in my family, the fact that I had a specific number appear in my dream means that I should rush out and play that number because it was sure to hit.
But, despite my family's history with THE NUMBERS, I have never subscribed to that type of thinking.
Carmen, being the engineer that he is, tells me that there's no mathematical or logical correlation between numbers that you dream or numbers that appear to you or numbers that are associated with dreams and the actual number that hits on the lottery (or anyplace else for that matter). I believe him. Since I know nothing about logic and mathematical stuff and he's the master of it all.
And, anyway, I've never been one for playing numbers or lotteries....unless someone comes and collects my dollar from me and tells me I am joining in on playing....as we do every so often at the office.

Having said all of that, I still believe there is something to be said for what we dream.
Toni is always talking about her dreams and what they mean and how they relate to what is going on in her life.
For some reason, my daughter has a lot of dreams about teeth....
I have had a reoccurring dream for many, many years---that I am in one place but am also supposed to be in another. In high school and college, I would dream that I am in a class but while there I would remember that I was also supposed to be at work or in another class. As the years went on, I would continue to have that dream about work or picking up the kids or attending a meeting, or going to a school function when I was also scheduled to be another place.
There was always a lot of panic in those dreams.
Even to this day, every so often, I have that dream.
I always figured that it correlated well to my life....for many reasons.
So, I never bothered to investigate it's true meaning.
I was sure I had it all figured out.
So, as I waited to the kettle for tea to whistle, I thought about my dream....that I weighed 152.
I figured it was probably a result of the few pounds that I've gained over the holidays and my fixation on that. Or, my fear that those few pounds would morph into a few more and then there I am.....250 pounds again. Or, perhaps it had something to do with my blog post yesterday.
All of those scenarios made lots of sense.
However, I figured for the sake of pumping some interest into my blog, I'd do a little research online before I wrote this post this morning. I knew Toni had bookmarked a site online that analyzes dreams. So, I decided I'd spend a few minutes seeing what the expert online dream analyzer....Dream Moods had to say.
Honestly, I was quite sure I knew what it would say---it would tell me that I was just preoccupied with weight gain. But, I figured.....hey, they might say it little more eloquently than that and I could use it to propel my blog post.
Well, wasn't I a little bit shocked to find out that the interpretation had nothing at all to do with weight--- as in pounds.......

To dream that you are overweight or that you are gaining weight suggests that you are feeling over-burdened and pressured. You are carrying too many responsibilities.

It stopped me in my tracks. How did they know?

Just when I thought that my life long reoccurring dream was really trying to tell me that all these years, I find out that my newest dream is trying to tell me the same thing!
I guess the powers-to-be in dreamworld are trying a different tactic after years of that reoccurring dream and I wasn't listening....they must have figured that I would finally LISTEN if they talked in my language...the language of FATDOOM!

Whew.
Whatta way to start Friday the 13th.
I thought I was just having a fear of being fat.
Now I find out it's lifedoom.
Maybe I'll just play 152.

Struggling makes me more popular! Right?

2012-01-12T05:06:00.000-05:00

I gained a few pounds.

Does my admission give my blog a bit more relevance?

Does it up the excitement quotient of my life for you?

Will my challenge increase my readership?

Will it pull me out of the blog doldrums?

A certain lurker seems to think so.

There's no denying that after four years of blogging about my Lap Band, sometimes it's a bit of struggle to find something new to say. How many times can I say....I love my Lap Band??
A while back, I made peace with the fact that my blog was not a commercial entity, it was not going to be the end-all, be-all in anyone's day and that it might just get stale. I acknowledged to myself that it was enough for me that it is something that I enjoyed doing, it keeps me focused on my Lap band and it also fed my interest in having a regular forum where I could write and at least have a few people read along and comment every so often. Yes, I figured it was enough for me. After all, if anyone who was new to their Lap band journey really wanted to see my path--my archives were there for them to peruse. Plus, with all the wonderful and successful Lap Band bloggers out there---I was confident everyone could find a place to land. Yes, it was enough for me.
Sort of.
I'm pretty sure I could have lived with the thought that my blog's heyday was a thing of the past as long as I had a few folks who continued to stay connected---if for no other reason than reading it was a daily habit for them.
Until last night.
A sometimes-blog-reader/lurker and I had a quick online chat about something unrelated to my blog.
During the course of that quick conversation--the sometimes-reader/lurker mentioned something about my lack of staying on course with my blog.....that I was just talking and that I had gotten away from the original purpose of my blog.
That stung....
Although I didn't tell the sometimes-blog-reader/lurker that I had been struggling with it all for a bit, it was evident. Even though I didn't like the tone of the comment that I had been just talking (I, for one, would have never said it THAT way!), I respect this sometimes-blog-reader/lurkers opinion very much. So, I asked "what do you think I need to do?"
The response was something I hadn't thought much about......

"Rather than providing insight into struggles, you are just ranting about your life, which probably to most people isn't that interesting. Your original intent was about a struggle. A challenge. That's why people read it. They felt connected to it. You need a struggle.

People need a reason to read your blog! You have to get back to the struggle!"

Alrighty then, bring on the struggle!

I guess these holiday pounds came at the right time.....

Please come back and bring your friends......

Back to BAND business......

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

So, here I am---4 years and 5 months into my BANDED life and it is still as much a part of my everyday world as ever.
These days, it's like my arm or my leg. It's just another part of my body.
In fact, I think it might be my favorite part of my body. Besides my blue eyes.

Especially now!

For the 5th New Year in a row....I am not resolving to lose weight THIS YEAR.
In fact, my hopes and dreams have nothing at all to do with weight (I am not exactly sure what my hopes and dreams are but I know they have nothing to do with weight....).
It's a beautiful thing.

Weight is one less thing I have to worry about, think about, obsess over.....
But, that doesn't mean I don't miss those days when every New Year diet article gave me a little tingle of excitement and a ~~whole shitload~~ big shot of hope after 6 weeks of careless eating and wreckless indulgence.
I've always been a diet junkie.....I love the thrill of weight loss promises!

Speaking of a "shitload"......

As we glide into a new year, diets and weight loss programs and exercise regimens and magic pills are all the rage. Every magazine cover is screaming something about weight. TV advertisements are either assaulting us with income tax commercials or weight loss promises---ugh. Just what a diet junkie like me loves! Yes, I read them all and even imagine myself doing them!
It's a sickness, really.
Not wanting to be fat is nothing new. It's BIG business.
And, I mean.....BIG. BUSINESS.
Income tax is a whole other story.....

I'll bet you that you could go into any store, any restaurant or any ~~bar~~ little cafe and eavesdrop on a conversation among 2 or more women and 99.9% of them will mention the word diet or say something about weight. Go ahead, try this little experiment and let me know how it goes. Although I wasn't doing any heavy duty research, I always find this to be true. Even more so at this time of the year.

Just the other day, while out doing a little after-holidays shopping, I ran into four different women and chatted with each of them. All four conversations either started with the subject of weight loss or dieting or somehow found it's way there. A few good little fixes for a girl like me. Now, you could argue that people just naturally talk to me about weight loss since you know....I lost all that weight. But, really, that's old news, ya know. I'm pretty sure we would have entered into our chats no matter what. One of the women said she had just joined Weight Watchers. Another of them was "back on Atkins". The third one had decided on Jenny Craig and the fourth one....well....she was doing the HCG Diet (a diet I wrote about here.....). I'm pretty familiar with all of those diets. In fact, I'm pretty intimate with them---I shared quite a bit of my earnings over the years with them! I'm a full lifetime member of Weight Watchers, an alum of Jenny Craig and a veteran of Atkins. My mother happened to be a victim of HCG. As a matter of fact, once I figured out what diet this woman was talking about, I've been wrestling with sharing my knowledge of my mother's experience with the program with her (a desperate dieting woman who thinks she hit the jackpot--eating 500 calories a day and giving herself injections while working 2 jobs as well as her having her own design business on the side). I just hate to take away anyone's hope. But....I figure saving a life is worth it.

I'm not knocking any weight loss program.....I've done most of them that were available since 1974. So, who am I to judge? And, I certainly recognize that some people need programs or regimens or directions to help them with their challenges. And, some of us just like the thrill of new diets. But, if I have learned nothing else on my Lapband journey, I've learned that I just ate too much damn food. That is why I was obese. Sure, sure...there was the thyroid thing and the fat grandmother and the pregnancy weight and the busy schedule and all that other stuff--all of it very valid. But, in the end--what my Lapband did was stop me from eating all that food. That's how I lost the weight. Believe me, I didn't exercise all that much. My Lapband did not change my genetics or cancel out my fat grandmother or give me back a healthy thyroid. It just cut down my food intake. Too much food was my enemy. So, if you look at it that way--it all seems rather simple...right? Eat less=lose weight.
Hmmmm.....not so fast.
I know that stopping all the overeating is not as easy as just stopping it. Every body is different, every metabolism is different, everyone has different genetics and there's all kinds of different lifestyles. It's an entire combination of things that effect why you gain weight and how you lose it.
My Lapband happened to work for me. I think it's the best thing I ever did for myself. But, I don't think everyone should do it. Well, that's not true.......sometimes I do have to stop myself from shaking people until they come to their senses and get a Lapband.
Am I saying that everyone who is really serious about losing at least 100 pounds should do it?
No.
But, geez, it's definitely worth thinking about.
Let me put it this way....if you are currently thinking about what diet you want to pick or weight loss promise you want to believe, take a few moments to consider the option that changed my life......Lapband surgery.
But, only if you want to.

Dancing in the aisles......

2012-01-10T05:06:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I'm 10 days into 2012 and I haven't quite got the hang of it.
I need to hit REWIND.....

Everyone deserves an off day.....

2012-01-09T20:17:00.001-05:00

'Tis January, 'tis Monday, 'tis tired.....

And, on the 8th day.......

2012-01-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

I have decided to be a Domestic Diva.
Last night, I was Wine Diva.

We had a lovely wine drenched dinner with lovely wine-lovin' friends at a lovely little bring- your-own-wine restaurant.
Yes, it was lovely.
They make an amazing rendition of zucchini rollatini.
I'm telling you, the stuff is to die for......

As for today......the wine is gone (although it did leave behind a little wine headache).
But, there's a hefty portion of my zucchini rollatini in the fridge. Thank you Lapband!
There's lots of work to be done around here--from yard work to laundry to all those other fun housekeeping things that took a back seat to all the hoopla and merry-making of the past 6 weeks.
It's not that I didn't do those things.....I just did them haphazardly and with different intent. For instance, in December if I was doing laundry--it was probably at 2 am and I was also wrapping presents and making an appetizer to take to a party. If I said I was doing yard work in December--that meant that I was putting Santa Clauses on the porch and trying to get the spotlight to shine perfectly on my red sleigh.
I was more of a Santa's Helper Diva instead of a true Domestic Diva...wearing my leopard trimmed Santa hat.
Now, it's back to real life---where towels need washed because we are out of them and bathrooms need scrubbed because....well.....they need scrubbed. The leopard trimmed hat is safely packed away with all of my holiday wear until next year and I'm done with the business of making Judiland merry.
I know....doesn't sound so glamorous or fun....does it?

Well, just so I feel like a true Domestic Diva and to add a little glamor to the thankless drudgery of housework--I have put on my fancy apron, I'm making a huge pot of Italian wedding soup with ricotta dumplings while the washer and dryer is going.....wearing lipstick.
Some things just need to be done.

Keep some of those Christmas gifts!

2012-01-07T06:49:00.000-05:00

Remember last month?
The month that you feel like you are paying for this month.
December--the month with all the gluttonous debauchery and spendthriftery that would surely shame us any other time of the year.
Yeah, that month.
The one we are cursing right.about.now.

STOP IT!
Let's just take a whole different approach.....
I've been thinking about it and I think that there's a few things about December that are worth doing all year long.
No, not the ~~early morningand~~ lunchtime drinking and ~~non stop~~ daily cookie scarfing.

I know, I know---- you are sick and tired of all the hoopla and woo-hooing but really....what's so wrong with that?    Feeling merry ain't such a bad thing---is it?
Alright, alright.....so, if you don't want to do the whole merry, yippee, woo-hoo thing, maybe you can just do some of those other things you did during December......
(CAUTION: These are not to be misconstrued as New Years resolutions. They are, as I said, things you did in December that are worth continuing.....)

How about.....

*Treating everyday like it's a special day.
Go ahead, eat off the good china! Sit at the dinner table. Dress up a little!
*Staying in touch with friends and family.
Yeah, I know, we're all busy. But, just think about how good it feels to chat with an old friend, go to happy hour with your gal pals, have lunch with a cousin, visit with an elderly aunt. Why limit it to just once a year?
*Buying good food and cooking your best recipes!
Sure, you don't have to do that everyday but why eat the lousy, same old, same old food day after day after day? Sometimes you just need turkey and stuffing in June!
*Eating three meals a day!
I don't know about you but I am sure we ate 3 meals a day all through the holidays! How do I know that? I cooked them all! But, really, eating three meals is a good idea.....having me cook you three meals a day is not a good idea.

Maybe it should be Christmas all year long.
Nah.....

One week down, 51 to go.......

2012-01-06T04:42:00.000-05:00

We made it to Friday during one of the hardest weeks of the year!
I don't know about you but I am this close to declaring that I am sleeping until November 2012.
God knows who will take down all my Christmas stuff.....
2012 looks and feels way too long and too hard from where I am sitting right now.
I think we all deserve ~~a round of applause~~ a trip to Happy Hour!
I'm sure I'll be a much better blogger next week.
Until then.....let's try to think positively and drink wine.

