I have a busy schedule also and sometimes my starter is in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so (probably lonely and waiting for me). When this happens, sometimes there is a darker liquid on top, which is ok as it is alcohol. I take it out of the refrigerator. I take the entire starter out (liquid too) of the crock and put it in a glass bowl and stir it. I bring it to room temperature, and start checking it after about 2 hours. When I see it have a bunch of bubbles, I feed it, and stir it until there are no more lumps. Then I put a clear shower cap over it so it doesn't dry out, and I can check on it. I wait at least another two hours. When it is all bubbly and has risen up and perhaps doubled, I stir it. Then I take one cup and put it back in the crock and into the fridge. Then I use the remaining "discarded" cup for baking, so depending on the recipe, I might feed it and wait again, or use as is.

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