Land of Osbourne

 Greetings!  I realize its been a bit since I've posted an update, however the world sucks right now, and I simply didn't have the urge to type up an update.  I am no longer employed with Hunter Douglas as of June - they closed the location I worked from and did not offer a stay at home option.  When I was first let go, I honestly thought that me finding a new job wouldn't be that bad.  With COVID + Crohn's Disease though, it changed the landscape of the jobs I wanted to apply for.  I am primarily focusing on work from home employment, for obvious reasons. I've noticed the pay typically sucks, but I haven't given up yet.  I just signed up for  "MNSURE" health insurance, so fingers crossed that it is adequate enough to cover things, until with any luck the US Government can get their head of their ass and get the US some universal coverage... John and I adopted 2 kittens from a gal in town. Originally I was only going to adopt one, Maverick, but th...

 

 

 

 

  If you're in old habits Set in your old ways Changes are a-comin' For these are changing days And if your head is in the sand While things are goin' on What you need, what you need, What you need is a change of habit Now if you're in the habit To let your temper fly When you talk with people Who don't see eye to eye And if you don't believe it There's a newer world ahead What you need, what you need, What you need is a change of habit A change of habit, a change of outlook A change of heart, you'll be all right The halls of darkness Have doors that open It's never too late To see the light So if you're in the habit Of putting people down Just because they're different From the wrong side of town Well, don't count on any medals son They're pinning none on you What you need, what you need, What you need is a change of habit

  Rachel....or whatever  I am posting this on my blog to clear a few things up, on the off chance you stumble this way and read it.   I know what happens when I email you.    First and foremost, you need to know that I will never forgive you.  Nothing you say or do will ever change that. Additionally, although you're my sister biologically, not only do I not recognize you as such, and never will, I also no longer feel any sort of kind or loving emotion towards you at all.   That will also never change.  You know, and I know that Bernie  GAVE  me Susie's wedding ring.   He didn't give it to you, he gave it to me.   I know the EXACT date he gave it to me, the occasion and why he gave it to me.  In the past, I've asked you to return it to me. You vehemently refused numerous times and finally said that if I gave you "Mike's File" back, you'd give me the ring back.  I sent the file to Mom. YEARS AGO.  Y...

  The car on the left, AKA Clarke is the 2000 Chevrolet Camaro that John bought for me after selling his Harley Davidson. The car on the right is our 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk, (8,000 miles on it!)  This car: Is our 1993 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 DRM 450       AKA Christine  This is a Doug Rippie tuner car, modified by Doug Rippie Motorsports We’re having it sent out today to have a new gas tank and exhaust installed. We haven’t driven it for a few years. Less than 60,000 miles, engine rebuilt has about 30,000 I think?

My family’s anthem. If you’re a member, you know the lyrics by heart 

Well readers,  Within the next few days, I will no longer be employed by Hunter Douglas.  On May 12th, it was decided to close the Roseville and Chicago locations of Hunter Douglas. June 1st, myself and my 2 employees began the difficult job of clearing out the office.   I'm sad to be forced to leave this position, as I've been in this industry since January of 1999.  First Steven Fabrics, then Warren Steven, then HD came in and I wound up here.  Fingers crossed I can find something that will make me happy.  In other news, John and I adopted 2 kittens from a gal in Cambridge.  One looks like a tabby/bengal mix, the other is mostly white with a few tabby markings.  Originally, we were just going to adopt the tabby we named Maverick (looks like he has a giant M on his forehead).  The gal we got them from asked if we'd consider adopting his brother, Marshall too, as the two were very bonded.  Sure why not.   Welcome Mave...

Growing up, both of my parents were full time workers.  My Dad worked at the Twin Cities Ford Plant, and my Mom worked for GNB Batteries.  From time to time, Mom needed to go on business trips.  When that happened, Dad would cook. (I'd imagine you can see where I am going with this)  Dad wasn't really the greatest cook, and as such, my sister and I both knew that if Mom was going out of town, that meant Dad was going to cook.  And if Dad was going to cook, that meant only one thing.  Oh Ick.  Oh Ick is one of Dad's favorite meals (I really can't conceive of why), Oh Ick consists of overcooked elbow macaroni and tomato soup. I am not exaggerating when I say we would CRY if he made it because we both hated it so much, which is where the name, "Oh Ick" came from.  Oh Ick has evolved somewhat over the years, and has now become a staple at family gatherings, to the point that when handing out pot luck assignments, someone alw...