Do I really have to go back today?

2012-01-05T05:12:00.000-05:00

There's something mighty miserable about everyone returning to the office after the holidays at the same time.
And then me coming in a day later.
Yesterday was proof of that!
I mean....I did go into work for a few days over the holidays while most of them were home basking in the love and joy of their families, watching movies and eating peppermint bark.
I was the one ~~fending off~~ answering the phone calls and emails, cleaning out the fridge, running the reception desk and ~~hiding from~~ dealing with students and their questions.

Why do I have to be treated as though I somehow got a free pass just because I took January 3 off?
I'm telling you right now---I'm not happy about the fact that there's 53million things that need done and it's a new year and that all the spirit and joy of the holiday season has been beaten down into ash!

This after-the-holidays-new-year thing is ~~a bitch~~ not going well.....

Saying Good-Bye.......

2012-01-04T05:01:00.004-05:00

to the holidays and our full nest......

Bittersweet.

The White Christmas that we were hoping for finally arrived.....not exactly when we wanted to see it....it was 2 weeks too late.
Thankfully, our house is still completely decked out in all it's holiday splendor.
So, we could pretend.....even for just a moment.
It provided a scenic backdrop for our good-byes and well wishes as our almost PhD packed up his repaired car to head back over the snowy mountains to PhDland.
As the snow fell and the winds blew---we said farewell to what is probably his very last extended Christmas break.
Now that he's *this* close to ending his career as a student and he's talking about his applications for real jobs and post doc work around the country.....next year will be quite different.
I felt it in my mother's heart as he pulled out of the driveway.
Something special has come to an end.
Somehow the falling snow made it even more bittersweet.
If I wasn't so busy shivering from the cold and barking orders about driving in the snow and other motherly directives, I would have shed some tears.
But, I kept my composure and told myself that maybe the next chapter holds many new exciting things to look forward to.
And, the snow fell.
Lots of good memories remained.
And we said good-bye.

This morning I'm thankful for those memories.

Easing into.......

2012-01-03T08:25:00.002-05:00

the day, the week, the month.....the year!
Slipping and sliding.......

Although most of the world is back to their regular lives today, I am not.
Nope, I scheduled another day at home.
A day off from work but not a day of no work....trust me.
It was supposed to be a day off to pack up Vince and get him off to PhDland and to bid farewell to some other holiday guests.
Then, Vince's car had some problems.
And the garage was closed for the holiday weekend.
So, Vince is staying put until the car is safe to travel in.
They are working on it right now.
Then, it snowed.
And, it snowed some more.
So, the guests are staying put.
This is no way to kick off a brand new year.
Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.
And, wouldn't you know it....when I needed to blog the most....THIS MORNING....Blogger was also having some issues.....
So, in between cleaning up the kitchen from last night's unexpected dinner and a movie guests and making yet another gourmet breakfast, I decided I needed to BLOG......
This blogging moment might be the only snippet of sanity in my day!
Easing into insanity is more like it!!!

2012-01-02T08:47:00.005-05:00

A few more dishes linger in the sink.
There's lots of food and goodies to deal with.
Not to mention trash that needs bundled and stray gifts that need to find homes.
But, this girl is not dealing with any of it.
Instead, I am going to rest these weary bones.
Every crevice of my body aches.
There's not a patch of comfort from my tippy toes to the top of head.
The holidays have come and gone.
Yahoo! Yippee! Woo-hoo!
They left me battered and worn.
I'm taking today as a Judi holiday.
So, pardon me while I sip my chai and contemplate how I will celebrate it.
I'm thinking....on the couch, watching movies, making my family wait on me.
Check back with me to see how this plan goes.
You just never know....miracles do happen.

2012-01-01T05:07:00.005-05:00

Every new beginning comes from
some other beginnings end.
Semi Sonic- Closing Time

I would chat a bit more but there's lots to be done in the kitchen.
Plus, I'm nursing a little gin headache.

Happy 2012!!!
Oh, and.....GO STEELERS!!!!

Counting down the hours.......

2011-12-31T05:50:00.004-05:00

until it's time to say farewell to 2011!

Cheers from us!

Please spend today responsibly......since it's the last day of the year and all.
I'll try to listen to my own directive.
You just never know if a day with Frank Carr will end up responsibly!

Bang those pots!!!!

I surrender!

2011-12-30T04:52:00.006-05:00

Yes, I gave in.
Don't think less of me.
After a few years of listening to lots of moaning and groaning and pitiful drama over the fact that our big-enough screen TV was just too damn small for football and that it was somehow destroying my husband's life and possibly our marriage, I let myself be dragged to the store with the ridiculously big TVs. Once I was there, I succumbed.
We bought the ridiculously big TV.
After all, it was Carmen's birthday.
And, he had fed me 2 Cosmo's for lunch.
I'm now one of those women who has a honking huge TV smack in the middle of her living room.
Don't talk about me, please.
I will have you know that no sooner did we own that TV, I demanded a suitable TV stand that would fit my taste.
I refused to go home until we found it.
I'm one tough bitch.
You want a bigger screen TV? No problem.
Let me list my demands:
*The perfect TV stand that will fit with my decor. Yes, dear.
*The big-enough TV that was once where the ridiculously big TV is now is to be mounted in my little office off of the kitchen at a perfect angle so that I can see it as I am blogging and doing other various big computer related things. Yes, sweetie.
*And, the sort of big-enough TV that was once in my office is now to be mounted in my bedroom at a perfect angle for me to view from my bed while I am propped up on pillows sipping wine or chai. Yes, my love.

For good measure.....I also got a lovely diamond cluster ring and a sheepskin and shearling coat out of the deal.
Things I did not even demand.
I just happened to try them on in a little vintage shop I demanded to stop in.
Carmen encouraged me to get them---no, no, he was actually ripping his wallet out of his back pocket saying things like the coat looked way too good on me to pass up and the ring reminded him the first ring he ever bought me (that I lost sometime in the 70's).
Yes, darling! Who in the hell is this guy?
What a man won't do for a ridiculously big screen TV!
Especially 4 days before a ridiculously big Steeler game.

Another day.....another celebration.....

2011-12-29T05:09:00.005-05:00

It's Carmen's birthday!

Yes, my guitar-strumming, rock-n-roll singin', Steelers-lovin', recliner snoozin'', stressed-out, work-obsessed, martini sippin', scotch swiggin', beer gulpin', engineer husband is celebrating another milestone on his journey.
Smack-dab in the middle of all the holiday hoopla, we are all putting aside our chores and our daily schedules and all of our Christmas week activities to make it a very special day.
It's a 24 hour Carmenfest.
Well, maybe not 24 hours...he might not last that long.
After all, he is celebrating #54.
No matter.
With the help of the collective brainpower of my full nest, we have put together a day that's focused entirely on what we think he'll want to do with a little wiggle room for what he decides he wants to do...
The boys are starting out with a visit to the Carnegie Science Center to visit the Steelers' SuperBowl trophies. We're sure it will bring a tear to his eye as he talks (and talks and talks and talks) about his Super Bowl memories of days gone by.
Then, it's on to meet up with Toni and I in the South Side of Pittsburgh for a fun lunch at Fat Head's Saloon---where there's lots of fancy beers and excellent bar food (both are things that are near and dear to the birthday boy's heart....) plus tons of Pittsburgh memorabilia that will surely warm the cockles of his heart.
Once we're sufficiently fueled up, talked out and nicely tuned, we're taking on the sights and sounds of South Side---there's no telling where our meandering hearts and celebrating souls will take us.
As in life---sometimes you just have to follow your heart and feel the beat of your soul.

Happy Birthday Carmen!
xoxox
(he doesn't read my blog so if you see him, tell him that I sent him cyber kisses and hugs!)

It's beginning to look a lot like......

2011-12-28T04:27:00.003-05:00

you'll be hearing the following question:

What's your New Year's resolution?

I say it's time to look those people asking that question directly in the eye with a prepared statement.
Here's mine.....

I resolve to not make resolutions.

You only have 4 days to prepare your own.

Working day......

2011-12-27T05:13:00.013-05:00

It sounds funny to hear myself say that I'm taking a break from the holidays to go to work today.
As if the holidays haven't been WORK.

There's been the cooking.....at all hours....morning, noon and night.....

And, there were the late nights and early mornings and mid afternoons of wrapping and setting up and fuffing and fussing....

Of course, there were also those fun family memories that had to be made....

And, the obsessive decorating......little vignettes all around the house.....the details of which are mind boggling.....

And, the party -going! Making the fashion choices was enough to send me over the edge....not to mention the decision as to whether I'd be going with wine or martinis....

Not to mention....all the extra meals, piles of laundry, clean up, dishes, no sleep, bad food decisions and tired aching bones that go with it all.....

Yes, I'm going to work today to get a bit of a rest from the work of holidaying......

Welcome to Judiland Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas....Day -1

2011-12-26T06:22:00.003-05:00

It's the day after Christmas.......

Today's word is: OMYGAWD!
as in.....omygawd!
Once again, for good measure......OMYGAWD!

Welcome to Judiland's Christmas......

2011-12-25T05:43:00.005-05:00

Today's word is: Christmas
as in.....Merry Christmas from my home to yours!
'Tis Christmas once more.....

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 24!!!

2011-12-24T04:34:00.003-05:00

Only ONE more day until Christmas!
as in.....'tis Christmas Eve!

Today's word is: Anticipation
as in....I'm hoping those elves will come and do all the work that needs done!
Yes, that's me in Santa's workshop.....in the wee hours of this morning....wrapping and setting up and cooking and waiting on those damn elves to show up!

Christmas Eve.....my favorite part of the holidays.
I just love the ANTICIPATION......

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 23!

2011-12-23T04:30:00.001-05:00

Only 2 more days until Christmas!

Today's word is: TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!
as in.....Judi please stop screaming!

TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!TWOMOREDAYSUNTILCHRISTMAS!

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 22!

2011-12-22T04:52:00.003-05:00

Only 3 (count 'em...1*2*3)
as in...only THREE days until Christmas

Today's word is: Attack!
as in....move aside world, clear the aisles, tell your families to take cover and don't you dare drive the speed limit.....I'm on a mission to bring Christmas to Judiland!

Get outta my way, I'm living on caffeine and candy canes, I've got a list that's longer than that jolly fat fella and damn there's only three days until Christmas!

ATTACK!

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas......Day 21!

2011-12-21T05:14:00.001-05:00

Only 4 days until Christmas......

Today's word is: Partygirl
as......yeah PARTY ON GIRL!

It's been a bustling party season here in Judiland......

Here we are at the beginning of the holiday party season, getting ready to go to a spirited party at one of my spirited friend's house with a few of my spirited friends.....
Here's those spirited girls at that spirited party......Kate, Angela and I.....
Closing out the night with the guy I go home from parties with.....

Party season is always a good season for a Partygirl.....

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas......Day 20!

2011-12-20T04:49:00.005-05:00

Only 5 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Hurry-up
....as in company is coming or my family is hungry and I am sick to death of serving the same old, same old....I need something new but it's gotta be something quick (and delish!)......

'Tis the season when there's always a ham or a roast beef or a vat of sausage or big old turkey or a huge bowl of ravioli or a tray of cheese and pepperoni and crackers or a crock of hot artichoke dip or a platter of shrimp with cocktail sauce or....well....you fill in the blank....
Maybe that's just on the party circuit I travel.
Great food for sure but after a few nights of eating at the traditional holiday dinners and parties and buffets--I'm usually so done with it all.
And, so is my family.
As much as we look forward to all those traditional holiday foods, we find ourselves pretty tired of them after a few parties, a few meals and a few midnight raidings of the fridge.
When the holiday food misery sets in--and we all know it will--I try to be equipped with a few different ideas.

I'm always trying to come up with something just a little bit different to serve.....especially on those days between Christmas and New Year's when the kids are home full time, there's visitors at the door at all hours and I have to go to work.....
Let me repeat.....and I have to go to work.
It would be great if I could just put out all the leftovers and call it a day.
But, like I said---everyone (even our visitors) is pretty tired of ham and turkey and beef and sausage and ravioli.....you know what I'm talking about.....
I don't want to see another cheese platter.....please!!

When I was planning out my menus for next week--knowing I'd have to go to work and that I'd be exhausted from all the holiday hoopla and there would be company coming and going, I made a concerted effort to think a little differently when it came to evening meals as well as delicious fare for drop-in guests.
Here's a few things that I came up with......
First, a tried and true chicken recipe that I've made many times but I decided to turn it into a finger food for next week. We could eat it in front of the TV or serve it to guests along with some chips and dips. It's easy to make ahead of time and throw in the freezer and take it out when you need it. It goes good with a hoppy beer as well as it goes with an oakey Chardonnay.
Here it is....excuse the fact that there are no exact measurements.....I do this by memory....

Better than Fried Chicken
Thin sliced, boneless chicken breasts.....cut into strips
Coat chicken with mayonaisse flavored with some black pepper and a mixture of parmesean and romano cheese (cover them well with the mayo mixture)
Dredge and press mayo covered chicken into a mixture of Italian flavored breadcrumbs, more romano and parm cheese and Panko.
Place chicken strips on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375/400 for about 15-20 minutes.
(If you want to freeze them now--cool them a bit before doing so)
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces--I will be using a good quality jarred marinara sauce (DeCecco is a good choice), either a jarred or powdered and mixed-up ranch dressing and a jarred barbeque sauce.

