tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-195561402024-03-13T13:25:47.983-04:00The 25th HourRamblings and thoughts from a mom, wife, teacher, Patriots Super-fan, webmistress, podcaster, and all around busy person who loves life and all it has to offer but needs that extra hour in every day to fit it all in! Check out my Website <a href= "http://patriotworld.com">Mrs B's Patriot World</a> and podcasts <a href= "http://patriotworldpodcast.com">Patriot World Podcast</a> and NEW podcast <a href= "http://musewithme.com">Muse With Me</a> to subscribe!Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-75523101443530871852007-07-26T14:26:00.002-04:002008-04-13T19:55:10.784-04:00I've Moved!Please check out the new site for my blog at http://karenjcardoza.com Hope to see you there!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://karenjcardoza.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RqjoOF1a58I/AAAAAAAAAEs/xOo0AvUPlr0/s400/head6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5091574707524396994" border="0" /> </a><br /> If you're looking for my <span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Nook</span>.... Head directly over to <a href="http://karenjcardoza.com/booknook">http://karenjcardoza.com/booknook</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-59999693261481945812007-07-26T08:07:00.001-04:002007-07-26T08:31:35.887-04:00Home Stretch...Well... it's almo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/232807992/in/set-72157594265862877/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/232807992_df922f76e8_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>st here. <a href="http://patriotworld.com/Patriots/TrainingCamp/TrainingCamp.htm">Patriots Training Camp</a> is literally 24 hours away and I can finally say that I'm truly excited about its arrival (already). I'm starting to get that "wooohooo" feeling that only camp brings!<br /><br />I'm bouncing off the walls right now because I've still got tons to do in terms of technical stuff to be ready though. Why I'm in this situation right up to the last minute is typical.... Time just flew this summer and things take time. I swore I wouldn't let myself get behind the 8 Ball but life just happens some times. Plus, I'm usually great in the clutch and actually got more done this week getting new sites up to snuff than in weeks past.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I'm waiting for the internets to cooperate and didn't allow for "glitch time". Today is THE last opportunity to get things done and I'm sooo there, just hoping that things beyond my control don't crop up and shoot me down.<br /><br />Time for more coffee... and perhaps some blasting <a href="http://blacklabworld.com/">Black Lab</a> to help me through.<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/patriots" rel="tag" class="techtag">patriots</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/training+camp" rel="tag" class="techtag">training+camp</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/mrsb" rel="tag" class="techtag">mrsb</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/patriotworld" rel="tag" class="techtag">patriotworld</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-73266269975786496972007-07-24T10:20:00.001-04:002007-07-24T14:10:02.118-04:00Weekend Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/876323033/in/set-72157600962831886/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1138/876323033_cfa1c63fd7_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Seems like it's been forever since my last post and yes, I've had quite a busy time of it since. I spent Thursday and Friday at the<a href="http://pecs.com/"> PECS</a> training which cut my time at home short. I did get my hands on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Deathly-Hallows-Book/dp/0545010225/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-6656470-2370014?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185289885&sr=8-1">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</a> as soon as it was released! My initial plan was to hit up BJ's when it opened on Saturday morning but someone mentioned going to Stop and Shop at midnight (rather than Borders) to avoid the crowd. Lo and behold, I was in line at 11:54 and was HOME by 12:15! Rather than jump right in though, I chose to re-read the last 5 chapters of book 6 to get <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/877172660/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1029/877172660_96f07d85fa_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>up to snuff. As of right now I'm up to chapter 12 (and I know that<a href="http://wickedpixiemedia.com/"> friends</a> are dying to discuss it with me but I've been swamped and haven't had much time to read... I'm trying!)<br /><br />On Saturday, Kelsea and I took the train to Boston to deliver a sewing machine to a friend who needed to borrow it. There were plenty of HP7's to be seen that day for sure. We met up with <a href="http://kroosh.tv/">Kroosh</a> and <a href="http://ldpodcast.com/">Whitney</a>, had lunch and spent a couple of hours talking New Media and enjoying each others' company. Saturday night was all about Bella and trying to squeeze in some reading.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/876776552/in/set-72157600961921366/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/876776552_592c41ec04_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On Sunday, Al and I went with MJ and Louie on the <a href="http://www.bayqueen.com/">Bay Queen</a> for a brunch cruise to Newport. None of us had ever been on it before and had a great time. The weather couldn't have been more perfect that's for sure. I was so hot walking around the shops that I decided to look for a pair of shorts.. I found a pair of striped Bermudas in my size but a look at the price tag of $168 and I decided that sweating in long pants wasn't that bad after all!<br /><br />Al's anxiously aw<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/877173312/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/877173312_aca871d8d0_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>aiting the return of his boat from the repair shop (took in for an initial tune up, etc.) and wants to give it a whirl (or two) before carting it up to New Hampshire in August. My life has been all about Bella, trying to get technical stuff done on the websites and blogs in anticipation of <a href="http://www.patriots.com/trainingcamp/2007/">Training Camp</a> starting this Friday, and doing physical therapy for my back. (Of course, the usual MommyCab and Cinderella duties never cease and are just part of everyday life.)<br /><br />Unfortunately, Bella is going to need surgery to repair her <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/876628404/in/set-72157600420545878/">Cherry Eye</a> and her consult is next week. I'm worried about the timing of surgery because of our vacation but I'll have to cross that bridge when we get there. She's doing well except for her backslide with the housebreaking. She goes every time we head out (multiple times) but still pees on the floor whenever she wants. She was doing pretty well with going out on a schedule, every time she woke up and after eating and play but I guess I loosened the reins too soon on the amount of area in the house that she's got access to that now she's peeing all over my parlor. Ironically, even if she goes out and pees outside, she'll still do<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/885637585/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1349/885637585_ebf2f17398_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> the "big one" in the house within a few minutes. Time for me to go back to square one and not give her opportunity to make that mistake. But for now... pure bliss....<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella" rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag">"Bay</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Queen" rel="tag" class="techtag">Queen"</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/boat" rel="tag" class="techtag">boat</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag">"Harry</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Potter" rel="tag" class="techtag">Potter"</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-83038107942209254192007-07-18T12:11:00.001-04:002007-07-18T13:10:44.345-04:00Please... NO Harry Potter Spoilers!<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qTZcMasSL._AA240_.jpg" mce_src="http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41qTZcMasSL._AA240_.jpg" height="240" width="240" /></p> <p>The challenge is on.. the challenge of NOT stumbling upon any Harry Potter spoilers posted online before I get a chance to read the final <sniff,> book in J K Rowlings series. