Right now I am...
tired
My dear neighbors volunteered to help me clear out my rather long driveway, and we also cleared out the hardened, iced-down snow that the plows left at the edges of my driveway.
I'm glad it's done now, but my GOODNESS, it was so much work. The thick layer of ice on top of the snow makes it very difficult to make quick headway.
At any rate, my Civic is dug out now, but I'm still gonna opt to drive my van until things are more back to normal. No sense in using my nice car at the moment!
a little nervous
...about how today is gonna go. Unfortunately, I did do a whole-body workout early yesterday morning because I didn't know we were going to de-ice/de-snow my driveway.
Soooo, my body is sore, which means I'm thinking my shift today (and and also Tuesday and Wednesday) might be a bit of a challenge.
happy
that my current BSN class is not feeling nearly as horrible as the last one.
I started having crash-outs in week one of that class! But I'm in week two of this one, and I haven't felt remotely close to crashing out. WHEW.
a little discouraged
about how many more classes I have to take. I feel kind of tired of being in school, and I know I should be done in about a year, but still...this program goes straight through the summer, which means I don't have any breaks until I graduate.
I know I will get through it, one day at a time, one class at a time. And I know I've been through so many semesters already...if I look at the big picture, I know I'm almost there.
But you know, sometimes you get a little tired when you're close to the finish line. All those previous miles catch up with you!
slightly wealthier
I just checked, and my pay raise came through! It's only about an extra $38 a week, but I am not going to say no to more pay.
That's almost $2000 over the course of a year, which is not nothing. 😉
relieved
that I didn't catch Covid.
One of my patients last week was sick with it, so of course I had to put on all the personal protective equipment each time I went in the room, which makes for rather unpleasant nursing.
But it appears to have been effective, because I am solidly not-sick, and I'm thankful for that!
unprepared
Normally I do a pretty good job of prepping for a string of shifts, but I dropped the ball a bit this time.
Which is why we are having a "right now" post today instead of something more in-depth.
Anyway, keep your expectations low for the next few days. Ha.
And now I need to go cook some eggs, make some coffee, and pack my lunch!
Happy Monday & have a great day! Glad you're dug out now, and that you didn't hurt yourself doing it even though you're tired from it. Enjoy your eggs & coffee 🙂
Right now I’m feeling a little more happy & hopeful. The monks on their Walk for Peace came through my area yesterday and I got to see them (along with thousands of other people who came out in the cold). Physically, I don’t know how they have done it — this is day 100 for them. I am grateful. Their presence in my social media feed — along with their awesome dog — has saved my sanity during this month of horrors. I’m glad I got to say thank you.
Hang in there this week, Kristen. And hang in there, Commentariat. I know it’s not Thankful Thursday, but I’m thankful for you.
Beth that's SO cool that you got to see them! I have been following along on social media and it's so inspiring. What an awesome event to see in person.
💕🪷 It was amazing.
I've also been following the Walk for Peace, and I'm so glad you were out there to support them 😊
Watching the monks, even online, is calming.
Right now I am:
—Not feeling well and wondering what that will mean for the week ahead.
—Tired from poor sleep last night.
—Excited about connecting with a client today after an unexpected break.
—Worried about getting someone to repair my roof that has two feet of snow on it and is leaking.
—Peaceful when I look out the window at the soft gray-blue morning sky.
I hear you on the clearing of snowcrete. The storm was a beast.
Could you take a break from your BSN classes? You deserve one and if you will be doing less nursing come summer that might be a good time to resume classes. Just a thought. You have been pushing through so much for so long. I know you are almost there but if the driving force is your goals and expectations and not some external factor(s) it's worth thinking about. It's okay to have time to take a breathe. This blog reader cares about your health.
Ha!
I love the term “snowcrete!” Growing up in Michigan, that is exactly what it is sometimes!
Remember to start and run the civic for a bit so the battery doesn’t die.
This is a very good tip! Especially in very cold weather.
Right now I am pumping milk and holding my baby! Baby girl Poppy arrived in January. (I tried to post on a thankful Thursday but I don't know if it came through...) Right now I'm very tired and not sure how long I can continue the pumping schedule... but breast milk is much cheaper than formula, so maybe the frugal heart will win over the exhaustion 😉
What wonderful news! Congratulations.
Congratulations!
YAY, BABY! I always found nursing in general to be so much easier and more convenient than formula in the end--plus, yes, much cheaper--that it was worth it to persevere during the inevitable awful parts in the beginning. I hope it works out for you!
Congratulations!
May you feel less exhausted soon. And may baby Poppy grow up healthily and cheerfully!
Welcome, Poppy! Hang in there, Andrea.