This next recipe is one that my caterer girlfriend serves in lieu of the usual shrimp platter.....
it's truly amazing, has an air of elegance about it, it's super easy and quick and it makes everyone happy and is enchanting in your mouth when you serve it with a lush and smooth Sauvignon Blanc.....

Roasted Shrimp
(serve at room temp)

3 pounds shrimp (I use the frozen jumbo shrimp from Aldi's--thaw it before putting in oven....its great!)
A few table spoons of good quality olive oil
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1 teaspoon of coarse black pepper
On cooking sheet--coat all the shrimp with oil, salt and pepper very well
Roast at 400 for about 8-10 minutes
Cool and serve with lemon zest grated on top and scampi dipping sauce (saute some garlic in olive oil---when cooled add a splash of lemon juice, a bit of parmesean cheese, a little bit of dry white wine and lots of black pepper)

And, now for one of the best comfort foods around---Macaroni and Cheese.
Who doesn't love that?
Below is Alton Brown's recipe....it really is the best....a few thousand people have said so!
The only thing I do a little different is that I have to add some good quality romano cheese to the topping.....I can't help myself...I have to Italian everything up a little!
Take this up a notch and serve it on your good china and pour some happy Prosecco to accompany it!
Won't you be the IT GIRL.....?!?!

Macaroni and Cheese

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper

Toppings

3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko bread crumbs + a few sprinklings of romano cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps. Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.

Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Just in case you have a hankering for a little Mexican......you might want to try this quickie and tastey rendition of pizza. It goes great with a lively Sangria so you won't have to figure out what kind of booze to wash it down with.....

Taco Pizza

Crust: Large, oversized whole wheat tortilla shell or 3 whole wheat tortilla shells

1 can (14 Ounce) black beans
1 teaspoon taco seasoning (Penzey's Bold Taco Seasoning is fab!)
1 cup grated sharp cheddar
1 cup grated monterey jack cheese
1 head green leaf lettuce--shredded very thin (I buy the bagged variety)
2 whole ripe tomatoes, diced
½ cups cilantro leaves
¼ cups sour cream
3 tablespoons of Frank's hot sauce (or more!)
Pour black beans into a saucepan. Add seasonings to taste and heat up beans over medium-low heat. Use a potato masher to mash the beans to desired texture. Continue cooking/heating beans over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until no longer runny (should be the texture of refried beans). Set aside.
Spread layer of refried beans all over crust (tortilla). Sprinkle mixed grated cheeses over the top. Place pan in the oven (in the bottom half of the oven) and bake for 9 to 12 minutes. Watch it to make sure crust doesn’t burn.

Remove pizza from oven. Sprinkle on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro leaves.

Mix together sour cream and hot sauce, adding enough hot sauce to make the mixture pourable. With a spoon drizzle mixture over finished pizza. Serve with jarred salsa.

And, let's not forget about dragging out the crock pot. This past year, my sister bought me one of those buffet server crock pots that has 3 separate crock pots in it! She said I was the only person she knew that might really use it. So, I figured I'd prove her right. I did a little research on an entire meal--several courses--using my 3 crock pots. Whalla--a perfect meal to serve to your husband's boss and his wife on a busy work night during the busy holiday season. Turn on the crock pot, go to work, pick up a few bottles of wine, a decent champagne and a good bread on the way home, throw a salad together (using artisan bagged greens and simple bottled balsamic dressing, adding a handful of dried cranberries and some fancy nuts) when you get home and you're the queen of of the kitchen!

Fondue

--1/4 cup each of cheeses. I chose goat, grated/shredded gruyere, and grateds/shredded swiss (Trader Joe's has a bag of shredded gruyere and swiss that works great)
--1/4 cup white wine
--1/2 tsp nutmeg

Put the shredded cheese in crock pot. Add the goat cheese. Pour in the white wine and sprinkle the nutmeg on top. No need to stir---it will melt together.
Cook on the lowest possible setting for 5-6 hours.

Serve with bread, croutons, crackers, or your favorite dipping vegetables.

Veal Osso Bucco

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Six-Eight 1-1/2- to 2-inch-thick veal shanks (about 4 lbs)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
One 14-1/2-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 red onion, chopped (2 cups)
2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (1 cup)
2 stalks celery, chopped (1 cup)
6sprigs fresh thyme
4 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbs. finely grated lemon zest
2 large cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp.)

The night before.....

Put the flour in a wide, shallow dish. Season the veal shanks all over with salt and pepper and dredge in the flour; shake off the excess flour.
Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, and when it foams, add the shanks to the skillet. Cook until golden, turning once, about 10 minutes. Transfer the shanks to a covered dish and refrigerate.

Add the wine to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet and pour the contents into a separate covered container and refrigerate.

The next morning....

Put the veal shanks and the wine in the slow cooker. Add the tomatoes and their juices, chicken broth, onion, carrot, celery, and thyme. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours—the meat will be very tender and almost falling off the bone.
Before serving--sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, combine the parsley, lemon zest, and garlic to make a gremolata. Serve the veal shanks topped with the sauce and the gremolata.

Wine Braised Pears

2 (29-ounce) cans pear halves

1 (750-ml) bottle red wine (an inexpensive merlot will suffice)

1 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cinnamon stick

2 star anise

6 tablespoons sweetened whipped cream (for garnish, after cooking)

Drain pears, and plop them into your empty crock. Add the entire bottle of wine. Stir in the sugar, being careful to not break up the pear halves. Add vanilla, and float the cinnamon stick and star anise on top. Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.

Serve warm in bowls with a large dollop of whipped cream.

What are you gonna cook in between Christmas and New Year's?

Tell me quick..... HURRY-UP!!!

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas....Day 19!

2011-12-19T05:08:00.007-05:00

Only 6 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Sigh......
.....I miss the weekend already

I didn't cook or wrap or decorate...although there's lots of those things left to do.
Instead, I just Christmased my way through the weekend......

I did a little ME shopping.....

Don't you just love the flower on my hat?

I brunched at a fun little place with my favorite brunch mate....

We met up with our kids and got into the spirit......

and now I'm back.
Time to get ready to tackle all the things that need tackling this week before Christmas!
Sigh......

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 15!

2011-12-15T05:08:00.009-05:00

Only 10 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Home

As in.....Welcome to my Holiday Home....

Tune in soon for more.....yes, there's more!
Until then, blog friends, I bid you a little good-bye.
You'll just have to come up with your own countdown words until Monday!
Because this Santa's helper is hitting the party circuit for the next few days.
Yep, I'm putting down the tinsel and the bows and I'm packing up the sleigh and partying all the way!

No matter how fun it will all be.....there's no place like HOME.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--day 14!

2011-12-14T05:18:00.003-05:00

Only 11 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Joy
as in......find it!

The other day, after talking to yet another friend who was sharing her stresses of the season, I found myself wanting to scream "Can't you just find the joy?"
But, I stopped myself.
I get it--there's so much to do in regular everyday life that when the obligations and the chores and all of the work involved with the holiday season are added to it, stress is something that just happens.
Now that we are all grown up, gone are the simple days of just waiting for the magic of Christmas to descend upon us.
We are now the magic makers---we bring Christmas. We make the magic.
It's a pretty big responsibility.
We want to create the memories and give the smiles and make it all beautiful and wonderful.
Yet, in the process and the work of creating those memories and giving those smiles and making it all beautiful and wonderful, we find ourselves overwhelmed, exhausted and yes--resentful and sometimes even angry.
Of course, we feel horrible for feeling those negative feelings. No one likes to feel that way.
Especially at Christmas time.
I'm no different. I sadly admit.
I've got this nasty habit of doing too much, taking on more than I can handle and thinking that I alone must create a storybook, glowing holiday season for those I love and hold dear.
I subscribe to the idea of never letting anyone know just how many nights I work deep into the night, not getting an ounce of sleep and making things just appear as if it were the work of elves and fairies and good old Santa Claus.
I'm a firm believer that you should never let them see you sweat or look the least bit exhausted.
I'm all for full make up, special holiday outfits and a 24/7 look of merriment.
No. Matter. What.
I don't think decorating or cooking or planning menus or entertaining should ever look hard or tiring or too damn much.
And, I don't like enlisting guests to be part of cooking or cleaning up or doing any kitchen duty.
Yeah, I'm cuckoo like that.
I want my guests to think it's all so effortless and happens without me even messing up my manicure or yelling at anyone. Like magic!
So, as you can imagine, with the burden of all that magic-making, I find myself completely frazzled just following the rules I alone have set for myself.
Funny thing---since I've been behaving this way for sooooo long (going on 30 years!), it's now just what happens in Judiland.
Which causes quite a bit of a angst for me---I can't stop now.
It's what brings me joy. Um. Ah. Well. Hmmm.
Just the other night, as I was struggling with putting away my summer clothes to make room for my children to come home for the holidays (I was storing them on their beds since they went back to school after Thanksgiving) and attempting to also put away the Christmas decoration tubs, scooting up and down the steps, taking my life in my hands--Carmen asked me--"when are you going to finish the dining room?" I looked at him with a stare of I hate you now.
He didn't get it. He just didn't understand. This is his wife who brings Christmas effortlessly into his life while wearing lipstick, singing Jingle Bells.
"You know, put the Christmas table cloths on the tables and fill the china closets with all of your Christmas china?" he asked as I teetered on the staircase.

I'm looking for the Joy.
I'll add it to my list.
Joy. Joy. Joy.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 13!

2011-12-13T04:27:00.002-05:00

Only 12 more days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Naughtyornice
as in....which one are you? (click on the link to find out!)

Yes, it's another Tastey Tuesday recipe exchange day!
And, I'm beginning to wonder about you all!
99% of you are not sharing recipes!!
Maybe you are all hording your secret recipes and keeping them for yourself?
That's a little naughty, don't you think?
Well, I need all the nice points I can get.......so here's a few recipes for you!
In honor of your naughty behavior, all of my recipes today are of the naughty variety.

I'm not sure if I've ever shared this first recipe with you. Shame on me if I didn't. I discovered this last year at a holiday/football party. By "discovered", I mean that the hostess put in right in front of me and since I'd rather chat and eat that watch an entire football game and I couldn't walk over to the buffet table without risking my life by walking in front of the huge screen TV--I proceeded to eat most of it and declared it one of my all time favorite meals! It's very easy, very yummy and yes, it's naughty!

Hot Onion Dip

Ingredients

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
In the prepared dish, mix the cream cheese, onion, Parmesan cheese and mayonnaise.
Bake in the preheated oven 30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.

Oh...and here's a Paula Deen recipe that is so easy and so delish, it's amazing I'm not making it every night....I love, love, love it so much. It's so naughty that I actually feel the need to go to Confession after I eat it....

Peppermint Bark

Ingredients

Crushed candy canes, to yield 1 cup
2 pounds white chocolate
Peppermint flavorings, optional

Directions

Place candy canes in a plastic bag and hammer into 1/4-inch chunks or smaller. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. Combine candy cane chunks with chocolate (add peppermint flavoring at this point if desired.) Pour mixture onto a cookie sheet layered with parchment or waxed paper and place in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until firm. Remove from cookie sheet and break into pieces (like peanut brittle.)

And, this last naughty little concoction is something that reminds me of my mother. And, I love to be reminded of my mother! Although her favorite drink was a highball (made with gin), she loved to entertain with whiskey sours. When she bought some maraschino cherries and got out her bottle of whiskey, we knew she was having a party (or hosting her Friday night sewing club....)

Frozen Whiskey Sours

(note--this is my mother's recipe....she didn't add water to the concentrated juices--that's what makes it a wee bit more naughty. But, if think you will have more than one and you need to get up the next day to shop or cook or go to work or just breathe, you might want to some add water....)

6 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate
6 ounces frozen orange juice concentrate
8 ounces good whiskey
8 maraschino cherries , in juice
1/4 cup fine sugar

Directions

In a large blender fill blender with cubed ice (about 3/4 full). Add one frozen can of lemonade and orange concentrate. Add whiskey.

Add 1/4 cup cherry juice.Add sugar.Blend, high speed.
Garnish with cherry and optional orange slice

For those of you who are looking for extra nice points.....be sure to share your recipe in the comment section!!!

Welcome to Judi's Word the Day Countdown to Christmas....Day 12!

2011-12-12T05:19:00.003-05:00

Only 13 more days until Christmas!

The word for today is: Brrrrrrr!
as in.....Baby, it's cold outside!

It's December 12 and I'm heading to a cabin north of Judiland.
It's called a retreat.
No, I'm not crazy.
My job is.
Time to go find some woolens.......
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr........

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 11!

2011-12-11T05:19:00.004-05:00

Only 14 more days until Christmas!
(yikes, that's 2 weeks!)

Today's word is: Shop

There's no other way to put it except to say that if I don't get out there and shoptillIdrop, there will be nothing for Santa to carry down my chimney.
Today's the day.
Move aside everyone........I'm gonna SHOP!
(I might even take a SHOPtini break....afterall, desperate times call for desperate measures)

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 10!

2011-12-10T05:51:00.003-05:00

Only 15 more days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Miseltoe

Sometimes I think we don't kiss enough.
I mean don't reallllly kiss enough.
Sure, we do the cheek peck thing and a few hi and bye kisses and send texts of xxxx's and ooo's but long gone are the days of just kissing and kissing and kissing in the back seat of a '75 Camaro.
Sure, now that we're older, the back seat thing might not be all that comfy.
Especially with that sporty two door model.
But, what about on a couch in your own, empty nest home?
What the hell happened to just hanging out and kissing?

