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.
 
It's been way too long since the last time I submitted a post. What can I say? June was absolutely busy and July is a duplicate. Summer days are long and seem to run into one another, which leave me tired and feeling like I never will catch up.
In June I started writing for an online publication/magazine called gather.com. That's been keeping me busy and, unfortunately, took the place of my Baby & Briefcase writing slot. But alas, tonight is the night where I can finally sink into the couch and write for this blog.
So, what do you want to know?

Well, today my hubby left for a quick out-of-state training for the week - which leaves me with Sam, Claire and Sadie (our black lab) to hold down the fort. I'm not going to lie - I'm a little nervous. Rob is extremely helpful with the girls and I'm afraid I'm not going to keep up with our normal routine and fluidly as I'm hoping to. All you single moms out there are probably scoffing at my inexperience but, for me, it's the truth.
The girls usually go down at 8:00 p.m. but in an effort to get groceries bought and put away, I ran behind and they didn't go down until 9:00 p.m. No biggie, right? The funny thing about today, though, is the amount of times I've had to call Rob for ridiculous little things that I couldn't figure out myself. "How do you turn off the air conditioner? How do you work the remote? What kind of coffee should I buy?" It's amazing how much he really does around this place when I'm not looking! Now, granted, those reasons I mentioned are pretty insignificant but they can be down right annoying if you need to do something and are incapable of figuring it out on your own.

This week is definitely going to be the ultimate Baby & Briefcase challenge because I'm going to be juggling the kids, work, dog, day care, etc. all by myself. Hopefully ll and I won't lose my patience too swiftly. Count to ten, count to ten, deep breath, count to ten.

Do you have any good advice for me? How do you get it all done when you're on your own?