Thankful Thursday | a new lens
I was listening to an Esther Perel podcast the other week where she was helping someone who was really stuck in a rut of framing everything in the negative.
Esther helped her think through some other ways to view her life and she said something like (and I'm paraphrasing), "This is just adding another lens, another view. You don't have to get rid of the other one, but I'm asking you try adding a new one."
And I liked that way of thinking; it reminded me of how I frequently say that to see our lives in a way that's true, we need to look at the good just as much as we look at the bad/hard.
I don't for a minute believe we need to whisk the hard out of sight; it's there, it's real, and it hurts.
But it's helpful to add another view, another lens, one that also sees the true, real, wonderful good parts of life.
Here are mine!
This week, I'm thankful:
for a quiet week
Last week was busy with company/graduation, and next week I have jury duty all week.
But this week is pretty quiet and I am thankful for a minute to breathe.
that I got to walk on the rocks
I haven't made it to the trail that goes by the water in a while, largely because of school/clinicals.
But last weekend I did, on a lovely sunny day, and my heart was happy.
that Chiquita still loves her tunnel
I got this from my Buy Nothing group several years ago and it continues to enchant Chiquita. Seriously one of my best free acquisitions!
for the beautiful flowers other people grow
The roses at the top of this post are from a walk downtown, and since I am not much of a gardener, I appreciate the effort other people put in to grow lovely things.
Also, isn't the inside of this coneflower interesting to look at? So pleasingly tidy.
for the rain we've been getting
I don't enjoy rainy days per se (as you know) but I do appreciate that they are likely making a dent in our drought conditions.
And I appreciate the results of the rain, like...a green world!
I know next time I visit the mosses on the trails, they will be a lovely green. 🙂
that my tech job is still very challenging
I've worked two shifts so far this week and I was thinking about how every time I go in, I still find it to be a challenging kind of work. It's just so, so busy, which makes it hard to get everything done.
But honestly, I really do appreciate the challenge. Every shift, I feel like I get slightly better at juggling it all, and that's satisfying.
for pictures of my grandcats
Sonia is always sending me pictures of her super fluffy cat Crouton:
And Lisey keeps me supplied with pictures of Piper:
Thankfuls...
- Son 2 graduates from HS today!
- Son 1 is out of the hospital and recovering well after a rough couple of weeks.
-Son 3 has been super sweet about stepping up and helping in extra ways where he sees the need.
-Supportive coworkers, varied and fulfilling work
- Weeks 1 & 2 of my first grad class have gone well, even while juggling other stressful life events.
-For loving and caring extended family who rally around each other during both good times and bad.
Thanks, Kristen, for hosting Thankful Thursdays - I always enjoy reading the many uplifting comments! And as others have said about their experiences with nurses, I thought of you this past week while we navigated a hospital stay. Nurses really set the tone- and you, no doubt, will bring your patients much encouragement and care!
Congrats to your middle guy! Only one more to go.
And I’m glad your oldest is outta the hospital now. 🙂
@PD, Congrats to your middle son on graduating, and so glad to hear your oldest is out of the hospital! Can confirm it is heartwarming when siblings rally around each other to help out.
@PD, Congratulations on your sons graduation.
@PD, I miss things regularly now that I'm not reading all the comments. I'm glad your son is doing better, and yay! for the graduation!
@PD, Cheers for your son being back home with you!
I like the idea of adding a lens.
I am thankful for a trip without travel snafus. We hadn't been to CO in many years but it proved manageable. I am also thankful we don't live at a high altitude as the air was so dry at 9,000 feet. I am thankful for the beauty of the Rockies.
The dry air definitely takes some adjusting! My contact lenses never feel super great in that kind of air.
@K D, Ha yes the air. Whenever we were in CO and used public transportation, people got on then whipped out the lip balm once they sat down.
@K D,
My family and I vacationed out West almost three years ago, which included Colorado. One day, we took the railway up to the top of Pikes Peak; it was there that I found out I get altitude sickness. So, I guess I won't be climbing Everest any time soon. 🙂
What a bummer to realize you have to remove that from your bucket list. 😉
@K D, We don't all live at 9000 feet. I do live at 5000 though.:)
This week I am thankful:
-for that dreary, old rain. I hate it, I delight in it. I know we need it.
-that all my kids are home right now. It might be the last time, so I am thankful.
-that my son passed his FAA physical. I would have been surprised if he hadn't, but I'm thankful he is healthy.
-for those silly kitty who are currently in my garage. That my children also delight in them. And they seem to be getting stronger, so that's a good thing!
-that's I've nearly finished reading a book I started quite a while ago. Maybe a year ago? And it's not a long book! But I've not been reading a lot outside of reading for the kids' school things.
-that my husband loved last year's Father's Day gift-- a subscription to a local newspaper. He loves reading it every week, and it will be this year Father's Day gift (strong hints were given). It is so difficult to think of gifts that he will enjoy, so I am also thankful to the original idea-thinker, my thoughtful daughter.
-for the delight my 2nd daughter has when I assign book challenges for the kids. She really loves to read, and she gathered up her summer reading challenge stack right away.
Agreed on the rain! At least we have been getting soaking rains that are good for catching us up from our deficit.
