I spent my twenties working so hard to be taken seriously (Murphy Brown Pantsuit anyone?) I never tried to be hot. Who wanted to be objectified when you could be promoted on your merits? Plus, I married my high school sweetheart so flirting would have been a tad inappropriate. I was also terrified of anything adventurous - in short, I was prematurely middle aged.

Then I had kids and realized I was a big hypocrite, urging them to take chances when I hardly ever did myself, and I started a blog “Facing Forty Upside Down” (www.upside-down-patty.blogspot.com) with the goal of facing some of my childhood fears and findally learning how to dive into a swimming pool, ride a bike, do a handstand. I’ve never defied gravity as much as I have the last year, and you know what? In the process I started feeling stronger, braver, prouder, happier - what could be more attractive?

The other day, a man asked me if I was a college student. When I eventually stopped laughing my head off I walked away with a new strut in my step. Finally Hot at 40? Better late than never!