Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Brainstorm and plan. Ask about other people's memories. Look for illuminating memories. Be concrete.

Answer: During the brainstorming session, you'll need to be capable of letting some ideas go. You won't be able to fit everything you want to say into one speech, so don't try to give a detailed biography of your grandparent's entire life. Think about specific memories of your grandparent: times you spent together, occasions that strike you as being definitive of your grandparent's personality, and so on. Write everything down, and don't feel obligated to include everything that makes the list.  Ask yourself what qualities best describe your grandparent.  Consider what set your grandparent apart from anyone else you know.  If your grandparent had certain hobbies or passions in life, you may want to mention those. But there's no need to make these the focus of your eulogy, as it should be primarily about the departed's role as your grandparent. The focus of your eulogy should be on how the departed was a caring grandparent in your life. But that doesn't mean you can't open up to other people who knew your grandparent. Asking your parents or aunts/uncles about their relationship with your grandparent might be a good place to start. You could even ask any close friends of your grandparent what their favorite memories are of your grandparent. It might help give you some ideas on how other people knew your grandparent, and why your grandparent was important to people outside your family. When speaking with others about your grandparent, you may want to consider asking how and when they first met your grandparent (if there is no familial relation), what their favorite memories are with your grandparent, and what your grandparent's best qualities were. The answers may vary greatly from your own list if the person was a friend rather than a relative of your grandparent, which can help you open your eulogy to include how others saw your grandparent. As you comb over the memories you have of your grandparent, look for moments that characterize your grandparent best. Did he/she ever say or do something that has always made you think, "That's the essence of my grandparent"? It doesn't need to be a huge, life-changing moment. Often the best illuminating memories of a person are the little things they said or did, the day-to-day qualities that contribute to the person's identity and personality. As you begin writing down your memories, focus on writing a series of little truths. Avoid the big, sweeping declarations and focus on the little details that defined your grandparent or your relationship with your grandparent. Don't just write that your grandparent was caring. Write out a specific memory that will illustrate your grandparent's caring nature. If your grandparent had a wonderful sense of humor, don't just say he/she was funny. Write about his/her humor, perhaps a time your grandparent played a practical joke or told a funny story. Remember that not everyone has the same memories of your grandparent that you have. Your eulogy should illustrate for everyone at the funeral what your relationship was like, and what the departed was like as a grandparent.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Create a makeshift double boiler using a pot of water and a mixing bowl. Let your chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Answer: Fill the pot about halfway up and place it on the cooktop over medium heat. Then, set a small mixing bowl over the opening of the pot. The water will heat the bowl from underneath, allowing you to combine the various ingredients for your chocolate without burning them.  You want the water to be nice and hot, but not boiling. If the temperature is too high, it could easily scorch your chocolate as it cooks. A proper double boiler can help you get the job done with fewer pieces of cookware. After your chocolate has had plenty of time to set up, break it into pieces or pop individual chocolates out of their molds and have a nibble. Store your homemade milk chocolate in a covered container on your countertop, or inside a pantry or another cool, dry place. It should keep for about 1 year (thought it will be a miracle if it actually lasts that long!)


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Explore online ancestry-research services. Contact local ancestry research groups. Use free trials. Consider DNA testing.

Answer: In most cases, you will pay someone to go out and research your family tree. You will need to provide as much relevant information as possible, including names, locations, dates, professions, and connections. This can be a great option if you don't have the time, energy, or inclination to do the legwork yourself. Be careful. Some of these services are scams. Read reviews and inform yourself before you pay any money. Find out if there is a genealogy research group in your area, or the area where your ancestors lived. These groups may have some records of your family. Many of these societies are based online, although they may also keep physical records. Websites such as ancestry.com are build to find this sort of information, and their free trials can help you dive quickly into the past. Each trial gives you access to a large database for a short period of time. You will need to be motivated, and you will need to dedicate a brief and intense effort to your research. However, you might be able to learn a lot. There are a number of services that run saliva samples through lab tests to isolate hereditary genetic factors. You may be able to tell, for instance, that you have genes only found in a specific part of the world. These services are usually more expensive than paying someone to look through the records. For the price, however, you might be able to learn much deeper information.


Problem: Write an article based on this summary: Get some tasty snacks. Have a glass of wine. Try a cozy beverage. Pick some movies or television shows to watch. Curl up with a good book.

Answer:
One of the keys to a veg-out day is to have some of your favorite snacks on hand. Pick whatever you like, from chips and dips to ice cream. If you prefer, try ordering a pizza. Most people associate having a drink with relaxing, and certainly having a drink or two isn't going to hurt. Open up a bottle of your favorite chardonnay, and enjoy a glass or two if you'd like. Don't overdo it, though. You don't want to ruin the effects of a relaxing day by having a hangover the next morning. If you don't drink, don't worry. Try coffee, tea, or hot chocolate instead of the alcohol. It can be just as comforting, especially if you treat yourself to something you don't normally drink. One good way to relax at home is to have a marathon of your favorite movies or television shows. Make sure you have them available before you start your day. You can try streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu. Don't be afraid to pull out a sad movie. Sometimes, having a good cry over a movie can help you deal with the reality of what's going on in your life. If movies aren't your thing, get yourself a new book that you know you'll love. Curl up with it all day under a warm blanket. You don't need to buy a book. Borrow one from a friend, or check one out from the library. In fact, you can check out digital books from most libraries if you have an e-reader.