--For my MiL, who was here visiting all last week. She's not someone I would have chosen as a friend, but she has been a good mother-in-law. I know how lucky I am that we have always been able to get along, even when we lived together for a decade.
--That I don't live with my MiL anymore. 🙂 My house is truly MY house, janky though it may be.
--That order has been restored in MY house now that our guest is gone. My children and their beds had to be shuffled about all around, and they were pretty good sports about it, but it got a little contentious there by the end of the week. Plus, I am really happy to not have a mattress on the floor anymore in the room I pass through all the time to get to my washing machine.
--For the garden vegetables starting to come into my kitchen, most especially the lettuce.
--For the delight my children took in their city adventure yesterday. They all went with my husband to drop Grandma off at the airport. They went to the mall in that city. The youngest two had never been in one. Three of the four children got needed new cowboy hats--they actually use these to work in--one got boots, eldest got perfume for his girlfriend and cologne for himself, and then they all got to go to a Chinese buffett, which they thought was very exciting. The enforced abstention from "normal" American life that my children experience living where we do makes them very easy to please. 🙂
--For a quiet day at home by myself while they were all being country mice in the city. I spent most of it cleaning, washing bedding, making beds, and so on, but it made me happy to take control of my house again.
@kristin @ going country, Getting back to normal does feel so good!
@kristin @ going country, It is so wonderful that your children live far away from the crazy consumer culture. We have so much, but its hard to appreciate it with all the white noise.
@kristin @ going country, I love hearing about your country mice! I was born and raised in ky country and appreciate it so much now! We long to be able to afford that lifestyle with our own kids someday (Florida country can be quite pricey!) Enjoy your freshly cleaned and peaceful home!
@Haley, such an interesting thing to ponder. . . the idea that city living is less expensive than country living. It used to be that the poor folks lived in the sticks. I guess it matters where, and whether one rents or owns.
@kristin @ going country,
That is really cool, that your kids don't frequent the shopping malls! They must be living the life, out in the country, and that they are used to working, as opposed to what a lot of kids do (or don't do!) these days: video games, texting, being mall rats, etc. (Notice I didn't include reading or helping around the house.) Glad your visit went well and also glad things are back to normal for you.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, it’s wild, isn’t it? Makes you wonder if more people are starting to desire the peace and beauty it offers. Unfortunately, our hometown is being spoiled by huge drug problems and generations of farmers dying out with no family to inherit the land. It gets sold into hands that don’t preserve it, but develop it. Kind of sad to see, but I’m thankful no one can take all those lovely childhood memories!
Your daughters have excellent cat naming instincts. Crouton is an inspired choice for a fluffy orange cat.
This week I am thankful:
--That the half-dead tree in our backyard did NOT fall onto the power line that is very close to it. This half-dead tree has been a bone of contention since we moved in; the power line that runs from the house to the pole is right alongside it, and there were dead limbs just waiting to fall on it, that DH removed, at great risk to himself. We figured it was okay for now. But DH was looking out the laundry room window the other day and saw that a large part of the top half of the tree was...gone. We'd had a very strong wind a few days back, and unbeknownst to us, the top half of the tree had been sheared off by a strong west wind and landed in a corner in the backyard. It was quite impressive, and very obvious that the tree is MOSTLY dead, not mostly alive. I am VERY thankful it did not land on the power line, and thankful we have the means to take care of it on our own. And I'm amazed we didn't hear anything when it crashed--a testament to our very soundproof little house.
--For Clark's continuing socialization. He is not a lap cat by any stretch of the imagination. He dislikes being picked up and held. He likes being near us, though, and misses people when they're gone. Lately, he's taken to insisting we get to bed at what he considers a "decent time" and curls up by my feet to sleep there all night. This is a big leap for him, as when we brought him home from the shelter he was bewildered by beds--what ARE these big, weirdly soft things? And he didn't really enjoy being petted much. So I am very flattered when the Commodore decides to grace me with his nightly presence.
--For DS#1's apparent enjoyment of his new job, and his great adjustment to an early rising time and regular work schedule. After a year off, I was worried he would need a lot of help getting up early and getting back into a routine, but he's done splendidly.
--For the ability to bike long distances and get exercise in a way that does not irritate my foot.
--For the satellite campus of my college which makes it so we don't have to go downtown for our Anatomy class! And that I was able to register for Anatomy II at the same satellite campus, with the same professor I have for Anatomy I. She so far is a great lecturer and clearly wants everyone to learn and do well.
@Karen A.,
Wouldn't the power company cut down the branches that threate the power line? Do they have a line to call ( or a website to put in requests)?
We've had to do that for our old ash trees that were in the front yard. The utility would much rather do preventative maintenance than deal with a downed line ( usually in terrible weather too!)
@Karen A., I am so surprised that you did not hear the tree fall and glad it was not problematic. Last Friday, I was drinking my morning coffee when I heard a loud crack and the earth shook. A 60-foot tree had fallen from the natural area behind our houses into my neighbor'd back yard. Thankfully, it missed all structures and only damaged some hedges and flower beds. It was very loud!
@Karen A.,
So glad the tree didn't hurt anyone when it fell! Now you have free firewood.
@mbmom11, No, they have come out several times to trim the trees that are right by their pole, but the lines going from the pole to the house are the home owner's responsibility. Also, I doubt they would saw the trunk of the tree down, which is what we (really I) am hoping for.
