June 21, 1999

It's the first day of summer. The days are long, and you're itching to spend time outside -- that is, if jobs, chores and family responsibilities allow for any spare time.

A new book tackles the idea of time management in the summer, and News Specialist Scott Light tackles that story.

Whether you're a stay-at-home parent or trying to climb the proverbial corporate ladder, come summertime more people want more time.

As you might imagine, when 1000 people were asked in a recent survey what would they do with an extra hour a day, most said they would spend it outdoors.

Pam Stecky has found an extra hour. "Yeah, I let the house go," she says. No cleaning? "Well, not none. But not very much," she answers.

Stecky is a full-time nurse and admits managing her time wisely is harder in the summer.

That's common according to Jeffrey Mayer who wrote a new book about time management.

Mayer says the first step to more time is actually writing down what you need to get done during the day.

"Actually write it down on a claendar," he suggests. "Block out time for you and get the important things done."

Once you make your list, Mayer says make room in it for at least one fun activity a day. Make it your daily reward even if it's just 15 minutes all to yourself.

The last tip-- whether it's morning, afternoon or evening, Mayer says find your peak time, the time you get the most done.

By the end of the day, you may have more time to get to the pool, to the backyard barbeque, or just maybe more quality time with the kids.

If you're interested, Jeffrey Mayer's book is simply titled 'Time Management for Dummies.'