Congratulations!! my daughter just had her third and I forgot how chaotic it is everytime. Hang in there after several months it will start to smooth out breast feeding wise and sleep wise.
And I love the name Poppy.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby! I know it’s exhausting, but these snuggly days are so precious. Keep going, mama! You’re doing a great job!
Love the name Poppy! Congratulations on this wonderful news.
Good news in these troubled times = delightful! Hello, Poppy, and congratulations to Andrea G and family!
Welcome to sweet Poppy!
I've breastfed, pumped, and bottle fed- each have upsides and downsides. The important thing is baby gets fed. Take care of yourself too!
What great news; congratulations! Personally I'm amazed that you even have energy to type out a comment. Give Poppy extra hugs from your internet friends : )
Congratulations! What wonderful news about little Poppy. I love her name.
Oh, Poppy's arrival is the best news yet! Sending both of you virtual hugs and flowers. I'm sure your baby girl is just precious and beautiful. I hope you get your much-needed rest and that everyone is helping you adjust.
Such wonderful news- welcome baby Poppy! New motherhood is exhausting at times - I wish you well, lots of strength and some sleep.
It is very very chilly and windy in
Florida. Too cold to be outside and tempting to be a slug inside. I am enjoying some "clean out the fridge" soup and drinking a lot of hot tea.
Congrats!!! Yay baby. Keep strong, chica.
Oooh baby snuggles and adorable baby feet! Congratulations on the arrival of Poppy!
Breast is best and miraculous. The connection between mother and baby is so in tune with the baby's needs that you will produce exactly what she needs at the time she needs it. My college roommate studied this as her doctoral dissertation. All amazing and made me donate breast milk for my niece who was born premature due to a horrific car accident and my sister was in a coma and her milk was unable to be used. My body understood and started producing enough for both babies. Amazing! Word of the day, ha!
Congratulations on your new baby girl! I love the name Poppy! Enjoy all the baby snuggles!
Andrea, congratulations! Poppy is a beautiful, happy name!
Well done on the snow clearing!
Right now, I am drinking coffee after lunch and feeling relieved that some life admin got done and hoping that a problem I alerted my landlord about will be fixed tomorrow. I am thinking that I should go to the gym later but not feeling very motivated! I'm hoping the weather warms up soon and happy that I was able to stock up on food (and I got some on sale) at the supermarket. I am very excited about going to Florence next week!
Buon viaggio!
Grazie!
Remember the Italian word for "where" is " dove". I used that a LOT all over Italy! Dove train station? Dove Trevi Fountain? Dove Uffizi? Dove Duomo? I have to say, Italians are awfully nice!
I didn't know that! Thanks for the tip 🙂
And it is pronounced doevay
Right now I am getting ready for a remote working day. I see a few meetings on my calendar, so they may or may not be cancelled, we'll see. Usually I love a "catch up day", but I see things getting rescheduled and my later in the week schedule piling up. I'll take it one day, one hour at a time.
I did make broth and soup yesterday, we couldn't even get out of the house except through the garage door, the drifts were so high.
So I'm feeling calm but a little blah. I think my past few weeks of being super busy and overscheduled is catching up with me.
I retired over six years ago, but I still remember the wonderful, open feeling of cancelled meetings. It was similar to the feeling I had as a child when the radio announcer would say school was cancelled due to winter weather. Yay! I'm sure my mom felt differently about her day since that meant all three kids would be at home.
Right now I'm moving around in the quiet dark, prepping lunches and starting breakfast, after I took my daughter's dog out for his way-too-early morning constitutional.
I hate how the plows leave the ridge of icy, clumped snow at the bottom of the driveway- they always seen to leave so much as were near a corner and they don't want a big pile by the stop sign. Glad you had a friend to help!
Right now I'm sad! My husband of 44 1/2 years passed away on January 14, 2026 after his body gave out from Inclusion Body Myositis (a muscular disease). He wasn't bed-bound but was getting closer to that.
But I'm also thankful that he was still able to go out to church just a couple weeks before he passed (he loved doing that). And I'm thankful that I was able to care for him in our home and he didn't have to live in a nursing home. I'm thankful that he knew what was going on and only had confusion the last couple days of his life. And most of all, I'm thankful that because of his faith in Jesus, I know he's in heaven and that I will be with him again someday!
But there are so many decisions to make and so much paperwork! Ugh!
Oh Debby!
I am so sorry for your loss! Praying for you as you navigate these difficult days. Please remember good self care—you are important!
So very sorry for your loss.
I'm very sorry for your loss!
I am so sorry about your recent loss. I just said a prayer for your husband, and for you as you navigate these difficult first days, weeks, and months without him.
