Archive for 2013

Going Around and Around

Monday, September 16th, 2013

checkered_flagThere are many interesting parts to my role at PeKu.  One of those is that I absorb a wide array of information daily, as I review our sites.  Of course, with twenty-three diverse publications, there are some that are of more interest to me than others.  Thankfully, with a capable team of writers and editors, I am able to take a quick glance at the topics which I find to be less entertaining or enthralling.

As I have mentioned previously, I am not interested in the world of gaming.  I also find NASCAR to be a monotonous sport.  To me it seems that it is just a continual line of cars going around the track, again and again and again. . .  I’m sure if I took more time, I could learn more about this sport and discover the excitement, but it just doesn’t feel like my cup of tea.

So, when articles are published on Gas Pedal Addicts, I take a quick peek, maybe skim a few words, and move along.  However, when it is time to redesign the publication or review its editorial calendar, I then need to delve more deeply.  Oddly, I find this to be another interesting part of my job.  For even though I am not a NASCAR fan, I do enjoy researching almost anything.

Before a redesign or content change, I study the topic.  I look at industry news and other publications to see what we need to do to stay on top of our game.  For a period of time I immerse myself in this subject area, brainstorm with team members, and then determine the best way for us to change and grow.  After implementation, we have a shiny, new-to-PKP publication, which is an exhilarating feeling.

Two weeks ago we launched our newest version of Gas Pedal Addicts. Although it is not one of my favorites, I think its new design and new column make it quite fabulous.  Take a peek, and let me know what you think.

The Value of Bargain Shopping

Monday, September 9th, 2013

dollar signWith teens that are in high school, the rush of back to school shopping is different.  When they were little, it was almost certain that they would outgrow clothing.  If they didn’t outgrow their outfits, they definitely were well-worn from recess, art class, etc.  Now, they are able to keep clothing items for greater periods of time, as long as they don’t have growth spurts or the style didn’t go out of fashion.

Thus, for the start of this school year, our 15 year old was fairly well-stocked for the start of the year.  We did purchase one new outfit for the start of school, but she seems to be all set until cooler weather returns.

Our 17 year old is another story. Although we shopped for him in the spring, he’s had another growth spurt, so yesterday we headed to the mall with hopes of finding some shorts still on the racks.  Imagine our delight when the first store we entered had a plethora of shorts available– and in his size and colors he liked!  Even better, the shorts were on sale, which meant saving some money but also getting a little extra.

We had set a plan of what items he needed and how many of each.  However, with everything (yes, every item we bought) on sale, we got an extra item of this and that.  Even buying more than planned, we still spent less than I had mentally budgeted for.

As we shopped for shirts and shoes, my son knew the value of checking the clearance racks.  When a shirt is a style you like and on sale, that’s the one to choose.  Saving money there allows for the splurge on another item that you really want, such as a customized item from The Tee Hive.  It’s all a matter of balance.

Although bargain shopping may not sound trendy, it sure does help expand the wardrobe.

Labor Day

Monday, September 2nd, 2013

workToday is Labor Day in the US, a day to celebrate the American workforce.  As it is a holiday and my husband and I have snuck away for a long weekend trip, I had considered making today’s post a simple one.  Maybe just “Happy Labor Day!” and a picture.  However, I decided that for this holiday it wasn’t the right choice.

PeKu Publications has been built on the work of my team and me.  Articles are due on a weekly basis, regardless to holidays or snowstorms.  When a writer is away or ill, the articles assigned to him or her aren’t eliminated; someone else fills the writing role.

As the CEO/Editor-in-Chief there have been many times when the world of the internet threw a curveball my way.  Ready to head to a function or to read a book on the couch, a work issue that needed immediate tending appeared, and my schedule was changed.  Regardless to whether a server needs to be checked, an article needs a second review, or an interviewee calls earlier than anticipated, I need to be flexible.

So, as I sit in our room at the bed and breakfast, I am writing my weekly Editorially Yours column.  With the joys of running PKP comes the responsibility to make sure that all runs well, regardless to the day or time.  So, after editing a few articles for an editor who is on vacation and completing this column, I will then go to breakfast.

Happy Labor Day to all, whether you are working or relaxing (or both) today!

Meet the Specialist- Kathy Gibson

Monday, August 26th, 2013

kathy+gibsonThis October marks one year since Kathy Gibson started serving as a regular contributor to Feathers Fins and Fur.  As the co-owner of Custom Canine Teaching in Vancouver, she provides our readers with knowledge and insight to help with a wide variety of dog issues and questions.  I was able to speak with Kathy to learn more about her.