Perhaps it's time to remedy that.
I'm just gonna go online and order myself a shipment of Miseltoe.
Why don't you do the same?
Let's bring back kissing.
Miseltoe. Miseltoe. Miseltoe.
Oh, and some tongue......

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 9!

2011-12-09T05:07:00.004-05:00

Only 16 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Believe
as in.....I believe I can make it through....

Repeat after me.......

Glitter Text @ Glitterfy.com

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 8!

2011-12-08T05:04:00.004-05:00

only 17 more days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Breathe

as in inhale and exhale then take a drink?

The other day I had it confirmed what I have known all of my life.....I am not good at meditating.
Or finding my center.
Or being one with myself.
Or doing yoga poses.
Or resting my brain.
Or communing with my inner being.
Or being quiet for 2 minutes.
Or, not thinking about anything.
Or, keeping my spine straight while sitting on a hard floor with my legs crossed Indian-style.

You see, we have this lovely graduate intern working with us who kindly offered to do a meditation session with our staff during a regularly scheduled meeting.
The meeting was at 10:15 am, I had been running late all morning, traffic was a bear, it was raining, I had a to-do list at my desk that was as long as my arm, my daughter was stressing over final exams and just had to tell me about it, my son was dealing with a skin infection, my husband was dealing with being my husband and my pre-lit Christmas tree that no longer lights is not even up yet and oh....my dining room was a wreck and there were dishes in the sink and my dad wanted stew for dinner.
But, of course, I wanted to learn to meditate.
She said it was the key to relaxation.
I was just confused as to why I couldn't have a cigarette and a martini....aren't those two key elements in order to reach a state of relaxation?

Breathe, Judi. Just breathe.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 7!

2011-12-07T05:08:00.002-05:00

Only 18 days until Christmas!

Today's word is: Comfort

There's nothing quite like seeing an old friend. A girl who knew you when....
I'm a pretty blessed girl when it comes to friends. The old adage of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer doesn't work for me. It's the friends that matter.
If I have enemies, God Bless them.....
One of the best things about the friends I've had the pleasure and great honor of having over the years is that no matter how long it's been or where we are in life....when we are together, the fact that we are spending this moment together is all that matters.
I don't have one friend who even considers saying anything to induce guilt or bad feelings about the time that has passed since we got together, since we've seen each other or since we've talked. So, there's never any fear of picking up the phone or sending an email or running into one of them even if it's been ions since we last spoke. If you need something and you know one of your friends can help you--you make the call. If you see something or hear something that reminds you of them--you get in touch. If you are in their town and you have a moment--you knock on their door. There's never an ounce of anything other than happiness when we see each other's faces, when we chit chat, when we hug or when we share pictures or stories.
Friendship is a gift.
It's the best present of the season.
The comfort of spending time with an old friend is.....well.....a comforting gift.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 6!

2011-12-06T05:12:00.003-05:00

Only 19 more days until Christmas!

The word for today is: Yummy

as in......Judi's Fourth Annual Tastey Tuesday Recipe Exchange!
If you don't know what it is.....
Let me formally introduce to you.....

Here's how it goes....
Every Tuesday until Christmas, I will share a tried and true holiday recipe....right here on my blog..... you'll do the same! Post your YUMMY concoctions in the comment section.....

Then, by Christmas day...every one of us will have a bountiful and beautiful selection of YUMMY recipes! You can put them out for family and friends who drop by to make merry or you can bring them over to Aunt Edna's and show off your culinary skills to your cousins Gerty and Birtha. Or..you can leave them by the fireside for Santa to munch on when he slides down your chimney with all those gifts! No matter what you do....you can be assured that you'll have the best tasting food this side of the North Pole. And, I'll be feeling lots of comfort and joy knowing that I am serving up a tastey, award-worthy Stories From The Road Buffet....!

That's what I call YUMMY! YUMMY! YUMMY!

Hot Caprese Dip

10 ounces fresh mozzarella, chopped into cubes

2 roma tomatoes, seeded and juiced

3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil + more for garnish

Preheat oven to 375.

Make sure tomatoes have as much juiced squeezed out of them as possible – this will prevent the dip from becoming soupy. In a small baking dish, combine chopped cheese, tomatoes and basil and mix. Bake for 15 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes so cheese becomes bubbly and golden.

Serve immediately with artisan breads, Italian toasts or crackers.

Note: dip may appear “watery” which is why it is VERY important to get as much moisture out of the tomatoes as possible. Also make sure dip is consumed immediately, as the longer it sits, the more juice that develops. Don’t worry if there is a little bit of juice – it is still delicious!

Come on.....share your YUMMY recipes!!!

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas.....Day 5!!!!

2011-12-05T04:59:00.003-05:00

Only 20 days until Christmas!

The word for today is: Decking
as in....decking the halls and the roof....

The weather was so spectacular yesterday that I was able to get Carmen to venture out on to our master bedroom "roof balcony" to finally fulfill a dream of mine---to decorate it for Christmas!
I have always wanted to decorate our little balcony but the weather never cooperated. The first year we lived here, I did brave the elements to go out there to decorate but the wind was so severe (our house is at a very high elevation), the garland kept flying away as I was trying to attach it to the railing. Yeah, that was fun....
This is the first year in many that decorating day wasn't snowy or windy or icy or frigid. What that means is that the outdoors are decked.
Inside--needs decking.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 4!

2011-12-04T06:49:00.003-05:00

Only 21 days (that's 3 weeeks!!!) until Christmas!

The word for today is: Tangled

I'm so done with pre-lit Christmas trees. Soooooo done!
I'm writing a letter to Martha Stewart pronto.
It's her tree.....well, at least her name is on it.
Hey Martha--WTF? Love Judi

What we have in our possession is a 3 year old 9 foot slim tree with 750 clear lights.......of which about 250 of them are working.
I swear when we put it away last year, at least 500 of them were working.

What's with these pre-lit trees?

I am at a crossroads here......
Do I run to my fav neighborhood hardware store where I will pay an arm and a leg for all new lights then come home and string them on the tree all by myself (which I hate, hate, hate)?
or
Should I just bite the bullet and go in search of another 9 foot slim tree?

It's a tangling issue no matter how I look at it......

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 3!

2011-12-03T06:19:00.005-05:00

Only 22 more days until Christmas!

The word for today is: Sparkle
as in.....that's what I plan on doing tonight!

Big doings here in Judiland tonight.
We're heading to a festive and somewhat quasi-dressy dinner party at the mega fabulous home of a big-time executive at the company Carmen toils for. It's as much of a social event as it is a business event--or so I've been told. So, no matter how yummy those cocktails are or how perfect those wines are--I have to limit my consumption. I don't want to start trash talking during the pre dinner mix and mingle portion of the night and I don't want to fall off my chair during dinner service. Although that might be kinda fun.....
Since I can't do the tipsy Judi thing, I had to find another way to make my presence known!
So, I opted for some fabulous fashion finds to pump up the volume on what I know will be a sea of dark pants, black pumps, demure dresses and other ho-hum and politically correct "wear to the big bosses' house" garb.
I've decided to add a little glitz and glam to what will surely be a very nice but not so rockin' holiday party.
I figure, if you can't add sparkle with your antics, you must do it with fashion.

Glittery texts by bigoo.ws

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas--Day 2!

2011-12-02T04:57:00.003-05:00

Only 23 Days Until Christmas!!!

The word for today is: Giddy

......as in-- lacking seriousness; given to frivolity
or having or causing a whirling sensation; liable to falling.......

What better word for Friday?

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I have been dealing with a nasty head cold this week.
There's never an opportune time for any kind of feeling funky.
But, some times are even worse than others.
And, I considered this week a bad week to feel less than healthy.
Coming off of a full week of having a full nest, a full four-day weekend of partying and eating and shopping and cleaning. Then, closing out the whole thing with driving the dark, foggy, wet back roads in the pouring rain to collegeland and back....the return trip all alone....I was more than ready for a week to recover before having to dive into the holiday party circuit.
But, Mother Nature had other plans for me. Thankfully, I am not against making a beeline for the pharmacy when I am in need of some OTC help!
Between the TheraFlu (best thing ever invented) and the Vicks Vapor Rub, I hobbled through the week with a few moans and a few groans.
I made it to Friday.
Amazing what a girl can do with the help of some drugs, some ointment and a Thursday night martini.
Yes, I'm giddy.

Welcome to Judiland's Word of the Day Countdown to Christmas!

2011-12-01T04:41:00.005-05:00

Only 24 more days until Christmas.

The word for today is: Martini

I don't have to bellow from the roof tops that it's December 1.
Everyone knows it.
The calendar didn't even have to confirm it.
No need for additional angst or convulsions.
We all felt the anxiety of the upcoming season begin to trickle in around October.
Come November, as the days progressed, so did our levels of anxiety.
Once mid-November rolled around, we were almost busting at the seams with thoughts of what laid ahead of us.
As soon as we washed that last turkey globbed dish, we knew this day was near.
By the time we opened our eyes on Black Friday....we were certain that this day was on the horizon.
But, when the clock struck midnight last night--there was no denying what had just happened-- we felt the beads of sweat on the back of our necks and the slight tremble in our thighs and an uncharacteristically odd craving for fruitcake---December 1 had arrived.
I don't know about you but this girl thinks it's time for a martini.
I'm so glad this day arrived on the very same day as martini night.

Stop back each day for the WORD OF THE DAY as we countdown to Christmas!

Just call me Miss December......

2011-11-30T03:29:00.004-05:00

The first holiday party is upon us.
And, there's a few "Join Us for Some Holiday Cheer" invitations hanging on the fridge.
In between all of that, there's cooking and cleaning and shopping and decorating and lots of other fa, la,laing.
And, of course, there's outfits to plan, menus to plan, gifts to plan and plans to plan.
From here on out, it's jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way.

Yeah. Yippee. Yahoo. Woooo Hooo. Wowwwwwee.
Trying to get into the spirit.
Perhaps I'll get myself a candy cane.....

Trot that Turkey........

2011-11-27T20:17:00.009-05:00

RIGHT OUTTA MY HOUSE!
And, take all the other goodies too!
IT ALL NEEDS TO GO!!!
Turkey # 4 is untouched.....it's perched in all it's Thanksgiving splendor in it's roaster down in the basement fridge!
If you know anyone looking for a fully cooked 16 pound turkey....let me know.
Did I really need 4 turkeys????
I'm just so excessive.
Now, I'm left with the evidence of my excessiveness.
There's also 4 different kinds of stuffing, 2 different kinds of mashed potatoes, 3 different kinds of gravy....not to mention about 100 different kinds of cheeses, dips, crackers, breads.....AHHHH!
When will I ever make just one of everything?
My house is overrun with it all!
I tried, I tried, I tried.
I wrapped up all the leftovers and made care packages to go back to Collegeland and PhDLand.
But, it was not to be.
My Collegeland sweetie wanted nothing to do with any more food.
My PhDlander wanted less than half of what I lovingly bagged up for him.
And, so, here I sit with a fridge filled to the brim with luscious leftovers.
And, they are so noisy!
They keep calling me.
The parmesean herb mashed potatoes and the gingersnap gravy are the loudest.
No wonder I have a monster headache.
I mean a monster headache.
Perhaps I should try to block out that foodie call and try to soothe my soul and banish this monster headache with a little walk down memory lane.....
HERE WE GO.....

A Blessed Judiland Thanksgiving Weekend......
when my house and my heart were full!

Turkey #1......Thanksgiving Day!
Getting ready to share another blessed Thanksgiving......

Heading out for some Black Friday fun with my favorite shopping partner....
Turkey #2....Our annual Thanksgiving Saturday Turkey Fry--My brother-in-law, the turkey surgeon, shows Carmen what his special knives can do as my nephew stands by hoping to snag some turkey skin....
Turkey #3--Turkey Fry Night--My sister and my nephew guard the fried turkey (under the foil)....

Turkey Fry Night--Let the eating begin.....
Let the eating continue.....
My after-Turkey Fry kitchen......not exactly a blessing!
I hope your Thanksgiving weekend was just as blessed!

Time to deal with this headache......

Put on your SUPER SHOPPING CAPES.......

2011-11-25T04:29:00.003-05:00

It's time to unleash our super powers and show the world what we are really made of!

Shop off that turkey and those mashed potatoes super shopping friends!
We're all in this together.....

I am so thankful.......

2011-11-24T04:02:00.003-05:00

for so many things.
On the top of my list is this blog.
I am so grateful for this blog.
It's connected me to who I always wanted to be...a writer.
It's connected me to my lapband journey.
It's connected me to YOU.
As far as I am concerned.....YOU are the reason for it all.

Twas the day before Thanksgiving.....

2011-11-23T08:23:00.007-05:00

and Judi is stirring.....

It's all-turkey all-the-time today. Well, not really all-turkey all-the-time all-day. There's also stuffing and side dishes and all those other delicious friends of the turkey.
And there's those non-friends of mine to deal with as well--like--floor scrubbing and dish doing and bathroom cleaning and garbage wrangling.
But, first, without further adieu, it's Mom's famous homemade pumpkin pecan pancake making time.
That's what I promised my kids.
So that's what I'm gonna do.
Off to stir them up......

(My secret recipe...shhh...don't tell my kids.)

Good Morning Tuesday.......

2011-11-22T04:23:00.003-05:00

Although, let's face it, sometimes I party at work!

