Taking a PARTY ISLAND break.......

After all the hoopla of the summer and the hard work of another Collegeland move plus the need to ease back into empty nesting while getting ready for another busy academic year in my work life.........it's the only logical thing to do.
I'm kicking off the high heels, putting on my party shoes and heading back to that place where life is just a party.

I'll be back soon.

I can't party forever.

P.S. Here's a look back at our trip last year.....we're staying at the same places, taking in the same activities and perhaps even adding a few new ones......
Carmen tells me he has a few surprises in store......hmmmmm....

College is a lot of work......

especially for moms and dads.....

Not only do we have to work and save to pay for them to be there, we have to make sure they live in the style they are accustomed to once they get there. In my case...the style my daughter is accustomed to translates into a Pink Penthouse.
Don't bother to tell me....I know.....I created this child. But, seriously.....she decided that an ugly, dreary, dusty, hot attic could become a place worthy of the princess that she is?
Of course....she knows her mother would never leave her in a place that looked like that!
Never in a million years could her mother sleep if she knew that her daughter was waking up each morning to walls that were not adorned, a floor that was splattered with gawdknowswhat and windows that haven't been cleaned since Reagan left office.
She knew it was a job her mother would take on.....
But, honestly friends, as much as I would have loved to and wanted to---I could not have done this 115 pounds ago.
As I made my 10th trip up to the attic (carrying yet another big pink bin!) in the house Toni will be living in with her sorority sisters, I decided right then and there---this was the reason why I got my Lapband. Forget all the other stuff I said for the past 4 years. That was the moment...the real moment.....when I realized just what this weight loss has done for me.

Let me share with you what I am talking about.....

I wish I would have taken some before pictures of what this place looked like...it was a drab, dust-filled, schorchingly hot, downright yucky attic. I guess we were just so anxious to get started that I didn't bother to pull out the camera until we at least got some paint on the walls and an air conditioner in the window.
So, here's a look at it as things were taking shape....
Here's a shot of Carmen working on putting together the portable closet we had to purchase when we realized the room did not have anywhere to put Toni's clothes! My daughter....Miss Fashionista...without a closet? A true college crisis....
Even though it was a closet....Toni was not at all happy with how boring and beige it was. Thankfully, I found some inspiration and a glue gun and managed to make it a little more Toni worthy....
Here's a shot of the entry way...aka the top of the steep steps.... to what was finally starting to become "Toni's Pink Penthouse".....

After many hours, lots of sweat, a few tears and some major back-breaking work......here's how things turned out....

We came a long way, baby!!!

Keep your fingers crossed that this will be her final college home. I gave a very stern warning as I dragged myself out of that place late Friday night......"I will be 53 next year!! Don't you dare move again!"

Yes, College Year 3 is here.
But, my nest wasn't completely empty.
Vince made a quick trip home from PhDland....it was Fantasy Football Draft weekend. So, he and Carmen studied most of the day yesterday in preparation for the event. Then, they headed out to the very important draft....toting a few pounds of pasta that I made for them to share with their fantasy football buddies as they toiled into the night....
I spent the evening doing a little shopping for our little empty nester getaway to Party Island this week, getting my new iPhone updated, checking on a few friends who were in the path of Hurricane Irene and then meeeting my sister for a margarita and quesadilla before heading home and getting ready for our surf and turf grill today before Vince heads back to his post at PhDland.
Today, I'm struggling with a few aches and pains from our move-back-to-college extravaganza.
But the day awaits me. There's no time for pity parties.
There's shrimp to peel, corn to husk, steaks to prepare and a son to spend time with.
Tomorrow is when the real Empty Nester Life Year 3 begins......



Sending out my prayers and best wishes to everyone dealing with Irene....please stay safe.

College.....Year 3......here we come......

Last call......

for special dinners.....

With Toni's departure date looming, it's time to get in some special meals that I've been promising all summer.
This past weekend, our mega-fancy market had a huge seafood sale so I dragged myself out of bed at some ungodly hour to stock up.
Now, I am able to make good on a few meals that I've put off due to the cost of the main ingredients.
Since I'm in full favorite seafood recipe mode....I figured I'd share them with you.
Next time you find a good price on these treats from the sea....be sure to try these out.
They are all truly scrumptious and effortlessly elegant.....