Debby, my prayers are with you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Debby, I am very sorry for your loss and understand that feeling of overwhelm on top of grief. I'm sure you're getting advice left and right - but be sure to take care of yourself first and foremost so that you can make future decisions with a clear and healthy head. That's harder than it sounds, and this is a tough time no matter what - give yourself a lot of grace.
I am very sorry for your loss. I am glad you had a long happy marriage and hope that sustains you going forward.
So very sorry for your loss. I’m thankful he knew the Lord and you have such a heart of gratitude in his final days. My prayers are with you for peace and comfort.
Debby, Thinking of you with love. I’m soo sorry for your loss and wish you well as you navigate this. What a wonderful and long marriage you had with your dear husband. May that comfort you a little.
Debby, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Debby, I'm a still fairly recent widow myself, so my heart goes out to you. Gina from The Cannary Family has offered exactly the advice I would have, so I won't repeat it. But I wish both you and your husband "the peace that passeth all understanding."
Debby, I'm so sorry. Haley expressed my thoughts exactly - I'm sorry for your loss; thankful he knew Jesus and you'll see him in heaven, and inspired by your loving care of him.
sorry for your loss. may your husband's memory be for a blessing.
Oh, Debby, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad your DH knew Jesus and is with Him now. Praying for you to have the strength you need in this difficult time. You are so good to see the blessings even in your season of grief.
I am very sorry for your loss. May all the thankfuls you still managed to list in spite of your loss, sustain you in the time to come.
I'm sending you good thoughts, Debby. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Debby I'm so sorry for your loss. His memory will be a blessing. I hope you know that this community is always ready to offer an ear and a shoulder.
Debby, such a loss. You will be in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for your loss, Debby. Take good care of yourself.
Sending you a great big (((( H U G )))) from one widow to the next. It has been 4 1/2 years for me, but this morning I had to contend with yet another acct that he set up and I have not a clue of his password. As for grace as you tackle your piles of paperwork.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Praying for peace, strength, and extra hands to help you navigate all of the decisions and paperwork.
So sorry for your loss. Blessings and comfort to you in the days ahead.
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Give yourself all the grace, and trust that those who care about you will do the same.
Oh Debby, I am very sorry for your loss. Sending you comfort and strength in the time ahead.
So sorry, Debbie. My dad passed in August. He and my mom had 63 happy years together. Like you, we have the beautiful assurance that we will see him again in heaven, but the earth days are still hard. Sending peace and love to you.
Thinking of you. Others have said good things and I agree, won't repeat.
Right now I am ready for warmth! I am not getting warmth, mind you, in frozen Chattanooga 🥶, but I am ready for it! I am thankful we are supposed to start being above freezing during the days this week. VERY thankful we did not lose our electricity like so many other poor souls have. Also so very thankful for our wood stove insert in the fireplace, and wood to burn. Even with electricity, our poor heat pump only blows cold air when the temps get as cold as we have been having. It has been a blessing to have that wood stove actually help with putting out some heat!
Right now I am…..
Enjoying my morning cup of tea watching the gorgeous full moon go down.
Watching a few cars venture out, testing how much refrozen ice is on the road.
Gearing up to help hubby finish clearing the 13” of snow out of our circular driveway. We live on a corner, so our driveway comes in behind the house and goes out in the front. So convenient except for snow removal!
Wishing you all a warm and safe day!
Right now I am drinking my coffee and lamenting another day of e-learning because SC cannot handle winter! I'm a teacher, my husband is a teacher, and we have 2 young, but school aged kids. Everyone is e-learning in this house and... it's not going well 🤪
Oh NOOOO. Virtual learning is the worst with little kids. I can't even imagine trying to deal with that on top of both of you teaching. I hope you go back to school in person as soon as possible!
HUGE CONDOLENCES on so much e-school. I'm live north of you and SO grateful that my district just builds extra days into the calendar each year so that we don't have to deal with that style of "learning."
Enjoying a moment of peace, a cup of tea, and a frugal breakfast. I am mostly a lurker here but wanted to say that I'm so grateful for the vibes here! My grandson will be up soon and then peace will be laid aside for gratitude and wiggly snuggles
You're not just a "lurker," you're a reader! You're still part of the community even when you aren't active in the comments. Thanks for saying hi and hope you have a nice day 🙂
Right now I am getting ready to drive to Florida from .... very cold - single digits and very snowed in - over 30 inches on the ground Michigan. Friends graciously gave us a week at their condo so I need to pack and get ready which is something I despise. But I know it will be wonderful so I press on. As far as school Kristen, just keep telling yourself "I just need to think about this class/semester." My RN to BSN was 10 semesters, in person. I also had some extra classes like intermediate algebra 33 years after high school algebra. The only way I survived was one class/semester at a time.