This morning I have an early morning breakfast chat session with a group of wonderful women that I would have never met if I didn't work.
But, why in the hell do we have to do it at 6:30 am on the other side of town?
The answer is because we have to get to WORK.
Isn't that always the answer?

Sunday supper was all I dreamed it would be.......

2011-11-21T05:14:00.002-05:00

except for the fact that my Lapband didn't like it too much.
I've been wrestling with Sunday supper since Sunday supper.
The pain is painful. The misery is miserable.
I've haven't been the same since I got up from the table.
I am wondering if I will even make it through the day!
Thank you dear fill technician for not giving me a fill.
Are you sure you didn't give me a fill?
If this is what's in store for me come Thanksgiving, I think I might just have to make lots of extra mashed potatoes and a ton of my good gravy......

As it turns out, my Lapband is filled to capacity.
So, it was decided that I would not having a fill at my appointment on Friday.
However, I did have my fill removed, measured and checked.
I still had to deal with the really big needle....just to be sure all was well.
My lovely fill technician didn't even add a smidgen.
Even though I did not have a fill, I could swear I was not this tight before I got it removed, measured and put back in.
What the hell is going on here?
At the moment, I am so effin uncomfortable that I can't even continue to blog......

Happy Monday......

Gathering around the table.....

2011-11-20T08:23:00.005-05:00

There's nothing quite like a Sunday dinner on an autumn day when my nest is full.
Yes, today, we will be a family of four.
Sunday supper with the four of us.
This is heaven to me.
So, I'll be dragging out the Thanksgiving china and crystal and setting a festive table.
The kitchen will be bustling with the sounds of cooking and laughter and bickering and clanging pots.
Maybe we'll even listen to the radio station that's playing Christmas Carols 24/7.
An aroma of anticipation will fill the air.
As far as I am concerned, nothing tastes as good as a family dinner and all the activity that goes with it (except for the doing the dishes).
Vince arrived on the scene with a cache of recipes he unearthed that he wants us to try.
So, he'll consider himself in charge of the goings on. Upon his orders, I bought a mandolin for a recipe he will be putting together. He said he'd take care of manning the mandolin (go right ahead....) . He will also be taking charge of the grill(more power to you....) for the delectable steaks that are the currently sitting in a yummy marinade.
Toni will happily stand by and watch the commotion. Her brother will chide her for not helping and they will banter incessantly in their famous brother-sister way.
I'll sip my Beaujolais Nouveau.....the new stock just came out on the Thursday...it's lovely, btw.
Every once in awhile, Carmen will break away from football to give us his advice.
I'll busy myself with preparing a new-to-me salad, figuring out what to do with a pile of zucchini and a few logs of goat cheese while cleaning up after my son the guy who will be fancying himself as the head chef in his mother's kitchen.
And, did I mention there will be Southern Pecan Pie with chai infused whipped cream for dessert?
It will be a day to cherish.....
Time to get into the kitchen!

Let's take a break from TALKIN' TURKEY......

2011-11-18T04:46:00.004-05:00

Only one more week until the biggest shopping day of the year!!!

In the spirit of the commercialism and materialism of the holiday season, let's share our best 2011 Black Friday inside scoops.
If I'm getting a Lap Band fill today, I need to take a break from holiday foodie talk.
Might as well talk about shopping.....
If you've got any information on what deals await the us shopping faithful, don't keep it to yourself......TELL US.
You are among friends.....

The turkeys are coming! The turkeys are coming!

2011-11-17T05:12:00.003-05:00

Only 1 week to go.......
You can thank me for reminding you later.
Right now, I suggest you have that cocktail.

In Lapband news......I have my 4 year appointment tomorrow morning at 9:30.
Is there a fill in my future?
If so, that's one way to deal with Thanksgiving.......

The mailman delivers more than the mail.......

2011-11-16T04:48:00.005-05:00

sometimes he just makes your day when your day needs made!
Yesterday was one of those mornings when the weather was lousy, my hair wasn't working and I wasn't quite sure what to wear. Did I want to go with a red sweater or a black one? My indecisiveness was messing with my lipstick choices and I could not seem to untangle one of my go-to necklaces from a pile of jewelry that was haphazardly laying on my dresser.
It was just one of those mornings....
On top of that, I had something not-so-fun to deal with that I had to deal with. Never a fun way to anticipate the day ahead! So, you get the picture....
But, I forged ahead. I focused on fashion and make up instead of misery and agony. That's always a good choice, I figured. I decided on the red sweater--which meant that I would go with red lipstick (one of my go-to favs when I need a go-to color--Autumn by Estee Lauder). I messed around with my hair, crossed my fingers and hoped for the best. With a little wrangling, I managed to get my necklace from the pile to my neck, took one last look in the mirror and decided it was the best I could do.
Lucky for me, I unearthed my trusty leopard umbrella from the bowels of my messy coat closet, I found my heavier rain coat and even remembered to pack a lunch.
Things were kinda looking up.....
Not so fast.
I still had to deal with that one thing I was not looking forward to.
I took a deep breath, said a little prayer and off I went into the rainy, ugly morning.
Before I could deal with that not-so-fun thing, I had to stop for gas.
Pumping gas on a rainy morning is not a favorite of mine.
I pulled in next to a mail truck, got out my credit card and proceeded to wrestle with the payment swiper--with it's endless stream of yes & no questions. I huffed and puffed and whined just a little.
The mailman next to me gave me a quick nod, signaling that he understood my angst then he went off into the convenience store.
As I was finishing up, the mail man walked by me, we exchanged a pleasant nod and then we both went towards our cars.
Then, I heard the mailman say "excuse me..."
I figured I must have dropped something or that my gas tank door was open.
"You are gorgeous" he said with a nice smile.
I stood there stunned.
"Wow. Thank you......I needed that this morning," I said with complete and utter thanksgiving.
"Well, you deserve it. You are just gorgeous." he said politely, without an ounce of anything but kindness.
With that, he hopped in his mail truck and I got in my car, feeling like the world is a gorgeous place.
Its' amazing how a stranger at a gas station can change your entire attitude.
I'm still feeling rather gorgeous.....
That mailman deserves a raise!

Go deep!

2011-11-15T04:51:00.004-05:00

It's been a rough couple of weeks for many, many college football fans of a certain revered and wonderful educational institution.
Something terrible and awful and absolutely evil happened in our state.
Good people have been hurt. Lives have been changed.
Wrongs need to be made right.
A way of life has changed.
Trusts are broken.

What's happened has begged all of us to go very deep.

Although I have found myself part of many conversations over the past two weeks involving this particular situation, I am not going to share my personal opinions on everything and everybody at this point.
But, I want to say something.....
We were never, ever fans of that particular football team at my house. My kids were never raised on loving that team. In fact, they were raised quite the opposite. We didn't teach them to hate that team. It was just a sports thing steeped in a long standing tradition of rivalry between two neighboring universities playing football.
Nothing more. Nothing less.

We didn't dislike that team because of what we felt they stood for or who they were as people. In fact, we didn't even know much about them in that regard. Their antics always made for good conversation and banter. My entire family--from my oldest uncle to my youngest cousin are fierce supporters of our "hometown college team"--where many of them as well as my own husband are alumni. It was always a joke that we didn't let anyone "marry outside"....

The other team was always a looming, larger-than-life force--supported and promoted by their league of adoring and steadfast alumni and friends. Their devotees would fill their stadium--traveling miles and miles, over big mountains, dipping down into huge valleys to it's idyllic setting in the happy hills of central Pennsylvania--even on the most frigid of winter days when the snow made it almost impossible to see the treacherous road ahead. Yet, they came in throngs for every home game, for every big event--no matter what the time or temperature. The devotion of their fans, their students and their alumni had an almost religious aspect to it. There was a power and a passion to their conviction. It was widely known that once you were a fan, you were always a fan. You would spend your life working your vacations, your big events and everything in between around the happenings in that happy valley. You would never forget the chant or the alma mater. You were........(that school)......

Sometimes I wondered if the scorn that many non-fans felt towards them was fed by the rabid, almost maniacal adoration and support of their fan base that many non-fan folks considered cult-like. One was often left to wonder what was in the drinking water in the happy valley that they all considered their mecca, their home base.

What brought about all that love and devotion to a place nestled in the center of Pennsylvania--within 3 hours of any thriving metropolis?

I always sensed that the devotees' love and spirit was fueled more by pride and experience and heartfelt memories than from drinking the local water. We all know how deep our love and our emotions are when it comes to those magical places in our lives where we met wonderful people, explored our interests, broadened our horizons, laughed till we cried......
It gives you a deep sense of love and pride in a place that gave you so much.

My heart goes out these devoted people--seeing something they love so deeply so shattered by something so, so horrible.

About four years ago, I had my very first opportunity to travel the roads to this magical land. I didn't go for a football game, I didn't go for a sporting event and I didn't even go to attend their very popular summer art event. I was not going to see what the place was all about and I had no intention of falling in love with the town. I was making the trip with a heavy heart. I was moving my son there to take a position as a researcher and to enter into PhDland.
As I traveling the godforsaken, barren landscape--where I could see not a mall in sight, I found myself wondering what the hell could be so lovely, so worthy of so much love, about a place out in the middle of nowhere. Then, after 3 hours of traveling--there I found it-- sprawled out amongst the valley was a glorious post card--as if a lovely town just sprouted up amongst the trees and the rolling hills. It was downright awe inspiring. A beautiful site after miles and miles of nothingness.

Four years later, I get what all the adoration of that lovely town is all about. I could imagine spending four wonderful years there among the splendor and beauty that is that town. I'm now addicted to their Chico's store. I think they have one of the best gourmet pizza places in all the land. And, I think the townsfolk are some of the most genuine, serene, welcoming people I ever met. Their mall--although not huge--is not all that bad either. I have never watched a football game but I have spent some time in the bars. I've overlooked the main street, perched at a window seat, devouring one of the best she-crabs soups I have ever had. I never wore an article of clothing sporting the university's name but I have become quite fond of the wines at the little winery way back in the woods.
That little town is much more than football.
The University that fuels that little town is much more than football.
What has happened there is unimaginable.
Heartbreaking. Unforgivable. Unbelievable.
That little town is fighting for it's life.
Everyone's heart has broken.
They live among the devastation and the ruin.
It's a deep, deep hurt and pain.
It's a wound that's bleeding.
We all have to go deep to remember that among all the awful, horrible terribleness is a lovely little town, charitable, kind people, a great University, a talented faculty, a dedicated staff and 97,000 students who are finding their way in life.
It's an education for all of them.
And they are just starting the journey.
It's all very deep.

Yes, I am the anonymus donor.....

2011-11-14T05:17:00.003-05:00

of that beautiful big bowl of Halloween candy.

Forgive me friends, I didn't have time to make a fancy appetizer or a tantalizing dessert for your Steeler party. Nor could I break away from my jam-packed Sunday to hang out with all of you and cheer on our team. But, what I was able to do was pack up my ten pounds of leftover Halloween candy, put it in a pretty bowl, tie it up with a fancy ribbon and send it your way. I figured it would be the perfect accompaniment to your famous nacho dip, those firey hot wings and that frosty beer. If you're like me, you always like something a little sweet after all those savory sensations. And, of course, candy is always a wonderful way to celebrate a hometown victory. That's why I decided to slink on to your porch pre-game and deposit that pretty bowl at your door. Trust me, it had nothing to do with the fact that I couldn't keep my hands off of it as it sat on my dining room table. Yes, my intentions were completely sweet and selfless.
Oh and by the way, the bowl is yours to keep.
It's the least I can do for friends who are helping me stay in my pants.

How many turkeys is too many turkeys?

2011-11-13T19:59:00.005-05:00

Today as I checked out at the grocery store, the contents of my cart caused a little bit of distraction from the chaos that defines a Sunday at The Market District. The cashier said "that's a heck of a lot of turkeys!" when she spied the 3 turkeys in my cart. The bagger laughed in agreement. The woman behind me had something to say too--"3 turkeys!! That sure is a lot of turkeys!" Her husband chimed in--"maybe we should go to her house for Thanksgiving..."
I didn't have the guts to tell them all that I had a fourth turkey home in the freezer.

I'm three turkeys closer to Thanksgiving.
There's still lots more to do here in Judiland.....

Taking to the shopping road......BUSSIN' IT!

2011-11-12T05:42:00.001-05:00

Eleven, Eleven, Eleven....

2011-11-11T05:12:00.005-05:00

at a place called Eleven

Countdown to T-giving begins......

2011-11-10T05:24:00.003-05:00

Here we are, only two weeks from the biggest foodie day of the year and I'm still dealing with Halloween candy.
Maybe I should just stuff the damn turkey with it right now.....out of sight, out of mind...

On November 1, I told myself and YOU that I would start making my lists, getting my house ready, putting menus together, yadda, yadda, yadda, yadda.
So, before you find out that I have done NONE of that, I am going to confess--I'm no closer to Thanksgiving than I was on November 1.
In fact, I'm closer to Halloween than I am Thanksgiving.
All of the Halloween decor is piled high on the dining room table, there is a huge basket of candy lingering on the buffet and my witch hat is still on top of the armoire.
Panic has now begun to set in.
Perhaps my idea of stuffing the turkey with Halloween candy might not be such a bad idea.
But, I'm thinking I like the prozac stuffing idea better....

On a lighter note.....