​For some people, music isn't a huge part of their lives. At the most they'll listen to the radio in the car, or when the alarm clock goes off, but really no more than that.  For me however, music is a huge part of my life, and I think it stems from my upbringing and what I was exposed to from an early age.  My Dad was in a band when he was younger with some cousins, they had a group called "Dukes of Earl".  My Dad's cousin was the lead singer, who as it happens is a huge Elvis Presley fan as I am. Dad plays the guitar, banjo, drums and piano.  I played piano, so did Mom.  When I heard or discovered a song I really liked, typically I'd go and get the sheet music so I could learn it on the piano.  Music accompanies my life daily.  Monday - Friday at work, when I am working on an order entry project, I love having my music playlist keeping me company.  On the weekend, when its housework time, I can't do it without music.  When I am ...

Since I was a teenager I have almost always had some sort of aquarium or fish tank.  When I lived at home, I had one in my bedroom, then later moved it out to the kitchen.   When John and I moved into our first apartment together, I brought my aquarium with me, and had one at nearly each of the locations we lived thereafter.   Fast forward to our current residence.   I again had a large aquarium and stand (that was given to us for free), and decided to set it up with fish, as its been a while since I've had a set up. Initially, I wanted fancy goldfish, mostly because they're easy to care for, you don't need a heater because they're cold water fish, they're not expensive and they're pretty.  A friend of mine reminded me that goldfish are always looking for food, and will constantly disrupt the gravel making a mess.  Okay, so I reluctantly went the tropical fish route.   I chose lots of little fish, tiger barbs, ...

Before my husband and I moved into our first house (townhouse actually), we lived in an apartment in Blaine.   One day, we came across the startling revelation that our baby rainbow boa constrictor had escaped her aquarium. (insert extreme panic here)  We did a cursory search, and found nothing.  More panic.  Then, I sat down on the floor in front of where her aquarium was, and closed my eyes, and tried to "think like a snake".  If I were a snake, on the lam, where would I go first upon aquarium escape?  I looked around the room, and about 2' from where the aquarium is a heat vent along the baseboard of the wall. Hmm. Right by the corner where the two walls meet, was small opening, between the wall where the heat vent / pipe thing was.  Bingo.  If I were a snake, that would be the first place I'd go.  I got a flashlight and sure enough. There she was. (well shit) Prior to this discovery, we were getting rea...

So, I was talking to Kim, and mentioned that yesterday I had a cup of Aveda Comforting Tea and that it was great, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed it, as I hadn't had it in a while.  Kim then asks me if she has given me a teapot yet ... (yet? is this some sort of friendship thing that happens between friends after a while? you give teapots to each other? began to wonder if I'd missed some milestone or something) I said no, I am a teapot free gal. Then she goes on to describe the 3 (yes 3) teapots that she has and went over the features and benefits of each, I was impressed, she could have sold a teapot to the Keurig peeps I was so impressed with her passion. I then asked her if it the teapot was short and stout? Kim responded: "No, its tall and handsome" Well damn!  I'm gonna get me a tall handsome teapot. Nice.  (will it look like David Boreanaz? Jensen Ackles? Luke Perry? Elvis Presley?)  Love ya Kimber!

So, I normally don't post about political stuff on my blog, but I just gotta get this off my chest.  Okay, here's the thing.  No one is going to agree on who is better or why.  Everyone is going to have their own opinion, and really, don't we all know that?  I mean, its not a radical concept is it?  So why do we have to shit all over each other for differing opinions? Can't we just support who we want to support, and may the best candidate win?  Does it really have any effect on the election if we are assholes to each other? NO! Believe what you want to believe, and let others do the same.  

Greetings & Salutations! (anyone know which movie that particular greeting comes from?) Recently, we've had some rodent issues in the lower level of our house.  We initially discovered it because we have a series of cameras in our home that are triggered by motion.  One morning I was checking the alerts for the camera, and there was a few around 1:30am in our downstairs. Ok. I clicked on the video and damn was I surprised to see a mouse literally RIGHT in front of the camera.  Another time I was using the downstairs bathroom, and I happen to glance to the left to the hallway and saw a mouse run by.  Ok. Yep. Its time to get some traps. We got a bunch of sticky traps and traditional mouse traps and this week we've killed 6. SIX!! Funny, John inspected each kill and determined they were 3 different species of mouse. The other day he was taking a sticky trap with 2 mice on it outside to the trash, and the second the cold air hit the mice, they both started to wi...

So, John and I rideshare to work, since I work in Roseville, MN and he works just outside of downtown Saint Paul.   We were about 20 minutes into our drive, (I was half asleep), and he suddenly exclaims "SHIT!"  I was instantly more awake, thinking there was some crisis, and I'm like "What??" He says: "I forgot my cell phone at home" I was a little surprised at his irritation, as its not like uses it for his job, and before I could respond, he said in a defeated tone, and sighed: "Now I can't text you and tell you I love you today"  I melted on the spot.  King of the Husbands folks. 

