Thankful Thursday | 11 more days
New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; a (frugal and free) exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
I bet you thought this post title was a Christmas countdown and you were probably scratching your head at my math. Nope! Read on. 🙂
This week I am thankful:
that there are only 11 days left until the winter solstice
That means in 11 days, we will start gaining daylight instead of losing it!
that it's so easy to get answers to questions on the internet
The other day I came home from a walk in the cold, hopped in the hot shower, and when the hot water hit my feet, it felt cold.
This has happened to me lots of times before, of course, but this time I wondered why. So I did some googling and learned that this is sort of a debated topic among scientists.
Before the age of the internet, this would have been a hard question for me to research. I'd have to hope there was some sort of answer in an encyclopedia...but what keywords would I even have looked up?
Search engines are so much better.
that health insurance costs stayed the same this year
Mr. FG and I did all the enrollment for next year, and we were happy to see that our costs did not go up.
Sometimes I think about how when we first got married in 1997, our health insurance cost something like $15/week. THOSE were the days!
But then again, we had very little money in those days, so overall, we are in a better place now. Higher insurance, yes, but much higher income than in our newlywed days as well.
for video calling
My aunt is in Kwajalein for a year to do medical work, and this week, I was able to have a video chat with her.
Kwajelein is in the Marshall Islands, so she is seriously in the middle of the ocean, about halfway around the globe from me.
In my childhood, being able to video chat like this would have been inconceivable! Even a phone call would have been prohibitively expensive.
But now we are able to have a long video call, and it doesn't cost anything outside of my usual internet bill.
for the beauty in winter nature
As you know, winter is not my favorite season.
But there is still beauty out there, at least when the sun is shining.
(I do struggle to see beauty on cloudy winter days!)
for the love of my girls
There is pretty much never a day that goes by without them saying, "I love you, Mom."
that Sonia wants to take a college class with me
She needs to take biology next semester, and that's a prerequisite I need to take if I ever want to apply to nursing school.
Sonia is not only ok with me taking a class with her, she actually wants me to!
And this is something to be thankful for, because not all teenagers would want to have their mom in a class with them.
for my mastermind group
I am good at some parts of blogging (like...writing), but not so good with technical stuff, like properly using Google Analytics.
So, I'm grateful for the people in my mastermind who are there for me when I have questions.
(Last night it was Chad from Coach Carson and Leif from Physician on Fire. I just noticed they happen to be sitting next to each other on the right side of the photo above.)
that Lisey might be able to get a bird soon
She's been wanting to get a bird for a while, but getting a hand-fed, tamed one is a bit of a process...not just as easy as going to PetSmart!
The local pet store near us is working on getting a cockatiel ready for her, so hopefully in a week or two, she'll be able to bring him home.
for the horses in our neighborhood
They're fun to see when we go for walks, and their presence is an upside to living in a rather random, thrown-together neighborhood vs. a development.
for the joy our cat brings to the girls
I enjoy her too, but the main reason I am thankful for the cat is that she makes my girls so happy.
And as any parent knows, your children's joy is even sweeter than your own joy!
1. I am also very thankful to get thru to winter Soltice. I do mind the cold of winter, but the darkness is so hard. I try not to crab too much about it because my best friend in the whole world was born on Dec 21st. And she is full of light!
2. Thankful for many holiday lights in my neighborhood. I really enjoy them. I put up very few because I DONT LIKE TO STORE THEM but I love them.
3. Thankful for a few new Xmas albums. I got them digitally for free from my library HOOPLA APP.
4. Thankful that my husband is not a picky eater. And helps clean up supper every night !
5. Thankful I only have TWO MORE years of FAFSAS to do since next year has recently been submitted.
I am thankful for some motivation. I haven't had much lately, but I have some for this week. I'm going to decorate for Christmas Friday, I haven't been able to in a couple years. And yes, I had to really talk myself into it! I'm also thankful for a week off after Christmas this year. And I never get around to making my holiday goodies, but this year, I said, they can be New Year's goodies! I'm learning to lighten up on myself some. 🙂
As soon as we turn our clocks back in November, the countdown is on for Winter Solstice! Then, the countdown is on for March and DST!
For the ability to keep my mouth shut. There are so many, many things going on right now and sometimes, whether what we have to say is right or wrong, it is best to just listen and not respond. Sometimes the other person needs to vent and my trying to add in my opinions or thoughts is just not needed at that time.
For sunlight and candlelight and Christmas lights. All of the above bring joy in this crazy season and remind me of all that is still so very good - no matter what.
