Thankful Thursday | almost there
This week, I am thankful:
that next Thankful Thursday, I will be done with the semester!
I have finals on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, and then the semester will be over and I can apply to the nursing program!
Most importantly: chemistry class will be over. 😉
that I only need to get a 75% on each of my science final exams
I played around with the "what-if" scores on the Canvas app, and even if I get a 75% on my chemistry and microbiology finals, I will still maintain my A letter grade.
All of my regular exams have been 92% or above all semester in both science classes, so even on a cumulative test, I still think I can definitely manage a 75 or better.
I always love it when I can have a lot of margin going into a final exam!
that my last microbiology unit is on immunology
We covered immunology in Anatomy and Physiology 2 last spring, so I think that's gonna help make this last module a little easier for me.
for the pine trees in my yard
I probably have already said this, but: there are two evergreen trees in my yard here, and I love them! I've never had pine trees in my yard before, so this feels fun and different.
I like walking on all the fallen pine needles, I love seeing the raindrops on the pine needles, I love the smell...and ooh, I really hope we get some snow this winter because I want to see the pine trees covered in snow!
for my cozy living room
I put batteries in all my little Ikea tea lights, and now all my Christmas candleholders automatically light up around in the late afternoon when it starts to get dark.
I worked on my microbiology Quizlets in there the other night and it was very cozy. 🙂
for mashed potatoes
Man, I really like mashed potatoes.
My girls are not big fans, but that's no problem because it's very easy to make a small batch for myself; I sometimes do that for lunch and then top them with fried eggs.
for my potato ricer
I think this would be annoying to use if you were making potatoes for 18 people, but for just me, it works great! I boil a small pot of potatoes, run them through the ricer, and mix in my butter, cream, salt, and pepper.
I have this ricer, which is surprisingly quick and easy to clean.
for smoked cheese
I bought some smoked gouda from Aldi the other week, and as I was adding it to my potatoes, I was reminded how much I appreciate smoked cheese. SO GOOD.
that Lisey was so happy when I made squash rolls
I needed to use up some butternut squash, so I made a batch of butternut squash rolls and Lisey was SUPER happy. I didn't realize how much she liked these, but I was delighted that she was so happy.
These look a little more appealing in better lighting:
for the cat. always for the cat. 😉
for my rehabbed table
Last night, the girls and I were hanging out at the table, and I was thinking about all the good times we've had around it since we moved here.
I know it's just a piece of furniture, but it means more to me and it's sort of hard to put that into words.
I guess it feels like there's something beautiful about how it's been rescued from the abandoned house and rehabbed, and now it's part of my new start in life.
I'm gonna probably keep this table for the rest of my life. 😉
Congrats on being so close to the end of the semester. It's awesome that you won't have to stress about final exam grade impacting your overall grade
This week I'm thankful
* For our crazy dog that is full of boundless energy and sometimes makes me crazy, but we love her none the less
* That my sister and BIL make it safely home after driving over 1200 miles to attend BIL's mother's funeral
* That our son lives close by and drops by to visit. He gave me the best hug when he left yesterday, which made this momma's heart sing
* That DH found a repair man that can come check tomorrow to work on the dishwasher. The first two he called were booked out until min-January
* That my Christmas shopping is done!
I understand your happiness about your table - so many people involved....your brother who bought the house, your sister-in-law who helped you going through the stuff of the house, your father who helped you with rehabbing it and then your girls who keep spending good times around that table - AND - also the cat seems to adore the table 😉
@Lea,
I think your words captured it perfectly. The table brings reminders of many special people and special times shared with people (and a cat) that are very loved.
I understand the emotional attachment to furniture! May this meaningful table and its family continue to enjoy experiences, and then may it journey to its next home where it is needed!
You should definitely keep that table forever!
This morning I am thankful for some changes that I have made to make my office/work area much more comfortable and useful for me.
I am thankful for a piece of art I'm going to buy myself for Christmas. I am excited about it.
I am thankful for my crafting friends (we meet most Sundays for an hour or two and work on our projects). Once a year, we get together and have Cookie Day, where we make and decorate cookies! I bring a big pot of vegan chili to have for lunch (I'm not but some are) along with cheese, chips, sour cream.
