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February 15, 2007

The Intimidator

So, I just realized that I just watched the entire ESPN movie about Dale Earnhardt. How did I get sucked in? Maybe Barry Pepper is to blame. I've always liked his work.

OK, this is random: Organization is key. The more you organize your life, the better your life will be. And the more free time -- or time, in general -- you will have.

Each week, I compose a day-by-day spreadsheet with my work duties: articles that I need to write, editing tasks, managerial tasks, etc. As I finish each task, I check it off. My goal each day is to finish both that day's tasks and the next day's. Sometimes, I can. Most times, I can't. But, by press day, it all gets done. And my life is less stressful.

It takes about five minutes to compose my task list each week, and it relieves about 10 hours of stress each week. Task lists can be done for home, too. Just make sure that you budget some "do nothing" time, too.

I am officially in book mode. Yes, I am actually currently writing a book. Do I expect it to be published? Yes. But probably by myself. Via one of those online dealies. I don't really care. I view it more as an exercise in discipline, and a way to share our richly entertaining family history. If some people are curious enough about the finished product to spend money on it, well, that's wonderful. I'll just give all the money to my son, anyway.