Thankful Thursday | 75% done!
This week, I am thankful:
that third semester is DONE!
I am officially 75% of the way through my nursing program now; just one more semester to go.
And I ended with an A again, so crazy enough, I still have my 4.0. I was so sure I was gonna lose it before now but here we are!
I still recognize that I might end up with a B in fourth semester, but that is ok. I am pleased with myself for keeping my streak of A's alive for this long already.
for five weeks off
I don't think it's quite sunk in that I am free from school; I am so used to the nagging feeling that I should really be studying!
I love this about college: that on the winter break, you really are free because the fall classes are done, never to be seen again. There's no work carrying over into the break.
We do have some suggested things to review over break:
But honestly, I probably am not going to do a ton of work over the next five weeks.
I'll probably listen to some nursing/medical podcasts on the systems listed on the slides, but I can just easily do that during some of my walks.
that learning a language is not an all-or-nothing proposition
As I alluded to yesterday, I sometimes get discouraged when I think about all that is involved with becoming fluent in Spanish. I think, "I will never get there! This is too hard."
But then I remember my why: I am trying to be able to do some basic communication with my Spanish-speaking patients. I don't have to get as fluent as I am in English. I don't need to be able to pour my heart out in a poetic way.
I just want to be helpful!
And I already can ask things like,
- "Necesita ayuda?" (Do you need help?)
- "Necesita mas tiempo?" (Do you need more time?)
- "Quieres mas agua? Con o sin hielo?" (Do you want more water? With or without ice?)
Also, I can introduce myself: "Hola! Me llamo Kristen. Hablo un poco Español."
And I know how to ask someone if they are cold or hot: ("Tienes frio o calor?") I can also ask them if they want their coffee with sugar or cream (we make Very Fancy Coffee at the hospital, using instant coffee packets. Ha.)
Anyway, in my discouraged moments, it helps me to realize that while I am not fluent, I do have some basic functionality already, and that's something. 🙂
that the tree that fell in my backyard is not my problem
The top half of a neighbor's tree fell into our backyard; it seems like that neighbor should take care of the cleanup, but even if the neighbor doesn't, the problem still is not mine to deal with.
This is the upside of renting!
for little green mosses
One of the trails I walk on has so much moss all over, and I appreciate the bit of winter green the mosses provide. It's a nice addition to the brown that is so prevalent at this time of year.
that my printer is so easy to refill
I've had this Canon printer for several years, and this is the first time I've had to refill the ink tanks. Guys, it was so easy!
The refill tanks and bottles are designed so well, it's almost impossible to spill ink (and trust me, I'd spill it if it were possible to do so).
This is the printer most similar to what I have and I cannot say enough good things about it. The big tanks are SO much more frugal than those pricey little ink cartridges.
that I didn't get sick all semester
What a blessing that was; I didn't have to miss any lectures, labs, or clinical days!
And this was despite being at the gym 4-5 days a week, having clinical days at the hospital each week, and also working my job at the hospital.
I send gratitude to my immune system. And also I'm grateful for hand sanitizer and soap.
for the joy of getting rid of semester papers
I love being able to recycle most of the papers I accumulate over the course of a semester; most of them are entirely unnecessary to keep, and it feels so cathartic to be able to clear them all out!
Congratulations on finishing another semester. Great job. So thankful that our electricity was only off for an hour or so last night. It is bitter cold here. Thankful for the linemen who go out in the cold and darkness to fix it. Thankful that I get to see our son and 2 of our grandchildren today as they travel from Ohio from New Jersey so our 12 year old granddaughter can race at the Junior Olympics Nationals on Saturday in Indiana. Have a restful and a restorative semester break.
@Susan, that is exciting. What is your daughter racing in?
@Bee, ** granddaughter
@Susan,
Go, Susan's Granddaughter!!!! Rah, rah, rah!!!!
Which event is she racing in??
@Susan,
That's so awesome about your granddaughter! It's supposed to warm up here in Ohio (I'm in the Cincinnati area) this weekend. I hope they enjoy their trip to the Midwest!
@Bee, cross country
@Fru-gal Lisa, cross country
Congratulations Kristen, impressive result! I wish you a very restful and enjoyable holiday!
This week's Thankfuls-
A warm home
For beautiful music and the opportunity to sing with other people
For being able to make positive changes in our small circles
That we have our holidays just around the corner so the shortening of the days are not a nuisance in a busy life, but just a natural phenomenon
Congratulations, Kristen!
I've got covid so not feeling very thankful for that. But I am thankful to be vaccinated and to have got it out of the way before Christmas! And I'm thankful that I don't feel very ill.
@Sophie in Denmark,
Get well soon!
@JNL, Thank you!
@Sophie in Denmark, Feel better soon!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Hope you get well soon and in time to enjoy Christmas. Snuggle in the warm covers and get yourself some nice soup to sip on.
@Sophie in Denmark, Feel better quickly to enjoy the holidays. Yay for being vaccinated to help with that.
@Sophie in Denmark, best wishes for a speedy (and pre-Christmas) recovery!
@Sophie in Denmark,
I hope you feel better quickly! The vaccine really makes a difference.
@Fru-gal Lisa, if only I liked soup! I am snuggled under a blanket though 🙂 Thanks for the well wishes!
@ErikaJS, thank you! Big yay for vaccines!
@A. Marie, thank you!
@Liz B., thank you! It definitely does!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Oops! Well, have some warm whatever-it-is you like. Hot chocolate or warm tea or --???? And please take good care of yourself
This week, I'm grateful for my health and ability to move. I'm heading home now after taking a bus trip to NYC. My special gratitude is that I didn't fall while skating at Rockefeller center. (2 things, if you really want to skate, go early in the morning, and you have to watch out for other's constantly). It was my sister's dream, and I went along. I'll be happy to pick up the dog and arrive home tonight! I'm also grateful that my 84 year old mother came along. She a trooper and did everything but the ice skating! Congratulations Kristen, you'll be finished before you know it!
Congratulations on your class work! Enjoy your time off, as it does really fly by after the first 2 weeks that seem slow.
Thankful for our house to shelter us in this Winter Wonderland (snow & cold).
Thankful for indoor heat! Currently it is (feels like) -5* & snowing on & off. It is expected to get colder because of the expected wind today & later tonight.
Thankful for my crock pot. Getting ready to throw some frozen chicken in crockpot with seasoning & let it cook all day so we have a hot meal (mostly) ready when I get home tonight.
Thankful for 3 days of election recount. Wish we would have dine 3 days straight instead of 1 day off in between because yesterday daytime weather was better than today.
