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Gym Membership Dear Diary

Dear Diary,  For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.  Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.  I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.  My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.  ______________________________ __  MONDAY :  Started my day at  6:00 a.m.  Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!  Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful

love

"You love someone, you open yourself up to suffering; that’s the sad truth. Maybe they’ll break your heart; maybe you’ll break their heart and never be able to look at yourself in the same way. Those are the risks. You see two people and think they belong together, but nothing happens. The thought of losing so much control over personal happiness is unbearable. That’s the burden. Like wings, they have weight, we feel that weight on out backs, but they are a burden that lifts us. Burdens that allow us to fly." 

Music

Music is an interesting thing. It changes how you feel, reminds you of good things and bad.  For some, they can take music or leave it.  For others, they can't imagine a day without music in it, and that would be me.  I love most all types of music. The only type I really don't enjoy would be "death metal" or things in  that sort of category. All other music, I enjoy.  On certain television shows, tv commericals or movies, music plays an huge part.  Here is a list of songs I won't be able to listen to without thinking of something else:  (in no particular order, other than what pops into my mind first)  Carry on Wayward Son - Kansas - Truthfully, I never heard the song before watching the TV show Supernatural. Now, not only do I associate that song with Supernatural, I have gone as far as downloading it.  Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper - This was featured prominently on an episode of my favorite show Bones. If you're

Happy

Greetings and Salutations!  Not sure if you guys are aware, but I suffer from chronic depressive disorder, which means that I will be on medication to help keep me smiling and sane, likely for the rest of my life.  It has taken some time, (3 years to be specific) to figure out my magic combination of drug therapy, and I think I've FINALLY got it figured out. (well, not ME on my own, but with the help of my doc) Despite my recent diagnosis of Gastroparisis, and the side effects and what that all means, the Crohn's Disease and we can't forget my bad knee too (which I realize needs surgery again, but until I can't walk at all, I'm not doing it).  Anyway - the reason for my post is, recently I came to the realization that I am HAPPY.  Sure, there are some things in my life I wish were different, just like anyone else, but I am smiling more and am happy.  In closing, I'd like to say this:  Some of the best prayers that I've prayed to

April Update

So, I am sure that if you have read anything on my blog, you are aware I have severe Crohn's Disease (Crohn's Colitis to be specific), and that I have had it for years. (2001 I was diagnosed). I think I've dealt with it fairly well, all things considered. I am happy to say I've been in a fairly strong remission for several years now, and hope to continue to stay there. I've been on IV infusions every 6 weeks of Remicade.  Anyway...since around November of last year I've been having issues with nausea. I didn't mention it to my "team" of doctors, because I figured it would go away. Well, it didn't.  In late March, I finally let the doctors know about this nausea thing. They did an upper GI (they stick a tube with a camera on it down my throat), that came back okay, then they did this stomach emptying thing, where they feed me, x-ray my stomach, wait an hour, x-ray, wait another hour, x-ray, etc.  Found out I have "Gastroparisis&quo

"My Life"

  Got a call from an old friend We used to be real close Said he couldn't go on the American way Closed the shop, sold the house Bought a ticket to the West Coast Now he gives them a stand-up routine in L.A. I don't need you to worry for me cause I'm alright I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home I don't care what you say anymore, this is my life Go ahead with your own life and leave me alone I never said you had to offer me a second chance I never said I was a victim of circumstance I still belong, don't get me wrong And you can speak your mind But not on my time They will tell you you can't sleep alone In a strange place Then they'll tell you you can't sleep With somebody else Ah, but sooner or later you sleep In your own space Either way it's okay You wake up with yourself I don't need you to worry for me cause I'm alright I don't want you to tell me it's time to come home I don't care what you say anym

Moist Double Chocolate Muffins

Moist Double Chocolate Muffins

Boston Terrier

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American Made Cars vs Foreign

So recently I was rear-ended, requiring me to relinquish my car to an auto body, and forcing me to drive a vehicle other than my own. If this event had happened in the summer or fall, it wouldn't have been a problem, all I would have had to do is drive the 1993 Camaro Z28. However since the Camaro has very large racing tires, it didn't seem like a good idea to pull it out of storage to drive in this awful Minnesota winter. I was authorized the use of a brand new Volkswagen Jetta. Under normal circumstances, I'd probably never have the chance to drive this type of car, because from the time I was a kid, it was impressed upon me the importance of buying an American made car, seeing as numerous family members, my Dad included, all held a job for Ford.  Naturally most of the family drove Fords, not only because they're good, reliable cars, but because employees get a pretty nice discount on new cars. Plus, since they work for Ford, most of them worked on cars too, so

You're Always There In My Heart

Spring is shining and its blowing, but you're always in my heart. life's wonderful, everything beautiful, 'cause you're always my other part. summer coming, sun keeps shining, 'cause You're always in my heart! Seasons come, seasons go But you're always there in my heart. Raindrops fall, breezes blow But you're always there in my heart. Photos fade, years have gone But you're always there in my heart. Time goes by, life goes on But you're always there in my heart. You're a part of me, as I am of you I can't leave you behind. You're a part of me, and whatever I do You're always on my mind. Through the years, joy and tears You're always there in my heart. Always near, ever dear You're always there in my heart. Always there in my heart!