-we have a very complicated house repair that needs doing, and I have found a contractor to do it
-thankful for a healthy body and ability to go for long walks
-thankful for free book libraries in neighborhoods
-thankful for spring produce, asparagus especially!
I am thankful that I am still going to the gym. I always wake up so tired and not wanting to go, but I know it is so much better for my health. And the other members, not just the coaches, want to see each of us succeed. It's only 3 hours a week, so I am sure to keep going.
Thankful that the sun will come out today. We have had so much rain in the past 2 days that everything is saturated in WV. I don't mind the rain to curtail the drought, but I think we have enough for a week or so.
I am thankful that my husband has been doing so much of the fencing for our garden. This weekend we will plant the plants we bought.
Thankful that I am finding energy to cook every night. I am at the point where I just need to go out to dinner once and call it good. We used to go out a lot more, but since we are watching our pennies and health, we have been eating at home a lot. I have to do some batch cooking so that I can pull from the freezer so it nips this urge.
Thankful that I am still working. I know quite a few people who are working for the government and are having a hard time emotionally because they don't know if they will be reduced or not. It really is working with their emotions, and I just feel so bad for them that they are in such limbo. My sister is more worried about her job than her surgery for her thyroid. That is just horrible. (And please no political talk. Just pray that these people keep their jobs).
@Maureen,
Be sure to thank your sister for her service. I feel that most government workers do a good job, and a lot of times, they could be making more $$ in the private sector. But they provide needed services, and IMO should be thanked every bit as much as we thank veterans and active duty military people.
Meanwhile, I am praying for all who are in such uncertain situations. I know it's very stressful for them.
Oh, I am getting so much better at reframing the negatives in my head. I am not ashamed to say I was stuck there for a bit. Today I am thankful for:
*the rain, which flooded both of my yards and patio, but sank in quickly to the relief of my trees and grass. Now if it could stay dry a day or two, that would also be great!
*its payday! It will pay my house note and take myself to a concert downtown tonight - weather permitting. I will eat lunch out! I will do a lot of things because I am able to both physically and financially, and that feels so good.
*I have re-learned to love a cup of lightly sweetened black coffee. No more creamer to hurt my tummy.
Happy Thursday!
I'm thankful for NDN's most regular home care aide--not only for everything else she's doing for NDN, but for cheerfully helping us both plant our usual two tomatoes in pots behind NDN's chain-link fence. (My ribs are better, but I still didn't want to be hauling 40-qt. bags of potting soil around.)
I'm thankful that my friend Mr. Fix-It has returned safely from a niece's wedding in Canada. He's a Canadian citizen of Sikh descent who's lived in the US with a green card for over two decades, but I was afraid he might have trouble at the border under current circumstances.
And while I'm not exactly thrilled with today's rain (this has been the rainiest May in Central NY I can remember), it's at least watering the tomatoes and everything else I've planted this week.
@A. Marie, Keep taking it easy for the sake of your ribs. I'm glad you're doing better.
@A. Marie,
Before it became too difficult for him to be home, DH had a homecare worker during the weekdays (8-5) and she used to take care of his tomatoes for him. He would wheel out on his scooter and she would follow his instructions for the plants. She told me later she had learned so much from him and finally knew why she had never been able to get tomatoes before learning from Tom-ato.
@JD, do you have any tips about Tom-ato growing for the Commentariat, or did Tom take them with him?
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I don't know about all the tips, but he sure took his green thumb with him. However, I do know he did this:
Never replant tomatoes in the same spot. Even move planting locations around the yard if you can.
When it gets too darn hot, many tomatoes won't bloom and set fruit, but cherry tomatoes carry on for longer in the heat
They like sun, but some afternoon shade is good
Check daily for bad bugs and familiarize yourself with the bad bugs in your area
Stake and tie up tomato plants so that they get good air circulation
Shake or vibrate them at times to help pollinate the flowers
Apply calcium to the soil to avoid blossom end rot
Use insecticides like neem oil sprays when needed
My own tip: if you have someone in the family with a green thumb, let them grow the tomatoes.
Esther's suggestion reminds me of the poem "The Guest House" by Jalaluddin Rumi. Here's a copy: https://grateful.org/resource/guest-house-rumi/ I'm not suggesting we should be happy when negative things happen, but that life offers us a little bit of everything, including many things to be thankful for.
This week I am thankful for:
1. The rain that we need and helps make our favorite park a lush and green oasis in this busy city.
2. The folks that maintain said park. It's hard work and they do an amazing job!
3. A slightly shorter work week due to the holiday.
4. A husband who worked with me to clean up our terrace and prepare it for the warmer weather.
5. The same husband who then served me a lovely cup of tea on said terrace.
@AnnieH, what an interesting poem. Thanks for the link.
@AnnieH, thanks for sharing the poem! I went to a writing workshop a few months ago and the instructor recommended reading a poem a day.
@AnnieH,
Thanks for sharing that poem/word of wisdom. I love it! It's so true to life!
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, You may already be familiar with her, but Mary Oliver has some really great poems, and prose too.
Good luck on jury duty next week. In our area (& maybe state) you have to be on call (where you call in to see if you are needed the next day) for a month or until you have served as a juror on a trail, & even then they can still require you to finish out your month if needed.
