Whether she is a corporate executive or a factory worker, an entrepreneur or a "mompreneur," today's woman is an integral part of the workforce and the American Dream. Women have made inroads in many professions that were once the domain of only men while juggling the many demands of work and family. From the woman who manages a staff of fifty, to the mother who choreographs the comings and goings of a family of five, women are the ultimate multitaskers. This collection celebrates the diversity and special contributions of women in the world of work-their hopes, their dreams and aspirations, and their accomplishments.

This very special book also acknowledges the important and often unappreciated women in the homeplace through stories of stay-at-home moms for whom raising children was their most important task. These tales recognize the vital contributions of women who find their reward in devoting their lives to their families instead of collecting a paycheck.

Chapters include: All in a Day's Work; Balancing Work and Family; Teamwork; Special Moments, and more, and each shares the trials of working women and the special joys that achieving career dreams can bring. Readers will laugh, cry and nod in agreement as they connect with women who are not just making a living, but making a life.

Notes Left by Two Working Parents

Monday
Sweetheart,
It's Claire's turn to bring snack to school today. There's celery in the fridge. Cut it up into two-inch chunks, spread peanut butter on them and place five raisins on each. Wrap in cellophane (not a dry-cleaner bag!) and be sure there are twenty-four plus one for her teacher Ms. Goodesteem. Tidy the family room if you get a chance. Did you call the plumber yet?
I love you,
Allison

Monday
Honey,
That was okra not celery. Claire saw me spreading Cheez Whiz on them and cried twenty minutes until I forked over twenty-four pieces of Halloween candy (who told the kids the candy was hidden in the vacuum bag?). By the time I untied your son's doubleknots with your graduation pen, the family room was a lost cause. Dinner is on time-bake. I have Rotary tonight. Was the pen important?
Hugs and kisses,
Ken

Tuesday
Ken,
The toilet has been asking for the plumber. You forgot Alasdair's milk money again. He says he owes some fifth grader $3.25 plus interest for milk loans. I have a meeting tonight. The mess has spread to the dining room.
Love,
Allison

Tuesday
Allison,
I couldn't find Alasdair's lunchbox so I used your hat. Call the principal about the loan shark. Replaced your graduation pen—disregard the year. I think you took my car keys this morning—the taxi's here, got to go.
Sincerely,
Ken

Wednesday
Hey,
Your keys were in the juice pitcher. The kids won't go to the bathroom—when's the plumber coming? I enjoyed our talk last night. We have to abandon the downstairs to the clutter and take refuge upstairs tonight. Dinner is on your son's top bunk.
Allison

Wednesday
Al,
We didn't have a conversation last night—our bed was full of kids; I slept with the dog. What's the plumber's phone number? Did you know Tuesday was class picture day, and your son wore his ‘I'm with stupid' T-shirt . . . apparently he stood next to his teacher.
Ken

Thursday
The neighbor called—something about your son and some jumper cables. I said you'd stop by tonight and talk to them. I spoke with the principal, picture retakes are next Monday . . . I burned the shirt. We owe the principal $4.50 for loaning our son milk money, too.
A.

Thursday
Yesterday was Alasdair's snack day; luckily, I had gum. I promise I'll call the plumber today.
K.

Friday
Wife,
I had a breakfast meeting this morning. I sand-bagged the bathroom last night, call the National Guard if it crests. Any idea where the cat is?
Me

Friday
Husband,
Provisions are low and something is moving in the living room . . . could be the cat. Order pizza and watch out for the waterfall on the stairs.
P.S. Bring your sleeping bag, we're in the attic divvying up the rest of the Halloween candy.

Ken Swarner

¬2003. All rights reserved. Reprinted from Chicken Soup for the Working Woman's Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Aubery, Chrissy & Mark Donnelly. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publisher. Publisher: Health Communications, Inc., 3201 SW 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442.