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would WANT to know what happens in the end. I know that there are tons of spoilers out there and I just don't want to be duped by some bully who just wants to rain on my parade. Maybe you have to be a<a href="http://www.jkrowling.com/" mce_href="http://www.jkrowling.com/"> Harry Potter </a>fan to understand or maybe you just have to be a "reader".<br /></sniff,></p><p><sniff,><br />Long before I was a <a href="http://patriotworld.com/" mce_href="http://patriotworld.com">Pats fan,</a> or there was even such a thing as "New Media" to be hooked on I was book lover. I've been an avid reader ever since I started to read. I could never wait for the Book Fair at school and still look fondly at some of the books that I purchased way back in the 70's as they are now on my school bookshelf with Karen T. scrolled in them in oversized manuscript.</sniff,></p> <p>As I progressed from simple picture books to chapter books, I was often told by my mother to "Go outside and play" because I'd read for hours and hours getting caught up in the entire <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hardy_Boys" mce_href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hardy_Boys">Hardy Boys</a>, <a href="http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/" mce_href="http://www.nancydrewsleuth.com/">Nancy Drew</a>,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbsey_Twins" mce_href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobbsey_Twins"> Bobbsey Twins</a>, or <a href="http://happy-hollisters.com/" mce_href="http://happy-hollisters.com/">Happy Hollisters</a> mystery series. Of course, you can't forget my all time favorite <a href="http://books.narnia.com/" mce_href="http://books.narnia.com/">Chronicles of Narnia</a> by CS Lewis and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings" mce_href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lord_of_the_Rings">Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.</a> (I've been a sucker for series and sequels ever since and take ownership of them; it's like visiting an old friend every time you meet a familiar character or recognize a familiar place.)</p> <p>As a teen, I read all of the best sellers and was never without a paperback in my hand or pocketbook. I perfected the art of Walk and Read... making my trek back and forth to school and in the halls reading as I went along. My reading passion continued right through to adulthood although other obligations (family, work, house) and past times (Patriots, music, new media) have cut into my reading time considerably.</p> <p>Even now, once I find authors I like, I read everything by them and keep an eye out for each new release and grab it as it comes out. Of course, I've read the entire catalogs of <a href="http://www.jamespatterson.com/" mce_href="http://www.jamespatterson.com/">James Patterson</a>, <a href="http://www.nicholassparks.com/" mce_href="http://www.nicholassparks.com/">Nicholas Sparks</a>, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/features/grisham/" mce_href="http://www.randomhouse.com/features/grisham/">John Grisham</a>, <a href="http://www.janegreen.com/" mce_href="http://www.janegreen.com/">Jane Green</a>, <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/" mce_href="http://www.randomhouse.com/bantamdell/kinsella/">Sophie Kinsella</a>, the <a href="http://www.oprah.com/books/books_landing.jhtml" mce_href="http://www.oprah.com/books/books_landing.jhtml">Oprah Book Club </a>books, most best sellers, and tons and tons of "chick lit" in addition to so much more. I've also read a lot of Young Adult fiction, covering the <a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberymedal.htm" mce_href="http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/awardsscholarships/literaryawds/newberymedal/newberymedal.htm">Newbery Medal Award Winners</a> and naturally... Harry Potter!</p> <p>I jumped on board right from the get-go and have picked up each new book on its release date. Nothing beats the day that I stopped at BJ's all dressed up on my way to my nephew's wedding to scoff up book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.</p> <p>So.... I'm being extra cautious this week with my online time and really being cognizant of links that I click so that I won't stumble upon something that will disclose what will happen. The whole point of reading is to make a connection and take that ride <i>with</i> the characters. I want to feel and experience the events as they are happening. Nothing beats a heart-pounding , page turning story (besides a heart-wrenching, tears streaming one) for me and I definitely don't want to know where I'm going before I get there. That will be a total rip-off!</p> <p>I've got a <a href="http://www.pecs.com/" mce_href="http://www.pecs.com/">PECS training</a> for the next two days and I won't be online much so I'll be relatively safe as long as I don't get tricked into clicking something not clearly marked. Once I get my hands on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545010225/ref=amb_link_5126492_1/105-6656470-2370014?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=02T5FMEANVT45FS9RCX2&pf_rd_t=101&amp;amp;pf_rd_p=298835901&pf_rd_i=1084186" mce_href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545010225/ref=amb_link_5126492_1/105-6656470-2370014?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=02T5FMEANVT45FS9RCX2&amp;amp;pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=298835901&pf_rd_i=1084186">Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,</a> I'll be holed up with nose to the page devouring it and savoring it until the very last page has been turned. Then I can shed a tear because it's over and talk about it freely.</p><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Harry+Potter" rel="tag" class="techtag">Harry+Potter</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/reading" rel="tag" class="techtag">reading</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/spoilers" rel="tag" class="techtag">spoilers</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-66947751126111786702007-07-17T14:25:00.000-04:002007-07-17T14:26:14.950-04:00Health Updates<div class="post"> <p>Just a quick update on the two patients. I took Bella back to the vet yesterday for an eye check and they said that they just want to continue with the ointment for awhile and not think about surgery yet. The cherry eye is still protruding and has been since Saturday afternoon. I’m hoping and praying that it goes down and trying to remain optimistic although most of what I’ve read online is not promising. The doctor did tell me that although it looks painful, she’s not in any pain which did make me feel some relief. So, we’re continuing on and hoping for the best.</p> <p>I just got back from the doctor and my back is making progress. It’s not there yet and I still can’t run but it’s getting better. I’ve been taking Bella for little short (100 yard) walks to ease her into walking on a leash. She’s getting there and hopefully will be able to increase her distance each day.</p> <p>I was actually able to get a podcast done this morning while she slept which was a big relief. Camp starts next Friday so time is flying by. I’m slowly working on my blog stuff and hope to get it done (please cooperate, Bella!) before next Friday.</p> <p>Btw….even <a href="http://www.dogster.com/dogs/585251">Bella is jumping into the Social Media scene</a>…hehehe!</p> </div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-6980846562210965522007-07-16T09:39:00.000-04:002007-07-16T10:49:09.858-04:00Puppy Update... eyes, leashes, and burning the midnight oilSigh... <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherry_eye">Bella's eye</a> went back to normal the night we got home from the vet after an evening nap. (It seems that when she's asleep, the eye relaxes and the eyelid flips back over.... either that or that REM action helps it along.) Around 4:00 on Saturday, she was playing in her basket and rubbed her face against it popping it back out. Unfortunately, it's been over a day and a half and it's still protruding. Things are not looking good on that front and I'm very sad about the possibility of surgery.<br /><br />Every day is a new one and each day presents new accomplishments and challenges. The little porker is now <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/820397097/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1002/820397097_6ce517239b_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>3.3 pounds so she finally fits in a harness without being able to tuck her chin down to chew it. So, we've begun our venture into leash work. That itself presents a new set of behaviors to learn. Once she learns that the leash is NOT a tug-of-war toy, things will be better. She's resistant to go to the bathroom on the leash and instead flips her body around and tries to chew it. