I'm picking up my daughters from college for Christmas break next week. I'll meet my youngest's boyfriend for the first time. I told her I'd take us all to lunch. She suggested I wear my new black maxi dress because I look "cute" in it.

I had such a wave of emotions after I hung up the phone. I'm so happy to share her joy, and thankful she wants me to meet her boyfriend. It's the first serious fella since her senior year in high school. It also made me think of all the years I was the frumpy mom on the sidelines, hiding from the world, avoiding social events. It had an effect on my kids. I didn't realize how much until my life changed 180 degrees and I became a part of the world.

She told me she's proud of me. We've been through a stressful year and a half after moving out of our house when I filed for divorce due to emotional abuse. Through it all, my girls are amazing and strong.

My LapBand surgery and 100-pound weight loss not only helped me reclaim my life, but improved theirs as well. They now have a mom who can hold her head up high, can walk into any room and feel equal to the people there, and will never settle for less than respectful treatment again. I'm the good example I've always wanted to be.

And their mom is "cute" to boot.

The visit was great. Her fella is very nice. Here's a pic of the dress. And another pic my daughter took of me on The Magnificent Mile last weekend in Chicago. Life is good!