This week I'm thankful for the warmer (closer to normal temperatures) the last day or two & hopefully going forward. It's sad when you have 80s for few weeks & then go back to highs in 40s & 50 with 30s overnight for more than a few days. Thankful didn't turn on heat much during that time.
Thankful I have not had to turn on air conditioner or fans yet (though teen did in room few times because of hot from sunburn). even though I've had air conditioning for years, I didn't have it for most of my life & I'm used to automatically doing certain things to keep house not so hot without air conditioner, so that's what I (automatically) do.
Thankful for the overflowing rain barrels & the rain for my flowers & garden. I rarely use hose water outside for my plants since getting my rain barrels (years ago). I can't believe that some areas are not allowed to have rain barrels to collect rain water. I could easily fill a few more rain barrels, but I try to keep them not very visible so that people don't necessarily know. People seem to have opinions about what other people should have in their yards.
Thankful for the sunshine! Always!
Thankful that the office ladies at teen school happy with the plants we gave each of them to say Thank you for all you have done.
Thankful that I found sweet potatoes plants/slips ($1 each plant/slip). I love sweet potatoes, but have found it difficult to sprout them for starters for gardening & having difficulty finding last few years to plant. I mix in with my white & yellow potatoes to grown. I forgot to look for purple potato plants this year (another hard to find) but maybe I might still find (& have time to plant/mix in with others).
Thankful my dad going ok during radiation still. Still has his sense of humor & has not said the he's not going.
Thankful my Aunt has really settled into her new apartment & started new routine for herself. 🙂 She's even enjoying just being outside relaxing by the pool. And meeting more people/neighbors.
Thankful for rescue dogs, always! They are so happy & loving.
Thankful that teen is happy & enjoying time with friends. I'm so glad that teen has had a great Senior year. 🙂
Thankful my neighbor is doing better after her medical emergency/surgery from spider bite. Neighbor was outside cleaning pool & got stung by (bee or wasp) (& did not use epi pen) & her hand swelled up like soft ball. Luckily she took Benadryl because itching & decided to soak hand in apple cider vinegar. Her hand swelling went down, but still some what swollen few days later. I told neighbor that maybe she should stay inside.
Thankful for Kristen & to be able to share in her journey which inspires each of us. Thankful for Kristen's blog where we can learn & share with each other. 🙂 <3
Have a great weekend.
@Regina, I buy a sweet potato at the grocery store, cut it in half, poke toothpicks in it, suspend it in a jar of water cut side down. Sprouts grow off of this, and when they are 1-2” long, I remove them and root them in water. These are what I plant, and it is one of the few vegetables that I can actually grow. Not all the potatoes sprout, but they are cheap enough to just toss (or compost) and start over. My current half has made 7 sprouts so far!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
OOOh, I am going to try this! Thanks for sharing.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, sweet potatoes in Michigan are expensive ($1+/pound) & not very healthy looking.
The sweet potato plants/slip I bought look healthy & I have had good luck with them. I will remember your suggestion & try later. I have been fortunate enough to get sweet potatoes to sprout when kept in brown paper bag for lengthy time.
Apparently you can grow potatoes in a large/deep container & do it in colder months inside with lights as long as temperature are consistently above 60*.
I appreciate Esther Perel's suggestion to try using another lens to look at life events. It is hard going through life as an Eeyore, which is my natural inclination.
Today I am thankful for:
*lunch with a niece who is moving closer to work on her master's degree only an hour away
*the excitement of planning for upcoming travel
*touring an historic house yesterday with my husband. It's not his first choice in ways to spend the afternoon and I appreciate his sacrifice.
*the Mediterranean Diet which is working, at least for my husband who has lost 6 pounds. I haven't lost any weight but my gerd has pretty much disappeared. And a big thank you to the reader who suggested the America's Test Kitchen Mediterranean cookbook!!! It's very helpful. We also hired a nutritionist - it's great that when my husband asks me "can I eat this?" I can say "Ask Marta." as I grumble internally thinking "I am not your mother, it's not my job..." and other unsavory things.
*music on my phone. It makes Eeyore happier.
@Book Club Elaine, sometimes I read your comments and wonder if we are twins who were separated at birth.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I hope we meet up at a Frugal Girl gathering one day.
What I loved about her advice is that it was so comfortingly calming to the caller; reassurance that she didn't have to give up her tightly held negative beliefs. Rather, she could just add something to them.
Crouton is such a great name!
1. A repeat thankful from last week - I am thankful to have made progress with strength training. Around six months ago I decided I was going to start lifting weights but I had no idea where to begin, so I signed up for personal training. I can lift so much more than when I started now, and I feel confident with what I'm doing. I'm so thankful to my past self for putting in the effort and to my awesome trainer!
2. I'm thankful that today is a public holiday and there's sunshine. I went to the park and to a bakery and it was all very pleasant!
3. I've been watching The Handmaid's Tale since finishing the book and I am thankful that a streaming service I use includes it. It's very dark but it makes me thankful that I don't live in a society without bodily rights (who can say for the future!)
4. I've been stressed about some personal stuff and am thankful to my family and friends for being so supportive.
5. I am thankful that a stubborn cold I had for two weeks has finally lifted (touch wood)!
@Sophie in Denmark, the Handmaid's Tale is a real eye opener for women.