2011-11-09T05:01:00.003-05:00

not a sunnier note but definitely a lighter note......
It's still dark, dark, dark as midnight outside my window and still dark dark in my heart.
But, I'm not going to just sit here and take it.
I cannot make the sun rise at this ungodly hour but at least I can begin to remedy my heart darkness with not talking about and not thinking about the Cousin Drama of 2011 morning, noon and night.
I'm self medicating with thoughts of some plans for this coming weekend.....
What could be better than a mandated shopping trip?

Yes, mandated. As in, I signed up and paid for a ticket.
So, I gotta go.
I'm doing the Shop Till You Drop Bus Tour on Saturday with a few lovely friends and a slew of fun women.
And, there will be wine.

I'm pretty sure thinking about it all will be just what I will need to light up those parts of my heart where the darkness still lingers.
By the time I board that bus, I need to be free of it all so that I can do what I will be mandated to do--shop till I drop.
A girl needs a lighter step to do that....

Daylight Savings Time Day #2.....IT'S DARK!

2011-11-08T04:52:00.005-05:00

So, I have a question---why is it called Daylight Savings Time?
I have not seen daylight since Sunday.
I get up in the dark, go to work in the dark and come home in the dark.
Perhaps that's why I ate chocolate in the darkness of my living room last night....dark chocolate to be exact.
Or, maybe I attacked that damn dark chocolate because I needed to suppress some darkness in my heart.
As tears poured down my face, I sat in a dark living room, devouring dark chocolate.
I don't even like dark chocolate.
Emotional eating behavior at it's darkest.
Definitely my dark side coming out....

Everything is just dark.
I'm not good with dark stuff.
No, not at all.
That's why I wear lipgloss.
I like things shiney and bright.

You know, most days I find smidgens of darkness with my job or my housework or with my schedule or my hair or due to parenting adult children who I can no longer control 24/7 or even disagreements with my husband or dealing with traffic or long lines at the grocery store or rude people and all the things that most of us find not so fun sometimes.
But, I don't typically find darkness in the things that usually bring me great joy.
Unfortunately, darkness has found it's way into a part of my life that has always been an easy joy---a joy that was effortless, light, fun and filled with light--my big happy group of cousins.

I'm feeling completely overwhelmed with sadness and helpless darkness.
The story is rather simple but, of course, the back story is very complex.
The complexity is what has turned that light-filled world dark.
It goes like this---my cousin had a very lovely small dinner for her mother's 90th birthday at a local restaurant.
It was such a nice event--my aunt was thrilled and enjoyed every second of the much deserved attention that was lavished on her.
It was truly a joyous occasion. I love my aunt dearly. I enjoy my cousins tremendously and we always have a lot of laughs.
I was so happy about my aunt's 90th birthday that I brought balloons.
It was that kind of party....there were no balloons....I decided to bring them just to make it a little more special. I had a coupon for 20% off on a dozen of balloons. So, I brought 12!
It wasn't a huge party--it was one of those last minute, let's get together for dinner and sing Happy Birthday kind of things.
I designated myself the photographer of the event.
As I was leaving, several cousins asked me to post my pictures on Facebook.
Of course, I did. I didn't have to be asked--it's what I do.
So, as soon as I got home, I sat down at my computer and posted the pictures along with some fun commentary.
Well, no good deed goes unpunished. Not even posting pictures or buying balloons.
The power of Facebook brought the small dinner at a local restaurant to life for every non-invited cousin on Facebook.
It's not that they were not invited. It just wasn't that kind of party.
But, I guess my pictures and my commentary were so good that I made it look like that kind of party....
Yes, every cousin who was not invited must follow my Facebook pictures. Who knew?
I am thankful that they do. I'm so glad they care.
But, I didn't know they really read everything I write....
I had no idea. Nor did I even think about it.
I honestly did not know people had that much time or cared so much.
Therein lie my huge mistakes--I didn't know and I didn't even think about it.
I posted pictures. I said fun stuff. There were balloons.
Clearly balloons at a restaurant makes any small dinner a big party!

The firestorm began around 9 am Monday morning and did not end until midnight.
I haven't simultaneously apologized and cried so much since I got caught making crank calls to pizza shops with my friends Ginny Lou and Linda in 7th grade.

THOSE pictures that I posted on Facebook have created an explosion of cousins saying nasty things to each other, cousins crying, cousins bringing up past hurts and cousins digging up histories that have long been dead and buried.
It's ugly. Ugly. Ugly. Ugly.
I'm heartbroken that my pictures have caused so much pain and grief.
It was never my intent.
It has taken me by complete surprise.
I got a tongue lashing from my own husband.
My son told me I should have known better.
I've been hung up on, yelled at, beaten down via email, texted harsh words and everything in between.
There have been hysterical outbursts and deep, heart wrenching sobs.
And, that was from my male cousins.
BECAUSE I POSTED THOSE PICTURES ON FACEBOOK.

My Facebook is now dark.
I've turned off the lights.
I can't imagine I'll be gone forever....I would miss bantering and checking in with my friends and especially my children.
I just need time to walk through the darkness.
It might be something I have to get used to for awhile.

Unfortunately, I don't think the big ta-do has died down yet.
No, I'm pretty sure I'll be having a few more conversations, a few more tears and many more apologies to make.
I don't even know what I'm apologizing for anymore.
I just know that I feel a need to say I'm sorry.
I feel just terrible that my pictures have caused a tsunami among a beautiful group of people who I just love so dearly.
I want it all to go away and I want the sun to shine again.
Can we turn back the clocks?

Monday? Already?

2011-11-07T04:23:00.003-05:00

I'm all messed up.
The time change has taken a toll on me.
Yes, one measly little hour has managed to do me in.
Or, maybe it was just the weekend.
My busy, cookingful and shoppingful and running up and down the highways and biways, wonderfully topsy-turvy, upside down and right side up and all about the town, very lovely weekend.....maybe, just maybe, that's what's got me all messed up.
All I know is that my body says it can't be Monday.
But the damn clock is telling me that is it.
Excuse me while I try to talk some sense into the clock.
If that doesn't work, I guess I'll just put on my new Decadent Fig lipstick and see what happens....

Dear Weekend, I only have eyes for you! Love, Judi

2011-11-04T05:11:00.004-04:00

My love must be a kind of blind love......I can't see anyone but you.

Sunshine is promised.
No snow in the forecast!

My favorite shopping partner is coming home.
So, there will be some shopping going on.

We're celebrating my fav aunt's 90th Birthday.
So, there will be a party.

We get an extra hour of sleep!
So, I'm gonna take it!

I'm meeting up with my forever friend to kick off our annual November cooking classes.
So, there will be lots of chatting and oohing and aahing.

What could be more lovely and wonderful and fun than all of that?
At the moment, I can't think of anything better....

You are here.....So am I.....Maybe millions of people go by.....but they all disappear from view
....I Only Have Eyes For You.

Enjoy your weekends!
(don't forget to change your clocks--FALL BACK!)

2011-11-03T04:42:00.003-04:00

Somehow, that says it all.....

The view from here......

2011-11-02T05:29:00.004-04:00

Every so often, I find myself overwhelmed by how integral my Lapband is to what my world looks like today.
As much as I believe that the core Judi is still the core Judi, what I do with who I am and how I live out my life with the core Judi is what gives my world a different look.
I happily and proudly admit that it looks very different today from what it looked like just 4 short years ago.
And, I have my Lapband to thank for that.
I could count the ways and list them out for you right here but my list is just so long that I'm quite sure I'd forget a few important ones or I'd run out of time....I do have to get to work today.
If you read my blog....I'm sure you've figured it out.
I've swan dived into almost every aspect of my life with more joy, more ghusto, better fashion and a much better attitude.
All because I lost 115 pounds?
Well, sort of.
But, that doesn't tell the complete story.
The complete story is much more complex and deeper than that.
Like anyone else, I have my issues.
Some of them I will never solve, some of them I am trying to solve and others aren't even worth working on at this point.
But the problem that I did solve was one that hovered over every aspect of my life--the issue of my weight.
The success of how that all turned out gave me a sense of accomplishment and a faith and a trust in myself that I have never known. It spurred me on to conquer other challenges, to strive to realize some of my dreams--even if they were as shallow as wearing a belt or a bathing suit or as seemingly minor as attending my husband's business functions without hesitation or the big ones....the zadzillion big ones....
Just typing this wells my eyes up with tears.....
Yes, I just love my Lapband....

Over the past 30+ hours as my stomach has been doing some major flip flops, my fear that there might be an issue with my Lapband has had me reflecting on my Lapband love even more.
Why is it that the fear of losing something you love makes you realize that you don't want to live without it?

Let's hope I just ate something that just doesn't agree with me.
I'll even take a touch of the flu.
Just don't let it be my Lapband....

Hello November........

2011-11-01T04:59:00.003-04:00

Let the cooking begin.

Yes, I know, the jack-o-lanterns aren't even off the porch.
But, we all know how quickly time flies.
Here in Judiland, once we drop the last of the candy into the little trick-or-treaters bags, my mind turns quickly to all of the menu planning, cooking and entertaining that lies ahead between now and the first day of 2012.
I've been dealing with a few Lap band issues...or maybe it's the flu...or maybe it's something else....I'm not very sure what the hell is happening in this stomach of mine. I spent the greater part of Halloween with my head either in my trash can at the office, praying that I'll get to a worthy vomit container or bent over the porcelain trophy. So, it's hard to even wrap my head around thinking about all the food that lies between me and the start of the New Year. No matter. I'm not letting the stomach goblins deter me from all of the food thinking I have to do in the next few days.
Yes, the next few days.
A girl has gotta plan it out.
There's no time to take a time out for figuring out if my Lapband is messing with me, if I ate something that didn't agree with me or if it's really a flu bug.
I'm ignoring it, I'm willing it away and if none of that works.....I'm gonna deal with it.
There's recipes and menus and turkeys and appetizers and drinks and table settings to start thinking about....
Here in Judiland, there's no time to stop for whatever is plaguing me. I have to get my head in the food game. I can't let anything stop me from feeding the hunger that comes with a vengance for the next two months.
Fingers crossed.
And I'll be traveling with a suitable container for those moments when whatever is plaguing me decides to rear it's ugly head.....again.
Wish me luck.
Let's talk Turkey....

It's one scarey Monday morning.........

2011-10-31T09:40:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween to you from this
Monday Morning Witch!

Going pumpkin picking......

2011-10-30T06:55:00.001-04:00

Gotta get ready for Halloween!

It's been a hard day's night......

2011-10-29T03:04:00.004-04:00

and I've been working like a dog.....I should be sleeping like a log.
But. I. am. not.
I am reading blogs.
Hoping they will lull me to sleep.
But all they are doing is revving me up.....

Cooking blogs are making me want to cook.
Decorating blogs are making me want to decorate.
And, Lap bander blogs are making me giddy with pride, humbled by the success and deeply moved by the changes in people's lives....
There's gonna be no sleep for this girl.....I can't tear myself away.

I'm very afraid......

2011-10-28T04:57:00.005-04:00

of Halloween candy shopping......

Honestly, I have never ever been a candy girl.
Oh sure, I've always liked my share of nuts or peanutbutter or coconut covered in chocolate and I have been known to inhale 5 pound bags of strawberry licorice on a car trip or chomp on a few bags of gummy bears during a long movie....
But,really.....food or snacks always trumped candy or sweets in my world.
Give me a mamoth tub of buttered popcorn or a mound of gooey spicey nachos and I am happy, happy, happy....
Except in October.
In October, I still love those savory snacks but I want candy!
No. Scratch that---come October, I don't just WANT candy, I'm CRAVING candy with every ounce of my being.....
So, I've been doing myself a favor and putting off the Halloween candy shopping for the little trick--or-treaters that come by.
I haven't went into the candy aisle of any store.....
But, the other night, I had to stop off at Marshall's to buy some knee highs.
Marshall's didn't seem like a scary place for a girl like me with major candy cravings.
I was wrong.
Have you ever had a Lindor truffle?
How about a whole bag of them?

Please shop responsibly.....

The weighty issues of motherlove in New Jersey....

2011-10-27T05:02:00.004-04:00

I know most of you are not the New Jersey Housewife junkie that I am.
I freely admit to my obsession with all things Real Housewives of New Jersey.
That show is one of my guilty pleasures.
I have no idea why. I can't even begin to explain it.
It just is what it is and I own it.
There's no need to lecture me on the absurdness of it all or try to explain to me that it's junk TV.
None of that will work on me.
They are part of my life and I have made myself a part of theirs.
Well, sort of....
I comment on their blog posts, I follow their tweets and try to tweet back, I read everything I can about them, I become emotional over their situations, I chime in when I feel they need my advice, I support who I feel deserves my support, I root for the ones I want to root for and I rail against the ones that I feel need railed against.
If you've followed my blog long enough or know me in person, you already know that I even traveled hours to meet one of them and stood in a four hour line to get her autograph on the cookbook that she wrote.
You also know that I was thrilled beyond belief to go an event at a venue that one of the housewives owned. And, yes, I was not ashamed to admit that I was starstruck when I met the family.
I was impressed when I was invited to an event where one of them held an event. And, I was over the moon to know that I was staying in a hotel where some of them also stayed and hosted a party.
Naturally, I sought them out on my little jaunts to Jersey. I've looked for the stores they shop in and the road signs for the towns they live in. I even took pictures of road signs.
Ohmyohmyohmy, I gotitbad.
So, yeah, you can say that I'm a full blown New Jersey Housewife addict.
I know, I know....not exactly what many of you think of when you think of me.
Deal with it!

