What Every Woman Should Have

Every woman should have

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,

a skin care regimen, an exercise routine,

and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30,

a solid start on a satisfying career,

a satisfying relationship,

and all those other facets of life that do get better after 30.