Lobster and Herb Mashed Potatoes
(do not use imitation Lobster meat!)

• 
  
4 medium to large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
2 bay leaves
1 pound lobster meat
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to saute lobster) plus 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), for the potatoes
Salt and freshly ground white pepper
3 ounces soft herbed cheese (Philadelphia Cream Cheese makes a good one)
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
Boil the potatoes with the bay leaves until the potatoes are tender. While the potatoes are cooking, saute lobster meat in oil and butter until it is no longer translucent, and set aside. Drain the potatoes well and discard the bay leaves, then mash the potatoes. Using a beater, add in 1 stick of butter and salt and white pepper. Fold the lobster meat into the potatoes and set aside in a warm place.


• Serve with a grilled steak. A very special meal!

Scallops with Boursin Cream Sauce

• 2 Tbsp. good quality olive oil
• 1 lb. sea scallops
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 oz. Boursin cheese, any flavor

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper as desired and sear them in hot skillet for 3 minutes per side. Transfer scallops to plate and keep warm. Return skillet to stove top and add cream and cheese; bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Return scallops to skillet and cook until heated through and flesh of scallops is opaque and firm. Serve hot.

You can serve this over pasta or rice. We like it served in a ramiken with a side of asparagus.

Classic Shrimp Scampi

• 2 pounds shrimp in the shell (I use jumbo shrimp for this)
  
• 3 tablespoons good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 4 teaspoons minced garlic (4 cloves)
• 1/4 cup minced shallots
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley leaves
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 extra-large egg yolk
• 2/3 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Peel, devein, and butterfly the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place the shrimp in a mixing bowl and toss gently with the olive oil, wine, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature while you make the butter and garlic mixture.

In a small bowl, mash the softened butter with the garlic, shallots, parsley, rosemary, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, egg yolk, panko, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until combined.

Starting from the outer edge of a 14-inch oval gratin dish, arrange the shrimp in a single layer cut side down with the tails curling up and towards the center of the dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the shrimp. Spread the butter mixture evenly over the shrimp. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until hot and bubbly. If you like the top browned, place under a broiler for 1 minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

Perfect served with a Ceasar Salad!

Grilled Marinated Swordfish

• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 4 swordfish steaks
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 4 slices lemon, for garnish (optional)

In a glass baking dish, combine the garlic, white wine, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix just to blend. Place swordfish steaks into the marinade, and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning frequently. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate. Grill swordfish steaks for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
I typically cut the steaks up and serve them kabob style with some grilled veggies. Sometimes I buy a good quality pesto sauce (jarred, at room temp) and serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Yummmmmy!

Ahoy Mates!!!!

Happy Cooking!

Up to my knee caps......

in going-back-to-college stuff YEAR 3......
This year it's all about pink and green.
She's moving into a new place.
Not only have we had to collect scads of new things.....like bed clothes and rugs and even a dresser and cupboard, we've also had to get paint and all the paint supplies and curtains and rods and storage pieces and even an air conditioner.
Trust me, it's been no easy fete to get that all done in between everything else.
Thankfully, Walmart is open 24-7.

Yes, as I've been telling you...when I do have the time and energy to blog....I've had quite a bit of activity these past few weeks here in Judiland.
But, I'm here to report that after many tears, little-to-no sleep, a bit of crankiness and quite a bit of angst, I've decided to admit to myself that I really can't do it all.
Earthshattering, I know.
I have almost got myself to the point where I am okay with that little self admission.
Almost being the operative word here.
For me, accepting the fact that I am not superwoman is very difficult.
Almost impossible.
So, I find myself feeling guilty about everything.
Not. a. good. thing.
The funny thing is that when my world overwhelms me, I know that I am not doing anything particularly well. I'm letting things slide. No one has to tell me. I'm fully aware of it. But, being the optimist that I am, I am positive that things will turn around momentarily. And, when they don't turn around momentarily, I convince myself that it will happen shortly. And, when it doesn't happen shortly, I lead myself to believe that it won't take long.
It's only when I start to feel like I have a noose around my neck, my head is in a vice grip and I'm living on caffeine and the thrill of new lip gloss, I realize that something has gotta give. As things start eeking out of control and the clock is ticking away, my guilt rolls in and I want to run and hide. Pull the covers over my head and just stay there until everything and everyone stops wanting a piece of me....
Always sounds like a perfect plan.
Until something like the toilet decides to over flow.....all over the bathroom.
And, I lose it. Crying like a little baby. Right there in the newly scrubbed bathroom....me with a plunger in one hand and throwing towels all over the floor with the other hand while my cute little red shoes are sopping wet. My mascara is running down my face, my hair is plastered to my head with sweat and did I mention my cute little red shoes are sopping wet?
Yeah, well, that ain't no way to live....