For a good doctor that scheduled knee replacement surgery for my Mom so she can finally be on the path to being pain free. Also for the fact that she is healthy enough to have the procedure done at their center and wont have to be hospitalized, so less exposure to COVid.
For the funds to be able to plan a trip or two during the Spring and Summer for my family. This is much needed family time to get away and change the scenery of our everyday. I am already looking forward to it.
For the chance to make Christmas cookies with my son this weekend. This is a family holiday tradition and he has reached the age that he really enjoys it now. So much fun!
For our freezer which will allow me to be able to prepare some meals ahead of my Mom's surgery which will make caring for her during recovery and still getting all the normal household stuff done a bit easier.
You can be lab partners! Knowing who your science lab partner is going to be was always such a big deal to me.
I'm not sure how they will handle labs because of COVID, but I suppose maybe we will do them at home!
So glad I saw this before I went about my day!
I am grateful in this time of quarantine, I have a spouse who is easy to have around all day and night. Also, that we have a large yard, garage, attic and basement one of us can escape to when we want a little less togetherness.
I am grateful that my youngest daughter received her Christmas packages in time. It's been a long year in South Korea with quarantine and she needed Christmas early this year.
I am grateful that our new roof is almost done. The roofers have done a great job but pounding, ripping and salsa music over the course of a few days is enough.
I am grateful for social media and video during this time of not attending church. It's hard not to have the fellowship but online everything makes it so much easier.
I am grateful grocery pickup. As our numbers climb and I feel we need to be even more cautious in the coming months, I'm so grateful it's available and free if you spend 35.00.
I'm grateful for all those folks who have made life so much easier with curbside pickup, cheerful answers and so much patience.
I am grateful for the quiet this season that gives me time to think on my blessings and Christ's birth, the greatest blessing of all!
I’m thankful for our new beagle puppy! My husband and I decided we needed a joyful family present for Christmas this year. (Last year it was a dishwasher. I’m very thankful for it, and I am joyful for clean dishes, especially compared to how the old dishwasher performed. It can’t compare to a puppy though.) It’s a lot of work teaching her not to chew the couch, the carpet, the cat’s cardboard house, the cat..., but so definitely worth it! Her antics—running, playing, yipping, baby barks, puppy breath, tiny kisses, flying off the sofa (safely)—are so much fun. It’s also interesting to see how she’s interacting with our 8year old beagle (they play crazily and then nap together) and cat ( I watch them carefully & I’m giving him private time in the bedroom when he’s had enough. Also, now that she’s playing constantly with our other dog [that took a few days to establish] she’s not as interested in the cat as a playmate.) It’s also sweet to see how gentle and caring my husband and daughter are with her. I’m so thankful we were able to have her join our family. 🙂
Thought I was the only one who raves about puppy breath -- it's just the best, isn't it?!! (well, unless the puppy has been eating the cat litter...)
I know—isn’t puppy breath the best ! (Well, mane not to everyone..) Another thing to be thankful for—our puppy hasn’t discovered kitty litter yet! (We have a domed cover for the litter box. ) However, it’s just a matter of time...:}
Lovely thoughts!
I am thankful:
That my college kids’ semesters are a wrap so they can enjoy some stress free days.
That I have some vacation time to look forward to next week. It will be stressful getting there but nice to have a hard deadline.
For the chance to learn a new programming language for work. I am a long time user of the language being phased out, and this is me making lemonade. 🙂 It is hard to start over but I know soon it will be second nature if I keep plugging away.
For online shopping especially during a pandemic.
That my mother is feeling better.
I'm thankful for a serving husband, who is putting many hours in at the local food pantry this month (and every month). Many families are in a food crisis, and that number is increasing. I'm thankful for the donations - of both money and food. The pantry can use that money to purchase many pounds on the dollar at the main food bank. I'm thankful for my pets, who are doing their best to keep me busy and sane. I'm thankful that my son is one of those people in an essential service - he works with industrial air compressors, which keep every business open and efficient. I'm thankful that I can lead a Bible study on zoom, to connect with people who would otherwise be lonely. I'm thankful that we can use pick-up services at local stores. A plus is that I can't impulse buy! I'm thankful that a loving friend has taken in a distantly related baby; the mother is addicted, and living in her car.
My late husband grew up on Kwajalein in the 1980s! So cool! His best friends were coconut crabs. So few people really even know about the Marshall Islands here, let alone Kwaj.
I have to admit, I knew almost nothing about it until my aunt headed there. I looked it up on google maps and could not believe how much I had to zoom out to see any other land masses! It really is in the middle of nowhere.
And that is SO COOL to me! I had ever heard of it! I think the best thing about computers/internet/technology is the Maps function!
The list is long and for that I am thankful.