Right now I'm waiting for the plumber for some much needed bathroom repairs. I'm thankful that I have the money set aside for this - not frugal to not be able to do it myself, but no interest on the bill.
I'm thankful for temps in the 20s after 10 days of negative temps.
Timely! I was just thinking about "right now" as I was slowly waking and getting ready to get going. My intentions this week are to walk daily, hydrate well, stay engaged in a (small) project or two, and rest. The ice storm last week drained my batteries a little, too. But I find that when I am sore, the best remedy is to move those muscles and get that lactic acid out of them, keep those joints moving. Usually as I move, I feel better. One more day of my workweek and tomorrow I start my Saturday! So right now I am
*a bit tired
*caffeinated and ready to get dressed for work
*dreading doing my tax return, but determined
*tired of cooking so I will eat out some this week
Happy Monday!
Our first apartment in Albany, New York, had a parking area that was right by the street. It meant we didn't have to shovel out a long driveway, but it also meant there was always a three-foot packed ridge of snow right behind our car from the plow that we had to chip out every storm, with no room to maneuver. Don't miss that.
So! Right now, I am . . .
--Sitting in my chair in the living room with all the lights off except one, and my candle burning. I prefer rooms without a ton of light, but as soon as my family wakes up, it's like an interrogation room in here. So I'm enjoying my dim, quiet start to the day.
--Listening to the fire in the woodstove to make sure it's going well. It's in the dining room, but I can hear it from the living room. I had a bit of trouble starting it this morning because I didn't have quite enough kindling. So I'm listening to make sure I can still hear the crackling that means it's burning well. I don't turn the space heater in the living room on when I'm up by myself first thing, even though it's only 55 degrees in the house when I get up, because I hate listening to the blowing and then I can't hear the fire.
--Thankful we've warmed up so that we don't have to put the one dog without a lot of fur into the crate in my hsuband's office at night. When it's really cold day and night, both dogs are in there intermittently throughout the day and we actually have to take them out to walk them so they'll go to the bathroom. I like having dogs that are entirely outside, and I'm glad the crates can once again be put in the shop so the dogs can be out all the time.
--Going to wake my husband up so he can have his coffee and get ready for his bus run. And then I start the waking of children, putting of clothes on the woodstove to warm up for them, breakfast making, reminders about games, snacks, clothing, etc. etc. etc. until they go out the door at 7:30 a.m. It's a mom's life. 🙂
Have a good day! I hope your soreness doesn't impact your work day too much.
I decided to add to my name since I saw another Diane was posting, too.
Right now, I am feeling the best I have since getting sick on Tuesday. I can only assume I had a ‘flu since the fatigue, joint, & muscle pains were incapacitating. I felt a little worse each day I woke up- it was miserable. We had 7 inches of snow this weekend which is rather a lot for this part of the world. I am so a cold weather person & I am loving it!! I made 3 different soups the previous weekend during our ice event & I was so grateful for the leftovers while sick. Looking forward to rejoining society!!!
Can I ask where in TN you are? I spent a few days in Knoxville and loved it. It's a more interesting place than I expected and I'm looking forward to going back sometime.
NE TN in the Bristol, Kingsport, Johnson City area
Diane, that is a long time to feel miserable. Here's to better days!
Love the tiny bluebird in the window against the snow!
A pastor I listen to online said last night that studies show the happiest people are those who serve others. Your beautiful smile immediately came to mind, because you are the poster girl for joy in serving! Thank you for the reminder that when we give ourselves to others, we get way more in return.
Right now I am enjoying my favorite time of day: coffee and journaling time in a quiet cozy house. Not even the cats are awake!
Right now I am trying to warm up. LOL
When I left for the gym, it was -2F. On my way back it was -3F. I'm glad the sun is out in my neck of the woods and that it is supposed to get to 29 degrees F today. Maybe I can chop some of the ice off the walk way for the next snow fall this week.
Late for work. One of those Mondays, where no one slept well and morning tantrums were had, then I was going to hop in an Uber after drop-off..but then realized I left my phone at home...except once I got on the bus, realized I did have it! Argh!
So I'm tired and cranky. But you know what? I might get a shortened day today, it's now much warmer than last week, I have a good lunch packed, and I sorted through a tricky admin work thing last week, so it's not hanging over me anymore.
I am enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the balmy 15 degree NY weather which feels like 5 degrees. Looking forward to warmer days for sure.
Right now I’m grateful for free time before my new- to me- 2 day a week healthcare job starts.
Also grateful for a warm house, given the frigid temps here!