Thankful teen has no school today due to weather. Sometimes schools forget about the temperature guidelines for our state & some students are exposed to possible frost bite & hypothermia because of having to wait for bus & walling to school. Plus buses do not have good heating for passengers. I have not even heard a plow truck come by yet since snow & cold started yesterday.
Thankful that I am off for holiday break & can spend time with teen & rescue dogs.
Thankful for great medical professionals that are treating my dad at the hospital & VA. My dad is officially being treated for his cancer (& he also has Agent Orange) aggressively starting this week. I wish we could be there to help & be there for him.
Thankful dad is still himself (mentally) & that I helped him get his end of life preparations done.
Thankful we got to see my dad & spend time with him this summer when he came to visit for a month. He was already told he will not be traveling anytime next year outside of medical.
Always Thankful for Kristen & her blog site to be able to learn & share with everyone.
Now, off to shovel out the snow & defrost my vehicle to make my way to election recount.
Have a great weekend!
@Regina,
Thanks for what you're doing to volunteer for the elections. I keep hearing about election workers getting harassed, and I want to thank you for your courage.
Also, it is heartbreaking to hear of your dad having been a victim of Agent Orange. Thank him for his service to our country, and give him my best wishes. IMO we cannot do enough to honor those men and women who bravely serve(d) our country! Yet, we're not doing nearly enough.
@Regina, I join Fru-gal Lisa in thanks for your election service (over and above the call of duty, it seems), and in thanks to your father for his service. And I'm glad your dad is getting good care at his VA. According to some stories I've heard over at alzconnected.org, not all VAs are equal in this respect.
Congratulations on another successful semester! Enjoy your break from the academic grind!
I'm thankful
* my semester is over, finals graded, and grades turned in. I can ignore work and finally shop for the holidays.
*my son's 504 meeting showed me that the teachers are trying to help him learn. No one had new ideas, unfortunately, but I think I know how next semester will go.
*I visited a friend who retired over the summer. She's a great listener, and i needed that. She also needs to see people- life has been hard for her and she doesn't go out much- so me stopping by to chat is good for her too.
* my friend gave me a fresh loaf of bread and blueberry muffins to bring home. My family loved that!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
Congrats on finishing another semester of nursing school. You are so close to being done with your degree. When will you apply for jobs?
I am happy we had some warmer days. We hiked one of our favorite trails at a local state park on Sunday. I walked down a local trail on Tuesday and loved seeing the beech trees holding on to their leaves.
I am thankful for continuing to be able bodied. I am working on embracing more yoga classes after I sluffed off for a while.
I am thankful for friends. They make life richer every day.
I am thankful for family. The holiday season is nostalgic this year and we are making treats from the past.
I am thankful for this blog and this weekly practice.
Congratulations on another semester completed and with an A!!! Great job! Relax for few weeks now.
I am thankful to be in our warm home on this very cold and windy morning. And that my husband brought in some wood so I can keep the woodstove going all day. And I had the energy to put the flannel sheets on the bed last night. They were very comfy and warm and I didn't need an extra blanket.
I am thankful that I found the Menard's rebate check before I burned it in the woodstove! I took the mail from my husband and put it in the wood pile without realizing there was a rebate check in there. Luckily I realized it before it was burned. It was only worth $7.95, but it would have been cash thrown away!
I am thankful that we found a very cute couple of young adults that really enjoy our dog and housesitting for weekends when we go away. We pay them in cash half of what the kennel charges and they love our dog and cat. We will still have the kennel as a backup and will use them next weekend, but they are great for watching the house and animals. Plus they get cash!
Thankful that I continue my streak of saving my change and $5.00 bills. Sometimes I end up spending them, but I have been able to put them into my different jars and save for a rainy day.
Thankful for spending a weekend away with our "travel buddies." We went to Montreal where it was very cold and snowy, and not what we expected, but we had fun as friends getting together and traveling. And we all got home safely.
I am happy for you that now you can rest and recharge, maybe do some merry-making for the Christmas break! I remember that feeling well. (: This week I have much to be thankful for and this is a good time to reflect on it:
*Since cloudy, rainy days bum me out, I am super thankful that todays weather will be a sunny 65! I will be so willing to do a longer walk.
*All of my Christmas shopping is done and I stayed within a reasonable budget for my peeps. I was able to do a couple of homemade gifts as well.
*I am grateful for the case manager who found me a therapist. He has helped me tremendously and I feel like I am truly moving forward. December is a tricky month.
*Thankful for a creative friend who sends me free cross stitch projects and generally encourages me in my creative pursuits. Long term friends are such a gift.
Happy end of semester!
Yay for you on finishing with your A streak intact! Enjoy your time off.
This week I'm thankful:
that yesterdays wind and rainstorm didn't cause any damage to the house or yard. Some of our neighbors weren't so lucky.
that my daughter got off work early yesterday and avoided an accident on the bridge that tied up traffic for several hours.
for reconnecting with an old friend. I hesitated about reaching out and I've very glad I did.
for finally finding a decaf coffee that I like.
for holiday gingerbread men to have with the coffee!
Congrats, Kristen!
I’m thankful for my non- illness situation as well.
Since covid began, I’ve had 2 common colds/ viruses that weren’t terrible, just annoying. So far I’ve continued to escape covid, even while working in healthcare.
I’m realistic and expect my streak to end, but I’ll take it for now!
Thankful my college Freshman arrived home last night after a good first semester. So much maturity!
Thankful that my 14 year- ish old shepherd mix/ mutt is still with us and is doing pretty well- assisted by medications and lots of love. That’s pretty old for a large dog. Thankful that we can afford the medications that are helping him feel comfortable.
Thankful for my childhood friend who visited from out of town this week. I have several good friends that have been in my life for 30-45 years. When we are together it’s like no time passes!
@Kim from Philadelphia, How great that your dog is doing well. We, too, always have giant breeds (except for our current lab) and they die too soon. One of our Irish wolfhounds lasted to almost 12, and we were so thankful for that. 14 is wonderful!
@Kim from Philadelphia,
Give your doggie some loving from me. I adopted my shepherd/mutt 14 years ago, she was already maybe 2 y.o. by then, and recently had to send her across the Rainbow Bridge due to her cancer. My holiday season is too lonely without her. So please give your baby all the love you can. Wish I could send him a bone.
Thankful for not having to work last weekend like most of my co-workers. I was super tired.
For reaching my goal of 40 years at my place of employment. I will hit 41 soon and I will likely retire. I would have left by now if health insurance wasn't an issue.