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/683307428/">Nigel</a> did the same thing at first and got over it. I'm trying to not let her out in the front without being on the leash so she'll learn that it's that or nothing. She loves to be outside but at night, it's especially dangerous to be loose. When she gets in that hyper mode, she runs around at super-speed and I can barely catch her. I'll continue to let her off leash in the side and back yards (fenced in) but front yard now is leash territory.<br /><br />She's also starting to venture back into the parlor area again instead of staying near the kitchen table area which makes it tougher for me to get anything done on the computer because I have to constantly get up and bring her back where I can see her. The potential for peeing indoors is too great over there, not to mention the ability to slip under the couch. <a href="http://twentyfifthhour.blogspot.com/2007/07/making-progress.html">We don't want to go there again!</a><br /><br />She's also been REALLY hyper in the evenings and is very mouthy and nippy. The other night I was outside with her at 1:30 in the morning because she'd bark every time I put her in her crate. She wanted to be up running around and playing. I couldn't even keep her on my lap for "quiet time" because she'd nip at me and try to wiggle out of my arms. I kept bringing her outside in case the barking was due to needing to go to the bathroom. She didn't.. instead she took the opportunity to bite the leash and try to get me to pull it. She was spinning around like a wild woman. I couldn't drop the leash and let her run off in the dark and I couldn't get her to calm down either. So, it was back to the crate, hoping for the best (that she didn't really have to go) and tuning out her barking until she fell asleep. Needless to say, a let a few choice words fly and I was not too pleased with this late night habit. Two nights in a row, she was out of control at night and didn't want to go to bed.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/756303819/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1246/756303819_14d59be40b_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Then... there are times when she's so cuddly and kissy... my favorite Bella! It's always an adventure that's for sure. And, just so there's no mistaking it: I love that little girl sooo much!<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella," rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy," rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chihuhua," rel="tag" class="techtag">Chihuhua,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Puppy+Tales," rel="tag" class="techtag">Puppy+Tales,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Cherry+Eye," rel="tag" class="techtag">Cherry+Eye,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/leash" rel="tag" class="techtag">leash</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-45485716530977823662007-07-14T17:49:00.000-04:002007-07-14T21:43:34.571-04:00Slow and Steady.... Roller Coaster RideI haven't had much time online lately because I've been busy with <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/sets/72157600420545878/">Bella</a> but I did pick some themes for my blogs. I'm just waiting on some artwork from a friend and a whole redesign of this one when <a href="http://snowydaydesign.com/">Nico</a> can get to it. Time is running out before <a href="http://patriotworld.com/Patriots/TrainingCamp/TrainingCamp.htm">Training Camp</a> starts so I really don't have much time to finish up the "geek stuff".<br /><br />I had to cancel my Friday trip to <a href="http://www.blockisland.com/">Block Island</a> for some fun in the sun and <a href="http://matthewebel.com/main/">music</a> because of the pain that I've been having for quite some time after running. ... It was so bad this week that I could barely walk. I was able to get an appointment with the doctor and he said that it was all due to my back being misaligned and my pelvis being completely locked up. He did an adjustment, gave me some PT exercises to do and told me not to run until after I was completely healed. I see him again next week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/809771244/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/809771244_08da450a5e_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Bella's been doing well but has me in tears the past couple of days. The other night, I put her in her crate when I went pick Jake up from a friend's house and when I got home, there was something wrong with her eye. She apparently had been rubbing it or scratched it with her paw and the 3rd eyelid was sticking out. Naturally, I Googled and to my horror, started reading about <a href="http://www.thepetcenter.com/gen/ce.html">Cherry Eye</a>. Hoping for the best and that I was just over-reacting, I snuggled with her most of that night but couldn't stop crying. She awoke back to normal so I was relieved.<br /><br />Yesterday, (Friday) in the afternoon, she kept rubbing her eye with her paw and also rubbing her face in the grass. Sure enough, it popped out again. I called the vet and they took us right in. She looked at her and said that it was the start of cherry eye and that her eyes were irritated and had the start of an infection so that's probably why she was rubbing it. She prescribed an antibiotic/steroid ointment for me to put in twice a day. She said that it was the first step to clear the infection and hopefully strengthen the cartilage of the 3rd eyelid to prevent it from flipping over again. I administered the ointment.. (that was fun...NOT) and she napped on me for about 45 minutes. When she woke up, the eye was back to normal.<br /><br />Today, it was fine until around 4:00 when she was rubbing it against the side of her little play bed and sure enough, it happened again. As of right now, 9:00, it's still protruding... sigh... I feel so bad and I'm praying that it not only pops back in but it also heals and strengthens so that it doesn't continue to happen and require surgery. Even the results of surgery are iffy according to the vet.<br /><br />So, the rollercoaster ride is on taking me from happiness, to sadness, to relief and back again. As a good friend so wisely said the other day... "Welcome to parenthood."<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella" rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chihuahua" rel="tag" class="techtag">Chihuahua</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Cherry+Eye" rel="tag" class="techtag">Cherry+Eye</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-71788365878376929262007-07-11T09:18:00.000-04:002007-07-11T10:12:40.026-04:00Making ProgressSo, things are moving right along. I was able to successfully transfer everything to <a href="http://www.bluehost.com/track/kjcardoza/CODE15">BlueHost</a> and have cancelled my account with my old host. Setting up the add on domain worked out perfectly as well. Yesterday, i finally made a decision on the wordpress theme for the <a href="http://patriotworldpodcast.com/">Patriots Podcast</a> blog and am waiting for a banner from a friend before going live with it... Today, I hope to make a final decision and install the theme for the Training Camp report blog.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/776536906/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1319/776536906_c49d6124bf_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On the puppy front, Bella is doing very well. I'm still having to keep my eyes peeled EVERY waking moment but I successfully trained her to Come when called and to Sit. These are major milestones and will make both of our lives so much better! I'm using <a href="http://www.petco.com/product/14613/Hill-s-Science-Diet-Training-Treats.aspx">Science Diet Training Treats</a> and she's so small that I literally break off a tiny piece at a time and one or two discs can last me all day.<br /><br />She's been spending most of her time with the "<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/682630463/in/set-72157600420545878/">pen</a>" gate disabled and has been fine. The reason for this was a <gulp> possibly tragic accident that turned out to have good results. From day one, I've been shooing her away from the couch because she likes to go underneath it. There are wires under there and more importantly, it opens to the stairway landing. I've spent most of the last two weeks policing her away from there.</gulp><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/775935157/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1041/775935157_c70caac4fb_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><gulp><br />The other night, she was very fired up and was running around at full speed, </gulp><gulp>charged under the couch and to my horror, went through and fell off the other side. It was like slow motion... I was shrieking her name as she flipped through the air and landed with a thud. I </gulp><gulp>was fran</gulp><gulp>tic and burst into tears, ran down to pick her up and held her close while she shook and whimpered. I was a wreck and was so worried that she had hurt hers</gulp><gulp>elf. I checked her out thoroughly and held her all night while I read in case she showed any signs of distress. Thankfully, everything was fine.