I am grateful that my "big" presents for my kids are already purchased and I just need a few stocking bits, like scented soap. (My son's big present is a camel overcoat, second hand from ebay. He picked up our mail yesterday and came in wearing the coat. SIGH. But he has to get the sleeves lengthened anyway to wear it for Christmas. He's 6'5".)
@Rose, he knew it was his. Sounds like he likes it. That gave me a chuckle. I never wanted to know ahead of time what I was getting. I love the surprise on Christmas morning.
@Ginger Bruce, he says he doesn't like surprises. Feh. I love surprises and I love giving on Christmas morning.
He knew what he was getting because I wanted his current overcoat (which is charcoal and therefore doesn't go with his navy suit) to measure against the vintage one off ebay.
@Ginger Bruce, your name keeps reminding me of Cream. Jack Bruce + Ginger Baker.
@Rose,
LOL about Cream! What a great band from back in the day.
And I'm the same about gifts given on Christmas Day - I want to be surprised. Having said that, I already know what my hubby is giving me - a much nicer stereo turntable than the bought-used one I have now, that "skates" across my records when it's done playing (cringe face). It's not worth trying to get fixed, so will probably donate it or pass it on via my Buy Nothing group (maybe someone wants to tinker with it).
@Liz B., Nobody surprises me because I buy my own gifts or my kids ask me and I send a link. My mother is in a nursing home and my sister *sigh* whatever, I hate her husband. So what I do is buy myself a piece or art or antique online, have it shipped, and look it in person for the first time on Christmas morning.
I badly miss the days when the kids were little and I could delight them and everyone in my extended family gave gifts and sometimes they were something I really wanted. But now Christmas has shrunk to two kids and my mother, which makes me sad because I love gifts, but there's nothing I can do about it. I did load up on STEM and Lego sets for the local food pantry toy drive because I assume no one cares about teen boys, so that's who I focus on.
I'm thankful that I found your blog, you are such an inspiration, always looking on the bright side of things. I love when You or I can create "something" from "nothing", such as your table, your home, shelving, etc..
I also love mashed potatoes.
Does your school have a dean's list, 'cause your grades are honors level. Go, Kristen!
Smoked gouda on homemade pizza is pretty amazing. I threw some on the last ones I made and everyone loved it. It was too overwhelming to eat straight, but great shredded on the pizza.
This morning I am thankful for my sweet husband and son, our tribe of rescued pets, for a week of rainy weather that's easing a spell of drought, for my sturdy little sewing machine, for my arthritis improving a bit since I retired last month.
That doomsday phrase “The end is near!” takes on a much more positive meaning when it applies to the end of a school semester. LOL
Today I’m thankful -
1. That the walking boot I’m wearing for a torn ligament is on my left foot instead of my right. It means that I can drive without the hassle of taking the boot on & off.
2. That I’m retired. I can plan my day & easily adjust it accordingly, without having to answer to anyone other than myself.
3. For uninterrupted electricity. The power outage in NC has been a concern to me & I feel for those who had to go without so many things for a few days. We often forget how much of what we do & use daily depends on the electrical grid.
4. For a special friend of mine who is going through or has already gone through some of the same things that I’m now facing. These things aren’t all bad either. We talk regularly & share our joys or concerns, & I always feel better afterwards.
5. That I am incredibly blessed with all that I need, and then some!
6. For FaceTime & cell phones. My granddaughters live several states away so every video call or cell phone conversation is priceless.
May all of you have a great day!
I'm thankful for this community. So many responded to my question about air fryers with such wonderful detail. Thank you.
I'm thankful the weather has been "warmer" and we have not had to worry about snow and ice yet this year. I know it's coming and it will be fine but it is nice to get through the lead up to the holiday season without too much of it.
I'm thankful for our warm house. It is small but cozy. Our neighborhood was built in the 1950s and I see some similarities between those houses and Kristen's rental. We have a pine tree in our back yard. There was a second one that fell about fifteen years ago. I am also thankful that we have a garage. In our area many people use them for storage or even convert them to living space but we keep our smallish vehicles in our garage.
