Cats Do Taxes Too

Although taxes aren't due until Monday, you still hould have already mailed them already.
   (Like you really need this reminder...)

 If you owe, I thought you could use a laugh.

  This is hysterical.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7UVNH73eBY&feature=fvwrel

The cat makes out pretty good with hers...

Truly,

Amber

MOTIVATIONAL MAGAZINE Contest!

If you've been visiting Yellow Inspiration it's obvious you value motivation and personal growth.

It's also apparent that you appreciate those little positive morsels each day which help inspire you to keep going.

So do I! 

There‘s a mini-book that I like to read. It's called Bits & Pieces and it’s full of motivational quotes and inspiring stories.

If you love a positive tidbit now and again to help...

·         Remind you to keep your chin up

·         Remind you to stop and smell the roses

·         Remind you that it isn’t as bad as it seems

·         Inspire you to ‘go for your dreams’

…You should be reading this!

 I first started reading Bits & Pieces in 1998.

And each time I read something from it, it made my day!!

This publication is available in small monthly paperbacks. 

 And.....

  

 I love it so much I'm running a contest so I can share it with YOU!

Starting April 13, 2011 and going until May 12, 2011, the reader with the most comments on Yellow Inspiration WINS A FULL 12 month subscription to the Bits & Pieces Magazine!

Contest Rules:

You cannot be a member of my family (for obvious reasons)

Comments must be made between 12:00 am, April 13th and 11:59 pm on May 12th.

The winner will get their own twelve month subscription to Bits & Pieces Magazine mailed to them monthly!

The winner will be posted on Yellow Inspiration

Friday, May 13^th!

Happy Commenting and Good Luck!

'Don't let anything keep you from struggling and seeking to be a decent, striving human being. It is where you are headed not where you are from that will determine where you end up.' 

  - Marian Wright Edelman (Founder of the Children's Defense Fund)

                        (A quote in an issue of Bits & Pieces Magazine)

Truly,

Amber

FU on Clutter Cleaning (Don't worry-this went better than Grace)

Take Two of 'Let’s Tackle Clutter'

 

I DID IT!!! 

I set aside time this weekend to tackle my living room!!!

The kids can sit on the couch again, my fiancee can find the ottoman, and I can write without moving ten million things beforehand! 

        
      Phfew!

Here is the before picture of a section of my writing area:

Here is the after:

What did it take exactly?

A free Saturday morning, a garbage bag and some storage bins...

...and the courage to throw papers away! (See, I told you this Follow Up would be better than Grace;)

What 1 thing did YOU do this week to clutter clean?

Did you attack the junk drawer? The linen closet? The trunk of your car maybe? 

I know! Maybe you decided to clean out the pantry or your Tupperware cabinet!!!! 

NO? -You didn’t do any clutter cleaning or purging this week?????????

Well, warm weather is coming; Spring Cleaning Season has arrived! 

Do it now, before you spend all your time outside!!!
 

"Less is more." - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (architect)

Truly,

Amber

What Reality T.V. Does To Books...

A MUST SEE IF YOU WATCH REALITY T.V.!

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/6x4YgI/www.ratemyfunnypictures.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/A-Book-Commits-Suicide...-640x553.jpg

 Truly,

Amber

Created by Party Favors

Surnames After The Wedding

So he wants me to take his name. 

I will be his wife, so should I blame him? 

I guess I don't but as an independent woman I feel frustrated having to explain myself about not being eager to give up my own surname. 

I love him and  will be completely honored to be his wife, as I would be honored to take his name; that isn’t really the question.

The question is: Do I want it Ala carte? Or do I prefer to hyphenate?

He has a very nice name: Davis.

I  have a very nice name as well: Chapman.

Maybe it’s a man thing. Maybe they feel insulted if you say no.

Or maybe it’s a woman thing; we don’t want to lose our independence and identity.

I took my first husband’s name, and frankly, I did not want to.

At 22, when we were newly engaged, I told him so.

He wasn’t thrilled, and I received some big rant about women's-lib-this-and-women’s-lib-that, followed by some swear words.

I took his name.

And I always regretted it.

I didn’t regret it because I thought the name wasn’t lovely: Gluck. (It’s not really lovely.)

But, I actually regretted it because even after I knew how I felt and said how I felt, I went ahead and changed my name anyways.