The Stand, by Stephen King - big screen movie!

So, my favorite book of all time, which I re-read and listen to in audiobook format, is “The Stand” by Stephen King. I’m sure we’ve all seen the TV Miniseries that was done in the 90’s – which in my opinion wasn’t bad.  I think that Gary Sinise was the perfect Stu Redman.  Also, Adam Storke as Larry Underwood was spot on. For the last 2 years, rumors have been floating around about a big screen remake of this, for which I am a huge supporter and I can’t WAIT for more details. Currently I am listening to the audiobook of “The Stand”, and as I enjoy this, I am imagining in my mind which actors I’d like for characters. So, for fun, here is my dream cast – so far. What do you think? Randall Flagg – Tom Cruise (Don’t you think he’d make the ultimate “Dark Man”)? Nadine Cross – Jessica Alba Stu Redman – Josh Holloway Fran Goldsmith – Natalie Portman  Larry Underwood – Justin Timberlake Lucy Swan – Drew Barrymore  Glen Bateman – Anthony H

Rear Ended - AGAIN

On April 18th 1995, I was involved in a car accident. My Camaro was rear-ended and it was totaled. I was in physical therapy for 1 year after. Monday February 24th at exactly 4:40 pm, I was on the way to go pick up John from work. I was at the interesection of 18th Ave NE and Fillmore. I stopped at the 4 way stop (it is a residential type neighborhood), and had just started across the intersection, when B A M! I was hit from behind. I didn't see him coming at all. The other driver drove a foreign made pick up truck and had slid right through the intersection and slammed into me. He did try to swerve, so most of the damage is on the rear passenger side of my car. My bumper is broken on both sides, and cracked in the middle. It looks like its going to fall off. When the guy came to talk to me, he didn't want to give me his name, phone number or insurance info. He said all I needed was the licence plate number. Really? So....what I just look up the information on the int

26 Things Minnesotans Do That Seem Odd To Everyone Else

Some things Minnesotans do are actually mind-blowing-ly odd to people from other places. 1. We use snowballs to play fetch with our dogs. Sometimes they don’t know what to do with them. 2. At random during the winter, Minnesotans take a break from their day to just start their cars. Not to go anywhere, just to hear the glorious sound of an engine starting (and to make sure the engine will start at -40 degrees). We also leave our cars running sometimes when we go shopping. We rely on Minnesota nice maybe a bit too much. 3. We get so much snow on the top of our cars that those scrapers just don’t work. So we use push brooms. 4. What’s that you say? The temperature is over 32 degrees? Shorts and t-shirt weather. 5. In April, yes April, we sled down 2 story tall snow hills created by plowing snow off of parking ramps. 6. We eat hot dish. The rest of you call it casserole, but you’re wrong. 7. We consider sledding a date night activity. Nothing says romance quite like bundlin

Merry Christmas Baby Goose

This is my first year without my Katie Goose. We didn't get out our big indoor Christmas tree, we didn't bring in our assortment of beautiful ornaments, we didn't bring in our stockings with the names on them. We have a 12" tree sitting on our kitchen table. Neither John or I wanted to bring the big tree, ornaments and stockings in. Neither of us wanted to see Katie's stocking that we wouldn't be hanging this year. Every day I miss my Katie Goose.  Very much more so now, as I am not buying presents for my Goose. John and I bought a little Boston Terrier ornament and put it over by where Katie's ashes are, that is our present to her and my sweet Rommy bear. I just found out, that the neighbor who lives behind us, upon hearing of Katie's passing, cried and cried. I found out that she would play ball with my Gooser every day when I was at work. Such a special little dog. Thank you God for allowing me to know and love Katie for the 12 years you

His Latest Flame - Remastered H.Q. 320 kpbs (Marie's the Name) - Elvis P...