@Regina, Definitely. It's scary how the US seems to be moving closer to it!
Rain? What's that? We seem to have only two options this spring: flooding or drought. We are currently in the drought stage.
But there is a better chance of rain for the next couple of days, so I can be thankful for that, perhaps.
I know I am thankful for these:
1. Thankful that my daughters, son-in-law, sister and the grandkids all cheerfully rode the long trip in the Panhandle, to the little country church where DH's parents and much of his mother's family lie. The cemetery was freshly mowed for the Memorial Day weekend and the sky was low and gray, with thunder rumbling in the distance; the lower temperature was a relief. We were able to walk the grounds, finding headstones of interest to us before spreading the reserved portion of DH's ashes between his parents' graves. Even the newly minted five-year old was interested and helped us look for DH's parents' gravesites - he can't really read yet, but their last name is the same as his oldest sister's first name, so he could recognize that. It was such a gift to have them all there.
2. I'm thankful to see the native wildflowers I planted last fall starting to bloom well.
3. I'm so thankful the new pump was installed in my fountain. I may have already posted this one, but after a year or more of silence from the fountain, the gentle splashing is a balm to my soul and I'm thankful every day for it. The sight of birds enjoying their showers under the falling water in the top tier is a wonderful bonus.
4. I'm thankful we had the opportunity to see a black bear cross the road, a safe distance from us, as we drove to church on Sunday. It's rare to see them out on the road in daylight.
5. I'm thankful that my domestic blackberries are really doing better than they ever have in the few years I've had them. Such large berries, too.
@JD, I am thankful you could be surrounded by your family.
@JD, bears in Florida??
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Oh yes, parts of Florida are on the Black Bear Trail, a natural migration route for them. There are so many in and around Ocala National Forest that the state has authorized bear hunting. Some people are outraged about it. Maybe the state could humanely trap the bears and send them to zoos. Baylor U. in Waco, Texas, has a live bear display (their mascot is the bear and the bears on campus are really pampered) A couple of their elderly bears have gone over the rainbow bridge, so....
@Fru-gal Lisa,
I used to see them from time. Unfortunately, I live in a county impacted by hyper-growth. The human population has grown by 700% in the last 40 years. Most of their habitat has been destroyed.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
The woods here are full of 'em. There have even been bears spotted in the state capital, Tallahassee, in some of the more rurally located subdivisions.
My husband's VA primary care physician hit one driving between our town and Tallahassee after dark; he luckily wasn't hurt, but the poor bear died. I've heard it said they are extremely hard to spot after dark. My friend the wildlife biologist has to investigate each bear road death in her area, and she gets called out a few times a year.
Bears, panthers, bob cats, alligators, coyotes, oh my! That's Florida for you.
@JD, I rejoice with you in your #1. I'm so glad you had a good family gathering for this.
Esther Perel comments remind me of the old adage, "seeing the world through rose-colored glasses." I suppose that the world can be seen through many lens from the darkest of the dark to crystal clear.
I feel very thankful that
• My husband's injury to his foot is improving.
• My younger son has made it safely to the Northwest where he will be climbing.
• I was able to spend the day with my granddaughter. Two is such a funny age.
She was quite cranky. I told her she was a cutie pie. Her response was, "I'm not a cutie pie. You are."
• Many of my orchids are in bloom. I've brought them in the house so I can see them often. They bring me so much pleasure.
• The afternoon rain storms have begun. We need the rain and it cools things off in the evening. Rescue Pup is scared of the thunder and crawls into my lap. All 100 pounds of her. I am sorry she scared, but I love to cuddle with her.
Wishing you all peace, good health, and prosperity.
I'm thankful:
- For the kind words of support from you all regarding the tornado that hit our neighborhood
- That the rain should finally end on Saturday. It has been extremely wet here with over 10.88 inches of rain this month so far, when our average is 4.12 inches. Hard to clean up downed trees and get roof work done with all the rain.
- That our crazy active rescue dog has not tried to escape the yard while the fence is down.
- That our son got registered for summer college classes.
- That my husband and I got to take a nice day trip to a state park to celebrate our 38th anniversary.
Thankful that the plumber finally got here and fixed our kitchen faucet, also thankful he told us about Moen's lifetime guarantee. Just a quick call to them and they sent out free parts for the fix (about $60 worth!) We didn't even need proof of original purchase. Amazing customer service!
Thankful we have the money to pay for hubby's dental procedure which is not covered by insurance and also thankful the dental office offers a small cash discount.
Thankful we've been able to squeeze in some long bike rides between the rain since the weather has been challenging lately.
@Bobi, that's why I always buy Moen fixtures instead of cheap ones. And customer service has always been great.
I like this idea of using a different lens. It helps shift the mindset.
It reminds me of that old tale where several people are in a museum and they are all blindfolded and are feeling one item. Each comes up with something entirely different, but it is always the same thing. It's just your perspective (from experience?).
It also reminds me of the Buddhist precept that nothing is either good or bad, but only the label we choose to put on it.
No, we cannot pretend life is not full of challenges but we must also train our minds to focus on what works, even if only on the smallest level. And, yes, sometimes that requires work to find something to focus on with a sense of joy. Life is very challenging these days, with so much chaos and uncertainty, that even the most hopeful among us have to work at feeling the joy each day and not getting locked in what doesn't work.
