Thankful Thursday | a few leads!
This week, I'm thankful:
that I have a few hopeful leads for a place to rent
I have had plenty of experience with hopeful-sounding places falling through by now, but my optimism is still bubbling up, and I feel hopeful about these two.
We shall see what happens...
for optimism
I get knocked down and discouraged, of course, but I always do eventually manage to get back up and find some fresh optimism.
I think sometimes optimism is a weird gift; sometimes it doesn't even make sense, but even in those times, I still think it is, overall, a gift.
that my parents taught me to be persevering
I think if I had grown up in a different family, I might be a person prone to giving up a little more easily. Like, I don't know that perseverance is really baked into my personality.
But my parents really created a culture of perseverance when I was growing up, and I think that was good for me.
So, I get rejected for rentals, I feel discouraged...and then I keep on trucking.
for bad rentals falling through
I've had two right here in my parents' neighborhood that I almost rented (one fell through the day before I was supposed to sign the papers. Ugh.)
I was disappointed over both of these homes not working out, but I can see now that both of these companies were not going to be great to rent from, and I'm grateful that became obvious before I signed anything.
(One switched, last-minute, to requiring a three year lease instead of a one year. SKETCHY.)
for school assignments that involve writing
We've had multiple graded discussion thread assignments this semester, and lemme tell you, I am in my element here.
This week, we had to research a condition, write a post about it, and then respond to other classmates' posts.
Sooo, it's kind of like..writing a blog post. And then responding to comments. I've inadvertently been training for these assignments for years. 😉
We also had an extra credit assignment that involved watching a video and then writing about it. Again: super easy for me, so I am thankful.
for an anatomy-heavy unit
I like anatomy better than physiology, and this one on digestion looks like it will be a bit light on the physiology. SWEET.
that I only have three more regular exams left
Well, three plus a cumulative final. But still, that's only three more units of new information to learn.
I'm gonna make it!
for all the interesting mosses in the woods here
I keep thinking that surely I have seen all of them, but every time I go out, I seem to notice a new patch of moss, and of course I have to stop and inspect it.
(And photograph it.)
Look how perfect this one is! It's like a carpet!
I don't know what is quite the right word for how I feel when I see stuff like this...maybe delight.
Like, sometimes things in the world are so beautiful, I feel some sort of emotion bubbling up out of my chest, and I think that yes, delight is the right word.
The moss isn't exactly doing anything for me, and I don't own it...I just feel delighted that it is there in all its tidy green glory.
Good luck with your apartment search! I found my apartment after over a year of intense apartment hunting (yes, the housing market here is crazy!). I cannot tell you how frustrated I was, I felt like giving up.... But now I am happy it did not work out sooner, because my current apartment is by far the nicest of all the apartments I applied for :-). Sometimes it is worth the wait!
I can only imagine!
I have a hard time not getting attached to whatever home I'm looking at, and then I'm inevitably disappointed when it doesn't work out.
I just don't think I am someone who will ever find house hunting to be a thrill.
@Kristen, as I am somebody who will possibly never have the opportunity for house hunting, I find the process to be thrilling. Back when I was single and couldn't yet afford to buy, I would look through the newspaper at listings and pick up real estate booklets. I even once went to an open house. (Wow. That is kind of embarrassing to type.) But we live in a parsonage and maybe always will. I love, love the house that was picked out for us, but I still have a fascination for houses for sale.
If only we could trade! 😉
I would find it fascinating to look at houses if I did not have the pressure of having to actually decide to buy/rent one.
@Jody S., that’s not embarrassing! I love open houses, and I’m not in the market to buy.
@Jody S., Me too and my day job is being a real estate writer. Then again, I get to write about $40 million houses all the time. Spoiler alert: they're generally pretty nice.
@Rose, Do you write humorous listings ever? I think that would be funny.
@Jody S.,
As a child of two parents who are (retired) Ministers I understand this! For the first 25 years of their marriage they lived in the manse. They never had to choose a house. In the earlier years they came furnished too. When they finally bought a house in their late 40's, it was strange to have to choose what they wanted. (Many congregations have gotten rid of their manses here in Canada, as they are too expensive to keep up. A housing allowance is paid to clergy instead.)
@Jody S., I used to. In fact I was on the local NBC news because of some of them. But the powers that be decided we weren't to be snarky any more. I said, "But that's literally the only skill I have!"
@Rose, LOL!
@Rose, this comment is reminding me of a listing I saw when I was looking. There was an odd room of about 5 by 6 in the floor plan which was labled "outhouse." Keep in mind I'm in the middle of a huge city.
I can only guess what was really going on, but I assume it was an attempt to create a 2nd bathroom gone badly, bdly awry.
Good luck on the housing search, Kristen. I know this isn't easy, especially in times like these.
Now, my TT/What's Seriously Improving My Life mashup (since I was way late to yesterday's post because of a dentist appointment):
Modern dentistry. Yes, I am probably going to need an implant soon because of an "invaginating" tooth (which isn't nearly as sexy as it sounds). But at least there is now a procedure to deal with this, and at least I'll still have most of my teeth. Before the 20th century, a person my age was usually gumming his/her food.