I'm thankful for the best of what the digital age offers: information at our fingertips, texting, digital versions of books and newspapers, ease of banking, online shopping (I try to minimize shopping in general but when your DH needs a holiday themed tie in a few days and no one seems to carry them locally you resort to online shopping), etc.
I'm thankful for modern medicine. My BIL's brother is hospitalized with four separate serious conditions and yet he is scheduled to be released soon. My SIL and her husband (different family) have avoided the flu despite having a household member suffering from it. They attribute that to the double dose vaccine for people age 65+.
@K D, I grew up in a smaller house that was built in the 1920s. When I was younger, and didn't know better, I envied those who had bigger homes. Now I know that for me, a smaller home is better. Cozier and takes less time to clean.
I hope your BIL's brother continues to recover and glad to hear other family avoided the flu. We spent 4 hours in a car with my brother on Thanksgiving day and he tested positive for Covid the next day. Another family member at our gathering also tested positive the next day. We avoided getting it by having already had it in August and getting the bivalent booster and our flu shot in late September. Vaccines work!
Thankful for...
Stopping at our local Indian grocery store yesterday, in between taking my two Christmas packages to the UPS Store and visiting DH at his nursing home. I probably overbought on bulk spices, but (a) I share these with the Bestest Neighbors and with Bailey dog's mom, and (b) the smells were and are heavenly! An enjoyable sensory mini-vacation on a dreary, rainy day.
Having rain rather than snow. Given a choice, I'll take the rain.
Being almost finished with preparation for my JASNA meeting talk on Saturday. All I need to do now is take another couple of practice runs through the PowerPoint and the talk itself.
@A. Marie, Love the phrase "Sensory mini-vacation." I feel that way when I visit a beading or yarn shop---the colors fill me with happiness (and I don't bead and am a very mediocre knitter!).
@A. Marie,
in the cafeteria where I work, they are serving some Indian food (as well as the many other options they offer at lunch), and since my office is right next to the cafeteria, I get an all-day sensory experience. it's delightful!
Hope the rest of the semester goes well for you.
Today I am truly, deeply, thankful for:
1. Finally getting the procedure done for my herniated disc, and hoping it will be successful. It will be nice to be able to take long walks again.
2. The doctor who had a gentle touch and put me at ease.
3. The wonderful, caring nurses who assisted and made it go smoothly and made me laugh.
4. Having good health insurance and paid time off to rest and recuperate.
5. The husband who has been spoiling me through it all.
Kristen, I completely understand how you feel about your table. That's lovely.
This week I'm thankful for...
- a program that my town has that's going to help me find a new home for a couple of my father's things
- a friend that's encouraging me to finish my goal of donating clothes and some household items from my father's apartment and storage this week - and she's going to come with me while I donate!
- that I've been able to wash said clothes in a couple of days. I thought it would take much longer.
- a calm week. Man, I've travelled to SC 4 weeks out of the last 5, and I'm tired.
- the weather. It's been 50s-60s at night and up to 70s-80s in the afternoon, which I love. Not too hot and not too cold. And I can still wear shorts, haha
I love what you’ve said about the table. It has seen a lot with you, and it carries your story of a fresh start in its wood.
Im thankful for:
-snow. It makes our pine trees delightfully beautiful and also usually means temps are a touch warmer.
-my ability to make bread. I’ve had sick kid(s) home with me every week for a month, every day for the last two weeks, making it hard to get to the store, but I *can* make nutritious bread for them.
-choral Christmas music. It’s hitting the spot this year, especially the Gregorian chants that show up.
-lemon zinger “tea” for keeping me warm.
-hope. Life is sorta messy and hard right now for various reasons, but I have generally been able to have hope in the midst of it.
-a new dishwasher. Our old one ground itself to death, and now we have a new one that is super quiet and very good at washing dishes.
You know what I think, Kristen? That the table is a metaphor for you. You both went through a very difficult period, but you have both been "sanded" and refreshed and made beautiful and sturdy for your new lives.
1. I am thankful for a real "ego booster" for the daughter who is still recovering from a broken relationship. To have her higher-ups at work show the great confidence they have just exhibited in her work is wonderful.