1) DS18's grades are finally locked, and we are all breathing a little easier now. His school does whole/flat grading (no pluses or minuses, and no rounding), so one change or a missing assignment can really impact things, if you are on the bubble of a grade.
2) We went to DS18's senior awards night last night, and he won an award for all of his community service. He won a Presidential Service award over the summer for all of his volunteering. He unexpectedly also received two scholarships - one from the athletic boosters, and another from the PTSA. He was very touched & thrilled. While neither scholarship is very large, it's so wonderful to have some additional money to offset college, and to be recognized.
3) It was really fun to see all of dS18's friends getting awards as well. One of his friends is signed at a D1 school for track & field and has a large scholarship there, and won athlete of the year, which was very well deserved. Multiple friends had 4.0 GPAs with maximum APs, and some of them won awards for drama, foreign languages, math, etc. It was so ice to see people getting recognized for all different types of activities and categories & to see many kids who had found their niche at school.
4) I don't have to teach my class tonight, as I have a senior event for DS18, and I'm ever so grateful to have the break. I have an interview presentation + Q&A session, and I know I'll be exhausted after that, and not wanting to lead a class.
5) It's going to be cooler than expected this weekend, which is lovely. I don't enjoy 90 degrees, and we are only getting a couple of days of that before we drop down to high 70s on Sunday, just in time for a hike with friends. Hurrah.
@Hawaii Planner, what do you teach? Is this a job or a “side hustle”? Haven’t heard about you and your DH’s job search lately (not able to read all the comments every day so may have missed it).
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I have been curious too!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I'm teaching an online marketing class. It's intended as part of a certification course, and is a combo of adult learners, or sometimes it is an additional class as part of a university major. It's one day a week, so definitely more of a "side hustle".
I finished interview #10 with the same company I've been interviewing with. Today was actually a presentation I had to create, and then a panel Q&A. I made it to the final round, which will be on Monday. Everything is crossed, because it's been... a journey. Two of the other roles I did full rounds with (think, 40+ hours of prep, 6-9 interviews) both ended up losing their head count & needing to go with internal candidates.
The industry is really challenging right now, and I'm in a narrower version of tech, and my skill set is on the more niche side. So, if you find the right fit, it's incredible. The role I'm interviewing with on Monday, there are probably 5-7 people who have ever done this exact role & are qualified in the way I am. So, that's really great. On the flip side... there aren't that many of those roles, and they are not always hiring. This particular company has also had a lot of uncertainty around tariffs, which has very much slowed things down.
DH continues to look & has had a few interviews, but is mostly focusing up upskilling on the AI side, which new jobs he's interviewing for are really focused on, and his own role didn't do much with. He's at the beginning of the journey, I'd say.
Phew, that was probably more info than you wanted!
@PD, copying from other reply, as I'm not sure if it tags you & wanted to answer your question.
I'm teaching an online marketing class. It's intended as part of a certification course, and is a combo of adult learners, or sometimes it is an additional class as part of a university major. It's one day a week, so definitely more of a "side hustle".
I finished interview #10 with the same company I've been interviewing with. Today was actually a presentation I had to create, and then a panel Q&A. I made it to the final round, which will be on Monday. Everything is crossed, because it's been... a journey. Two of the other roles I did full rounds with (think, 40+ hours of prep, 6-9 interviews) both ended up losing their head count & needing to go with internal candidates.
The industry is really challenging right now, and I'm in a narrower version of tech, and my skill set is on the more niche side. So, if you find the right fit, it's incredible. The role I'm interviewing with on Monday, there are probably 5-7 people who have ever done this exact role & are qualified in the way I am. So, that's really great. On the flip side... there aren't that many of those roles, and they are not always hiring. This particular company has also had a lot of uncertainty around tariffs, which has very much slowed things down.
DH continues to look & has had a few interviews, but is mostly focusing up upskilling on the AI side, which new jobs he's interviewing for are really focused on, and his own role didn't do much with. He's at the beginning of the journey, I'd say.
Phew, that was probably more info than you wanted!
1. Emryo transfer was last Wednesday and I will have my first test to find out if I am pregnant tomorrow. I am both thankful that the two week wait is closer to the end and terrified. No matter the result at least we will know - not knowing anything is excruciating.
2. I am really grateful for my husband. Bless that man he has been dealing with a wife over the last two weeks that is loaded up on estrogen and progesterone. That is no easy feat. Not sure if any have had experience with IVF but these drugs bring on huge emotions at a moments notice - hello I am crying 32 times a day over the most random things like someone getting the parking space I wanted & this is NOT me at all. He has been calm and reassuring all while not knowing if he would make it out alive. Love that man so much.
3. For the Sunday afternoon reprieve that the rain gave me. Just long enough to get my front flower bed planted before we began a week of rain. I planted them into great soil enhanced with Miracle Gro so if the sun comes out next week they should grow like mad.
4. Grateful for the organization headway we are making in our home. I have had a HUGE list of things to accomplish since my Aunt moved into the Personal Care Home earlier this month. We are far from finished but we are making headway and that is refreshing. I am in the group that feels less stressed when everything in my home is in order.
5. Good sleep. I have been so, so tired these last two weeks and have been trying to prioritize rest. Naps and early bedtimes have been so wonderful & refreshing these last several days!
