Friday, April 29, 2011

Cat vs. Internet - A MUST SEE!!


     Fun Friday
Happens to the Best of Us

Truly,
Amber

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Are You a Text Message Abuser?


‘Hey Pot, this is Kettle….’

‘Are you a text message abuser?’

‘Yes,yes I am....'

'That is why I can write this post.’

I’ve been that person; opting to text before calling someone, because it seems quicker or easier. Most times I’ve chosen to relay important messages via technology rather than speaking them. (But get upset when others do the same..)

I have also been the one who’s not fully available during a face to face conversation, distracted by that untimely incoming message (because for some reason I haven’t figured out  yet that my text-message inbox has a built-in-readable-mailbox so I don’t have to answer every text immediately). And of course being disgusted that someone else has done it to moi.

Like computers, texting has become, I think, a-cool-new-fang-dangled-gadget that was supposedly going to make our lives easier (and can sometimes) but that that we end up abusing. 

Texting, more often than not can actually interfere with relationships and communication, not always enhance them.

You know what I’m talking about…

How many times have you texted someone, only for the message to: 
A) never reach the person
B) reach them too late 
C) come across wrong and you had to write 20 more texts to clarify what you ‘really meant’ only to end up on the phone for about an hour with that person anyhow because…‘texting’ just wasn’t working?

I’m beginning to realize that once a person depends on texting as an acceptable way of corresponding, they falsely consider it a sustainable replacement for good old fashioned communication.

Trust me... I understand all too well that it takes time to make a phone call. Because unlike when you’re texting-you cannot always multitask, nor can you stop talking at any moment and pick up the conversation later. 

(Hence me being the Kettle.)

Texting is not the same as speaking and can actually do more damage than good.

I've learned this the hard way.

For instance, some people do not text or do not care for it and they do it with you because it's the only way you will respond...(sound familiar?-yes, I recognize this too). These friends/relatives do not value texting, they don't prefer to do it, but yet we do not use their preferred source of communique and so when we choose not to call them they may feel that they are not important to us. (Seems a little one-sided doesn't it?) 
-Again, I understand, since I am the Kettle.

And to defend my texting practices and all those out there who live ridiculously busy lives (which is almost everyone) texting seems the right thing to do most of the time but read on....it isn't always.

When we’re texting there can be moments of bonding opportunities lost.

For example:
Humans have five sense and hearing is one of them. When it comes to human bonding, nothing enhances a conversation like the sound of someone’s voice. 

Especially when saying 'I'm sorry..', 'I love you.', or 'How can I help?'. 

Also:
Listening is an art which benefits both the person who is speaking and the one who is listening. Texting does not clearly prove that someone is listening, nor can the person who’s talking always feel acknowledged and understood if they cannot see the person on the other end. (Body language has been said to account for 93% of a conversation.)

I can say all of this, because I am guilty of it.

So since the New Year, I have tried to be more aware of this and make a phone call over texting if the situation allows, and I try to notch out quiet time to make that call so that I can be present 100% (which does take preparation sometimes but is worth it).

When I get off the phone with the person I chose to call rather than text, I never regret it. I feel very fulfilled. I am content that we understood one another, and above all, bonded. 

Because that is what relationships are all about.

Do you think texting is the quickest, most efficient way to communicate or the quickest, most efficient way to destroy a relationship?

Tell me your pros and cons on texting.

**And I have a challenge for you**
This week, when picking up the phone to text a message, ask yourself this question: 

Would it be better if I called?



Truly,
Amber

Monday, April 25, 2011

Numbers a Coincidence?

I don’t know much about numerology, but I do have this thing with numbers.  

I find it fascinating sometimes how things completely work out with the same series of numbers adding up or showing up.

Makes we wonder if it’s fate or coincidence? 

I have never found the time to look up numerology, so if after reading this blog, if you have some fantastic insight for me regarding this type of stuff, I would love for you to enlighten me!

I began noticing number connections when I was 13 and I will share with you my string of numbers.

My lucky/favorite numbers are 3, 7, and 13.

At 13, my dad moved us to a new town. Our new house # ? 13.

I have three children. I planned on having more, but my ‘X’ said no. I landed on 3 forever because we were divorced.

My lucky day has always been Friday the 13th; never any bad luck, not superstitious. My first day of custody trial began on Friday the 13th! And we won!


When I was a teen my telephone # was it's prefix-then it's prefix with a 2 at the end.
My phone # now, you wouldn't believe me if I told you it's part of my address with my lucky number and the # of members in my family .

Speaking of my address, yes, it has the #13 in it....
 
Two out of three of my children were born on a day that ended with the same number as the year they were born in:
--/-7/1997
--/-1/2001 
My last child was supposed to be born on a similar date: --/-4/04 
This would've been my son’s birthday. He was planned for a c-section on this day but on a pre-op visit they noticed that the O.R. over-scheduled and so he would arrive a week early…so close.

