The 25th Hour ~karenjcardoza.com~

Manogamous Knitter

kjcardoza — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:20:49 +0000

There are different types of knitters in the world. Those that have multiple projects going and those that complete one at a time. I try to be a multiple WIP-per (Works In Progress) type but just can’t do it! I’m envious of all of the multiple project people! I’m a To Do List type and need to feel that sense of accomplishment by crossing something off the list. I just struggled through a long project and was determined to finish it. I made a lovely Strathcona scarf for the first time and in my haste, misread the pattern and knit half of it before realizing my mistake only when I started the second side and they didn’t match. So, I frogged it and began again. Also, the yarn was not the easiest to work with and my needles were junky and horrible. But… I powered through and finished because I was determined to do it and just couldn’t quit! I love the way it turned out and I believe I will especially enjoy wearing it because of all the effort that went into it.

Once I finished that project I treated myself to a quick knit.. another Gap-tastic cowl that I’ve made before and can do with my eyes closed. I needed to do something easy and fast after the last project.

My latest cast-on is a new hat pattern, Drizzle by my favorite knitting podcaster, Mel Ski, and I began it last night. I am also going to try to cast on something else during this long weekend, which goes against my natural inclination but I have been asked to knit a few things for others and will try to go outside my comfort zone. Wish me luck!

PS… This is my “trying out Continental knitting method” project because there’s a lot of stockinette. Knitting in the round means all knit and no purl.

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Manogamous Knitter

Fanstastic Staycation

kjcardoza — Sun, 24 Feb 2013 19:57:00 +0000

I’m one of those kinds of people who is a goal setter and a list maker. Coming into the vacation week, I had a lot of things on my To Do list related to my class and final presentation and paperwork for my job. Instead of going away on vacation like we usually do, we stayed home. This week was fantastic because I broke down all of my tasks and laid them out over the week allowing the final weekend open for leeway and to relax. Here it is Sunday and I’m able to say that I completed everything and am reading for pleasure and catching up on DVR’d shows today while getting those final snuggles with the girlies in. Tonight, I will organize my work items, get my clothes and lunch ready and will turn in early. I’m hoping to have a good night’s sleep tonight and I’m ready to start off fresh.

So glad to not only work but relax and rejuvenate as well.

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Fanstastic Staycation

Winter Staycation

kjcardoza — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:12:29 +0000

It’s February school vacation week and I’m usually up north enjoying a winter getaway. We didn’t go this year partly because I have tons to do but the snow gods have brought the winter wonderland to me. Last week was the Blizzard and today we’re getting snow again.

I’ve got a To Do list that includes my final project and presentation for my class on Thursday, IEPs and other paperwork for my job, serving at two dinners at the club, and appointments. Hoping to squeeze in some knitting and relaxing in there as well. One of the best things about being home is spending the week with my furry girls.

Last night was great fun for all at the club. It was a “Moustaches and Friends” dinner and it brought a lot of laughs and delicious food. (Today I’m staying off my feet to rest up for serving again Tuesday… very sore today but it could have been the Wii Zumba yesterday as well.)

As of now, I’m enjoying the snowy weather, flannels, cup of coffee and the fact that I have a whole week of staycation ahead. Life is good!

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Winter Staycation

Blizzard!

kjcardoza — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:36:50 +0000

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love snow and always root for the higher possible snow totals whenever a storm is predicted. So, nobody could be more thrilled than me with the thought of a blizzard blowing in and it actually hitting and not going out to sea! “Nemo” as named by The Weather Channel, began on Friday, February 7th and dumped over 2 feet of snow here through Saturday. Thankfully, my school district canceled for Friday so I was home enjoying the show and getting a jump start on a writing assignment.

There was lots of clean-up to do and it’s still not done in some places (the rain yesterday didn’t help matters one bit) and here it is Tuesday and I’m still out of school because the roads in the city where I work are not clear and there is still a parking ban. Our street only got cleared because of the of the neighbors all pitching in with snowblowers, shovels, and a borrowed plow. The town truck got stuck on Sunday and couldn’t finish so the residents dug us out.

Of course it’s so easy for me to rejoice and enjoy everything about the storm because I’m here in my nice warm house with electricity but there are still lots of people without heat or power. I’m sure my feelings would not be the same if I was in that boat. To me, it’s been a few extra days of knitting, catching up on DVRd shows, getting my taxes together, doing paperwork for my job and writing a paper for class. These are bonus days for me and I love it!

There’s the possibility of more snow at the end of the week which is fine by me. I have always said that winter should be white from start to finish and I like what I see!

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Blizzard!

Knitting it Forward

kjcardoza — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 15:55:57 +0000

I’ve been spending a lot of time knitting lately and decided that as part of my Paying it Forward with Kindness brigade I will be gifting some knitting with the hopes that folks will pay it forward with some other random act of kindness. Here’s a soft and squishy extra long infinity scarf that I’ll be giving to a friend on Monday. I’m sure she will look beautiful in it.