<br /><br />The end result of the accident has been a "lesson learned". She has not even gone NEAR the couch and has pretty much stayed out of that part of the room since. She now stays around and under the kitchen table and right by my side. She'll also run up and down the hall</gulp><gulp> but comes when called and sits right here waiti</gulp><gulp>ng for a treat. Life is good :-)</gulp><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/775673301_8265a2a19b_o.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1141/775673301_8265a2a19b_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Technorati <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella" rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/chihuahua" rel="tag" class="techtag">chihuahua</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/training" rel="tag" class="techtag">training</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/BlueHost" rel="tag" class="techtag">BlueHost</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Puppy+Tales" rel="tag" class="techtag">Puppy+Tales</a><br /><gulp><br /></gulp>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-48581781502671450832007-07-06T21:16:00.000-04:002007-07-07T09:13:52.322-04:00Website and Puppy TalesTime already seems to be flying, having the 4th come and go. We had a last minute cook-out and although the weather wasn't hot, it was comfortable enough and the rain held off until the evening hours.<br /><br />I made a decision this week and moved my <a href="http://patriotworld.com/">website</a> to <a href="http://bluehost.com/track/kjcardoza/">Bluehost</a>. (As of this posting, I'm waiting for the propegation of the nameservers so it's down.) I had to go through major gyrations to get my old host to release the domain name so that I could renew it at GoDaddy. It's finally done as of today. I've also been playing around and learning how to install some wordpress blogs on my domain but the education started from ground zero. Although I've had a website for 5 years, using Frontpage allows you to do it without really knowing anything! I've never had to deal with FTP and directories and such. Special thanks to patient friends who have been available to get me on my way... and also here's to perseverance and google when I needed to figure some things out for myself.<br /><br />It's been really difficult getting much done because Bella is quite active and I need to be with her most of her waking hours. It's much like having an infant; I only get things done when she's napping. More puppy tale updates to follow, but in short, she specifically has a hyper/nippy time after dinner which lasts for a couple of hours... (sort of the equivalent of those after-dinner colicky babies.) She gets all riled up and wants to play rough. She also will run at super high speed after a ball with ears flapping in the wind...hehe..<br /><br />I can't wait until she can start going for walks... I'd love to tire her out with a good brisk walk after dinner. Two problems there though: she's still too little for even the smallest harness to fit her without her being able to tuck her chin and bite the harness and even worse, she turns her head sharply and bites the leash and tries to play tug-of-war. I definitely don't encourage any of those kinds of games or aggressive play. Trying to disengage the leash results in growls and head shaking. So, I'm trying to bait her by offering something appropriate and desired and giving the "Drop it" command so she'll let go and take the treat along with praise for listening.... Every day is an adventure. Right now, I've had to dim all the lights and observe quiet time to move to mellow mode to get ready for bed.<br /><br /><br />She's been having more and more pee accidents in the house, even if she's just been out and has gone a few times. She totally loves to be outside and is set on investigating everything out there, happily squatting along the way. She's starting to do the same thing in the house..... sigh... even though I praise her like crazy when she goes outside and does the right thing. So, it's hard to take my eyes off her when she's awake to prevent all of those yellow rivers...<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella" rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/housetraining" rel="tag" class="techtag">housetraining</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/BlueHost" rel="tag" class="techtag">BlueHost</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Puppy+Tales" rel="tag" class="techtag">Puppy+Tales</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chihuahua" rel="tag" class="techtag">Chihuahua</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/patriotworld" rel="tag" class="techtag">patriotworld</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-80870685934821888602007-07-02T16:30:00.000-04:002007-07-02T17:10:45.287-04:00Puppy Tales, Pounces & Pownces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1086/602853529_fb3ef47d3e_m.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1086/602853529_fb3ef47d3e_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Ok.... just when I mentioned that Bella's pen was doing the trick in terms of helping her with potty training, she decided to start having accidents inside of the pen. She prefers to have free reign of the house (naturally) but will have problems peeing when she's out (even if I've just taken her outside.) She never has a problem in her crate or on furniture or laps so I don't think it's a matter of not being able to hold it. She especially will pee on any mat or rug surface. This may have to do with her early stint in paper training or it could just be that it's the "other" surface like grass is outside as opposed to the driveway. Even outside playing, she'll run around a bit and go quite a few times up and down the grass. Luckily, she'll cry or whine (no real barking yet) if she's got to go #2 and has been doing great with that.<br /><br />This morning, my furry alarm went off like clockwork at 5:45 AM, as has been the norm. We usually head out for relief then she eats and then is ready for the day. I usually am too but was very tired today and by 6:15 was feeling like I still needed more sleep. She had been sitting on my lap while I drank coffee checked email and rubbed her belly. I headed to the couch and thankfully she slept in my arms for about an hour and I got a bit more rest.<br /><br />As for the Pouncing: Last night when I took her out for her final bathroom run, one of the "killer cats" was lurking in the shrubs just waiting... by the time I noticed, it was crouched low and slinking towards my little one. I shrieked, scooped her up and high tailed it into the house with my heart pounding. I'm not sure exactly what would have happened but don't really care to know, especially since I've seen them in action with birds and mice left in my yard.<br /><br />And speaking of Powncing: <a href="http://pownce.com/">Pownce</a>, YASN (Yet Another Social Network) has cropped up and is wooing some of the <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> folks... I've got an account and the jury is still out but I'm still partial to Twitter. Right now, people are somewhat split and many are posting on both. For now, Twitter is my gal, as long as all of my social circle doesn't move... After all the point of a Social Network is to be social. It's no fun talking to oneself.<br /><br />Technorati:<a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag"> Puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Tales," rel="tag" class="techtag">Tales,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy," rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella," rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/housetraining," rel="tag" class="techtag">housetraining,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Pownce," rel="tag" class="techtag">Pownce,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Twitter" rel="tag" class="techtag">Twitter</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-34441458810341095922007-07-01T08:06:00.000-04:002007-07-01T09:29:25.932-04:00Puppy Tales<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/683307428/in/photostream/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1035/683307428_30dd40e025_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Since we haven't had a puppy in our lives in 14 or so years, this is all brand new once again. What better way to document and chronicle the ups and downs of puppyhood than right here? She'll grow fast and I'll likely not remember "those" times and before I know it she'll be an old lady.