Kristen, would you consider taking this Summer off from your classes? I know there is a benefit to “just getting it done”, but quality of life, and preventing unnecessary burnout is also important. Just a thought…
Right now, I am...
...Concerned yet again for NDN1. I went over yesterday to take her some soup and continue the search for incoming bills and 2025 tax paperwork. Long story short, I discovered that she's been making only the minimum payments on her one credit card for some time now, and the balance has ballooned. 🙁 Her CF and I are discussing next steps, but I think they'll include activating our DPOAs at her bank and setting up online banking.
...Looking forward even less than I was before to NDN1's (rescheduled) appointment with her PCP on Friday, to which CF and I will be accompanying her as her health care proxies. We've asked the doctor, whom she respects and trusts, to help us initiate a discussion of a move to assisted living. Wish us all luck.
...Frustrated with the continuing deep freeze, as well as the national and world situation in general. No need to elaborate.
...But grateful that our last big snow dump included no ice. My friends in Baltimore, at last report, haven't yet been able to chip their Prius out of the snowcrete--and I feel for all of you in the mid-Atlantic and South who are having to deal with this (especially since you're less used to it than we are in Central NY)
Good luck! NDN1 is fortunate to have you in her life. May you continue to have the best of neighbors.
So glad you have kind, helpful neighbors!! They are the best!
This ice-topped snow is no joke! I've been walking on a hard packed snow path down across our yard, to the goat pen for the past week +, and it's getting more difficult to keep my balance while carrying fresh water buckets! It seems to be getting icier!
It wasn't practical to shovel it out, * too long and deep* but now I'm wishing I had! I do this in the dark before work, and I'm just done with it!
Hope you aren't feeling too sore!
Right now I am….
Still in my pajamas. On my work from home days I sometimes don’t get out of my pajamas until lunch (depending on any work calls). I’m productive, but I get a little kick out of staying in my pajamas for so long.
Proud I met all my monthly goals for January. Instead of resolutions I set monthly goals for myself: 1. Community Service, 2. Try a new baking recipe, 3. Visit a “new to me” local store, 4. Learn something new.
Getting ready for a busy February – I’ll be out of two weekends in a row and I’m trying to be kind to myself and prep ahead of time.
Thankful the sun is shining.
Enjoy your 1/2 PJ day! Love your approach to goals!
I think many of us who were home for days due to weather this past week join you in feeling unprepared for the full return to regularly-scheduled programming. Surprisingly, my work (school) is closed AGAIN today. The poor admin making the call listed all the reasons for closure in the recorded message, which are valid. That's a tough call and one that gets so much scrutiny no matter what the choice. Anyway, will happily enjoy my 9th day in a row at home. I've had multiple times in my life being "confined" at home for moderate stretches, none of which bother me except for the reasons I'm confined (broken bones, major illness, COVID). Now that it's just ice, I'm happy. A day full of possibilities at home, my favorite place to be.
So glad you were able to stay COVID free!
Right now I am:
-Thinking about how very Monday it is, as I get ready for work. And, how grateful I am to be heading out on vacation soon
-Relieved that I was able to get all of my hiking gear into my backpack - prepped & ready to go!
-Sore from yesterday's overly ambitious hike (DH led the way & had a few map snafus)
-Happy we picked up that rotisserie chicken. We had a great dinner last night, and plans for a second dinner tonight. Not having to worry about the chicken prep left time for other parts of the meal.
Right now I am feeling concerned and a bit nervous. I’m waiting in the urgent care for their input on the pelvic tenderness with swelling and back pain. I have a history of connective tissue disorder and multiple back fusions.
My brain is sending me so many possibilities. Hernia, bladder or kidney infection, new spinal issue, diverticulitis. Connective tissue disorders weaken internal organs and joints /spine. I just don’t have the emotional energy to cope right now so I appreciate this blog so that I can express myself. Thank you.
I have sent emails to my neurosurgeon and pcp but they are not available until tomorrow so I’m ruling in/out different possibilities here.
Hoping you get good news today! Your disorder sounds like something difficult to navigate. I'm wishing you all the best as you work through this.
I'm sorry you're stuck waiting and in pain. I hope your visit today is useful and that your doctors tomorrow help you navigate this. Meanwhile we're "with" you as you wait - I'm sure many of us have been in that type of situation - I hope you can feel the empathy!
Janice, sending you best wishes as you wait for answers.
Right now I am....
Feeling satisfied -- I allowed myself to eat some girl scout cookies after breakfast.
On hold -- Waiting for my laundry to dry. As soon as I haul my loads back upstairs I can take a shower with fresh clean towels.
Relieved -- my sister moved into her retirement home just before the storm hit in North Carolina, so she is safe and warm.
