Twenty-two years ago, Maribel Perez Wadsworth started at the Gannett-ownedRockford Register Star, covering Illinois agriculture.

We talked to her about her daily schedule, her to-do habits, and how she measures success.

Take us through a recent workday.

One of the best things about my job is that every day is different.

This is a recent Monday.

And Im home by 7 or so in time for dinner and e-mail catch-up while watchingThe Voice.

I realize Ive fallen asleep on the couch, and its off to bed.

Ive lived to fight another day.

What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?

My mobile phone, for sure.

Its become almost an extension of my arm.

Its always nearby or I start to get twitchy.

Favorite apps include Waze andHeadspace, and of course,USA Today.

Whats your workspace setup like?

When working out of my office, I have the added benefit of family photos and a comfy couch.

Whats your best time-saving shortcut or life hack?

The family meal plan.

A spreadsheet of 30-minute meals from which each family member chooses one nights menu.

We select on Sundays so I can get the groceries that correspond.

Only two rules: no picking what someone else did and no complaining about what someone else picked.

Saves time and stress, and is generally healthier than other time-saving alternatives.

How do you keep track of what you have to do?

Old-fashioned pen-and-paper to-do lists.

Theres something remarkably satisfying about crossing things off a list.

That, plus Id be lost without my Outlook calendar.

How do you recharge?

What do you do when you want to forget about work?

Cooking, beach time and hanging out with my husband and our boys.

When all of those things come together at once…thats my version of heaven.

What are you currently reading, or whats something youd recommend?

I challenged myself to read 25 books this year.

Pushing the last few weeks of the year, I definitely have some cramming to do.

(Yes, the English lit major in me is showing.)

Fill in the blank: Id love to see_____answer these same questions.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Whats the best advice youve ever received?

There is immense pressure to be a perfect mom, perfect wife, and perfect employee.

Appreciate the moment, even and maybe especially when its a learning one.

Is there anything else youd like to add that might be interesting to readers and fans?

We should all get more sleep.

The world would be a far less grumpy place.

This interview has been lightly edited.

Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?