So, who was I for all those years?

A week or so ago, I ran into a colleague who I have known for many years. In the early years of my career, I saw him quite often. As time went on, we only saw each other every once in awhile. During the past decade or so, I have only seen him sporadically. Prior to running into him this time, the last time we saw each other was at a business function about 4 years ago. The only reason why I know the timing specifically is because at the time of that meeting, he was coming upon his 50th birthday and we spent a great deal of time having a good natured chat about it. Now, he's 54. Of course, his age does not have any bearing on my story (even though he is older...ha!ha!). It just frames the story a bit.

After we got through the hugs and the niceties and the catching-up chit chat, he whispered to me "you look amazing". To which I responded with a huge, appreciative grin. However, before I could get a word out, he said "you are finally back to the real Judi." Hmmmm "Ummm....what do you mean?" I asked. He seemed rather confused by my question.
Now, let me stop here for one moment and tell you that if he wouldn't have said "you are finally back to the real Judi", this is where I would have proudly told him that I weight loss surgery....
"You know..." he said--himself seeming confused by his own comment. "You lost a ton of weight. Now you look like Judi again," he said stammering. Trust me, I knew this was a compliment. And, I was thrilled to get it. Plus, I did get what he was saying. But, I couldn't help but wonder what prompted that reaction from him. So, I turned on my humor...."yes, I've turned back the clock," I said laughing. Then, he tried his hand at humor...."you sure did! Last time I saw you, I could not believe how heavy you had got! Oh my God! I could not believe it! Not the Judi I knew!!" Dead silence. I decided to rescue him--"not the Judi I knew either."


So, now I'm left to wonder who was that Judi?