-when the church called this week to see if they could help in anyway I was able to say we are good, can we help someone else.
-the years of discipline has allowed us to be good financially through all of this.
-that my family so far has not had major medical issues.
-that my work allows me to work from home. Not only does it reduce contact it also saves money on clothing and commuting costs.
-for creative thinking. I was able to find advent lego calendars that I could send to each grandchild (since we can’t be together) and we each open our calendar and send a picture the rest of what that day was. Virtual connections are still connections.
-that my work shuts down for 2 weeks starting next Friday. I don’t joke about everyone else but I need some down time this year.
"-when the church called this week to see if they could help in anyway I was able to say we are good, can we help someone else."
I don't remember the name of it, but there's a Jewish holiday/event in which the Rabbi goes from house to house, and each household either gives or receives help. Opting out not allowed, Rabbi doesn't say which is which. Given Rabbis' reputations, I imagine they start with some rich households so they have something for those who need.
I am thankful:
* that my kids really enjoy playing together
* that my kids love books and audiobooks
* for funeral directors and pastors that are so gracious and caring in such hard circumstances
* that my zoom Bible study has gone really well this year. I was skeptical heading in, but it's been wonderful, my little ones have cooperated well, and I've so enjoyed learning from these women who are mostly retired grandmas 🙂
* that my aunt and uncle stopped by last night. I was afraid we'd have to go the whole year without seeing them, but we chatted for a few minutes in the driveway as the kids opened their homemade Christmas presents out on the porch (everyone needs a crafty aunt, right?). A 10 minute outdoor distanced and masked visit is so much better than not seeing them at all!
I love the winter scenes in your photos. I remember the occasional snows of winter in my hometown -- there was a certain smell in the air when snow was coming. I don't know what it was, but I loved that smell. These photos evoke that feeling.
1. I have three family members and one co-worker who were in direct, and somewhat prolonged contact with (different) people who developed Covid, but none of these four got sick. Quarantines are over, tests are negative. What a relief!
2. I am thankful for the goldfinches and robins stopping in our yard on their migrations.
3. I am grateful for being able to walk and move about freely. My husband no longer can walk more than a step or two without aid and has lost a lot of ability in his hands, and when my father was my current age, he was battling both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis over his entire body. I feel lucky and grateful that I can run with the dog, lift a heavy-ish load or do something delicate with my hands.
4. I am thankful for chocolate, no explanation needed here.
5. I'm thankful for food in my house, water from a tap, and heat/air conditioning/light at the push of a button.
Pervesely, I am grateful today for a bit of a gray day. I never fail to appreciate the sunshine in the winter here, but it was nice to go for a walk with my daughter today and not be squinting against the glare of the sun on the white caliche road.
For the new faucet my husband put in. As is always the case, I didn't really realize how annoying the old, half-broken faucet was to use until I had a new one. And I use my faucet a LOT, all day long, so that's a lot of annoyance averted.
That my eight-year-old son still folds himself into my lap when he gets an opportunity. He's always been the best cuddler. I think it's because he's so flexible. 🙂
For cream in my coffee this week. Something I never take for granted anymore.
Thankful for...
...past me for spending what seemed like a fortune on a super fancy tree stand. I used to dread putting up the tree but now it's so incredibly easy and I don't start out the decorating in a foul mood.
...our new Aldi and pick up service. People aren't good about wearing their masks around here, so even though I can get through an Aldi run pretty fast, I still feel safer not going in at all.
...the one local shop where I used to work that IS taking things seriously. We picked up the last of our stocking stuffers and small gifts there this morning.
...the janky strands of big, colorful C9 lights on our deck railing that are on a timer to be on during the morning and evening. My husband says almost daily how much he enjoys them.
...the fact that my daughter loves decorating the tree. She lets me sit and supervise and only get up for the stuff up high. She's 21, but also kind of short. 🙂
It still baffles me how for so many decades, the norm was a metal tree stand of some braces, four long bolts, and a container that would hold perhaps 1/4 cup of water.
Cheers to whoever finally said that was wrong, and created the gallon-or-more-of-water stable tree stands! I understand how that changes your whole decorating mood.
I'm thankful .... that Kristen has taught us about the eyeball decorations for cookies. My two teens decorated Christmas cookies one night this week and the laughter was priceless. I'm thankful (in an odd way) that the hospital I work at has temporarily stopped doing elective surgeries--it means I've had some days off from work and that's been helpful for getting caught up on things and getting some rest (but I do feel for the patients who have to wait to get their problems addressed). I'm thankful for a gorgeous sunny day today and the opportunity to go hiking as a family--this is definitely not a given in MI at this time of year! Thankful that I could take a meal to an elderly couple today--while it's been nice having time off from work, I do miss being able to be of service and that satisfied the itch for me. And thankful for the ability to keep up with my continuing education requirements online--when I first started practicing my profession almost 33 years ago (gulp!) that concept was unheard of.