Mellow -- I'm not planning to do anything today except get the laundry done. I may take a walk and it may even be outside since it's in the twenties. But maybe not.
Cozy -- my little condo is warm (it wasn't during the Arctic blast) and I have plenty of food and books to read. And I made a list of costume dramas to stream.
Proud of myself -- I cleaned the aquarium yesterday and that is an awful job.
grateful my zozo is getting out of the hospital. she entered 12/22/25. a long road. she comes home tomorrow. so glad you still post with all your business. glad your class is better than the last year. my girl was notified of her acceptance to Rockland Community College. She would study graphic design.
Best wishes to your Zozo, Anita. Reading between the lines of your recent comments, I can guess that this has not been easy for any of you. And here's hoping that RCC will work out well for her.
That's such a long time - she is (& you are) a trooper. Congratulations on her college acceptance!
Thank you so much. It has been ruff. She hasn't seen her dog in all that time. I can type like a real person because I had BOTOX for my tremor. Good luck with the tough road ahead for your neighbor.
Thanks.
Such a long time to heal away from home. May you both enjoy the peacefulness of having Zoloft home.
Anita, that is all wonderful news!
Right now, I am ....
Cold. My office was 49 when I arrived and is now 54. I'm a professor and it is only my office that is cold--my classrooms today are warmer--so I am even more eager than normal to teach rather than do office hours!
Ready to finish a project. I have one leg left on my crochet cow and then I can assemble. Maybe tonight? Or I may go sit in the hallway and work on it to stay warm.
Ready to start a new project. I have a friend who is getting a their first grandchild and I have a lovey pattern ready to go once I finish the cow.
In the middle of two books. I am behind on my reading but I am making progress. Plus, it is for fun, I'm an adult, and I can set my own goals (and change them). I have to remind myself of that a lot when I get in the middle of crochet/knit projects and books and decide they aren't for me.
Wow only a year
Took me 2.5 years to complete my RN to BSN
Right now I am:
--Disappointed that my natural gas fireplace hasn't sold. I thought surely someone would want it during the recent freeze. Temperatures are forecast to be in the 70s now, zero risk of a power blackout, so no need for people to buy gas space heaters.
--Alone. If not for my piddly little job, I would not have anyone to speak to all day long....except for the dog. (Who is a great listener!) But asking customers if they found everything they wanted, and thanking them for shopping at our store, is not exactly quality conversation. Although I'm thankful for the sense of community I have at the store, and always glad to see my regular customers even if I don't know their names.
--Glad I have this blog and the NCA blog to participate in; it's where I communicate with others.
--Taking a personal inventory --my birthday is this month. There was a lyric in one of John Lennon's song that said life is that which happens when you're making other plans. So true. Had Past Me known I would never marry or have kids, and that all the people I love would die, she wouldn't have wanted to keep on keeping on.
-- Sad about said birthday. It will be on Ash Wednesday. Our pastor says we are supposed to fast that day. What? No birthday cake?! Plus, I always go to Denny's for the free birthday meal. Hmmm....I haven't been Episcopalian for that long (this is the first I've heard about fasting for Ash Wednesday), maybe I should go back to being another denomination....shame on me for thinking that!
--Also sad that I'll be 71 and have recently suffered some health issues, such as the backache and arthritis. I can't do what I used to be able to easily do, and I'm not happy about that.
--Glad to have re-arranged/redone my bedroom, esp. with the LVP flooring now installed, and to have gotten 2 new over-the-air channels on the TV set.
--Happy that the winter weather is over and done with for now; that my Wordle score remains high; and that one more payment and the car will be all paid for.
Apologies if this is too glum/gloomy. Maybe I should've waited until I drank my morning coffee before writing this, LOL. Blessings to you all.
I am wishing you a Happy Birthday in advance all the same! I hope you still have a great day and can enjoy some cake the day before or after, if you choose to fast. Funnily enough, I had only heard of people fasting for Lent in a children's book I had set around 1910 - I didn't know anyone still did so today!
Catholics are supposed to, so actually a lot of people still fast! Actual fasting from food--though a very limited form of two small meals and one regular meal--is on Ash Wednesday (the day the 40 days of Lent starts) and Good Friday (the Friday before Easter Sunday). And fasting from meat every Friday of Lent. Some choose to do the meat fast every Friday of the year, too. I believe some Eastern Orthodox also do a much more rigorous fast during the entirety of Lent wherein they abstain from all meat and dairy products. Some even abstain from oil and fish, except shellfish.
Interesting! My dad was raised Catholic although I don't think he had to fast. I think he ate plainer food though - I'll have to ask him. He said Easter was a tiring time of year because he was an alter boy.
