Thankful Thursday | a cooling
This week, I am thankful:
that we've had some thunderstorms
We are still pretty rain-deprived* here, so I am grateful whenever the sky opens up!
*I was gonna say "dry", but given how humid the air has been, it feels weird to say it's dry. 😉
that the temps are down a bit
The storms last night brought in a "cold front", which means our highs are in the 80s for a bit. And I'll take that over highs in the upper 90s!
I think we're gonna get some drier air too, which will be a blessing.
that I can see some exercise progress
The nice thing about doing workout routines multiple times is that....you can see progress. Some of the routines Ben assigned me were pretty bad when I first tried them, but as I kept working at them, I could definitely see myself getting stronger.
Progress is rewarding, so once you see a bit of that, it creates a cycle of motivation.
that my school accepted my work TB test
I just submitted the proof (from my hospital job hiring tests) that I got a tuberculosis test and woohoo, my school accepted it!
Thankfully, that's the only test that needed to be renewed this year, so now my health records are all up to date.
Last year, there were SO many medical tests to do before school started. This year is much easier.
that I'm getting better at my job
I still spend plenty of time feeling out of my league (just from being a newbie) but with every shift, I get more and more competent.
Last week, I even floated to another unit and still managed to get my feet under me.
for the confidence I feel looking forward to clinicals
After so many shifts working at the hospital, I think I am going to feel much less like a fish out of water during my upcoming clinicals.
And luckily for me, my med-surg shifts this fall will be at the hospital where I already work! I'll be on the oncology floor, but still, since it's the same hospital, I'll probably feel pretty comfortable.
that it's easy for me to chat with people
I am feeling very lucky that I have a chatty personality because that makes it way easier to establish some quick rapport with patients when I meet them.
And once we've established that, the whole rest of the day is smoother and more fun.
that there are still five weeks left before school starts
I was feeling a little bit like, "OMG how is the summer flying by so fast?" but then I counted and realized I do still have five whole weeks left.
That's a lot of time! I mean, that's practically a whole winter break.
that I know the dread of a Thing is usually worse than The Thing
I do want to stay in nursing school, of course, but during a break from school, the upcoming semester start can feel a bit like impending doom.
And that's particularly true because I hear that third and fourth semester are both really hard!
But over and over in life, I have learned that usually when I'm dreading something, the dreading is worse than the reality when that thing arrives.
(There have been some notable exceptions where The Thing actually was more terrible than the dread. But those situations are exceptions.)
So, I am reminding myself that I will get back into the groove.
Also, I am remembering that at the beginning of every semester, there are always doom and gloom prognostications about how hard that semester will be. And so far, none of it has ever been too hard for me.
It will be fine.
I will be fine.
I am thankful that many of the really hot days we had this week were accompanied by moderate humidity. I am also thankful that DH and I have managed to walk early every day.
I am thankful for general good health and that I am coping with the heat. Not loving it but coping. I too am looking forward to highs in the upper 80s.
I am thankful for friends and spur of the moment plans. I went on Tuesday with a friend to see a friend of hers about an hour away. We met her friend for lunch then went to her house to see her new greenhouse. Her house, lot, pool, greenhouse were beautiful but I'd feel like a fish out of water if it were mine. It was a fun trip and we stopped at a creamery for ice cream on the way back. Not frugal but this is not 5 Frugal Things.
I am thankful that today I'll see a friend that I have not seen in a while.
I am thankful for this weekly exercise.
-Thankful for my siblings to share the load/concern regarding aging parents. The burden of only children in this situation is heavy.
-Thankful for my wonderful MIL who visited for a few days, tidied, and entertained my kids.
-Thankful that it is quiet at work this week and I have not had much stress.
@SK in Norway, I'm glad that you have family to share the load on aging parents. I sometimes feel like I'm the child who is only called if someone dies or they need something but is expected to fix all the issues that arise.
@SK in Norway, Only child here, you are so right, the burden is heavy! On the upside, there's no one to argue with about decisions and inheritance. 😉
@SK in Norway,
My husband was the main decision maker for his mom when she was terminally ill, and it was really hard on him. His sister and our brother in law, who lived in the same area as we do, took off on an extended vacation (because, in their words, "we deserve it" - major eyeball roll) and refused to return home to help. It was a blessing in the sense that there was no arguing or discussion on what to do, or how to handle things; on the other hand, my husband's tenuous relationship with his sister has never recovered. They were more than happy to collect their inheritance, though. Sigh.
It's been a rough week. Clearing brush I got bit or stung by something that took quite a little chunk of skin with it as well as into something that left both arms covered in itchy, painful blisters. Then I had a stubborn wisdom tooth removed that left my jaw in a lot of pain. Then I got stung by something that had left my entire hand swollen and hurting. Hopefully this coming week will be nice and uneventful.
Thankful for: a mostly empty park and splash pad. I don't like crowded places and my never met a stranger/let's go grab any random person there is/no fear toddler requires a lot of holding on to which you can't really do on the equipment if it's busy. The park was empty when we arrived and I have never took my kids to the splash pad because it is usually very crowded but there was only 2 kids there so we stopped. They loved it.
The weather is finally cooling down just a little. I'm so over the 90s days.
To find my kids vitamins on sale for prime day. Most things aren't a deal, but I buy a bottle every month so I know they were $4 cheaper a bottle (even though the Amazon markthrough price was showing $10 off).
A good, mostly cooperative, visit with the speech therapist for the toddler.