If any of you happen to follow the show or maybe even catch a story about them here or there, you know that the past 2 Sundays, Bravo hosted the New Jersey Housewife reunion show.
For those of you out of the loop--the reunion show is basically a show that is taped in the present which gives everyone a chance to revisit the past season's episodes (that were taped last year at this time) and reflect on the drama. Essentially, a year has passed in the lives of these women and their families since the end of the season we have all just viewed.
That should give you a lay of the land.
No, I won't go into all the drama and the details and the story lines.
But, boyohboy I sure as hell could.
And, I'd be more than willing to share lots of my own opinions on that bitch fame whore Melissa and her sex crazed, self absorbed husband, Joe....don't get me started....I can feel my blood boiling already.
No, that's not what I'm here to talk about.
I'm here to talk about this.....mothering and weight issues.

One of the women on the show--Caroline--holds herself in very high regard (ooooh, I used to like her...don't get me started).
She happens to be the mother of 3 adult children--Albie, Christopher and Lauren.
Her husband Albert had Lapband surgery about 2 years ago and lost a great deal of weight.
That following year, Caroline herself lost a good deal of weight. Although there was some speculation in the tabloids that she too had Lap band surgery--she completely denied it. Not perfect Caroline....no, she did it the old fashioned way....she cut down her portions and exercised.
Yeah for you, Caroline. You are so wonderful....
This past season, her daughter Lauren shared many times that she feels very self conscious about her weight and she even had several conversations on screen with her mother about her distress over her weight and how she looks.
Now, let me say that whatever I think about her judgmental bitch pit bull of a mother , I think Lauren is a lovely young woman who is very pretty and seems to have her head on straight.
Although God knows why she would cry about being fat on national TV but oh well...
The thing about her mother is that she never acknowledged her own daughter's feelings about her self image. One of her mother's comments was-- "you're like 8 pounds of sausage in a 6 pound casing" (they are Italian, they relate everything to organ meats....)
Fast forward to the reunion show...which was almost a year after the episodes were taped....and the issue of Lauren's self image and weight issues rears its ugly head again....in the conversation. Mind you, Lauren is not there. She is, presumably, at home watching it on TV.
And, what does her own mother say....right there in front of a gadzillion viewers...."am I supposed to tell my daughter she is beautiful when she is overweight?"
Ummmm.
Let me see if I can answer that Caroline.
No. You are NOT supposed to tell your daughter she is beautiful when she is overweight.
YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE YOUR DAUGHTER IS BEAUTIFUL NO MATTER WHAT! AND, FURTHERMORE, YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO TELL HER THAT! YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED IMPLY TO THE ENTIRE WORLD THAT YOU DON'T THINK YOUR DAUGHTER IS BEAUTIFUL BECAUSE SHE IS OVERWEIGHT. AND, CAROLINE, WHEN SHE REACHES OUT TO YOU, SHE IS ASKING FOR YOUR HELP AND YOUR SUPPORT NOT FOR YOUR TO BLAB ABOUT IT.....

Funny thing....I just figured that everyone would agree with me about that.
Mothers are not supposed to make their own children feel badly about themselves...right?
I mean...RIGHT?
Okay, okay, maybe I am a little bit sensitive when it comes to weight issues and self image and all that jazz.
But, really.....

I was so fired up about Caroline's comment that I jumped head first into the foray on an online forum that I frequent (about RHONJ) and blasted her for that comment.
Here's what I said....cut and paste exactly from my online post...

Caroline said a lot of awful things throughout the reunion. But, I seriously hope she cringes when she hears herself talk about her daughter's weight. That was seriously terrible. What kind of mother says that???? A mother who thinks she is better than everyone

Well......
It appears there are lots of mothers out there that agree with Caroline.
And, they let me have it......wooooaaaaaahhhhhhh!
I was virtually bitch slapped all over the internet for how I felt and what I said.
I got some pretty nasty comments.
Caroline, of course, didn't chime in.
But, her cartel of ardent and adoring supporters did.
Most of them said that it's a mother's job to tell their children the truth.

So, if I'm hearing them right--the truth is that if you are overweight, you are not beautiful?
Maybe that's true in New Jersey.
Not in Judiland.

I believe......

2011-10-26T05:03:00.003-04:00

that everyday is a make-up day.

There's so many ways to interpret that.....

*Always wear make up.
*Say you are sorry when you need to.
*Everyday is a new chance to get it right.

And, I believe in all of them.....

Lunchtime!

2011-10-25T05:14:00.004-04:00

Like most folks, I am of the belief that's it's important to make sure you get a good deal, you get your money's worth, you try to stretch a dollar as far as you can and that you should always make sure you get what you paid for.
So, with that type of thinking, it only stands to reason that when you go somewhere for lunch that advertises $2.75 for a to-go side salad that you make yourself, it might make sense that you'd pile as much as you could into that side salad container.
And, if you don't--- there's something very wrong with you--you are not spending your lunch money wisely....

Not so fast....

I eat Lapband style. Not bargain style.
Got it?
I'm not piling on as much as I can.
I am actually getting what I think I can eat and then happily handing over my $2.75 and then I'm on my way.
As far as I am concerned--a $2.75 lunch is a deal no matter what.
Where else can you get a scoop of tuna salad, 2 slices of cucumber and some carrot sticks for $2.75?
Nowhere.
I don't think I'm squandering my money--by any means.
And, I don't think I'm doing anything wrong.
But, evidently a few folks think I am!
Take yesterday for example--I went to my cheapo lunch spot, ordered the side salad container and made my way over to the salad bar.
As I was scooping my tuna, I noticed another patron filling up her container with a fierce, almost maniacal ghusto---jamming everything imaginable into her container...piling fruit salad on top of coleslaw on top of cottage cheese on top of lettuce on top of bean salad.....eeeewwww .

Honestly, I wasn't snooping or judging.
But, really.....could all of that stuff jammed together really taste that good?

So, when I got to the register, I happened to be directly behind Ms. Jam-As-Much-As-I-Can.
Figures.
She peered at my container and immediately decided she had to educate me...
"You don't pay by the ounce you know! Look at mine! You can get as much as you want for $2.75. I get more in here than other people can get in the whole salad container for $6.50!"

I smiled appreciatively and told her that I knew I could get more but I wasn't very hungry.
She eyed me suspiciously. "You can eat some of it tomorrow if you aren't hungry today!"
As if she had just came up with some novel solution.
"No, I'm good," I smiled through gritted teeth.
That didn't stop her.
She went on and on about the fact that I should go back to the salad bar and get more.
I just kept on smiling and nodding. As nicely as I could.
When we got to the register, Ms. JAMAIC pointed out the comparison between our two salad containers to the clerk. "She doesn't know how to rock a 2.75 container!"
The clerk laughed "oh, she's more into spending calories than money!"
There it was. The awkward food moment.
The bitchy immature girl inside of me wanted to say "clearly SHE doesn't care about the calories!"
The let-me-tell-everyone-about-my-lapband girl inside of me wanted to explain what was really going on with my lunch and possibly sell them on the joys of Lapband living.
The holier than thou girl inside of me wanted to say something about being sensitive to not taking more than I can consume and about the fact that all of us should be more aware that there were children starving in Africa.
And, the non confrontational girl inside of me wanted to just pay for my damn lunch and get the hell out of there.
Yes, you guessed it....I did the non confrontational girl thing.
But, as I slinked out of there, I realized how the consumption of food has somehow become everyone's business.
Perhaps 5 years ago, I would have been Ms. JAMAIC.
Maybe I would have been the girl who wanted to help the poor soul who didn't know you could stuff $6.50 worth of food into a $2.50 container if you really tried.

Gettin' ready for the ghosts and the goblins and the witches.....

2011-10-24T04:16:00.006-04:00

All I need are the treats and the brew.
But, I know better than to stock up early.
Decorate early. Buy candy and extra wine just in the knick of time.
Yes, I play it safe......

Yesterday, after working in the morning, I took a little jaunt to meet up with my dear friend Rene for lunch and to visit a new store that opened in Pittsburgh....Home Goods. Whatta jaunt it was. After waiting 90 minutes just to get in the store with some very fun women, we found ourselves surrounded by the most amazing home decorating items at very affordable prices! We were gaga with excitement.
Sadly, there was also a 90 minute wait for a shopping cart and a 2 hour wait to check out. So, we decided to just walk around to ooh and ahh and get some inspiration. After close to 2 hours of soaking it all in and making lists about all the wonderful things we wanted, we decided it was time for some more inspiration---aka.....Happy Hour. So, we made our way out of the store and headed straight to a little bistro to share some cheer and chatting. It was just what I needed to fuel my soul before going home to put the finishing touches on October in Judiland....

Yes, that's the Steeler's game on....I finished up the decorating and cooked up a late dinner while Carmen watched football. Such is October in Judiland....

It's hard to believe it's Monday once more.

Talkin' shoppin'........

2011-10-22T06:37:00.002-04:00

It's hard to believe that last week at this time, we were getting ready to board the train to New York City.....my heart set on lots and lots of fashion finds.
Although we did manage to do a good deal of shopping......most of it was not for me.
My favorite shopping partner managed to hit the jack pot.
I don't want to disappoint you but what I came home with was more inspiration than loot.
My pile consisted of a faux fur vest that Carmen says makes me look like Kraven the Hunter (whoever that is), a beautiful scarf-wrap kinda thing, 2 statement type junk necklaces, a blingy junky ring and a pile of junky bangle bracelets.
Don't cry for me---I was more than happy with it all.
And, if truth be told--carrying even that small amount of stuff around the city was getting very tiring!
I'm much better off doing major shopping at a place where I can unload my stash in my car!
Which brings me to what I'm thinking about today---Fall, Winter and Holiday Fashion shopping.
With everything I already own, I do not need anything.
But that doesn't mean I don't want anything.
With all the New York fashion inspiration I managed to inhale on my trip, I'm prime for a little shopping trip.
Although a shopping trip won't happen today.....there's a very good one in my very near future.
My dear friend Martha and I and her sweet daughters are going on a shopping trip in a few weeks with a busload of like-minded, fashion-loving, bargain-hunting women!
So, as I sit here and sip my chai, I'm fantasizing about what I will be hunting down on that little excursion. Are there new boots in my future? Maybe a new coat? What about something leather...pants? skirt?
Fashiontasizing..... a beautiful way to spend these early Saturday morning moments.....

What are your fashion must-haves for the upcoming seasons?

PUMP(kin)-UP Friday!

2011-10-21T05:18:00.007-04:00

Friday Morning.....
Pumpkin Chai Latte
2 servings

2 cups water
2 black tea bags
1 cup skim milk
1/4 cup canned pumpkin
1 slice fresh ginger (about 1 /8 inch)
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 vanilla bean
Freshly ground nutmeg
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
1 teaspoon honey

In a medium sauce pan, heat the water to a simmer. Split the vanilla bean in half and place on a piece of cheesecloth (or a coffee filter will work) along with the sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, a pinch of ground cloves, about 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of freshly ground nutmeg. Tie the cheesecloth (or put a twist tie on the coffee filter) and place in the simmering water with two tea bags. Turn off the heat and steep for 3-5 minute, then remove the tea bags. In a bowl whisk together the milk and pumpkin. Take a ladle of the tea and whisk it into the pumpkin and milk mixture. Slowly whisk about one third of the tea into the milk and pumpkin. Now, slowly pour the milk and pumpkin into the sauce pan and stir. Cook over low heat for about 3 minutes. Remove the cheesecloth/coffee filter and discard (why would you keep it...right?). Stir in the honey and serve.

Friday Noon......
Pumpkin Protein Shake
1 serving

3 slices of frozen banana
3 ice cubes

1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/3 cup 2% evaporated milk

1 cup vanilla-flavored soy milk

2 packets Splenda

Cinnamon (to taste)

Nutmeg (to taste)

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Add all ice cubes and frozen bananas, wet ingredients and dry ingredients to blender.
Blend until shake consistency.
Pour into large tumbler, add a straw and go!

Friday Happy Hour....
Smashing Pumpkin
1 serving (2 servings would be nicer.....)

1 ½ oz. Bourbon (I used Maker’s Mark Bourbon)
1 oz. Pumpkin puree
3 segments Tangerine with peel
½ oz. Grand Marnier
½ oz. Brown sugar simple syrup
Nutmeg

First, make brown sugar simple syrup by mixing two parts brown sugar with one part water. Bring to a boil and then let cool down before mixing into drink. Afterwards, muddle tangerine pieces in glass with brown sugar simple syrup. Add remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake. Garnish with nutmeg.

PLEASE PUMPKIN RESPONSIBLY! Don't drink and drive.....ride a PUMPKIN!

I'm not admitting to a thing......

2011-10-20T04:58:00.004-04:00

but my pants are doing lots of talking!

There's been a little bit of mindless munching going on in Judiland.
Mindless band-friendly munching.
That little bit of munching is creating a little havoc with my pants.
Add that mindless munching to the new mid-life muffin top that appeared
recently and we've got some wardrobe issues going on here.

There's a little snuggness here, a little ripple there, a bit of pop there and a whole lot of sucking it in all in!

It's messin' with my fashionality.
You see, I just got pretty friendly with tucking shirts in and wearing fun belts.
Not that I do it everyday.
But, damn it, I want to do it when I want to do it.
So, I've gotta stop all the madness before things get out of hand.
First order of business---the chocolate chip cookies must be crushed.
Second order of business--the cocoa almonds must be pulverized.
Third order of business--I have to flood my system with water. Everyday!
Fourth order of business--I have to resist the urge to go on a diet.
Fifth order of business--I have to buy a high wasted pair of Spanks.
Sixth order of business--I have to use my best combat weapon against the tummy bulge....my LAP BAND!

