Twitter is like standing in the middle of a huge party. There are so many people with so many ideas and opinions, everyone is talking, mingling around. Now look over there in that corner. Those are the social people. They are on Twitter to meet up with friends and send greetings. There are a few of the Spaces family that pop in from time to time to post a tweet. There is a couple that I follow that are a hoot to read. They send messages back and forth even though one is upstairs and the other downstairs. A guy is sharing his baby growing up (his name is Coen and he is 3 months old @coreyanderson).

Over there is the group who join Twitter (like me in the beginning) to follow local events and news. Almost every station, news cast is on Twitter tweeting breaking news, weather, so forth. Local events such as the Super Bowl and Gasparilla posted happenings and pictures. The MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) announces new IMAX movies and displays (Body Worlds is coming).

All around you can find groups of special interest. (Loach have you found the poker room yet?) I have a law group of lawyers, legal blogs and opinions. I even have the house sending tweets about the  votes on the floor (I’m a law geek, I know – boring). Obama was actively tweeting during his election campaign. Since he took office we haven’t heard from him but I’m sure once he settles in he’ll be back.

A group of chefs provides me with wonderful recipes that I will never cook, lol. The pictures look good though and I can drool. Ever have popcorn cauliflower? It sounded good. I have found many local people on Twitter and have been trying to get out and attend one of the local networking events and meet some new people. I am all set to go to one this week but fear with the lack of response it will be cancelled. The one in January had over 100 people at the MOSI.

There is a star factor to Twitter also. With Ashton Kutcher @aplusk and Demi @mrskutcher posting often (right now in Germany and threatening to drop a kid from the balcony like Michael Jackson – j/k http://qik.com/video/1018034 look at this one too http://qik.com/video/1018316). The make up artist and props guy from the series Heroes post picture and happening right from the set of the show. This is cool for me since I enjoy the show. Greg Grunberg, known as Matt on the show, also posts his happenings. Today he has a photo shoot. Music star Limp Bizkit and Dave Matthews are starting to contribute.

Then the rest of the room (or at least the major part of it) is filled with PR/Marketing people. I actually have learned so much from them. They share so freely. It has definitely started a thought process in my mind on how to market ME and my skills. I even have had thoughts formulating in my head about doing legal technology consulting. Many lawyers will scream and hide under the table if you even mention “paperless’ to them but it is oh so powerful. I never would have formulated this idea on my own. 

The tweets are full of inspirational messages, blog post, music, pictures and so much information that at first I was overwhelmed. I was unsure of how or when to Retweet. So for a while I sat and watched. Then all of sudden there was a huge following. I tell you I felt like the new girl in town being introduced to the football team. LOL I followed back all that followed me. I’m glad I did or I wouldn’t be so familiar with twitter now. I have even watched a few live broadcasts for how to use Twitter.

So what do I get from Twitter? That’s the question. For me, I am enjoying the socialization. I don’t get out much any more so it is almost like having people to talk to. I can go days without hearing a voice other than my own sometimes and quite frankly, I bore myself. As my life situation get worse it seems every turn, this is a distraction. So if you have been wondering where I have been or seen me on Twitter wonder WTH? – now you know. SO much for keeping it down to 140 characters, I think I’m over the limit here. Take care all.

I was recently on a forum and the question was asked “How did you get your pet’s name?” So I started thinking about names. Lil dog, as I commonly refer to him, name is Jaegermeister. When I tell people his name they usually smile at me with that knowing grin as we all think about the drink. And yes, that was part of it but not the whole reason. My first consideration was that I wanted a good German name for my German breed. Big dog’s name was Max and he was a Weimaraner. So I had a big German dog and a lil German dog.

Translated literally, Jägermeister means “hunt-master,” combining Jäger (hunter) and Meister (master, in the sense of an accomplished professional). If you know the dachshund breed, they are a hunting breed originally trained to hunt badgers. Dachshunds were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany. The goal was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a badger burrow and fight to the death with the vicious badgers. They can actually dig a foot and a half in one minute with their powerful, spade-like claws and strong feet.

Ok so back to my point of lil dogs name. Even when he was a pup he was an avid hunter. He will search for hours for his “prey” or as we call it “piggy”. When we go out to the field, often only part of him you will see is his tail up in the air as he borrows through the weeds.