<br /><br />Nigel was very much the puppy until at least six years old and was a very stubborn and high strung boy. He gave us a l<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/683305892/in/photostream/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1012/683305892_3c7bf77c87_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ot of love but also a run (literally) for our money. God forbid, someone left the gate open or the door ajar... off he would go! The only way to get him was to get in the car and pull up aside him. He'd happily jump in to go for a ride. But, if you tried to get him on foot, the game was on! The minute you got near him he'd juke and run enjoying his game. He grew into a loving and quite mellow old man and we miss him to this day.<br /><br />Since <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/sets/72157600420545878/">Bella</a> is a Chihuahua and is toy dog, some of the issues that we had with Nigel are not going to be present, such as stealing food from the counter, digging outside (she won't be out alone), and using her size to get her way. This is not to say that typical puppy behaviors are not going to be an issue:<br /><ul><li> Her biggest puppy behavior right now is nipping. She doesn't do it in aggression, rather in play but it needs to be nipped (hehe) in the bud right from the start. When she nips from being over stimulated and all excited, I immediately yelp like she injured me, turn off the attention, put her down and praise her profusely when she plays gently. It's getting better already with me, but she still gets very excited with other family members. I'm the primary care giver so she doesn't associate me only with play. As long as everyone is on the same page we'll be ok.</li></ul><ul><li>Another issue that I never had with Nigel is directly due to her small size. She fits under the couches and chairs and it's too dangerous there. Wires and an open bac<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/582985452/in/set-72157600420545878/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1130/582985452_bdde1b5b42_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>k end to the stairway landing is accessible if she goes under the couch. I've resolved that by only allowing her out in the main area when I'm specifically playing with her.</li></ul><ul><li>Potty training is going well although she still has accidents if she's loose. I've made a "pen" by gating off an L shaped area around the island containing all of her things and allowing her plenty of room but not free access to the house. It's working well, and she hasn't had a single accident there. (Of course, I take her outside the minute she wakes up, after she eats and periodically throughout the day.) She goes outside immediately and is doing very well with that.</li></ul><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/682630463/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/682630463_b850abbb92_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>She still prefers to be with me and will spend some time on my lap for a belly rub :-) which is fine as long as she chews her bone and not my clothing, and it works out well and gives me some quiet time with her. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/683694450/?rotated=1&cb=1183295464515"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1327/683694450_0ddc501a22_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>After supper though, she's usually feisty and full of energy. She won't stay in the lap or in her pen without crying. She wants to play rough and nips quite a bit. I've taken to playing ball with her or letting her run around outside (weather permitting). If the kids try to play with her then, she's all wound up. Evenings are the most difficult time right now because she wants to play but she tends not to play appropriately. She does settle down later when I dim the lights and set the quiet mood to get ready for bed. She's been sleeping through the night and usually wakes up around 6:00AM which is fine with me.<br /></li></ul><br />I'll keep updating the Puppy Tales as we grow together.<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Bella" rel="tag" class="techtag">Bella</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag">puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Puppy" rel="tag" class="techtag">Puppy</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Tales" rel="tag" class="techtag">Tales</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chihuahua" rel="tag" class="techtag">Chihuahua</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Nigel" rel="tag" class="techtag">Nigel</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-37089281337609928312007-06-28T18:38:00.000-04:002007-06-28T18:50:30.669-04:00Muse With Me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://musewithme.com"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RoQ6iUXGhMI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/WPTO1kUG_cg/s200/muselogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081250640836330690" border="0" /></a><br />Well, I've finally done it! I've been wanting a place for non-Patriots related stuff and have been Musing about Muse for over a year. There really just hasn't been time to get it up and running so it's been on the back burner for a long time. This spring, I conducted an interview with <a href="http://jchutchins.net/">JC Hutchins</a>, author of the podcast novel trilogy 7th Son as part of his 50/50/50 campaign (5o interviews in 50 states in 50 days) and knew it needed to be posted in June. It was just the push I needed... So, be sure to check out <a href="http://musewithme.com/">Muse With Me</a> and be sure to subscribe if you're so inclined.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jchutchins.net"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RoQ6XUXGhLI/AAAAAAAAAEI/qM5oQGcXeis/s200/652550689_7da4d14b16_m.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5081250451857769650" border="0" /></a><br />Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Muse+With+Me," rel="tag" class="techtag">Muse+With+Me,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/JC+Hutchins," rel="tag" class="techtag">JC+Hutchins,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/7th+Son," rel="tag" class="techtag">7th+Son,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Podcast," rel="tag" class="techtag">Podcast,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/MrsB" rel="tag" class="techtag">MrsB</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-59678586843147685462007-06-26T15:40:00.000-04:002007-06-26T16:03:06.698-04:00Riches...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I just found this in with some of my old school stuff and had forgotten all about it. When I was taking my Language Arts teaching methods we had to be writers ourselves and write every day. While my financial situation has changed over the years, my undying love for my babies hasn't.....</span><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/292759390/in/set-72157594368336246/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/118/292759390_69cadafb87_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Riches</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Diamonds and furs</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I've not got.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Nor boats,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Nor cars,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Nor condos.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No Caribbean cruises,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No dining out,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No designer labels.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">My vast fortune</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cannot be measured</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">In carats, stocks or acreage.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Dollars and cents</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Cannot compare</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">To:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sticky kisses, just because.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Spontaneous "I love you's."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Hearing "Mom, I'll read to you."</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Hugs around the knees.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Dance recitals,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Soccer games,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Swimming under water.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Bedtime snuggles,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">No training wheels,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Making boo-boos better.