Without further ado, here is Kathy Gibson.

MPK: You cover so many topics in Ask the Dog Teacher.  Do you have a favorite area of dog teaching?

KG: I really enjoy all of it. I enjoy people and dogs. It thrills me every time my information and guidance improves relationships. What could be better? But if I could only work in one area it would be with the scared, fearful dogs that may be reactive. Watching them blossom as they learn they are safe and that they can trust you to help them – is profoundly satisfying to me.

MPK: What do you like best about working with dogs?

KG: That moment they give that first look that says: ‘Hey you’re talking to me. And you’re listening, too! Thank you!’ That’s the moment the conversation begins. the dog agrees to work with me because my behavior has shown him I will work with him. I shiver everytime I get that first look.

MPK: Do you have dogs as pets?  If so, how many and what type?

KG: I have lived with hundreds of dogs of every shape size – as fosters and forevers. But for the first time in 30 years I only have one dog – a little maltipoo who came to us with massive emotional trauma. We have decided to live with only one right now because I have my ailing mom to care for and my writing to work on. But it’s hard to have just one!

MPK: What fun fact would our readers be surprised to learn about you?

KG:  I’ve completed training to become a Shaman. I’m now working on advanced courses.

A Balancing Act

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Help the EarthOur house has central air conditioning.  Living in New England, we need it for a decent portion of the summer, especially as we have a multi-floor house.  The first floor may be comfortable, but the second and third floors can become quite uncomfortable.

Keeping the house the correct temperature is a matter of balance.  First, I am perpetually cold.  As I type this, my toes are approximately ice cube temperature, although the rest of me is warmer.  So, for me, the higher temperatures and humidity aren’t bothersome, but for the rest of my family I know it becomes uncomfortable and makes sleep more difficult.

The second part of the balancing act, for me, is considering the environment.  Is it necessary to run the air conditioner, or are we just using gobs of energy when opening a window would suffice?  While the comfort of my family is important, so is it important to use resources wisely.  Turning the air conditioner off for a day, only to turn it on the next day is also impractical.

Thus, I try to watch the weather forecast and make decisions based on a multi-day approach.  If we will have a stretch of cooler days and nights, then the air conditioner is turned off.  If it is only a one-day spell, then the air conditioner stays on.  I also keep the room at a moderate temperature.  I should not need to be bundled in a sweatshirt and socks nor should members of my family be perspiring while indoors.

As with the air conditioner debate, I find it easy to focus on the comfort and care of ourselves, sometimes to the exclusion of the environment.  I think that is one of the reasons that I like the Be Green Info Quick Tips column so much.  Filled with simple ideas, it allows me to consider ways to care for the planet.  Sometimes this is a springboard for bigger projects, and other times it is just a quick solution. Either way, it helps Earth, which is a win.

With another month or so of summer-like weather ahead of us, I am sure I will be watching the weather to determine the best status for our central air.  Here’s to keeping a balance that works for everyone and everything!

TV Time Can Be Family Time

Monday, August 12th, 2013

rsz_televisionWhen my kids were little, I carefully supervised their television viewing.  How much they watched, what they watched, when they watched. Television before breakfast was a treat for sleepovers at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s.  Post-dinner family time involved reading books or playing a game.  Of course, back then they probably had only an hour or so between dinner and sleepy time.

Now, my kids are teens, and things have changed.  Sure, I keep tabs on their viewing habits, but I give them more rein.  As a high school senior, if you’re able to eat breakfast and watch Mike and Mike while doing so and get yourself to school on time, that’s fine with me.  The gap between dinner and bedtime is greater, so if you’re homework’s done (and your grades are good), it’s fine to relax with some screen time.

However, what I find most interesting about this change from parenting young children to older teens is the way in which we spend time together.  We were on a mini-vacation this past weekend.  After spending all of Sunday attending different events, we returned to our hotel at 9:00. I mentioned that the season finale of Next Food Network Star had just started but that we were recording it at home.  My daughter suggested we watch it together.  So, the four of us got comfortable and watched the show together, making predictions, hoping for our favorite contestants, and cheering when the winner was announced.

I find that watching a tv show with our teens is one of the better ways to connect.  When a commercial airs (or someone pauses the DVR), we talk about the show and, quite often, real world implications.  No, this isn’t the only time that my family sits together, but having a media diversion seems to open dialogues that might not otherwise be broached.

If you had asked me fifteen years ago what I thought about bonding in front of a television, I am certain I would have dismissed it quite judgmentally.  Now, as a parent, with more experience under my belt, I know that connecting comes in different times and places, so I embrace it where I can.

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