3000 Miles To Graceland - Such A Night (Elvis Presley)

Show Your Joe

Vince Gill - Take your memories with you - this is for your Katie Goose & Rommy Bear - missing you always

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Borderline Personality Disorder

This explains SO much! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder

Being right - Rachel, this one is for you

Misunderstanding and disagreement in any relationship can actually be an opportunity to learn about ourselves.  However, most of the time we simply focus on how the other person is  wrong .  It is easier to point the finger than to look to ourselves and face the unpleasant truth that we may share some or all of the responsibility.  We think, "If he (or she) were only more considerate, had more time for me, or did the dishes more,  then  I'd be happy." Instead of looking at our own behavior, we believe that the other person is the problem.  We believe we are justified, reasonable and more than fair.   They  need to change. When I believe I am right, I spend an exorbitant amount of time re-hashing the situation in my mind.  I obsessively review the other person's responses and actions to find the evidence I need to be right.  In this internal dialogue, nothing changes.  I try to rebuild my case, yet I get nowhere.  If I continue down this path, when the time comes to di

Ozzy the Boston Terrier being silly

Boston Terrier

I've been promoted!!!

Hi Guys!  So on Friday of last week, I get a call from my boss in California. He asked if I would be interested in taking over as office manager for our office in Roseville, Minnesota.  I was really surprised to say the least. (me? an office MANAGER?)  I accepted. Over the last year I've been slowly been taking over more and more tasks from the current office manager, and now I get the whole kip & kaboodle.  She isn't fired or leaving or anything, but this frees her up to take care of her growing list of other duties involving sales representatives.   I haven't gone to college. No technical schooling, yet here I am making good pay as an office manager in a job I actually enjoy and like.  Had to share - thanks for reading.  April

Positive Thoughts

May every day of your life bring you fresh hopes for  tomorrow - because hope gives all of us our reason for trying. May each new day bring a feeling of excitement , joy, and wonderful sense of expectation . Expect the best, and you'll get it. May you find peace in simple things , because those are the ones that will always be there. May you remember the good times and forget the sorrow and pain , for the good times will remind you of how special your life has been. May you always feel secure and loved and know you are the best. May you experience all the good things in life - the happiness of realizing your dreams , the joy of feeling worthwhile , and the satisfaction of knowing you've succeeded.  May you find warmth in others , expressions of love and kindness , smiles that encourage you , and friends who are loyal and honest . May you realize the importance of patience and accept others for what they are. With understanding and love , you'll find the good

"Follow Up"

Greetings! I have my follow up appointment today with the digestive specialists to go over the results of my colonoscopy. Good news - no disease activity, no present inflammation, and the biopsies they took are all non cancerous. She did point out that I am at high risk for cancer so they are going to continue to closely monitor me. YAY!

To "let go"

To "let go" does not mean to stop caring, it means I can’t do it for someone else. To "let go" is not to cut myself off, it’s the realization I can’t control another. To "let go" is not to enable, but to allow learning from natural consequences. To "let go" is to admit powerlessness, which means the outcome is not in my hands. To "let go" is not to try to change or blame another, it is to make the most of myself. To "let go" is not to care for, but to care about. To "let go" is not to fix, but to be supportive. To "let go" is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being. To "let go" is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own destinies. To "let go" is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality. To "let go" is not to deny, but to accept. To "let go"

My Ozzy

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Bones Season 9 Spoiler

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Jax vs Booth vs Dean

So I was watching Sons of Anarchy yesterday, and the thought popped into my head, out of my 3 favorite shows, which lead actor would win? Round 1: Jax vs Booth = In this round, I am confident in saying Jax would beat Booth. Hands down. Round 2: Jax vs Dean =  tough call, but I am going to say Dean would win, for the simple reason he has Castiel as the ultimate back up, plus supernatural type weapons. Also, I sort of  feel that even if he didn't win per se, Jax wouldn't waste much of his time with Dean. Round 3: Booth vs Dean =  similar to round 2, I am going to go with Dean on this one. Same arguments. I'd like to think that Booth could win out over all the above, I think ultimately, Dean Winchester is a smarter,more cunning adversary with a unique arsenal at his disposal that neither Jax or Both have. Silly blog post? Probably, but ya know what? my blog, my rules. :) Have a nice day. :)

Oh, yeah, and....

This coming Friday, September 6th is my annual (every 6 months I get to do this) colonoscopy, to check the progress of the disease and to check for cancer again. Last time we did this song and dance, they found pre-cancerous stuff, which is the kind of thing that when it grows up it turns into cancer, so persona non grata. Which means, after midnight tonight -NO solid food. (cries!) NO food at all to be consumed until oh, 3pm-ish on Friday. No. I am not nervous or scared. I'm sure you've all heard before the prep is worse than the experience of it - which is true. I'll let you know how it all goes. If you recall 6 months ago when I did this, I had to go to the emergency room as there was a ton of internal bleeding from where the doc took a biopsy. Hoping not to relive that experience.

Who are you, mysterious reader?