I'm no gonna take this sitting down folks.......you can bet your ass on that!

Just the pix......

2011-10-19T04:39:00.012-04:00

I've returned from my whirlwind trip to New Jersey and the city that never sleeps.
And, for the record, I was New Yorkerized.....I didn't sleep!

Here's the evidence....

Most of our drive to Collegeland and PhDland to pick up our kids and our drive to NJ looked something like this. The rain was torrential and the fog hung on day and night!

Once we got to NJ.....the fun began!

First stop....a surprise visit to my dear, dear college roomie and sweet friend--Andrea. It was a tear-filled, happy reunion that went way too fast. Although we keep in touch regularly, we haven't laid eyes on each other since her wedding day over 26 years ago. Just imagine, I was just my son's age when I saw her last!
Here we are in her office where she is the Assistant Superintendent of Schools in her County. Her wonderful assistant helped me arrange my secret mission. It was an incredible moment!
We both decided we look exactly the same as we did all those years ago.....
Here I am dressed for a night out with our family. First, we had a lovely dinner at Caio and then we topped it off at a welcome reception at The Tap Room with a bunch of the bride's fun Stanford friends who came in from California.....

The next day, we got all dressed up for a full day filled with wedding festivities. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful....held at the parish that bride grew up in.
After the I-do's, we were shuttled by party bus to a gorgeous reception at The Stone House at Sterling Ridge...

The setting was stunning. These tree centerpieces were hand cut by the bride and groom...
There was wonderful wine, amazing food......and lots of it!

Everyone enjoyed the s'more stations and bon fires outside.....

Everyone had a ball dressing up and taking photos in the booth. Here's Toni and my niece Rosa looking very adorable.....
And, the party continued....on the bus....and well into the night and early morning hours....

After a few winks of sleep, we boarded the train to NYC. We surprised the kids with a stay at The Millennium Broadway in the heart of Times Square. Everything was absolutely perfect....

At the train station in Summit NJ.....

Lunch at a little pizza joint on a side street....for a real taste of New York....
A dream-come-true visit to Anthropologie at Rockefeller Center. It was just yummy! Toni and I were in heaven. She found this adorable jacket.....among a few other things.
We stopped off at American Girl Place where Toni visited her childhood loves....

We did a bit more shopping.....
We saw the sights.....Bryant Park, the top of Rockefeller Center,Broadway...to name a few....
We got to experience "Occupy Time Square"......
And, then, I quit taking pictures.
My camera battery died and I forgot the cable!
My phone pictures were turning out lousy (as evidenced by the above picture!).
So, what happened after I quit taking pictures....
We walked and we walked and we walked and then we walked some more.
We bought street food.
We got deals from street vendors selling purses and scarves and trinkets.
We ate memorable meals.
We had fun in little pubs.
We stopped off for breaks at sidewalk cafes.
We shopped some more. Then some more.
We hit up lots of Starbucks for fuel and to compare Chai Lattes.
We people watched.
We walked some more.
And we walked some more.

Yes, it was a wonderfully exhausting trip.
It was a few days that felt like a month.
We crammed as much as we could into our time together.

Now, it's back to my regularly scheduled Judiland life.
Recovery and sleep is on the agenda.
Fingers crossed.

Start spreading the news....I'm leaving today!

2011-10-12T04:09:00.002-04:00

I'm going to where dreams are made of....
Where the streets will make me feel brand new...
Where there's nothing I can't do....
Where the lights will inspire me....
Yes, I'm going to New York City.....

But, first...there's a little road trip to pick up some precious cargo at Collegeland and PhDland.
Then, there's that little plan to surprise a very special college friend who I haven't seen in over 25 years!
Then, of course, there's a little matter of a very special, fun and fancy wedding in New Jersey.
But, right now, before any of that can happen.......I've got some morning duties to attend to and then there's 3 beds strewn with fashion possibilities to deal with!
So much to pack....so little time!

Get ready New York City.....
we're coming right to heart of you!

I'd tell you all about our NYC plans but some of them are very secretive....I can't risk that my children might read my blog (even though I know they don't....but they might).

So, go about your lives blog friends.....
I'll be back next week with some stories, some pictures and hopefully some new shoes.

Every SUPER Fashionista needs a CAPE!

2011-10-11T05:24:00.005-04:00

(no, this is not me wearing it....it's the exact one that I snatched up for less than $50!)

*It's easy to wear
*It covers up those body parts that you want to cover up
*It's flowy and big....and it's supposed to be!
*It looks so chic
*It's fun
*It's just downright adorable.

I've had a thing for capes since I was a little girl. I came by it honestly---my mother loved capes too. There were several Easters in my lifetime when my mother would make me a cape.
She would make herself capes to wear to her formal events too.....they were always so beautiful...brocaded with fussy trims with stones or sequins.
Those memories are so precious...
So, when the new cape rage hit the Fall runways, I just knew I needed to have myself a cape or two!
And, I knew exactly what they had to look like.
One had to be black and have leather trim and buckles. Because that was what my favorite cape looked like when I was a young girl...
And, one has to be over-the top dressy. Because it has been a dream of mine from when I was very small to wear a fancy cape just like my mother.
Oh, and I didn't want to spend a ton of money on either of them!

A few weeks back, I managed to find the black one with buckles. It was being displayed with a floppy black fedora......which, of course, I had to have as well.
Just in time for fashioning my Fall look.
Now, I'm on the hunt for my dressy look-like-my-mom cape.
I know it's out there somewhere....

Go Italian!

2011-10-10T04:57:00.007-04:00

If you have not met Donald J. Pliner shoes yet, I suggest you make a Columbus Day Voyage to DISCOVER them.....

Tell me you don't just love my newest pair.....

They are just the perfect shoe to SET SAIL for New York City later this week.
The world in NOT FLAT, either are my shoes.....

Happy Columbus Day!

Sunday.....just another day at the office....

2011-10-09T05:20:00.004-04:00

Although Judiland will be shining brightly today and we are having unusually warm weather for October, I'm pretending like it's a cold and rainy and miserable and disgusting day.
It's the only way to deal with spending a gorgeous October Sunday in a windowless office.....
Yes, I'm cranky.

Does anyone have an extra bucket?

2011-10-07T05:00:00.008-04:00

One that's filled with gin preferably....

You all know that my 90 year old father can be quite a character and a hand full and a real pistol and a bit of a demanding guy....even though he really is a sweetheart.
As it turns out....he can be all those things as well as a home wrecker.
It appears that he kinda sorta forgot to turn off the water in his bathroom and left the plug in the sink.
So, the water just ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and the sink overflowed and overflowed and overflowed....for HOURS........you get the picture.
He kinda sort caused a huge flood that brought down ceilings and destroyed floors and carpets and furniture and electrical connections and well.....just about everything in my sister's family room, his bathroom, his bedroom and adjoining hallway.

(my sister's once beautiful family room......)

Did I mention that I am staying at my sister's house because I am in charge of my father for a few days while my sister is in Columbus?

Rosemary's Baby......

2011-10-06T05:16:00.006-04:00

This past summer, I decided to expand my rosemary herb plantings.
Although I've always grown rosemary, it was never one of my larger herb crops.
It was just one of those herbs that I did on a very limited basis.
As you know--I've always been a basil girl.
I grow every type of basil on the planet.....lushly and beautifully.
Yes, I am the queen of basil.
But, have no fear....my herb garden is even more expansive than just basil...I'm also the princess of parsley, thyme and sage.
To arrive at that moniker, I've been upping all of those plantings over the past few years.
But, I never expanded my rosemary crop.
In any case.... now that I am 50+, I guess I just got a little sentimental and wanted to do the whole Simon and Garfunkel Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme thing.
So, I became a rosemary farmer.
To get that accomplished....way back in May, I decided it was time to triple my rosemary plantings.
Well, here I am in October and I am dealing with more rosemary that I know what the hell to do with.
And, not only that...I somehow managed to grow a huge rosemary plant inside my house as insurance that I'd have enough rosemary to last me through the winter.
I guess I must have decided that I loved rosemary last year.......

Here in Judiland it's rosemary all the time...24/7, no matter where you turn!
What's a girl to do with all this ROSEMARY?

Isn't it funny that what we wanted last year is what we are trying to decide how we will deal with this year?

Afternoon delight!

2011-10-05T12:12:00.002-04:00

I'm stopping in for a lunch time quickie.....something I typically never do!
However, sometimes, a girl just needs to break away from the mind numbing trials of a day at work where nothing is easy and everything takes an act of congress to get done!
It would be great if my afternoon delight had a twist of lime or a cute little umbrella but drinking mid day is frowned upon these days.
In my 31+ year career, there was a time when it was the norm.....
My how things have changed.
Now folks depend on chill pills instead of wine and gin.
Gotta get me some of those.
Although they do not taste as good.
But, they are calorie free....

Speaking of calories....I wanted to share an absolutely yummy and quick recipe that I whipped up the other day that I just know you'll want to add to your recipe box. I found it in one of my Williams Sonoma cook books while I was looking for some inspiration! I had last minute guests coming to dinner (my favorite kind of guests!), I had a few bags of frozen tilapia from Sam's in the freezer and about 2 hours to get things together. When I came upon this recipe, I knew I had every ingredient in house to make it!
The moon and the stars must have been aligned perfectly that day because it was a smashing success.....

Fish with Olives, Pine Nuts, Basil and Wine

Ingredients:

1/4 cup pine nuts
4 firm white fish fillets, such as snapper,
rock cod, flounder, sea bass, halibut,
swordfish or tilapia, each 6 to 7 oz.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 Tbs. finely minced garlic
5 Tbs. fresh basil leaves, shredded
1/2 cup Mediterranean-style green and/or black
olives, pitted if desired

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350°F.

Spread the pine nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until they take on color and are fragrant, 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F.

Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper. Place in a baking dish in which they fit in a single layer. In a small bowl, stir together 3 Tbs. of the olive oil and the wine. Pour over the fish fillets. Top with half of the garlic and half of the basil, and then distribute the olives around the fillets. Cover with aluminum foil.

Bake until the fish is opaque throughout when pierced with a knife, 10 to 15 minutes. The timing will depend upon the thickness of the fillets. Using a slotted spatula, transfer the fillets to warmed individual plates.

Pour the pan juices, olives and reserved pine nuts into a small sauté pan and set over medium heat. Swirl in the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and the remaining garlic and basil. When warm and fragrant, spoon over the fish. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

And, just in case, you want to make a meal out of this......here's how I rounded out mine....

*I had a bag of Arugula in the fridge so I put together a light and fresh vinegarette to pour over the zesty green....again, I had all the ingredients....woo hoo...

Light tasting dressing for zesty arugula....

Ingredients:

1 garlic clove, minced to a paste
Pinch of lemon zest
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Pinch of dry mustard
1 Tbs. white wine vinegar
Pinch of sugar
1/2 tsp. salt, plus more, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 Tbs. olive oil

Directions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, sugar, the 1/2 tsp. salt and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly. Adjust the seasonings with salt.

In a salad bowl, combine the arugula and the vinaigrette and toss well. Serve immediately.

*I had a bag of frozen artichoke hearts from Trader Joe's in the freezer so thawed them in the microwave, then sauteed them in some olive oil and garlic and squeezed some lemon on them.

*I had a bottle of a pretty oaky chardonnay--it ended up complimenting the stronger flavors in the meal

*For dessert, I decided on something super refreshing since everything was so full of flavors. So, I ran out and bought a quart of a hi-end vanilla bean ice cream. I pulled my bottle of Italian Lemoncello out the freezer, my very fancy martini crystal martini glasses out of the china closet aned then I pulled a few pieces of mint from my huge mind plant in the garden and then put it all together. It was a showy and delicious way to end a delightful meal....

Now, I gotta get back to work.
My afternoon delight is over.
But, oh what delight it was.
Funny how talking about food and recipes and menus and recalling a nice, feel-good evening can help me get on with a day like today.
I guess I don't need those chill pills after all.
For today, at least.

Honor the PINK.......

2011-10-04T05:02:00.003-04:00

There's not one among us who has not be touched by breast cancer.
Whether we lost a loved one to the disease or we know someone who suffers with it or we know someone who has fought the fight and won or we know someone who lives in fear of it each day.....breast cancer is part of all of our lives.
Life is fragile thing.
Each day, we are reminded of that.
Although we can't fight off every awful disease on the planet, we can take responsibility for our own lives and our own health while also encouraging others to do the same.
Breast cancer awareness is all a part of that.
It's the awareness and the strength and the support.
Together we are strong---by sharing our collective knowledge, resources, care, time and energy, we can wage a war on a disease that breaks hearts, breaks families and breaks lives.
Even if we can't give money or time each time we are asked, we can support the fight against breast cancer and all cancers by purchasing products that financially contribute to the search for the cure or participate in fund raising drives that aim to raise the money and awareness that can do that.
Even if our lives are too busy or we are living with financial demands that prohibit us from giving support of any kind, we can still contribute.
Caring for our neighbors and lending a hand or a prayer to those who suffer from breast cancer or any cancer can go a long way in supporting those who live every day with the disease. Your support, your kind word or gentle touch may be that extra dose of strength that they need to carry on.
Cancers are diseases that are fought one step at a time......together.