Thankful Thursday | after a bad Friday
This week, I am thankful:
that my ear has healed up
I don't know if was a zit or just a pressure injury from my stethoscope, but my right ear got a seriously sore spot on the skin and it hurt like you-know-what when I put my stethoscope in.
This, unfortunately, coincided with an assignment where I had to do blood pressure readings on a bunch of different people.
But now my ear is all better and I am so so happy to be able to use my stethoscope without pain.
that my friend passed our short class
This is a pretty high-stakes class; only two exams and they each only have 30 questions. And if you don't get a high enough grade, you have to sit out the rest of the semester and start all over next semester.
My friend was really nervous going into the final, so we studied together several times, and on Saturday, she texted to say she passed. Woohoo!
I never want to lose classmates. 🙂
that not every day is a bad day
Last Friday I had a day where everything I touched seemed to go wrong.
I:
- gave myself a needle stick at lab and had to fill out an incident report
- made some dumb mistakes on a final exam
- spilled Chiquita's kibble all over the floor when I tried to fill up her big plastic kibble container
- accidentally pulled out the clear plastic earring that's in place of my gold cartilage hoop (no hoops allowed in clinical)
- put a piece of electronic equipment through the wash in my pocket (thankfully not my phone!)
I was starting to feel like I should perhaps be placed in a padded room for the rest of the day.
And I was tired + PMS-ing which made all of this more upsetting than it should have been.
But thankfully, not every day is terrible. And I was able to remember that in the midst of my day of mishaps.
Not every day is good, but also, not every day is bad. Also: I have more competent days than incompetent days.
(I also should add that spilling kibble on the floor is not too terrible because the floors are wooden, and Chiquita thinks it's a fun scavenger hunt assignment to find and eat all the kibble that skittered across the floor.)
for walks in the woods
I went for a walk in the woods the morning after my bad day, in search of a good attitude.
And I would say I found a small one while walking. That usually happens!
for commiseration from you guys
After I shared my computer-mouse-opening disaster, a lot of you shared times when you have destroyed brand-new items while opening the packaging.
And it DID make me feel better, so thank you!
for encouragement from Zoe
She sent me a little Instagram reel the other day that said, "I hope you know that.." and then the girl in the reel jumped off a step and a post-it note fell out of her jeans with the words, "...you are a great mom".
That made me cry, in a good way.
for kindness from my professors
When I walked into one of the competency rooms, the instructor there greeted me and one of the first things she said was, "You have been doing an amazing job on your exams!"
And when I finished all my competency testing, I had to check out with the head of the nursing program.
She knows some of my story, and she said, "I see your hard work is paying off. After all you've been through, I'm so glad to see you rising from the ashes." and she gave me a hug.
So then of course I cried a little because I felt so seen. To have faculty acknowledge that I am doing a good job in a hard program, and that I am doing it under really challenging circumstances...that felt so so good.
I'm tearing up just thinking about it now.
for encouragement from all of you
Thank you for cheering me on after I passed my competency tests!
for Chiquita's tunnel
I know I keep saying it, but my goodness, this Buy-Nothing-Group tunnel has brought Chiquita SO much joy. It's one of my best freebies ever.
for the funny things Chiquita does
The other day I was getting ready for a Zoom call and look who started walking into view. 😉
Then that night I was on a call with my support group friends and I looked to my left and there was Chiquita climbing up the curtains.
that Shelley did not hiss at Chiquita the other night
The two of them were in the same room, on opposite ends, the other evening. Usually, Shelley is the one who initiates the hissing, but this time she was quiet.
So...maybe a baby step of progress? We shall see.
I am thankful for some small improvements in some hard situations.
@Becca, Hang in there, girl. God's got this!
@Becca, sending you love. Little bits of progress do add up over time.
Adding my love as well, Becca. I am so sorry you are having a rough time.
I’m glad last Friday is over for you.
Thankful
-for colleague who sent a sweet message last night encouraging me as I rebuild and figure out all this new stuff.
-for a comfy bed.
-that my kids like me and talk freely with me.
-for hot beverages on cold mornings.
I am thankful for wonderful fall weather. We had it for our trip to Williamsburg last weekend and we've had a lot of it this week. We saw some lovely fall color just north of D.C. on Sunday and we also saw a double rainbow over D.C. There was just a little rain so it was unexpected.
I'm thankful for E-ZPass Express lanes in northern VA. They made our trip to Williamsburg so much faster and easier. It would be pricey to use them every day but for the occasional vacation trip we think it is worth it to pay to use them.
I am thankful we have items to donate to a local church for their annual fundraiser for charities. We have items to donate for the silent auction, the craft table, the books/DVDs/CDs tables, and a few for the white elephant table. All proceeds go to a few well vetted charities and it is stuff out of our house that we no longer want.
@K D, I used those EZ Pass lanes in No. VA once on our way to FL when we lived in NY. Thankfully we used them. Traffic in the regular lanes were backed up for miles and the EZ Pass lines were going the speed limit. It was awesome!
@K D, your EZ PASS lane you have to pay to use to drive?? I have EZ PASS (Mackinaw bridge in Michigan & for toll road (Interstate 20 ?) that goes east to west through Indiana. For me it means we pay to use road & EZ PASS is prepaid money on account/device that automatically scans (we don't have to (usually) pay (unless can't read or account balance zero). There are outside lanes (that you don't have to stop at toll booth) that scans while normal driving.
