I'd make a generic "application log" where I would log the different actions, and for each action type - offer the possible options when viewing the log.
Whenever something is logged, I'd have a "New Item" counter (Think "number of unread") somewhere in the UI - f.x. on a button that opens the log.
I also strongly dislike modal dialogs, but when I need that file, I do need a mechanism to find it.