Thankful for all the peeps at work who were my buds and have already retired.
That I was able to keep up with the many changes at work. We went from paper records to computer software. Lucky for me I love electronics.
I will miss my boss, you never know what will come out of her mouth. She is super funny.
Thankful for road salt & road crews. The storms last night left roads a sheet of ice. They should be clear by the time I have to leave for work.
@Mar, Hi Mar! Congratulations on your retirement. Like you, I have 42 years at the same employer and would love to retire. May I ask what avenue you took for your health insurance? That is the only stumbling block for us. I am 60 and hubby is 57.. so we are a bit away from Medicare.... Thank you
@Michelle, We are still on my hubs employers insurance till he retires. Once I get Medicare we will go to an Insurance Agent to help find a supplemental plan & he will retire too. Our only option if we left early would be Cobra for 18 months or an Obama Care plan. Our Cobra plan would be about 15,000 annually. Expensive.
I can hear your sigh of relief from here. 🙂 My children love to bring home their math workbooks. The very thin pages are perfect for starting the woodstove and they find great joy in watching all those lessons go up in flames.
My experience with Spanish is that you can get quite proficient in a practical way in not too long a time. The last hurdle to fluency is the grammar, but that's not really necessary if you want to just be able to converse in a basic way in a hospital setting.
Thankfuls:
--That I don't have to work today. Particularly thankful for this as I was inexplicably up in the middle of the night with insomnia for a couple of hours, and then my daughter came in because of her cough. So tired. But I can take a nap sometime today.
--That I can nap now. I went most of my life unable to nap--even during the exhausted newborn years--but around the age of forty I started to be able to take a twenty-minute nap almost any day I need to in the afternoons. It makes me feel much better.
--One more week of school before our three-week break. I love the long school breaks we get here.
--That I was out and about in the Outside World close enough to Christmas to enjoy all the associated pre-holiday cheer. I do not like to shop, but I love seeing the decorations, hearing the carols, getting to wish cashiers a Merry Christmas in return, all of it. It's nice.
--For a body that can still do everything I need to do. I'll remind myself of this when I'm reluctantly putting on my running shoes later in the morning.
--That my eldest son has finished his classwork for the semester. I had to be very involved in that this semester, so it's a relief to to me as well as to him.
@kristin @ going country, ooh, so envious of this newly developed napping skill! Did you try any new methods, or did it just happen over time? The only time I've ever napped (outside of being sick) is if I'm insanely jet lagged, or a few times when I had a newborn. As much as I would often love a nap, it's not something my body will participate in.
@Hawaii Planner, I'm sorry to tell you it was not a skill I developed. It was just like a switch flipped and bing! I can sleep.
Congratulations on another successful semester.
I am thankful we have received a touch of winter early this year. I feel for all of you who live in really cold places, but it’s nice to wear a pair of jeans and a sweater for a change. I am thankful for a heated community pool and my water aerobics friends. I enjoy seeing all the birds at our feeders each day and the Sandhill cranes that wander our neighborhood. I am also happy I can drive about an hour south to listen to our granddaughters chorus concerts.
a very small point (and likely a spelling error), hablO espanol, not hablA =)
@Kelly,
I am not super familiar with the Spanish language, but wouldn't Kristen use the feminine form "habla", since she's referring to herself? Or would one uniformly use "hablo", no matter the gender of the person it refers to? Just curious. (I took 5 years of French back in the Stone Ages, and Romance languages fascinate me).
Bleah, I am always getting confused with this, but I think Kelly is correct in this case! I think "habla" is for he/she/it speaks, and "hablo" is for "I speak".
Just like I would say bebo or como for drink or eat.
@Liz B., verbs end in "o" when speaking in the first person. Nouns are the masculine/feminine situation of "o" or "a". I took 3 semesters of Spanish in college, each one at a different school, so I can't speak it other than a few phrases.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, and @Kristen,
Thank you! Interesting!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I remember some and not enough if that makes sense. Also known as enough to be frustrated at times. The staff at the Mexican place we frequent helps me out and conversely, I help with English for the ones not as bi-lingual. It is fun. Have a few co-workers who I've been known to entertain by speaking Spanglish lol.
I add my congratulations to the general cheering for your being 75% through with your nursing program with a 4.0 average!
Today, I'm thankful that I've just sent a copy of my next-door neighbor's NY DMV form certifying receipt and destruction of her old vehicle's license plates to her insurance company. Now her auto policy can be canceled, and she should get a partial refund on her last payment. So this whole process is finally, **finally** completed.
And I'm thankful for NDN's close friend, whom I'm meeting today for a private lunch to discuss possible next steps for NDN (medical procedures she needs, the end-of-life paperwork she hasn't completed except for her health care proxy form, etc.).
Finally, I'm glad that apart from two or three snowy days, I'm still able to get out for morning walks. These make a big difference to my mental health.
@A. Marie,
It is so valuable that you make part of a community of caring people. No doubt you have been investing in the relationship throughout the years, together with your husband. Perhaps with many small tokens of good neighbouring that perhaps at the time you were not even aware would grow into such friendship. There's a touch of holiday spirit whenever I read how you all help each other out.
@JNL, I agree, A. Marie is a great role model for "good neighboring" as you said!
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea,
And @JNL, I agree too!
Agreed on the mental health walks!
@A. Marie, I hope you and NDN's close friend have good luck getting this done. There is nothing more frustrating than agencies asking folks to help others (read: getting Covid-19 vaccines) THEN get flack - worker who would not let my better half stay with my legally blind, diabetic uncle who *almost* lost his wallet that day. I sent a tactful yet pointed email to our county's health department (the agency asking people to help others). A quick reply that it would not happen again, and it did not.
Samsung galaxy can use Live Translate to translate conversations in real time. And not just Spanish, 10 to 30 different languages. AI to the rescue!
@Tiana, I wouldn't go as far as giving AI credit. Translation on computers/phones has been around for quite a while. Behind the scenes code is likely more search related than anything else. But any translators are quite handy.
Hurray for school breaks!
I’m thankful that my car’s oil change coincided with my sister’s visit so she could give me a ride home from the shop that doesn’t have a waiting room.
I’m thankful for her help decorating my house!
I’m thankful that my daughter’s work trip will include the opportunity to watch the Army-Navy game from the box her company has gotten for any employees who want to go to the game. As a huge football fan, she is stoked to go. As the daughter of a Navy veteran, she will root for the Navy of course.
I’m thankful for the annual bonus our employers give us. I didn’t get those till this job, so I am very appreciative.
I’m thankful for the cold! It makes it feel more like Christmas.