@K D, On our Last Hurrah Tour we met up with E-Z pass for the first time. We were totally confused about who could go through those toll booths because they all said no cash...we could not slow down to try and figure it out because the highways were so busy that slowing down might have caused an accident. We ended up just going with the flow. There were signs saying that pictures were being taken of those who did not pay, so any day now I expect to see 9 or 10 letters from various states demanding the original payment plus a penalty amount. We have one, just one, major highway through our state, and many parts of it are just two lanes. And it really does not go through the entire state because a lot of our towns are on islands or so far north that no roads have ever been carved out for cars---you fly or take the ferry if the marine highway extends to your area. I cannot imagine the stress of driving your roads every day. And then there was our going in circles drive through the heart of New York City...
@Lindsey, that happened to us on a car trip. We couldn't figure out what they wanted at the toll booth and just drove through. When we were finally contacted we had to pay a major amount of money because we couldn't show we had only been on the toll road a very short time, so we had to pay as if we had been on from start to finish. I find it hard to believe some states do not know that their instructions are seriously lacking.
@Lindsey, @KD, @Regina, the EZ Pass is a pre-paid transponder you put in your car and it is connected to the computer that takes the pictures of the plates and matches it up and pays the toll for you. The pre-payment part is by credit card and automatically prefills the amount when it gets low, depending on how much you have stated you want to maintain on the account (mine is $100.) Some states have so much traffic that they charge extra to ride the express lanes. Sometimes it is well worth it. And each state has to coordinate with all the states that use it. So you can go from Maine to FL on I-95 with 1 pre-paid transponder and an account. Or go from NY all the way to IL with the 1 transponder.
The downside is they can increase the tolls without you knowing it. Since we do not live in the NY City area anymore, we have no idea what the toll is to cross a bridge now until we get there (I think we crossed the GWB a few weeks ago and it was $14.???)
And they will send you letters. They are supposed to send the letter so you can respond within 60 days as to whether it should be on your EZ Pass account or you should pay it. I just paid a penalty for Delaware for $54. because I received the letter on the 58th day and by the time they received my immediate response in writing it was after the 60 days. 🙁
On the whole, it is way better than waiting for a toll booth to pay a toll.
@Anne, and @Lindsey,
Same thing happened to us when we took a spring break trip to Niagara Falls last April. At some point in upstate NY, we were on a toll road, we don't have EZ Pass (don't need it in our neck of the woods), and had no way to pay. We did get a "bill" for $12 after we got home, which was promptly paid.
@Regina, I live in rural VA but have EZ pass for when I travel to visit my grandma and use a toll road. In some urban areas in VA, there are optional express lanes that you can pay to use. Since they are toll lanes, they are much less crowded and you generally just breeze by any traffic jams.
Side note, PA turnpike is now cash-free as well and they either toll you by plate or just deduct the charge from your EZ pass balance, even if you don't have the transponder in the car but that license plate is registered in your EZ pass account.
Kristen, I love that you received positive feedback from not just one, but two key people involved in your nursing program. I believe that most of us underestimate the power of a compliment or a few words of encouragement or support. Recognizing someone's efforts can have a wonderfully positive impact on his or her day, and it's an easy way to spread kindness and joy. So happy that you were the recipient of some well-deserved praise for your diligent efforts!
As for spilling Chiquita's kibble, I'll go you one better. Some years back, we had two large dogs accompanied by an appropriately sized 25 lb. bag of dog food. One day, as I was pouring their kibble into their bowls, I dropped a piece. One piece. I bent over to pick it up, forgetting I still had the entire 25 lb. open bag in my arm. I'm sure you get the picture. I was trying to clean it up as quickly as I could - and so were the dogs. Talk about dumb mistakes! I'm sure Chiquita's kibble spill was a drop in the bucket compared to that, so I hope you can laugh about it now, as I can about my little incident. It's just one more story in a long line of them that has been added to our family's legend and lore.
@Mary ~ Reflections Around the Campfire & Kristen - Me too! Our dog is only 10 pounds, but we buy the 20-lb bag of (super expensive hypoallergenic) food, and then decant it into airtight containers so it stays fresh. Well I spilled while pouring, and quickly put the bag down to gather the kibbles as our dog came running up. It got strangely quiet and I couldn't believe my dog wasn't horning in on the spilled kibble. Then I noticed the giant dog food bag rustling. She was entirely inside it, just quietly enjoying the snack of a lifetime.
@Suz,
I can picture my JJ doing that.
Glad your ear is better. That sort of small but persistent pain is very demoralizing.
Thankfuls:
--We finally put down the carpet squares in our bedroom to replace the carpet damaged in the tornado this summer, and it is SO NICE to not be walking on particle-board sub-floor. And for Fru-gal Lisa, who asked me to tell you about the squares after we'd used them . . . I did an entire, very long post about it today. Because I was excited, and it's my blog and I can. 🙂
https://going-country.blogspot.com/2023/10/we-have-floor.html
--For my husband, who is very handy when he chooses to be, and did a really nice job on that floor. He is also very strong. My hands would have been crippled after doing all that work. (But he couldn't have managed the cleaning and organizing part of it, either, so hooray for teamwork.)
--That I'm taking my eldest son to the doctor today to get his soft cast off, stitches out, and hopefully something more mobile on his foot for the next phase of his recovery from surgery. He is very tired of crutches. And his foot really itches in that cast. 🙂
--That I only work two days a week, so I can do the 3oo-mile roundtrip to the doctor with him without having to miss work.
--That I continue to lose weight and find clothes that I put in a giveaway pile a couple of months ago because they were too small but now fit. Small victories both in health and frugality.