Thistle Radio on SomaFM. All Celtic, all the time. I have German, English, and Scots ancestry contributing to my own case of clodhopper feet, as well as Irish (see this week's FFT). But this music is what gets the Scots and Irish parts of me tapping my clodhoppers.
The advance of spring, which is enabling me to get out in my garden and encouraging informal meetups with the neighbors. And I love opening the front door in the morning and hearing birdsong again.
@A. Marie, I discovered bluegrass a few years ago. It’s funny because I didn’t even know it was a type of music but after hearing it, it was like a memory I never had. Though I’m mostly a classic rock fan (product of my youth), I do enjoy the occasional day of bluegrass.
Ooh! I know about invaginations. They appear all over inside the body and yes, they are not very sexy. Ha.
@A. Marie, There really are few things as beautiful as birdsong. It touches the soul and lightens the heart.
I just looked up invaginations. Wow.
@Kristen, come on. Someone tell the rest of us what an invaginated tooth is.
@Anne, here's a Wikipedia entry for it (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dens_invaginatus). My trusted dentist has been monitoring mine for 4 years now, and his super-duper new digital X-ray/photographic setup convinced me that it's time to stop monitoring and start doing something.
She beat me to it! We use this term in anatomy as it relates to an embryo; the cell invaginates, or kind of turns in on itself, and then you end up with a shape that is sort of similar to pac-man.
@A. Marie, Thank you for providing us with the "word of the day." It's always great to learn something new!
I’ve also been fortunate with lessons learned from my family. We have had strong women but also supportive and respectful men. You reminded me that is something to be truly thankful for today and in the future.
I'm thankful for the rain that is watering my garden for me and the sump pump that is keeping it out of my basement.
I'm also thankful that there are only two more days of school before spring break!
I am thankful for this blog, Kristen and the wonderful community.
I am thankful it has not been a windy week. Last week it was very windy every day. This week has been calmer. We've had quite a bit of rain and clouds but going outside is more pleasant and I'll take rain over drought any day.
I am thankful we are healthy in our mid-60s. We were able to help some neighbors with yard work over the weekend and are taking care of their house while they're away (cats, mail, trash, etc.).
I am thankful for friends and all they add to my life.
I am thankful for rapid Covid tests. Even though the numbers are very low in my state a friend just tested positive and another just recovered. A rapid test is some much easier and faster if I feel the need to test.
I am thankful that a second round of Covid booster vaccines are available. I will wait to receive mine until May so I am best protected for some summer trips.
I am thankful the rain yesterday kept the number of people out yesterday down. It was quiet at Sam's Club and I was helped right away at Home Depot when I went in to pick up an order.
I am thankful for my breakfast that awaits me.
I am thankful the cooler weather at night. Sleeping is a little easier.
I am thankful for cuddles and kisses from my granddaughters.
I am thankful for food in the cupboards.
I am thankful for my domestic servants. Hand washing clothing is very hard work and a dishwasher makes that chore easier.
I am thankful that you are doing okay. I hope there is a house soon.
I’m thankful for you, Kristin.
Thankful that last nights tornado warning was just a storm.
Thankful for my three daughters asleep in their beds.
Thankful for a long visit from my parents, and now that they’re gone, for a (more) calm house. Grandparents are VERY exciting when you’re three.
I'm thankful for friends. I'm thankful for motivation (I'm writing a thesis!). I'm thankful for a beautiful walk this morning and, although it started raining as I went to the supermarket, public transport was on time to get me back. I'm thankful to be inside and cosy with a hot cup of coffee!
I loved the photos that you posted on Instagram of moss. The one your showed here is an especially vibrant shade of green. Just beautiful!
Today I’m extraordinarily grateful for my new coffee maker. I woke yesterday morning, pushed the button and NO COFFEE! Not a good way to start the day, but this morning all is well.
I’m thankful for the wonders of internet shopping and same day delivery. When I discovered that my coffee maker wasn’t working, I googled the make and model. I replaced it immediately without leaving the house. Some things are necessities. I can remember when I had to go to the store to buy the things I needed.
I’m thankful for friends and social activities. I belong to a woman’s group who meets on the first Tuesday of the month. At our recent meeting, we had a presentation from a woman who was a specialist in Religious Icon Painting. It was just fascinating. I really missed this sort of thing during the Covid Crisis.
I’m thankful that I learned to cook well. I have eaten out on several occasions lately. The food has been lackluster and expensive. It’s nice to know you can whip up a quick, healthy and tasty meal.
Despite the fact that I’m in my late 50s, I’m in good health. I remember thinking that 60 was soooooo old.
Wishing everyone the blessings of love, peace and good health.
Ha, I use to think 40 was SO OLD. But now that I am in my 40s, I disagree with my earlier analysis. 😉
@Kristen, Pushing 40 myself I'm not happy about it and I'm not really 100% where I want to be but I am at least lighter than I was when I was 20.
@Kristen, I was part of the generation that didn't trust anyone over thirty. Now I am more than twice that. Good luck with home hunting. Something wonderful is bound to surface soon.