Thank you Sophie. My former church denominations did not fast, and this is a new one for me. I bought a choc. cake and enjoyed it last night!
Fru-gal Lisa, my late DH would have sympathized with you re: the Ash Wednesday birthday. His mid-April birthday landed several times on Good Friday, when his no-nonsense pre-Vatican II Catholic mother strictly enforced fasting. I say, have some birthday cake and enjoy yourself.
And I also sympathize re: turning 71. I'll be there in another 6 months, and I feel every day of my age some days.
I am with you. Am 71.5 now and sometimes I think I am 80.5. But buried deep there is still some little kid in me.
Details are everything, lol.
Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are fasting days in Catholicism also, but there’s an age exemption which you would qualify for.
Lisa, my heart goes out to you in your loneliness and sadness. I am also grateful for the communication and connectedness of this blog, for sharing joys and sorrows and everything in between. You've made it this far in life without knowing about fasting on Ash Wednesday, so I say carry on, have cake for breakfast and enjoy your free meal at Denny's.
MB, Janice, A. Marie and Anita,
Thanks! I will enjoy! You all just made my day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Officially, however, I consider myself permanetly 39 y.o.
If Jack Benny could be 39 for so many years, why can't we??
Right now, I am…
…cozy on the sofa with my cat while my bread bakes.
…grateful that I bought my daughter a serious winter coat for Christmas. She is on the east coast in the snow!
…feeling lighter after clearing out some closets and making a goodwill run!
…Posting when I usually don’t bother. (I’m in a western time zone, so I’m comment number 1,025 by the time I look at your blog. It’s like shouting into a void!) I’m posting today to let you know that I am here and appreciate the side of history you’ve chosen!
Just to let you know... you are not shouting into a void when choosing to comment here. I, like many others visiting this blog (daily, or almost daily), make a point to read all the comments. I find joy in hearing the viewpoints of all the readers here. Thanks for sharing yours.
Thank you! I read the comments too.
Ann, comment number 1025 - snort! I'm later to the party today and when I saw there were already more than 115 comments, I thought something either extra bad or extra good happened. Turns out it was both. I go back to older posts to read newer comments so know that you're not shouting into a void. Every comment counts!
Right now I am...eating a very late breakfast, feeding a spoiled cat, and drinking some lemonade.
Tired of Mondays at USPS....but I only have a little over a year to go
Miserably cold here so I will crawl into bed soon with blankets and the same cat mentioned above.
Right now I am exhausted just from taking a shower. When did old also become weak? I know I'm not eating as much as I used to eat but come on! But I'm glad that when I got Covid, it was a mild case. And I'm glad that you did NOT get it from your patient.
Right now I am sitting on the sofa, skipping gym and preparing for a very early start tomorrow to go to customer's office. Preparation also means I will only start on prednison for a persistent cough tomorrow morning, to prevent lying awake most of the night. I had almost forgotten that side effect but fortunately the pharmacist reminded me.
I made a hot water bottle to help myself falling asleep more easily. I will wash my hair tonight so I don't have to cycle to the station with hair that isn't fully dry. My coffee mug and yoghurt container are on the counter and my clothes are on the chair. My bag is packed.
I just finished reading the comments: joy and grief and daily struggles and small victories. I am a bit ahead of most of you, so I am wishing you all a restful night ahead.
Still not quite 100% energy and stamina from surgery 2.5 weeks ago, so trying to remember to rest when I get tired.
Glorying in 9 hrs of good sleep.
Irked at my dog, who keeps changing his mind about going out when he feels the cold.
Pleased at finding a recipe that uses lots of bits I have around the house.
Amazed that my induction stove can get my pressure cooker so pressurized that the fail-safe release engaged.
Happy to be reading this blog.
wishing you a speedy recovery. and our dog runs home after a few secs in the cold. am grateful to son and hubby who walk buddy in this wretched weather.
Right now ... I am sitting down with a cup of coffee after two (2!) hours fixing my printer which kept insisting it wasn't connected to my wi-fi network. This had not been an issue for the past ... 9? months. So why today? Because I have a ton of work and NEED A WORKING PRINTER!!*#% All it took was to shut down, restart, and reprogram just about every. single. piece. of. office equipment and manually reenter password after password after ... You catch my drift. BUT ... everything's working now. (Shush! Don't let the printer hear you...)
Happy Monday, everyone!
I'm super late posting as it has been a Monday of all Monday's starting at zero dark 30 and just finished the last of it! The only thing I can say with authority is you really do catch kindness with honey and patience and exemplary customer service....after tackling those (insert bad words) A.I. phone trees when begging for help. Plus when said customer service reps talk to me slower like I'm stupid because I do not own a smart phone. Hard not to giggle at that! Been thinking about a smart phone just for the FaceTime feature to keep track of far flung kids.