Being able to stay at home with the kids so I don't have to worry about going to work during bad times as well.
@Jess, ugh. That was a very rough week. Hope you are feeling better!
@Jess,
Oh, yikes! I wonder if the itchy blistering is from poison ivy or poison oak? Ugh on the dental work, too. I hope you feel better soon!
I was wondering that too about the itching!
@Jess, My granddaughter was like that and would actually go sit at other tables that had kids at fast food places! Her little brother was the opposite but my introvert self taking them both out was challenging. I always pushed myself in so many ways and I do feel it bled into other areas of my life, made me stronger and was good for me.
Thankful for a sunny and warm day, that will bridge some rainy days to some hot days. We intend to enjoy this one!
Thankful for having what we need, and then some.
Thankful for mature kids, in age, behaviour and response to adversity
Thankful for people with skills of all kinds
When I was in college many moons ago, there was a writing competency test that was a graduation requirement. I heard so much noise about how difficult it was, how everyone needed to take it multiple times, etc. I passed it on the first try. Just because something is hard for many, doesn't necessarily mean it will be hard for you, when you are a good student.
I am of course most thankful that the bullet that struck President Trump was not fatal. Had it been, we would be in a very bad place right now, to say the least.
I'm also thankful that while we had the major thunderstorms we had no damage at all. some people down the road from me were not so lucky.
Thankful that I can enjoy my hobbies lately. I don't always have time so it's nice when I do have time.
@Battra92,
I too, am thankful that Trump is ok. And, contrary to many, I feel God’s hand was involved.
God Bless America,
M.
--For my "new" car, still. I'm going to Walmart today, which is 180 miles roundtrip, but with fully functioning air conditioning and a CD player, I don't even mind. I even sort of look forward to it. I consider it my precious alone time now to drive that far. 🙂
--For the strength and ability to step in and do things like haul water to animals while my husband is down for the count with an injured foot.
--That I still remember how to drive stick. The truck for hauling water is a manual, and while I am not a confident driver with it, I can get to the pasture and back.
--That my eldest son will be back from work today and can take over the water hauling, etc. He's a much better stick-shift driver than I am. 🙂
--That my children are older and can actually help us with the many and varied things we have to do. My husband was coating our metal roof a couple of days ago (this is like painting with a giant long-handled brush) and our 12-year-old son actually did some of the coating while my husband was doing some repairs. The almost-seven-year-old really wanted to help, too, so she got to get up there to sweep the roof clean before her brother coated it. Our roof is very flat and pretty low, so it was safe (for kids like ours that are cautious, anyway), and they saved him a lot of work. They were so excited to help, too. And now our roof won't leak, most importantly.
--For the rain in our forecast. I shouldn't have to water my garden for a few days at least.
@kristin @ going country, Oh, and I meant to say that I am SO thankful that I never see windows like yours anymore. Ours used to be like that in upstate New York, and it was miserable. I do not regulate my body temperature well in any sort of humidity anymore, so I'm extremely glad to live in a mostly dry place. The occasional stormy weather that raises the humidity in conjunction with heat makes me frantic now, and if I ever live in a hot and humid place again, it cannot be without air conditioning, for sure.
@kristin @ going country, Oh the days of driving stick shift trucks! 😉 They are few & far between to find nowadays. Which is too bad.
I am thankful every day that I get closer to having my knee replacement surgery. My knee never lets me forget.
I am thankful for all of the support and encouragement that I receive on a daily basis.
@Sandra,
I had a right knee replacement last November, and I have ZERO regrets. It is a long and sometimes difficult recovery - my surgeon told me 9 months to a year to be considered fully recovered - but it is soooooo nice not to have constant knee pain.
Yes, you will be fine. 🙂 You are clearly super resilient. I appreciate watching you move forward and through. Thank you.
I am thankful that my husband agreed to buy an AC for my kitchen and we were able to use it every day. I really wanted to get Mini Splits but he feels for the minimal about of days we would need them that we didn't need them. He did howver purchase an AC for me last July for the Kitchen and living area. We already had one in our bedroom.
I am thankful that today is my youngest granddaughter's 1st Birthday...and she is a smiling happy girl. My daughter in law's pregnancy was rough, as she suffered greatly with the same thing you did with your pregnancies. Then had to have her gall bladder removed while pregnant. Violet's birthday was also a serious, life and death situation for both baby and mom. Thank God they are both here with us.
@Cindy Ann, happy birthday to your little grand baby! I hope with time that the memories of the harrowing arrival will fade leaving only the joy and gratitude.
I'm thankful we finally got some rain last night. The pop-up showers this last week have all missed our house.
I'm thankful for slightly cooler weather. I much prefer highs in the high 80s over the high 90s.
I'm thankful for our Buy Nothing group. I have been able to give away so many items during the move.
I'm thankful that I was able to help DD while her husband was away on business travel. It was the first time she'd been alone with the baby and single parenting is hard.
I'm thankful every day we get a little closer to putting the old house on the market. It has been so much work but I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
So glad to hear about all the progress with nursing - you got this semester!
This week will be a scrounging Thankful Thursday 😉
-Thankful I got to see my family down in Florida for a long weekend
-Thankful that I have a great partner. Work has been so busy that it is making me question if the PTO was worth it, but it is easier to handle with a partner who can pick up what I have to drop
-Thankful that my plants didn't die while I was gone (I was disproportionately worried about that!)
