I decided to post the update here in the 40-somethings group because I think you'd like this.

In the past few years, I have been living life with much more gusto than I ever did in my 20s. My uncle died at 46 & my dad died at 54 so I know life is short. And I am trying to have as much fun and friendship as I can while I'm able.

I had a major fundraiser last night where restaurants give money to HIV/AIDS. I was a volunteer stationed at a popular restaurant in the "gayborhood," which is the gay community of Philadelphia.

I have been losing weight and am getting close to goal so I decided to dress up in a fantasy outfit. I bought a pair of thigh high boots at a shoe store for only $10. My best friend, a gay man, convinced me to buy them even though they were so different than my baggy jeans and t-shirt style.

Anyway, I wore the boots, a mini skirt and a tight top. And I looked great and I got so many compliments. It was really fun trying a new look and I was able to walk around fine in stiletto heels.

I feel really proud of myself for losing weight, but also for embracing life so fully. The past few years have been the happiest in my life even though I haven't had a boyfriend in 5 years. I have discovered that being single and independent is wonderful and that I am completely fulfilled being 40 and on my own.

Anyway, I hope all of you are going after your dreams, whatever they are. And I realize it's not about goal weight, it's about enjoying every moment.

Thank you 3FC people, you have been so good to me.

Here's a pic of me from last night.

You look AMAZING!!!!!! BTW we have the same weight goal!!! Keep it up!

You look great what a special and fun night that must have been

What a great pic and story; you look awesome, and more importantly, you FEEL awesome!! I'm loving it!

I've been really enjoying my 40s, too...

How awesome for you! You look great and are so close to your goal weight! I have been single for 9 years now and am much happier and so much more content than I ever was when I was married. As a cancer survivor I agree with your philosophy to live life fully! I used to put things off because I thought I had plenty of time. I knew when my youngest turned 18 I would only be 44 and would still have plenty of life left to do what I wanted for me. Then I got cancer at age 39, which was a huge wakeup call! Being at high risk for recurrence I know that if I don't do it now, I may not get another chance. It may not seem like much to others, but little things like seeing Yanni in concert, or going to a writing workshop with my favorite author are the kinds of things I never did for myself before, but doing these little things now make a huge difference. Life is good!

You look fantastic! Congrats on the new look and the uber fun... what a great way to celebrate your successful weight loss!