Yes, it's been a maddening few weeks.
A maddening, running on empty, merry-go-round, race-to-the finish few weeks.
All of it has resulted in some unusual happenings......
*I left my credit card at a restaurant.
*I paid the water bill late. Completely forgot about it.
*I broke one of my favorite serving bowls.
*I broke three perfectly lovely wine glasses.
*I lost my best kitchen knife.
*I lost my cell phone....also left at a restaurant.
*I misplaced an entire bag of groceries....I think I left it in the cart in the parking lot.
*I killed a few pots of flowers. I forgot to water them.
................................................................................to name a few.

What I'm pretty sure about is that all of that happened because my mind was spinning....I was never in the moment.

Then, the toilet overflowed.
That's what brought me to my final act of madness.
I decided the laundry would have to wait, the kitchen floor would have to stay dirty, the living room didn't need to be cleaned, the garbage could stay in the pail a little longer, the tupperware shelf didn't need organized and I was not going to scrub that damn bathroom right then.....I decided it was time to go downstairs and finally complete Toni's lamp re-do project that's been sitting on my table for two solid weeks.
I knew I needed to accomplish something....anything.
So, I chose the lamp.
My girl is leaving for college in a few short days.
She needed her Judi-blinged-out lamp.....

It went from this.......

To this....


Amazing how a bunch of ribbon,a pile of pom poms and a hot glue gun can help a girl feel so much better!

Call off the AMBER ALERT......

I'm alive and kicking (and sometimes even screaming) here in Judiland.

My early morning blogging time has been hijacked by something called....work.
Yes, my sacred early morning hour spent on Stories from the Road has been thrown off course by trying to keep up with all the things I can't get to during the day because of that little thing that keeps me in shoes and my children in college---my job.
So, what that means is that I'm answering emails, taking care of business and fixing what needs fixed from 4:30 am to 5:30 am instead of doing what I prefer to do at that hour.....talking to you.
You see, no sooner did I come off of my 10 day dad duty so that my sisters could go on vacation, I found myself smack in the middle of doing vacation coverage duty at the office....which means covering 2 busting-at-the-seams email accounts in addition to my own overflowing email account.
This....in addition to all the regular stuff like presentations, appointments, meetings, phone calls, projects, presentations, appointments, meetings, phone calls and projects.
Then, it's home to tackle my regular responsibilities like family duty, dad duty, dinner duty, laundry duty, shave my legs duty.
Trust me, I know I'm not the only one.
Life is busy everywhere.
Thankfully, in between all of my busy-ness....I have managed to have some fun.
So, please don't ruin your mascara by crying for me.
We snuck in a little BBQ with friends and family when my son came home for a few days, we had a few nice dinners out and we managed to shop a bit too.
And, of course, I went crazy over menus and recipes and I cooked up a storm.
I haven't completely got the house back to together since then but I'm working on it....
So, yep, my days and nights have been fuller than full.
Which I am thankful for.
Because in a few short days.....I'll be once again packing up my college co-ed little girl and making the journey to her lovely campus.....to move her into yet another place.
I'm sure you know what that means.....I've got a boatload of getting ready to do from this moment forward.
Just add it all to my list......
Thank God for my Lapband.
I could have never, ever done this all 115 pounds ago.
Never.
Please don't go anywhere....I promise I'll be back to my regular blogging schedule soon.
I have to.
It's as much a part of what makes me happy as my Lapband is.
Until then......xoxoxox

Just between you and me......

