Thankful Thursday | I love your support!
This week, I am thankful:
that by next Thankful Thursday, I will be done, done, done with my semester
My final is next Wednesday, and all that's left after that is a virtual convocation over Zoom. So I will consider my semester done on Wednesday!
that I don't really have to study for today's exam
Today we have our proctored ATI exam, which is basically a practice test for the NCLEX. Unlike our regular school exams, this one is not testing us directly on our lecture material.
So we can't really study for it.
And honestly, that's a relief. I'll just go in, do my best based on the knowledge I already have in my brain, and see how it goes.
that I'm done with pediatric clinicals!
I do love children, but I'm glad to be done with the drive to the city. Also: I was placed in a long-term care unit that's mostly neuro/psych, and it's clear to me that that's not the kind of place I want to work.
I like being on a floor where patients come and go a little faster, like on the floor where I have my regular tech job.
So, I'm not ruling out pediatrics, but if I do go that route, it'll be a different type of pediatric unit.
that I have plenty of time to study for the final
I'll have to do my remediation exercise for the things I get wrong today (we have to write three bullet points of correct info for each question we get wrong), but aside from that, all that stands between me and the final is a short presentation on Tuesday. Yay!
So, I'm gonna squeeze in a quick Christmas symphony concert this weekend.
that I'm not navigating a divorce like I was last year
Last year I was dealing with court dates, endless legal paperwork requests, and a deposition. My goodness, that was a lot on top of nursing school.
I'm grateful that at least it got finished at the end of the first semester since the first semester is not as hard as subsequent semesters.
that there are still pops of color outside
The world has gotten more wintery-looking of late, but there are still some colorful sights to be had.
You might have seen the lovely red leaves at the beginning of yesterday's post, but here are some other colorful sights. 🙂
for my hospital job
There are so many things I love about it, like...I love my co-workers. And my patients!
I also like that I get to move around so much; I am way happier that way than if I was assigned to a desk all day.
that you guys are so kindly supportive of my nursing school journey
Recently, someone who read an interview with me gave me feedback along the lines of, "All you talked about was your divorce and nursing school." and as I wrote this post, I was thinking that boy, it IS true that my Thankful Thursday posts especially often have a lot to do with nursing school.
But that is because my posts just follow what's going on in my life at the moment and right now, I eat, breathe, and sleep nursing school (which seems to be the only way to do well in such a program!).
My brain will have space for other things on my break, and most especially once I graduate. 🙂
But in the meantime, I appreciate you guys giving me so much support while I am consumed with nursing school!
Wow! This semester seems like it has flown by! You're almost there!!
This week I'm thankful:
* to be able to attend a field trip with my middle kid today and that my part-time job was fine with me taking today off.
* for the beauty of Christmas lights.
* for the supportive community around us and the kindness they are showing my entire family.
* for the Lord's guidance.
* for grocery pickup - though I really prefer to shop for my own groceries, I just need this option today! And I think I'm thankful that I woke up an hour and a half before my alarm because I was able to relax, drink my coffee, and get my order placed.
* for a really great visit with our PA family last week.
Go Kristen, go! You're rocking this whole nursing school gig!
Thank you! <3
The system of educating nurses in clinicals has many advantages inmy opinion as you get a deep dive in different aspects of healthcare. It will be easier to choose your preferred career path. And it will broaden your understanding of a patients overall health journey, if you read where they have been hospitalized previously, or that they will be referred to another specialism later.
This weeks Thankfuls:
- Crackers. I am out of bread and already breakfasted on oats. And it is raining cats and dogs. I will grab some cheese crackers and fruits and leave the run to the bakery for another;
-Garbage collection. Ofcourse we try to limit our garbage, but I am so glad whenever the garbage is collected!
-Upcoming holiday. For many years, I needed to remain "on call" during the holiday season and I am really looking forward to an actual factual break this year.
-Our 12 year old ginger cat. We can only speak about her in superlatives. Much as I am sure your feline friends are lovely and sweet, still this beautiful ginger lady must be the most clever, funny, silken-furred and affectionate. We are relaxed just whenever we are with her (except when feeding time draws near).
Cheering you on! One more week!
My emotions have been close to the surface this week. Your pictures of color in nature made me start crying?! Lol. So I'm grateful for:
-Kristen and her perspectives on life, and willingness to share them. Seeing you navigate and overcome difficult things with grace and keeping your heart and character intact reminds me that I can do that same!
-For the reminder of color in the cold. When everything is bleak, there is still beauty and strength in and around us.