The color of his coat is also of similar color as the drink. The reddish brown with the overlaying black coat makes for a nice rich color. Actually when my hair falls over him, our hair is almost the same color (not the black part though).  See the similarity? Yes, I love that dog.

Lil dog is a tough lil fellow. He is a big dog in a little dog body. He is not a yapper but has a strong bark that will have people passing by jump out of their skin (that’s entertainment folks – gosh I need to get out more). His walk is proud with his chest out and his head held high. His determined personality only adds to his likability. I have yet to meet anyone that doesn’t like him or anyone that he doesn’t like.

So there, my reasons for his name and the similarity to the drink (that I somewhat favor – story for another time):

1. German name
2. Master hunter
3. Color
4. Powerful impact
5. Everyone loves Jaeger

One final interesting fact I learned while writing my reasons, it was originally brought back to American from Germany and made popular by Frank Sinatra.

So what about Rosebay? Any guesses? Where did you get your pet’s name? Or better yet, if you are using a name on your blog, where did it come from?

BTW- Rosebay is another name for Oleander which is a very popular plant here in Florida with pretty blooms and is also very poisonous. I thought it fit.

Well we have had some cold temps here in Florida this past week. It’s a glorious 70 degrees right now and I’m loving it!

You may have seen the photos of the strawberry fields being frozen over on the news this week. The farmers do this to protect the berries during a freeze. Although it was cold enough for snow, the was no moisture in the air to produce snow. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t happen.

In 1977 was the last time, and one of the few times, that the Tampa Bay area saw measurable snow. I was in high school and remember it as the only “snow” day ever. The schools are open air and the heaters didn’t work so we had a snow day. Still, it’s funny to get up in the morning and see the lawn all white with frost. We had two mornings of frost this past week. Lil dog didn’t even seem to notice any difference and just hopped through the grass as normal. Me, I was freezing my hinny off. I don’t own a real winter coat and rely on my sweatshirts for warmth. I wore two of them.

We are gearing up for the Super Bowl party here in Tampa Bay. This will be the second time the Super bowl hit our stadium. This next week or two is going to be crazy around here. People are renting out their homes and apartments to visitors coming to see the game. This is combined with our annual Gasparilla Festival. This past weekend, it kicked off with the children’s parade. I’ll tell you more about Gasparilla in the coming weeks. It’s a fun time with pirates and invasions, beads and parades.

I did have an interview this past week. It went well and I was then sent five essay questions to answer and send back. I thought this was a bit strange but I answered them none the less and sent it back and now await for the second interview. I also spent three full days in training for a volunteer position. I am now a certified domestic violence advocate. Next Wednesday I will attend my first court date in this new position. The training was grueling although not as graphic as you might have thought. Just long days returning home worn out by all the information. This link is to one of the videos we watched during training. It has Stevie Wonder singing also:

Talking about YouTube - Babyface - How Come, How Long
Babyface How Come, How Long(C) 1996 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

It’s been a long few days and I haven’t gotten around to visit at all, that’s my next plan. Have a great week ahead everyone.

Good Luck Mr. Obama! Make us proud.

Sea Prayer wrote a blog with a link to a funny comedy piece. I so enjoyed it that I remembered running across this comedy video and saving it as a draft.

Chonda Pierce “just may be the best kept secret in entertainment, a comedian with a firm hold on the heartland of America who is quickly gaining acclaim in other arenas as well. In addition to churches, fairs and theaters, she has been one of the most popular speakers at the Women of Faith conferences, Extraordinary Women Conferences just to name a few.” (From her website)

Quote

Talking about YouTube - "Weird Things Happen To Me" Comedy By Chonda Pierce
   

Here’s another:  Three Little Pigs with a devotional ending.

Hope you enjoy!

Well as the title states, I’m still jobless. The employer told the staffing recruiter that she found someone else. I think she just didn’t want to pay the fee to the staffing agency. To state it mildly, I was so disappointed. It seemed like a perfect opportunity. But it obviously wasn’t the right job. I do have a job interview next week who wanted to interview me while I was going through the first hire process (which was never completed). This attorney is very similar to the job that didn’t go through. So let’s hope for a good interview. Sis’ job has been “delayed” and she is not sure when she will actually start working. With the unemployment rate of 7% in FL, finding jobs is difficult. The whole country is looking for work it seems.

