Thankful Thursday | the heat can leave, please
This morning I was thinking about how thankful I am to live in a place where this hot and humid weather is a temporary experience, not a year-round or most-of-the-year experience. I'm sweaty, but at least I know some cooler air is coming eventually!
This week, I am thankful:
for a little flower/card drop off
Reader Kim lives in my area, and she kindly dropped off flowers and a little encouraging card on my front bench this week.
that I'm more on top of my game this week
Now that the first week is over, I'm getting a better idea of where everything is (mostly online stuff to log into) and I'm getting a better system for keeping track of everything.
I understand the convenience of school readings/assignments being online, but this online world does make it a little harder to keep track of assignments and readings.
They're in so many different places online, it's easy to forget to check everything.
for the way pre-reqs ease you into school
I am really grateful I had a few years to slowly work through my pre-reqs. If I'd had to re-enter college life by diving right into the nursing program, I'd be struggling way more!
My previous semesters helped me learn a lot of these online systems, which are so different than the way college was done back when I originally enrolled (1996/1997).
that I've worked online during my mothering years
I have noticed that some of the adult returning students really struggle with the tech aspect of school; figuring out how to access things, log onto things, download things, and so on.
But I think since I've been working online for so long as a blogger, some of this stuff is a little less challenging for me.
for the way life experience is easing my way
I know it's early, but some of the stuff we've been going over so far feels like common sense to me at this point in my life.
The study habits/time management stuff definitely feels familiar to me. And a lot of the soft skills we're learning about things (like communication)...those are things that are somewhat second nature to me at this age.
I know my actual practical nursing skills are non-existent at this point, but I am grateful that some of the other necessary skills are things I already have in my toolbelt.
that temperatures are going down
We've had a tremendously hot week, but starting this weekend, things will cool back down a bit.
It will still be humid, but at least we won't be in the upper 90s!
This has been a week where I have opted NOT to walk to school; I'd arrive drenched in sweat if I tried that.
Maybe next week will be more walk-to-school-friendly weather.
that my flu shot got approved
I submitted the record through the school app and I just saw it got approved. Sweet!
Now I just need my November hepatitis shot and all of my health to-dos will be crossed off.
for the places I find Chiquita
She is everywhere, all the time. 😉
Yesterday, I got up from my chair for about 30 seconds and poof, there she was, taking my spot.
So, like a good softie, what did I do? I took the empty chair instead of making Chiquita move.
I have nothing to say for myself. 😉
Also...you know how we have a rule that she's not allowed on the table?
Well. I came out one morning and found a placemat looking like this:
Which leads me to believe perhaps Chiquita is having a little bit of rebellious fun while I am sleeping.
for the flowers and plants I see
We are moving toward fall, and after fall comes a season of brown, dead scenery.
So, right now I'm feeling especially appreciative of the flowers and green leaves I see as I walk.
Living is learning - and I daresay you have a lot of "clothesracks" where you can hang the new knowledge you need to gather.
This week
-I am particularly grateful for the workers who are fixing our sewage leakage. They are very capable and they responded quickly when we contacted them. Just a few more hours of sitting with my legs crossed and then we can use the bathroom again :-s
-That we live in a day and age when functioning sewage is the default in my country. As is running water. As are heating and electricity. Washing machines. And more.
-That we are having an airco installed tomorrow that can also be used for additional heating in the winter.
-That due to our solar panels we have free electricity on clear and sunny days. If we use them in turns, there are several appliances that we can use very frugally on those days.
-That I am not considering my job as just a financial necessity until my old age pension starts. I enjoy what I do- even after 30+ years.
-That I found an interesting book on immuno-psychiatry which helps me look somewhat differently at the mental challenges that my sibling has.
-That there are developments in the science of medicine which in the future may provide better help to those who are suffering from chronic mental problems.
@JNL,
I think about your second point every day. The more I learn about life in the past and even how many live today the more I appreciate what is usually taken for granted but so important in our lives today.
@JNL, We had some septic issues earlier this year, and I am in complete agreement with you.
@JNL,
100% agree with you on that last point. A friend of mine has a son who was having some mental health issues, as well as some neurodivergent behavioral issues. They were able to access genetic testing for their son, to determine the best medication(s) to help with his issues. (I assume there were other treatment modalities recommended as well). Yes, it was frightfully expensive, but worth it to my friend and her family to not have to go through "trial and error" with a multitude of medications. I just marvel at the leaps and bounds medicine has experienced over the past 20 or so years.
@JNL,
If you don't mind, will you please share the name of the book?
Thank you
A/C. We've had that flirting with 100 degrees weather this week and I am so thankful for A/C in the house and in the car. It has been humid but less so than in July and August so not quite so unbearable.
I am thankful I was able to help a friend by providing transportation yesterday. She needed emergency dental work and her vehicle was in for long awaited service.
I am thankful for summer fruit. The peaches, pears, and melons have been good this year.
I am thankful for good health. I will celebrate my 65th birthday soon and I am blessed to have always enjoyed good health.
I am thankful the multitude of wonderful people in my life.
I am thankful that my life would not warrant a memoir. I've got nothing shocking from my past.
@K D, 1. Yes, to A/C this week. 2. I think memoirs of normal people are/can be better than the shocking ones.
@K D, Happy Birthday! May you continue to enjoy good health.
@Jody S., I totally agree!
I like the puzzle on the table!
Thankful Thursday: first week of school edition:
1. For having skills that colleagues recognize. I’ve been out of the profession for 12-13 years but I’ve been living it at home for 8 so I have lots of experience to draw on. I’m glad it’s showing up.
2. For surviving this week so far. I’m learning lots of names and school details and I’m remembering it.
3. That I had two weeks of trainings to get my brain used to school style living. At home my day was broken into a bunch of pieces with different objectives and tasks. My job will have me teaching ELA/math all day long.
4. For the care packages I received to help me get ready for school. I have a pretty badge lanyard and stickers to use.
5. For the tree trunk I see outside my son’s window. It’s positioned just so I can’t see anything else from that window and it makes me feel like I’m in the midst of trees.
6. For cooler weather. My air conditioned classroom was 82 on Tuesday. Today my non air conditioned house is 66. I like 66 better.