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Fishing trips,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Library books,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Six hands in the kitchen.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All of these things</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">And many more,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Make up</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">My priceless treasure.</span><br /><br />(Thank you Kelsea and Jacob for making me feel like the richest person on earth. Mommy loves you both beyond measure!)<br /></span></span></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-16512772675010591152007-06-25T17:52:00.000-04:002007-06-25T20:22:05.339-04:00Summer Lovin...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/624464824/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1343/624464824_438c1274cb_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />First Monday of Summer Vacation and.... mmmmmmmmm... I'm in love.....<br /><ul><li>Loving getting up at the crack of dawn and being able to run, get a load of laundry on the line, clean my house, and check emails and Google Reader all before 8:00AM.<br /></li><li>Loving making a To Do list, and actually checking most things off.</li><li>Loving the heat and humidity.</li><li>Loving working in the yard and reading whatever I want, when I want.<br /></li><li>Loving my summer uniform of bike shorts, sports bra, tee-shirt and flip-flops.</li><li>Loving seeing my family more than just in passing.</li><li>Loving being free of the Net-Nanny and having access to whatever I want online.</li><li>Loving feeling like the whole summer is in front of me.</li></ul><ul><li>And loving..... my new baby girl.... sigh...</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/615701907/in/set-72157600420545878/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/615701907_a743ec7871_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-78967891629178028822007-06-21T07:19:00.000-04:002007-06-21T07:47:45.598-04:00Summer LifeFirst day of my Summer Life!!! It's been a long time coming...although on one hand it seems to have flown by. It was a very good year despite the dreaded Alternate Assessment and lots of major decisions to make regarding kids.<br /><br />I'm totally geared up to start my SL in my most favorite way: A cup of coffee, a load in the washer, and an early morning run. Consuming coffee now, load of wash started, and run will take place soon. My To List is made and I'm totally psyched to dig in.<br /><br />There's just one <span style="font-style: italic;">little, itty, bitty </span>addition to my summer life... introducing baby Bella! (Yes, she was up 4 times last night, but getting up is part of being a new momma!) It was time to bring a new puppy into our lives after losing Nigel 2 years ago. The kids have been begging me and now that I'm home for the summer, it's the perfect time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/578195052/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/578195052_7ddef1077f_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/578195052_7ddef1077f_o.jpg"><br /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-58845329437573154312007-06-14T06:55:00.000-04:002007-06-25T20:18:02.211-04:008 Things About Me<a href="http://www.ccadenhead.net/">Charles Cadenhead</a>, of Mostly News, etc... has tagged me for a meme this morning called 8 Things About Me. The rules of this meme are simple. Blog 8 things about yourself then tag 8 others to do the same. Although everyone knows that I'm a <a href="http://www.patriotworld.com/">Patriots Superfan</a> and Special Education teacher, you may or may not know these things:<br /><br />1. My father is one of 16 children while my mother is an only child.<br />2. I like my meat rare and most other things burnt.<br />3. I was involved in many productions in high school, starred as Dulcinea in Man of LaMancha and considered a degree/career in theater.<br />4. I've never been out with someone for just a date (see #6).<br />5. I climbed many a tree growing up as a tomboy but now I'm pretty much afraid of heights.<br />6. I married my high school sweetheart.<br />7. I wanted at least 5 children and never planned on being a working mother.<br />8. I love to be home.<br /><br /><br />I tag:<br /><br /><a href="http://edrobertsblog.com/">Ed</a><br /><a href="http://chelpixie.wordpress.com/">Chel</a><br /><a href="http://banannie.com/blog/">Annie</a><br /><a href="http://divasdiary.wordpress.com/">Diva</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bucketpodcast.com">Jen</a><br /><a href="http://www.christopherspenn.com/">Chris</a><br /><a href="http://thinkingsoutherner.wordpress.com/">Christie</a><br /><a href="http://www.bazmakaz.com/andycast/">Andy</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-49528976060557106552007-06-13T07:12:00.000-04:002007-06-13T07:19:12.929-04:00One week to go....I'm beginning my final week of school before starting my long awaited summer vacation. It's hard to imagine squeezing everything that I have yet to do in before next Wednesday but I know I'll make it. This has been the week of the 8:30 meeting and lost prep periods. Major decisions are being made this week (and next) and I'm anxious to have them behind me. Summer life is calling me.<br /><br />My yard's been neglected, my book list is a mile long, social media... what is that? I've got many a project "on the back burner" and look forward to diving in. Right now, my mind and energy have been dedicated to work and Autism education. I've also started running again and pledge to dedicate ample time to develop a good fitness routine that I'll be committed to through the summer and beyond. <br /><br />Time to head out.. I've got an IEP to work on before the kids come in, a meeting at 8:30 and a full day ahead. Just needed to mind dump before starting this day.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-56012467891393079712007-06-06T06:57:00.001-04:002007-06-06T07:20:38.716-04:00Stretches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RmaYPTgDTbI/AAAAAAAAAD4/9X82TGnfBOs/s1600-h/Picture+1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RmaYPTgDTbI/AAAAAAAAAD4/9X82TGnfBOs/s200/Picture+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5072909418979610034" border="0" /></a><br />I'm in the home stretch with work, with the school year winding down to dismissal on the 20th. Unfortunately, there's tons of things I still need to do before heading off for the summer. There are some major placement issues and meetings that have been on my mind a lot and decisions to be made. (Dealing with people, most specifically other people's children, and knowing that your decisions impact their lives is a big responsibility and is not one that I take lightly!) Just as in everything thing I do, I can't do a half-assed job so it's weighing on me.<br /><br />We've also instituted and online <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individualized_Education_Program">IEP</a> process using a service called <a href="http://www.tienet.ws/">TIENET</a> and I have a few to do before the end of the year. Just finding time to sit down and figure it out and input everything has been a challenge. This is the time of the year for many field trips and twice this week I'll lose my prep period because the kids won't have Art. Add to that, the myriad of other issues and things that I do on my prep and I'm getting behind the 8 ball. I've been taking them home every night but haven't been able to sit down to work on them during "my time".<br /><br />Part of the reason for that is because I've been having back pain with my <a href="http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/d_sciatica/sc01.html">sciatica</a> acting up so I've been mostly offline this week. I've also been busy with <a href="http://www.spine-health.com/topics/cd/d_sciatica/sc01.html">my class</a> and catching up on lots of reading relating to Autism. I've also been out of touch with the social media world pretty much over the past couple of weeks. I've got a ton of things to think about and do, and need to sit down with a pen and paper (yes, lists still work best for me the old fashioned way) and prioritize. I've got many things that need my attention but definitely need the back to cooperate to allow me to sit here for any length of time.<br /><br />Off to work now, and deciding whether or not to call the doctor. (I've been able to sit long enough to make this post so perhaps it's waning.) It's a very busy week both in school and out, and Kelsea graduates on Monday so there's a party to plan and prepare for as well, not to mention the usual house and yard work, and exercise.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-12875961546544628622007-05-31T23:04:00.001-04:002007-05-31T23:39:52.053-04:00Unplugged to the Max!