I'm planning a very quiet, low key Fourth Bandiversary celebration.
I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I'd prefer you not blab all over creation about this little celebration.
I wouldn't want anyone to know they aren't invited.
And, I definitely don't want the place crawling with papparazzi.
You probably find it rather odd that I'm not having my usual explosion of a party in Judiland.
But, I gotta be honest here---it's been an exhausting, overwhelming, completely draining and did-I-say-exhausting? few weeks here in my corner of the world.
I'd tell you all about it but I'm just way too tuckered out to even form a rational sentence let alone entertain you or inspire you.
What I will tell you is this.....
Four years ago, at this very moment, I changed my life in more ways that I could have ever imagined. (click there to go back in time....)
It not only changed my pants size and the number on the scale but it totally transformed how I feel about myself, how I interact with others and how I live my daily life.
It's given me control over something that I never had control over--my weight.
It gave me the power to overpower what overpowered me--food.
To some people, their weight may not matter as much and they may be perfectly happy with living full filling, purposeful lives regardless of a few pounds here and a few pounds there.
That's not me.
Sorry.
But, I could not do it.
Throw tomatoes at me if you wish.
Call me vain or self centered or just plain crazy.
I can take it.
I completely own my vanity and my self centeredness and my craziness.
Sure, it was also somewhat about my health and living longer.
But it was also about enjoying life so I could enjoy being healthy and wanting to live longer.
And, I do that much better in a size 8 or 10 than a size 18 or 22.
That is who I am.
That is what makes me happy.
My Lapband helped make me happier.
Which, in turn, has helped me make the world a happier place.
Being happy is good.
That's reason for a celebration....even if it's a quiet one.




Welcome to my happier place.
Here's a few happy shots from the past month...

HAPPY 4TH BANDIVERSARY TO ME!

Thank you for helping me get here and for staying with me through it all.
Please don't go anywhere....you make it an even happier place to be!

Alrighty.....

I'll be back to blogging soon......just in time for my 4th Bandiversary!
Until then....I'm PIGGING OUT.....like a good banded girl!!

Back in the saddle.....

getting ready to fall off my horse......


I'm going to warn everyone up front....my blogging may either be non existent or more than you can handle for the next ten days.
It all depends.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
You see, no sooner did I return from the city that never sleeps, I entered into a world that never sleeps.
I've moved lock, stock and barrel into my sister's home to be the primary caretaker for my father for the next ten days. Beginning RIGHT NOW!
In between all of that....yes, I have to go to work.
While my sisters and their families as well as my father's regular caretaker go to the beach.
Yeah, we didn't plan that too well....having everyone on vacation at the same time.... including his regular, wonderful, full time caretaker Mary Kay!
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans.
But, of course, they all need a break. Life gets very taxing.
I'm more than willing and happy to step in and cover all the duties that need attended to so that my sisters can dig their toes in the sand, enjoy some beach drinks, romp with their children and get a respite from everyday life. And, of course, if anyone needs a little vacation--it's his full time caregiver--Mary Kay. They all deserve it.
And, what's 10 days in my life anyhow?
I guess we are about to find out!
Thankfully, I won't be entirely on my own.
We managed to scramble a bit and scrape up some help.
Lovely blog reader and genuinely sweet girl Brittany stepped forward to make sure I can get out the door each morning and a myriad of friends and other generous folks have agreed to pitch hit so I can carry on life in Judiland. As much as I can....
Now, when I say a world that never sleeps, I am not kidding.
I'm counting on the activity brought on by people coming and going to keep my father alert and awake during the day hours so that he doesn't keep me up all night watching Pirate games that go into 19 innings, reruns of Walker Texas Ranger, the History Channel, non stop CNN or his tales of life. As much as those things can be enjoyable (ahhh....)....a girl needs her beauty sleep.
And, her sanity.
Oh, and to drive to work without falling asleep at the wheel.

Now, not to break away from the true thread of my blog.....my Lapband, food, eating and my weight loss....I'd like to take this opportunity to give you a little insight into how that will all be integrated into my week of father sitting.
My father is on a diet.
Yes, my 91 year old father is on a mission to lose 20+ pounds.
There will no non stop Klondike eating.
Or so he says.
My sister has put him on strict orders to cut out the fun food, to eat healthy and to lose weight.
So, when my sister was still within a 10 mile radius of him, he informed me of the plan.
He was not smiling at all when he told me about it.
But, he said that he is committed.
Now that my sister is safely tucked away at the beach.....hundred of miles away....I wonder just how committed he will be.
Klondikes are on sale this week, you know.
Considering that my father gained 12 (yes 12!) pounds last summer when I took over the reigns of his care when my sisters escaped to the beach, this diet thing might be what puts me over the edge.
I have always counted on food to keep him happy and busy.
Hmmmm.....
Maybe it's not him but me that needs to rewire my brain when it comes to food....