I love these, especially and I like moss, too! Sending good thoughts for the rentals. Your optimism is encouraging to me. 🙂
I'm thankful for small wins this week.
I've been filling out a daily journal that always asks what three things I am grateful for and it never varies for me: my home, my family, my health. All three are connected, really. Too bad you don't live closer - I have two bedrooms and a bathroom just sitting empty. A 2100 sq ft house for one person seems palacial!
“Tidy green glory“, what a wonderful phrase!
I’m thankful for booking the two weeks of craft camps I will be running this summer with some of my piano students. There are not enough lessons that continue through summer to keep us afloat with our new, crazy expenses.
I’m thankful for two small getaways planned for summer as well. I think I’ll feel like I’ve really had a break.
I’m thankful for our kitten! He is funny and sweet, with tons of personality.
I’m grateful I received a phone appointment from another doctor at our clinic when I was sick last week. Access to a doctor is no longer a sure thing, and I needed antibiotics and painkillers. I was able to get them before the weekend.
I’m thankful for the ability to give my grandchildren the gift of music. It’s undoubtedly a lot of work, but it’s something I can do since I’m not in the financial position I would have liked to be in to support their families and their interests. But free lessons, instruments and books is a valuable gift.
PS. I have my fingers crossed that a good rental home will work out for you soon. We just went through that struggle ourselves and it was a challenge on every level, so I can really relate.
@Jem, My daughter went to a crafts camp put on by a teacher, one summer when she was in elementary school... She still remembers it! She loved it. They made some fun crafts, but she really loved just playing around with other kids in her teacher's house, and outside, with their dog, the afternoon popsicle treat, etc. Just fun summertime stuff. I'm sure your craft camps will be a great time like that (plus a kitten!). So I guess this is a Thank you from a mom whose child had such fun, to you and all the teachers who offer extra experiences like this!
I feel the same way on my morning walks when the light is just right and it looks like a painting on my lonely dirt road. Except my delight is mixed with a healthy dose of serenity. That word has been overused by mental health gurus, but it is the most wonderful feeling.
Thankful this week . . .
--For my children's friends. We've had two over this week already, and another coming to spend the night tonight. It's totally crazy when another kid is here, but it makes all of my kids SO HAPPY to a different kid to play with.
--This sounds funny, but for the very wholesome nature of those friendships. When there are five kids in my house, there are enough to play almost anything. And there are no screens or anything involved. So far this week, we've had a Princess Party (that was obviously my four-year-old daughter and her friend), basketball, marbles, Red Light/Green Light, and paper airplane contests. Tomorrow we're going fishing with the friend staying tonight. If you read too much online, you'd think every kid is irrevocably addicted to screens and can't play normally anymore. I am here to report that is not true.
--For the first daffodil opening yesterday, the beets sprouting, another rhubarb appearing . . . In short, for the daily miracle that is my tour of the rapidly enlivening gardens.
--For the new books that came for me yesterday. It's always nice when I find an author I like that is new to me, but actually old and wrote a bunch of books (in this case, Mary Stewart, who had a prolific writing career in the latter half of the twentieth century) so I can buy more than one used book at a time. A box set of four books await me this weekend, which is a lovely thought.
@kristin @ going country, It's also fun to watch your kids and all their friends grow up and see where their lives lead. My youngest is 24 and he and a friend came over last night that he's been friends with since 3rd grade. I'm amazed by these kids and all the positive things they're doing with their lives. I still picture them as they were as little kids.
Enjoy the Mary Stewart books, she was a good author!
Yes, I think delight is the right word. I feel it all the time in nature, with my children, etc.
Today I'm thankful that:
*my son and I made it to and back from our road trip to Minnesota.
*I don't have to drive to Minnesota from Maryland frequently. So tired of driving.
*my children, despite having a cold, are sleeping okay at night.
*the blueberry muffins in the oven look really yummy.
*my daughter was able to crochet gifts for a hard-to-buy-for friend's birthday.
*I like going to church because Holy Week is next week 🙂
I really like moss also, so much so, that my "grassy area" of my back yard is just moss. I fought if for awhile, then noticed moss was happier back there than grass, so just let it go. No cutting, no watering, and it is green. I love it.
Good luck on your house hunt Kristen!
This week I am glad that so far covid is bad, but still very bearable for husband and I. Also that our kids had covid already which means that we have someone to do chores for us. Also we can get our shopping home delivered. Also we had our jabs. And also this is a later mutation.
We'll blow our noses drink our orange juic e, tuck in early and stick it out.
@J NL, I wish you and your husband a speedy recovery!
I hope that you all are better soon. When the girls and I got Covid, I thought all the same things as you; so thankful to have a late mutation, which was milder. I still felt pretty crappy, but it was nothing terrible.
Zoe, lucky girl, had no symptoms at all!
Howdy Kristen! I'm not sure if you already mentioned this, or if it is too personal to answer-why do you hafta be the one moving out? I gotta say it really bothers me that you and the kids are the ones looking for a new place to live when you put so much work and love into creating yours! Especially since it is my experience men don't usually care where they live and would be content with lawn furniture in the living room lol
OK I just had to ask cuz it was really weighing on me ever since you made the announcement ☺️
I love the moss 🙂
I totally agree with your delight in moss! We live where there is very little moss as it is so dry. Seeing it is always a thrill to me.