@JD, go Navy! (Jane Austen had two brothers in the British Royal Navy, so I'm sure she'd agree.)
1. The comments on yesterday's Misc. post!- one of the lovely commentariat mentioned they always have a "Crap hobby" in their routine. that is going to become one of my new year's resolutions! and it inspired me to pull out my cross stitch for the first time in over a year (I don't consider myself "crap" at cross stitch, but I am quite slow).
2. That I didn't cry during training at work on Monday- as I commented yesterday I'm training in an area I previously elected to avoid, but now I have to work in again. I'm still struggling but I had less issues on Monday than I have been.
3. We sold our nice, but too big for the space Christmas tree! yea for extra cash and extra space.
4. That, even if he can be trying at times, I do have a very sweet and easy to parent 3 year old.
5. That it's actually feeling like Christmas time. The last several years I just haven't felt in the spirit, but it's a bit better this year.
Congratulations Kristen on successfully completing another semester of nursing school. Enjoy your time off.
I'm thankful that I have my follow-up appointment with orthopedic surgeon today. I'm looking forward to having the bandages removed.
I'm thankful that I can tolerate weight bearing on the leg that had surgery more every day.
I'm thankful that I have been able to work from home a little each day this week.
I'm thankful that DD has planned an outing for us this weekend to go see holiday lights. I'm starting to go stir crazy being stuck at home this last week.
I'm thankful that DH graciously agreed to attend a meeting with the attorney for Mom's estate in my place. Also, thankful that the attorney proposed a path forward so we can finally move towards settlement.
Congratulations Kristen. You're dedication to getting your nursing degree is admirable.
I'm thankful for the nurses who are giving my husband his chemo and platelet and blood transfusions. Now that I've seen from you how much training is involved it is impressive. Oncology nurses are special in that they are dealing with so many scenarios of cancer. He has had the best care.
I'm thankful that our small house is warm and we have plenty of wood for our wood stove.
I'm thankful for each morning to wake up and do what I can.
@christina,
Praying for you and your husband.
It will be hard to top all that, Kristen- your joy, energy, and passion just pour from your post today. I love it!
My FTT for the week:
- That my husband regularly comes to remind me as many times as it takes that what we call 'The sunset show' is starting, and that I really need to stop what I'm doing and come out and watch it. Last night's 'show' was spectacular, about 40 minutes long, and I experienced so many lovely emotions as I watched the colors of the sky change again and again. I think of it as free therapy, lol!
- For really taking in all the sights during our regular five mile harbor walk yesterday, instead of just blithely powering through it. I spotted four night heron sitting at near-ground level, which is hughly unusual- they are normally tucked up high in the trees overhead. I also spotted several spiny tail lobsters recently unloaded from a fishing boat, and a group of birds watching hungrily nearby. And noisy sea lions, and a memorial for an elderly man that had recently passed while on his boat. Again, felt like I'd had free therapy when we finished.
- For family and friends as we continue to enter and move through this senior phase of our lives. I try hard to always say 'yes' to invites, and to practice kindness, the later of which is not necessarily my normal condition, again, lol.
- For the beautiful and thoughtful holiday decorations all around us. Driving anywhere at this time of year is an absolute joy. The candy cane light-wrapped palm trees are my favorites, as are the stunning lights at our harbor.
- For steamy warm gluewein, a tradition we adopted after visiting family in Germany at Christmas time, and visiting some of the amazing Christmas markets where it's always sold and served. It's so warm and festive to sip, and they do sell it here in the States at places like BevMo and Total Wine. 🙂
@Tamara R, and Kristen,
I agree on how joyful Kristen looks in that pretty picture with the periwinkle top. FYI, that is a great color for you! Congrats on that awesome 4.0!
Thank you!
Congratulations!! Way to go Kristen!
Thankfuls:
-We had a couple of days that were almost pleasant and definitely warmer.
-After my two-week checkup on Tuesday, I can drive!
-Had some uncomfortable swelling in calf and behind knee, and ultrasound was ordered to check for a possible clot. Very thankful there is no clot!
-After 3 days of rain, it’s a sunny day and I hope to get outside for a walk today.
Kristen,
Congratulations on your test score and for also maintaining your 4.0. That's super impressive and I'm so happy for you keeping up your grades and all the hard work you put in shows. You'll make a fantastic nurse! You are an inspiration to all!!!
Now you need to relax and enjoy the holiday season. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and yours <3
Congratulations on another successful semester. You are going to be a wonderful nurse!
As I have gone about my business this week, I have been touched by the kindness of others. Everywhere I went people were happy and helpful. The librarian, the grocery store clerk, the doctor’s office and others. I am always grateful for a smile and kind words.
I am thankful the grandbabies are better after an intense bout of RSV. I missed seeing them, but we were able to have dinner together last night. This filled my heart with joy.
DH and I were approached by a stray fox terrier when we were out last night. This pup was happy and healthy. He wore a harness, but did not have tags. We knew someone would miss him terribly. With a little effort, we were able to unite this little guy with his owners, and I am thankful that he is back where he belongs. (Otherwise, he would be sitting next to me this morning.)
Wishing you all the blessing of peace, good health, and prosperity.
@Bee,
As the mother of a daughter whose much-loved beagle used to get out ALL THE TIME but would somehow always be found and returned to her, thanks to you and your husband for taking the effort to get this little fellow back to his family.
@JD, I can't count the number of times I had to gather up my neighbor's beagle and carry him back home! Beagles really follow their noses anywhere and everywhere. (And bark WAY TOO MUCH!)
Congrats. This is just...amazing! Enjoy those weeks off.
That is one thing I desperately miss about university - the unmatched sensation of freedom that comes after the final exam is written. I get nostalgic about that feeling every winter and spring!
Doesn't it feel so good to recycle paperwork that is no longer needed. Uniquely satisfying!
Yes! The finality of the end of a semester is a lovely thing.
I'm thankful for your lovely, cheerful post to start the day.
That I've had so many pleasant interactions with store clerks and service people this busy time of year.
For the birds flocking to the feeder outside my window.
For my sweet nieces.
For the good weather we've been enjoying.
Before I think of the thankfuls, I have a question and an idea.
1. Why is it forbidden to share med cards?
2. Many people say they learned English by watching teevee or listening to the radio. Have you thought about trying that to amp up your vocabulary, familiarity with the rhythms, and pronunciations? Sounds super frustrating, but you could try it in small doses. If you hate it, just turn it off. 😎
So, the med cards are forms we each are supposed to fill out for assigned medications. The point is to learn about the medications, so to just take someone else's med cards and use them as your own is a form of cheating. We are supposed to do our own work. 🙂
That's a good idea to consume some Spanish media!
