My gym routine: I always exercised in the morning, but now my day starts at 2:30 A.M. and I can barely drag my butt out of bed, much less do leg squats. So I get to the gym when I can and the rest of the time I jog or take long walks with Jasper the dog.

How I pick myself up when I'm feeling down: I usually walk or jog. I'm most comfortable in the outdoors. I like solitude; I need to feel small, to just be part of nature. It's very peaceful. I guess it's my kind of religion, in a way, or spirituality.

My trick for balancing family and work: I don't have one. Except maybe: Occasionally you drop a ball; that's what juggling's about. And it's OK. Don't feel bad about it or beat yourself up.

My husband and I always make time for: Each other, every day. That's really important. Richard will call me from another part of the house and say, "Can I buy you a drink?" And we'll sit and have a glass of wine or a cup of coffee.

Our commitment gets deeper and deeper. We're facing the next stage of our lives, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's not that I want the kids out of the house, but I'm looking forward to doing things with Richard. We'd love to travel a bit, or just take a walk — all of those things.

How I'm handling the almost-empty nest: Last year, when we took my older son, Ben, to college in California, I cried the whole flight home. We called a few days later, and he was so happy! I said to Richard, "Why am I crying?" And he said, "That's right! You shouldn't be, because we did our job." It's the roots-and-wings approach to child rearing — you give them roots, but you've also got to give them the wings to go. Richard said, "He's a happy, healthy young adult, and he wants to fly. We should be celebrating." I think we had a glass of wine. Ever since then, I've been generally OK. This fall we'll be taking Gabe out to college, and as excited as I am for him, there's a sadness in me. Because even though you've done the right thing, it's bittersweet, always.

How my kids would describe me: I was feeling bummed out on Mother's Day because Gabe was leaving, and I went off on a walk. Lily sent me an e-mail: "Just want you to know you're a great mom." That was so sweet! I think all my kids would say that. And I can't ask for anything more. That's been my goal.

But they'd also say... that I'm a little nuts. And that sometimes I embarrass them because I'm silly. I'll be walking along and start singing. I kind of do that with the hope of embarrassing them.

Who'd play me in the movie of my life: Lucille Ball. She was a comedian, but she could be very serious, too. She's kind of kooky and fun. And that's what I try to be.