@kristin @ going country, Congratulations on the weight loss!
@kristin @ going country, I love when I can get into old clothes when I am losing weight!!! That is a great victory! Good for you 🙂
@kristin @ going country, THANK YOU for the carpet info. I went over to your blogsite and read all about it. The carpet looks wonderful, your DH did a great job, certainly wouldn't guess it was DIY installed carpet squares, and the info will help me make better-informed decisions about what to do in my situation. Meanwhile, congrats on your weight loss and I hope by now your son is feeling better now that he's "unstitched" and out of the cast, and that he makes a rapid recovery.
Good girl Shelley! If she has managed one night withouth hissing, there may be more in store. Tough things (like new homemates) may take time getting used to.
I am glad you feel better and have the encouragement of your tutors as well as - well basically everyone else!
This week I am thankful that although I have not recovered entirely from my bronchitis, it also did not get worse. So I still go to bed early and see if that will take away the last symptoms;
That I feel stronger and more selfassured now that I am post-menopausal and do not get to hear nearly as many sexist/belittling remarks in the work environment as I did when I was young and pretty (and yes at that time I would also speak up for myself). Either I have become a less interesting target or the guys have finally learned common decency and common sense. Or possibly both. The "funny" remark last week was an exception and there was quick intervention, be it from the two female workers on the meeting.
That the sun is shining now after it was cold and foggy all morning;
That my husband's favourite pen which accidentally ended up in the laundry is still working and caused no damage to his office shirts;
That both our kids are so kind and warm to us and to each other;
That I get to see friends I've known since kindergarten this week.
Oh, my! to stethoscopes. The only times I've ever used/played with one (and real ones, not just play ones), they were sooo uncomfortable in my ears. Are they somehow adjustable? If not, I would NEVER be able to be a nurse or doctor.
This week I'm thankful:
- for how well you are doing with nursing school. You seem so caring and competent, and we all need nurses like that.
-that I'm almost better from the sickness in our home.
-for my new house shoes! I love them, and they are cute with no grease stains on them. Both my slippers (winter house shoes) and cooler house shoes were wearing out, so I bought a new pair of Vionics. They came yesterday, and they make me feel happy.
-that my father is really recovering well after his knee replacement. I'm so proud of how hard he's working.
-for what my college boy said to me last night. He said, "I miss my siblings. I have met lots of cool people at school, but I think my siblings are some of the coolest and best people I know." I want to treasure this forever.
AND (this one needs to be announced by capitals and much fanfare. . . )
-that this week I reached my pre-baby weight! This has been so long in the works (my youngest is 8) that I never thought I'd lose all the way down. Now, I am not sure what my next weight loss goal should be because I am not thinking I even want to be at my high school weight (even if I could and even if some charts say I should). I might not even set a hard and fast goal for loss. Instead I might just continue what I've been doing and try to set other healthy (exercise) goals (because this has been all diet).
@Jody S., HOORAY FOR YOU! That is such an accomplishment. I also have no interest in getting to my high school weight. That seems unreasonable to me at this stage of my life. But yes to exercise after the weight loss. That's next for me, too . . .
@Jody S., so exciting! My baby is 6 months (and I have a 3yo). I've been feeling bad about my body because I weigh so much more than my pre-baby #2 weight, let alone pre-baby #1. And I haven't been doing the things I need to because it's hard right now in the thick of it. I appreciate you reminding me that I may still get there one day!
@Jody S., Stethoscopes are somewhat adjustable. They also come with a packet of different earpieces, soft, flexible that can better fit into your ears. It's important to clean them off with an alcohol pad after use, especially and always if using shared ones. My issue is having hearing aids. I'm so afraid I might lose one or both when I take them out to use the stethoscope!
@Chrissy, Maybe you could invent some kind of adapter!
@Carla, If you are being mommy right now with little ones, that is what you need to be doing. You can't do it over ever again.
I had 7 children fairly close together (my oldest was 11 when my 7th was born). It was all I could do to get through each day. Looking back, I think stress and lack of sleep made losing weight more difficult. I also did a lot of picking at the food left on the kids' plates and nibbling while I was cooking. And stress eating. And I'm still not into regular exercise.
I know it is ridiculous for me to tell you to get more sleep or to get more exercise because there are only so many hours in the day. If you can identify one itsy-bitsy habit you'd like to change, that might make help you feel more in control of your health. For example, you might decide to not pick from the kids' plates or not eat after supper. Or maybe you might decide always to do 2 squats every day. Those days felt so out-of-control; maybe having one tiny thing in your control will help.
@Jody S., congratulations! Your high school weight is probably not a healthy adult weight. Most humans are fully mature only in our early 20s, when our bones finish growing. This is per my friend the anthropologist…
@Carla, I just watched a great documentary called "Embrace". An Aussie film about body positivity. I hope you will watch it and feel better about your post-baby body.
Thankful to see you have recovered from a tough week. And that you are getting praise for your hard work and dedication to nursing. And that your daughter loves to make you smile.
I am thankful that my boss thanked us all (the team) this week for pulling together and working together. It was making her happy to see that the people she works with work well together and she wanted to let us know.
Thankful that I have managed to make all the dinners at home. Not that they were very good, but our bellies were full at the end of the day.
Thankful for the amazingly beautiful fall days. Here in WV, the weather has been amazing - 70 degrees during the day and 40-50's at night. Together with the beautiful fall leaves, it has been wonderful to be outside.