Staying at home is getting me stir crazy. I have found a volunteer opportunity that I am going to apply for. It will keep my skills sharp, get me out and involved and help some deserving women. If it works out, I’ll let you in on the details. There is extensive training program that is only offered 4 times a year which starts next week. I’m all set up to submit the application and go through the background check and staff interview.

I saw the orthopedic doctor and he gave my knee a shot of cortisone. It’s like a miracle. Most of the swelling has gone and the pain is almost gone. I wish I could have found this doctor 4 months ago. Even a month ago would have been good. I walk with almost no limp at all.

Final thought, let sleeping dog lie…

Well… What a week it has been. This new job is turning out to be a real blessing. See, I haven’t been the only one looking for a job. Sis has been looking too. Up until now she has been working out of her home as a property appraiser. It has been great for her to be able to work from home and be there for the kids. But with the housing sales down, she has gone from two employees to just herself and started looking for employment. She believes she has a position that may start as soon as January 15th. But that also would mean that the kids would have to go to after care until she was off of work. Well as it turns out, my job is only part time for a while. Business is slow but I will work up to full time when needed. BUT the pay is higher than my last job so I will be making about the same money (can’t beat that, right?). Now my new office will be only 5 minutes from the kids school. So, since I will get off work at 3:00 and the kids need to be picked up by 3:15 – you guessed it! – Aunt Wendy will be able to pick up the kids and save Sis $400 a month!  WOO HOO! She has been so much help to me these last few months that I am now blessed with the chance to return – Pay it forward – right Morbid?

Look up in the sky folks – the stars are beginning to align. It is such a blessing to us all that this job came through.

Speaking of Sis, I started working on her Birthday present. Not much money be here is my thought… She turns 40 this year. So I am gathering “Cougar” (as in the Demi Moore fame – see Today Show) items for her as a joke gift. I am making her a T-shirt with the Cougar logo, got a movie, a song, a drink and I am sure I will find a few more goodies. Just fun ribbing and much better than the old stand by Over The Hill. No she doesn’t date younger men and yes she is single, beautiful and very independent. Go read the article.

I’ve been playing with the different blogs and posting sites that I have joined, often to keep in touch with one or more friends that has moved off of Spaces. So I discovered some cool things. Live Writer will publish to Spaces and also to Blogger and notify Twitter. Twitter also will update your Facebook status. Now if I could figure out My Space into the mix, I won’t be running around. Pretty slick I think. I haven’t really kept up with these other sites like I do here in Spaces which will always be my favorite but this will certainly help. The main advantages of Live Writer is that don’t disappear and the pictures upload automatically. I also found that the new version of Live Writer is you can get to you stats in a click, to the What’s New page and view the html code.

Well I am getting here late today so I will probably visit tomorrow. Have a great night all.

Thanks to everyone for the positive thoughts and prayers – it really worked!

OMG WHAT DID I DO LAST NIGHT?

Just kidding, not. I had a wonderful night but I did feel a bit like the picture.

How do you see yourself this coming year?

Every year I look at this picture and wonder… Am I the kitten or the lion? New Years is a time for reflection on the past as well as hopes for the future.

2008 is almost gone and for that, I am glad. This was not my year. 2009 doesn’t look much better as the future is very uncertain for me. Will I ever find a job I like again? Will the knee get better, need surgery or will I forever limp? Is there such thing as love?  My lease will be up soon and although I love my apartment, should I move? Will lil dog ever eat the new treats or is he just going to carry them around?     So many questions.

I will remember this past year for the kindness of friends and family. For this I am truly grateful. From my friend that stayed with me for a week to keep me from straining my knee to the neighbor that offers to carry my laundry up the stairs to the machines. My sister who has not only kept me financially afloat right now but is my best friend that helps keep my spirit afloat. My son who proves to me that he is a good man often self-sacrificing and always generous.  And my lil dog that always can make me laugh and who is always willing to give a cuddle.