@Kristen, you could also try reading children's books in Spanish or read a book you know well translated into Spanish 🙂 Listening to music in another language also helps!
@Sophie in Denmark, Great idea! We just got a book at the library called "Squawk of Spanish" for our 5-year-old Granddaughter who is learning Spanish in her preschool.
@Kristen, that makes sense. I was thinking they were something like flash cards, available to any and all for memorization. Instead, you have to make them yourself. Sheesh, nursing school is crazy hard!
@Kristen, telenovelas are good as are any Spanish language channels. Particularly if they translate to ingles.
@ErikaJS, thanks so much. just ordered the book to help my teens with their spanish and me with mine. had two college semesters and 4 high school years but still hard to speak.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
You could also set your TV to show the captions . Most TVs have this option for deaf and hearing impaired viewers. That would give you both auditory and visual practice for your language practice.
BTW, it's also a good practice for struggling readers. When I taught English/Language Arts, I learned that in Iceland (? I think it was), children read at a really high level. Turns out that they have mostly American and British shows on their TV. There are no voice overs in their language, just captioning. The kids have to read the captions to know what the actors are saying. Thus, they practice reading all the time and get high scores on their reading tests.
You can do this yourself, or for your children. This would be a good way for any struggling reader, or new language-learner, to practice!
You are so smart, Kristen, for targeting your language proficiency to your needs. And, showing us clear examples of how well it works for you.
There is no need for fluency overall, which is good because fluency is best achieved with a weekly group where you get to use the language in discussion. Many libraries have little groups like that and organizations such as the Alliance Française for French exist for that reason. Also there are many meetups for language chats that you can find by googling Meetups. Even then, it’s hard to become fluent quickly.
I was a language major for my first degree and led groups like this, both adult and kids. The place to learn a second language is in primary school. The kids picked it up more easily than the adults. No surprise, I guess, going by your piano lessons experience.
@ErikaJS, I heard that the brain learns language differently up until the age of seven. Before that age, languages are absorbed.
@Sophie in Denmark, my former daughter in-law is of Cuban heritage and grew up in Miami, so there was a mixture of English and Spanish spoken in her home. Until she started going to school, she thought it was all one language.
Congratulations on your 4.0 grade average!!!!!! That is no small accomplishment! Having good grades will definitely help you get a permanent job, as will the experience you are already getting in the nursing assistant job you have. You do everything with excellence, Kristen. Hard work seems to be built into your DNA. But for now, kick back and relax and enjoy your weeks off.
I am thankful that I'm somehow getting through the Christmas season with minimal tears despite being alone and having to send my sweet old doggy over the Rainbow Bridge. How I miss her!
I am thankful for wonderful neighbors who put together block parties to celebrate different holidays -- July 4th last summer and Christmas last Sunday night.
And for the church ladies, who get together once a month for meals and fellowship -- esp. the one who is hosting us in her home for a Christmas party tonight.
I am thankful the bosses let me off to attend both parties.
I am thankful for employees who go out of their way to help.
@Fru-gal Lisa, we also had to send our beloved cat over the rainbow bridge this week. My heart was in such pain I had to cancel social plans, even my weekly phone call with my sister in Europe. I keep thinking I hear his little nails on the wood floor or feel him jumping on the bed.
I know the pain will eventually be bearable.
@Anne,
I am so sorry. Losing a pet at any time is difficult but the holidays seem to make it just that much worse.
I had a big cry last night. I was supposed to have gotten a ride to the church ladies party, but they didn't come and get me. Being in the house alone without my beloved fur-baby was just too, too much to bear so all the grief came pouring out of my eyes once again.
I know someday it will be a little more bearable, but it hasn't happened yet.
Sending love to both of you. <3
Hooray for the end of the semester! Job well done, Kristen.
Last night I went with my sister and two nieces to hear Pentatonix in concert. I rarely attend big events like that, so I'm thankful for the opportunity to go, and that I could enjoy time with extended family. Our weather was absolutely awful and a trip that should have taken 40 minutes was much, much longer. We missed the first part of the concert .... but .... we arrived safely (LOTS of accidents and ditchings along the way) and my niece, who was driving, was a champ, and kept her cool behind the wheel.
My friend and I have been hosting a group for young adults in our church. We are a smallish congregation and it's been a struggle to get consistency. We are finally seeing some enthusiastic and consistent engagement (and they are inviting friends!) and I am so grateful to God for the privilege of offering something meaningful to this age group.
As ever, thankful for my husband, kids, and goofy cats. 🙂
This week I’m super thankful for caring doctors who spend the time figuring things out to begin to solve my situation.
And, after reading about Kristen’s insurance experience, I’m very thankful for good insurance.
Always the biggest thankful is for my DH, who is fun and funny, a voracious reader like me, and helpful in every way as I go through fixing my injuries. For quite a while, I couldn’t do much, still can’t do some things, and he cheerfully steps in wherever needed. I can’t tell you how comforting that is!
1. Our mechanic, plumber, dentist, and optometrist, all accessible, no one hiding behind phone-trees, each one genuinely kind and helpful, truly competent and knowledgeable.
2. So many stupid solicitation emails with nonworking "unsubscribe" buttons make me thankful to have finally learned to block the senders (which seem to be multiplying like rabbits or guppies).
3. Valley fog rarely crawls up the hill to our town. This is a source of real thankfulness.
4. Electricity! (It will be off AGAIN all day tomorrow.)
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
How on earth do you deal with all these power outages?!
@JD, and Jana,
I was afraid to ask this same question. Do you make special arrangements for food in the fridge? And, what is the reason for the shut-downs? Wildfires?
@ErikaJS, and JD, I think that SCE is doing a ton of preventative maintenance so that we don't have the wildfires like PGE had. Just a guess. It is highly inconvenient.
Husband puts food we might want in an ice chest, gets the generator handy with extension cords and then after a few hours, he fires up the generator for an hour or two to give the fridge and freezer a boost.
For work, I can work on the computer as long as the battery holds out, but no internet without power. And our landline and cell phone are both wifi dependent. If it is overcast, it is too dark to draw or paint without light, so I try to plan my workday accordingly. Sometimes I have enough bars just for texting, but it only goes to people with iPhones. So, it is hasslesome to be sure.
On top of that, stupid Spectrum keeps going out (wifi/landline/cell/tv) AND there is a ton of road construction in town because CalTrans is replacing a zillion culverts in town, so sometimes we are stuck in traffic for up to 15 minutes.