-Thankful that we have a restful and recovering weekend planned
-Thankful for my daughter's health. Sometimes I kind of forget about all the medical complications because she is doing so unbelievably well and that is such a gift that I need to remember to be grateful for
That's about all I got. Some weeks are overflowing with gratitude and some weeks, I have to get out the magnifying glass
@AFVirginia, And some weeks require an electron microscope....
@AFVirginia, That’s a good perspective to keep in mind!
I’m most thankful that we made it through a storm that caused significant damage to our property. We had no power for two days and tree branches cracked and rained everywhere. A telephone pole two doors down exploded at the start, while we were on a Zoom call with our DS2 and his family. They were scared for us until we texted that we’re ok. Sitting right now in a hotel room my DH is antsy to get back and pitch in on cleanup.
But we and all the neighbors on our block are ok. Storm was so brief to wreak all of this havoc.
I’m soo thankful for the responders who were there first thing in the morning with 8 large trucks including two cherry pickers. Our backyard especially is buried, garden gone, but we are ok.
@ErikaJS, I'm glad that you and your family are OK, though sorry that there's so much cleanup awaiting you. This has been a bad season for tornadoes, for sure. One touched down east of my city on Tuesday, causing one death and a heckuva lot of damage.
My thankfuls are (a) that all my area got from the storm was much-needed rain; and (b) that it's a lot cooler and nicer today, as it is in much of the Northeast. I can't even think straight when it's as hot as it's been recently--and we haven't even broken 100 F. (My sympathy to all those in even hotter climes.)
Kristen, don't forget that you are half way done with nursing school. You can do this! Look at all the progress you've made so far! Not to mention, all those good grades and faculty recommendations. How 'bout if we all add you to our prayer list? (OK, commentariat, those of you who pray, please pray for our Frugal Girl!) God's got this, and so have you! Keep on keepin' on!
1. Thankful for AC
2. That my internet connection is fixed--I missed reading FG!
3. For cooler weather and rain today
4. Dog is still with me (she has a tumor)
5. For my friend's upcoming visit.
Aww, your comment made me tear up. Thank you.
@Kristen and @Fru-gal Lisa, I don't pray in the sense that you all do. I currently describe my religious affiliation as "agnostic with a chance of Buddhism." But at the end of the walk I take every morning, I walk down to the end of our cul-de-sac (which overlooks the next hill to the south) and send up a heartfelt good thought for everyone I know--including the entire Commentariat--and for the state of the US and the world. Goodness knows, we can all use it.
As an always nervous patient, I can say that I'm always thankful for chatty medical personnel. I don't necessarily care what they talk about, but idle chatter helps to calm me down.
@Bobi, Agreed! My dentist and her hygienist start a convo that is always of interest during longer procedures. It took me a while to realize that this was on purpose and to distract the patient. I love her anyway but doubly more so when this caring bit dawned on me.
I think you might lessen the dread by remembering that this is something you have a great deal of control over. It's not a cancer diagnosis, a fight against a gigantic corporate entity that wants to take your family farm, or even a more minor wisdom tooth extraction. It's school, and you're smart and hard-working. You've got this.
This week I am thankful:
*that my friend is now holding her healthy daughter. My friend had multiple complicating factors for this pregnancy, and it was decided yesterday that the baby must come (at 36-ish weeks). She was definitely dreading all the possibilities, but that baby looks quite healthy in the pictures I've seen. Yay!!!
*for some rain. If I'm honest, I really wish we had more than 1/10th of an inch because it's very crispy outside. BUT I am thankful for some rain, for slightly cooler temperatures, for kids who know how to fill milk jugs to water the garden.
*for lots of time with my family.
*for pinochle. We've been playing quite a lot lately, and I love the game.
*for the coffee I'm drinking, for the salad I made last night that was my attempt at copying a Panera salad, for the berry jam a parishioner gifted to us.
*that the Pell grant takes care of my son's first year of college. That he has saved enough money that he has begun looking into options for buying his first car.
*for several long conversations with far-away friends. I hate the distance, so I am thankful for the telephone.
@Jody S, I have to update this already. I just got a message that the baby does have some breathing problems and is in the NICU. BUT the early delivery evidently prevented a different complication from happening. So that's a thankful.
@Jody S, Congratulations on the grant! I know that many states/colleges/university have been offering free college first 2 years after high school for many (in state) famiies. Every free dollar of education is a blessing.
Good luck on the vehicle (& insurance).
After my Frugal Fails Odyssey detailed in Tuesday’s blog comments, I can only say I’m thankful all that’s MOSTLY (not entirely) over. The new computer is MOSTLY set up (still migrating the last of the 170,000 documents from my cloud storage service) and the SECOND printer has finally synced to the computer (the first printer I purchased from Amazon refused to set up because the ink cartridges that came with it were DEFECTIVE) and the garage door goes all the way up! And all the way down! And is very quiet and not making screeching complaints like the old motor was emitting. So I have to drop the DEFECTIVE printer at the UPS Store to return to Amazon and fiddle with some software, but after an entire week of this and $2K plus out of pocket, things are returning to some semblance of normal.
And no, Kristen, the dread of this happening was NOT worse than the actual thing happening….
I too am thankful we’re getting some break in the temperature. Like, 93 instead of 103. Not that you can really tell the difference.
And I’m very thankful the dog was patient (not her strong suit) with me all week. Of course it could be the heat that slowed her down.