Then there is you. You come by here and read my posts, leave your comments and allow me into your life through your post. I have been a privileged to read about your holidays and celebrations, your good days and your bad days. I have enjoyed your pets and kids through the pictures you post. Some how I feel as if I am part of your life and important some way. It has been my pleasure to be your Friend here in Spaces.

Let’s toast the new year in with the heart and courage of the lion and purr with the contentness of the kitten.

I wish you all a healthy and prosperous new year.

As cute as he looks in his Christmas hat, he some how reminds me of the Grinch dog…

  I guess that makes me Grinch, LOL.

  Here’s some entertainment for you…

  Maxine's Night Before Christmas
  

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas!!!

1.   Clear large space on table for wrapping present.

Making a list and checking it twice…

So I shamelessly stole this from here

Love it though and wanted to share.

#1. Your dog sees you naked, but still respects you.

Honestly, how many people can you say that about? Seriously. Your dog sees you at your worst, pre-shower, pre-makeup, pre-everything that makes you look presentable, and still looks at you like a deity. Or at least, keeps the chuckles to a minimum.

#2. Your dog is content with being your fallback.

Who is always there for you when you’re date doesn’t show? Who is waiting for you happily after he or she's been ignored because of your busy social life? Who else would be thrilled to have you show up even though you’ve done everything in your power to find something else to do? Even when you come home after a horrible break-up, vowing to never love again, your dog is happy to teach you to do just that.

#3. Your dog keeps you from getting a fat butt.

That’s right. If you didn’t have to spend all that time taking your dog for walks, you’d likely be sitting around on your lazy bum. Sure, it seems like a drag when it’s ten degrees outside and your pooch is scratching at the front door, but your 24-hour personal trainer knows what’s best for you. Get moving!

#4. Your dog helps you to think about someone besides yourself.

Ever spent much time with someone who doesn’t like dogs? What do they all have in common? Complete self-absorption. I don’t like dogs because they’re messy. They smell. They take work. They always want attention. I’m too busy. Thanks to your four-legged friend, you’re not like those people. Your dog is a living, breathing reminder that the world is more than just you.

#5. Your dog is impossibly cute.

Sure, you sometimes take it for granted. Sometimes you forget it. Memories of your dog's puppyhood may seem thousands of miles away, and you often find yourself too busy to notice. But then you happen to look down from whatever “important” thing you’re doing and see those adorable eyes staring up at you, and you just can’t deny it. Your dog has more cute than a thousand Bambi movies.

#6. Your dog takes you places.

How often have you been introduced to a new experience just because of your dog? I’ve met lots of new friends, seen tons of new places and found scads of new activities merely because of my friendship with my dog. There’s nothing like starting a conversation with a complete stranger in a park because your dog is vigorously sniffing said stranger’s privates, is there? (It’s true! How many romantic comedies use that exact same scenario?)

#7. Your dog is your excuse.

Just as your four-legged friend gives you a reason to get out and see the world, your dog also can be your excuse to stay in. “I have to rearrange my sock drawer” just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you claim to have an obsessive-compulsive dog at home who will eat through your refrigerator door if you don’t feed him by precisely 7pm, that is strangely more plausible.

#8. Your dog reminds you that there is still good in the world.

It’s easy to forget. People cut you off in traffic. Some creepy guy stares at you non-stop in the subway. Your boss is a jerk. Your cab driver overcharges you. It’s enough to want you to shut the world out and hide on your couch all day. But when you get there, you’re greeted by someone who thinks the world of you, and who only wants to make you happy (oh, and maybe a nibble of whatever it is you’re eating).

#9. Your dog always gets the shaft.

Sure you may have nabbed the milk-bone with the bow on it at the supermarket checkout last year, but is that all that your constant companion is worth? You’ve spent more on a random holiday gift pool at the office than on gifts for your dog, haven’t you? What about a warm dog bed to get him up off the floor? Maybe a new dog collar and leash that doesn’t look like every other one? Some cute dog clothes that (almost) match your dog's level of cuteness? How about a new dog toy that will remind your best friend (and you) what it’s like to be a kid again? 

#10. Life is too short. Especially in dog years.

Though your pup’s in it for the long haul, it always seems too short. If you’ve ever lost a beloved dog to old age, you know that no matter how long you’ve been together, it seems like you could have done more. More walks. More playing. More doting. When it’s all over, do you think you’ll wish you’d spent more time working and worrying? Not likely.