Sorry you asked? It is a lot when I type it all out here. Sigh.
A big congrats on being 75% of the way done, and with a 4.0 to boot! Girl, you are on fire!!! Enjoy this very, very well deserved break.
1) Thankful that I have a schedule flexible enough to allow me to attend dS17's soccer games. Always a treat.
2) I volunteered at the school for an English language learners holiday event. There was all of this fabulous homemade food (tamales, empanadas, etc) & by far, by far the most favorite & requested dish was Panda Express. I was shocked! But, it's like Panda Express was the great uniter, bringing all of the kids together. I'm grateful I got the chance to learn more about how the school supports English learners & everyone (volunteers, staff & students alike) were lovely.
3) That DS18 thought his chem lab final & chem final were pretty easy, and similarly that DS17 thought he did really well on his AP physics final. They amaze me, and their brains work differently than mine, shall we say.
4) Leftovers are my jam. Having leftovers in the fridge feels like a gift to myself. I have them often for lunch, but they also help me whip up a quick dinner for DS17 when he gets back from his soccer game. Let's just say he's not great about the cleanup, however. 😉
5) For extra warm clothes to watch cold soccer games. The right gear makes all of the difference!
It's wild how close you are to finishing school! It's been a joy to join you on your journey!
This week I am thankful for:
• Heat! We woke up to below zero temps, but our house is warm and cozy.
• Oddly enough, I’m also thankful for the cold temps! The puppy is not interested in lingering outside when we take him out in the middle of the night.
• My company gives us December 25th – January 1st. We don’t have to take PTO and can relax over the holidays.
• My husband and I went out on a date night Tuesday. We went out for dinner and a show and we had an evening full of laughs which we both needed.
• My parents are always there for my son. They come to his concerts and games and even though he is a teen they are always up for hanging out with him when my husband and I go out for the evening. The three of them have such a sweet relationship and they are wonderful grandparents.
@Geneva, far too many children have no living grandparents or grandparents who aren't local. I grew up with two sets of grandparents and for a while, a set of great-grandparents though I say my great-grandpa far more often. My kids had two sets of grandparents (though MIL died when they were 11 and 14) and two sets of great-grandparents for a while. My grandpa died when my kids were 26 and 23 as he was the last great-grandparent standing.
Yay for a good, long break from school!
I’m thankful for checking things off my list this week, even though I’ve felt very haired at times. So far, I’ve:
*taken 2 of my sons to the orthodontist—one son is now done with his braces, and the other is just starting.
*though braces are certainly not cheap, my husbands new insurance kicked in this month and it greatly reduces the ortho bill. Our kids are double-covered with dental insurance currently.
*keeping with the toothy theme, I took the about-to-get braces kid to the dentist yesterday to get the all clear for orthodontics. He has 1 cavity that they will fill before the braces go on. We spend $0 out of pocket for the cleaning, x-rays, and fillings.
I am really grateful for the quality health and dental insurance! It’s been years since we’ve had a good plan. My husband owns his own consulting business but began working at UPS a year ago in the mornings before his “day job”. The goal was primarily to diversify his days of sitting at a desk, and began as a seasonal job. We only found out about the amazing benefits for part-time workers after he had been there for a few months. To have the benefits kick in has been a huge blessing for our family of 5! I have insurance through my job but it was cost prohibitive to have the whole family on that plan so the fellas have been on an exchange plan for years.
Congratulations on finishing up this semester!! I saw this on Instagram and I was so proud of you girlfriend!!
1. I am thankful that I have family around me that are willing to man my household and my child and my dogs so my husband and I can go out and hopefully finish our Christmas shopping. This is a day date that we look forward to every year at Christmas and it blesses us so much. We love the music, the hustle and bustle and even the long lines.
2. Thankful for my therapist. She is wonderful and being that I am a Mom of a young child who is dealing with cancer, dementia, unfinished/poorly done home repairs, a full time job, family drama, and a lawsuit over debt a certain dementia patient forgot she ever had, it is very nice to have someone to lay it all out in front of and cry. And then make a plan to get through it all.
3. God's grace. My friends there are days when the load is so heavy I cannot utter a prayer or even a word. These are the days a friend will text me that they are thinking of and praying for me, or someone offers to give me a break from cooking, or he reminds me of His love in a glorious sunset.
4. The gift, comfort and hope that Christmas brings. It really is a season of joy and wonder and peace and I love every minute of it.
5. Cold weather, comfy clothing, lovely warm socks, hot coffee, Christmas movies by the light of the tree.
Happy weekend to all!
@Angie, Amen to friends, particularly praying ones, who remind us how to sing when our hearts forget the words. It always awes me when someone tells me the Lord led them to pray for me, when they didn't even know there was a need. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
@Angie, you have a heavy load indeed, especially with the PWD (person with dementia). My Christmas wish for you is for some lightening of that load. It sounds as if you're getting help from folks around you, but please don't be shy about asking for more.
@Angie, you have a lot on your plate. Sending you thoughts of hope, healing, and strength.
Thankfuls:
-Able to attend a wonderful Chrismas concert - Love hearing 40+ men's voices.
-Husband is out of hospital/rehab and doing well.
-ALL the home health options in our AR home - would be much more difficult in MO home.
-The blessing of not having to worry about having enough money to pay bills & Christmas.
-Family! from immediate to extended.
Congratulations, Kristen! Well-deserved.
-I am feeling grateful for my parents; our heat is out this week and we moved in with them for a few days
-I have been feeling quite sick recently (ahem) and I am very grateful that a) this is temporary, b) this is in pursuit of a Happy Event, c) I am not feeling worse, and that d) if the medications I am already taking aren't sufficient, there are others I can try
-I am SO grateful to be on a research/work-from-home block right now, because I can take extra naps and eat snacks whenever I want
@Meira (meirathebear.wordpress.com), I am reading between the lines and think a "CONGRATULATIONS" might soon be in order.
@Meira (meirathebear.wordpress.com), yes, congratulations, if we're on the right track!
Well, some (ahem) congratulations to you. 😉
@Meira (meirathebear.wordpress.com), ooh, can we hope for a second small Bear in the new year?? And I hope you feel better soon.
@Meira (meirathebear.wordpress.com), hearty early mazel tov.
Congrats on your GPA streak!!
I'm thankful for a warm house and heated blankets as temperatures dip here in the Midwest.
I'm thankful for festive winter activities getting us out of the house-- a venture to see Christmas outdoor lights with family two days ago, my book club's annual Christmas celebration featuring a secondhand White Elephant exchange tonight, and a holiday lunch on Saturday.