Thankful that my grand daughter loved her birthday shirt I made her and can't wait to wear it on Friday. And that we are going to for a whole weekend of birthday adventures with her.
Your nursing school faculty did what we all wish we could do - give you a big hug of encouragement!!!! You continue to inspire every day!!
Thank God that bad days end. And that there are new beginnings. 🙂
Thankful that yesterday's first cataract surgery is over and that I am in no real discomfort from it.
Not so thankful that my vision in the operated eye is still cloudy and blurred. But I'm hoping that this is a temporary side effect, and I will defer all speculation till I see my eye guy this afternoon for the follow-up appointment.
Thankful as always for the Bestest Neighbors, who drove me to the surgery and back. Dr. BN also brought over an experimental kale and bean soup for my supper (he used my kale, which was the least I could do!).
@A. Marie, Glad the first cataract surgery is over and went well. Hoping your vision clears up soon.
@A. Marie, Best wishes!
@A. Marie, one down one to go. Wishing you a good recovery!
@A. Marie,
Here's to improved vision and a quick recovery!
@A. Marie, The first few days after my cataract surgeries were blurry and cloudy, too, but things got better real soon. That's also what I hear from others. So don't be scared -- you will soon be Eagle-Eyed A. Marie, and things will be looking up for you.
Great job Kristen. You are a beautiful worthy PHOENIX!
I am thankful that my body tolerates running and other movement. I know that not every body does, and not every body continues to, and for now I am appreciative. Movement calms my brain.
I am thankful for therapy to work on both settling in my own skin, and how I interact in the world.
I am thankful for friends who help with pick up of items that would not normally fit in my car, and my house projects are closer to coming to a close.
I am thankful that my house is still functional (albeit not pristine), even in the midst of chaos.
I wish more instructors and bosses knew how much their recognition and praise can lift us up.
- I'm thankful that DD's pregnancy is going well. She's six months along now and we are so excited about our first grandchild.
- I'm thankful that our boss is treating our team to a bowling outing as a reward for finishing up a challenging project.
- I'm thankful that the young guys at work organize a weekly lunch potluck. It's a great way for our team to get to know each other and enjoy each other's cooking.
- I'm thankful that although my ankle has not fully recovered from my bad sprain, it has improved and I am no longer limping.
- I'm thankful for BFF who is always there to listen and provide encouragement.
@Beverly, My manager minus one never praised me. In fact he got angry with me for acting thrilled when my magazine won first place in the New York press awards and was called a "masterpiece." It was "disappointing" that I didn't consider a team effort, despite the fact that I wrote and edited every single article and sourced all the pictures. He helped me choose the cover image.
When I got home, I opened some champagne and gave him some hearty one-fingered salutes. Sheesh! As a manager, I always praise my direct reports.
@Rose, I, also, have gotten very little praise from managers over my working life. The funny part is that when I would leave the company for a new job sometimes THEN I would be told what a great employee I was and how sorry they were that I was leaving. And they meant it. Go figure.
@Anne, Ha, I've been downsized twice in four years. Both times, the first thing my manager said to me was "It's not about the work." Yeah, I know, I do excellent work. Thanks. Could I keep my job then? Sigh. First time it was because I made a lot more money than the rest of the staff and they wanted to sell the company and recently it was because the division was closing down. Whatcha gonna do.
@Beverly, American companies operate on the (stingy) philosophy that if you hear nothing, you’re doing great. Not very motivating. And they wonder why they have high turnover!
@Kristina, @Rose, and @ Anne,
It's really appalling that so many managers (in the US) don't give positive feedback to their employees (and Rose, how dare that manager get angry that you were thrilled to win an award for your excellent work! That's really grating). Where I work, my manager is one of the least empathetic people I've ever met....she can't seem to be able to "read a room" or even a person. While she does offer positive feedback and praises good work, it often feels disingenuous because there is a lack of trust both ways. Not a good situation. I'm lucky and grateful to work with excellent co workers who validate each other.
1. Fall Colors and cool temperatures. Sunroof open, windows down, & the Eagles playing in Spotify. I love the fall...it is so hopeful.
2. For neighbors that we have become great friends with. They are down to earth and such a joy to us. I am so grateful to call them friends.
3. For wins in my ongoing quest to become more physically fit. Now I can do the running that they ask me to do, I can do the jumping that is required, I can do all the rope slams. It has been almost a year of bootcamps to achieve this so it is wonderful.
4. For my chiropractor who keeps me we adjusted so that I can do those tough workouts and still be able to walk, run and doo all the things.
5. For energy, good moods, finally understanding what it is to see food as fuel and how that feels in my body, learning to eat in a way that allows my body to do all it needs to do and for grace when I don't look at macros. This is a deep change and I am so grateful for it.
So thankful you share such cute cat pictures. I adore cats but cannot keep them anymore as my husband has respiratory issues. Also, I am a senior now and I am really really done with cleaning up after animals and kids.
I think you probably should just go to medical school and become a doctor and get your MD. Nursing school is too easy for you and you are so smart and capable.
One of my very favorite Zoom moments happened to a colleague early in the pandemic. We were attending a meeting with cameras on, and her cat was walking across the desk just under camera level. All we could see was this swishy cat tail, waving back and forth in front of my colleague's face. The tail would twirl and swish around her neck and up over her ear like a living feather boa. It still makes me laugh so hard to think about and was such a hilarious moment in the midst of a lot of uncertainty.
What I'm saying is...I love a cat on a Zoom call.