-For my Dad, and his truly unconditional love and support.
-For my counselor, who I've just spent 3 hours with total, but is helpful!
-For only 10 more days of work until winter break.
This week I'm grateful for:
* my neighbors' two cats who visit regularly and make me laugh with their quirky personalities.
* my new winter boots that are warm and dry and comfortable for walking.
* finally finding a decaf coffee that I like. I was the Goldilocks of coffee-tasters.
* the replacement lint trap for our very old dryer.
* the delicious fruitcake my next-door neighbor's dad makes. I've never been a fruitcake fan but this is so good.
@Darlene, do tell what decaf you like! It all tastes a bit off to me, so I often go with half-caff.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Not Darlene, but I struggled to find a decaf coffee I liked prior to my knee replacement surgery last year. (I didn't want my surgery day to come, and have me headachey from no caffeine, so I started decaff-ing in advance). I loooove Peet's Major Dickason decaf - pricey, but I buy it when it goes on sale - or Starbucks decaf Cafe Verona (same, buy it on sale). I like the non-decaf versions of these coffees as well. Having said that, dark roast coffee is my jam, and these fit the bill. You might like something else. I still do half-caff coffee made at home.
@Liz B., +1 for on-sale decaf Cafe Verona !
Enough money to live safely and comfortably
Anticipated retirement for me
Retired husband who enjoys his days, hikes, works on projects, travels, skis, and asks me where I want to go on vacation 🙂
Grown children who are all doing well (and by that I mean happy & healthy, and can pay their own way)
Cats! meow 1, meow 2, meow 3--just not at 4 am when meow 3 thinks it's morning :/
@Beth,
Cats rule!
That's one gorgeous coworker! How nice that the hospital has a therapy dog. One of my colleagues has a dog who come to the school in the morning - a lovely Irish setter/ doodle mix I think, and it's very cheering in the morning to be greeted with a wagging tail and soft fur to pat.
I'm thankful that
*classes are over and only finals left to write and grade. Even teachers get drained by the end of term.
* teen son completed driving hours needed to get his license. I'm so looking forward to have another driver to help out. He's a good driver- yesterday he drove hone from big city with strong wind gusts pushing the car around the entire way, and he handled it so well.
*daughter and her friends had a lovely time here for Thanksgiving. I'm not good at hosting, so just provide clean beds, lots of food, and let my daughter determine their activities. Apparently that was just right.
*my daughter's teachers, who continues to work with her and love her despite the challenges she presents right now.
@mbmom11, someone used to bring an Old English Sheepdog to DH's nursing home. The residents who still knew what a dog was loved it.
@A. Marie,
A volunteer at the hospital where I work used to bring a big, gorgeous Newfoundland therapy dog in to the hospital every so often. What a beauty. The Newfie was retired not too long ago at age 12.
You're so close to the finish line!!
This week I'm thankful:
- My kids are old enough to sleep in. What a delight to wake up and actually have time to myself in the mornings. I feel like it has happened overnight.
- Twinkle lights. It's dark and cold (and snowy) where I live and having lights up and about in the house makes a big difference in my mood.
- Joining a gym!
- Getting to see my best friend; we've been like ships passing in the night and it felt wonderful to finally get to reconnect after a hectic few months for both of us.
@Elisabeth, that alone time in the morning is so precious, regardless of circumstances.
Glad you looked at Pediatrics long term compared to normal area at hospital & know what you are looking for in your career. Good luck on your exam today & nex week, we know you'll do great. 🙂
Thankful for our house & heat! It is currently 3* (feels like) outside & we are semi frozen in snow/ice from yesterday/last night snow storm. that continues through tomorrow.
Thankful a short thaw out/warmer/above freezing temperatures expected Sunday & Monday.
Thankful we are healthy right now.
Thankful I still have ability to deal with the snow removal (mostly) myself.
Thankful that my Aunt received her Christmas box (my dad delivered for me after taking when he visited us earlier/during summer) & decided that she is going to keep the art poles I got for her (even though no more yard).
Thankful my Aunt got more of her furniture delivered to her new apartment yesterday. With another delivery expected next week. Almost finished.
Thankful Kristen & her site allowing us to learn & share with/from each other.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
@Regina, what are "art poles"?