We've had a rough week - several members of the family came down with flu. (It's not covid- tested negative!). However the thankfuls:
My husband's been working from home so he's been amazing at getting healthy kids to school, laundry done, and feeding the kids.
My healthy kids know to stay away from the sick ones.
I could do a virtual class one morning when I was just too weak to drive to work. (I've already canceled 2 classes this term; I don't want to cancel anymore)
Spring break is next week for the kids- the ailing ones can recover fully. And if anyone else gets it, it won't affect school.
My big cat has decided he's my sick buddy and curls up next to me to sleep for a lot of the day. He's 17 lbs of plush furry love.
My new kitten who is so sweet and playful. It's hard to feel bad for long when a kitten zooms through the room.
I absolutely love moss as well! I often stop my hikes to stroke it’s softness! There is one trail where I hike that has a patch of moss of mixed varieties. I swear, it looks just like you are flying over an alpine field and looking down on evergreen trees in a grassy field!
I always stop too! I think it's impossible NOT to stroke the really fuzzy ones. 😉
I'm approaching the year anniversary of breaking my leg and I'm trying to distract myself from feeling the emotions that come with that, so I'm thankful to be able to participate in this exercise.
I'm thankful for progress. On a sunny, warmish, non-windy day this week I very slowly walked with my cane the 2,000 steps around my street. It took me a half hour and I was legitimately exhausted after, but it was so nice to be outside and moving.
I'm also thankful for having something to look forward to. Some of the things I've really missed during the pandemic are travel and live music. I will be heading to Florida in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to see the ocean, feel the warm sun on my face and just sit on the beach (although I'm not sure how I'm going to walk on the sand). We will also see our favorite musician in concert and I can't wait to just soak it all in.
Finally, I'm thankful for the power of social media. Although it took me a year to get the courage to do it, within two hours of posting a photo of the woman who had the unleashed dog that attacked me and asking my friends to share it, I finally have her name.
@Heather in Upstate NY, thinking of you as you recover from your injury.
@Heather in Upstate NY, May you continue to grow in courage and ease of movement!
@Heather in Upstate NY, congratulations on your progress, from one Upstater to another. And good for you for putting the word out about the dog owner.
I'm just so sorry that you have had such a year of pain from this. I'm thankful you are hanging in there and working on making progress; will your PT give you some ideas for walking on the sand?
@Heather in Upstate NY, I'm so sorry you are having these difficulties. Hollywood Beach has a blue long mat that is rolled out across the sand toward to water for wheelchair and limited mobility access. I think several of the other beaches have these too. Maybe you can google the beaches near where you are staying and see if there is one close by.
Kristen, I’m really happy you stayed enrolled in your class, despite all of your personal turmoil at this time.
You have GRIT (that’s a huge compliment ☺️)
Thank you. 🙂 I take that as a compliment.
My class started shortly after I left my house/got Covid, so it was kind of a rough time. But doing this is very important to me, and it has actually been very helpful to have my class; something to focus on outside of my personal problems!
I am very thankful that I have still been able to keep up with my work.
Fingers crossed for you on the housing search, Kristen!
For me this week:
1) It was lovely to see coworkers/friends in my first few days back at the office
2) For a (free) office gym to use, including a free spin class yesterday afternoon. I was at the point of needing to bribe myself to get excited about returning to in person work, so this was a helpful incentive. 🙂
3) That my son finally passed his written drivers test! He's been so anxious about it, and going to the DMV numerous times is no one's idea of fun
4) That the same son (on the same day) also got a summer job
5) For my mom, who is going to extend a visit to help me out during an incredibly busy work week, while my husband is traveling. She doesn't drive the kids to activities, but will be in charge of meals, keeping the house running & just generally be a second set of hands to help out. So grateful for her.
I bring in patches of moss to grow in the house. Delightful!
I didn't know wild ones could even grow inside. Do you have to give them special care?
It's my birthday! YAY! I'm 57! Wow. I remember my grandmother turning 57. But it really is true: getting older is a privilege denied to many. My oldest, best friend died suddenly at age 50.
Going out to lunch with a friend! Massage! Takeout for dinner! Son will nag me to watch a movie with him! But it's gonna be my choice! Ha! I even bought myself a new dress and took the day off work! Because I'm about 8 years old when it comes to my birthday!
Son's car should be ready soon! It's gonna cost an astonishing amount of money to fix! But we have the money! So we can be a two car family again!
So! Many! Exclamation! Points! And no, I haven't hit the frugal, moderately priced cava yet. That's with lunch.
@Rose, Happy Birthday!! Love that you’re making it such a nice day.
@Rose, happy birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Rose, Happy Birthday!! I hope your 1.5 hour massage is just relaxing enough (I'm not sure I'd be motivated to move again until the next day, just too comfortable), and makes your hungry for your birthday dinner - Enjoy your day!