I was divorced one year to the day from when I asked for the divorce. I approached my spouse in June 2005…
Exactly twelve months later, and at the 11th hour (court time) my divorce was finalized.. 
The # of the day ended the same as the year did- --/-6/06. 

My daughter and my fiancé share a date: her birthday and his wedding with his first wife.

My other daughter and my fiancé have birthdays that are 1 day apart.

His mother, my grandmother and my ex-husband all share birthdays.

And something that I never thought about it until today-not too sure why-but I realized my birth year has 2 of my lucky numbers in it.

And my last weird-number-thing for now is kind of eerie but comical:

Last night we watched the movie Number 23 and in it the main character was reading a book that mimicked his life (or so he thought). 23 was the # that made him mad (as in crazy).

While I sit down to write this I had to look back at one particular post to see how long ago it was published online, what do I see? 

It was published on the 23rd.
Then I think, what day is it today????

AH! The 23rd!

YIKES! Weird or just a coincidence?

Ah, who knows?
I won't be losing any sleep over it though.

And about the movie: it was okay; actually a little bizzar'o.
But if you like Jim Carrey, he’s in it. Check out thisYouTube Link-short trailer-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkQIjcjyBbA&NR=1
(In the movie Jim Carrey does his best to contain his Jim-Carrey-isms…but they still leak out from time to time.

What’s YOUR #? And where does it keep showing up?



Truly,
Amber


Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Girls

It's Good Friday but it's also Fun Friday.

I'm good but there is a part of me who likes to have fun.

In my world I enjoy my faith more than you probably know.

But, I enjoy other things as well.
Today is Good Friday-and not all people are interested in Faith and Religion, and that is not for me to say.
I respect all individuals no matter their preferences.

As much as I feel strong about my faith- I love and accept those who do not.

So for today's Fun-Good-Friday Post I would like to share one of my favorite quotes:

“Well-behaved women rarely make history.”

Hence; don't keep your silence because others expect you to. 
Stand up, ask questions, don't be afraid to speak up...and be yourself.

Truly,
Amber

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Clutter Cleaning Adventure Complete!

I am proud to announce that my recent Clutter Cleaning Adventure was successful

It’s been two whole weeks since I decided to start tacking clutter again and began talking with a professional, making a plan, and setting aside time to do it.

I started with the living room since it’s the common area (and also the worst affected room). 

In the beginning this project seemed way too daunting, but with a little help and some dedicated time, it wasn’t so bad.

It’s been a week and we are still clutter free! (If you know me, you know this is a big feat.)

I’m actually enjoying this more than I thought I would! (I’ve involved the kids too, and their rooms look quite nice, if I might say so myself.)

I had mentioned in an earlier post, about a woman named Karen, who’s a professional clutter and organizing specialist.

She helped me see things through her eyes and below is a few other tips that she shared with me.
I thought they made complete sense and wanted to share them with you.

Top 3 Reasons to Hire Help :

1)  You hire a professional workout coach...so why not a professional organizer. If you need someone to motivate you to work out...what's wrong with hiring someone to motivate you to get organized?
2) Organization is not your strong point. By hiring a professional organizer such as a NAPO member (National Association of Professional Organizers) or an ICD member (Institute of Challenging Disorganization - works with Chronically Disorganized & Hoarding).... you are hiring a professional that can meet your specific needs.
3) You hire a professional to show you how to organize your space (or life) in the most efficient manner to make the best use of your space.
 
5 things you can do on a daily basis to avoid getting into the clutter-trap again:
1)  Do a little each day....  15 -20 minutes each day
2) Never leave a room without taking something out of it (and putting it back where it belongs)
3) If it doesn't fit....get rid of it
4) Don't buy things because they are on sale...only buy it if you REALLY need it. Also, if you don't have the space for it...don't buy 20 of one item
5) Have a place for everything...or get rid of it  

Here are two things I’ve realized myself-If I want to stay clutter-free:
1)      Use the touch-it-once strategy; put everything in its place and address items as soon as they are brought to your attention so as not to have a heaping pile of ‘procrastination’.
2)      Have good time management; leaving extra time to tackle the problems of paper clutter, to-do-lists and filing.
I hope you were inspired to join me in clutter cleaning an area of your home or office, and I am very optimistic about your success.

Please share with me what area(s) you chose and what one thing you learned.
Additionally, please visit Rowdy Kitten's blog I follow. Her guest blogger wrote about how to deal with sentimental items.

From my clutter-free living room to yours,
Truly,
Amber


To contact Karen Fried:
Karin E. Fried, CPC
Organizational Consulting Services
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com
National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) &  National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD)
Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization
Certificate of Study in Basic Hoarding Issues With the CD Client
Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client
Certificate of Study in Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client
Certificate of Study in CD Client Administration
CD Specialist - Level II Certificate
NAPO, Quantum Leap Trainer
NAPO in the Schools Trained Provider