You know what you need to do? Go home and spend time with your best friend. Thank your dog for everything. Your dog may not understand every word, but he or she understands your heart.

Wet puppy kisses to you all…  Have a good weekend.

I have been experimenting so if you’ve seen me on your Space without a comment, I was looking around. I have two solutions to finding new blogs that I want to share. One is to add your friends RSS Feed to www.my.live.com. Nice thing about My Live is you can see all your favorite blogs on one page!! I have found that only a few of you do not allow the RSS Feed but I will go through how to be sure it is on. The other is to sign up for Alerts. Both require the blog owner and visitors to set up the access. 

Owners this action allows allows your reader easy access to your Space updates, so please… pretty please… 

1.  Go to your Space and click on Customize

2.  Click on Modules

3.  Show the Visitors Tools – please leave it at the top someplace (mine is under the title and tagline)

4.  Save and you are done

RSS Feed

1.  First owners turn on the RSS Feed:

Go to:    Spaces – Options – General

Syndicate this space

Choose whether to syndicate your space.

Syndicate this space

Syndication url will be http://rosebayfl.spaces.live.com/feed.rss

If you syndicate your space, it can be read by news readers and aggregators and people who use Windows Live Alerts can choose to be notified when your space is updated.

2.  Go to the Space you want to see updates for

3.  Then add the feed to www.my.live.com one of two ways:

a. Click on Add to Live from the Visitors Tools

b. If the Visitors Tools is not showing -- Under your sign in on the right top click Tools

Tools

• Send a private message
• Subscribe to RSS feed
• Tell a friend
• Add to My MSN
• Add to Live.com
• Add to Messenger
• Sign up for alerts

Help

Click Add to My Live

4.  Want to know who updated? Go to www.my.live.com From there you can see the past five blogs, hover over the “more” to get a snap shot of the blog entry or click on the title to go to blog. Of course you can click on the name and go to their Space. As I said, you can see all your favorite Spaces on one page – cool!!!

I’ll be sending private messages to those who have it turned off and ask if they would turn it on. Don’t be afraid to say no, I’ll still get there to read your blogs. :)

Alerts

This way really needs the cooperation of the blog owners by adding the Visitor Tools (instructions above) and I am asking everyone to add this to make life in Spaces much easier.

1. Click on the Alerts button

2. Decide where you want your updates to go – messenger and/or mail

  NOTE -- If you are the owner click on Alert and be alerted about new comments!!

Ok  I know these instructions are cryptic and I would be happy to walk anyone through any of this. Send me an IM rosebay_fl@hotmail.com or email me (same address). I just know we can make this easier…

On the first day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
The Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the second day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the third day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me 
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
Eleven unwrapped presents 
Ten Christmas cards I shoulda mailed
My wreath in nine pieces
Eight tiny reindeer fragments
Seven scraps of wrapping paper
Six yards of soggy ribbon
Five chewed-up stockings
Four broken window candles
Three punctured ornaments
Two leaking bubble lights
And the Santa topper from the Christmas tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my puppy gave to me
A dozen puppy kisses And I forgot all about the other
Eleven days.

Lil dog can play fetch for hours. Even when I don’t want to play, he keeps bringing it back. We play with a stuffed toy we call “Piggy” (see the toy lamb in the photo album for the current Piggy). Piggy was his first toy when we brought him home and he always knows his stuffed toys by this name. When I am done with playing (or I should say he lets me be done), he sometimes takes to tearing the stuffing out of Piggy . So I then have little white puffs around. This morning when I got up and saw the white covered floor, I laughed thinking it was snow and he has started decorating. Maybe he is ready for the tree?

PS Just a reminder - Tis the Season for Christmas cards. I received a Hallmark card today from someone and did not click the link. Instead I went to Hallmark and sent myself a card to see what a legitimate card looks like. The one I sent myself looks nothing like the one I reveived. Snope states that Windows protection will not allow the famous Hallmark virus but why take a chance? FYI - the Hallmark card I sent myself required my last name AND it was addressed FROM my email address. You may want to try this just so you are aare of what is i your inbox. I personally use American Greetings but will opt not to send this year due to the virus threat. Happy Holidays and be careful out there.