@Rose, you're the original party animal! Happy birthday, with exclamation points included!!!
@Rose, Happy Birthday! Will there be cake? 😀
Rose! Happy birthday! I am so happy that you have fun plans for your birthday.
Also: we share a birthday month. Mine's in about three weeks.
@Rose, I love it when people can still feel joy about birthday celebrations. Happy birthday!!
@A. Marie, I join with Kristen in the PARTY LIFESTYLE!!!!!!
heh. I've already been given cupcakes and then was surprised with a slice of cheesecake at lunch. Later, there is ice cream cake.
Ummm, are you getting a cat tattoo??
Yay for a cake-ful day. 😉
@Rose,
May all your dreams come true and may the cava flow! Happy Birthday!!!!!
@Rose, Happy, happy day to you!
Many happy returns on your birthday Rose! I was soo delighted with your lovely plans that I read it aloud to my DH. It’s child-like excitement with grownup activities. Love it!
I am thankful that all we had was a good rain out of the predicted severe weather. It did a dandy job of washing tons of pollen out of the air. Also thankful for our sweet elderly kitty, who every morning asks to be picked up for a hug. Always so thankful for my little family, a peaceful home, and a quiet life.
Kristen, crossing fingers and toes that you get one of your two current rental prospects. It's hard to be in limbo, and I'm sure you are eager to have a place of your own to land, and soon!
- Strong girlfriends. My superwoman girlfriend and I are going kayaking today. Two other superwoman girlfriends and I are getting together for a weekend of hiking and biking. Love so much that as we all move into our 60's we've been able to remain active. It is not something any of us take for granted at this point in our lives. Between us there have been ample amounts of battling physical ailments.
- Water. I got a little cocky yesterday, and didn't hydrate as soon as I should have on a long hike. Lesson was learned, and I will be more diligent going forward.
- Skechers shoes. This is frivolous, I know, but their foam-padded wedge sandals are so comfortable, cute and affordable, and the same for their slip on walking shoes. A new pair of cute new blue wedge sandals came yesterday, and I love them. They have sparkles!
- Summer weather in April. We have a two day warm-wave hitting today and tomorrow, and have altered our plans in order to be outside as much of it as we can, including some alfresco dining in our backyard.
- My guitar. I have always wanted to play an instrument, and I sort of spur-of-the-moment bought a guitar during the early days of the pandemic. I've been steadily progressing every since, and each new element I learn continues to thrill and make me so happy.
* Thankful for having some nice things to look forward to. My wife and I actually have a date coming up (first in about six months) so I fully plan on taking advantage of it.
* That people are mostly doing okay at my work with back to office.
* That my house is a month closer to being paid off. Even if it doesn't become our "forever home" having that security helps me a bit.
* That my wife has been okay with me having music on to get to sleep. It's been helping a bit with my nightmares (I literally have had nightmares almost every single night for what feels like years now)
* That it's not the days of old, medically speaking. My sister is having a baby in a little over a week and the doctors told her had this been the old days she would've died along with the baby. Nothing in life is guaranteed but she has very good odds.
Oh, have fun on your date night! And I'm so glad that you have found a way to help with the nightmares; routine nightmares can be such an awful thing to deal with.
@Battra92, I have absolutely zero medical expertise, BUT I'll share my wonders with you. My son has night terrors and sleep walking, but it seems it is only when he is congested and/or too hot. Now I know to keep on the lookout when he is sick. Could congestion/allergies be an issue? (By the way, you don't have to answer that-- it's more of a thought question.) I've never, ever heard of any medical professional suggesting such a connection-- just my personal observations. (And for what it's worth, I am glad my son doesn't remember the nightmares because I can tell from the things he says/does when he's having them that they are TERRIBLE and probably worse than I can imagine.)
@Jody S., It's been complex to figure out. For me they thought it was related to medication I was on (for allergies no less) and that seemed to make them less frequent but a big portion of it was stress. I was winding myself up so tightly that my body had to let it out sometime so experiencing terror night after night seemed to be the way my brain wanted to release it.
I am hosting Ukrainian refugees. A mother with her two sons 8 and 12 years old.
I am so grateful that finally I feel I can do something in regards of the raging war in Europe.
Turned out that I am much calmer now, they are slowly settling in and there are a few moments of laughter....
As they lived near an airport in Kiev their house got bombed and does not exist anymore. They crawled out of the basement with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing and a little bag with their documents.
I am so grateful for my family and friends who all offer their help and money and skills in Russian. Inna and her sons do not speak any German or English.
So I am so thankful for Google translator which does a beautiful job and is very, very helpful.
@Lea,
Thank you for what you are doing, and may God give you, and them, strength and comfort.
@Lea, how wonderful that you are providing a safe haven to this family! Just thinking of it moves me to tears.
@Lea, that's so wonderful that you are able to help this family so directly - thank you
@Lea,
I am thankful for people like you. May your wonderful efforts be blessed many times over.
@Lea, blessings on you and your guests. I hope all goes as well as possible for all of you.
Lea, I love that you are doing this. Wonderful, wonderful! War simultaneously shows the best and worst of humanity, and you are exhibiting the best.