New York! New York!

Here I come!
It's been a rough 24 hours but this girl is ready to go.
So, big, shiney city, you betta get ready.
These little town blues are melting away.......
I want to wake up in a city that never sleeps and find I'm A-number-one, top of the list, Queen of the hill......

The only thing standing between me and seeing the BIG APPLE and hanging with the Jerseyliscious crowd is a little thing called.....the road.

My bags aren't packed but I am ready to go.

I'll be back next week with a full report!
Until then....

These vagabond shoes are longing to stray

(and ooooh I've got some pretty great shoes for this little trip....in fact, I might have to decide between a few pretty amazing pairs....ugh...that's why I haven't packed yet!)

Right through the very heart of it, New York, New York!

Yes, it's hot here......

what a perfect day to be on a beach.....
Somewhere, anywhere.......


Okay, I am officially having some very serious beach withdraw.
Although we've had several lovely excursions and fun trips the past two years and we've been enjoying a lovely summer filled with places to go, people to see and things to do (so I feel like a total ingrate complaining), I am in serious need of a real beach vacation.
Serious. Need.
The kind of vacation that is all about the beach.
I'm feeling the loss down to the core of my soul.
I miss the sand.
I miss my beach chair.
I miss my beach drink.
I miss the sound of the waves.
I miss......oooh....shit....I just miss it all.
And, I want to wear my bathing suit.
Morning. Noon. And night.
There. I said it.
What?????
YES!!! I said I want to wear my bathing suit.
For the first time in many years, the idea that a bathing suit would be my complete vacation wardrobe actually sounds glorious. Not hideous.
But, it's not to be.
Unless I sneak in a little trip within the next few weeks., it's not going to happen.
Pardon me while I wipe my tears.
The summer goes way to0 fast.
Between now and September, we've got a few trips coming up, a few obligations we need to attend to and of course---there's the back to college stuff.
So, I'm going to do my best in making believe that I am at the beach.
As I dangle my feet from my office chair and sip my chai.


I don't have the beach but I do have chai.

Sometimes you just have to look on the bright side of life.

Monday morning, I sure looked fine.....

but....is was MONDAY MORNING.
After a full weekend of shopping, cooking, dancing, singing, pretending I was 17, houseworking, gardening (which helped me realize I am not 17), martini-ing, wine-ing , ( both of which also helped me to realize I am not 17) sun soaking, laundrying, dad dutying....and not much sleeping....

Need I say more?

On to Tuesdaying.....

Bozzed......

and Scagged!


Rewind to the Fall of 1976.
The 6th Floor of a girls dormitory in a sleepy little college town.
The album was Silk Degrees.

We ate. We drank. We studied. We slept. We talked.
To. That. Album.
And, you know.....in those days it wasn't an easy thing to do.
You had to keep turning the album over and over.
Yes, life was rough in the 70's.


So, last night, me and a few thousand other college kids from the 70's spent a lovely night under the stars dancing and singing with Boz.
We just partied up a storm.
No Sloe Gin or joints.
We took it up a notch.
Gandy Dancer Saloon for pre concert martinis.
Sheraton Bar for post concert martinis.
Then, my front porch for late night smokes and drinks and reminiscing.
Yes, we've matured a bit since our days on the 6th Floor of Clyde Hall.
That accounts for my headache this morning.
And, for the fact that I can't just lay on the couch and nurse that headache.
No, I've got a big project going on this morning....a result of a little pre concert Estate Sale.
(Oh yeah, we go to Estate Sales on the way to concerts now! Aren't we wild girls?)
Then, after I finish up my project, we're off to a pool party.
After I put together my shish kabobs.
Lido.. woah oh oh oh................

Just when I think I've heard everything......

then, I read THIS ARTICLE.....
Should Government Remove Children From Families If They Become Obese?
Where will they send them?
FAT BUSTING FOSTER HOMES?
BIGGEST LOSER FOR ORPHANS?
CAMP CHUBBETT FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN?