Kristen, I believe adult students have a definite, life experience advantage when returning to school. .
You will do great!!
I’m rooting you on!
This week I am thankful:
*that I now have internet access again! And it's faster. I hope it's more reliable. Time will tell.
*for rain in the forecast.
*that my father and son arrived safely on the west coast.
*that my son has this opportunity to get to know my long-distance side of the family.
*that my daddy got to show my son his old stomping grounds. I know he got a kick out of driving around the old neighborhoods where he grew up.
*that my daughter was kind enough to grind my coffee while I type this.
*for the A/C.
*that my oldest is figuring out his college major. He's definitely rejected what he first considered. Is it wrong if I'm excited that he might pick English just so I can talk about all the books with him?
*for our thrift store trip on Tuesday. It was a bag sale for $5, and we came away with 3 bags. I am also thankful that I found 5 pairs of jeans in my new (smaller!) size.
Thankfuls . . .
--That we've gotten my eldest son's messed-up feet functional again. The podiatrist couldn't give us an appointment until October, but with a combination of ankle braces, compression socks, insoles, and new shoes, he can at least walk and not be limping by the end of the day.
--That the improved foot situation means he can participate at the round-up (of cattle) at the ranch he worked at this summer. He was really looking forward to it, and he's mostly horseback anyway, so we let him go.
--That our school has a "working cattle" excused absence code. Welcome to the West. 🙂
--That I don't drive the truck with the horse trailer, so my husband was the one to take our neophyte cowboy down the hill this morning at 5 a.m. 🙂
--That I don't have to work today. I might not have had to drive, but of course I had to get up at 4:15 to get everyone else up and make sure the boy at least drank some hot milk before he begins a very long day.
--For the rain and much cooler temperatures in our forecast early next week. I'm looking forward to 70s instead of 90s.
@kristin @ going country, working cattle! I love that code, we should have one like it. The best I can do at home is herd cats ("not everyone can do what we do").
@JNL, I love this. I really want to herd cattle! I'm 74 but there is life in the old girl yet. And as JNL says, some of us have been practicing herding cats for years, and they are much wilier than cattle.
@Anne, Cats are not known for their herd instincts. 🙂 On the other hand, if a cat steps on your foot, it won't break bones.
@kristin @ going country, Rain? What's that you speak of?
@Anne,
I started listening to Mel Robbins' podcast on the advice of a dear friend (p.s., this podcast is wonderful, highly recommend)....anyway, she did an episode where she interviews her AMAZING 85 year old mother in law. MIL had just returned from a trip to a dude ranch with her current boyfriend. :-). 74 is certainly young enough to herd cattle! Assuming you are physically able, there is a cattle ranch nearby, etc. etc.
Oddly enough, there's a yak ranch not far from my house. I don't want to herd them, but I would love to photograph them! It's a family-run ranch, so.....I just need to pluck up the courage to ask. 🙂
@Liz B., I'm intrigued by your nearby yak ranch--but DH would not have been. He was strictly a llama man (we have friends who used to own a llama farm), and as he used to say after watching a YouTube video of the two species, "Llamas [pronounced correctly, "yamas"] don't yike yaks."
@kristin @ going country, I love the “working cattle” excused absence. Students at our school were once excused because a bear ran into their bus!
@A. Marie, Friends of mine have a herd of alpaca that came along with their farm in the Hudson Valley. Animals generally adore me, so I was a little put out that the alpaca were pretty standoffish. Although as my friend pointed out, they didn't spit on me, as they usually do, so there's that.
@Liz B., I would totally sign up for herding cattle but I am in the, burbs of So. Cal. Mostly what we have around here are malls.
@A. Marie,
My son and I discovered this yak farm was in our area several years ago...we were on our way home from a farther-away from home yard sale, and this farm was participating in some sort of "yarn crawl" that day. At the time, they had a tiny store selling yak-related items (yarn, woven items made with yak fur yarn, even frozen yak meat!). Son and I stopped - I bought a small hanging ornament made from yak yarn that's in the shape of a yak head with horns - and we were lucky enough to gently pet a yak (the man of the couple that owns and runs the farm was right there). It was magical. They have since closed the tiny store, and while I follow them on Facebook, they haven't had any "open to the public" events.
I love the small glimpses you give us as to what your beloved DH was like. I think he and I would have got along famously. 🙂
@Anne,
I get it. With the $$ value of real estate out there, I can see that a cattle ranch wouldn't work. 😉
I'm grateful for:
1. Tourists have left. It's not like it was in the old days--the Tuesday after Labor Day is called Tumbleweed Tuesday--but it's better than it was last week. LI kids start school this week.
2. My gouty toe finally stopped hurting, after 2-3 months of agony.
3. My beagle tunneled under the fence yesterday and after a while sat by the gate and barked to be let back in. I didn't even know he'd escaped. Nothing bad happened.
4. Fell in love with Daughter's schmancy dress and she gave it to me. I bought her another one in a different color.
5. Friends helping me.
Opposite for the weather here, we have had cool summer and it was nice to have a couple of 90 degree days.
The leaves are starting to turn color, such a pretty time of the year. It seems so early.
Thankful my sister is settling into her new condo. She has almost all her unpacking done.
Thankful for all those sharing their produce.
For some brain training. This time of the year we are so busy at work. Plus I still have endless boxes of things to sort thru from dad's house. I am concentrating on what I have got done not what I need to get done.
Thankful that I made most of my solo travels this past weekend and saw some family I haven't seen in a while. I was a little nervous because it was new territory and over 5 hours away, but I did it.
Thankful that I didn't take my car. Its been making a weird noise and we found out its the sway bars and that they need to be replaced. And the technician said I can drive anywhere, but it really doesn't affect anything, but I did not take my chances and drove my husband's truck.
Thankful that my granddaughter made it thru her first day of school yesterday. Unfortunately, her dog died in his sleep, so it made for a long day for everyone. Hopefully today will be better for them.
Thankful that I didn't travel to my Bruce Springsteen concert next week before he cancelled them. Last night he cancelled all of his September concerts because of illness and I was reading that people were already flying to their venues. I am bummed, but at least I did not purchase airfare to get to a concert. That would be a real bummer because I probably would have chosen the cheapest airfare which is always non-refundable.