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Art poles are plastic or wooden posts that have different ART painted on them. I buy from Studio M which are plastic (& good for 15-20 years (minimum) in outdoor weather). They have various sizes & styles (post/pole, pickets (like fence) & stakes). ART is done by various/different artists with different designs/themes. I have the larger (4'-5' high) art poles & I put mine over skinny tree trunk (more sturdy) in my yard. I got my Aunt the medium (3' high) art poles which she had in yard over stakes (came with) but now will have them sitting on patio & in corners in new apartment & my dad's (lady)girlfriend the picket (2' high) style (over stakes that came with). Teen got me a plant stake art pole (6"-8" high) MOM to put in potted plant.
Other companies/people have wooden art poles available on smaller scale (& more exspensive & not as long projected lifespan).
Just something fun way of showing art (mostly) outside.
Kristen, I love that you share your life with us.
I am thankful for impromptu get togethers this week, both lunch with a friend and a walk with another friend on Monday.
I am thankful for warm clothing to mitigate the cold weather. I don't like to be inside all day unless it is dangerous to be out.
I am thankful that going through the motions of holiday prep does breed some holiday cheer.
I am thankful for preschool pictures of my great nieces that arrived in the mail this week.
I am thankful that we can afford to be generous when giving gifts.
Kristen, like you, I was a mom, had lived some life, and held myself to very high standards in college in that I’d made a very conscious decision to be there. So in comparison, I thought working my post-college, career starting job, to be a piece of cake by comparison- no studying, no tests, no grades! My time off was my own once again.
All to say, hang in there, you’ve 100% got this, and you are almost there!!!
That's what I'm thinking; working is going to be easier than this!
I am thankful for the lovely photos you post!!! Especially like the one with red and orange-ish berries. So proud of you and your commitment to nursing school. You go girl!!
@Plaidkaren, I am curious if anyone knows what those berries are? They are beautiful!!
@Bee,
American Bittersweet.
Thankful that after a week of aggravation...my propane tank is buried and filled...which is nice since it's in the 20s here at night and we were about empty!
Thankful for my brother that is coming today to do construction on my house. It's horrible timing with all we have going on, but it will save us thousands and it will be done...so concentrating on the thankful.
thankful to have the car buying experience over and that we once again have two vehicles. Insurance texted me yesterday that they should have their paperwork and inspection done soon. Also, thankful for texting with insurance rather than having to call someone constantly.
thankful for all the deer and other animals we see in our new yard (even though they did eat my blackberry bush!)
thankful fo rthe quiet at the new house. Where we were living was noise ALL the time...road noise, the kids next door (which were the loudest kids ever! and our houses were sooo close), just all the time noise. I'm thankful for the quiet.
@Marlena, you got a replacement car ALREADY??! That is impressive.
I wonder how long you will be thankful for the deer in your yard. I am continually yelling at the deer in my yard, "THIS IS NOT YOUR CAFETERIA!!"
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I yell things at the deer in my yard that (a) aren't suitable for a family-friendly blog and (b) are unbecoming an elderly lady and a Janeite. 😀
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, my husband and I both work mostly from home, but commute two hours away when we do go into work...one vehicle just won't cut it for more than a week with us. Add in moving and both of us seeming to need to be in different places at different times...we bit the bullet and just got it done. We were planning to buy him a truck this year anyways, so we already knew what we wanted.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I have food and water for mine. Wildlife feed (and water heaters) will be a retirement budget item for me. I have multi-generation does and during the "season", see a couple of bucks (who do not have consuming food on their minds). I think non-regulars were the ones who munched on our arbors last year (we've never had a problem with that in the past). So have some strongly scented bars of something hanging on them. I keep an eye out best I can (I am still working) but so far, none have gotten near them.
Watching fawns is a hoot - whoever did the animation for Bambi had the motions down to a "T".
@A. Marie, lmao. Yep, those deer can be aggravating.
Kristen, how dare you write about very big life events in your own blog! 😉 (Sarcasm Alert) I love reading about your nursing school experiences; you're inspiring me on my own journey, though I'm just dipping my toes in the water right now, I hope eventually to be where you are now, doing clinicals and learning practical skills. So keep it up!
Today I'm thankful:
That DS#1's wound is allll but healed. There is one stubborn spot, but he is very pleased and is working on getting into grad school and restarting his life. It was such a big blow, the huge medical crisis and then losing his job, but thankfully we were able to be here for him.
That DS#2 seems to be enjoying and doing well in his pre-nursing classes; we're taking one together and I've been helping him study for A&P, and he's doing SO much better than last semester. Psychology in particular I think is his favorite; if I had to predict, I'd guess he might eventually want to work on a psych or neuro ward.
That my migraine I've been fighting is finally lifting. Also that Clark is my medic cat--when I'm feeling poorly he sticks to me like glue. The other night he actually sat in my lap, under a blanket, and he is NOT a lap cat.