@JDinNM, here's to fast returns & repairs on your struggle bus this week. And for no repeats!
@Regina, Thank you so much! This morning I did take the bad printer to UPS for return to Amazon and a lady who pulled in next to me was so kind she rushed to the door ahead of me and held it open while I wrestled that 25 pound sucker out of my car and up to the desk, where it took about 2 or 3 nanoseconds to process. And then I dropped off the old printer that had stopped working when the old computer died at Goodwill for recycling. And HP is giving me 6 months of free ink service (worth just a little less than $180) with the replacement printer I bought from Best Buy on sale for less than $100 (with free next day delivery). So the replacement printer is functionally free and I won't have to buy ink until next year. So I have scraped a few thankfuls from the bottom of the barrel. ;-}
I am thankful that I was able to get an emergency locksmith quickly last evening. Living in the back of beyond is not easy. I am thankful the current guests were reasonable people--they locked themselves out, I could not find a spare key, and the number pad needs batteries. I am thankful I'm an experienced landlady, so I sent them out to eat at my expense while waiting for the locksmith. I am thankful this locksmith is a normal tactiturn guy and not the horror we had last time with someone who would not shut up and asked me the same things over and over. Phew! God knows how much last evening will cost me but whatever, it's over.
Thankful for friends. For happy memories. For dogs digging giant holes and then lying in the hole. For good books I haven't read and plans to read them this afternoon.
@Rose, hmmm, seems to me that the guests who locked themselves out ought to bear some of the financial responsibility for their snafu. But I am not a landlady, just a hard-hearted buttinsky with a strong opinion about accountability, choices and consequences, responsibility, who feels protective of my friend Rose.
@Rose,
Splendid idea to send them to dinner. Much better than have them circling the premises while growing hangry, I would not have thought of that honestly. You probably have multiple keys now?
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I should have had a back up key but it disappeared via the org. lady. IDK, I panicked and then started crying in my own house--this week has been A Lot and the frustration broke me. Son manfully called the tiresome locksmith and after 20 minutes of her twittering, couldn't stand it any more and shoved the phone at me. Um....I finally lost it after more twittering ("Did you email me or show me your tax bill?" "OK, can you snap a pcture and email it to me now?" "Oh and snap a picture of your license too." "Now, do you want the key to match the sliding door key?" and said LOOK. WE NEED HELP NOW. ARE YOU COMING OR NOT? she said, "How about you call the police instead?" I said, FINE. WILL DO. and slammed the phone down, as much as you can with a smartphone. Son found another locksmith who came over and picked the lock in 30 seconds, without asking annoying questions, then installed a new knob with new keys. $625, sigh. This is while the tenants were out eating.
@JNL, well, I've been doing this off and on since 2007; I know most of the tricks.
@Rose,
Ummm, just curious, but why did she want to see your tax bill, or your license? All that twittering would have driven me over the edge! Guard those extra keys with your life. lol.
@Liz B., To make sure I was the owner of the house.
@Rose,
Ahh, got it. Makes sense, I've just never heard of that regarding a locksmith.
My granddaughter is trying to get mentally ready for her first semester of college. She's a good student too, but those unknowns can bother us, can't they? I'll bet you both do well.
I'm thankful for:
1. The aforementioned granddaughter. Someone accidentally carried to my house the board that propped up our picture collage of DH at his funeral. It belonged to the funeral home. I didn't have the energy to put away the pictures until this week, which is when I discovered I had the funeral home's board and mentioned I needed to return it when I was at my daughter's house. My granddaughter voluntarily drove to my house before her work shift started and returned it for me.
2. That we also finally got a few rains, which lowered our high temps a bit and gave us some needed water. We were near 100 for days on end with daily heat advisories, and the sun index (from 1-10, 10 being the highest) was 11 on several of those days. I also woke up day after day with steamed up windows. It was miserable. We'll see it again before autumn, but the solid weeks of it finally have broken.
3. That my sister is able to stay for over a week, the longest we've had together in decades.
4. The birthday of my "son from a different mother." He and my oldest, and his sister and my youngest, are the same ages and they all grew up basically together. The fact that they are still friends warms my heart.
5. That my air conditioning has been running like a champ and my 25-year old ceiling fans are still quiet, balanced and working efficiently.
@JD, thank you for teaching me something today! I didn't think you were joking, but didn't realize that the UV index had actually changed due to global warming. I looked it up and was surprised by the new numbers.
@Bobi, The USDA has also updated its Plant Hardiness Zone Map, because fully half of the United States has shifted to warmer plant zones. I guess now you can grow cacti in Minnesota.
@JDinNM, Guess I'm way behind, I did not know this either, but it makes sense as everything in my area seems to bloom earlier every year. Thanks for sharing.
@JD, I'm so glad (a) that your granddaughter was able to do your #1 for you (and I
send my best wishes to her as she heads off to college); (b) that other things are going well for you; and (c) enviously, that you and your sister have such a good relationship. My relations with my siblings (two sisters and a brother, who live at great distances from me) are tenuous at best, which is why I rely so much on my wonderful neighbors and my two BFFs. For some of us, real family members are the ones we choose, not the ones we were dealt at birth.
@Bobi, Everything started at least a month ahead of usual here. Not just the trees and plants but the temperatures and the hint of monsoon season. I'm going to have to reconsider my house and garden schedule for next year.
@A. Marie,
That's funny, I was just thinking this morning about how my BFF - who is spending the weekend with us - is closer to me than any of my three sisters.