Some people think that pot of gold Is all they ever want to hold But there's a treasure, I think more of Measure for measure .. I'll take love Some people think that their success Is all they need for happiness But there's a pleasure, I think more of Measure for measure .. I'll take love Pound for pound oh yeah and Ounce for ounce love is all that really counts So let them have their wealth and fame Eat caviar and drink champagne You're all the treasure I'm dreaming of Measure for measure .. I'll take love

When I was a little girl, my parents paid for me to have piano lessons. From early elementary school to around the time I met John, I took lessons.  Certain songs I really enjoyed playing, and memorized.  Anytime I hear those songs, my fingers still remember (mostly) just what to do. Surprisingly, it even causes me to long to play a piano, although I do not own one.  I've tried playing eletronic keyboards in the past, and I feel sort of dumb for saying this, but the keys feel different. I mean, sure, the skillset is still there but its somehow not as enjoyable...or something than playing on a normal piano.   I remember the type of Piano it was, it was a Whitney Kimball.  If the day ever comes where I have the time and inclination, I'd like to pick up playing again.   I was pleasantly surprised how man free piano's are available on craigslist! The songs I memorized that I really liked to play are:  ​Can-Can Music Box ...

​So, the other day, John asked me what would happen if I stopped taking the medication I take (the list is irritatingly significant). I gave it some thought and answered him, but it got me thinking...about how close I could come to kicking the bucket without them, and its quite startling. ​ So here we go:  Immuran  -  Crohn's  Disease immune system suppressant Humira  -  Crohn's  Disease shutter offer (for lack of a better description) Metropolol  - blood pressure Omeprozole  - acid reflux now here is the fun ones: Seroquil  - depression/anxiety/panic Zoloft - depression/anxiety/panic Wellbutrin  - depression/anxiety/panic Xanax  - self explanatory  So, the first drug that is going to wear off (and I know this because I've missed a day taking it) will be  Omeprozole . Acid reflux will come roaring back - really painful. I'd have to eat a constant stream of antacids for minimal comfort ...

The other day, my BFF Kim and I were listening to "The Dave Ryan in the Morning Show", specifically "War of the Roses"  When we listen to this, she is usually getting ready for work at home and I am at work listening to it.  We frequently text each other commentary on what we're hearing.   Here is a snippet of a texted conversation: Kim: How are you? Me: Currently being bitched at by a customer Kim:   Why are people so blotchy? Kim: Bitchy Me: LOL - I hate blotchy people Me: I was super nice and professional. Blotch Me: LMAO - new insult by Kim - such a blotch Kim: My new word I guess, LMAO Look out blotches of the world!

Greetings Land of Osbourne readers! (all…2 of you? LOL) My last post was regarding my Boston Terrier, Ozzy and his trip to the Rainbow Bridge. I haven’t posted since, because I had nothing to say, really. I still struggle with the loss of Ozzy. I can’t look at his picture without tears welling in my eyes. I can’t think of him without terrible sorrow. Even as I type this, I find tears in my eyes…..I guess for now, that’s all I really can say.   In other news, we are quickly approaching the date that my best friend and I are going to Orlando, Florida for a Disney Vacation. I can hardly believe I am doing it, going on a trip without my John with me.   It’s a testament to my love, trust and friendship with Kim that even allows me the strength to do this.   We will be staying with a friend that we both went to high school with (meaning not paying for a hotel), he will be picking us up and shuttling us around (no transportation fees), and he has season...

Hello,  By now you've undoubtedly surmised that I have a little Boston Terrier named Ozzy, whom I love to pieces.  John and I love him and spoil him in every way.  About a month ago, he miscalculated while attempting to jump on the bed, and he fell off. He didn't miss a beat, he jumped right back up on the bed to give me kisses.  I didn't notice anything unusual until 2 weeks later, I saw a large swelling on his hind right leg. I assumed it was a bruise from falling off the bed.   Naturally, me being who I am, I worried about it quite a bit, so John took him to the vet to have them look it over. They agreed that it was a bruise and that it would go away in time.  3 days after that appointment, the vet called, asking to bring Ozzy back in, so they could aspirate some of the mass to make sure it isn't a Mast Cell Tumor, which my Ozzy has had 2 of and had surgery to remove in the last 2 years, this mass is the 3rd.  The surgery was ...

Friends, Romans, Countrymen... Hi All. How was your summer and fall? Good I hope.  John started a new job on Tuesday, and so far is quite happy, and significantly less stressed. We're still able to ride-share which was a very important aspect for both of us, not only for the obvious reason of saving money and not having to drive 2 cars, but we enjoy the time to and from work together as well.   Things are good at my work also. Found out I'm NOT going to the National Sales Meeting in February, which is just fine with me. I'm not a huge fan of travelling solo if I can possibly avoid it. . . LOL...so I was recently requested to fly to Colorado to train in a new guy.  I get to go on 11/25 - 11/28 to Colorado. I've always wanted to see the Broomfield location, which I've heard is HUGE. I also heard the Denver airport is massive as well.   My little Ozzy is doing fantastic, spoiled little guy that he is.   That's about all that is n...

