When widowed single mom Erica Parsons finds a childhood list of the things she wanted to do before turning 40, she sets about accomplishing them.
Erica's son, Jeremy, is feeling the effects of her new personality as she tries to become more involved in his education, much to his teachers' dismay.
Jeremy thinks that his mother needs to get out more and spend some time in the company of a gentleman.
After a challenging conversation with her boss, who happens to be her lover, Erica's starting to think his inability to commit is the last straw in their relationship.
Jeremy is concerned about his mother's newfound zest for life and longs for her to settle down, so he can stop worrying about her.
Erica makes a decision about Dexter.
Erica is about to cross off being on television from her list, but it doesn't quite turn out the way she expected. Erica and Clive attend a dinner part with Dexter and Angela, much to Clive's dismay. Clive proposes a scheme to get Erica on TV.
Erica is concerned about Jeremy's workaholic tendencies and decides that he needs a vacation. She takes him to Paris, but he can't relax. Erica slips away during their vacation to take care of her own business. As things seem to fall apart, she gets a surprise.
After Angela leaves Dexter, Erica tries to swoop in, but things get complicated. Erica's surprised at Jeremy's business tactics. All the lying going on around her makes Erica tackle the next item on her list: sailing away to a desert island.
When Clive's 17-year-old daughter, Debbie, shows up at Erica's home with news that she's pregnant, Erica tries to balance her friendship with Clive and Debbie's privacy.
An incident from Erica's past comes to light and incites a rivalry between Dexter and Clive, much to Erica's delight.
Erica is down to the last item on her list: to marry a millionaire. Dexter and Clive find loopholes to qualify and compete for Erica's hand.