Why I am thankful...
that I left a job in the summer that didn't value me.
that we made it through the Thanksgiving snow, with only 59 inches in our front yard.
that we finally were able to get plowed out by the 3rd guy we lined up. (Snow is very rough on plow trucks.)
that I could have Christmas tomorrow and be totally covered with presents and food.
that I have some time today to myself.
FYI. When I see divorce and nursing in your posts, I think how great it is you are moving forward with your life.
@Amy cheapohmom,
"ONLY" 59 inches. Ouch!
@JD,
So, basically, a 4' 11" tall person's height worth of snow. :-0
@Liz B., yes, it is crazy how much there is and how fast it fell. We are going through storm #2 and it is a lot more normal for our area.
@Liz B., Oh, dear. That's how tall I am, well, or was at my tallest!
@Amy cheapohmom,
Yikes! Stay warm, dry, and safe!
@Chrissy,
Lol....stay away from big snowdrifts! 🙂
I'm thankful that, so far, today's predicted winter storm seems to be a no-show. I'm also thankful that I ran all essential errands yesterday and have nowhere I need to go today or tomorrow, in case the storm decides to show up.
I'm thankful, as I so often am, for my feeder birds. I plan to spend this afternoon doing a Project FeederWatch count, lighting a fire in the woodburner, and making a turkey stock with the two meaty turkey backs I picked up at Price Chopper yesterday.
And I'm thankful that Kristen is about to finish her semester and is getting close to finishing her RN! Three hearty huzzahs!
@A. Marie,
That sounds like a wonderful winter day. My son and DIL have just arrived back in Florida from upstate NY after spending a long Thanksgiving week with her family. DS is so thankful to be warm and not to have to drive in ice and snow.
@Bee, the Bestest Neighbors had an exciting Thanksgiving weekend, too: They went to their Lake Erie house and thus were caught in the giant snow dump between Buffalo and Erie, PA. They came back here the minute the Thruway reopened!
@A. Marie,
What a lovely sounding day!
You keep doing you, girl! It's working fabulously for you and we're delighted to be along on the journey.
So close to your break! I know you are excited!
My thanksgivings:
1. I suppose this is a silver lining type of thing. My granddaughter who is in nursing school absolutely aced the section on Type 1 diabetes and the signs and treatments for blood glucose highs and lows. Growing up with a T-1 diabetic grandfather gave her some useful knowledge.
2. I'm thankful that last night wasn't and tonight won't be a hard freeze. Friday night might be a different story, but I didn't have to worry about my citrus trees last night and won't have to again tonight. I run sprinklers during the hard freezes, but it doesn't always work.
3. I probably mentioned this already, but I'm just so thankful for my neighbor's free labor and equipment use as he pulled up so many stumps and hurricane-broken trees from my fence line so my new fence could go up, plus, it just looks better, if empty, compared to the old tree-lined days. He probably saved me $1000.
4. I'm thankful that so far, the gifts I ordered online have arrived and are correct. So far. I have one I'm waiting on. I'll never forget the yoga pants I ordered for my daughter last year that arrived in a bag correctly labeled as yoga pants, but turned out to be swimsuit bottoms. Not exactly what she wanted!
5. The last two cold days made me thankful all over again for the felted wool peacoat I asked my husband to buy me for Christmas many years ago (and that he did). It still looks and works great. Long may it live.
@JD, in those hard freezes, running water usually keeps the trees from dying, although the fruit may be a loss. As a kid, I liked hearing the wind machines in the night—stupid punk, never taking into account how stressful it was for my parents to go through those freezes.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I picked a bunch of the fruit but it got too dark (and cold!) on me the night of the worst cold. I leave for work at dawn and get home at dusk, so I haven't seen what the fruit looks like yet. Keeping my fingers crossed!
@JD,
I spoke too soon about my gifts arriving. I just found out that the one I'm waiting on is lost in the USPS system. They are shipping another. I'm hoping this one makes it!
I'll be thankful that they shipped another without me even asking. There is that.
Thankful my kids were home from college for Thanksgiving .... thankful my son made it back to school despite bad roads (he attends university in Michigan's upper peninsula, and they got hammered with snow last weekend) .... thankful that I don't have to work today and can stay indoors during another winter storm .... grateful that the weather cleared a couple of days ago and I could take a beautiful hike outside in the snow .... thankful that the Christmas decorations are all up.
@Kris, I remember the days of being grateful when my kids traveled safely to and from college. Bad weather made that so much more nerve-wracking!!