Thankful we are getting rain here, and next week, the weather will cool again. Thankful that this week seems less stressful and there is far less crying. And thankful that I was able to put new tires on my college kid's car since the rain makes the commute to school a little more challenging.
I'm trying to change my thinking from "what if things go wrong?" to "what if things go RIGHT?" I used to think I needed to manage my risks, but now I see that some of them cannot be managed. I just need to expect the best more often and steer my ship in that direction.
One of our dogs figured out how to get into the metal can where I keep their kibble. She'd flip open the lid with her muzzle, grab some kibble, and get out of the way before the lid flipped back down. With regret, because it was so cute and funny, I changed to a bin with a locking lid.
I'm struggling to be thankful this week, but at least I made two annoying phone calls that needed to be made.
@Rose,
It's such a good feeling to get those types of phone calls off your "to do" list. I had a similar phone call to make this week.
I'm thankful for finding an HD version of Jeeves and Wooster on YouTube.
@Farhana, So hilariously funny.
There have been lots of little irritations this week, so I'll try being grateful and see if it helps.
1) I participated in a little fundraiser for the school's art club, and they decorated my office door with an amazing, hand-made spooky hanging. It's quite fun.
2) My colleague and I are on the same page with respect to our class - comprehension over squishing more content in.
3) We did not get rid of our old minivan yet. Husband's truck started acting up again, so he still has wheels. Minivan has 190K miles, many years, and a few holes, but it still goes.
4) The room my kids and I painted looks pretty good - I like the color and the mistakes aren't too visible.
5) Hot showers, indoor plumbing, and the internet.
Congratulations on your first needle stick! You are now officially a nurse. In all seriousness, a needle stick is a scary thing but all of us have done it at some point. My first needle stick was when I was baby nurse (like literally I had been a nurse for 6 weeks) and I stuck myself trying to get an IV on my own charge nurse that had been admitted for chest pain. Everyone has those days where nothing can go right and when it rains, it pours right now (thanks eclipse season). My grandma always told me there is nothing a good sleep, cry or cup of tea can't fix.
This week I am thankful for:
1. the 7 mile hike I did for my birthday. This was a a dream a few months ago so known I could do it was amazing.
2. my thoughtful husband who really went above and beyond this week
3. moisturizer. Winter has arrived at work and my face and body are feeling it.
4. my ex work wife/medic partner. This was my first rotation since she transferred and I am really missing her, both as a friend and a work spouse.
5. a clean house. That amazing feeling of walking into a clean house, lighting a candle and knowing that everything is done. Plus it gives me time to work on some projects.
Thankful Thursday.....
● That I got email back from early election poll job requesting my availability. 🙂 But had to refill out application, that was not able to fill in on my phone--apparently need to print & return. Will stop & ask for application when going to my dentist appointment later today. Unfortunately not November elections, not until February 2024.
● My last dentist appointment for year to get 2 small fillings. I have few more small fillings but can not do until new year. Hoping I get netter results with new kind toothbrush & reminding myself to brush more. Then maybe teen would get back in better routine also.
● My Aunt received her package & was so happy with everything inside. I was waiting for complaining that I sent/bought items for her as I had already gotten her solar gutter lights (all around house & garage) telling her Christmas gift. But she loved her birthday Christmas ornaments (just because available) & new holiday hand towels & Bagnet (for her purse) in addition to other items she needed & I already had.
● Warm days so that being able to get more stuff done in yard before changes to cold for a long time/months. Was able to get window tinting/distortion on 1 garage door window(s) (blends with siding color/pattern). Will do remaining next year/spring or summer when get garage more organized. Also transplanted flowers into ground where wanted them. We should be getting enough rain & mild weather for few days before polar vortex drops out of Canada & forces us to be ready for COLD/winter to resettle roots.
● That my dad has great VA bemefits/doctors/facilities in Florida (much better than Michigan). I recently found out that VA doctors noticed his limping (as I had also) & filled out paperwork for him to get Handicap parking plate. After testing it was determined that he has been limping for 2 years now & getting worse. I noticed when he was here that he had hard time going up & down stairs & experiencing lots of leg cramping (he said) but I think other pain in leg/hip. I think he knows his health is getting worse (agent orange) & doing all he can physically do & enjoy while able to.
● Chewy is doing another promotion Buy $100 get $30 FREE EGIFT CARD using promo code JOY2PETS until 11/06/23 6:30am. Found some things for rescue dogs that can get, especially little dog toys as they really enjoy the small toys (that fit in mouth).
● Thankful that teen & myself are safe & are aware of situations that can change this. It is a blessing.
Hooray for recovering from bad days and double hooray for wonderful faculty members who recognize their students like Kristen who work so hard! When I first went back to college, my kids were 6 and 4, I was still working full-time, had an hour commute to school each way for my twice a week night class, and DH was suffering with diabetic neuropathy over 90% of his body for eight terrible months while somehow still working, so neither one of us slept well at night due to his pain. I made a B in calculus for the semester and the grad student who taught the class took me aside and said I should be proud to make a B. He said it was the same as making an A+ for a young student who just has a few classes and maybe a part-time job to worry about. His remark really lifted me up so much and gave me so much encouragement. We should all encourage others like that.
My Thanksgivings:
1. I'm thankful for my granddaughter and her good friend. Her friend lives about a mile from me. Police showed up on her road late last night, looking for an escaped convict. She called my granddaughter because she remembered I live by myself out there, then my granddaughter called me to check on me and warn me to stay inside and make sure I was locked up tight.
2. I waited until daylight to leave the house this morning, and my bosses completely understood. I'm grateful for my employers.