Bless you for sharing what you have!
@Lea, I hope you are repaid tenfold for your generosity. My parents were only able to come to the US because someone took them and guaranteed they would help them find jobs and become independent. Thank you for doing that for someone else.
@Lea, Bless you for doing this. The entire situation is just tragic. We have friends with both sets of parents still in the Ukraine near Lviv. They're all in their 70s and won't leave even though there are bombings nearby. It's just heartbreaking.
Avocado toast is good with a not too runny egg on top. Udis gluten free hamburger buns, baguettes, and Hawaiian bread is pretty decent.
Yes, the moss, and the tiny perfect whorls in the small spring flowers starting to pop out on the trail and birdsong, caterpillars, spiderwebs glistening and swaying (not spiders ☺️) here in California it’s the last best mornings to hike without getting up before dawn to avoid the heat and the rattlesnakes!
Apartment hunting is a bear anywhere these days.
Perhaps finding a unit owned by an individual or family (that you can do your own vetting on via prior tenants, perhaps), where you deal direct and where they may be known in the community and/or by others you know in the area, could be another angle to pursue? (I'm sure you're trying many.)
I have a friend with a tough income situation and little credit history. She finally got an apartment, one of two in a two-family home that was rented. As it turned out, she was recommended by the OTHER tenant, who she knew, and who had been a good one so the owners took her recommendation.
I do also hope you are telling EVERYONE you know that you are looking. Leads come from very unexpected places. The universe is supporting you and I've always believed that sometimes when things don't work out, it's because something "better" is around the corner.
You talked about optimism. The marvelous and marvelously creative Anna Deveare Smith was interviewed on a PBS show (on its web site) called Tell Me More. She had this incredible discussion of the difference between hope and optimism. It made me think of you as you approach the challenges in your life.
You are lucky to have had parents that instilled values that serve you well over the years. Not everyone is that lucky and many of us spend our lives, or so it seems at times, undoing the damage of what we were erroneously taught or modeled as we grew up.
I am visualizing a new space that will make you feel welcome and be secure for you and your daughters. The right place. The right rent. The right owners. The right location.
Hang in there. You are committed to needed change and the universe will support you.
Yes, I am telling everyone! I've reached out to churches in my area, asking them to put the word out, even. One of the leads I have came from someone in my mom's Bible study group.
You are right; it is much easier to deal with an individual who is renting a unit. When you deal with a company, it is so much more of a headache, especially if you have a tricky situation like mine, with self-employment income.
Okay, I sound like a six year old, but I'm so thankful that after we do our morning errands today we are stopping by Sonic to get a large vanilla ice cream cone. I've been thinking of that cone for almost two weeks now.
I hope your ice cream was as delightful as you anticipated!
Thankful for:
-My kids enjoying youth group
- Good health
- a well running vehicle
- iced tea and coffee
- That God is slow to anger
I am thankful:
That I do not need a bomb shelter.
That summer and sunshine is getting closer.
That my husband happily eats leftovers.
That my young adult children are doing well.
That my dad who is fighting cancer is having a better week than the last two.
Have a great day blog friends!
My Mom has a moss garden. Moss is so pretty with it's soft greenness!
I am thankful this week for new clients and old ones. For green tea lattes and the ability to say, "I'm taking a break today."
I'm grateful for a flexible schedule and for quiet days. Grateful my parents survived what my mom is calling "the storm of the century" last night too!
When searching for apartments in my college years, I found that the best indicator of quality was looking under the kitchen sink. If it was smelly or damp or messy, even if the rest of the apartment was ok, it would have hidden problems elsewhere. Best wishes for your search!
Kristen, I'm the same about the moss. Last summer we took a couple of trips up to North Carolina to go hiking in the mountains. All the different varieties of moss and mushrooms too were just a delight to see and photograph.
Today I'm thankful for:
1) Skilled reliable repair people. We have some repairs currently in process on our house that are going well and we're working with people we've been using for years, so we know, trust and appreciate their skills.
2) The huge amount of information readily available on YouTube. From gardening, boat repairs and appliance repairs, we have learned a lot and fixed many things.
3) My Mom. I am just so happy we have this time together even though it's mostly through phone calls and daily texting. She's in her early 80's and it's just a gift to have this time and relationship. Having a MIL with dementia and all those challenges makes me appreciate my Mom even more.
Yes! You never quite capture the fuzzy beauty in a photograph, but I keep trying. 😉
Hope that the right place comes along soon for you, FG!
I'm thankful that my older daughter is so open minded about food - last night I made grain bowls and on her own, she made a very balanced plate of protein, carbs, veggies and fat.
I'm thankful that although my younger one is the opposite of her sister when it comes to eating, she continues to grow and thrive and she's strong and healthy.
Thankful for the little sprouts coming up in my garden. I'm really hopeful about the garden this year (I have had many (MANY) fails). Those little sprouts bring me a pang of delight!
Thankful for my car. It gets me where I need to go, it's fast, and it's reliable. A joy to drive.
Here's hoping your perfect place opens up and you get it!
