Since it has been a while, I thought it appropriate — and by way of partial explanation for this lapse– to offer a synopsis of my past year, at this closing of the door on 2011.

My 2011 Year in Review:

Navigated the murky waters of NYC school admissions to get one daughter into an excellent NYC public middle school, and one into an excellent public kindergarten (all in one year).

Watched through misty eyes as they each “graduated.”

Wound up with walking pneumonia; only to soon after walk across a street… and get hit by a car.

SURVIVED being hit by a car, and learned (or, learning) that patience and humor are the companions hardest to summon but needed most on the road recovery.

Survived the additional trauma of having a first-time sleepaway camper.

Learned yet new lessons in making lemonade out of lemons from my extraordinary mom as she fought cancer hard on two fronts.

Grew my team at work, and grew to appreciate the precious-if-rare alchemy that occurs when colleagues prove wonderful professionally, and personally.

Renewed my Loehmann’s Diamond member status.

Devoured a serving of Caribbean teal water, white sand, and delicious family time.

Beamed with pride over stellar report cards, starring performances, and (respectable) showings in soccer, gymnastics and fencing.

Celebrated the honor of becoming an Advertising Working Mother of the Year.

Wrestled with the conundrum that all my Executive+Mom responsibilities are overwhelming ExecutiveMoms.com.

Twisted through sleepless nights of worry about big things (and sometimes not-so-big things).

Spoke about digital at conferences, and co-hosted a digital press conference with Elizabeth Hurley (clearly, my twin).

Returned to Brown and felt “ever true” a lifetime later.

Stumbled upon new spiritual experiences as far away as Berlin and as close as the Lower East Side.

Became a first-time cover girl (if industry rags count).

Relished stolen coffees and many fabulous dinners with fabulous friends.

Cooked at almost none of these.

Marveled at finding rich new relationships, sometimes out of the most unexpected circumstances, like jewels unearthed.

Reeled with the news of those close to us being struck by illness.

Mourned the loss of two people extraordinarily dear to me.

Commemorated my 13th wedding anniversary with David on the 13th of September with our daughters by our side, back at the vineyard where we got married and knew 13 was indeed a lucky number.

Found beautiful moments in even the darkest times.

And got a little better at making my own lemonade.

You know, just another year.  Wishing you that a new year brings new beginnings, and with them the chance to write your next chapter just as you would most like it to read.  I hope to be a part of it with you.

Marisa Thalberg