Very Quick Wrench Question

This should cover it.

http://parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=21

Bear in mind that when you retension the chain the brake pad alignment will need to be checked.

Right, so I've sucessfully put the new inner tube in. Had no idea how much chain tension I needed/wanted when putting the wheel back on so I just pulled it back as far as it can go till it felt really tight.

Now the problem is, and I had this before I took the wheel off (ive only recenyl decieed to look at it) is that it appears the brake lever on the back does not have enough tension. First of all, the side nearest the cable running down (ie the left one as you look from the back of the bike toward the front) sits too closely to the wheel and when you pull the lever, it doesnt come on hard enough, either side. It looks to me that I jsut need less slack up front, but the brakes do not have barrel adjusters, and looking on both part tools and sheldon brown i cannot seem to find the answer.

I really do not want to take it into a bike shop as I want to do everything myself (best way to learn). This is, however, making me want to switch from single speed to fixed totally, but I don't feel quite ready for that yet and also feel I am cheating and just giving up on the brake issue!

Can anyone offer any advice?