Hmmmm......
I can't help but wonder then if it's also a good idea to just shoot any adult with a BMI over 40?
Shooting fat people might be a good idea.....don't ya think?

They would be great for target practice.....more area to aim at.
No one would ever miss a good shot at an obese person.




Thank God it's Friday.....I think I've had enough of the news this week.....

Sometimes I just have to turn off the TV.......

because I don't like the headlines.... they NEVER tell the real story.....

Look at this headline.........

Lapbands fail at high rates.....

As soon as I heard the promo for this story, I couldn't wait to tune in.
The funny thing is that moments before I tuned in, I picked up my mail.
My mail contained a letter and a newsletter from the Lap Band study that I have been involved with for the past 4 years.

The study ---which included over 600 participants-- reported VERY DIFFERENT findings than that of the one reported on my local station...

This is the study that I have spent four years providing statistics and information for.
I have been extremely engaged in every aspect of this study.
There are thousands of folks just like me who are involved.
We have spent hours and hours under the microscope for this study.
We have worn the ankle bracelets they ask us to wear.
We have documented our eating.
We have logged our exercise.
We have underwent every test---physical and emotional--that they required.
We have filled out hundreds of questionaires.
We have completed hours of physical testing.
We have talked to every Tom, Dick and Mary they have on staff.
We have been weighed on multiple scales and we have been prodded with lots of needles and we have answered millions of questions.
We have been measured on every part of our bodies.
We have talked to psychiatrists, general pracitioners, surgeons, counselors and doctors.
Yes, the study covered all the bases.....
Because this is *REAL LIFE*.....

Sooooo.... in addition to everything else in my life....I have actively participated in this study.
I have been dedicated to it for FOUR YEARS.
Why?
Because I believe in academic research.
I subscribe to the belief that in order to go forward, we must know where we have been and where we are.
I embrace the concept that research is the only way to improve the future.

Forgive me if I get a little pissed off about the fact that the study my local news was touting was only talking about 82 patients.

My local news made the assumption that the Lap Band was not a good option based on ONLY 82 patients?
I just don't get it.....the odds are not good!
My heart aches for anyone who was thinking about a Lapband and was listening to this story!!
I have one thing to say to anyone who is questioning their decision to get a Lap band
.....TOMORROW IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR HEALTHY, THINNER LIFE.
And, I am on this journey with YOU!

All of this makes me wonder if my local station (they used it for each promo) was only after the ratings.!!!
And, sadly, it makes me pretty pissed off that this article might scare folks off from getting a Lap Band!!!
Why is the world so judgmental when it comes to weight loss surgery????

I couldn't even help the cause......

Even with one less obese person (ME!) in Pennsylvania, our state obesity numbers still climbed.....a staggering amount!!!!!

OBESITY RATE UP IN PENNSYLVANIA

I tried.
But, I can't do it alone.
It takes a village.

It's all over the news.....Americans are getting fatter!
Check out where your home state ranked:
"F as in FAT"!

The other night as I watched a TV spot showing a video of obese folks--with close-ups of their stomachs, legs, butts-- walking about the streets of Pittsburgh, I couldn't help but worry that someone, somewhere in my hometown was sitting down in front of their TV and was catching a glimpse of themselves walking around downtown and being called OBESE on their local TV channel....for everyone to see.
Or...worse yet.....seeing himself or herself eating lunch on NATIONAL TV!
I shuddered at the thought.
That could have been me less than 5 years ago.
I just don't know what I would have done if I would have seen that....

It's one thing to know you've got a few pounds to lose.
It's another thing to willingly go on TV and talk about it.
It's a whole other matter when you are just innocently walking to your job or eating lunch or talking with a friend or shopping and you are profiled as being obese...being called a part of a growing FAT epidemic.
To add insult to injury-- they show a close up of your ass or your belly bulge!
I know, I know, it happens to the rich and famous all the time!!!
Celebrities and starlets( in their body baring bad fashion choices) being splashed across the tabloids and our TV sets is one thing.
It's not right but it's not like it's shocking in this day and age. There's something that feels a little less ugly about it than every day folks like you and me being unknowingly put on display and showing all the world our dirty BIG secrets.....