Long time lurker uh reader: first time commenter.
Just want to say that I'm very grateful for your sweet wonderful rational blog. It's one of the not really "little things" that make my day a bit brighter during these very strange times.
I too look forward to the winter solstice every year for the same reasons.
I'm hoping the sky will be bright that night--everywhere--so we can view
The Great Conjunction of 2020 will brighten the darkest day of the year as the two giant planets of our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, draw closer together in the night sky than they have been in 800 years!
I have a job and can work from home.
Our new home office.
That we don't have to drive 35 miles a day each way to the office.
For all the things my husband does for me.
We have plenty of food.
That I still go to school and teach...I have a balancing act with at school and my lessons being streamed live but it is so nice to teach many students at school. I am with you that we are almost to the point were the days will start to see a bit more sunlight...I hate the long, dark house and often sit in front of my sun lamp!
1. Sunny days. Our apartment can be so gloomy on cloudy days. I try to enjoy the sun whenever possible.
2. The replacement star I bought for the ceramic Christmas tree I inherited from my grandma fits perfectly. I had been using a bow which looked odd until I could find the right size star, now it looks great!
3. Hanukkah starts tonight. We are a mixed religion family and celebrate both. It will be nice to have the candlelight from the menorahs, both real and electric to cheer the place up a bit.
4. Latkes...fried potato goodness...need I say more?
5. A chance to beat my husband at the dreidel game and snag all the gelt for myself! (He won last year...but if I win, just like he would, I will share my chocolate.)
Sour cream or applesauce?
Applesauce, I love the sweet/salty contrast. My mother loved to eat them with grape jelly.
I LOVE how you say your children's joy is better than your joy. This is soooo true! Thanks for the writing you do! I always enjoy reading your positive perspective! Blessings to your family!
Hopefully your cockatiel won't be a shrieker like ours was! That thing would deafen you and the only thing that restore peace was locking it in the closet. Ended up giving it to a friend who had a quiet one - but ours taught theirs everything it knew. Two very LOUD birds!!
Wait a minute...you guys are getting a bird when you already have a cat in the house??? What's wrong with this picture? Our family tried this years ago and it never ended well for the bird.
1. This is prime northern lights time and this year they are especially vivid.
2. We built a replacement shed this year and painted it barn red. It is snowing right now and from our study window I can see the bright red through the snow flakes. It looks enchanting.
3. Somehow a shrew got into the house and for two days managed to evade the mousetrap we'd set up. Our wonderful pound hound caught it at 2:30 am and proudly dropped it on my husband's pillow and then barked right in his face to wake us up to admire his handiwork. This is more amusing to recall than it was while living it.
4. Every day of Advent, my husband gives me a small gift and has done that every year for the 37 years we have been married. These are not expensive gifts, but things like a favorite candy bar or pack of gum or (yesterday) a package of paper clips shaped like dog bones. It is not the gift, it is knowing that he takes the time to plan out and find little things to amuse me that fills my heart with joy and gratitude.
5. Somehow my husband managed to lose a pot roast as he was loading the groceries into the car. A teen walking by noticed and brought it to my husband's attention and then got down on the ground and retrieved it from under the car for him. What was amazing was that he was part of a group of boys on their way into the store---not every kid would step out from his friends and do something kind for an old man. My husband said he wanted to ask the kid his name so he could contact the parents to say what a good job they had done raising a kid who was so thoughtful.
Your post made my heart smile.
" This is more amusing to recall than it was while living it."
As is true with so many pet stories. Thanks for the laugh.
I am grateful that most of the days lately have been sunny, even though it has been cool/cold and windy. I was able to walk with a friend today and then sit outside to continue our chat. I have been able to walk every day, though it sometimes requires some bundling up. Also, our sunsets have been gorgeous.
I am thankful that the grass is green right now. that seems unusual for central Maryland in December.
I am grateful that my charity knit/crochet group is connecting weekly on Zoom. This summer we were able to meet outside. In the fall we moved indoors for several weeks but to be as safe as possible we are now meeting via Zoom. It grows on you.
I am thankful for all the holiday/Christmas lights we see in our neighborhood and when we walk. They bring brightness and cheer.
I am grateful that my SIL tested negative for Covid and is feeling better and that a friend's MIL is recovering from Covid.