I'm thankful for the opposite: some hot weather and sunny days after a string of rain! I don't do well in very dry places though, so would not want to move to a climate like that!
This week I'm thankful to be home with friends and family for a couple of weeks. Thankful for some lovely walks in the countryside, relaxing and going away to a swanky hotel with my friend.
I'm thankful for some books I ordered that are really interesting!
In general, I'm thankful for good physical health!
I am thankful for 2 inches of rain and cooler, dryer air. And coffee, plenty of coffee. And a certain calico cat. That my 91 year Mom is back on track after 6 hospitalizations, 5 surgical procedures and two bouts of flu.For living on a peaceful somewhat remote mountain. God is good.
- We were not really affected by the local floods.
- I am very tired, but it's partly because I have relatives who trust me for advice with their medical problems and called me last night, and because I have a daughter who missed me and insisted on sleeping with me. All good things.
- My mother fills in the role of "supportive parent" for any relative who needs her.
- I was able to call a friend who is a family doctor for advice about my relative, and passed it on.
- I am grateful that today is Resident Lunch day and I didn't have to pack my lunch.
We will get a break from our warm heat in a few days.
Tomatoes are on and so sweet and delicious.
The perennial garden is giving me so many blooms to sell right now, I never dreamt my hobby would be a great side hustle.
My pup has avoided the skunks this week.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, re: your last one, DH's and my second dog never did learn not to chase skunks. (One among several reasons why we decided not to have dogs after Dinger.)
I’ve always known there are some humans who don’t learn from consequences and it sounds like the same is true of dogs. Ha.
@Kristen, you're assuming the dog doesn't like being sprayed by a skunk.
Teen only has 4 more weeks until high school begins! They start earlier than previous year & get out same time/day with no additional days off.
It was calculated that with the 8+" rain we got last week & additional rain that in last 30 days we (my area) has gotten 15+" rain total. But of course we then get few days of normal temps then heat wave temps (again). Our summer weather has been crazy!
Thankful that we didn't get any flooding or tornado last storm (2-3 nights ago which we were under warnings for) during severe thunderstorm with exvessive lightning warnings (we did get) 11pm-5am.
Thankful that the rain barrel is collecting rain water (easily) & that we are using to keep strawberries alive & (some) flowers.
Thankful was able to order another rain barrel (got last 1 & will be delivered today). Moving forward this will help keep plants happy.
Thankful for teen & rescue dogs who have been so loving & silly lately. 🙂
Thankful teen ready & wanting to get projects going/done that I need physical help with. Teen enjoying learning new skills, even though mom observing.
Thankful able to get 3 more trellises (on sale) during 2 day online sale (& picked up at store same day because had in stock). **Neighbors not happy but we are!**
Thankful checked with local boot store about getting teen next pair & found out no longer has in stock but can order & does not participate in local chamber bucks (BOGO FREE up to $50) promotion going on. Teen decided to wait to get boots until later.
Thankful my dad's scan came back no change (physically) so no treatment before he leaves to come for (here) vacation. He does have appointment scheduled for when returns for additional tests.
Thankful picked up additional hours on upcoming early election (needed fill in).
Thankful for Kristen's site & being able to share & learn from all of you. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
This week I am thankful….
We have a couple weeks of no evening activities. My son’s year-round sports team season ended for the year and we have a few weeks before the next season starts again.
Our weekly CSA box pick-up started last week. Our fridge is filled with fresh veggies and I’m flexing my meal prep muscles to incorporate them into our weekly meal plans.
The severe storm that knocked out power in our town managed to miss us.
My reading challenge that I set up for myself has led me to a few books that I normally wouldn’t have picked up and I’m enjoying them!
Thankfuls:
- this first one is a HUGE one. My SIL had her first cup of coffee since her surgery at the end of April to remove a tumour from her brain. She had 2 complications from the surgery, the first being that she has not been able to swallow and the second is that she has some paralysis in the right hand. So the coffee is a HUGE deal. (she has a feeding tube into her stomach).
- we had a huge rainstorm; the big city got a months worth of rain in 4 hours, they were flooded out in many areas. My friend in MN messaged me to say it had been on her news. I live about 40 minutes away from the city, and am thankful that I am on higher ground.
- I had mice behind my stove; I have no idea where they got in. A mouse a day for 5 days and then no more, thankfully. Not looking forward to cleaning behind the stove.
- My HB placed an order from Amazon yesterday (we do not have Prime, and have no intention of subscribing to it). I ordered a book I've been wanting for a number of years. I do not understand how the algorithm works - I looked up the book on my computer and it was priced at $16.61. HB ordered from his computer, and the book rang in at $9.59. (He uses his computer to place Amazon orders - infrequently - usually electronics doo-dads etc.)
- HB built a scoop (on his 3-D printer) that he attached to a long extendable pole, for him to be able to scoop the leaves and debris out of the evestroughs (from ground level). There were 2 blockages that needed to be cleared. HB no longer wants to climb on the roof to do this job (2 storey house), so this was his solution; and I am thankful that he no longer wants to climb up on the roof.
@Linda in Canada, your husband might want to consider looking into getting some gutter screens to put on evestroth after cleaned out. I know the sell at Menards & Lowes ($1-$3/$5 depending on type & store) per 3' section/piece that attach to gutters (cheaper than professional options). Thus eliminating future clogs & clean out.
Yay for a first coffee!
