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Planning in Real Life is a conversation series where I ask people from all walks of life the same set of questions about how they plan, stay organized, and keep their days moving. Everyone approaches planning differently, and that’s what makes these conversations so interesting.
Today, I’m talking with…
Meet Dana Wallace
I’ve known Dana for many years. We attended the same church fellowship for a while, and later we homeschooled our children together as part of what we lovingly called “Friday School.”
Our boys were around the same age as some of her children, so life overlapped in the most practical ways — planning outings, organizing unit studies, coordinating Mom’s Nights Out, and doing the everyday work of homeschooling side by side. Those seasons tell you a lot about a person.
I admire Dana’s faith deeply. She has encouraged me more times than she probably realizes, and she’s genuinely the kind of person you want to be friends with.
She’s steady, warm, and deeply grounded — someone who shows up, follows through, and carries responsibility with grace. And honestly, she and I may need to get together sometime and talk about this whole empty-nest thing. 😉
Let’s get started.
A Little About Dana
Dana Wallace is a plate-juggling, recovering homeschooling mom of five. Now in an empty-nest season, she’s blessed with six grandchildren — and she happily lets them disturb the crazy quiet whenever possible.
She works three days a week as a nurse and also serves alongside her husband in ministry, helping lead over 30 small groups while caring for the Body of Christ.
Most of all, Dana is a lover of Jesus. She treasures her quiet time in His presence and prays daily to look more like Him and less like herself.
Planning in Real Life
Today, Dana’s planning is shaped less by homeschooling schedules and more by ministry, work, family, and being available to the people God places in her path.
One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Dana is that her life requires real planning — the kind that actually works in real life, not the theoretical, aesthetic, or perfect kind.
- Shift work and changing schedules
- Ministry responsibilities that don’t fit neatly into boxes
- Family, grandchildren, and relationships that matter more than productivity
- A deep commitment to faith that anchors everything else
Planning, for Dana, isn’t about control. It’s about faithfulness, stewardship, and being present where she’s needed most.
Planning in Real Life — Dana’s Answers
Rather than polished systems, Dana’s answers reflect what actually works in a full, people-centered life.
Keeping track
Dana uses a mix of tools: her phone calendar, a kitchen calendar, and a paper one at work. No single “real planner” right now — though she’s currently using a 75-day fitness check-off by her treadmill, and yes, that counts.
What gets written down
Appointments, birthdays, and sometimes meal plans.
Daily rhythm
She checks at least one of her calendars every day.
What throws things off
Busy days and too much going on — sometimes things just get missed.
How she compensates
Phone reminders and sticky notes.
What gets forgotten
Birthday cards for out-of-town people, six-month dental cleanings — probably more than she’d like to admit 😳
Her history with planners
Dana used planners successfully during the homeschooling years. These days, it can feel like one more thing to manage. She tried a small paper planner again a couple of years ago and used it consistently from January through March 😜
Coming up next: more real people, real rhythms, and real ways life is managed — across seasons, roles, and responsibilities.
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