2. I am thankful for Bob's Sweet Stripes Soft Peppermint Candy. The red and white peppermint puffs are one of my seasonal favorites. I put a big cut glass bowl ( a gift from a now-deceased uncle, out of his own glass collection) filled with the peppermints on my kitchen table, then fail every day to avoid eating any. It's a tradition.
3. I'm grateful that an older friend who is now going through with her husband some of what I've gone through with mine felt comfortable in reaching out and opening up to me. She has anxiety issues at times, so I feel honored that she trusts me.
4. I'm thankful for my sister's neighbor, who came over and helped her in the middle of the night last night to get my 6'4" brother-in-law out of the house and into a car to take him to the hospital. My brother-in-law, of course, was refusing to call an ambulance. He is awaiting a diagnosis at the hospital, but so far they don't think it's anything life-threatening.
5. I'm thankful for making it to work every morning this week through "pea soup" fog, with no trouble. Visibility has been poor at best.
@JD, wonderful about the table metaphor.
@JD, what Anne said about the table metaphor. And I'm happy about your #1 and #3. Re: #3, I recommend (as I've done in the past) the two caregiver forums at alzconnected.org for further support. These have absolutely saved my sanity these last few years.
@JD, I totally agree with the metaphor comparison between Kristen and the table. The beauty of a quality table recognized and the time taken to restore it to use as a piece of furniture where people can gather around for fellowship and nourishment and the beauty of a person who recognized their value and dreams were worth the time to restore and use for further relationship, growth and support. Truly beautiful and inspiring! Thank you Kristen for this forum to bring us together and for taking the time to model growth and beauty through a difficult time- blessings on this new season!
Hang in there Kristen, the holidays are just around the corner!
This week I am grateful for
-getting some tasks done that had been weighing on me for several weeks
-sleeping deeper and waking up more rested - possibly related to the above?
-my old girl friends from primary school, and that we are still in touch
-the way our grown children take the trouble to make us feel appreciated and loved
-affordable and accessible healthcare (minor surgery coming up)
-not having any activities in the next weeks other than work, and how that makes me feel very relaxed indeed (social distancing advice from the hospital, not just covid related but also to avoid bad colds etc that might necessitate postponement of the surgery)
-our cats, who are increasingly turning into lap-cats now that they are older. They sometimes take turns in sitting on my lap, making it impossible to continue knitting
This week I am thankful for:
Adjusting better than I expected to reading glasses. This is week one, and so far, so good.
The promise of lunch out somewhere today...
The two oak trees we finally got cut down. They were right on the house and I constantly worried they'd fall and crush the house. Bonus: the house looks so much bigger and nicer with them gone! (I live in a very modest house, 1100 sq ft, so this is unexpected, it looking bigger).
Cutting the two oak trees down was quite expensive, and I'm so thankful that we are frugal and that has allowed us to save some money for projects and emergencies.
I'm thankful for a husband that got as excited as I did that I scored pizzas on a great sale at the grocery store yesterday. He can't even eat them, but he was so happy for me. They always sell out so quickly.
@Sarah C., as a semi-retired "urban logger," I hope you had the oak trees cut up for firewood (or alerted a friend to them, if you don't have a fireplace or woodstove).
Kristen, I have a similar table that I've moved with me 3 times now, and not letting it go. The first time I refurbished it I didn't do a great job so I am planning on refinishing it again next Spring. But I love it nonetheless. It was my first real solid piece of furniture as I finally graduated from my PhD and started PostDoc. When you move across half of the world with just two suitcases and live off of $20k stipend, there is not much space for luxuries so that table is special to me, even though I bought it used 🙂
This week I am really thankful for:
1. The fact that although my husband got laid off, we are still receiving his severance pay, right up until Christmas. This really helps with the extra stuff that came up, like our chimney repair.
2. Because my husband is not working, he takes the kids to school/daycare and picks them up. Normally, we would split these duties, but now I get to stay home while he does it and in the morning I get to do some yoga and in the afternoon before they come I get to sit in quiet for 20-30 min or do whatever I want.