@Linda in Canada, Awesome news about your SIL. How terrifying going through this must be for her.
Thankful for:
*a dear friend who accompanied me to a long distance medical appointment
*the fun we had while there
*the fantastic doctor
*the money to afford such a trip
*some political things that I won't mention out of respect for the non-contentious nature of Kristen's blog and those in the Commentariat who would disagree
I am thankful that I heard from an old grade-school girlfriend that her chemo is working and her numbers are going in the right direction. But that won't stop me praying for her!
I am thankful that my sister in law with the new knee went and did some test driving the other day. She was really itching to get out and about for a while, and this was a huge boost to her moral. Her PT place is relatively close by, so she can practice her driving going and coming. It is a huge relief to the sister in law she lives with who took care of her too. She went back to work in the office after taking care of her sister for 5 weeks and doesn't have to worry about her while she is at work.
I am thankful that the deals I find on prime were normal priced deals and nothing fake like I have seen around on FB and such. I knew what I was looking for and the prices, so I did not overpay.
Thankful for the beautiful weather coming this weekend for our niece's wedding. We should have a lot of fun.
And thankful that my granddaughter is enjoying her reading and phonics teacher this summer. She eagerly awaits her for her 2 days of extra reading and phonics so she won't fall behind in school. She has been diagnosis with a learning delay, and this should help a little. Unfortunately, this teacher is near her other grandparents and too far to travel for the regular school session. But she is getting to learn this summer in addition to swimming.
1. Thankful for an open honest conversation with my husband. It was one of those talks that no one really enjoys but that is necessary for growth & healing.
2. Thankful that I have 0 plans for the next several days and I can focus on laundry, cleaning my house, rest and some batch cooking to prepare us for the busy back to school season ahead.
3. Thankful for coffee & energy drinks, and water and healthy snacks that helped me make it through two days of batch cooking to stock a 15 cu ft freezer & vacation bible school for the 3 days afterwards. Phew, this girl is tired!
4. Thankful for the rain we have been getting. It does make for a steamy afternoon/evening but goodness the earth seems so relieved after the downpours that I thank God.
5. For energy to do all the things I have managed lately. Two years ago non of the above mentioned things would have been possible for me, let alone all crushed together as they were. Now I can function through them - I am tired on the other side but that is normal. Energy to keep up is such a wonderful thing and I count my blessings to have that.
This week I am thankful for a "boring" week. I love days when it's just work and back home. This week has had the majority of those type of days.
Thankful for my mom, whose birthday is tomorrow. She is starting to have quite a few health issues, so really trying to treasure each minute with her.
Thankful, so thankful, for my dear hubby, who truly is my best friend.
Thankful for A/C and that our area does cool down quite a bit overnight.
This week I am thankful for the family's vacation next week! We save up and plan one big trip per year to the beach. The kiddos are especially excited to go to the Boardwalk. We all could use the break from things and just good family time. Personally, being at the beach is a reset for my soul.
And it is very hard for me to imagine having condensation on windows ever, and storms in the Summer. 🙂 California doesn't roll like that, haha. Once in a great while, like every few years, we may get a thunderstorm in the Summer, but it's very rare (even more rare with the new weather patterns). In a previous post, a Dehumidifier was mentioned, and I thought it was a typo! I'd only heard of humidifiers, like for when the kids have colds. Ah so interesting how things are the same but different!
I am thankful for a small miracle. I made a mistake at work and spent the weekend thinking that I could be fired. When I told my boss she wasn't too fussed about it for some reason.
I am thankful for a few days of cool weather.
I am thankful for a "big" enough car to help friends move.
I am thankful for happy baby smiles in the morning and for snuggles at night.
I am thankful to live in a city with so many parks.
@Rebekah in SoCal, really glad that things at work turned out ok!
I had to memorize this Emily Dickinson poem in high school and it always pops into my head when I’m dreading something and it does help me keep perspective!
While I was fearing it, it came,
But came with less of fear,
Because that fearing it so long
Had almost made it dear.
There is a fitting a dismay,
A fitting a despair.
'T is harder knowing it is due,
Than knowing it is here.
The trying on the utmost,
The morning it is new,
Is terribler than wearing it
A whole existence through.
@LB, wow, I love this. Thank you for sharing.
Who knew there was a poem so specifically about this??
@LB,
Thanks for passing on this beautiful poem to us
@LB
Lovely and useful too. Thanks!
@LB, I'm an ED fan, but I confess I didn't know this one. Thanks for sharing it.
Or as my boyfriend Seneca, the great Stoic, wrote
There are more things, Lucilius, likely to frighten us than there are to crush us; we suffer more often in imagination than in reality. […] What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since it may be that the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upon you; they certainly have not yet come.
Accordingly, some things torment us more than they ought; some torment us before they ought; and some torment us when they ought not to torment us at all. We are in the habit of exaggerating, or imagining, or anticipating, sorrow.
Sick people on hospitals (and outpatient areas) are often scared. A kind face and kind words goes so far!
No doubt you are great at this.
In PA school the program director would often give us pep talks. She’d say, “sometimes the light at the end of the tunnel seems more like a train coming directly towards you!
Rest assured, it’s just a light - reminding you your goal is near “
So true about the kindness! We see people on some of the worst days of their lives, and kindness is especially important then.
@Kim from Philadelphia and Kristen,
This was borne home to me recently by me getting a rather cranky Physical Therapist. I thought of how different Kristen would be.
