* one old love she can imagine going back to ... and one who reminds her how far she has come.

* enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own even if she never wants to and needs to.

* something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour.

* a youth she's content to leave behind.

* a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age.

* the realization that she is actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to fund it.

* a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra.

* one friend who always makes her laugh ... and one who lets her cry.

* a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.

* eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored.

* a resume that is not even slightest bit padded.

* a feeling of control over her destiny.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

* how to fall in love without losing herself.

* how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.

* when to try harder ... and when to walk away.

* how to have a good time at a party she'd never choose to attend.

* how to ask for what she wants in a way that makes it most likely she'll get it.

* that she can't change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.

* that her childhood may not have been perfect ... but it's over.

* what she would and wouldn't do for love or more.

* how to live alone ... even if she doesn't like it.

* whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally.

* where to go ... be it to her best friend's kitchen table ... or a charming Inn in the woods ... when her soul needs soothing.

* what she can and can't accomplish in a day ... a month ... and a year.