Obtaining a nursing degree is no small feat. It’s listed as one of the most stressful degree paths, in no small part because it’s hard to get in (unless you pay for private colleges), the material is extensive and if you fail one class you’re out and have to redo the whole semester in most cases. Good luck on your final next week!
It is unsurprising to me it's listed as stressful! And apparently my school is one of stricter ones, with very high standards.
For instance, in my school, you can fail one class, and then you have to repeat that class again the next semester. But if you fail one single other class in the program, you are out of the program entirely.
So, it's very high stakes!
I looked up NCLEX in case others here are also wondering. It is the national nurse licensing exam, like the bar exam for nurses.
It is a privilege to be able to follow along with your life. You give us a peek into a world that is so completely different from anything I know and yet your lessons on navigating through all the vicissitudes are applicable to everyone.
Much to be thankful for here as usual but no list from me this week.
I will never go to nursing school but I enjoy hearing about your journey. You are working so hard and should be proud of your accomplishments.
I'm very thankful for our church choir director. She is a very talented, enthusiastic, encouraging woman who makes singing so much fun. This year she has arranged a bunch of optional activities for us -- we're singing carols at the community tree lighting in the town park, we can be part of the back-up chorus for the elementary children's holiday concert, and we can sing in the chorus for a harpsichord concert. All of these easy, fun activities are really adding to my enjoyment of the Christmas season.
I'm thankful that past me arranged to have a light schedule this December (I'm self-employed).
For my dogs who get us out every day to exercise, no matter the weather, and are always up for warm snuggles.
For the abundant wildlife in our area. Last week while hiking we saw several bald eagles and a golden eagle, and we caught a mountain lion passing through one night on our game camera. On the way home from running errands I had to stop to let turkeys cross the road, and we routinely see deer and elk in our yard.
I'm thankful I know how to cook and that I enjoy doing so. I have friends who struggle with this, so I feel fortunate.
@Cindi,
Choir singing is such a wonderful activity. Whenever I listen to people singing, I want to join in.
@JNL, You should give it a try! I do love it so.
I am just so proud of you for making positive changes in your life. Including but not limited to nursing school.
Thank you!
I'm thankful for:
- One of my kids did something out of their comfort zone. I'm so glad they did and that it went well for them.
- That we should be getting our new cat today!
- For our old little house and the improvements were making on it (fixed heating vent, new non-drafty and openable windows).
- For God's faithfulness to help in difficulties
As a reader, it is very enjoyable to follow along your journey & see all of the awesome progress you're making! To please others, I think you should blog about all of the other things you are up to, to entertain us. You know, skiing, traveling Europe, paragliding, etc. 😉
Things I'm thankful for this week:
1) That DS17 had a great soccer game yesterday. He's the captain & I love getting to see the moments of leadership on the field.
2) That I sat next to a friend & we got a chance to catch up. She's on the quieter side, but she's been breaking out of her shell as we get to know each other, and she's hilarious.
3) That I had a chance to do three paid user studies yesterday. I really enjoy most user studies, and did a lot of them when I worked at the company I worked for. I'm actively looking for a job, and while money isn't a struggle (which, is another huge reason to be grateful) I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute & it feels good to me. One of the studies required DS17 (I gave him the money) as it was on teen perspectives on social media. Sounded fascinating.
4) Only 1.5 weeks until DS18 is home from college!
5) For the gorgeous fall/winter weather. Lovely enough to be outside raking *all* of the leaves, cool enough to be able to do yard work without getting hot.
Haha, I would need a bigger budget to maintain that kind of blog! 😉
That dog is gorgeous!!!
1. I'm thankful to have booked my flight home for Christmas. The holidays are in sight!
2. I'm thankful to be finished with Danish class until the new year.
3. I'm thankful that my training session at the gym went well.
4. In general I'm thankful that I got more into the habit of exercising this year. I don't always enjoy going running or working out but I feel so much better and stronger afterwards!
5. This is cheesy, but Walmart did a really cute Gilmore Girls advert. I hate Walmart, so have mixed feelings, but love the ad! I'm thankful that we got to see a new 'scene', so to speak!
@Sophie in Denmark, i read about that ad but i haven't seen it yet. glad you liked th ad. i hope to see it soon.
Hearing your stories, updates and hopes/dreams of nursing school are a bit like reading a novel and I look forward to each and every detail that you share with us. I find it encouraging and there is truly solidarity in it as the times when all women were mothers and homemakers only has passed. Many of us ladies are working, mothering and homemaking all at the same time these days. Keep it up Kristen - you have a full on cheerleading squad rallying behind you!