Today I'm thankful for:
Having a small basal cell skin cancer removed by a doctor who is known for doing a tidy job, and being sewn up by a good plastic surgeon. To top it off, I'm told I can't exercise for 3 days, to avoid sweating. I have an excuse to not exercise!
Finding a rehab to take my husband after this latest hospital stay. His behavior has been erratic due to a UTI (now being treated), and some of them turned us down for behavior reasons.
Getting shipping removed from a small gift purchase. I was only going through the shopping cart to determine the cost of shipping, when the site jumped and placed my order without ever showing me shipping. My receipt also didn't show a line for shipping, but the price had doubled. I wouldn't have bought it had I seen how much shipping was. I called and asked them to cancel the order, and they waived shipping for me as a one-time offer instead. I accepted that, and the item is on its way.
The fact that my granddaughter with genetically acquired insulin resistance got a good report from her endocrinologist. He's pleased with her lab levels and progress. It's not easy to be the girl eating a banana while your friends eat pizza and fries.
Seeing some beet sprouts coming up in my raised bed. I have never been able to raise beets to maturity for some reason. I'm trying it again, with even more soil feeding this time. Hope springs eternal. (I love beets.)
@JD, Have you ever made that chocolate beet cake that uses beets instead of flour? Yummy.
JD, after I had my suspicious-looking mole removed (plus a big circumference) two years ago, I said the same thing:"Ooh! I have a very good reason to take a break from lifting weights." Ha.
Always sending love to you regarding the situation with your husband. I can imagine that this is hard for you in myriad ways.
@JD, I'm so sorry to hear about your DH's UTI and the complications it has caused. On both of the caregiver forums on alzconnected.org, the first question other people ask on hearing that a loved one with dementia has had a dramatic behavioral shift is "Have you had him/her tested for a UTI?" Amazing what havoc a seemingly simple infection can cause. Best of luck on your and his continuing journey.
@Lindsey,
No! I'll have to search for that, since I can't eat wheat flour and love beets.
@Kristen,
Thanks, this has been pretty hard. He was sent to ER three times in one week, and the stress was incredible. All the while I kept telling them his behavior would settle once the medication kicked in on his UTI. It turns out, the antibiotic he was given for the UTI is known to cause delirium and erratic behavior in older people, so his problem was doubled. A doctor changed his antibiotic and he is so much calmer now.
This is reminding me that once I am a nurse, it will be a good idea to pay attention to family members!
@A. Marie,
I had to ask him to be tested for it. It's odd how many people who work with elders know about this reaction but don't automatically test, or don't even know the reaction it can give older people or people with cognitive issues. You and I are advocates for our loved ones but I always worry about the people who have no such person advocating for them.
@JD, My dad had hallucinations with a UTI. He called me (my mom was still in rehab after her stroke) and said he was having hallucinations. I came over and drove him to the ER. He said there was children all outside the house. As I was driving away, he said, "You really can't see them?" Sigh. And then when I got to the ER, both the doctor and the medical student on duty treated him disrespectfully, like a crazy old man. I did take the doc aside and say, "This man served his country in the Marines and was highly decorated in the NYPD. Treat him with respect." Makes me sad and unhappy to think about it. He was missing my mom so much in the rehab and didn't know what to do with himself alone at home.
I love moss too! We lived in Japan for five years, and the Japanese love moss and have beautiful moss gardens. I’m a first-time, not frugal commenter who is trying to change my ways. Love your blog and community!
@Kathleen Bunce,
Welcome!
Ohh, welcome! So glad to have you join us all here.
I am thankful that my synagogue is re-opening tomorrow. You may recall a news event on January 15 where a gunman entered a synagogue in a Dallas suburb and took the Rabbi and congregants hostage. That was my synagogue and my beloved Rabbi. It was scary and devastating, but in the midst of so much heartbreak and uncertainty, there was also so much to be thankful for. We have been holding our Sabbath services in nearby churches - the community support has been absolutely amazing and it's been a lovely sight to see so many faiths come together in prayer, support, and action. I'm grateful that after considerable damage to our building, we are re-opening with grateful and full hearts!
@Rachel S,
Oh, my goodness, yes, I remember that horrible event. What a terrible time for your synagogue, but how lovely that you've received so much support, and that you can re-open.
Oh my goodness, Rachel. What a terrible thing to happen.
I am so glad that you guys have rebuilt, though.
@Rachel S, That was terrifying; I'm so glad you're all able to go back, and I hope your synagogue quickly feels like a haven again
@Rachel S, hands across the miles to you and your shul. And Mazel Tov on your reopening!
@JD, Thank you so much for your support!
@A. Marie, Thank you for the mazel tov! 🙂
@Kristen, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts!
@Suz, Thank you! I truly believe that people are good!
Thankful for:
1. A week of spectacular northern lights, every single night.
2. I sometimes get lost in reading for hours and when he feels like I have been neglecting him for long enough, pound hound jumps up on my husband's recliner that sits next to mine, and stands on the armrest staring at me until I notice him and take time out. I like an assertive dog!
3. That my new medication continues to work, for weeks now, with only minimal side effects.
4. With the start of the Masters and baseball season, I am very thankful that my husband does not care about either one of those so I don't have to listen to them on TV.