Thankful that I had a freezer dinner at the ready last night. I was thinking of having a pizza that was in the refrig, but it was well past its due date and not eatable. I was able to pull something out of the freezer and heat it up. Now to start refilling the freezer!
@Maureen, Oh! My heart hurts for your granddaughter. Losing a pet is just so hard.
We had a couple of mornings this week with temps below 70, for which I am so thankful! It feels amazing to break that 70° mark when I'm taking walks.
I'm thankful that my husband made it home safe from a work trip. He has to travel to a job site 3 hours from home on a somewhat regular basis, and I'm always concerned about him having to make that drive (there and back) in a day. I'm thankful that he's been safe on these trips so far.
I'm thankful for a Chick-fil-A dinner last night, accompanied by free entertainment (watching wildlife from the car while eating). Ha.
I'm thankful for sweet and thoughtful neighbors. A lot of our neighbors are retired, and quiet, and respectful, and it's fun talking with them. One offered to pick up supplies for me since she was going shopping last week, and my heart melted.
I also have a 15-year old calico kitty who sleeps in the oddest places. Last week, she became quite smitten with a potato. I washed it and placed it on a towel to dry. She curled up next to it. I moved it from the kitchen table to the countertop. She moved with it. I finally put it on the kitchen chair where she slept next to it for days. She eventually lost interest. It was very odd. I thought perhaps that she might have a little kitty dementia given her age. I took a photo to remember it always.
• I am thankful for life’s funny, unexpected moments like the one above.
• Like many of you, I am thankful for the change in the weather and the promise of cooler days ahead. The sea breeze is back!!! Unfortunately, the weather has made it a summer to endure not to enjoy.
• I am thankful for my sweet, 14-month old grandson. He is such a fun little guy. We spent a wonderful time blowing bubbles on Tuesday.
• I am thankful my life has been filled with opportunity to love, to learn and to experience.
I wish you the best, Kristen, as you begin your new adventure.
@Bee, now I'm annoyed my children haven't provided me with grandchildren! Heh. And it's a long way off, I know. By the time my mom was my age, she had five grandchildren and had raised mine from babyhood. Oh well! She had me when she was 21 and I had my first when I was 29. My son's 29 now and barely has a girlfriend.
@Rose, I know, these dang kids reproduce so much later. My two sons didn't even marry until their thirties. I tried hard to impress upon them that the most important thing in the world was giving me grandchildren!!!!!
@Anne, Ha! My mother told my two children she wanted great grandchildren. I snorted and said, "Good luck with that one." My daughter said, "You got that right."
And my son's girlfriend is a Russian model, so not so much wife material Ha! Whatever, folks. I'd just like to have a 14 month old to blow bubbles with and to horribly spoil with overly expensive toys.
@Rose, I really didn’t think my children were going to have children. My eldest son who is now 37 met a wonderful women 4 years ago and things happened very quickly. Baby #2 will be born tomorrow. Don’t give up hope!
@Bee, funny story about your cat. I just heard on the radio today that there seems to be some evidence that elderly dogs and cats can develop dementia.
@Anne, My father in law married my mother in law when he was 37. His siblings had lost hope of him ever marrying. His sister introduced him to her co-worker, a fellow teacher. They got married and started pumping out the kids. My mother in law was 12 years younger than father in law. They had 5 kids and lost one to an asthma attack. One of those kids is my hubby. My son is 31 and I'm not expecting any grandchildren. He and my daughter in law live in Seoul now so it wouldn't be easy to see the kid(s). Don't think dd will ever have kids.
Oh Chiquita, I love your antics!
@PBE, so do I. And I need to add that if Kristen needs another income stream, she could get it by having Chiquita be a cat model. I was in Petco today buying food for Betty, and there was a cat in a Petco display who looked exactly like Chiquita.
I’m thankful we already got that intense heat over with! It’s been getting gradually cooler here and the forecast is nighttime temps in the upper 40s by this time next week! That also makes me thankful that we are entering the season where my south facing windows will be helping keep the energy bills down (sun heating a cold house), rather than stressing out the AC despite the curtains being drawn all day. I’m very much looking forward to sleeping on cooler nights.
Thankful that, although I went to the ER for chest pain, there is no sign of anything wrong. If I didn't have a bad family history of heart problems, they would have sent me on my way with no further instructions. Since I do have a family history, I'm wearing a heart monitor for two weeks and having a stress test. The doctor at the ER and CRNA I saw in cardiology the next day are completely unworried about me.
That my husband was available to go with me to the ER and didn't think twice about canceling his office hours and class for that afternoon.
That we have decent health insurance to pay for all this and it shouldn't cause too much of a financial burden. I must admit, however, that I did briefly consider what a waste of money a pointless ER visit would be, but then remembered a friend my age who died of a heart attack last year who may have survived had he reached out for help sooner.
On a much lighter note - thankful my husband remembered to take out the monthly recycling. I usually put up a reminder note several days beforehand, but I did not remember it was the first Wednesday of the month until I saw the can at the end of the driveway on my way back from running errands.
@Kate in the middle of nowhere PA, Glad the ER doctors didn't find anything to worry about
@Beverly, thank you!
1) thankful that we're drawing to a close of a long work week.
2) While I'm less than thankful that I have to do a last minute work trip to Japan (particularly sad, as I'm going to France a week later, for a long awaited personal trip), I was able to find a ticket in business class that fit my allowed corporate budget. I don't sleep on flights, but the full recline is infinitely more comfortable for a long flight.
3) We paid for a trip to Las Vegas for my nephew's 21st birthday last weekend. Due to weather, their flight was diverted to LAX, and they had no way to get either back to Portland, or to Las Vegas, for at least a few days. Hotels are also not paid for when it's a weather related disruption. They rented a car & were able to safely get to Las Vegas & carry on the vacation, albeit at the expense of a rental car & 12 hours later than expected. Grateful they were able to drive there & still enjoy a fantastic vacation together.
4) Ever so grateful for my husband, for hosting the 21st birthday party, and treating my family like his own. He truly treats them like his family, and I appreciate it so much.