Tell me it was because I was young…and not because back then I was a pushover. I certainly didn’t start out as one.

I'd like to think that I did it out of respect. But now looking back, what about some respect for me? And for what I wanted?

I suppose that wasn't important to either of us...

Fast forward 11 years later; I was divorced, with a last name I never wanted, and decided to hang on to it for the kids’ sake. Then finally- I had to shake it….

And so now here I go again, down the aisle of matrimony, and naturally I’m faced with the same question: 

To take his name or not? And if I do, in what form do I do it?

I think Davis is a lovely name.

And no doubt, Amber Davis sounds lovely as well.

Though Amber Chapman is who I am; it’s who I’ve been. It’s who I’ve become.

There are so many different opinions on this name-change business.

This is my second marriage; I changed my name against my own discretion for my first husband, and now my second husband would like me to take his name.

Should I go a la carte or a combination of the two? 

Tell me what you think...

Truly,

Amber 
(Chapman, Davis, or Chapman-Davis?)

I will always write by the name Amber J. Chapman- at least he understands that part;)

Let's Clutter Clean Today!

Let’s tackle clutter today!

I know that I’ve said this before…. but I mean it this time.  

Last time I was just thinking about it. 

You know… seeing if I liked the way ‘clutter cleaning’ rolled off my tongue…

I didn’t like it… so I decided not to do it. It became my April Fool’s joke instead.

Buuuutt….I have to admit that although I have done clutter cleaning over the years (I have! HONEST!), I think I may be out of the habit of identifying clutter and could stand to use a little refresher.

I recently talked to Karin E. Fried, CPC Organizational Consultant and maybe you can relate:

She said the Top 3 reasons for a person to clutter clean and work on changing clutter-keeping habits are:

1) Clutter causes stress... you don't want to invite people over because you are embarrassed with how your house looks...  so you cut yourself off from people
2) Clutter costs you money... you buy things that you already have...because you can't find them or don't know that you have them
3) Clutter costs you time... you are late for work or school because you can't find your car keys, report,  briefcase/book bag....

Hmmmm………

While I am not always 1, 2 and 3 at the same time, nor am I any of these 100%, I can say that there’s been occasions where #3 happens a lot more often than I’d like to admit…and maybe once in a while my mess does sometimes seem to hurl me into a frenzy of ‘tidying up’ before someone arrives at my home for a visit…

She also said that the Top 3 things that most people need assistance with are:

1) PAPER Management  ,,,,  the most sought after reasons to hire an organizer
2) TIME Management
3) Space Management

Okay, so maybe I do need a little help.

But where do I begin???  Clutter cleaning seems like such a daunting task.

Many clutter books say that the kitchen is the most troublesome spot.

I do not agree.

So, I asked Karin.

She suggests doing these three things first:

1)  Make a goal list and keep it short. Do not come up with a huge game plan. You are only setting yourself up to fail.
2)  Pick one room or one project.
3)  Break that room/project down into even smaller projects....  that way you will do them and feel like you accomplished something...therefore you will continue with the rest of your plan

 

I get it! Instead of declaring that I’m going to clutter clean the whole house!!  Which sounds great!!

I will pick one room at a time; identifying the problem areas that I’d like to see changed, then tackle them one at a time, i.e.; junk drawer, kitchen counter, shelf over the sink or living room bookcase and cabinet.

Then of course there is the time factor: Scheduling some!!! LOL!  Because otherwise, I know it will never get done.

I will use this motto that I heard a couple years ago:

IF IT’S NOT USEFUL, BEAUTIFUL OR JOYFUL, GET RID OF IT!

(I have a feeling I might also need to use My One Word: Grace…)

Wish me luck & maybe you will join me on my adventure!?
My 1st Room: Living Room 

Happy De-Cluttering!!!

