As I reflect on 2010 I have so much to be thankful for. Although I cannot include all of the people or things in my life that have contributed to my success as a wife, mother, woman and professional, I do want to narrow it down to a humble top ten.
Enjoy and please comment on your favorites of 2010!

10.) Social Networking - If I had to choose two words to describe the existence of my being on this earth, it would have to be busy and social. If you are my friend and I haven't talked to you in a while, please, accept my deepest apology and look me up on Facebook or Twitter. Where else can you simultaneously update your 76 year-old grandfather on your most recent accomplishments and comment on your friend's latest profile pic. We are in the age of multi-tasking and these sites are the main enablers of this shift. Embrace it or fall behind. I choose the former.
9.) My Treadmill - Running and working out keeps me in check. If I have had a long day at work or a rough night with my kiddos, I turn to my treadmill. What it allows me to do makes me feel independent, stress-free and strong. I am a better person because of it.
8.) College classmates and professors - Never underestimate the power of who you know. I graduated college in 2006 and I still interact with my core group of friends - who have now moved on to become successful marketing pros. I bounce ideas off of them, challenge them and allow them to challenge me. To the same credit, I also keep in touch with my professors. Dr. Sara Hansen is my mentor and I am forever grateful for her knowledge and advice. 
7.) Mohammed Bey - As a recent addition to the Reeve Union team (Reeve's Diversity & Inclusion Program Manager), Mohammed and I quickly learned that we have something in common: he has a story to tell and I want to write one. As a result, he has graciously allowed me to poke and prod into his life and past and we are now collaborating on a book project of his life. Thank you so much for this opportunity to grow in a field that is my passion.
6.) My two nannies - When you have children and you work full-time, you need daycare. My husband and I have been blessed with two nannies (one being my sister) and they are the center of our universe. These women practically raise our children for us and we could never pay them enough to compensate for the amazing jobs they do. A million thanks to Mimi and Michelle.
5.) Reeve Memorial Union - How could I have a top 10 and not include Reeve in my top five!? This building is my second home and I love every minute of it. From ridiculously entertaining student employees and full-time co-workers to challenging projects and never-ending professional development. I have found my dream job of the moment.
4.) Reeve Marketing Department - Let's narrow this down a bit more. My department rocks. I have four graphic designers, one marketing assistant, one social media coordinator and three social media interns. Each of these students have contributed to my success as an individual this year. Thank you so much, I truly appreciate you and all your hard work.
3.) My daughters - What would a mom be without her children? These two girls are hilarious, sassy, sweet and naughty. I thank God every day for them and the opportunity to raise them.
2.) My husband - Rob is the man behind everything in my life. When I am busy with work projects, he covers my household chores when all I want to do is come home and play with the girls. He makes my egg sandwich every morning and takes out the garbage every Wednesday. I love and appreciate him daily.
1.) God -   What can I say? I'm religious. Without him, nothing is possible.
 
I am coming to terms with life and how it happens to you. I now know that I will never reach a place where I feel satisified because there is always "one more thing" that still needs to be attempted. Achieved. Conquered.
Sometimes I forget to stop, sit back and realize all the blessings I have right in front of me: loving husband, two beautiful daughters, fabulous job, great family...the list goes on and on. The problem - for me at least - is that it is so easy to compare myself to other people and become discouraged. Enter my husband, Rob.
He always has a way of putting things into perspective and helping me to realize what I really have. This quote describes his outlook on life to a tee: “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”
Tonight I spent an hour playing Hide and Go Seek with Sam and Claire and it was the most enjoyable, innocent fun I've had in a long time. Although Claire kept giving me away when it was my turn to hide, the look on Sam's face every time she "found" me was indescribable. I never thought a child could shake so much out of pure excitement.
It's very easy to get caught up in material things and difficult to see passed what really matters. So, although having two children has changed my body enough for me to declare that my bra cups are not over-flowing, my life cup surely runneth over.
Thank you to all who have helped me realize this along the way and who will continue to keep me accountable for what truly matters in life.