I work full time at a local newspaper. There, I am the composition manager and carry many responsibilities. It calls for long hours and some working at home. I am also a part time student at AIO. I carry a 4.0 and work very hard to keep it that way. I also do some freelance on the side.

Many times in person and in class, I have been asked how I do it all. My girls are happy and healthy; I have a job I am great at, and a wonderful marriage. The answer is simple; buy a date book. I schedule everything and write everything down. I have to or I will loose track of everything. I have four simple rules that maintain balance in my life and my family’s:

1. No work until the kids go to bed at 8PM.
2. No school until the kids go to bed at 8PM.
3. Spend one full day with your spouse every week. (Date Night)
4. No missing school events or sport events with the kids.

Those are my very simple guidelines. Without them my life would be a mess and everyone in it would be miserable. It is all based on my priorities. My family always comes first. My education comes second. My work comes last.
I am going constantly and I have times when I just can’t go anymore. Then I put myself first. I take a day off and go for a drive, sleep in, or go out with friends. Even if it is just for an hour, we all need time for ourselves. It just isn’t healthy not to. I focus on my family and work during the week and work on schoolwork and work all weekend. I have become the time management queen! Life sounds hectic but I am still one of the calmest and laid back people you may ever meet. I have yet to find much that will upset me or stress me out because I know things always find a way to work out. I have always felt there is a solution to everything and won’t quit until I find one.

Another important key is to stay healthy. I work out and eat right. I admit, I am a smoker but for some reason my body balances itself out (for now anyway). Staying healthy helps maintain a healthy mental state. I also try to think positive at all times. I like to keep everyone around me enthusiastic and happy. I love people and am very happy surrounded by my family, friends, and co-workers. All of these simple things get me through each and every day. Sometimes it is hard but I just stay strong and keep my priorities straight.