1. Thankful for the cold weather we have had this week. It feels good to be able to wear sweaters and jeans, lay down in a bed with flannel sheets at night, and snuggle under fleece blankets on the sofa watching a movie.
2. Thankful for my church. We have encountered support, friendships, encouragement and the true meaning of family over and over again within its walls and I am forever grateful.
3. For a full freezer and pantry that makes it easy to prepare meals without having to run out to the grocery store.
4. For coffee and energy drinks and exercise and all the things that keep me moving & a healthy body that lets me do all the things I never had the energy to do before.
5. For a lovely deep bathtub filled to the brin with hot water where I can soak away the stress of every day.
Today I'm in a rush, but wanted to get my gratitudes in, since I missed last week.
1) I'm grateful for that first cup of coffee in the morning. That probably sounds like a commercial, but really, it's sooo good.
2) I'm grateful for the wind today. I know it's blustery, and gusting up to 55 at times, but it has blown all the clouds away, leaving a breathtakingly blue sky, and I love watching the downed leaves swirl and dance across the ground. I've always loved windy days.
3) So thankful for my dental team. After having a filling replaced yesterday, I couldn't remove my partial when I went to bed last night. Got a little panicky there. Called them this morning before they actually opened, and they got me in as soon as the dentist got there. My new hero is the dental assistant who worked with it and finally got it out just before the dentist came in. Together they got everything adjusted, were sympathetic and calming, and I was on my way in 20 minutes. I am such a dental-phobe!
4) Thankful that last week's turkey turned out so moist and yummy. It's been years since I cooked one and I tried a new method, which is usually risky, but we both decided it was delicious!
5) Grateful for my ladies' Bible study group. There's no support quite like those of kindred souls.
@StephanieLD, having a great dental team with a dental phobia is such a great feeling! 🙂
My dentist retired a few years ago & I was beside myself. He had another dentist in part time & the part time dentist made me regress to almost the beginning of being able to even come into dentist office after taking 3 hours (which actually was only attending to me 5 minutes every 45 minutes) to pull a tooth. Luckily my dentist was still there & stepped in just as I was about to be done & drenched in tears & shaking.
** I would have rather gone through childbirth labor again than go to dentist. My (retired) dentist got me to not dread dental work after 3 years slowly getting me through procedures.
I enjoy reading about your nursing school experiences. I wonder how much you'll be able to tell us once you are actually a working nurse, though. I'm sure, whatever it is, I will enjoy reading that, too, as I simply like your way of writing. Plus, I am glad to know your blog is financially supporting you. Think how much money you'll have once you get paid for full time nursing as well! I suspect much of that will go into a retirement account but it will be interesting to see what you choose to do.
I know, right? Imagine how nice it will be to get paid vs paying (work pays you, but you have to pay to go to school)!
This week I am thankful:
• We were able to have my grandparents join us for Thanksgiving. My grandma is in her 80s and my grandpa is in his 90s. My dad was kind enough to drive them to and from our house so we could enjoy their company. I’m also thankful we were able to host and that our home holds both our families during the holidays.
• We didn’t have to buy a new Christmas tree for our new house. I was able to make our old one work and it looks beautiful (even with one row of lights that just won’t light).
• Our two dogs get along so well. It can be hard to bring a puppy in when there is already an older dog in the house. But our older dog takes time to play and teach our puppy and has a little more pep when he plays (which we were hoping would happen).
• We were prepared for winter! Now that my son is a teenager I worry less about him losing hats and gloves at school. It’s still a possibility because he’s human. But when we pulled out the winter gear, everything from last year fit and he had matches to all his gloves!
Fie on the person who made the comment that you talk only about your divorce and nursing school. I find those posts interesting because I know zero about nursing school. As for the divorce, your handling/writing of it is so lacking in venom that I am in awe, so am also interested in how you are processing it so publicly with such grace.
Thankful for:
1. the pharma industry. My life and my husband's life were saved by some researcher(s) going into a lab and doing the undoubtedly sometimes hideously boring work of finding ways to cure diseases or help others live with what cannot be cured. My husband was in his 20s when he got cancer. His treatment was not working and then a new drug was released and although he still had five major surgeries and 18 months of chemo with this new drug, he has not had a reoccurrence and is 76 now. In the years before this drug, the survival rate was 10%; it is now 90%.
2. how little daylight we have now. I know I am in the minority, but I find having only about 3 hours of daylight a day to be very soothing and peaceful.