@ErikaJS, you are correct that Kristen most definitely would not be cranky!
Thankful that:
1. The garden is producing big time now. Every day I am preserving something for the winter or figuring out how to use tons of fresh vegetables.
2. We are losing daylight, about 6 minutes each day. Last night I got up at 2 am and it was not black night but I would have needed a light to read.
3. This week Clobber Paws has not eaten or destroyed anything. He is still digging what looks to be our graves, but that we can live with.
4. My only sister and I are close, despite being so radically different in appearance and personalities that it is hard to believe we are from the same family. We would never have selected each other as friends but are really tight even though we live a continent apart.
5. The husband, always the husband.
@Lindsey, first, give Auntie A. Marie's regards to Clobber Paws, and tell him I hope that his upward path continues.
Second, see my comment to @JD above re: sibling relationships. My three bio-siblings and I are as radically different as you describe your sister and you, but without the closeness. I don't have any real beefs with my #1 sister and my brother, but my #2 sister called me "fat, ugly, and hairy" from the time I was born till I was in my mid-30s--and now wonders why we aren't closer as adults. I might also mention that she's just coming off her fifth divorce, but that would be tacky. 😀
Third, as always, give my best to the husband. I'm missing DH more rather than less as time goes by.
And love to Clobber Paws from the zoo here.
A. Marie, grief hits me at weird and stupid times. Yesterday, just from email: a florist company having a sale on dried flower wreaths. Then I remember that Mom is dead and I won't be sending her more flowers. Then an email newsletter from the Edward Gorey House: "Welcome back to the Edward Gorey House. We’re not sure how you made it in with the doors double-locked and no sign of entry anywhere, but since you’re here, you might as well enjoy the view — and catch up on the latest news. Mind the trapdoor — we polish the spikes every Monday." That is so BFF it hurts. Hurts a lot.
Thankful for the one 20 minute rain we got this past week...that's all I can say good about the weather. It's currently 96 and humid like it has been for 3 weeks...ugh!
Thankful that I don't have to travel back into work for another 12 days and thankful for a job that doesn't require me to come in often.
Thankful that my mom seems to be doing much better and my friend back home that had a triple bypass is recovering.
Thankful for options to cook outside rather than in the house in this heat and for my A/C units!
Thankful for my pets that always bring some antics and joy to my day.
Woof, this week has been interesting.
I'm thankful my foot is on the mend. Icing, and refraining from hikes and long walks, have been key. Thankful also for my bike, which allows me to exercise without aggravating said foot.
I'm thankful the heat has broken and we got lots of rain. Interestingly enough, since DS#1 started taking 2xdaily walks for his recovery, even on days when rain has been forecast, it has never been raining when he wants to go for a walk. God's really looking out for him there.
I'm very very thankful that the credit card company was so helpful when I stupidly fell for a phishing phone call. It was for a credit card I barely ever use, and now I will only ever use it for drastic emergencies (note to self: wanting to buy a book online when the other cards haven't rolled over yet is NOT an emergency!) I may not even activate the new one unless needed. That'll show me!
I'm thankful for a scientifically-minded, math-minded husband who is patient enough to help me out with dihybrid Punnett squares. And for a son (DS#2) who will happily talk anatomy with me as we study together.
I'm thankful for Clark! He is such a smart and, therefore, teachable cat. He's learned it's useless to paw at the makeshift door/curtain we have blocking our bedroom at night, so he's no longer waking us up at 5 am (or earlier) but waits pretty patiently until we let him in.
Every time I take DS#3 on a driving practice trip I'm thankful he's willing to combine it with grocery shopping and helping me bag at the checkout, and that we get back home in one piece! 😉
I echo your thankfulness for Mid Atlantic rain and temp relief! Though it did start raining on me during my walk this morning lol (thankfully didn't get too drenched).
Looking forward to a dinner out with some coworkers this evening at a favorite restaurant of mine.
That I get to start the school year with teacher workdays and a few days with students before a major surgery mid August (we start really early). Will be helpful to be up to date with changes for this school year and at least meet the kids!
For an amazing birthday meal and day earlier this week.
That I am happy to be 40 y.o. and not dreading or lamenting aging at this point.
Thankful for cooler and less humid weather today, for making good progress on shopping for my daughter's dorm (incoming freshman--lots of initial purchases!), for gift cards to help defray the cost, for my husband who helps figure out meals when my brain feels overloaded, and for a safe backpacking trip that my husband and son went on last weekend.
Thank you for the reminder that the dread of the Thing is usually worse than the Thing. I am right here on this blog right now procrastinating opening the file of feedback from my anonymous reviews of my book proposal and first chapter. It is so terrifying and will mean so much editing and rewriting. But you are right. The Thing will not kill me. And I have come so far. This is a book based on my dissertation. I have put too much heart and soul into it to let a little thing like more feedback stop me. And I am good at processing feedback. And I was the one who recommended these reviewers, so I know whoever was chosen was someone who will give me good, honest, helpful feedback. And I want this so bad. I want to write a good book that contributes to our knowledge. I want to continue on this academic path. All roads point to Open The Thing.
I am also thankful . . .
-That my husband is feeling better. He started feeling bad yesterday, and, yep, COVID. The kids and I have isolated away from him and masked when we did see people, and we remain in good health and testing negative. My husband reported to me about an hour ago that after 24 hours in bed he was starting to feel better. I'm so grateful for vaccines. So grateful for the option to isolate him so we don't get sick too.
