Amy Shankland

2 days ago | readthereporter.com | Amy Shankland

I’ve always loved our neighbors and neighborhood. Living in Plum Prairie – Old Town Noblesville’s south side – has been great these past 27 years. We have wonderful local businesses and friendly people. And this week, our neighbors came to our rescue!My husband John and I were rather surprised to encounter a clogged toilet last weekend. We had remodeled our main bathroom 18 months ago and had gotten one of those “virtually clog free” toilets. Our plunger had been literally collecting dust ever since.

1 week ago | readthereporter.com | Amy Shankland

Last week I was in the middle of a busy workday at home. As I was typing away, my phone had a notification that my car was ready to be picked up after its oil change. I finished my task, then told my husband John, who was home between sales appointments, that I’d be back in about 15 minutes because I had to get my car. We’re fortunate that our mechanic is just a few blocks away and easy to walk to. John looked up at me and said, “I’ll go get it.” My jaw dropped. “Really?” I asked.

2 weeks ago | readthereporter.com | Amy Shankland

One thing that surprised me about middle age is losing the ability to sleep well. From conversations I’ve had with many of my friends, I know I’m not alone. We don’t prioritize sleep in our society. How many times have you said, or heard, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” In fact, a lot of us wear getting too little sleep like a badge of honor. As a Highly Sensitive Person, however, that doesn’t work for me. And really, it shouldn’t be the case for anyone.

2 weeks ago | kokomotribune.com | Amy Shankland

My husband John and I just enjoyed a wonderful Florida vacation a couple of weeks ago. And, like usual, I had started packing for it six days ahead of our departure. Last fall, we visited family in Nebraska along with our sons, Jonathon and Jacob. We drove to visit family in October, which meant I started my planning and countdown mode in August. kAmp?J@?6 H9@ <?@HD >6 H:== E6== J@F E92E x 2> 2 A=2??6C — H:E9 2 42A:E2= “!]” |J 42=6?52C :D 2?

3 weeks ago | readthereporter.com | Amy Shankland

You’ve been a major pain in the butt for most of my life, ever since I was a teenager. Heck, you are for most people’s lives. But as of today, I’m writing to inform you, Worry, that I am kicking you to the curb once and for all. I’ve been on this path since my mid-20s when I took – and later taught – the Dale Carnegie Course. Mr. Carnegie wrote a famous book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, almost 90 years ago.