Truly,

Amber
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here is Karin’s latest Blogs about why people don’t ask for help with their clutter cleaning and of all things – Clutter in Gardening!

http://www.professionalorganizer4u.blogspot.com/

Read on CNN.com: Why we have clutter:

http://articles.cnn.com/2009-01-20/living/rs.top.causes.of.clutter_1_clothes-obstacle-attic?_s=PM:LIVING

Here is a link to some questions you can ask yourself about your clutter:

http://www.unclutter-organize-transform.com/is-this-you.html

Here is a link to a minimalist blog that I follow (Tammy shares closet cleaning tips in this post):

http://rowdykittens.com/2009/12/5-simple-closet-cleaning-tips/

To Contact Karin E. Fried, CPC Organizational Consulting Services:

www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

www.professionalorganizer4u.blogspot.com

kefconsulting@gmail.com

(440) 666 - 9326

Member: National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) and National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD)
Certificates of Study in Chronic Disorganization, Basic Hoarding Issues With the CD Client, Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client, Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client, CD Client Administration, CD Specialist - Level II Certificate
NAPO, Quantum Leap Trainer
NAPO in the Schools Trained Provider

Einstein was no fool...

I decided to relax after dinner by reading something different.
I picked up a recent issue I had of Women's Day magazine (April 1, 2011)

I don't normally get this magazine. It's a replacement for a subscription I have to an interiors mag, which subsequently went out of print. I had not yet tossed this issue.
...maybe this is part of my problem....

Anyways, I came upon an article about organizing. The title: ‘No More clutter’ by Arianne Cohen.

'YAH RIGHT!' was the first thing that came to mind. Well actually that was the second thing that came to mind. What came first was the daydream of a completely white room with maybe a splash of color; tightly organized bookshelves, and end tables that were spotless. I dreamt a bit further to see not a spec of dust, paper or clutter on any surface...

THAT'S when I woke up,  'YAH- RIGHT!'

I have several books on this subject and have actually come a long way with the help I've received   from friends and loved ones who don’t like stuff- (they scare me).

But...I'm still always left with a problem.
Paper.

I have done the 'take pictures of artwork and memorabilia, then throw away the item'…It works.

I have created an art gallery in the hall for the kids ‘best’ art work, and I try to throw away things I don’t need. We have been giving away to Salvation Army, United Way, and neighbors for years. We resell books to the used bookstores, donate them to the library and to the kids’ schools. We don't really shop for 'stuff' so it's not like a have a surplus of extra things that I don't know what to do with.

But…there is still stuff!

So, I've been thinking that maybe, JUST maybe, it might be time to do that clutter clean thing again.

It wasn’t the article that made me want to tackle the clutter again, it was my own frustration!!

It infuriates me when I know that I have something but can’t find it.

Like many busy parents, home is the place where I show up, drop my belongings, tend to everyone and everything else and almost never organize anything.

I am forever in and out of the front door that I am too busy to sit-n-sort. At the end of the day, when I collapse… I'm checking over kids homework, reading, writing or on the phone.

And when I finally do set aside time to organize I get so caught up in the ‘every single thing I pick up’ deal;

And have to think about every piece and it tends to take too long, so I usually don’t do it until it is way over due and then I decide to pile it up and shove it in a cabinet…hence why I cannot find the paper I am looking for!

The living room was neat and clean and then.. I needed to find something! Grrrr.

I used to think it was just me who had a clutter problem….

But when there’s books on it, magazine articles covering it, T.V shows on it, organizing consultants selling their services, minimalists blogging about the ‘movement’ of less stuff…….

I know I am not alone.

THEREFORE,  I HAVE decided to TACKLE CLUTTER!!!

Not!

Einstein's Desk Was Full of Clutter! :) And He Was a Genius!!! 

...Maybe Tomorrow I will Tackle Clutter...
Because Today I Am Feeling Rather Smart!

HAPPY FRIDAY!  
Some Popular April Fools Jokes over the years:
http://www.aprilfools.com/
(Want to read which April Fools Jokes I fell for in the past,go to: http://www.FamilyMatterswithAmber.blogspot.com)

ENJOY YOUR APRIL FOOLS!

Truly,

Amber

The Story of the Blue Ribbon

Something I am quite passionate about is parenting and children’s rights. I have certain views on how children should be cared for and treated. Whether you are a parent or not, you can make a difference in a child’s life.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Please read about the Blue Ribbon Campaign. Visit the sites below and join in with me, while I support children everywhere, by raising awareness about child abuse and neglect. 

Not all abuse committed against children is physical, nor is it solely committed by a child's parents; so please educate yourself, and others, on the forms of child abuse and how it affects children.

