Google Account
If you have a Gmail account, you have everything you need to get started. Lacking one, I would have you go to gmail.com and set one up.
Blogger
The next step would be to start a blog. At Blogger.com (as with most of the Actuator tools) you can use your Gmail sign-in.
Settings
For confidentiality, in the blog's Settings tab say No to being listed or searchable. In the Permissions tab, set Blog Readers to Only Blog Authors.
Layout
When you've saved your prefs, proceed to the Layout tab and start adding gadgets.
Tools
At the top of the Actuator page is a list called Tools. Each link will open in its own window. Go down that list and make sure you're registered with those you want to use. All are optional unless you want to use my Mileage and Expense form templates. (For them you'll need Google Documents. See below.)
Paste the URL for each service's page into your own links gadget. (Yours won't open in new windows, but if you have a rudimentary facility with HTML you can target them in an HTML gadget instead, as I did.)
Forms
An HTML gadget is what you'll use to add the expense and mileage forms. In Google Documents, search for "Actuator" using the Search Templates button. The Use this template button will open a window where you can customize that form. Then grab the Embed code from the More Actions tab, and paste that into your gadget. You'll want to tweak the height number to accommodate your browser's font size. (The data you put in them later should be listed as Documents spreadsheets.)
More Gadgets
If I haven't lost you by now, embedding your Calendar code in another gadget will be straightforward. A Text gadget will hold your brand reminder. A Labels gadget will handle your sorting.
Journal
After this basic setup you should be ready to save your layout and begin making journal entries. Don't forget to assign labels as you go. You can date entries retroactively if you need to (Look for Post Options arrow at lower left.). Adding pictures will be fairly self-explanatory.
Lastly, find your blogger Dashboard and bookmark it!
That's the basics. Of course, each actor will have unique needs, preferences and supporting service accounts.
If you're already just overwhelmed by all of this,