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Knitting it Forward

Happy New Year!

kjcardoza — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:40:01 +0000

Today is the first day of the new year and it’s the last day of my Christmas vacation. It’s been a fantastic, relaxing 10 days off. 2012 was certainly busy but productive and I’m sure 2013 will be as well. As is the tradition among many, I’m posting my 3 words for the new year. Fit, Frugal, Forward…

Fit: I am committing to restoring fitness as a priority in my life. I’ve really let it go by the wayside since the summer ended and it’s not good for my health, not to mention my appearance. So, I’m getting back to basics with diet and exercise and will make concerted effort to get enough sleep and to take care of my body.

Frugal:It’s time to really get serious about tightening the belt. With Jake graduating next year, we’re planning on heading out to Hawaii for the ceremony. It’s time to forgo the little things for the big ticket item coming down the pike. My goal is to be in a financial place to be able to really afford it.

Forward:I’ve always been one to be motivated to finish what I start and have made it through an intense educational program this past year. I’ve got 3 classes left to get my Special Ed Administration certificate by the end of the 2013. Things at school are intense due to RIDE certification evaluation requirements. I can do it, and I need to keep moving forward and not dwell on all I have to do. One day at a time; make a list and prioritized goals for the week and I’ll move forward like I know I can.

Here’s to a happy, healthy, exciting new year ahead!

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Happy New Year!

Wonderful Week :-)

kjcardoza — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:43 +0000

Ahhh… Yes, that’s me exhaling! I had a very busy week leading up to Christmas with my graduation from my autism education program, my formal evaluation lesson and holiday prep.

Lots of hard work here!

By Friday afternoon, I left school with a huge smile; to do list complete and best of all meeting up with my son who flew home from school for the holiday!

Arriving home safe and sound!

Many of the family members joined us to eat a yummy Portuguese meal to celebrate Jake’s arrival and Saturday night, our crew of friends kicked off the holiday with a Pajama Party at the Dragon Villa!! Good Times!!

Christmas Eve was spent with Al’s family with our annual Yankee Swap providing lots of laughs and fun. Yes, we all ate way too much but what else is new. Christmas Day brought a quiet meal with my dad, husband and son, then Al and I took off for a comp night at MGM Grand.

The rest of the week has been spent curling up with my furry girls, reading, watching the snow fall (which has since turned to rain.. booooo!), and lounging. I love Staycation… just having a week off from work is heaven to me!!

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Wonderful Week :-)

Coming up for air…

kjcardoza — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:13:00 +0000

It’s been an extremely busy fall and the holidays are just upon us! I’ve been completely swamped with work and school and have spent most of my free time working on projects. RIDE has mandated a new teacher evaluation system which is very time consuming and stressful. I’m not getting into details here but let’s just say, veteran teachers are even considering their career choices at this point. It’s a sad thing! Thankfully, my love of teaching and my students makes it bearable for me. I’m also in the throws of Alternate Assessment, which is always tons of work.
I’m just finishing up my coursework for the Certificate of Graduate Studies in Autism Education which has also been a ton of work! I’ve learned so much and love the program but it’s nice to be finishing up. I’ve got 3 more courses on the horizon, to get my Special Education Administration certificate and then I will be done! (yah, right… who am I kidding..lol)
I’m really looking forward to some reading for pleasure, getting back into the exercise habit and picking up my pointy sticks to turn that yarn stash into some fun projects.
For now, I’m enjoying the long weekend, basking in the fact that I finished a huge project this weekend and typing with a furry girl on my lap. Since we dialed back on Christmas gifts and making the rounds years ago, I really enjoy this season. I decorated upstairs on Thanksgiving night and we’ll wait a couple of weeks before getting the live tree for downstairs. I have a few gifts to buy for Yankee Swaps and gift cards for the kiddies but other than that, it’s a time of joy for me these days.
Now it’s time to bring on the snow!

Ugh… something is wrong with my wordpress application… I only have Html view and the visual tab is greyed out so I can’t format.

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

Coming up for air…

Busy Bee

kjcardoza — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 14:21:21 +0000

It’s back to school (work) and back to school (RIC) time for me so my calendar is jam packed. I’m excited to be starting the new school year and extremely happy to entering my final semester towards my new Graduate Certificate in Autism Education. I am part of a pilot program for the brand new certification and it’s an incredible amount of work.

Summer was fantastic; working 3 days a week was perfect and the weather was stellar. We spent days off in the bay in our boat and enjoyed two glorious weeks at our favorite vacation spot in New Hampshire, Abakee Cottages. I went back to school refreshed, renewed and ready to work.

Now that fall is here, Patriots football is back! I’m missing my Sundays at Gillette quite a bit this year; now that my health is back full strength, I’ve been thinking about my tailgate crew more than ever. I know that life goes on and times (financially and work schedules) are different but there are days that I miss being “Mrs. B.” and the whirlwind life that we lived during those championship years. Realistically, with all of my homework and just not enough time to get it all done, I could never give up an entire Sunday for a 3 hour game this fall anyway. But I still miss my friends and will be with them in spirit. GO PATS!!

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Busy Bee

L-O-V-E life!!!

kjcardoza — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 03:58:42 +0000

Wooohooo… vacation rocks! Especially when you are in your absolute favorite place! It’s just beginning but starting off FINE!

Lot’s of days ahead!

Post from: Karen Cardoza's The 25th Hour

L-O-V-E life!!!