3. Yoga with Adriene! Free, lots of selection of themes or focus exercises, and she just makes me feel good.
4. The weather! Just like K D mentioned, as much as I love snow, not having to deal with it right now is a blessing to me. It will come, and I will be happy about it bit this extra bit of Fall weather is great.
5. My Old Navy credit card rewards. This is my oldest credit card, and I use it for just regular bills, but since I've had it for so long, and I use it regularly, I get a lot of extra points/rewards. So right now I have $200 that I will us to splurge on some clothing items I normally would not buy. My family is essentially a walking ON commercial because most of our clothing comes from there and is bought for pennies on the dollar because I use only the rewards.
Hope everyone has a lovely rest of the week!
@Nina,
I wish you and your husband the best of luck as you navigate that job loss. Those are wonderful blessings that you mentioned. God bless you!
You’re going to do great on your exams.As a retired RN/NP (labor and delivery!) I am soo excited that you are ready for nursing school now!!! You will have an awesome career and will be such an asset to the profession and to your patients!!
Your new home is so cozy and warm..I can see the love in every photo! Kudos to you for navigating a tough emotional upheaval and managing to design a safe and comfortable home for you and your girls.
Good luck with the coming week. I hope you take some moments to celebrate after that last exam!!
When I was in nursing school (15ish years ago, yikes), chemistry and microbiology were two of my hardest and least favorite classes. I'm glad for you that it will be over!
I definitely liked Anatomy and Physiology better! The human body is my main interest, and chemistry in particular has had little direct human body relevance. Microbiology has at least had some units that were sort of like A&P.
Kristen, I think you should have a celebratory dessert at your table with the girls when you finish the semester, adding yet another good memory to the inventory!
This week I am thankful for:
- the house plants a neighbor gave me as she packed up to move
- the snow we received, which was beautiful as it fell, but didn’t accumulate enough to require shoveling
- my children’s tenacity. All 3 had a challenging week, but they buckled down and got through it
- Elizabeth Strout’s writing - just superb!
- my little shih tzu mix companion
@Mimi-in-the-mountains,
I wish I could mail Kristen some double chocolate cookies, cheesecake stuffed chocolate chip cookie bars, and chewy peanut butter cookies for her celebratory dessert!
Hmmm, that sounds like a very good idea!
Also: so glad that you are a regular commenter now. Always nice to have more people joining in...the more the merrier!
I'm thankful for the outpouring of support my wife and I got after we got some bad news. The short version is that after we were able to announce we lost the baby. It's been unbearably difficult for both of us but one day at a time. I don't have the same sort of family and friend support structure she has so it was nice when people reached out to her that they asked about me.
I'm also thankful that it hasn't been snowing yet and the weather has stayed a bit above freezing so hopefully the first heating bill won't be as bad this year.
For my new backup camera. It makes my car feel new again.
@Battra92,
I'm so sorry to hear this! I also lost a baby between my two girls, so I truly empathize - it's heartbreaking. May you and your wife find comfort in the support and with each other over this.
@Battra92, I’m so sorry. So so sorry. Thankful you have received support from your people in the midst of deep sorrow.
Ohh, Battra, I am so very sorry to hear this. Sending so much love to you guys, and thank you for trusting us enough to share this with us.
@Battra92, I'm so very sorry. I'm grateful you have some support; count your FG friends in among the many who care.
@Battra92, so deeply sorry about this bad news. You're an important part of our tribe here.
@Battra92,
You are a wonderful father.
@Battra92, I'm so sorry for your loss. I've had two miscarriage, and it really helped me that so many other women came forward and shared their own losses. But how miserable it would have been without my husband next to me! Hang in there; I know it's not hard only for the mother who is physically hurting. You and your family are in my prayers.
@Battra92, I am so sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to both of you (and to your daughter as well).
@Battra92, I am so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Thinking of you and your family during this time. I hope you feel supported by your FG friends here even if they are virtual. I will be thinking about you and your family during this holiday season.
@Battra92, So very sorry to hear this.
@Battra92,
I’m truly sorry about your loss. Sending love to you, your wife, and your daughter. May you find solace in so many who care so much about your family.
@Battra92,
O I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Wishing you and your wife support in your loss, and your little girl as well.