I know I talk about the Lap Band as being the next best thing to the Salk vaccine.
But, I am here to tell you....my beloved Lap band is the only thing standing between me and being videotaped as I eat nachos in the park by a TV channel because I'm part of the FAT EPIDEMIC.....
And, I know you are all probably a little sick and tired of Judi singing Lap Band praises.
And, I know that it doesn't work for everyone.
But, when I read something like this--that obesity is on the rise--it makes me wonder.....when is someone going to do something about the obesity problem?
And I'm not talking about shutting down all the fast food restaurants on the planet.
I'm talking about the HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY!
When are they going to wake up? When are they going to see the light? When are they going to stop the madness?
Are they afraid that by covering weight loss surgery (or any type of weight loss support) that they will put the drug industry and the heart doctors and the chirpractors and the diabetes doctors and the chiropractors out of the business or make them a little less rich off of the obese folks of the world?
There are people out there who are obese and who are losing the war on their health and they really want a Lap band and their insurance companies won't pay for it.
Yet, their insurance companies will pay for their blood pressure pills, their cholesterol meds and their diabetes care and their knee replacements and their sleep studies and their chiropractic care and everything else they medically need due to their obesity!
And, of course, their insurance would not bat an eye if they have pay for their stays in the hospital when they have that heart attack or stroke....
I mean....really.
Doesn't this sound a little....ahhhh.....CRAZY MIXED UP???
If they are spending oodles of dollars doing studies, one would hope they are going to use those results of those studies to move forward!
Who is taking notice besides me and the poor person who spotted themselves on TV???
Why aren't health care companies covering weight loss support, medications, services and surgery?
It's just downright unacceptable, unbelievable and if you ask me.....very stupid.
Come to think of it--it's inexplicable! criminal! disgusting!

I mean really.......why aren't we screaming and yelling and causing a fuss about this?
I would gander to believe that a few million obese people could cause quite a stir.....don't you?
Imagine, a few thousand obese people stomping their feet, waving their arms, yelling and screaming and demanding action!
Think of the thunder. Hear the roar. It would sweep the nation. It would be heard.
Why not? Why hasn't this happened?
Where's the outrage folks?
It's not here. At least not enough.
Makes a girl wonder.....maybe it's because when you are obese, you don't want to be noticed.......obese people don't like to advertise their obesity.
Maybe that's why no one is forcing the government and the health care industry to sit up and take notice.
Now I think I get it.
It's time to get out of the corners of your life and come forward!!!
It's time to take action.....we all know healthy weight and well porportioned folks aren't going to do it!!!!
The obese people of this country have to stomp their feet and shake their fists and throw their weight around and be the achitects of change!
It's up to us to change the obesity numbers!!!
It's a cause we all have to take on.....

Pants whispering....

Between you and me....
I think I figured out why I shopped so much......
Excuse me while I speak rather softly....

HOW JUDI BECAME A SHOPOHOLIC REVEALED!!!

I often wondered why I never had a thing to wear when the seasons changed.
I never got it when I would compliment someone on an outfit and they would say "oh, I got this last year".....
Really? I mean.....really?
You got those pants last year and they fit this year? You are shittin' me....
I was in utter amazement that they had bought those pants last summer (or winter or fall or spring) and they still fit this summer (or winter or fall or spring).
Because for me---for a good portion of the past 30 years, nothing ever fit from the year before.
Oh sure, I had a few things I could make do with.
It was like I was a growing child!!!
What size does she wear this year?
Especially when it came to pants.
I always needed a whole new set of pants each season.
So, unless I wanted to go pantless.....I had to shop.
For pants.

It's no wonder that I have this ridiculous fear of putting on pants for the first time each season.
In fact, my affliction got so bad for several of those years that I didn't even bother to try on my pants from the year before! Why torture myself? I just went and bought new ones.
Whether I needed them or not.
So, believe me when I tell you---putting on a pair of pants from last year is a huge step for me.
A huge, huge step.
It was even worse this year.
Because last summer is when I saw myself get to a new low in pants sizes.
Never in my wildest imagination would I believe that I could wear that same low pants size two years in a row.
Therefore, last year, I took great pride in strutting in those pants.....trying to get the most out of them since I just could not imagine I'd ever wear them past the Summer of 2010.
But, you know what?
I'm wearing those pants this year.
(thank you Lapband!)
And, you know what else?
I think I might just go and buy more.
Just because I like that size.
Shhhhh!!!!!
Don't tell anyone that I haven't recovered from my shopoholic behavior.

