BloggingThis

I start my day a little earlier than the rest of the family. This means two things. 1) I must be quiet as a mouse so I don’t wake anyone. 2) It also means getting dressed in complete darkness as to not disturb my lovely wife’s slumber.

Born from this comes what we affectionately refer to as the “good husband sock finding light.”  It’s the only way to wear matching socks and get to work on time. I used to think this was a unique occurrence at the Dunning household, but alas — I’ve now heard from others that they too respect the rest of their spouse and peer through drawers with tiny flashlights.  Some even use the warm blue glow of a cell phone backlight.  (I don’t recommend phones, as the colored light doesn’t always help match socks)

I’m curious, anyone else have a light tucked away in their sock drawer?

– steve

My oldest son turned 4 a couple weeks ago.  It’s hard to believe just how quickly the time passes.  His passion lately is camping in the woods and riding 4-wheelers.  Mom turned a crummy looking Publix cake into the ATV & mud cake of Carter’s dreams.  She called me in a mild panic from the bakery where she describe the cake as green with turds on it.  After some modifications to the frosting and some toy decorations, she made it work very well I think.  We did the whole Chucky Cheese party this year.  They’ve remodeled the one in north Lakeland and it’s nice now.  (we went on a Tuesday night, beware of the weekend chaos)  I’m a little late to share, but better late than never.– steve 

After attending the super nerdy blogger meeting this week I made a promise to myself that I’d update my blogroll.  So, for those of you getting this via the RSS feed, please take a moment to see my progress.For the rest of you — why the heck aren’t you using the RSS feed?  Google Reader anyone???  It will change your life.– steve 

1. OMD - If you leave

2. Train - Calling all angels

3. Police - Every breath you take

4. Rolling Stones - Honky tonk woman

5. Goo Goo Dolls - Here is gone

6. Juice Newton - Angel of the morning

7. Bruce Springsteen - Better days

8. Martina McBride - Whatever you say

9. Fontains of Wayne - Stacey’s Mom

10. Goo Goo Dolls - Name

 (whew, that could have been way worse, trust me.  Remember I have three kids)

Idea inspired by Travis.

 – steve

I’m a fan of Merlin Mann of 43 Folders.  I happened upon his Inbox Zero presentaion that he gave to a group of Googlers during a Tech Talk.  It rocked my world.  I’ve been a huge advocate of the inbox zero philosophy ever since.  I’ve shared the video and slide deck with several coworkers, friends, and family.  (and now with you)  I was amazed and surprised to see that I’ve inspired a bit of I.Z. spirit in others and it’s even been a little bit of a competion to see who’s inbox can have the fewest messagaes at the end of any day.  (it’s not always zero, but the closer the better)

Inbox Zero recently showed up in a very unexpected place — my annual performacne review at work.  Turns out, I’ve become better organized and further, I’ve been an evangelist and spread the word, developing improved orginazation in others.  Who knew?  So, I may owe some small portion to my pay increase this year to Merlin.  Maybe I should buy him some baby diapers or something to show my appreciation?  In the mean time, I’ll continue to spread the word and encourage others to gain control of their own inboxes and save their sanity.  Perhaps this will be thanks enough.

– steve