So every once in a while, I check how many "pageviews" Land of Osbourne has. Usually I'm unimpressed. 9 views here. 4 views there. The last week or so, there are like....38 page views....43 page views.... Which begs the question, who are you? Do I know you? Did you stumble across "Land of Osbourne" by mistake? Are you stalking me? (wink, wink) Feel free to comment, make yourself known! April Osbourne, author of Land of Osbourne

Tears for Katie

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying...you found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away  a tear. "It's me, I haven't left you...I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you that I am not lying there. I walked with you toward the house, as you fumbled for your key, I gently put my paw on you. I smiled and said, "It's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there. It's possible for me to be so near you every day. To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very

My Sweet Katie Goose

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So you guys know that my beloved Boston Terrier Katie crossed the rainbow bridge on June 15th. Being an avid Boston Terrier lover, I am a fan of any and all Boston rescue efforts. One of the ones that I "like" on Facebook is MidAmerica Boston Terrier Rescue - their website is:  http://www.adoptaboston.com/ They have a deal where you submit a photo of your Boston Terrier, and a $25.00 donation, and your Boston Baby is guaranteed a spot on the 2014 Calendar. I found out about this right around the time I lost my Goose. What better way to remember my sweetheart than to donate to this wonderful rescue site and immortalize my Goose? Here is the last picture I took of my Katie, the day before she crossed the rainbow bridge - this is the one I submitted. I received confirmation today that my Goose will indeed be on the 2014 Calendar. I cried a little, out of sadness and joy all at the same time. I love you Katie Goose. I'll see you again someday sweetheart. Until

Osbourne Update

Greetings & Salutations!  I figured I haven't updated my millions of fans out there so I am taking time to do so today.  I think when we last spoke I told you about my Katie Goose who crossed the rainbow bridge. I am doing better.  Earlier this week,  I dreamt that I was in a mental hospital because I couldn't stop crying. I kept telling everyone I lost my Goose, and that if I could just find her I would be okay.  They showed me a picture of my goose and asked if this was her, I said yes.  They took me down the hall and brought me into this little room, and opened a door, and Katie came running out, and into my arms. I sat on the floor with my legs crossed and held her in my arms and cuddled her and told her how much I loved her. She looked up at me and kissed me and she telepathically told me how much she loved me too. She was young, and slender and healthy.  Sorta neat huh?  You guys know I have birds, Gouldian Finches to be exact, also know a

Letting Go

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore.   It doesn't le ave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret.    Letting go isn't about  winning or losing.   It's not about pride and it's not about how you  appear, and it's not obsessing or dwelling on the past.  Letting go  isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and it doesn't leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness.   It's not about giving in or giving up. Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat.  To let go is  to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on.    It is having  an open mind and confidence in the future.  Letting go is learning  and experiencing and growing.   To let go is to be thankful for the  experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow. It's about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will  soon gain.   Letting go is having the courage to accept change,  and the strength to keep moving.  Let

Boston Terrier Information

 Boston Terriers… Are lively and active; generally  NOT  couch potatoes or over-the-top hyper Are house pets and must be inside with air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months Are energetic but  NOT  jogging partners, as they overheat easily, especially in hot, humid conditions Are amusing and can play on a moments notice, but can also settle down into your lap when playtime is over Love to cuddle and give wet kisses Are enthusiastic and occasionally rambunctious Have a great sense of humor and can sometimes be mischievous Are a great family pet. patient, tolerant, and reliable with children Are eager to explore new things in their environment Love to be the center of attention Have a high degree of intelligence but can be headstrong Often aim to please their owners Do well with other pets, though they can play rough Love for their owners to take part in their activities (playtime and one-on-one time is important) Prefer sleeping in bed with th

Case of the missing song

So by now, you've surmised I am a Elvis Presley fan. Naturally, I have numerous Elvis Presley CD's with a variety of his music ranging from early 50's to late 70's. I have an iPod and and iPhone. My music is with me always as such. I don't know if its happened to any of you, but occasionally a song is eaten by the iTunes monster and I have to find it for iTunes and show it where the file is so it will once again appear in my musical device. Song in question this time: King of the Road by Elvis Presley. I don't know where I got the song originally, as I couldn't find it on any of my CD's, and evidently I didn't download it from iTunes. Dad to the rescue. I emailed him my situation and within 30 minutes I had an email response with the attachement I needed! Just like that, "King of the Road" is back in my musical directory. Thanks Dad!

Goodbye Katie Goose

Today John and I are taking our precious Katie Goose to the vet for the last time. A few months ago she began having seizures and was put on medication. Thursday night they've returned, and again last night. Faced with giving her more pills to mask a brain problem or letting her cross the rainbow bridge is breaking my heart, but I can't keep her here with us and be selfish, is time for her to go home. I know my big sweet Rommy Bear will meet her and show her the way. 11:20 today we say goodbye. We've been blessed to have her in our life for the last 12 years, she's led a good, much loved life. RIP Baby Goose.

Boston Terrier's Katie & Ozzy

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