Yesterday while Xmas shopping I bought something for myself - some workout videos from The Firm that were really cheap at Ross. Did the leg workout last night and boy, that was a tough workout! Didn't turn out to be that cheap, though, since today I splurged by buying their step set for the workout (yesterday I just used our fireplace hearth for the step). The video was a great workout, although I wouldn't recommend it for beginners - not a lot of instruction, so if you haven't done aerobics classes in the past, it might be too fast-paced and confusing. But if you're just looking for a hard, motivating class to do at home, I liked it.

I had an interesting experience last night. H and I were at a party for a surf buddy friend of his, also a teacher at the middle school, so it was a very local crowd at this big party (his 50th birthday). Was chatting with a woman who I have seen periodically over the years, her oldest son was in my D15's kindergarten class. The kind of person you talk to once every year or two maybe.

Anyway, she commented on how good I look, and that every time she sees me I look better and better. Now, truth be told, I'm aging like anyone else, almost 50, have some wrinkles and right now am wrestling with 30 extra pounds at my highest weight ever.

But - through the process of DBing, I learned some things about how I present myself. And I suspect my dress, demeanor, hair and makeup all look more ALIVE than I did 15 years ago. So, in that way, I imagine I do look younger. So much is about attitude, and opening yourself up to possibilities.

(btw - H was standing right next to me when she said it! And I was wearing the foolproof outfit that was H's idea a long time ago - I highly recommend it:

- Bootcut jeans down to the top of:
- High-heeled pointy black boots (short) with:
- Tailored white blouse (with a little spandex) unbuttoned to reveal:
- Cleavage courtesy of Victoria's Secret white lace push-up bra, with
- Black leather jacket (tailored, kind of like a suit coat)

I swear, it's foolproof.

Ellie