@Battra92, thanks for trusting your FG community with this update- wishing you and your family comfort during this time!
@Battra92,
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.
@Battra92, so sorry for your loss. Samantha Busch, wife of nascar driver Kyle, has written extensively on her blog and in her book (Fighting Infertility) about her experiences including miscarriages. Not sure if that would be helpful to you or your wife, but you might want to Google her if you're interested. Take care.
@Battra92, hugs , I am so sorry for your loss.
@Battra92, oh my gosh I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
@Battra92, sending big virtual hugs to you and your wife! According to Colton Burpo of "Heaven is for real," your little one that you didn't get to meet is safe with Jesus and waiting for you...
@Battra92,
I am so very sorry to hear this devastating news. When you and your wife share in your grief it could bring you even closer. (Some men tend to “clam up” leaving the wife to feel even more alone.) It’s great she has so much support but you are the most needed one. (I bet your caring FG tribe members outnumber her real life supporters.) Prayers for all three of you during this heartbreaking time.
@Battra92,
I'm so very sorry to hear this news, Battra92. I hope you and your family find comfort in the thought that so many of us care about you.
@Battra92, Sending great sympathy to you. May you and your wife and daughter find comfort in each other.
(I am also a member of the group of parents of lost children).
@Battra92, my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
@Battra92, I’m so sorry. Wishing you and your wife comfort.
@Battra92, condolences on your loss. I had a miscarried pregnancy and am truly sorry that you and your family have to experience this sadness. May your heart be eased in the days to come.
@Battra92,
I am so sorry to hear this.
Sending you and your wife healing thoughts
I loved playing the "what-if" game in Canvas. It helped me not stress about one assignment too much. After doing the game I relaxed. I'm a recovering perfectionist.
As a former Washington state cone picker, those are fir trees. I used to think all cones were "pinecones" but they're not. My ex-husband fell timber part time and he educated me on many misinterpretations. They are beautiful whether they are fir or pine trees. I miss seeing them every day. I'm glad you enjoy them. They are spectacular covered in snow.
I can't believe your daughters don't like mashed potatoes. They are my favorite. It's one of the things I look forward to at a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. At the dinner I went to they didn't make them. There was lots of wonderful food but no mashed potatoes. I haven't been very successful with my own making so I always like it when someone else makes them. Does anybody have tips on how to make it good?
Well since I'm already commenting, I might as well put in my thankful Thursdays.
My two dogs. Even though they do things that bug me sometimes, I don't know what I would do without them.
Decorated trees. I don't like to actually do the decorating (the perfectionist in me) but when it's finished and lit up they are so beautiful.
Outdoor Christmas lights. They just make me smile. I saw one last night with a snowman in the corner of a house and he's half bent over looking at the sky. That one made me laugh and wonder what's he looking at.
My roommate. She is awesome.
True friends who remind me it is okay and I can do it.
This was very long I hope everyone enjoys it. I love you all and try to read as many of the comments as I can.
@Ginger Bruce: about the mashed potatoes... start with some yellow-fleshed ones, if possible. Cook them with salt, and about an inch of water in the bottom (keep the lid on tight and reduce temperature once boiling). Drain them and keep the water. Mash with butter, throw in a bit of sour cream and mayonnaise, use the water. You can, of course, add milk as needed. Voilà! 🙂
@Ginger Bruce,
I agree with Ingrid—sour cream is a game changer
@Ingrid, I suggest being a “mad food scientist”, sort of like Alton Brown on Good Eats- experiment to find your own best version! Eat the failures or make into soup or trifle! Enjoy consuming and showing off your kitchen successes. I get the cheapest potatoes. 1 per person or more if you want leftovers for breads, cottage pie, etc. Peel and wash. Cut up into same sized cubes. Smaller cook quicker, but experiment. Just barely cover w salted water. Bring to boil then cover & simmer till done (fork goes through easily). Drain. (I save water & freeze for soup.) Use hand-held mixer to mash to your desired texture but don’t over-mix. Add 1 T milk & 1 T butter for each potato. Mix in very briefly. Salt & pepper. When you’ve perfected that, you can get fancier with add-ins!