The following was is from First5LA:

Starting in 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign, which serves as a physical reminder to end child abuse, began with one grandmother's personal commitment to end child abuse. By tying a blue ribbon to the antenna on her van, she "made people wonder." When members of her community asked about the significance of the ribbon, Bonnie Finney shared the tragic story of her grandson's death. Three-year-old Michael Wayne "Bubba" Dickenson was killed at the hands of his mother's violent boyfriend. Bonnie's loss inspired her crusade.
In her words, "We must protect our most precious gifts of all...our children. Please wear a blue ribbon...give one to your friends...tell them what it means...you may save a child's life!"

“The blue ribbon has become a national symbol for child abuse and a reminder of our need to protect our children. The Blue Ribbon Campaign happens each year in April, and the community is encouraged to wear a blue ribbon to symbolize a commitment to ending child abuse.”

Visit their site to learn more:

http://www.first5la.org/articles/national-child-abuse-prevention-month-history-of-the-blue-ribbon-campaign

Video-Concrete Angel:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2lZsmrFT4g

Just a small bit ofstats and information:
http://www.medicinenet.com/child_abuse/page4.htm#18whatdoes

Thank you.

Truly,

Amber

R.I.P. Elizabeth Taylor

A picture I took this summer of Elizabeth Taylor in a 1953 Whitman's Chocolate ad on display at the Chocolate Museum, Put-in-Bay, Ohio

From the time that I was a little girl I knew that Nanny (my grandmother) loved Elizabeth Taylor, because she always talked about her.

On the morning of Taylor’s death I called my Nanny right away so I could notify her. She was devastated, and I felt awful to being the bearer of bad news, but I just knew I had to let her know.

She said she was glad that I did.

I watched Elizabeth Taylor over the years. She had an open heart and accepting way towards people that many others might not have. My children watched her in National Velvet and loved her. I watched her earn awards, be an activist and shine her bright smile on everyone.

Nanny reminisced with me the things she remembered about Liz; her movies, her kind heart, her beautiful smile…but she never mentioned Elizabeth Taylor’s husbands.  

There was no gossiping - only honoring; respecting.

Sure, we could choose to pick her apart, condemn her for their mistakes and/or lifestyle, but why? People who are dying and who’ve died have something to say  and have many treasures they leave behind, such as lessons, experiences, memories, and organizations - a world of gifts that we should appreciate. Many who've passed have tried to leave the world a better place.

I’m the type of person who reads the obituaries. Call me past-my-time since I hear that only older people do this, I don’t know why that is, but I do it because I want to credit those who have passed on.  I want to admire those who’ve done it before me; who’ve done it better, who’ve lived harder, who’ve accomplished more; and I want to give them a moment of my time, even though I did not know them. 

Death is actually where we will all arrive at someday.  As morbid as it seems it’s true and it’s actually my inspiration.

One of my favorite books is ‘The Last Lecture’ by Randy Pausch and I’m presently reading ‘The Time of My Life’ by Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi (his wife).  Though both men have died since writing these books  they have something to say, some legacy to leave behind, and not just because they wrote a book; but because they lived. 

One of my favorite quotes and one that I use on my blog is:

Aspire to Inspire, Before you Expire - Author Unknown.

We aren’t given forever. We are only given 1 lifetime, and it goes by quickly. 

We have to make the most of it while we are still here. Things could change in a moment...

There are two quotes from Liz Taylor that I would like to share.

This one, during acceptance of the Humanitarian Award she said, “I call upon you to draw from the depths of your being – to prove that we are a human race, to prove that our love outweighs our need to hate, that our compassion is more compelling than our need to blame.”

This next one, upon her turning 50 years old:

‘I don’t entirely approve of some of the things I have done, or am, or have been. But I’m me. God knows, I’m me.’ 

Isn’t that when we’ve truly arrived? When we have become ourselves and more importantly, when we’ve become comfortable with ourselves?

To have gone to the grave knowing, forgiving and accepting herself.

I believe that this is when Elizabeth Taylor was truly at peace.

Please visit this site to see 10 Reasons Why Elizabeth Taylor Rocked:

http://holykaw.alltop.com/10-ways-elizabeth-taylor-rocked

CNN.News announces Elizabeth Taylor's death including past video interviews with her:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/03/23/obit.elizabeth.taylor/

 

When people say, 'She's got everything', I've got one answer - I haven't had tomorrow. - Elizabeth Taylor

 

Truly,

Amber