I'm grateful the cats are finally starting to accept the existence of the dog. It's been a long two year battle LOL. We went from a claw to the eye, to curious butt sniffs, to allowance of licking! Progress, people!
Man, I'm grateful I don't have homework. I've been out of school for 3 and a half years, but it still tickles me to have my evenings and weekends to myself. While I consider myself a life-long learner, I don't think I ever want to do a serious combination of working and schooling.
Our new neighbors are so kind. They accepted my Christmas gift of gingerbread granola, and one neighbor returned the gift with banana nut muffins, and the other with a beautiful real wreath for us! The house directly next door is pending sale, so I am optimistic for a good relationship there.
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, we call butt sniffs "courtesy sniffs". Our last dog deemed a cat "okay" once she got a courtesy sniff.
Three down and one to go! Amazing feeling!
This week I am thankful for:
1. The gas company who offered the free program that upgrades our weather-proofing around the house.
2. Meeting the qualifications for said program.
3. The guys who came out to get it done last Friday. I don't think it's my imagination that the house already feels warmer.
3b. One of these guys, a tall, husky fellow, responded to my hesitant request for assistance in getting my artificial tree up the 3 steps into the house by picking up the whole darn thing and taking it to the room where I wanted it.
4. My husband's shopping being finished. He's not very mobile, and online shopping is difficult for him--both due to his old stroke--and will put it off for months, despite my reminders and suggestions. This year I just did it all for him, with his input, and we are both happier. Most of it is already here, so I have time for some creative wrapping.
5. The music from the wind chimes on my front porch. Our office room window is 3-5 ft away, so whenever I'm on the computer I get to hear them.
6. Our volunteer rescue squad, over and over again.
You scared me, girl - I thought you got a 75% on your exam! I’m glad that I’m wrong
I’m happy that the new stove install has gone smoothly so far. Stove arrived, elec upgraded, and stove install happens - oh, there’s the doorbell! (For real, guys; total coincidence on the timing.)
That despite the vacation’s location’s reputation for unfriendliness, all the drivers gave me lots of room as I exercised in the street (no sidewalks).
I’m happy that we finally have elevator and HVAC maintenance contracts in place.
That both the HVAC and the stove installer arrived when scheduled and are working at the same time.
Funny thing that made me grin: the HVAC guy and the stove installer are cousins.
That two weeks with different bits of family went smoothly and with little conflict.
Haha, wellllll, I only needed a 68% on the exam to keep my A, so a 75 would have still been ok. But I would have been a bit surprised at myself if I got a 75!
I have to laugh about the moss. It's nice on a trail, but moss on the roof is currently our nemesis.
I'm in CA. Recently, our insurance provider left the state completely and we had to find a new provider, which wasn't easy. We are paying higher premiums, but at least we had coverage, or so we thought. The new company is now threatening to cancel us because...we have moss on our roof! DH has been working on it diligently, but it's proving to be rather intractable. Our house is surrounded by redwood trees, so we don't get a ton of sunlight, which is awesome in the summer because we rarely use the A/C, but it's apparently what's causing the moss growth. DH could power wash it, but that would loosen the granules on the shingles, shortening the life of the roof. Ack!
Tl:Dr - Moss on trail = lovely. Moss on roof = nightmare.
@Dicey,
How magical to live among the redwoods!
I have an acquaintance that lives in Big Bear. Her insurance provider sent her a letter saying that she needed to pull up her rose bushes. They were too close to her home. This is difficult for a gardener.
@Dicey, a product called Spray and Forget might be a help with moss on the roof. We battle it a bit here as we are wooded.
Yay on the A! Congrats! Hard work pays off.
I also am thankful I have not been sick. Seems there is a ton going around, and I have been praying I didn't get any of it at all, but especially until after this week.
Thankful for no brain angiograms for two years!!
Thankful that we close on the house we are selling tomorrow because I am ready to be DONE with all of this and get settled.
Thankful that I'll see my whole family next week for my dad's 77th birthday. We all see each other often separately, but usually not at big gatherings since the siblings are in 3 different states.
Thankful this week for facebook marketplace and the free pages. I have purged a lot since moving (and I thought I had a ton before...and really, I didn't think I had much stuff to purge to begin with, but that house was just bigger). Today, someone is coming to buy my hutch and buffet. yay!
Thankful:
1. That we are having our long nights, with the sun rising close to 11 and setting at close to 3. And still losing daylight. I find the dark and twilight very comforting.
2. That the food bank employees are so cheerful and so welcoming to folks who stop by for food. No condescending, just kindness. I love volunteering there.
3. That my husband laughed when he had to go and sit in the car in the garage to practice his music for an upcoming concert---because every time he opened his mouth in song, Clobber Paws joined in howling. Really, three notes in and he would run into the room and start up.
4. That this month there are so many grocery mystery shops. I have all the Christmas meal supplies purchased except for fresh vegetables, so I am now stockpiling things like mayo and tuna and oatmeal.
5. For the husband, always the husband. I have always loved the saying, "To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten it." He does that for me all the time. I only hope he feels that I do the same for him.
@Lindsey, P.S. Kristen, you know the closer you get to graduating, the more compelled I feel to send you recruitment ads for nurses in Alaska! This time next year you, too, could be taking morning walks in the dark at 20 below zero!
That is SO TEMPTING. 😉
I plan to stay local for at least a year after I graduate because I want to complete my new nurse intern program at the hospital where I already work as a PCT. And then I'll see what my life is like and whether or not I wanna stay here.
@Lindsey, singing dogs are such fun! We had a long stretch of owning Spitz dogs, and they are great singers. Our current one is only half Spitz, her other parent being a dachshund, and she lacks the singing gene. I kind of miss all the lusty howling at sirens, trains, car horns, singing and anybody trying to play a wind instrument.
@Lindsey, I laughed out loud at the vision of your dog and husband "howling" together! Thank you!
@Lindsey, well, maybe Clobber Paws is trying to learn the song in the husband's heart. Give him A for effort.
And Patches, our beloved mutt in my family of origin, was another singing dog. All any of us kids had to do was say, "Sing for Mama!" (Patches adored our mom, as indeed we all did)--and Patches would start up. Thanks for shaking loose a fond memory.
I would be thankful to have you as my nurse! You are kicking butt, lady! Way to go!!!!!
Congratulations, Kristen!