@Jenny, oops this was supposed to reply to Ginger!
That table would make me smile every time I looked at it!
Today I'm thankful that my granddaughter, who has been ill since last Friday, was well enough to go back to school. She's a sunny child by nature, and to see and hear her so subdued and with a flat affect, was just foreign and worrisome.
I'm thankful for the guys at T-Mobile yesterday who were patient and helped me switch phone carriers.
I'm thankful that there is currently a small gas war going on in a neighboring town. Our town hasn't jumped on the bandwagon yet, but the next town is only 5 miles over, and saving 20-30 cents/gallon makes it worthwhile to fill up there. Ordinarily I would support local, but they had their chance!
I'm also thankful for my healthcare providers. These women are so helpful, encouraging, and supportive, it's almost like visiting a friend when I have to go in.
And I'm grateful that with a week of appointments every day, the weather has been friendly. There was some rain, but it wasn't a torrent or windy, and the temperatures have stayed in the 50s and a couple of 60s, so getting out in it wasn't bad at all.
It has been a shockingly bad week at my house and I am very grateful for my husband who has handled everything well and has been so encouraging and supportive. What a blessing.
@Rebekah in SoCal,
Whatever unhappiness it is that's happening, I hope the next few days and hereafter is much better for you!
I, too, am very grateful we are close to the end of the semester. It's hard for the teens, and we are all exhausted. It also happens to be my busiest time of the year, and my stress + their stress is less than fun.
1) Grateful for the cozy lights from our tree & candle mantel. It's nice on dark days.
2) We don't spend Christmas here (we fly to my parents), & don't bring our gifts for the kids in our suitcase. Therefore, we give them their gifts before we leave. We got them really pretty small things this year, but it's nice, because they can open a gift every few days or so (total of five). Yesterday, one was excited about new swim trunks, and the other got a hoodie. It's fun to have the enthusiasm spread out a bit, and was also a nice break from, you guessed it, finals.
3) Happy for leftovers. I try to cook in batches, and it really does help. I still have two dinners left in the fridge - one for today, one for tomorrow. Today's will be particularly appreciated, as 15 y.o. has a high school soccer game.
4) Grateful for my local BN community. This week was a week where I gifted, but people are so polite, and appreciate the sharing. I know that some of the groups are different, so I appreciate the one we've created.
5) Our duvet is really old, and all of the filling has shifted to my husband's side. I'm fine with that in the spring/summer, but I've been waking up really cold. We also keep the house cold at night. Yesterday, I put a blanket on my side of the bed, and what a warm fuzzy treat that was! It's the little things.
1. For my dog. This little guy is growing fast and is not always well behaved but goodness I love him so! His antics keep us entertained, he is a great snuggler and the way he looks at us just reminds us how much he loves us.
2. I know I say this every week but as the Christmas season approaches I am more and more grateful for batch cooking. It is seriously wonderful to have healthy things to eat at the ready. Thankful for the wealth of recipes, meal plans and ideas available on internet these days. Example…cookie dough overnight oats. So yummy. Healthy. Seriously easy to prep ahead breakfast.
3. For the fact that lights are finally on my Christmas tree and ornaments are going on this weekend.
4. That this week is almost over. I’m tired folks.
5. For the absolutely soul refreshing worship experience at our church last night. Now it feels like we can really celebrate Christmas and the gift of corporate worship is not lost on me.
Maybe an unpopular opinion, but when I was in college, I actually preferred Christmas break over summer break. I loved getting out of class and everything was sparkly and holiday-y. Plus, my housing stayed open during the break so I could stay there when I worked and all my friends were local.
This week I am thankful for:
1. My advent calendar. Or more specifically the degree of detail my friends put into it. Every year, my best friends make us personalized advent calendars for our birthdays and it is just the best part of my holidays, opening it up and seeing how well they know me.
2. My band of pirates. I love my coworkers, who were all pirates in another life and will absolutely walk through fire for them. And I know they will do that for me.
3. Tasty, homemade bread. My partner made me sourdough and it was amazing. Tea and toast are my ultimate comfort food.
4. Fairy lights. So cheap and make everything look magical. I am tempted to just drape every surface of my house in them this year
5. My father in law. I never met him and my husband hadn't spoken him to in over ten years before he passed away in May. However, his estate is changing all of his son's lives and helping us meet goals that we didn't think we would meet for years.