3. I'm thankful that my homeowner's insurance noticed they hadn't sent me the payment for a shed destroyed by a tree, and sent that. I had forgotten about it, which isn't very frugal of me, is it?
4. I'm thankful that I've been able to avoid eating the chocolate candies in the big dish in our reception area. If I eat just one piece, I won't stop; I'll keep going back for more.
5. I'm thankful that the gaggle of geese eyeballing me as I walked carefully past them in a parking lot decided I was not a threat. There are Canadian geese in the city where I work all year round, and they seem to think they own this place. I can't tell you how many times traffic has stopped because a flock of them were crossing the road, oblivious to the cars.
Bonus: I'm thankful for the turquoise blue skies, the slowly changing leaves, and the (somewhat) cooler, drier air of fall!
I remember the ear soreness from my first stethoscope. I purchased a more expensive one that had a better quality rubber on the ear pieces. Some of the cheaper ones seem to have a hard plastic on them.
I remember sticking myself and I not only had to report it but also go somewhere to be tested for Hep B and AIDS.
Thankfuls:
1. Insurance for our cabin, found yesterday right here in our little town
2. Being able to fearlessly head out in the dark with a flashlight in the morning, knowing my neighbor will be fearlessly heading my way with her flashlight so that we can walk before she has to go to work
3. Small medical offices with kind and efficient people who actually answer the phone and don't hide behind layers of ineptocracy
4. A husband willing and able to help me get and plant 2 big trees
5. Electricity, indoor plumbing, a full freezer, running car, 3 cats, knitting, library books, functioning laptop, good internet, cooler weather, UPS, the postal service
1. I'm thankful that my tooth pull went so well yesterday. I had plenty of numbing meds and a sedative and there were no problems, during or after. I have nursed my husband through the aftermath of a number of surgeries and we agreed that yesterday was MY day to lay on the couch and be babied.
2. The dentist is working on one side of my mouth and there may be some work needed on the other side. He said to wait on that until the beginning of the year when my insurance would start over. I would never have thought of that.
3. I have had to draw some really hard boundaries for a family member and he was not happy and made a couple of scenes. I have been reading a lot about the narcisisstic personality and it has helped me stick to my guns. My life has gotten so much better.
4. Okay, I know I shouldn't be so proud of this one, and should possibly be offended, but two days ago I actually got a wolf whistle from some man. You ladies are going to have to cut me some slack on this though, because I'm almost 75.......and only human!
I have been attending a Bible study on Interrupted Expectations. Hubs was diagnosed with Dementia/Parkinsons a couple months ago and the church we're attending suggested this study. My attitude toward what has been presented thus far has not been good at all. After missing a couple weeks and deciding to return, there were a couple take-aways that really connected with me. One dealt with forgiveness and in order to deal with the grief and forgiveness in a situation we have to put it to death and realize that things will never be the same and/or how we wish it to be. For me that was an ah-ha moment. Thankful that I went back to the study with hopefully a more open mind.
@Jennifer G, you’ll be in my prayers!
Oh boy Kristen, I teared up twice reading your post. I am so so happy for you!!!!! As for the lack of hissing, that sounds like real progress. I have 9 cats and have been involved in cat rescue for years so I can assuredly tell you that cats usually soften toward each other over time (unless you have way too many like I do, ha!).
@christie, Shelley thinks, "Seems like that little jerkoff calico who needs to be the center of attention at all times isn't going anywhere. SIGH. Maybe I'll stifle my hissing and see how that works."
To be seen...ah..such a wonderful feeling. I'm glad you felt it this week between your school life and your home life. I remember once out of nowhere my daughter said something like "Mama worked so hard on this for us" about dinner when she was little and I don't know...I kind of fell apart. What was meaningful in that moment wasn't "it's delicious!" but that she saw that I was really trying. Because I really was. Even though I was running on empty. So I'm really glad that you were acknowledged and recognized this week! You're doing it!
@CrunchyCake, When we were younger we did foster care for kids and ended up specializing in teenaged male sex offenders. Because they were on sight and sound, meaning they had to be within hearing distance of their foster parents, we only took one boy at a time and one of them stayed with us for over a year. I never thought we made much headway with him, but one day I overheard him talking to a friend and was talking about us and said, "I wish that I had been born to them." I cried because it made me realize that at some level we were doing the right things with him and that he recognized our efforts.
Aww, Lindsey, I love this story.
@Lindsey, That's beautiful. All that time you thought what you were doing didn't matter and clearly it did.
Glad to hear of your encouragement from your instructors. Praise is always appreciated. Always thankful for this blog and the variety of individuals and yet this kindred spirit!
We lost one of our "souls" this week and I and my crew were given high praise and acknowledgement by the family member who had been at bedside.
Thankful for my work. We have set some ideas in motion that should improve the work environment and our morale. Always thankful for this blog and the variety of individuals and yet this kindred spirit!
Thankful to learn a new word today: ineptocracy. It covers a lot of what goes on today.
It is raining! and has been since yesterday morning! Our area has been in a drought situation which is difficult to see where crops are a main source of income! My native perennials, accustomed to our weather were even waning to the point I thought they were dead.
@Chrissy, So much for trying to copy and paste some sentences. Sorry for the duplicates...
@Chrissy, did you learn "ineptocracy" from me? I used it for the first time today in my thankfuls! Or, is it making the rounds and becoming a real word??