-For my neighbors. We went to a cookout Saturday hosted by one neighbor. Another neighbor texted me Monday to give me the news that the power company is considering putting a giant line of poles right through our community. I went to the public meeting last night (masked, of course), registered my disproval, and was pleased to see a number of my neighbors there angry about it. The power company is considering several routes for this thing, so I'm hoping us showing up and showing out will convince them that this route ain't it. At a time when community and social relationships in general are fractured, our neighborhood, for all its faults, seems like it is actually functioning like a community.
-For this zucchini quesadilla I just ate. I am on medicine that messes with my digestive system (and maybe I am fighting off COVID too?). Sometimes if I eat too big a meal, like I did on Tuesday at lunch, my stomach gets upset, and I can only eat really small meals for a couple days until things reset. I was finally hungry this afternoon and made what turned out to be a really delicious quesadilla.
Being able to feel hungry and enjoy a meal is a blessing you really appreciate after an extended period of nausea or other digestive problems!
I'm sending you all the good vibes about your edits. You've got this!!
@Amanda in VA, Kudos for attending the community meeting and making your position known. Rule #1 in a participatory democracy is ... show up!
I to am so thankful for the break in the heat.
Also always thankful that I have reliable air conditioning.
Thankful that I can easily pay the higher AC bills. It was $100 more this past month!
Your posts are really inspiring. You look so cute and happy. I am thrilled for you.
We're all buoying you up, Kristen. The next half of school will not be easy, but you have the best study skills I have ever seen. And undoubtedly, your job this summer will put you miles ahead of the game when it comes to the clinicals and med-surg portion of your education.
I am thankful my nursing experience is allowing me to help a young friend. She had her fifth child seven weeks early almost a month ago. She ended up having a c-section, the incision of which dehisced. Her baby girl did splendidly and was only in NICU a few days. This family is a sweet, hard working family. However, for one reason or another, the hospital/Dr. (not local) just kinda dropped them out into the cold in our rural area. (I suspect it is because they have "public" insurance. They did not plan to have pregnancy complications!) She is having to deal with her wound without medical assist. It is healing very well, considering she had to have it reopened twice d/t copious amounts of drainage. She told me she was running out of supplies (She is a CNA, so she understands and is able to do the sterile dressing change) so Amazon Prime Day to the rescue even in rural America! I was glad to help her. She goes back to the Dr. in two weeks.
I am thankful our weather cooled down. It's nice to have the A/C off and the windows open.
Thankful for all of the seasonal fruits and vegetables. The colors, textures and flavors are so amazing.
Thankful for my dog, Molly. Today was spa day, and defloof day. She usually goes in w/o even noticing me drop her off. Today she didn't want to leave me. When I went to pick her up, the groomer remarked that she was a little bit off. I've been seeing it, too. The glucosamine does help her quite a bit. She is twelve or so years old.
Thankful for this week off from work. Have made some attempt and been partially successful at hitting the sleep reset button after last month's change in schedule. I could wish that I accomplished more in the realm of chores...
From yesterday
Remember beans are incomplete protein
Please also eat a complement to complete the protein such as rice or corn
This week I'm thankful:
* that my kids had a great drama camp experience. My oldest two kids were just in a play where my oldest kid had one of the biggest speaking roles and my middle (after almost 3 years of speech therapy) had his own speaking role! The one with the big role got to be brave and work hard. And I'm so thankful that my speech kid enjoyed being on stage and that you could understand every word he said. It was a big deal and a joy to watch.
* that my younger two kids get along so well. My oldest is away at summer camp now and the younger two are having a blast together. They take care of each other well, too.
* for the book I picked up on a whim a few weeks ago. I had never heard of the book or the author, but I just finished it and I absolutely loved it!
* that we had cooler temps today as well.
I’m thankful for …
1) Good health for our family. My brother in law was diagnosed recently with colon cancer which made me more aware of how blessed we are.
2) Cuddles with my husband and kids. Great for those in our family who love cuddles and hugs.
3) Fun free events and summer camps through the library and our community.
4) Missouri River that flows through our city. We’ve had water for use that never seems to end. Also gives us beautiful scenery to walk next to on trails or for kayaking/canoeing down in.
5) A chance at life each day and a new start each morning.
I’m thankful that we kept the window a/c unit we bought to use while our home’s a/c needed repairs last summer. The home a/c stopped working again last night, but we were able to set up the window unit in our bedroom to able to sleep comfortably until we can get it repaired again (and we are starting a sinking fund to save for when it eventually needs to be replaced).
You are SO ON TRACK with your nursing education and career! I am a retired nurse and I can see in your posts you are definitely doin’ it girl!! Don’t worry about getting back in the groove..you will see old classmates and the smell of the books and the lectures,it all comes back immediately.Right now just focus on your hospital shifts..what you’re doing this summer is the BEST EDUCATIONAL BOOST EVER… you are gaining that valluable experience and confidence that will help you through those final semesters and you have ALREADY PROVED to yourself that you know how to study and pass your tests. I was an “A” student in nursing school and I made it way too important ..I could have relaxed a bit and taken a B here and there.. but I know, it is important to always do what we feel is our best.Soo.. you have so much wiggle room!!
Take it form me, these next 2 semesters will fly by,try to savor them.
I love that you’re sharing your journey.. it brings back memories of my nursing school days which are so precious to me! And I love to see how you’re changing your life and meeting your goals!!!