Melissa Rish
Age: 31.
Home: Centralia, Missouri.
Family: Married, to husband Curtis.
Job: Health-system manager.

My evenings are unpredictable because I'm often stuck at work late. But the one constant is my time spent taking care of my chickens. I grew up on a farm, and my mom and dad always had chickens. Now my husband and I have our own little coop on our own five-acre farm. The chickens are pets, and all 15 hens and the one rooster have names. They make such beautiful sounds when they cluck and scratch, and it's relaxing just to watch them waddle around. Plus, I always have fresh eggs for breakfast on the weekends.

How I Switch Gears: I immediately spend some time with Curtis, then I shed my suit and hose for lounge-around clothes.

How I've Simplified: I spend all day at work on the phone, so I save my personal conversations for the weekend. If I'm working on a project — like woodworking, sewing, or baking — I don't watch TV.

Streamlining Secret: While I'm cleaning up after dinner, I pack leftovers in lunch-size portions so we can just grab a container in the morning.

My Perfect Night: Last spring I was outside every evening tending to the chickens and planting trees. I like playing in the dirt; weeding is especially good if I'm frustrated. Afterward, my husband would draw a bath for me. He said it was because I was filthy, but I also think he did it to be sweet.

Melissa's Night
6 to 7 P.M.: Leave work after calling Curtis to discuss dinner. Stop to pick up food if necessary.
7:45 P.M.: Chat with my husband, change, and start dinner.
8:30 P.M.: Dinner.
8:50 P.M.: Clean up and pack leftovers for lunch.
9 P.M.: Tend to the chickens — replenish water and food and collect eggs.
9:20 P.M.: Join Curtis on the couch to watch television, unless I'm working on a project.
10 P.M.: Bedtime.