Blowing in the wind.........

That's my plan for this week.......


Toni is off to the beach.
Carmen is off to Atlanta.
Vince is off doing what he does.
I'm off to work.......

But, in my head.....there are warm breezes blowing.
I need to feel the summer!

NO MORE TEENAGERS......

at my house!!!
That's a reason for a party!!!!

Happy 20th Birthday Toni!

So, we celebrated last night.....
(only because my girl is leaving this morning for a beach trip with her friends! It's the first July 10th in 20 years that I am not spending with my girl! But, this is what I raised her to do....to have fun with her friends!!!!)
But, I couldn't let her go with a little celebrating.....

We started with a little private party at home and then we had a wonderful night on the town!
I'll let the pictures tell the story......




YOU......Our BROWN EYED GIRL!!!!! We love you!!!

Do you FEEL your fashion today?

Or are you FEELING yesterday's fashion?


A few months back, I decided I was going to figure out my clothing picks every night for the next day.
So, I'd come home from work each day and lay out my clothes, my shoes, my accessories....and even my undies for the next day.
I felt oh so organized and grown up doing that.
It was a good idea and definitely helped me out for a few months.
It made the morning so much smoother.
But, there were some mornings I woke up and didn't feel my outfit.
Sometimes I bit the bullet--for the sake of time--and just put it on.
But, all day long, I just wasn't feeling my fashion.
It made for a difficult day.
Other days, I just couldn't face the thought of not feeling one with my outfit.
So, I'd dive back into my piles of clothes and shoes and accessories and come up with a whole new look....a look I was feeling that day.
Chaotic and maniacal? Yes. But, it's what was needed.

After a few months, I abandoned my organized and grown up behavior and went back to my typical morning fashion crisis.....what look am I feeling today?
It's a tiring process....feeling your fashion.
I mean...first you have to assess your mood as it relates to color and heel height.
Then, you have to decide if you are feeling like super professional woman or super rocker gal.
Or somewhere in between.
Then, you have to try to remember what your office calendar looks like.....you wouldn't want to wear 4 inch heels when you're meeting with a 5'5" CEO or put on a huge jewel encrusted cross necklace if you are meeting with Ms. Earth Shoe Woman and you clearly don't want to wear those oh so great but uncomfortable shoes if you know you have to walk across town for a meeting....
And, damn, you definitely don't want to rock the room with your fashion if you're going to one of those meetings....
Mastering it all takes time and talent and a rock solid fashionucation.

No matter how fluffy fashion might be thought of, I am here to tell you it's of a higher profession than most even care to acknowledge.
Fashion can make you or break you.
And, I, my friends, never want to be broken by fashion.
So, each morning, my quest is the same.....to find the perfect outfit for that day.
I'm not organized about it. I'm not scientific about it. And, I'm not smart about it.
Most mornings I'm wading through my closet, tearing through my shoes, rifling through my jewelry boxes.
I'm throwing clothes, I'm digging through piles and I'm running around like a possessed woman.
But, damn, if I do it right--when I walk out my door, I feel my fashion.
As far as I am concerned that's the ultimate goal.
If I reach it, I've succeeded.
And, I've enriched everyone around me.
I've respected them, I've let them know they matter and most importantly--I have educated them just a wee bit about the importance of feeling your fashion in every situation.
Plus, when I feel my fashion, I feel better, I look better and I do better.
If I don't reach my goal, I've failed.
I lack the ability to do my best because I'm not feeling my best and I'm entirely too consumed by not feeling my fashion to do my best. Get that?
And, just as importantly, when I'm not feeling my fashion--I haven't shared myself fully, I haven't done justice to my environment, I haven't given the day or the occasion or the moment it's due and I may have even hindered the future fashion choices of those around me.
So, you see, the burden I carry each day is heavy.
I owe it to the world around me to make sure I feel my fashion each day.
It's a tough job but I am just the girl to take it on.
Most days.
Especially on Fridays.

Now, doesn't that make you just wanna feel your fashion today?