3. the old friends I have who knew me before gravity took its toll on my boobs. I am losing casual friends left and right, to old age. Even my three younger friends in their 40s all are struggling with cancer or its aftermath. So far my friends of the longest duration are hanging in there, and I am happy about that.
4. persimmons. They and sumo oranges are my favorite fruits, and right now we are getting persimmons in the grocery, not always the freshest but still. And sumos are coming relatively soon, when persimmons will be gone. I am fortunate to be able to afford $1 per persimmon and about $5 per sumo; I am aware that not everybody can.
5. The husband, always the husband. Thirty-nine years ago he built a six-foot tall Christmas tree shaped calendar; it is deep enough that the doors open to compartments about six inches deep. Every year he drags it out and fills it with small, usually edible tokens so I get a treat every morning. Today it was a five pack of Market Spice tea bags, the only tea I really like but seldom buy because we have to order it.
@Lindsey, I always look forward to your thankful comment about your husband!
I wish I could share persimmons with you. A friend at church has a number of trees and he has a hard time giving them away. I like them as well.
And, your #3 made me snicker. Count me as having a similar issue. 🙂
@Lindsey,
I share your love of Sumo oranges. Oddly enough, I've never tasted a persimmon, but now I think I must.
Aww, thank you for being interested in my schooling!
And I love the Christmas tree calendar story; I'd love to see a picture if you have one!
@Lindsey, I also find the darker days restful. I like waking up early before the sun, and I like having dinner when it's dark out.
@Lindsey, am so glad your hubby is still around. my family of origin, mom, dad, grandparents are gone. only had one aunt who is gone. no cousins. but it is amazing to be here when my mom passed at 50. i am retired 10 years and everyone from my office are gone at least 10 years. it is scary to say the least.
I think that last picture of the fine leaves next to the log looks like asparagus (?)
All you write about is your divorce and nursing school? Actually, you did very well at being "respectful" regarding your divorce when the rest of us were wanting justice served! And nursing school is no small part of your life. To see someone actually navigate your blog, home life. a part time job and a tough education is quite informative. Gives practical ideas and encouragement to others.
I am thankful for my workplace. I'm having to say it out loud, to remind myself because with a bunch of women and "feelings," my own in particular, it gets a little spicy. Cattiness/oneupmanship ran in our family and it's not a very nice outfit to wear. Throw my thyroid being off whack and my tongue becomes unhinged and gets me into trouble. Not liking winter, and not being ready for it and aging and I'm ready for a wood stove, a good book, and a cup of tea.
I am thankful that I was able to decorate the counter of the nurses' station at work. It did elicit a compliment and conversation. It did turn out pretty cute.
Thankful my car is working good in this very cold (teens) weather. Takes a little bit to heat up, but it's very comfortable when it gets there.
Thankful for on-line/on-phone admission to new Doctor's office. I'm looking forward to having my eyelids lifted. They are so droopy, they affect my vision so it's not just a cosmetic issue but a medical one. "Looking" forward to a "brighter outlook!"
You have a lot to be thankful for - school is going well for you and you are where you need to be, right now. (:
I am thankful for:
*my home, which continues to be my main source of sanctuary
*my overall health, which I can take a tiny bit of credit for as I am focused on it and doing the best I can to support it
*a warm and cozy place to read a book every evening - such a luxury
*reading glasses! They prevent many a headache
Well, I am thankful for ALL the news of your adventures-- personal and professional-- and am grateful you take time to write and share such colorful & beautiful pictures!
You write about so much more than nursing school and your divorce. Both are a big part of your life so that influences what you write about thrift, joy, peace, suffering, faith, patience, family, friends, nature, menus, books, holidays, and so much more.
You would not have much of a following and fan club if all you wrote about if school and divorce. Keep up the good work. You are loved.
Not being sexist but I truly believe it is women who support women. But when a person is striving to be a better person and contribute to society, s/he needs support. And now I am maybe being a bit sexist but you won't divorce us (and get a better "model") once you graduate from nursing school!
My thankful list this week is all related to my plantar fascia release and gastrocnemius recession surgery yesterday.
