I'm a wife and mom and trying to do too many things at one time!  I have my Store on eBay & also  my website Amber Moon Collectibles.   I'm currently trying to increase my presence on Google. It would be great to be on Page #1!!! So now I'm sharing with everyone a series of info from Janelle Elms in the form of lenses. Also, my lenses on caregiving are from personal experience. ... http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/shoppingnetty Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:48:44 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.squidoo.com/ambermoon Dreams..... I'm sure we've all had them at one time.   I've actually been awaken by some of mine....usually by the ones that I'd prefer NOT to remember. Well,  Collectibles under the Amber Moon  is another kind of dream.   When we're young, we want to be doctors, firemen, nurses, or like mommy or daddy.   Then,  we get older.  Then, most of us have a true dream.........."All I want is to....".  Let me share my dream with you.   Owning my own business!   Well,  due to a life changing situation,  I've jumped in and started my own business ........Collectibles under the Amber Moon......an eBay business....my dream!  Why should you visit the Amber Moon?      Because if you do, it'll be truly appreciated and if you would happen to find something to purchase, I'll do my very best to make you happy you did!......Also, you'll have the satisfaction of being part of making someone's dream come true. Collectibles under the Amber Moon people Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:34:10 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/caregiving My Diary All I do is run... She's so slow... She's tempermental... I'm tired... I'm exhausted... I hate sitting in Dr's offices... I hate waiting in hospitals... Why me?... Why doesn't anyone help me?... HELP!!! Over the past 29 years, these are just a few of the ramblings I've had.  I know that I should be a better person and "tow the line".  Others have said, "She's so lucky to have you", "You're so good to her", "I don't know how you do it". I know I'm a good person, a nice person, a caring person, but not a great person.  How could I be if I have these ramblings?  What do I need to do to be a great person?  To not complain about the cards that I've drawn in this life?  To be happier, more rested, have more patience??? Well, with all that said,  in the last 29 years of caregiving, I've learned ONE thing................ To be continued...... But until then, check out the books and articles I've highlighted below.  Also, please check out my store  Collectibles under the Amber Moon and also my webstore Amber Moon Collectibles ALSO...check out this page to learn a little more about me! shoppingnetty   Check out part 2 of the Crazy Caregiver --- "Pt 2 - Caregivers...Ignore Yourself!" health Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:56:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/caregiversburnout It's estimated that some 50 million people in the USA are caregivers for people they love! Even though it's out of love, caregiving is one of the hardest jobs you could  ever have.  It can also be a full-time job.  Many people find themselves giving up careers, time with spouses and children, hobbies, social events and even vacations.  Caregiving can take over many aspects of one's life. One of the most appalling things a caregiver can compromise is their own health.  Be it physical or mental, it can be devastating to them and also to the rest of their family. Caregivers must --- AND I SAY "MUST"! --- do whatever they can to prevent their own burnout.  They must realize that they can't do everything, and shouldn't even try!   Burnout and caregiver stress include: feelings of anger, guilt and irritability; inability to concentrate; depression; and thoughts of actually harming themselves (just to name a few). Caregivers must plan "breaks", just like professionals do.  Continue seeing friends, having hobbies, or just taking a walk by yourself.  Easier said than done? This is where caregivers need to learn to ask for help!  Can family members step in?  Friends?  Maybe professional outside help is needed.  There are many public and private organizations that offer caregiver support.  It may be in the form of helping take care of your loved one, or taking care of YOU!!! Take a look at your local community centers, churches, in your local telephone book, your local senior center, a local hospital.  No matter what your needs are or your financial abilities, there are many people out there to help you. Caregiving, with all it's demands and responsibilites, is hard enough.  But, many find themselves taking care of someone who perhaps doesn't WANT to be taken care of!  That, in itself, is enough for another chapter. The most important thing to remember about caregiving is that it's all about LOVE.  But we MUST also love ourselves enough to ask for help when it's needed.   Our moral here is ... DON'T ignore yourself ... ask for HELP when needed ... KEEP your own life!!!   NOW... please don't get me wrong....of course we need to be with our loved ones during their times of need! About 3 years ago, I spent 31 days at the hospital with my husband after his brain surgery. I even slept in the chair in intensive care with him! My children, though, did make sure that I left 1x a week to clean up at their houses (10 min away) & sleep in a bed while they stayed with their dad. This helped me from total burnout, because, once I brought him home, I had a 24hr a day job with him. On the other hand, I've been caring for my mother for approx 20 yrs. She needs help, but isn't dying. So, I've asked for help by having a caregiver help me 2 days a week. This is when I can take care of myself! This is the time that I say "Caregivers...TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!!!" Please also take a look at this site to learn a little more about me... shoppingnetty health Sun, 27 Apr 2008 14:16:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/collectiblesundertheambermoon I started out selling vintage and antique collectibles, including many collectible teddy bears - including Steiff, Hermann, Artist,  Boyds, etc. bears.   Now Ive expanded my wares and in addition to those items I also sell - jewelry (NEW and used), AS SEEN ON TV items, household, glass, china, horse tack, PEZ, purses (NEW and vintage), figurines, clothing, books, craft supplies, & pretty much any other new or vintage items.    Please also stop in at my new website... Amber Moon Collectibles. Owned & ran by shoppingnetty So, check out all the neat items I have in my different stores. Just click on their names and HAVE FUN!!! Collectibles under the Amber Moon Amber Moon Collectibles About Me page shoppingnetty's auctions Collectibles shopping Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:08:59 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/eBayPower Hi and welcome to the Business Success e-course. How many of you are thinking of starting a website, or already own one for your business? What if I could tell you about a complete e-commerce solution that includes a customized web url, easy to use branding templates, reporting tools, built in automated marketing & retention tools, and simple, effective search engine optimization - all for only $15.95 a month? Welcome to eBay Stores, the best kept secret to marketing your business for pennies. business Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:46:22 -0600