I don't know when or if I heard it, but over the weekend this song got permanently stuck in my head, the following verse specifically: I finally got to whisper sweet words in her ear Convinced her that we oughta get away from there We took a little walk I held her close to me Underneath the stars I said to Sweet Pea "Oh sweet pea, I love you can't you see? love you love you love you can't you seee? Oh sweet pea, won't you be my girl..."  I posted it on my blog, forwarded it to my cousin...lets see if this will shake it loose...maybe I should hear that 1-877 kars for kids commercial? HA!

Rachel I am posting this on my blog to clear a few things up, on the off chance you stumble this way and read it.   I know what happens when I email you.    First and foremost, you need to know that I will never forgive you.  Nothing you say or do will ever change that. Additionally, although you're my sister biologically, not only do I not recognize you as such, and never will, I also no longer feel any sort of kind or loving emotion towards you at all.   That will also never change.  You know, and I know that Bernie  GAVE  me Susie's wedding ring.   He didn't give it to you, he gave it to me.   I know the EXACT date he gave it to me, the occasion and why he gave it to me.  John was there, as was Marilyn.   In the past, I've asked you to return it to me. You vehemently refused numerous times and finally said that if I gave you "Mike's File" back, you'd give me the ring back....

My Uncle Bernie gave me this great old Cuckoo Clock a few years before he died, he had it when I was a little girl, and I always use to think it was magic.  I love it, and it hangs in my living room, and I can’t help but think of him every time I glance at it. No matter how fast or slow the pendulum is moving, that clock is determined to be fast. If John or I don’t continually adjust it, it will always be off by about an hour.  💜

Unconditional love  is, in essence, true  love  -- so  different from the kind of  love  most of us have known all our lives that it deserves a   definition of its own.   Unconditional love  is caring about the happiness of another person  without any thought for what we might get for ourselves. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Finding out that this type of love you assumed you'd always have from someone isn't there anymore is painful. How do you respond to this realization?  Blame yourself?    Blame the other person? Keep trying to get the love back that never should have gone away to begin with? Which could wind up being an effort of futility and end up causing more pain? Learn a lesson from the entire experience and move forward with the knowledge it has shown you... On the other hand, what if they suddenly decide all is okay and suddenly they feel its time t...

Greetings !  So, back in 1993 when I began dating my husband John, he drove a 1985  Berlinetta   Camaro . (white, T-tops, fast, loud...you get the picture).  I have been a fan of  Camaro's  ever since. I particularly like that body style, as later on I owned 2 of them myself, a 1987 (which was totaled when I was in a car accident), and then its replacement, a 1988  Camaro .   Fast forward to April 17th, 2018. Our 21st wedding anniversary.  My husband has/had a 1999 Harley Davidson  Fatboy  I bought HIM for his 40th birthday.  He enjoys riding it, I enjoy it as well, but with so many distracted drivers, older drivers, younger drivers and foreign drivers, he just didn't enjoy it as much and I was constantly worried for his safety anytime he went out.   He sold his Harley and bought me a WHITE  CAMARO .  Granted, its not a 1985, but its as reasonably close as we're going to get and I...

No matter what you do or what happens, just do not quit. Posted: 31 Jan 2018 06:29 AM PST How does self-improvement apply to each of us? There is no one system or technique which applies equally across the board. There are numerous books, articles, teachers, techniques and schools of thought to guide us in our quest for self- improvement. There are a number of common threads running throughout all of these. Here are just a few of them: * Treat others as you wish to be treated. * You become what you constantly think about. * You determine what you are and what you will be by the choices you make. * When you honestly and deeply believe something it will become true. * Eat, breathe and live as though you were wealthy and you will become wealthy. * When your main focus is on lack and poverty you will continue to be poor and lacking. * Visualize what you wish as though it were true right now and not at some future date. * Take action on your wishes (dreams, desires). * ...

​So, as you've no doubt surmised by this point, I live in Minnesota, land of 10,000 lakes  (its actually closer to 14,000 lakes) , and 10,000 feet of snow every winter.  (slight exaggeration)  When I was young and stupid, I drove a Camaro, and the first year I owned it I made the not so bright decision to drive it during the winter. Its worth noting that my husband John has driven Camaro's in the winter as well.  Camaro's are rear wheel drive, and are NOT designed for winter travel in any way shape or form. ​Regardless if you put lots of weight in the rear end  (another winter time must)  it will simply not do well.   A few years down the road, I also owned a really nice Mustang. Having driven a Camaro in the winter, John and I knew it wouldn't do well, so we had no plans of driving it, however we did have to move it from one parking lot to another one winter day and we were shown how poorly Mustangs do. Worse than Camaros in fact....