- I'm thankful that the surgery went well
- I'm thankful that DH can work from home the rest of the week to take care of me
- I'm thankful that the PT clinic DD works out lent me a roller walker since it is so painful to walk right now
- I'm thankful that we've met our out-of-pocket deductible, so my surgery and prescriptions didn't cost us anything
- I'm thankful that BFF brought us a pot of soup and cornbread muffins for dinner, so DH didn't have to cook and take care of me too
@Beverly, good luck. wishing you a full and speedy recovery.
so proud of you and you should be proud of yourself. that you continue to post is gratefully appreciated. as i have said before you never disappoint. i am grateful that my sons high school application is complete.
applying to high school in nyc is a nightmare. it involves essays, school tours, lottery numbers, interviews and a lot of other red tape. we don't find out what school he got into until march 6.
on the other hand, a block from my apt is a trader joe's a target and a whole foods is coming. although it doesn't look like it will arrive in my lifetime. two blocks away is a popeye's and a mcdonald's. luckily for my waistline the mcdonald's is the worst in the city imho. they always get the order wrong so i rarely go there.
I am thankful for your blog and the commentariat. I learn so much and you inspire me. The way you have navigated your challenges - with authenticity and discretion is to be admired. I love attending nursing school vicariously too.
I am thankful for safe travels recently.
I am thankful for family and friends and for a most relaxing and delicious Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for libraries and the joy and resources they offer.
I am thankful for exercise teachers who bring skill and experience that make my classes enjoyable and useful.
Sorry if I’ve missed seeing this asked already but why a virtual convocation, Kristen? Maybe that’s fine with you, just curious - it’s a significant accomplishment, you should get a whole parade!
Well, we do have an in-person pinning when it's our turn to graduate, and I believe we get to walk the stage with a whole bunch of other students too. But the convocation is always online.
This one isn't mine, obviously (I graduate in the spring), but all four semesters of students are required to attend the online convocation.
“feedback along the lines of, “All you talked about was your divorce and nursing school.””
I started reading here when NCA started having ads and my device would glitch. You did talk more frugal stuff then and I’m entertained by frugal, nursing and divorce not so much. But there are a lot of frugal comments so that’s good. You have more ads now which cause glitches but this is a business so I guess it’s inevitable. Frugalism done in by commercialism lol.
Hmm, that is so interesting; I have not tweaked my ad settings in years. lol
Unfortunately, if I did not run ads, I would have to quit blogging and get another job so that I could pay my bills. Some people deal with this problem by only posting behind paywalls, but that too is a difficult choice for a blog that talks about helping people save money.
I wish I had some other magical solution! 🙂
@Kristen, probably the ads have changed and use more bandwidth like videos, and it could be my device or connection.
When it’s your business you gotta make your money, upfront or however!
I am thankful for your posts about nursing school! It’s real life, and it’s been fascinating to learn more about how nursing school actually works.
I am also thankful for a really lovely Medical Assistant who did the prep work for me at an appointment this week. She listened really well and took detailed notes.
I’m thankful for the means to drink all the hot drinks (teas, coffees, cacaos, etc) that I want in this winter season.
I’m thankful I have the means to make a full meal for my family every night.
Thankful I’m in shape to run a race in northern maine tomorrow morning
Thankful for a healthy body
Thankful that even with conflict I can rely on the stability of close relationships
Thankful for hot running water and appliances
Kristen, I love that you talk about your progress in becoming a nurse. And I love how transparent you have been in sharing your journey leaving a bad relationship and becoming more independent while still maintaining a frugal lifestyle. But I think you write about other areas of your life, too. You tell us about your meals, your frugal finds, your walks and beautiful photos, your daughters, your cats, your concerts…
I’m thankful for how full your life is and that you share it with us!
Those are good things to be thankful for 🙂
I’m thankful for/that …
1) Christmas music! Love the mood it conveys. Been playing it since before Thanksgiving.
2) Christmas lights! Love going with my family to look at them at the downtown display or during our Christmas lights drive.
3) Real live Christmas tree and the pine scent coming from it.
4) Time talking to and catching up with my mom, sister and brother on the phone.
5) Answered prayers like reconciliation in broken relationships within my family .
I love hearing about your nursing school adventures! I’m getting ready to apply this spring to an RN program at my local community college, in part inspired by you. 🙂 I’ll be 44 when I graduate with an ADN in 2027 (hopefully!)
And I’m always willing to listen when you want or need to talk about things related to the divorce.
This week, I’m thankful for:
- Acing my CNA final! Just the state exam left, and I’ll be done with a big part of the pre-read.
- Being almost done with A&P 1. This class has been really interesting, but I’m ready to be done 🙂 Lab final is complete, just need to finish the lecture final next week.
- A supportive family. My kids are in middle & high school, and my husband works a job that can result in late hours sometimes. They’ve all been incredibly busy (theater, choir, band, etc.), but everyone has been pulling their weight around the house this semester, and I just really appreciate it.
Woohoo!! Congrats on the CNA final!