My Costume Man

I saw a picture of myself 2 months ago and freaked. It wasn't a full body shot, it was a picture of my cankles. I used to have nice ankles - WHAT HAPPENED!????! I decided I needed to get rid of my cankles fast, so in the great words of Liza Minnelli; "I went back to class."
JULY 22, 2010
I joined my friend Cindy in taking Richard Simmons aerobics class. I had taken his class back in 1999, when I lost over 60 lbs. by doing his work out tapes. He told me back then that I should get certified as an aerobics instructor, so I could work out and keep the weight off while inspiring others. Of course that never happened, but I was so nervous to take his class again. It was hard, that 1st class but I made it and felt much better afterwards. Richard inspires me to work out, basically by yelling or drooling in my face. He makes working out fun, each class is like a party. I've been going back regularly. I haven't lost much weight, but I feel much better.

Well 2 weeks ago he gave me a hug, and I noticed how great that he smelled. He said it was Jo Malone, whom I'd never heard of before. Anyway, he told me it was a new favorite sent of his. I was bound to find it, so Sunny and I went to the Grove but little did I know that Jo Malone had over 30 scents! I smelled all of them, and couldn't find that particular one. The next day at class, Richard brought in the bottle and sprayed it on me! After class he asked me how I liked it, and of course I told him I loved it and he said he was going to bring me some.


Fast forward to last Tuesday night. I was so excited to work out, and I got dressed and ready to go, but I had a headache and decided to take a short cat nap. Bad idea. I didn't hear the alarm, and woke up too late to go to class. I was so bummed! Well Cindy called me and said that Richard gave her a present to give to me!!! It was the cologne!!! Blue Agava and Cacao - basically tequila and chocolate - no wonder I love it so much!!!!! And he left a wonderful card for me in which he wrote on the outside " My Costume Man" and on the inside "Just Because" I am so overwhelmed. I have never received such a nice gift from someone who I barely know, let alone a celebrity! I really can't comprehend such a nice gesture, he went to a lot of work getting it and the card - which he wrote with a calligraphy pen. I am going to give him some Beekman Brothers Goat soap - The Beekman Brothers are currently my favorite reality show on the Planet Green channel. If you're not watching it, you have to! It's so funny!!! Anyway, I hope that he likes it. I just had to share my excitement over my gift. It's fun to get a gift when it's not a holiday, but even more fun when it's from someone who you really love and admire.