I am thankful that Demon Puppy has decided to chill out some and now enjoys napping in my lap, that my sweet big girl kitty was okay with me having to shave a mat out of her hip (she likes to lie against the door frame and developed a huge un-brushable mat in only one day, and that our spell of "January in December" has passed and we can get some work on our house that was stalled by the weather finished up.
So thankful for your lovely smile, Kristen and that you have FIVE weeks of less pressure.
I am thankful that, although my thermometer reads 66,' I don't feel quite that cold. I have gotten one insulated door cover up (instead of a blanket) and it made a world of difference. Have another one to do. The powers that be have made hanging plastic over windows much simpler, and I am grateful for that.
I am thankful that I do not feel pressured to decorate for the Holidays. I do like the joy of the decorations. Right now, I'd just rather get the winterizing done. I am glad it is 16 degrees outside and not below zero.
I am thankful that the Christmas presents that I ordered have arrived. Some of the things I used to get in a "timely fashion" come much more slowly.
I have been following some of the entities regarding "clean-up" in WNC. I am so grateful that people continue to give of their time, money, campers, tiny homes, and energies to those people who lost so much. It is a marvel to hear and see the various agencies as well as grass roots efforts continue without stopping after $750 and plan to until the jobs are done and people are in warm and hopeful situations.
Still am thankful for my Molly. I let her out last night and watched for her to stay safe while doing her "dooty." It was so cold that when she came in she ran around the kitchen table through the living room twice! I hadn't seen that much energy out of her for months!
Congratulations on keeping up the train of A's!
Thankful Thursday, the sickhouse edition:
Not thankful that we have a weird bug going through the household, BUT:
Thankful that I got all my schoolwork done before I got really sick with it;
Thankful that I got As in both my classes, and DS#2, who was taking the Intro to Nursing with me, got an A in that class as well!
Thankful for our spare space heaters DH saved so we could warm up the colder rooms, especially for DS#2 who came down with this;
Thankful that so far, knock on wood, and Please Lord, DS#1 and #3 have not come down with this. What a weird illness to only get four out of six.
Thankful that i recovered enough in time to care for #2 and #4 without feeling like death warmed over!
Thankful that everybody is old enough to use a regular oral thermometer--I do not trust ear thermometers or the forehead reading ones either!
Thankful for hot tea, simple soups, and a warm and cozy house. And for Columbo on Prime Video!
@Karen A., congratulations on doing so well in your classes. Feel better soon!
Good for you! It is fun to be part of your cheering section!
I am thankful that I unpacked some warm clothes before a tumultuous Thanksgiving involving travel, packing most of the food, a sudden overnight guest, and a slow car garage.
And that we got through four long days on the road, that our coolers did a great job keeping the food cold and safe to eat, and that our hotel reservations had no hitches.
I am thankful for my family, who I don't get to see often in person, and that we shared a happy Thanksgiving.
Our new furnace is working great, so the below-zero temperatures outside don't seem as cold.
And I am thankful to be retired, and busy with activities of choice rather than obligation.
Before I forget, Kristen, there's a podcast called Spanish con Salsa and it's been helpful with my attempt to learn Spanish.
I'm thankful:
▪︎That my neighbors are so generous in lending us their tools, since we got rid of everything in our move. A wheelbarrow isn't high on the priority list for cross-country space, but sure helped move rock so I don't have a mud pit anymore
▪︎Sunshine. It may be in the teens and 20s, but sunshine cheers me up
▪︎That I make extra big batches of soups/chili and freeze/can it. It's a lifesaver when our power is out or when I've had a busy day
▪︎Hot running water. Recently the heating element was out on my water heater. I have also lived off-grid before with cold running or no water, so I am so, so thankful for this luxury.
Ooh, I will check that out. Thank you!
Way to go on finishing strong with a 4.0! Yay, Kristen.
I’m thankful for a warm comfy home.
I’m thankful that we got our new “smart TV” set up without having words! IYKYK.
I’m very thankful for finally getting over this nasty cold. It was a no good thing that kept me house bound for a week.
Thankful that all of the Christmas lights worked when we took them out!
I’m thankful for a new baby great niece who came into our family yesterday, safe and healthy, even though she was 3 weeks early. Her name is Olivia and she is as pretty as her name!
Enjoy your holidays!
I'm so thankful:
-For my first scan post-cancer treatment and it was all clear!
- For my INCREDIBLE oncologists. Somehow they are both SO SMART and SO PERSONABLE at the same time, which we know does not always exist in such a wonderful combination that we need from our doctors. Nurses like Kristen also have it all 😉
-For less than 1 week left in the semester!
-For the opportunity to teach a new class next semester (this is me flipping the script in my mind. Most times I'm freaking out a bit, but I'm trying to look at it as an opportunity).
-For my most excellent, well behaved cat who even does tricks that my husband taught him lol.
I am so happy for your clear scan. Yay!!!!
@Kristen, thank you!!
Whoo HOOOOO, Kristen! Congratulations on finishing so strongly. You are one semester from your (current) goal. You seriously rock, Girl. ❤️
Winter break is finally here for me as well ! Enjoy , it goes so fast !
CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!! Five whole weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Congrats Kristen on finishing up your semester on a high note! Enjoy your break!
This week, I'm thankful for ...
1) Time together with my older friend/mentor. She told me that I was like a daughter to her for the first time this week after knowing each other for a couple years and that really encouraged me.
2) Time off my husband got this stretch. 5 days instead of his usual 4 days he has. Woo hoo! We love spending time with him.
3) The perseverance to keep going when everything feels like it's on repeat with little sense or purpose.
4) No cavities or dental issues with 2 out of 3 of the girls. Dentist did say my youngest had a cavity on her farest back molar but he won't be able to get to it until a few months from now.
5) Christmas traditions. Loving the time with family like listening to Christmas music, watching Christmas movies together, playing new games, going sledding, seeing Christmas lights, baking cookies together, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing what our children remember and treasure most.
wow, wow,wow. congrats. you deserve a million accolades. you are a real hero.
Congratulations! You are powering through 😀
I hope you have a restful and enjoyable holiday.
Your comment about the glories of green moss in the winter reminded me of instagrammer @redal.uk - photographer who specializes in macro photos of teensy mushrooms in British forests. It is cozy and phenomenal and I think you might appreciate his work.
I'm thankful for winter break - 2.5 weeks of no school/work! Two more days. Thankful for books to read over break. Thankful that after a long evening of kid activities, I was able to throw together a random meal (fried rice, rotisserie chicken, sliced pear) that was was quick and allowed a nice family dinner at the table together. Thankful for friends who have asked to meet up for walks this week and nice enough weather to make that a realistic option.