BTW – I didn't work at at this weekend, and didn't do any yard work of cleaning. Spent Saturday making sock monkeys and Sunday baking. So much nicer than squeezing in spillover work on weekends.

Paula, whatever schedule works for you, I say go for it. I'm a jotter-downer. I can't over-organize or I'd never do anything else! (I really love to organize.) But I see the sense in having a written account so you can examine where you went right (and wrong).

Devon, I see the sense in doing your own hours. Clients shouldn't demand certain work hours from us — only those that we're willing to give. I work mostly 9 to 4 (or 7 to 3 or 8 to 7, depending) because clients are available in those hours. I will NOT work weekends. I like my weekends. Mind you, that may change when he retires and is home all the time, but for now, time off with him is more important than working uninterrupted on say a Saturday.

I've been taking Fridays off. I don't mention it because it's my business, but I do stick close to email on my phone so I can address anything that comes up. Infrequently, something does.

I refuse to be on a 9-5 schedule — that's one of the reasons I freelance. I will be on the schedule that works for that day. I'm good about communication, I'm good about email, but how I structure my day is up to me, not to anyone else.

If a good opportunity comes in and I want it, I do what it takes to step up to the plate.

If I need or want to take time off — like I did for the conference — everything is cleared off ahead of time, the out of office message goes up, and I focus on the conference.

"Freelance" means I am free to structure my own time — as long as I meet deadlines.

I have my week-at-a-glance book that I couldn't function well without. I keep track of interviews, deadlines, appointments, and also scribble in reminders like "groceries" and "yard work." I list everything I need to get done that day, and sometimes number them when one task is a bigger priority. Sometimes arrows shift things to different days, and sometimes I add more things in as I go. The book is a mess, but it chronicles my work week.

Forgot to mention it yesterday, but I like the blog changes! The green is very soothing.

My biggest work/life balance comes in my insistence to get in my 5-6 mile walk. Sure, there are exceptions – like today due to unhealthy air quality (fires in the area), but I typically don't compromise on it.

I am going to miss it today because I am having #@% internet connection problems and need the release, but I am especially sensitive to bad air quality (asthma as a kid). Good thing I have a few squeeze balls to take the frustration out on. Think I'll pull out my cardio CD, too. 🙂

Have a great weekend, everyone!