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/518427006/in/set-72157600278371876/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/244/518427006_2cfcac3ca7_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/518426182/in/set-72157600278371876/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/237/518426182_02902ec7ed_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Just back from a TOTALLY unplugged weekend... and that's not an exaggeration! Al and I spent the weekend at <a href="http://www.originalnepr.homestead.com/">The Original Northeastern Primitive Rendezvoux</a> and stepped back in time with friends Jerry, Simone, Kevin and Al's sister Theresa. It was tons of work but lots of fun to live that way for a weekend.<br /><br />Loving history, I was into it and was pleasantly surprised to find that Al was too. Of course, good friends, good food and lots of laughs always makes it fun. I don't think I could step out of the 21st century for an entire week like they do every year, but a long weekend away from all things modern (yes, even including the internet!) was a refreshing change and forced me to slow down and decompress.<br /><br />The weather was hot, the company was great, and my favorite part of the weekend, besides seeing the <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/518453539/in/set-72157600278371876/">young families</a> and the comradery there, was just hearing eve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/518450345/in/set-72157600278371876/"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/518450345_630f8c8860_m.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ryone long after dark sitting by their fires LAUGHING, playing music, and singing. The smell of firewood filled the air and candles could be seen flickering throughout camp.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I look forward to doing it again next year and hope that we'll be blessed with the same good fortune as this, our first Rendezvoux.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/sets/72157600278371876/">Check out the rest of the pictures here! </a><br /><br /><br /><br />Technorati <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/primitive" rel="tag" class="techtag">primitive</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Rendezvoux" rel="tag" class="techtag">Rendezvoux</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/pre-1840" rel="tag" class="techtag">pre-1840</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/history" rel="tag" class="techtag">history</a><br /></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-80421378468799472812007-05-24T20:10:00.000-04:002007-05-25T15:26:08.298-04:00Virtual Hot Wings for Dinner.... :-)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://virtualhotwings.com/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RlYttBt3-HI/AAAAAAAAADw/BM_yabtgwTk/s200/Virtual-Hot-Wings-CD-Label.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5068288682230282354" border="0" /></a><br />As I sit and type (and take a break from cleaning and ironing) I've got the sounds of <a href="http://matthewebel.com/">Matthew Ebel</a> blaring from the speakers. Of course I own <a href="http://www.matthewebel.com/main/store">Beer and Coffee</a><a href="http://www.matthewebel.com/main/store"> </a>and listening to it religiously, especially when running and on podcasts, but this incredible live collection is something completely unique and cutting edge.<br /><br />I'm listening to a (legal) bootleg collection of recordings of <a href="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/491714747_d7ce13985c_o.jpg">Hali Heron's</a> (Matthew's) concerts in <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life</a>. I was there the first time around and caught the shows live, right from my desktop PC through the magic of The Internets...hehe.<br /><br />What's so different about these 7 hours of music is that it was compiled and distributed by a group of Matthew's FANS. And the best part is, 100% of the profits will be going into Matthew Ebel's pocket... yes, that's right, maybe he'll give up Waffles and Ramen for dinner after all! This just may blaze a trail and become THE New Media music purchase method of choice. (Imagine that... actually putting the money into the hands of the musicians! Brilliant!)<br /><br />Get your own copy of <a href="http://virtualhotwings.com/">Virtual Hot Wings</a> NOW... and enjoy!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.virtualhotwings.com/"><img src="http://www.virtualhotwings.com/vhw-chicklet.png" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;">Technorati tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Virtual%20Hot%20Wings" rel="tag" class="techtag">Virtual Hot Wings</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Matthew%20Ebel" rel="tag" class="techtag">MatthewEbel</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Beer%20and%20Coffee" rel="tag" class="techtag">Beer and Coffee</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Second%20Life" rel="tag" class="techtag">Second Life</a><br /></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-84132597495209656432007-05-21T19:25:00.000-04:002007-05-21T19:58:05.339-04:00Play Ball!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/508544233/"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/508544233_2761b4e33d_o.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ahh... there's nothing better in the baseball world as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankees-Red_Sox_Rivalry">Red Sox and Yankees series</a>... especially in this household. How I ever ended up married to a Yankee fan (and worse... bore a Yankee fan son) is beyond me....hehe! Actually, it does make for lots of fun during baseball season. This one has been especially great so far and I'm rooting for my boys to continue the domination this season!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Red+Sox" rel="tag" class="techtag">Red+Sox</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Yankees" rel="tag" class="techtag">Yankees</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-88260726165973951302007-05-16T20:54:00.000-04:002007-05-16T21:05:42.468-04:00Twitter... where for art thou, Twitter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RkuoWBt3-GI/AAAAAAAAADk/eu8MMPgn1ls/s1600-h/ScreenHunter_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_d6SnhQ7k3g0/RkuoWBt3-GI/AAAAAAAAADk/eu8MMPgn1ls/s200/ScreenHunter_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065327302279690338" border="0" /></a><br />It's amazing just how much I'm relying on that little bugger and miss it when it's down. This week has been a hard one for me for many reasons and I REALLY don't need the Twitter Aggravation on top of it. Of course, I've taken to clenching my jaw when I see any of those cute cats... and when it IS up but my tweets disappear into thin air, I'm ready to scream, but it's more than just that... <br /><br />I'm missing the <span style="font-style: italic;">people</span> behind those tweets. I'm missing having a finger on the pulse of what's happening at any given moment in time. I'm missing letting my friends know what's up with me and where I'm at. I'm missing clicking on the links of the latest news and things that my online colleagues are doing or have posted. I also miss being able to send and receive direct messages rather than fire up the email just to say a few words. Most of all, I miss the support of friends if I just need a hug or to vent.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/twitter" rel="tag" class="techtag">twitter</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-15235426904693401332007-05-12T08:12:00.000-04:002007-05-12T08:55:39.424-04:00DisconnectedJust when you think that things will happen a certain way, something comes up and they change. My last post celebrated my day of freedom because the ASSessment was done finally. I thought for sure that my free time would increase and I would be able to start working on so many of the New Media projects and things that require my attention and also finish my class that had to take an incomplete for this spring. My body had other ideas.....<br /><br />I spent over a week with very swollen glands and a sore throat and a couple of days with a fever so I ended up working and then literally going right to bed when I got home for the rest of the day/night. But more than that, I got a new student who is VERY challenging and presents a combination of many issues requiring ALL of my attention.<br /><br />I've been going into work early and staying late until he's actually on the bus and on the way home as well as expelling tons of mental energy brainstorming ways to meet all of his needs and transition him into a school environment both while at work and at home. So, all of my free periods, which were reclaimed as the assessment ended have been full of paperwork and things related to this situation instead.