Thankful my daughter has a 3-day weekend this weekend .... which gives us time to travel 5 hours to visit my son at college! Thankful for my wonderful neighbor who will watch our kittens while we are gone. For some non-rainy weather earlier this week which allowed me to get outside and see all of autumn's glory. Thankful for my oven and crockpot, which, while not fancy, allow me to produce good food.
This Thursday I am so thankful . . .
-that I am past not just my last hard chemo, but the ten terrible days that followed each hard chemo infusion. Yesterday I had the first of twelve much, much more gentle (on me, not the cancer) infusions. I feel almost completely normal today.
-for the delicious bowl I am enjoying for lunch. A good friend sent me an Uber Eats gift card to tell me she loved me as I am going through cancer treatment. Now that my stomach is back to mostly normal and I am past the fatigue that made it difficult to even go for a walk, I am using it for lunches at one of my favorite restaurants that is a few blocks away. Walking down and picking up means that I don't have to use any of the gift card for delivery fees. I don't even have to crank the car.
-that the man is here to fix the dryer. Luckily, we've had dry, sunny days lately. And I have been home, so it hasn't been any problem to put a load of clothes on the line each morning. But when we had two out of four kids vomiting all over their beds last Friday night, it resulted in me spending $20 at the laundromat. Without those big machines, I would have never gotten everything washed and dried outside. I'm talking sheets, mattress protectors, pillows, bedspreads. I am unreasonably excited to have a working dryer again.
-for the progress our daughter has made in school. She is autistic and ADHD. We've had so many struggles in school. And we've been so focused on behavioral issues, that we have barely touched her academic needs. But my husband and I met with her teachers this week and they report that her behavior is fine! Academically, she is behind her peers, but getting her to the point where we could really focus on academics was goal 1.
I'm glad you have some good support and community around you. It makes such a difference!
This week I am thankful:
* for good parent/teacher conferences. I appreciate that the school has the page of how they're doing on the values (things like acting kindly toward others, showing respect, staying on task) first in the packet and grades on the second page. I'm thankful that my kids have great teachers. I'm thankful that they're both doing well academically so we could spend more time focusing on relational and emotional things.
* to have some time to catch up and get ahead on things today.
* that I get to work tonight and some next week and earn some money!
* for our children's librarian that is nearing retirement. My goodness, she has been such a blessing to us! We got to spend some time with her this morning and I'm really glad.
* for a grown-up that answered a question with care. My child asked a question that could have had an answer go a couple of different ways and this person handled it with grace and care and respect and I really appreciated it.
* for the beauty of Michigan! I feel like this has been one of the best falls we have ever had as far as weather goes and the trees have looked stunning! I'm also thankful that I spend most of my car time with my 5yo so I can frequently point out, "Oooh! Look at that one! There's a really pretty tree!" Joy shared is joy multiplied and she doesn't think I'm weird for pointing out beautiful trees every single day.
I am thankful for much needed rain on Tuesday
That it is finally fall here in Tucson AZ USA
For a steady pay check for now so I can get the brake pads replaced on my car.
For the ability to take some time off in the middle of the day today to get the brakes done.
That the week and the month are almost over.
Kristen, you handled a very bad no good day with grace and awesome reflection. The old adage of "this too shall pass" and "shake it off" works for me (along with purrfectly sweet kitty cuddles). For a few bucks, you can get replacement soft silicone tips for the stethoscope. Worth every penny.
I am thankful for dry wood, warm fires and a cranky old kitty who accepted her new basket bed so that she would stop stealing the pup's bed. Pup was sweet about it, but it was so sad to see the pup flabbergasted. She kept "giving" cranky kitty stuffies a.k.a. piling them all around her. Was funny, but I was afraid to laugh and egg her on.
Thankful for tonight's early freeze. That means the garden is mostly put to rest, the greenhouse is full of plants and herbs to winter over and I get to start quilting, baking and loving the poor neglected house.
Thankful for:
* To have had 7 weeks of recovery post-surgery. Going back to work on Monday will be a little rough (mentally)!
* A member of my Buy Nothing group offered to lend the first 4 seasons on Dvds of one of my favorite shows (King of Queens) without me even asking for it
* Found a chicken BBQ flat bread at 50% off. Easy diner for my girls for 4$? Yes please!
* Health for myself and my loved ones
* that a difficult situation at school for my girl got better
Sending you love!!
I’m grateful for your blog.
I’m grateful for old neighbors who are now life time friends.
I’m thankful for kind nurses and PT’s who are so patient with my elderly step dad.
I’m thankful for my kids who are a little older and a little more independent.
I’m thankful for perspective.
I’m thankful for the gym at the YMCA.
Im thankful for the cooler weather.
Im thankful my kids still wanna dress up and hand out candy for Halloween. Our street is such fun on Halloween!
Im thankful for my garden, it’s essentially free therapy.
Im thankful for my longest best friend(6th grade!) who I can call crying, after having not spoken with in months, and she is all comfort.
It is so wonderful you have a friend like that. She is a treasure!
Thankful the rain stopped long enough to clean up some leaves. Why did I think it was a good idea to put 3 maples behind the house.
That we can blow the leaves to the side of our lot, under pines or into the woods.
That tomorrow is Friday.
Thankful I was able to take a day off and got to tackle some boxes from my dads house.
Loaded up a trunk load headed to Goodwill and habitat store. Hopefully things others will enjoy.
I am thankful for you. You nursing school posts have inspired me to take graduate courses so I can advance on the salary scale. I hope you have a relaxing weekend!