I did manage to work on my tax prep while on hold, so that was a silver lining.
Kristen, treat this ban endeavor as a whale. It's going to be your constant companion for the next while. Daily you take bites, do the work and your a bit closer. Is there any way to schedule your work days to work on your class, splitting your shifts to work 2 off one work another? My niece is doing that while completing her bsn.
I look at your patient load and all the work and file work, especially during this horrific flu season. It is why there was such a nurse burn out after covid.
Might want to use some of your mad money at for self care. Know anybody who is going to massage school? That was my saving grace when I was going to nursing school while working at the VA.
Here's hoping all who are in the Commentariat who are dealing with wicked winter weather, warmer days are coming.
Not ban...b s n. Darn auto correct!
I feel your pain on the shoveling! It has taken days, but I have dug away the mound of snow left in front of my driveway from the plow and cleared the driveway itself. It is exhausting. Maybe some of this winter fatigue is also making you wish you had a break from school. School on top of a full time job can be exhausting alone. Toss in having to deal with winter weather and it adds another layer. I know that just working full time and having to dig out, walk to my car, which is parked at the bottom of my steep hill still - because my street still isn’t safe to drive up- and walk back up the hill in negative degree weather is taking it’s toll on me. All I need to do is feed myself and wrap myself in a heated blanket at the end of it all. I don’t think I’d have the bandwidth for much else right now!
Snow removal is a beast. Kudos to you for knocking it out after a workout!
Right now, I’m…
Tired: my job is intense and requires constant vigilance and random sprints in the midst of teaching. The day is done. It was good but I am tired.
Relieved: I was underprepared for today and we were short staffed and it still went remarkably well. And I’m all set for tomorrow so it will go smoother tomorrow.
Hungry: is it time for dinner yet?
Weighed down by the heaviness of the our world, death, chronic illness and the impacts on people close to me.
Hopeful: I see people in my community helping and supporting those who are hurting, afraid, and/or in need. There are good people in the world.
Thankful that I get feed my children, wrap them in love, and make memories with them tonight.
Eating: snap peas because I couldn’t wait for dinner!
Right now I am in a rehab unit of a hospital, after my husband and I were in a very bad accident a week ago. And I think of you when I feel grateful for the nurses. So much kindness and gentleness. I am so grateful that they, and you, Frugal Girl, have chosen this occupation.
oh my goodness. so sorry. wishing you and y our husband a speedy recovery.
Elaine, oh my goodness. So glad you survived!
Are you Book Club Elaine or a different Elaine??
Right now, I am yawning and trying to get motivation to prep for my class tomorrow. I have a PowerPoint I got from another teacher, but I'm trying to decide if I want to teach the introduction to forces (8th-grade physical science) her way or another way. And looking for some fun videos to liven up the class. I've not found any yet...they are rather dry! But now it's time to stop procrastinating and get the work done! Best wishes taking more classes, I can see how that would be a challange!
...fighting bedtime. Stressed out of my mind, and we all know that staying on our phones solves all the big problems! 😏🙄😖
My daughter's driveway was like yours - thick ice on top of snow (she lives just north of Baltimore). Her husband bought a spading/digging fork to break up the ice layer. He says it worked GREAT.
You're right about it feeling so hard as you get closer to a goal. That's the way it is with anything - it's when your the closest to the goal that it feels hardest! You've got this!
Yup, that's exactly what we had to do! We used a metal shovel to break the ice into big pieces, then threw them over into the yard, and finally shoveled the soft snow underneath.
So thrilled you got dug out! We were stuck for almost a week in Arkansas with ice and snow. That stuff was tough to shovel and slippery! I gave up after a bit. I didn't want to risk breaking a hip!
Glad you got a raise! Each time I got a raise, I put half toward my retirement plan and, holy cow! did it add up when I retired. I usually did a little splurge w youoth some of it, too.
Every winter I am surprised how much energy and time it takes to shovel, sweep, salt outside, and put on hat, boots, gloves, coats, scarves inside and outside over and over again. My California sister used to call and ask what I was up to, now she knows! I am so grateful for our new furnace, our purring cat who has decided she likes the indoor life, and for grocery delivery. I just couldn’t face struggling through ice and snow in subzero temps, and delivery saved the day. Probably also my hip, as my balance at 77 with a bad knee is not what it used to be. Enjoying reading and piano practice and Not Going Anywhere!
PS I remember how hard it was to finish my fourth year of college, as the work was harder and there was more of it. Maybe you can plan a special vacation to look forward to after your graduations? A good life includes play as well as work, yes?