5) Very happy that I'm feeling better, after COVID. Not feeling well always puts me in an emotional funk (as well as the physical side), because my mind & body crave activity & movement. I logically understand that I need to rest, but it's hard to actually do that, and be comfortable with it. I also ate an unending supply of unhealthy things (my taste buds were really messed up, & I could only taste very rich things -ice cream, etc), which makes me feel worse later. Luckily,I've been able to largely move past that, although I'm certainly craving sweets again, as I ate a lot of sugar last week.
@Hawaii Planner, I'm glad you are feeling better after COVID. My husband's sense of smell has not returned after having it last year. It's funny how we really don't hear about it these days, but COVID is definitely not gone.
@Elaine N, That's terrible that your husband's sense of smell still hasn't returned. I had Covid for the first time in July, 2023 and losing my sense of smell and taste were awful. Luckily, they came back quickly. Now my hair is falling out. My hairdresser told me it's a common symptom with Covid. I just started on Nutrafol to see if that will help.
@Hawaii Planner, I had a very difficult time with food after Covid. I ate tons of ice cream too. Unfortunately, I can’t break the habit.
Older students rock because they have figured out what's important and concentrate on it.
I am thankful for some cooler weather, for my worst bum knee feeling better, for the first signs of approaching autumn early in the morning air, and that my DH does not have to return to working 100% at his employer's office. That had been up in the air for a while and we're relieved it's occasionaĺly and not daily.
This week I'm thankful:
* for the support I have in the various roles I have this year. It's great to work in a real team and be supported well.
* to get back into a solid exercise routine after a few weeks off.
* for a decent night of sleep last night. When one of my kids woke me up at 1:45 I was really hoping it wouldn't destroy the good night of sleep I desperately needed and it didn't.
* for my planner to help keep me organized.
* for Sissy Goff and her wisdom with raising girls.
* for coffee.
@Ruth T, I love Bob Goff and somehow had never heard of his daughter, Sissy. I am not raising girls or boys, but will look into her work simply because she is a Goff!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Oh my goodness... I never made the connection that they're related!! I think that Sissy Goff is a genius.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I love Bob Goff, too! I had not heard of Sissy Goff.
Getting into a groove feels good, doesn't it?
Aha, Chiquita left the evidence behind. The criminal neglected to clean up behind herself!
I don't even know where to start with thanksgivings. There are so many!
We had no deaths directly caused by Idalia.
People used common sense and realized this was a major hurricane, not just the glancing sideswipes of them, or the Cat. 1's and 2's we are used to, and prepared accordingly.
We are still miserably hot (95 today), but as of our little local paper's press time on Tuesday this week, 96% of us have our power back and I'm sure more do by today.
30,000 linemen, power line tree trimmers and others were staged and set to deploy along Idalia's path as soon as the hurricane passed. These workers from all over have worked incredibly long hours in this heat, day after day.
Our local high school stadium was damaged and our football team had to cancel the next two home games. One of the teams whose game was canceled, Florida High's team, came here anyway, but to help clear debris and deliver goods instead of facing off on a playing field.
Cooling and washing stations were set up. An insurance tent village was set up with over a dozen insurance companies represented so their customers could talk to them directly. Food trucks with free food were set up around town. Free water was handed out everywhere. Free phone charging stations were set up. Samaritan's Purse, the Red Cross, the Cajun Navy and other organizations set up and pitched in. Churches' volunteer crews sawed and moved debris. The National Guard quickly set up an air-conditioned tent city to organize and assist aid efforts. Law personnel from around the state arrived to help the small local forces assist the populace and keep order if needed. Next to no order-keeping was needed, a very good thing.
My husband was safe and sound in a place where they have backup generators and an evacuation plan with personnel to do it. If he had been living at home in the condition he is in, I would have had 1000 times the difficulties that I actually had.
People gave each other things to help. My son-in-law's sister and her husband brought me a lot of water, for instance, which was great. The sister of one of my bosses offered her house to me and my dogs over the Labor Day weekend, since she and her family were going out of town for a few days. I didn't need it, but I sure appreciated her offer.
My teen granddaughter visited me on Sunday afternoon and voluntarily sat in my un-air-conditioned house with me for a few hours, chatting, instead of slipping off to a relative's house that had a/c, something for which I wouldn't have blamed her if she had.
The guy cleaning up my yard got it done in one day and immediately repaired, on his dime, the one outdoor spigot a log rolled into and broke.
I could go on and on. I'll be super glad to get back to being at least close to normal, of course. Some things have changed for the worse that won't change back, but some things have been made newer and better since the storm. People who normally don't get out of the a/c in the summer (that's most of us, here in Florida) are outside seeing and talking to others, and the conversations are generally pleasant and up-beat. I won't ever say I'm glad the hurricane happened, but I'm glad to see the good things even a hurricane can bring about.
@JD, This was a good read. Good people everywhere.
@JD,
Your granddaughter! ☺♥☺♥ So special.
@JD, Thank you for sharing all these details - it's encouraging even just to read about it!
@JD, I'm thankful for all your thankfuls--especially your DH's being safe in a good place. I simply can't imagine how I would have coped with a major natural disaster while my DH was still living at home.
@JD, After Superstorm Sandy, I was amazed, humbled and grateful by all the support offered us. We were even offered food stamps! I didn't avail myself of anything, because I wanted help to go to people who really needed it (unlike us), but I still remember like yesterday the kindness shown.
We showed up at my sister's to shower and charge our phones (she never lost power), and she yelled "NO OKIES!" at us, which I still find funny. It hurts to think now that while my husband was warning me to be very careful as I explored our ruined pergola, he was carrying on his clandestine affair, but that's life, isn't it? Good and bad at once.
@J.D., Kudos to the kids at Florida High for coming and pitching in, and to all those folks in the Cajun Navy, Salvation Army, Red Cross, etc., for volunteering. Glad that your house wasn't totaled. Hope your AC is back on by now.
@JD, this just warmed my heart.
I'm so glad life is getting closer to normal for you guys, JD!
@JD, I'm so glad for all your thankfuls!
@JD, I filled up reading this, especially the high school team and your DH's good place. And, just all of the helpful, caring people around you. Thank you for sharing.
@JD, It is nice to read about the good in the bad. When I was 10 years old, our entire area/state suffered from severe flooding. Not only did it bring people together back then, but even now, it's something people can bond over. I recently heard a song that mentioned that flood. I guess these disasters give those of us to made it through have a sense of resiliency, and that feels good.