Aww, this made me smile! I wish you so much success in your studies. 🙂
Thank you, Kristen, for that lovely nature photo. It was a really nice thing to see, very cheering, as I’ve been inside under the weather for more than a week.
And when your instructors take notice, it means you are really rocking it! Great job! Methinks you are going to make straight A’s on your first semester’s report card….and have your choice of jobs when you graduate…..happy days ahead, my friend!
My FFTs:
1. To be living in a country where I can vote. We have early voting going on right now for 14 — count ’em! — amendments to our terrible Texas state constitution, including property tax relief. Which is badly needed in my case! So I will drag myself out of the house and go vote today. (Usually I early vote on Halloween, my editorial comment on the state of our government! Cue in the Addams family theme song where it says spooky, ookey and gookey….)
2. For the League of Women Voters. This is a non-partisan organization that works to get out the vote and also works to inform voters. No hype, no slant, just straight-out reporting. I was able to go on the League of Women Voters of Texas’ website last night and get summaries of each amendment, pro and con, that were factual, short and easily understandable, presenting both sides of the issues. (For you Texas voters, here is the link to their voters guide with info how to vote and the info on the amendments: LWVTX-VG-2023-11-ENG-web_fn_1823306827.pdf ) Since I’ve been too sick to watch the news this past week, it was a huge help for me. I always want to vote but it’s important to be an educated voter. Thank you, LWV of Texas! Ditto all the Leagues across the USA.
3. For getting into the clinic and finding, much to my surprise that I do NOT have COVID or the current strain of flu. And for Rx to knock this stuff out once and for all.
4. Hearing birds sing outside my window just now. And for the oak trees they’re singing in. And for last night’s rain, which is still badly needed here.
5. That I’m not in real bad trouble for losing my jury summons post card. I’m supposed to bring it with me when I go. The district clerk’s office says yes, I still have to report for jury duty Monday morning but that they will be happy to print me a new card.
I'm thankful that my friend Kristen is getting through some hard times, one day at a time. Love you, bay-bee!
Aww, thank you, friend. I love you too!
I’m thankful for my coworker who stepped up a lot when I was sick this week. And for a job with flexibility and sick time benefits. Hoping for a healthier week ahead!
There are definitely days/weeks where you just want to start over or forget they even happened! But those tough times make us who we are when can get through them and use them to do better/be better. So proud of you and the work you are doing in nursing school. Keep up the good work! I have been a mother/baby nurse for 26 years now and don't know what else I would do. However, if someone told me I would have to go through nursing school again, I'd seriously have to consider the cost. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It also happened during a very challenging time in my life-fiancé's mother passed from breast cancer and my parents were going through a divorce after 24 years of marriage. But, with God's grace and supportive friends and family, I made it through and love my career! God Bless You! Isaiah 43:2
So thankful for your posts. When I don't see you in my email feed, I worry a bit. You are balancing lots of huge spinning platters on tiny sticks! Since I've been in your shoes before I can empathize. Hang on girl! A bunch of us are VERY proud of all you do with such grace!
I just recently found your blog (via Jo at Jo’s Country Junction).
I am a retired RN and so happy to read about your nursing school journey. Keep up the great work!
Oh I also teared up reading about all your CNO's compliments. <3
I am thankful that the difficulties of last week, although not gone, have calmed down.
I am thankful for my friend who shopped through FB marketplace and found me bookshelves. The one from my former house was too tall (13 foot ceilings there, 7 foot here) so my books are still in boxes. Two nice ones for $70 Sweeeeet.
I am thankful for work friends. We went out for drinks. It was nice to connect outside of work.
I had to laugh about the spilled kibble - been there! It might have been a bad day thing for you but I guarantee it was the BEST thing that had happened for Chiquita all week!
Yes. That made her day better, not worse. Ha.
I totally get the cats hissing/aggravating! Our 1.5 yr old (orange!) cat either wants to play or is purposely annoying our 17+ yr old, and the elderly toddler (because she still acts like one) has a hissy fit all over the place which is bothersome, but many times more so at 2 AM!! Looking forward to when there is peace between them.
And congratulations on your schooling! Returning to school can be intimidating, and it's encouraging to read your tales. I'd only had a 5 yr break between my junior year and finishing college, but it was daunting until I got settled. And being a mom, running a household, working full time, and tackling school deserves some serious applause!!!
Nice job :)!!!!!
Aww, thank you for the encouragement!
Oh my! One of my cats looks just like Shelley:)
We sometimes call her Black Nose:)
I am thankful for my cats: they are difficult sometimes, but we love them anyway.
I have had a week like your Friday. I am thankful I can see the calm after the storm coming.
I've been in a really weird place for the last year and it seems to have gotten weirder. I'm curious to know about the support group you go to online. Or maybe I should just look for one myself. Maybe it would help me.
Mine is for women whose marriages are ending/have ended for the same reason mine did. So, it's a little bit niche!
I can't say more about it right now, for obvious reasons.
I don't know specifically what is difficult in life for you, but perhaps there is some sort of online or IRL community based around the issue?
It helps SO MUCH to talk to people with the same type of problem, because they get you so quickly. You don't have to explain it to death!
What a beautiful post Kristen. Made me choke up.
When I read your struggles and victories in this journey of nursing school I feel so hopeful although I have a long road. I was trying hard to finish my prerequisites but came to know I needed to do corequisites also as the program is very competitive. I was told my application won't be most likely considered for this year ,which made me very sad ,but I'm not loosing hope. Everyone at home is upset as it means I waste another year but I'm just going to finish and focus on what needs to be done.