@Angie, Good luck for the embryo transfer!
@Angie, sending all of the good vibes to you!!
@Angie, fingers crossed for your family!!
@Angie, wishing you peace as you wait, then receive the results!
@Angie,
Here's to your health and a successful pregnancy! Sending up a prayer for you.
@Angie, good luck!!!!
@Angie, I understand your journey. Sending all best wishes & positive vibes
Ohh, hoping for good news for you soon!!
I went to Antartica in March. There, ANYTHING GREEN is protected. No kidding. You can't step or touch any kind of living thing. In that environment, all life is precious. What would it be like if we reframed our life in the paradise we call America and protected all the nature that thrives here? The mind reels.
I am grateful for the reframe traveling gives me.
@Mary Ann, can we NOT protect goatheads, please? And let’s also exempt Johnson grass from that protection clause!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, as I am from the Appalachian mountains, I would definitely add kudzu to the list!
@LDA, and morning glories!! What a nuisance they are
Cute cat photos! Esp. of Chiquita in her tunnel.
Thank you for the nice devotional/words of wisdom. They made my morning!
This week, I am thankful for:
-- Snuggles. He is such a sweet doggie! He wants to cuddle with me all the time, like a small puppy, even though he is (the vet thinks) about 18 mos. old.
--The rain we've had, and the cool breeze that followed.
--That the roof hasn't leaked even though it's missing some shingles in the back.
--Having a summer job.
--Seeing a darling young man at church, who was often in various classes I substitute taught, grow up and mature into a fine young gentleman. Who has never, ever gotten into any trouble at all. He's now graduated from high school and has been accepted into a major college! Very excited for him!
I like the new robots.
Moxi, a robot that handles non-patient-facing tasks such as delivering supplies, medications and lab samples.
And Via is really good at collecting trash from parking lots.
I’m going to cook the frozen gluten free lasagna and have a salad with. I’m missing the Cara Cara oranges but will have some grapes or an apple. Triple digits make walking outside a no but there are miles of indoors available.
I guess using words in a different way might trick some minds to adjust, it just seems superfluous and usually is someone’s reinventing the wheel for monetary gain or recognition. The mind works how it works however they spin. But there are always people who want to tell people what to do and how to think and be their leader blah blah blah.
It’s just been a year since a mesocyclone dropped 16 tornadoes and inverted diverted and reverted my trajectory. It seems a lifetime.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.
My great grandma gave me an embroidered linen back in the mid 80's that reads: "Gratitude is the home of peace, joy is a frequent visitor".
She was the grandmother who gave me my first journal and told me to start with daily thankfuls as I write and put the day to rest.
*I mowed a path to the meadow so my mom could safely walk to see the wild flowers.
*My list of long range to dos is getting shorter as my builder friend is keeping his crew busy in between jobs doing my long aged list.
*An acquaintance offered me a solo fire pit. It was soiled by a graduation party goer...gross factor for most, just another day at work for most hospital workers. Power washer and good drying. Yay I see smoke free summer nights in my future!
*Was visited by a hungry bear last night and thankful my barely 2 yo pup did not engage the roaring beast and beat me to the backdoor. I will do my night checks an hour earlier tonight!
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, the Solo smokeless fire pits are really nice & expensive! Love the accessories you can get for them also.
@Regina,
Ooh, will have to look into the accessories... Never even gave it a thought. Thanks!
Oooh, what a good find that fire pit is for someone with a strong stomach! Ha. I would also accept such an offer.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, I love the habit of putting the day to rest with a list of thankfuls. I've started gratitude journals lots of times, but can't seem to get to a daily habit. Maybe bedtime would be a good time...
Podcast! I will add Esther’s to my list. Any other podcast suggestions along this line appreciated. Looking to move into phase three of life (adult children, soon to retire). What to do with my life NOW? Looking forward to listening to ‘Where Should We Begin’. Loved listening to Dave Ramsey, peoples real stories, he is what got me able to retire.
This week I am thankful . . .
-For a nice, long, quiet, cool Memorial Day weekend. I love summer sun and parties, but life has felt so full and busy lately, it was a nice break to just hang out at home and take walks and make dinner. We left the house to go to church and get ice cream, and that was it! And we never had to turn the AC on.
-For another job interview just a week after I got the bad news that I didn't get the job I really wanted. And this job might even be a better fit than the one I missed out on!
-That I leave for historian camp in just three days! It is a program that I have been wanted to go to for a decade. But it is 13 days away from my family, which was an impossibility when we had babies and toddlers. I'm still going to miss everyone, and it is a long time for my husband to solo-parent, but it is going to be so much fun to do this intensive training. And it is a nice indulgence to be all on my own for two weeks.
-For the tour my husband and I had yesterday of a potential school for our daughter. She is special needs, and although her current school is exceptional in every way, it is just not designed to meet her needs. We're going to start the (probably long and exhausting) process of having the school system place her in this special school through her IEP. In the end this school is such a good fit for her learning and social needs, we will probably send her anyway if I have to take a second job to pay for it if the system doesn't decide to place her.
- Also thankful for all the rain. It keeps me from having to water all my plants.