My husband surprised us with a surprise day at the State Fair. We got up early, beat the crowds, ate all the foods, and saw all the things we wanted to see (except for the butter sculptures) before the temps got too uncomfortable.
My parents celebrated their 45th anniversary this past weekend. We joined them for dinner and I gifted them a bottle of Bombay Sapphire gin (as wink to sapphire as the traditional 45th anniversary gift).
School started this week! I could tell my son was ready to go back and see friends. I’m ready for the consistency that the school year brings.
The weather has finally been cool enough to open the windows in the house.
Each year I have to take a business trip that usually overlaps my son’s birthday. This year my flight home will be the day before his birthday so I won’t miss his 13th!
I snuck in a little time to organize a small corner of my garage last week. I feel little bit of joy each time I pull into my garage and see that area is now clean and organized. I told my husband there is another area I’d really like to organize with him so he knows it is a priority for me and it is on his radar now.
My mom gave me some plant clippings to try and propagate. I’ve been somewhat successful over the summer with propagating the plants I have at home so I’m excited to try a few new plants.
@Geneva, I'm always amazed at how much joy one area well organized gives.
Thankful for an impromptu 48 hour getaway. A change of scene is jsut what we need.
Thankful for friends reaching out and having the energy to be social.
Thankful that the cool weather is coming, like Kristen I would miss the cool temps of fall weather. It will be here before we know it.
For positive news from some medical tests, I was worried but all turned out well, Phew.
Coffee!!
Karen
1. So grateful to see temps coming out of the 90's by the middle of next week here in my area of GA. I never thought I would live to see the day when 85 would feel like a cold front but here we are.
2. Grateful that we had cash on hand to pay for the new washer instead of having to make another bill. I had to move some things around to accommodate this but we chose a product that is 'middle of the road' instead of top of the line to stay in budget. God willing it will last us more than 3 years.
3. Fall candles. I am enjoying these inside with the AC running. I know it sounds odd but I so long for fall and can't wear cozy clothes yet so this allows me to feel cozy but stay cool in the heat.
4. For inches lost. I have stopped looking at the scale at this point because it is discouraging. I am focusing on the inches I am losing, smaller sizes, body fat percentage going down & muscle mass going up. Also grateful for great chiropractic care which keeps me going and able to get through my workouts.
5. Thankful for provision. I cannot say that we don't operate within a budget but it is such a blessing that we always have what we need.
Thankful, as I am so often, for the Bestest Neighbors--who took me to a baseball game yesterday afternoon (our local AAA team) as a belated birthday gift. All three of us enjoyed our hot dogs and beer; one of our players hit two home runs; and we yelled ourselves hoarse when our team finally won 7-6 on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 1oth!
I am thankful for my morning coffee.
I am thankful for a good Nonstress Test. (Baby looks good and I was not having contractions this time.)
That procardia stopped my too early contractions and that one of the side effects of this medicine is I am sleeping better.
I am even slightly thankful for the partial bed rest order because a little rest isn't a bad thing. I had really been pushing hard to get stuff done before baby.
I am thankful for a friend who did our grocery shopping last week so that my husband doesn't have to do all of the chores.
@Rebekah in SoCal, I hope the rest of your pregnancy is very uneventful. That's so stressful.
@kristin @ going country,
Having a good NST this week helps with the stress. This is my first pregnancy and I didn't even realize that I was having contractions.
@Rebekah in SoCal, I don't hesitate sometimes to give unsolicited advice. Today in a doctor's office, I gave unsolicited advice to a young mother. She was wearing a very tiny baby (I asked, and he was only 2 weeks old). Then she also picked up her toddler. I told her she shouldn't do that (her husband agreed with me) because the advice they give about not lifting heavy things that early after delivery really is good advice.
Also really good advice---- resting before you give birth the first time. This will likely be the most strenuous physical thing you ever do in your life. (Unless you run marathons or climb Mt. Everest---but I wouldn't know about that kind of thing.) Please rest. You don't need to get too much done for the baby. Really. I promise. Rest. It is best. Whatever needs to be done will get done by somebody else.
Hang in there!
I have a feeling that next week, tops on my thankful list will be a drop below daily 100-degree weather. But while we sweat it out this week, I am thankful . . .
That I have made it through my first round of chemo. Chemo is terrible. It's just terrible. But now I know better what to expect when it hits me next week. And I know that I will start to get better after a week.
That the chemo is already working. My doctor said yesterday that he can already tell the tumor in my breast has softened. I feel more hopeful that I have in a long time.
That I have multiple communities taking care of me and checking in on me. Family, friends, church members. I feel so loved, which means so much in a dark moment.
That I still have my taste buds. After a few days barely eating, I started this week ferociously hungry. Food has never tasted so good.
For short term disability through my employer. You never think you'll need something like that until you do. I started a new academic position the week after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Having access to short term disability means that our family has my income and health insurance while I am treated and recover. I can't image how much more difficult and scary this would be for us if we had to face it without income or health insurance. Or if I had to work full time while on chemo. I know some folks do it, but, Lordy, I don't know how.
Sending so much love to you, Amanda. During my pregnancies, when I was on Zofran, a med initially developed for chemo patients, I often thought with compassion about people who are nauseous due to chemo.
@Amanda in VA, I’m praying for you Amanda as you are going through this cancer journey. My treatments were only radiation but the shock of the diagnosis, treatment, ongoing side effects of the 5- year med that I’m only halfway through… it’s all challenging. Yours sounds far more rough than my experience.
God is with you! So glad that you’re able to eat again and that you have a strong support team.
@Amanda in VA,
I'm glad to hear that the chemo is working already and that you have a community caring for you.
@Amanda VA,
Hi - Glad you can eat again! I remember having brownies the first time after my taste came back after chemo- pure heaven. I actually liked chemo better than radiation, but I know that's not typical. Best wishes to you; may you stay healthy and get rest during treatment!
@Amanda in VA,
So happy to hear the tumor is softening and that the chemo is working. Very glad that food tastes good and that you have good insurance and a community of angels-on-Earth helping you. Praying that you have an easy time of it and a speedy and complete recovery.
