I know, I know, we always do this on Thursday. But I forgot to publish this one yesterday, so we’re just gonna do it today.
This week, I am thankful:
that we’re on the slow trek to longer days
The days lengthen so slowly at first, but at least we are on the path to more daylight.
How slow are the gains? About 30 seconds a day right now, according to my weather app!
for the few plants that aren’t dead
I appreciate the hardy ones that keep on truckin’ even in freezing cold temperatures!
Also, I continue to be grateful that I am generally not miserable in cold weather. We’ve had some super chilly December weather recently, and this does not make me nearly as crabby as hot, humid weather does!
Honestly, I kinda like it when we have a stretch of cold weather because the ice provides a little variety.
that I was able to donate blood
I tend to run a bit anemic, so I am really delighted that my hemoglobin was high enough for me to donate blood. Yay!
I’ll keep on eating iron-rich foods so that I can donate again in a few months. 🙂
that my hospital makes it so easy to donate blood
You can just walk in without an appointment and the whole process takes about 30 minutes. Easy peasy.
My blood is A+, which is not the most useful blood in the world (only A+ and AB+ patients can use it) but hey, at least I am able to help some patients.
Isn’t it so cool that you can give someone something so essential from your body, and then your body just makes more? Amazing.
I think it’s such a wonderful way to share your good health with someone who is in poor health.
(A side note: I know not everyone can donate blood. I’m not trying to make anyone feel bad by writing about this! We all have different ways we can make a difference in the world, and we don’t all have to to all of them.)
for my toaster oven
I use my little Buy Nothing Group toaster oven all the time! It’s so handy for a small household.
toaster oven roasted peppers
for my sidekick
I love my snuggly pal. 🙂
for the fun community here
I was thinking about the great superpower post suggestion idea Kristin-with-an-I had, and also about all the interesting responses from you guys.
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I know many of our regulars will be busy with holiday happenings, but if you are here and want to join me:
Jen in Santa Cruz
Sunday 29th of December 2024
Thank you for the blood compatibility chart. I always wondered who gets my B+. I just reached 3 gallons of donations and I feel pretty good about that. Especially because I have the same hemoglobin issue you have. Be sure to drink extra water and eat cookies while you make new blood!
Kristen
Sunday 29th of December 2024
Wow, 3 gallons is amazing. Good work!
Michelle H
Saturday 28th of December 2024
Kristen is right that not everyone can donate blood, so many reasons folks can get excluded, so its important for those that can donate to do so. I'm O negative, husband is O positive, and we do double red donations 3 times a year (the maximum allowed). Double reds don't take much more time than a regular donation after you factor in the screening and waiting around after, and you give every 16 weeks instead of 8.
I first donated in college just for a chance to win concert tickets, and then they called me to make an appointment to come back in as I was eligible. As a broke young person with no extra money to donate to charity, I figured blood donation was a way to give back that didn't cost me anything, and I got free tshirts and snacks out of it, too!
Selena
Saturday 28th of December 2024
@Kristen, that it is. And do tell my why my recent not many labs got billed as $4371.00??? Those without insurance are screwed, pure and simple. However no one should pay until his/her insurance company adjudicates the bill.
Kristen
Saturday 28th of December 2024
Oh, that is such a good point; it's a way to make a non-monetary charitable donation. I like that!
Heather Mar
Saturday 28th of December 2024
Happy weekend everyone! I'm thankful: -That my multiple appointments yesterday all worked out. One office even squeezed me in during the morning, which saved me an additional hour on the road in the afternoon! -That my first mammogram experience was fine. And wow, the hospital where I went has the whole thing set up like a spa...chocolates, infused water with oranges, etc. So I let myself feel like a queen while I was waiting lol. -That I got to spend a couple hours in my new classroom with no interruptions and just got to think and arrange stuff. -For a day off today and to get to work on my home to-do list. -For a busy week with lots of visits. I also like a lot of white space in my life, and I haven't had much of that during this winter break. But at least I have so many people who care about me and want to spend time with me!
Selena
Saturday 28th of December 2024
@Heather Mar, come the day they screen males for testicular and penile cancer using the same method as "mammograms", I'll give it 5 seconds of thought and continue my hard pass. Glad your test went fine but those who chose to submit to this testing that have dense breast tissue, have to roll the dice re: will their insurance cover the additional testing or can they pay out of pocket? Except for maybe a test for venereal disease, males get to skate. Perhaps their delicate nature is the reason why lol..
Alica
Saturday 28th of December 2024
First off...a late "Merry Christmas!" To those of you who celebrate!
I am thankful.this week for...
1. My entire family was together yesterday for our Christmas gathering! ALL of us. For the first time since my dad passed away 5 years ago! It was so nice to be together, and we got some family photos!
2. Several of the cousins came a few days early. We enjoy interacting with them as young adults and its one of the best feelings, seeing them enjoying each other's company!
3. That our bodies can heal! We've all been under the weather, but each day brings improvement and a return to good health.
4. For some time off work. It's not super easy for me to take off work over the holidays, but I was able to schedule a day off long ahead of time this year. To be able to sleep in without an alarm is like heaven to me! I normally start work at 6:30 am.
5. That my husband insists on going for walks often! I tend to drag my feet when I'm warm and cozy, but I rarely regret going! Getting outside in the fresh air is so beneficial for not only my physical but mental health too!
JNL
Saturday 28th of December 2024
My thankfuls this week are for my communities of family and friendship, and I feel this blog to be one of them. I have been giving some thought to next year. As the word to inspire me next year I have chosen the verb and noun buoy(ancy). They express my heartfelt wish to feel secure and give security in the waves around us at the present time. We have some family and friends gatherings in the coming days and perhaps I can't comment. Wishing you all already every blessing for 2025!