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Projects Shmawjects

So about 3 weeks ago I decided that it would be a good project to type all of the letters that Blair and I wrote to each other during our three and a half year correspondence and compile them in a hardbound book. Right. I've come across a couple of dilemmas in the process:

Dilemma #1: I can't stand to read some of the things I wrote. I sound like I'm on crack during some letters, writing a cheesy Jane Austen book in others, and just downright dumb the rest of the time. I get the urge to change what I wrote every time I start typing, but that would make the entire book historically inaccurate.

Dilemma #2: It takes a long time to do this and I'm a busy girl!

Dilemma #3: Our computer recently kicked the bucket, taking the first letters that I had already typed with it. Lame. But thanks to the folks at Best Buy for giving us a brand new computer for free to replace the old one. Everyone go shop at Best Buy this week just to support good business.

Anyway, I had an idea last night. What if I contacted the job specialist in my ward and asked her if there's someone in our ward in need of temporary work? I'd pay the person minimum wage to type up our letters in about 4 days. Is that weird? You can be honest. I'm a little worried about having a complete stranger know EVERYTHING about us through our letters. Then again, I really don't want to do this myself. Let me know if you have any other ideas about how I can pawn this project of on someone else.

Comments

Rebecca said…
I've had this same idea for my mission letters just to reduce the amount of boxes of old papers in my closet--except I wanted to scan them and save them electronically that way (but I don't have access to a scanner--that will go on the list of semi-large purchases to make in the near future). Anyway, the suggestion is, why don't you scan the documents into your computer, if you have access to a scanner. It will be much faster and still in your own handwriting (which is cooler for family history purposes in my opinion).
August 18, 2008 at 8:18 PM
Ashley said…
Wow. Lol. I feel kind of stupid. That's a much better idea...and cheaper!!!
August 18, 2008 at 8:21 PM
Jenae said…
Ashley & Blair, it is Jenae Newman - I have to tell you that I came across your blog and I've been dying laughing at how good with words you are. You can make anything entertaining to read about! It has been so much fun to catch up on your life (hope you don't mind) together. How wonderful you two are for eachother. I always thought you made the perfect pair. Hope all is well; you'll have to check out my blog when you have a minute. Take care!
August 19, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Rachel said…
Wait until you have kids and make them do it. I actually just did this project for my Grandparents with my Grandpa's journal and their letters. It was fascinating.
August 19, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Andrew and Ariel said…
Well, I actually did type up Andrew's mission letters, and am in the process of typing up his mission journals. I've just got about 6 months to go. It has been a great experience. Call me crazy, but I love typing! I've found that having the letters and journal entries typed up (instead of scanned) is very helpful for searching them. Andrew has used what I've typed up to search for stories and memories to strengthen other missionaries that are now serving, and to use in talks and lessons. I type over 90 words a minute, and now that I am staying home all day, I really miss it! I have been thinking of hiring myself out to do this kind of thing. I'd be happy to help you out or anyone else that would need this kind of silly service :)
August 24, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Ashley said…
Ariel,
I'm very very very tempted to hire you. I'm not sure I can afford you though :) Call me. Let's make a deal, yes?
August 26, 2008 at 10:33 PM
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