I am thankful for Christmas movies this time of year. They have happy endings and there are a wide variety of stories. It's nice to have something pleasant to watch.
I am grateful for the library and all the e-books I am able to borrow, really more than I have time to read.
I am thankful that my health is good and I am in good shape despite being in my 60s.
I have a bad cold which has given me many things to be thankful:
- that I have a job
- that my job has sick leave and vacation days
- that I can telework, which means I don't have to take leave just because I shouldn't go to the office[1]
- that my job has flexible hours so that, so far, I haven't needed to use the leave
- that I can say I'm going to telework because I'm sick, even though I was scheduled to go into the office
- for my many years with my organization, which means I know lots of people, which means I can ask them if I can work in their satellite offices instead of having to drive the long drive to my official office space.
- for take-out.
[1] I hope that teleworking lasts beyond the pandemic.
I am grateful that:
I get to read this blog!
There are more than 11 days until Christmas. I kind of panicked when I saw the subject line!!
I got a raise at work
I have a solid job where I am helpful to others
All my bills are paid
I live in a cozy home
Running water, heat, electricity, a fireplace, a bed to sleep in, people to love who love me too
4 days spent at the Oregon coast for our 27th anniversary. We were supposed to be in Hawaii, but COVID.
Still REALLY loving the husband of 27 years..
The best burgers (twice) on the above mentioned trip.
A new job where I really like my coworkers even though it has a steep learning curve.
Great young adult kids (and I like their boyfriend/girlfriend too).
I'm having a bad morning so this will probably be a good exercise, I guess.
1.) I still, 9 months after all this started, don't know a single person who has been sick with Covid.
2.) That days will get longer soon. I hate these short days. I hate winter in general but the darkness is the worst.
3.) I got commended at work for recognizing a safety issue and the company addressed it.
4.) Time off around Christmas to look forward to.
Yep. Boo to the darkness! And yay that it's going to slowly lift soon.
I now have multiple relatives who have gotten Covid, but mercifully, they have all been all right.
A day late, but thankful my eye doctors appointment came out fine.
Thankful I have been exercising even as we get colder , walking up to 900 miles for the year.
We missed Northern Lights the other night as it was snowing,beautiful light fluffy snow.
We are thankful every day our Army daughter is safe over seas.
Thankful for power back for my daughter in law after 3 days without.
Thankful for the support of my amazing family after a very difficult time.
It is never too late to be grateful!
I too am thankful that in ten days we will be gaining light!
I was reminded today how much I have to be thankful for--even in the midst of this pretty crappy year.
1. Our daughter and SIL had a beautiful October wedding in spite of pandemic constraints and other restrictions. We are getting photos back now, and it was really just perfect and lovely.
2. Our oldest son and DIL will be here from Texas for Christmas.
3. Our second oldest daughter will be here from Maryland for Christmas.
4. This means that ALL FOUR of our kids and two spouses will be together for Christmas this year.
5. On a practical level, we do not have traditional health insurance. We have a health sharing plan which means we pay for anything "routine" out of pocket. I had some routine blood work done in October and got a $272 bill. I called to pay it and asked about a self-pay discount. They were very helpful, and my bill came down to $114!!! Never hurts to ask!
6. We bought a new home in July, but we have been able to refinance already and save 1 point in interest and $200/month. Yay!
7. In the midst of this pandemic, I have made a lovely dear friend. A mutual friend introduced us in February before all the craziness began, and we connected immediately. We have deepened our friendship with lots of phone calls and outside walks and even spent Thanksgiving together. (Restrictions are very limited in our state.) She is a joy to me and an answer to prayer on so many levels. I am grateful!
I am thankful for books and the stories that are part of me now because I read them.
And I am thankful to read in front of the Christmas tree. I love that.
I am thankful for the lights on the Christmas tree and getting to work from home this season so I can enjoy them all day instead of just in the evenings.
I am thankful that the cat woke me up early so I could take food to the drive-by food drive before logging into my computer for work today. And I am thankful to have extra food and money to donate.
I am thankful that I could do most of my Christmas shopping online this year and got the rest done in only 2 hours one afternoon and that I didn't have to make any trips to the post office this year.
I am thankful for the encouragement and compassion of friends during difficult times.
I am thankful for the Christmas music from my childhood - all out of print now- which makes me feel warm and happy when I listen to it. Years ago I paid a professional service to transfer the old scratched albums to CDs. Even the scratches and skips remind me of happy times.
I had a cockatiel for just around 20 years, he was a great pet. Make sure its a boy if she wants it to talk because the girls do not!! (mom owned a pet store)
Yes! The one she's hoping to get is a boy, because she really wants one that will talk to her.