Amanda,
I know all to well that this is rough part of treatment. Hang in there. Let the nurses give you all the hints to get through it. Ask questions, nothing is too small to ask.
After a 15 month breast cancer journey, I only have three radiation treatments left.
And, treatment worked! I'm alive! I see that I will be strong and healthy again. So will you.
I wish you all the best. Sending love and hugs.
@Amanda in VA, I sent a reply but I think I goofed and sent it to Lisa(?)
Kristen, Glad you are able to navigate the computers, and I'm sure you'll get used to finding all the reading texts contained within. Your wisdom and experience will certainly be a blessing to all the patients you will encounter.
I'm thankful for:
1. My good eyesight. I had my one-month post cataract surgeries checkup at the eye doctor. He says the artificial lenses are right where they should be, I only have a minimum amount of scar tissue (that's normal), and that my distance vision is 20/30 and 20/35. While that might not be a perfect 20/20, I used to be so nearsighted that my eyes measured 20/400 -- yes, four-hundred, not forty. Doctor also cleared me to drive without corrective lenses -- for the first time in my LIFE!
2. Whatever time left that I'm getting to spend with my elderly dog. She was diagnosed with cancer and we know it isn't going to be a whole lot longer. So I'm loving her and enjoying the time we have remaining. When she starts experiencing pain, then we'll go to the vet for the final time, but I'm thankful it hasn't happened yet. Meanwhile, I'm loving her lots and lots and spoiling her even more than she's been loved and spoiled all these years.
3. My roommate leaving. We've got all her items out of the house and either into her storage units or into the trash. No more drama!
4. Recovering from the virus I had last week. Probably just a bad head cold, as I could still taste and smell things.
5. Getting my front yard all cleaned up and reading for its fall makeover, as soon as the weather cools down. Which, according to the forecasts, may come as early as next week.
@Fru-gal Lisa, So happy to hear the excellent results from the cataract surgery. It really is life-changing -- for the better! And it's a gift that keeps on giving.
YAY for good vision!!
@JDinNM, I too am glad to hear Fru-gal Lisa's continuing good reports about her cataract surgeries, as I move closer to my own (now scheduled for Oct. 25 and Nov. 8).
@Fru-gal Lisa, I’m so glad you’re doing well after the cataract surgery!!
@A. Marie, I had cataract removal and new lens implants earlier this year. I was pretty terrified and insisted in tranquilizing drugs before. But honestly, it was pretty much a walk in the park.
@A. Marie,
Another cataract surgery veteran told me "this is the easiest surgery you'll ever have." Know what? They were right! You, too, should have an easy time; I'm told 95+% of the patients just breeze through the process.
@Martha,
Thank you!
@A. Marie, Be brave! You'll be pleasantly surprised about how easy this is. Promise!
Kristen’s organizational efforts reminded me that I’m thankful for my Big Book of JDinNM, an enormous three-ring binder with 8 x 12 monthly calendar dividers and a year’s worth of a 2-pages per day diary. It’s an At-A-Glance Daily Planner ($26.83 from Amazon with free shipping! – thankfully, because it weighs a ton). It lets me see my month-by-month commitments (at a glance! hence the name) but also has enough day-by-day real estate to keep track of everything from work to all kinds of appointments to household/friends & family stuff to expenses/receipts, contact info for everybody and everything, restaurant reviews, recipes to try, grocery lists, food plans, garden stuff, interesting newspaper/magazine articles – you name it. I know where everything is. At the end of every month I go through everything for that month and keep/toss/record elsewhere the stuff that’s worth keeping. Already have my 2024 version, patiently waiting to be released from its shrink wrap.
As I continue my year-long house inventory (it’s AMAZING what you find), I have unearthed a lot of family photographs, some reaching back to the turn of the last century and even the 1800s, that I will attempt to identify, label and send along to my nephew who at one time was a professional photographer and who has taken it upon himself to digitize (for free) all this stuff for the family. I’m just thankful someone wants it and will handle it respectfully.
And I think my months-long “parking ticket” nightmare may have been resolved. I donated an old car to my local PBS station last year and followed all the Motor Vehicle Department’s protocols for documenting the sale, down to removing and turning in the old license plate. The car was so old I assumed it was just sold for parts. But somebody bought it and was driving it but failed to register it with the MVD. So when parking tickets started being issued it was my “old” registration and name and address that showed up when they ran the VIN. Of course, I wouldn’t see the tickets when they were issued and put on the car (that I NO LONGER OWNED!) and weeks later I would get summonses in my mail demanding I pay the tickets + penalties. I sent letters (and documents) to the Parking Department and they would void the tickets, but the last time I actually got a summons to appear in Traffic Court. Only to be told when I got there that the summons and tickets had been “dismissed”, and later to receive a letter in the mail (after I made the trip to Traffic Court) saying the tickets were dismissed because I HAD DONATED THE VEHICLE! But I think they found the culprit: I pointed out that since the tickets were being issued in the same place over and over, it was probably an employee at that work location and they should try to identify him (maybe by booting the car). And it appears they took my advice, because his name cropped up on the dismissed summons I received with the latest letter. Fingers crossed! (Sorry for the novel. This has been such an ordeal, to be filed under “No good deed goes unpunished.”)
@JDinNM,
I think I may get myself one of those binders. Sounds great.
As for your parking ticket saga, it brings to mind the saying that "government efficiency" is an oxymoron. What a nightmare! Glad you got it resolved!
@Fru-gal Lisa, You'll need to supply the binder, and at-a-glance will provide the "insides"! It works for me, because my biggest frustration is "where did I put that?" and "where did I write that down?" and "I know that's around here somewhere!"
Thankful for:
• all my drawing students who returned after a 2-month summer break
• for a great workshop room in a museum/gallery to give lessons in
• that all three cats were put away for the night when me neighbor texted to say there were several coyotes next door
• cooler temperatures
• an upcoming weekend at home. As much as I love the cabin, living in 2 places does get a little bit much after a few months. (Oh boy, I get to vacuum and pull weeds and use the internet and even go to church this weekend!)
• another roasted chicken from my generous Costco-member neighbor
- I'm so thankful for cooler temps....I'm giddy with excitement for fall.