5. That I can smell my sourdough bread rising. It is an 18 hour resting recipe and by the end you can smell the dough in the bowl all through the house. It is one of my favorite smells.
@Lindsey, re: your #4, I was always grateful to have married the one man in the Lower 48 who cared less about professional sports than I did. I'm glad you snagged perhaps the one such man in Alaska.
I am thankful for yard work. I have discovered that I even enjoy weeding (or the benefits of having weeded the yard).
I am thankful to have home owners insurance again. (We discovered that our policy was cancelled due to living behind a liquor store and we discovered that many companies are not writing new policies in our area because our zipcode is labeled a fire zone.)
I am thankful my sister's family visited yesterday.
I am thankful for warm weather.
I am thankful that we met our neighbors across the street and they are very pleasant people.
Goodness, they won't insure homes near liquor stores??
@Kristen, I have to have Lloyd's of London insure my house because of the ocean. Insurers do everything they possibly can to avoid risk. It's maddening.
Thankful for the rain and that the rain is over for right now. I know lots of the world is seeing drought but we are not in that area and we have had so. Much. Rain. Creeks are swollen and there is a lot of standing water. I am grateful for the sunshine today.
Thankful for a day off tomorrow.
Thankful for my house getting more and more organized as the days go on. Moving is never easy and I am grateful to see projects being completed and boxes being unpacked.
Thankful for my morning drive and time to listen to some music before work began today.
I am always thankful when rain is in the past tense. Like, glad we had it, but also glad it's over.
To me, the perfect thing is for rain to happen overnight. Then we have the needed water, but I don't have to see it falling from the sky.
“Tidy green glory” is marvelous phrasing. I feel exactly the same way traipsing through the woods. I think humans *need* nature.
House hunting is the absolute worst. Wishing you all the luck.
I like that...tidy green glory!
Thankful for ...
My teeth and another problem free check up
Spring vegetables like local asparagus, such a short season and so delicious
Longer bike rides that we combine with hikes on the weekend. I cycle as my main mode of transport in town, but its fun to go farther a field and explore
And the sunshine today with no wind, so it’s time to get out in the garden!
Kristen, @lostlakestudio posted some beautiful photos of moss on her Instagram today. She's a stitched-paper artist who does amazing re-creations of life on the forest floor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcDz1QGp6TG/
ooh, I will go check that out!
This week I'm thankful for the fun things we have been able to do while not travelling for spring break. We had dinner at a friend's house, went swimming with friends, played volleyball with a friend, went to the zoo with friends, and tomorrow we have a playdate. Tonight before bed my second grader was listing off all of the fun things we've done and she said, "This is even better than going to Florida!" I find that so funny, but I'm glad she's having a fun and special week instead of feeling jealous of all of her classmates that really are in Florida right now. I don't think that thankfulness comes very naturally to that kiddo, so it's extra nice to hear her appreciate what we've done.
Your last one reminds me of Ross Gay's Book of Delights. It's a collection of short stories of things that delight him, like your gratitude posts. I think you may like it. I'm going to request it from the library to re-read after reading your post today!
Keeping you in my prayers Kristen!
Wondering if there is some way we can be a blessing to you as you have been to us.....
Maybe some of us can organize a money blessing to help with your rental...I feel so bad that you've been put in this situation!!!
Aww, you are so kind! I can actually afford rent, thanks to my blog income, so I am ok for now. And I figure a combo of some furniture from my house plus some rehabbed second-hand finds should get me through until I figure out what the future looks like for me.
My stretch-a-dollar skills are gonna come in handy!
I feel sad for you that you that you can not stay in your house. You had done most of all the work and it was just beautiful. But as we both know life happens and you move on. Will you be able to get back in to get furniture and all of your belonings? Maybe having things that gave you comfort would ease some of your saddness and grief. Many prayers to you and your kiddos.
Yes, once I have a rental, my dad and my brother will help me get things like some beds and dressers from the house (they both own trucks!)
I'm thankful for my house even with all the work it needs. I live in a mobile home park, and space rent is less than $500.00 per month (apartments in this town are outrageously expensive, and that $500.00 would not even get me a rathole studio!!)
I'm thankful for my job, it pays well plus I just got promoted, and I haven't had to have a roommate (they were all INSANE in one way or another) since May 2017.
I'm thankful for my nextdoor neighbor who is a retired contractor and is helping me with the 'fixes' needed in my house. I'm also thankful that he keeps an eye on the house when I'm not here, and keeps an eye on me as well.
I'm thankful for excellent healthcare, as I have multiple health issues that can make life challenging at times.
And I am super thankful that I bought 2 cords of firewood 2 years ago -- ended up not using the woodstove, so I had the two cords of firewood when my heat pump failed in spectacular fashion (had it set at 85, it was 55 in the house and blowing coolish air). Thanks to the wood, woodstove, warm blankets, friends who loaned me space heaters, and of course a cat that loves to cuddle I've stayed warm for 4 1/2 months and counting.
oh, that is SUCH a good housing price. Good for you!