Gray Days

Being from Seattle, an overcast day doesn't usually bother me.


My trick  is to wake up early and accomplish a few things right away. If you lounge about, like you'll be inclined to do, you'll be depressed by noon.

And, I am discovering, so will any kids at your house. They'll hover around you all day (this is seriously annoying), looking for you to help them feel better. They don't know why they're dissatisfied and listless. You'll be in no mood to entertain, but you're the grown up. Deal with it.

If you do get in the dumps, get out of the house. Everyone will feel better (probably even the person you visit). Make a plan for what you'll accomplish when you get home so you avoid walking back through the front door into the same rut.

No, blogging was not part of my plan.

Family Pictures

LDS General Conference story: After two years as a POW, a man got to send one message to his family. He used his limited space for this message, "These things are important: temple marriage, mission, college. Press on, set goals, write history, take pictures twice a year."

2011 Zimmerman Family Photos

Courtesy of my brother-in-law, a superhero of a photographer. Check out his website.
He's particularly skilled at photos of kids since he is a fifth grade teacher by day.

What do you do with old notes?

Have you thought of a good way to keep old notes and scripture journals?

I have a bunch of spiral notebooks and journals that I've used to record my scripture study, general conference, institute lesson and religion class notes over the past 10 years. The information is valuable, but more precious are the thoughts, impressions, connections and epiphanies that were so meaningful to me at various times in my life.

However, stacked in the back of my closet, they aren't doing my any good. The information is not organized well enough to be helpful when I'm preparing a talk or lesson, and they take up a lot of space. I've thought about scanning them, but it would take hours and they still wouldn't be searchable.

Have you found a good way to keep your notes?

Googlicious

Tonight I was searching online for LDS dance cards to use for an upcoming stake dance.

I typed "LDS 'Dance Card'" into a Google image search and started scanning the results. I'm scrolling, scrolling, and then all of a sudden I see a familiar face.

My festive cousin Marie! I have no idea what she's got to do with dance cards, but for some reason, out of all the webpages in the world, out of 845 search results, Google suggested her twice.


Maybe Google just knew it would make me happy.

That's twice in one month, Google. I loved the FM tribute!

Smarter Than a Second Grader? Apparently Not.

I have always wanted a large wall clock for my apartment (I love clocks) but they're expensive, costing upwards of $50 even at Target.

I was thrilled when I found this clock at Century 21 for just $15.

Well, a couple weeks ago my friend's second grader pointed out why the clock was only $15. Can you tell?

Special Exhibition: "Wolf"

by a Nine Year Old (American, 2002-present)
Magnets on Fridge

A wolf, the word and a connecting arrow.

Yancy's reaction: "Her typography is fascinating."

Suggestions for a family project?

I need some suggestions. My family wants to find a project we can do together while we eat junk food and gab on our one-week vacation.

Although we're all creative, none of us have a craft hobby. My mom sews well and has a lot of beading/jewelry-making supplies. We've already tied quilts for everyone.

It would be neat if we all left with some sort of keepsake, but we're all very practical, so it would have to be something that isn't just decorative.

Last year, our project was taking pictures for my brother who is serving a mission for our church so that he would know we missed him. All the pictures included a cutout of his head.


What have you done that has been fun?