-That I have a week of no babysitting. I'm sad about this too but I'm trying to have a good attitude & get some things done instead of just missing my boy so much.
-That my son is doing so well: his promotion at work, his new friend, his hope for the future. ( two yrs ago he was suicidal & though he still has hard days he's doing much better)
- That my husband woke up this morning feeling good. He's type 1 diabetic & had a horribly hard day yesterday.
- I've been able to find some great deals on FB market place for setting my laundry & pantry.
So grateful for:
1. Weather in Arizona is beginnning to change towards autumn.. the light has shifted and mornings by the pool with a cup of good strong coffee is best part of my day!
2. So grateful that some simple back exercises I copied from another blogger I follow, has made a HUGE improvement in a nagging pain I have been dealing with.YAY!!
3. So grateful for 2 new meetup groups I have found.My goal was to find 2 groups to attend each week..I am retired and need the social and the mental stim.. my art group disbanded. So on Tuesday morning it’s SAVVY WOMEN OVER 60 discussion group at a very cool coffee shop nearby, and Thursdays form 5:30-7:30 is my :SHUT UP AND WRITE” group—I am working on a NURSING MEMOIR.. my life in women's’ health care..sooo many stories…
4. Grateful I got to spend time with East Coast family after 3 years of covid restrictions..saw new family members and enjoyed so many hugs!!And great meals, as my sis in law is a fabulous cook!!
5. Grateful. Just grateful we have all made it this far……
You’re going to ace this whole nursing experience, I feel it in my bones. You’ve decided you will, so that’s what will happen! And I do agree, with age comes wisdom. In some areas, anyway! Ha ha
I’m struggling with thankfulness. Today will be 104 degrees in Houston, Texas, and I feel as though this summer will NEVER end. It’s been a doozy, let me tell you. No rain. 100+ temps for weeks and weeks. I rebelliously hung my fall wreath on the front door anyway.
Thank the good Lord and Mr Carrier for air conditioning. Houston would be a VERY small town without it!
I am thankful for modern medicine though, as my Psoriatic Arthritis has given me GOUT of all things, in two joints. Never thought I’d have gout! It’s painful but manageable.
I’m thankful for this blog. I love it. It’s uplifting and “normal”. Hard to explain what I mean by that.
I’m thankful for Diet Coke.
I’m thankful for my terrier, Shiner. He’s so naughty but so precious. The typical terrier.
@SandyH, Gout is also an arthritis--inflammatory arthritis. I too have Ps-A and have had a gouty toe for months now. It hurrrrrrrrrrts so bad. I'm so sorry you've got it too.
(Gout sounds to me like an elderly Victorian man in a smoking jacket. I may be elderly and Victorian, but I haven't had a smoking jacket since 1980 when I bought one at a thrift store.) (It occurs to me I've never had a smoking cap either. Nor have I ever smoked, so clearly I don't deserve a smoking cap. Or slippers worked in tapestry with heartsease on them.)
@Rose, are you old enough to remember Maggie and Jiggs in the Sunday comics? (the '50s) He occasionally had gout and they blamed it on his eating corned beef and cabbage. She was quite the snob and didn't like him sneaking off for bar food.
I am so glad that you are adjusting to nursing school. So much of it can be so fast paced that you often feel like you got hit with a firehose of information. I can't wait to hear about what you think of clinicals. This is a pretty insane week for me. The big fancy-person wedding I am in is this weekend, so I have been getting ready.
- my husband got his project car running. He bought a vintage Alfa Romeo a few years ago and I finally gave him the deadline of the wedding to get in running (bc it would be great for a drive up the coast). And it took until 1130pm last night, but it is good to go!
- my ankle has so far held up in shoes. I was cleared to wear super low heeled cowboy boots under my bridesmaid dress (sneakers aren't as cute!) and I brought ALL of the ice packs, compression socks and soft braces with me...just in case
- cooler nights and mornings. Fall is trying to happen in LA and I look forward to my early morning coffee when it is under 80
- my Roomba. This was a semi-impulse purchase during Prime days when I was totally non-weight bearing and cleaning was almost impossible. But now it is really nice knowing that my house will get vacuumed every morning by my dumb, little robot child/dog. We named him Agador Spartacus.
- my hairstylist. This is vain but I really, really love the color she did for the wedding. I have spent so much of this summer being feral while recovering, it is nice to feel pretty again.
Tell me more about your vacuum's name!
@Kristen, he was the cleaning guy in "The Birdcage." Which is a fine movie but "La Cage aux Folles" is better!
Why do cats love squares so much? Sometimes our cat will just sit perfectly poised, toe beans all tucked in, on my daughter's school iPad... no one knows why!
Also you have way more nursing skills already than you think you do- mom of 4 kids- girl you've got this!!
Thank you for becoming a nurse- they truly make the world a better place and there have been many wonderful nurses who have gotten my family through some dark times and make the hospital a much less scary place.
Chiquita- busted by the hair! We find little black kitty hairs lots of places our cat is not supposed to be. She is a good example though of treating yourself well and finding the most comfortable, luxurious spots to sleep.
Well done on first days of nursing school in the rear view mirror!!
Yes! My cats have sat just on a piece of paper on the floor. WHY.
@Kristen and MB, Ooh, maybe it’s the attraction of the placemat for Chiquita. I wonder if she’d ignore the table if the placemats are gone?
Getting work hours this week. Sometimes I get low-censused a lot.
Conversely, getting Monday off. Work is great .... and so are breaks from work.
We are hopefully adopting a kitten in the next week. Thankful we have the space and financial resources for a pet.
Thankful for my comfy bed.
And for caffeine.
"perhaps Chiquita is having some rebellious fun while I am asleep"...LOL!!!
It seems kind of funny to have a risk of getting a flu shot that is unapproved 😉
This week I am very thankful that the week of "mommy sitting" my pregnant daughter has gone very well. My husband and I are learning (a bit more slowly than I like to admit) how to be of more help. The baby is due next week and it looks like he is in no rush to make his entrance early. I am especially grateful that the doctor is very pleased with how things are going.
Well, it's more that you have to be careful to upload all the proof they want. The original paper I uploaded was missing my name so it got rejected. But then I found a copy of my vaccination in the CVS app that DID include my name and I uploaded that one.