- For my shrubs and perennials, that are stunningly beautiful at the moment with all their blooms
-That I still get to work from home, and should be able to continue until I retire (hopefully in 2026)
-That the temperatures haven't been stinking hot, yet
- That my boss never pressures me, making my job so non-stressful
- That my mother taught me to sew when I was in grade school, giving me a creative outlet
I'm thankful for a wonderful family trip with my adult children to San Francisco and area. Hubby and I got to spend time with our son, daughter in law and daughter at Yosemite and Muir Woods as well as watch our son graduate with an MBA at Berkley.
Unfortunately I did trip and fall while entering our hotel room and whacked my head on the leg of a kitchen table. So while I was resting with ice on my head I was able to release some long held resentments to my parents. That in itself was very healing.
Grateful that hubby and I were able to pay for this trip and pay for our daughter to go.
Awww, love all the extra kitty pictures.
That bell on Piper's collar might drive her crazy. Imagine having that close to your sensitive ears 24/7. If she's an indoor cat, I would suggest removing the bell. The only purpose they serve on a cat's collar is to warn birds or other prey of an advancing feline.
thankful for you. the beautiful cat pictures. that hubby is on the mend, he was in trouble again with same issue, but it is being treated without him having to run to the er. that eventually he and my son will help me with the meet a reader post. son has been sick with a horrible cough for a week and a half now. his pediatrician said it was a bad cold. last week he was absent four days. next month he graduates from middle school. when he started middle school, he knew no one. a girl from his elementary school class will be going to his new high school. he is not happy that he has to wear a uniform. i hope he gets used to it.
Thankful for good weather today, and for the chance to spend the day hiking/walking/dining out with a friend. For coffee earlier this week with my sister and niece. For a phone call with another sister. For a quiet holiday weekend. For a fun puzzle that my husband got me for my birthday.
SOO thankful for modern hip 0surgery which has relived my YEAR LONG hip pain and gotten me back to an active lifestyle. Just .so.grateful. !
Grateful for my wonderful physical therapist wo is also helping me make the most of the new hip!
Grateful that the Judiciary is pushing back some on some of the things going on that I am not happy with.
Grateful for my family, our health and our love.
Re: the tidy flower center. I'm always inspired when seeing the Fibonacci Sequence. It is amazing how often it appears. Thankful for the beauty of God's creation.
Thankful (this will be a thankful for a long time, partly because it was expensive tnkfulo get done and because it has needed to be done for over two years) for having the dead ash tree cut and disposed of. It opens up a whole new scene on the south side of the house. The dead tree was so big it caused a significant amount of shade w/o the leaves.
Thankful for my dog, Molly. She is showing her age, but never fails to give me company and cuddles.
Thankful for online banking. I can check my balance, check on bill payments (besides the email reminders), make transfers in and out of my SA. It's so nice not to call or physically visit the bank. I don't miss keeping a check book "balanced.
Thankful that my "cottage garden" is starting to look more so. It has been a bit messy but areas are filling in and looking more cohesive. The long, cool spring has made things that do better in a little less heat just flourish! My roses have been absolutely gorgeous!
This week I'm thankful for:
* a great year of school. While we had some hard patches in the middle (both in my family and in our school), overall it was a fabulous year and I feel like it can't get better than this! (Though often when I feel like that, it eventually does. )
* for my boss taking such good care of me and my family today and always.
* that I didn't cry through my sweet baby girl's entire kindergarten graduation! Ha! I've been an emotional mess for a week - two of my three kids are hitting big milestones - and I cried a bunch in the morning, but only a smidge during the actual ceremony.
* that my daughter's kindergarten teacher goes to my church now so we will still see her.
* for my husband and the way he cares.
* that my son's teacher, speech therapist, and I were all on the same page at his IEP meeting.
* that it wasn't 90 degrees for field day this year! 🙂
Kristen, I *just* listened to the same episode today! I agree with you, considering the wider (and possibly more positive) view is a much more helpful frame to use. Thank you for spreading this kind of message!
I am thankful for:
- the beautiful and warm sunny weather we've been getting here in the PNW
- 2 interviews that went smoothly and with interviewers that were generous with their positive feedback
- my mentor that has helped me grow so much in my profession as teacher
- my students who are warm, receptive and make it a pleasure to be at work
- for my public library system and especially the book sales that let me bring home stacks of books for a few dollars (in addition to the stacks of borrowed books!)
I've read a number of Esther Perel's books and I find them very supportive.
Thankful this week that a visit to an aunt was pleasurable and positive.
That my sibling who is struggling with mental and physical health may not be well, but is well cared for. And that my other sibling and I have regained our peace again somewhat after a distressing and worried week.
Thankful for our loved and loving kids, and for the growing independence and self esteem of the kid we worry most about.
Thankful for the buzz of insects in our small garden. The sound of those busy creatures is a balm for the soul.
I really appreciate this post! I come from a family of complainers and I think it is easy for me to fall down the complaining rabbit hole. Especially when I was just with some complaining family members over the weekend. But when I read your words, I realize that I just need a new lens. There is always, always something to be thankful for (without brushing away the hard or negative or bad)
I am thankful for spring/summer coming.
And by the way, if you like flowers, if you get your own estate and have enough space: go for rambler roses. Once set, they need next to nothing.
I consider myself as a free gardener, everything that can survive and do it`s thing with little help -great.