<br /><br />It also was one of those hectic stretches where the commitments on the calendar just don't seem to stop. Add the less-than-stellar-health to the mix and the Social Media world definately is not high on the priority list. Sure, I managed to scan the inboxes for super important emails but Google Reader has piled up and up. I've barely <a href="http://twitter.com/mrsb">Twittered </a>and <a href="http://secondlife.com/">Second Life</a> is a distant memory. It seems strange to not have my finger on the pulse of what's going on right now. And although it's tempting to go back and try to "catch up", it'll be practically impossible so I'll scan GR quickly then as tough as it'll be, "Mark All Read" for many of them then start fresh.<br /><br />I would love to say that this week will be different, however I don't expect things to change much until I actually get out of school and start my beloved Summer Life... (ahhhh... just the thought brings a smile to my face. ) There was a major issue at school yesterday with one of my other students, lots of end of the year paper work to do, IEPs to write, meetings to hold and just the busy spring calendar itself with family things, <a href="http://specialolympicsri.org/">Special Olympics</a> and such. <br /><br />I also started an <a href="http://theautismproject.org/">Autism course</a> that I've been waiting for which will run for 9 weeks bringing me into July. I've been reading a lot of books about Autism as well. Of course, I'll still be trying to squeeze out a weekly <a href="http://patriotworldpodcast.com/">podcast</a> too, even if it's via iriver like the last two.<br /><br />So, if you don't see or hear much from me for awhile, it's not that I don't love you... I'm just spread too thin.<br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/busy," rel="tag" class="techtag">busy,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Autism+Project+of+RI," rel="tag" class="techtag">Autism+Project+of+RI,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/New+Media," rel="tag" class="techtag">New+Media,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Social+Media," rel="tag" class="techtag">Social+Media,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/second+life," rel="tag" class="techtag">second+life,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Google+Reader," rel="tag" class="techtag">Google+Reader,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/school" rel="tag" class="techtag">school</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-35816224272848141972007-05-03T16:05:00.000-04:002007-05-03T17:01:22.518-04:00RezDay and FREEDOM!!Ok... so, two things happening today. Despite being sick, I have a perma-smile because of this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/482692773/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/219/482692773_79bdc89ef3_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="0503071021.jpg" /></a><br /><br />After the entire school year dealing with the dreaded ASSessment... ahhhhhhh!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/482691881/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/482691881_3c21eab7bb_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="RELIEF!!" /></a><br /><br />Also, just happened to notice that today is my RezDay, the birthday of my Second Life avatar, Kaye Delacroix. And, my how she's changed...hehe! Happy RezDay also to <a href="http://blog.lynetteradio.com/?p=69">Lynette Radio </a>who shares my day.. and Ed Radio whose day was yesterday.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/175445735/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/73/175445735_3601e6f9d6_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Kaye Delacroix" /></a><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/patriotworld/483021260/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/483021260_be11113029_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="RezDay" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://technorati.com/tag/RezDay" rel="tag" class="techtag">RezDay</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/assessment" rel="tag" class="techtag">assessment</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/secondlife" rel="tag" class="techtag">secondlife</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19556140.post-53361944007621077592007-04-29T09:42:00.000-04:002007-04-29T10:35:57.756-04:00On Getting my Life Back....AHHHHHHHH...... yes, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's shining brightly. After spending most of my vacation week and two 14 hour work at home days, the ASSessment is done! (At least what I could do at home.) I still have some activities to do with the kids at school this week, then I'll gladly pack the binders up and ready them for UPS pickup.<br /><br />So, now that the HUGE monkey is off my back, I can focus on moving forward. I've been thinking about which direction I want to go in terms of my whole brand and new media presence and have spoken to someone that I trust about revamping my site(s). That is definitely a priority at this point and will get the ball rolling for other changes coming down the pike.<br /><br />During an evening of chatting with <a href="http://www.christopherspenn.com/">Chris Penn</a> about a variety of things, the convo turned to the social media circles and I mentioned that there were sooo many things cropping up and that living in this world takes up time. He said something very profound which made me sit up and think:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Just don't get too caught up in it. We spend a lot of time learning the tools of social media without DOING something with them."</span><br /><br />So, that's it... not just spending time playing and meeting people, which is fun and nice, but to use them to work towards our goals. Trouble is, when you're not really sure where it is you want to ultimately end up. For me, my initial foray into the online world and community began as a <a href="http://patriotworld.com/">Patriots Super-Fan </a>but there is so much more out there and so much more that I'm interested in.<br /><br /><ul><li>Yes, I'm intending on continuing to use new media to move forward with my Patriots passion, but there's always that fine line that I walk between wanting to take it to the next media level and remaining "The Fan".<br /></li><li>I'm a Special Educator, and love what I do. Unlike many in the podcasting community, I don't share their aspirations of "quitting the day job". Of course, this may have to do with the fact that the Pats Passion which fuels my podcast is a past-time and hobby, while I love working with my students and if I HAVE to work, there is nothing else I'd rather do. (Of course, if I didn't have to work, I would be home in a minute, but that's not even a realistic thought.)</li><li>I LOVE podcasting and the community itself. However, having a podcast about the Pats requires ample time in the Patriots community as well. Time that I used to spend hanging with Pats people in the forums and chats, is now shared (and at times replaced) with time hanging with the podcast/new media community folks.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>I still plan on starting a non-sports related podcast and it's just a matter of getting a chunk of time to get it up and running. </li><li>Of course, I'm learning about the technology as I go along, as I'm a geek world "new blood". (I've been a book nerd my whole life, but fairly new into the tech world, so every day is a learning experience for me.)<br /></li></ul><br />So, where am I going? What direction am I taking this? What am I going to DO with it? <a href="http://stevegarfield.com/">Steve Garfield</a> has <a href="http://www.christopherspenn.com/2007/04/27/steve-garfield-says-it-all/">some ideas on this subject as well</a> Thing is... I love many things but they're not necessarily related... Yes, they are all tied together through this new media world but there are just so many hours in each day and we've just one life to live. I guess time will tell....<br /><br />Btw.... just 37 days of school left so I'm REALLY going to get my life back soon!<br /><br />Technorati: <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/assessment," rel="tag" class="techtag">assessment,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/" rel="tag" class="techtag"></a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Chris+Penn," rel="tag" class="techtag">Chris+Penn,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Steve+Garfield," rel="tag" class="techtag">Steve+Garfield,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Autism" rel="tag" class="techtag">Autism</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/Podcast," rel="tag" class="techtag">Podcast,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/patriots," rel="tag" class="techtag">patriots,</a> <a href="http://technorati.com/tag/brand" rel="tag" class="techtag">brand</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15017117180980076893noreply@blogger.com1