Chiquita is just what you need these days. I look forward to hearing about your/her adventures.
She might be less interested in the table top if your keep the placemats somewhere else.
I’m so thankful for the peaceful ambiance of our home.
I’m grateful for the windows in our home. I wish we had more but the ones we have bring in a lot of light and offer beautiful glimpses of trees which are on or near our property. So I’m grateful for the light and grateful for the beauty.
Fall is my favorite season ( well it ties with Spring) and while I’m really struggling with the heat these past few days, I know cooler temps are coming. The colors of Fall never cease to amaze me, so I’m really looking forward to that showcase as well. I’m thankful for each new season… I always feel like I’m ready to start something new and fresh, add a new painting or throw pillow or flower arrangement, try a new recipe, clean the house more thoroughly… I just revive in some new ways in each new season.
I’m so thankful for family and friends.
A blood pressure tip from a fat person: If you put a cuff on my upper arm, I will cry from the pinch. If you put it on my forearm with the stethoscope on the pulse point in my wrist, you will have my gratitude.
This week:
- I'm thankful our wonderful day trip with our daughter and SIL. We all alumni of the same university and enjoyed a beautiful fall football game together.
- I'm thankful that I was not more seriously hurt when I tripped on the stairs, rolled my ankle, and fell down the stairs. I sprained my ankle and strained ligaments in my knee, but I can still hobble around slowly.
- I'm thankful that DH's surgery to remove his gallbladder went well and he is peacefully napping now.
- I'm thankful that even though we are really busy at work and have a deadline coming up soon, it was no problem for me to take off to go to the doctor after my fall, and to take the day off for DH's surgery. It's nice to know our team will pitch in to make sure everything gets done on time.
- I'm thankful for slightly cooler temperatures this week. I definitely needed a break from the heat.
1) that I seem to be recovering well from my first-ever bout of COVID
2) that other staff were able to cover my work days and the shop didn’t have to close
3) for a drive-by cheer-up from a friend of flowers and a cardamom bun
4) nearby family! Because after all that early pandemic stocking up, by the time COVID caught us, we had half a stick of butter and 2 days worth of coffee in the house. And they rescued us.
5) that i have a warm dry house, a comfy bed, a hot shower, and a snuggly dog. All of which make being sick much more bearable.
I like the picture of Chiquita in the plastic tub under the desk. Precious.
Love, love, love the picture of the flower at the end of the post. It looks like a snowflake and it pops against the green background. You are an artist with your photos. Thank you.
№1 thankful for this blog and all people here
№2 that I was able to change rooms at my hotel when it didn't have a microwave or refrigerator.
№3 this should be #1. A personal God who directs me to sources I never would have imagined I needed.
№4 friends that are there for me and I can call or reach out to in other ways.
№5 technology that helps me remember the important things I need to remember. I have so much in my head I don't know what to do. So having alarms and reminders to do the important tasks is vital for me.
This is a good exercise in thankfulness, because sometimes life just seems to roll along and I don’t take time to recognize how many good things are happening. Sooo, this week I am thankful for:
1. Air conditioning! Like so many of you, it has been ridiculously hot here in Maine. We probably only need AC 10 days a year, but man, am I glad we have it!
2. Cucumbers coming in abundance this year. We love them! I don’t make pickles, but we have been sharing with all of our family and friends.
3. Face Time. We enjoy seeing our grandchildren in person, but this is a nice substitute.
4. Restful sleep. We got a new mattress months ago, and it has been a game changer. We both wake up feeling rested and that makes everything better, doesn’t it?
5. My clothesline! I love to dry laundry in the sun, and we have had many sunny days. There’s nothing like freshly washed sheets, dried in the sun when you crawl into bed.
Thankful for
today. I spent it with my daughter's family at an antique/flea market. Yes, it was very hot but we did okay. Kept drinking water.
that I am able. So many in my family have health challenges. It's important to get out and do as long as I can.
my Monday morning walking friends. It's not always easy to make new friends later in years. This group is great and always up for some kind of challenge.
that we can afford to put good food on the table.
You will be fine, Kristen. Adult students have better life skills than traditional young students, and they are helpful for you, as examples for younger students, and for your patients now and later. You have earned a gold star!
My thankfuls:
1/ for my beautiful, efficient kitchen, remodeled in 2004 and going strong.
2/ for air conditioning in the house. Our Ohio summer is very hot and humid for weeks at a time.
3/ for our public library, consistently offering the most wonderful books and DVDs.
4/ for the young man who detailed my car, the first time I've had it done. It makes an old car feel new! And squeaky clean!
5/ for my new exercise class, a welcome change from sitting too much.
you have more practical skills than you think. Helping your family through various illnesses counts in my book. hope you continue to adjust well to school.
I'm so thankful for....
1. The pottery class I'm auditing at my local state college.
2. My free calligraphy course is reaping benefits.
3. My medication was refilled as soon as it finished.
4. My free YourTube embroidery classes.
5. Virgin River is back on Netflix!
I'm a day late but:
I'm thankful that I got to the podiatrist when my popped blister on my big toe really started to hurt. That was the Monday after we got home from vacation. I was put on antibiotics and told to clean it daily, neosporin and bandaid. I'm a diabetic so it's taking a while to heal. It's officially a "wound". Saw podiatrist this week and will see him again next week.
I'm thankful for podiatrist prescribing me the yeast infection pill cause, yeah, at 62 I got a yeast infection from the antibiotics.
Thankful that hubby's been playing golf all week with a long time friend and others from his former work place. It's like having another vacation with the house to myself.
Thankful we have that second car as hubby took my CRV to golf today as he had to transport 3 passengers and 3 golf bags. I drove the Altima to do errands and it was hard to get used to. What's with these cars that have a fob but no key. I was terrified I would lose the fob.
Thankful for the rain and hopefully cooler temps next week. Poor kids started school on Tuesday in the awful heat. Some towns in NJ had half days because of the heat. The schools weren't air conditioned when I was in them but I wonder if they have changed?
Thankful for a good little library in my little town. I was able to take out 3 books today to start my reading again.
Just saw the last picture of the flower. It looks like Hemlock. Do not pick. Hood luck with nursing school. Our daughter finished nursing school in May and had job offers all through the last year. Loves her work!!!