FROM: Mom
Ok, here's the thing... if it was ME and I had such limited computer time for correspondence, THIS is what I would do: I would read my letters as they arrive, then quickly read them again and use a HIGHLIGHTER PEN (enclosed) to mark things I need to address or specific questions I need to answer in the next letter I write to that person... I might even COLOR CODE (multiple colors options enclosed) those highlighted items, using one highlighter color for things that I should answer right away in the next email, and a different color for things that can be answered via snail mail and delivered later (various pens and pencils also enclosed herein). I would then file those letters in the front of my handy-dandy new plastic blue CORRESPONDENCE FILE (also enclosed), so they can be easily reached when computer time arrives. That way, when I sit down at the computer, knowing I only have 30 minutes, I know exactly what I want to write, and have created an information hierarchy to address first things first--a correspondence triage, if you will--in case I run out of time. Afterward, I would file those letters in the same blue Correspondence File (either by month or by person, depending on my mood), and save them throughout my mission for my SCRAPBOOKING MOM.
When I outlined and described this proposed system to people who know us, and said I was going to suggest it to YOU, they all had the same reaction: shaking head, derisive laughter, rolling eyes... I think Shane also patted me affectionately on the head like one would do to a not-very-bright-yet-sweet child.
So let me just say that I still consider this idea valid, and am only thinking about streamlining our communication, now during your time in the MTC with more stringent rules, and later in the field, with far longer waits for snail mail and unknown-at-this-point computer access; and if you CHOOSE to adopt this system or a variant thereof, that would be just SUPER.
And, if you choose instead to fling the pens and pencils into the ceiling tiles, use the highlighters to draw fluorescent mustaches on your roommates while they sleep, or file Laffy Taffy and Hershey bars in the carefully organized plastic pockets of the blue Correspondence File.... well, I probably just don't need to know about that, and will assume you have found your own path....
Love, Mom