@Heather, Your #5 struck me as so very bittersweet. It shows, that despite whatever happened, your husband’s father never stopped caring.
This week I’m thankful for ….
Emergency rooms being open in the middle of the night! My husband had a health scare on Sunday night (he’s doing well, another thing to be thankful for!) and he was able to receive care into the wee hours of the morning.
Understanding Love Languages. My husband and I have completely different love languages so sometimes I get sad when I’m not receiving love in my love language but then I take a step back and recognize that he’s showing me love in his love language and it turns everything around.
Virtual music lessons. My son has been taking private music lessons virtually for the past year. His music teacher lives in another state but they meet weekly and it has been so fun to watch his progression this past year.
Slow cookers. I really rely on my slow cookers on days when I work from the office and we have evening plans. I’m thrilled to have a home cooked meal waiting for me instead of picking up something on the way home.
My coworkers. I haven’t been to the office for a few weeks and I was finally able to make it in this week. I felt so energized being around my coworkers – they are such a positive support group and I really enjoy my job because of who I spend my workdays with.
Kristen, the room is so cozy and beautiful! From your posts, I know it’s been a very, very rough time, but I think you are heading toward a beautiful new life. Congrats on all your success in college - obviously, you have the intellect to do very well in a health/science field.
I would not be surprised if, 10 years from now, you will be earning your nurse practitioner degree. And maybe later, using your writing skill in a new way.
You have so much going for you!
@KathyL, I second the motion for Kristen as an NP!
@A. Marie,
And later she can write medical memoirs! Would that be great, or what?
@KathyL, I always picture Kristen as a great psychiatric mental health nurse.
Spouse and I just got back from a five day vacation in our favorite go to spot. And most of the time my overriding thought was, "I wanna go home."
We're senior citizens and I love our little retirement home, filled with our favorite things, our own shower and bed. But mostly, our cats. We have morphed into two crazy, old cat people.
So thankful to be home.
@Anne, I'm a senior citizen who no longer enjoys even the thought of travel, either (and not just because I'm nervous about getting too far away from DH). Cheers from another crazy old cat person.
@Anne, When I was young, I never understood how come my parents and others would say that seniors who traveled were so brave or strong.
I do now.
Study hard for your finals & "finish strong!" (Same thing I always say to my 21 year old runner & college student)
Today I'm thankful that:
*nobody but me complained last evening when I made a "meh" (at best) meal.
*this week is relatively calm.
*my daughter's handwriting is slowly improving.
*I read a really encouraging blog post last night when I had a hard time sleeping.
*my kids' favorite Christmas tradition is church.
*next Thursday my college boy will be home.
*the sickness some of us have is quite mild.
*for this supportive community.
*I can close my eye "all by myself."
*stinkbugs in my house no longer totally gross me out.
*my sister called me first this morning.
@Jody S.,
My heart soared when I read "I can close my eye all by myself." Yay!
@Erika JS, Thank you 🙂 Next step (I hope)-- blinking normally.
I understand the table. I actually don't like the style of my table, never have. My hubby bought it prior to us getting married (without my input) and at the time financially, just not liking it for style wasn't an option to upgrade. Now, I still don't really like it but 17+ years in- memories, people, kids - I don't want to buy a new one, totally feel the same way
Ahahaha, well, we shall see how much energy I have left for school after I get my R.N.! Also, I'm 44 now, and I will be 47 when I graduate from the nursing program, sooo...I dunno how many more years of school I want to take on at that age.
But thank you for the encouragement. 🙂
Thankful for
1. My Advent calendar. My husband built a four foot tall wood one the year we got married and has filled it for 40 years now. The contents are always small, like a favorite candy bar, but great fun to open each day. This year he wrote out a favorite memory or a comment about something he likes about me, and put one in each door. This is my favorite calendar ever, knowing that he spent so much time writing--especially since he is severely dyslexic and detests writing.
2. Pound hound, who makes us laugh when he brings us his bowl if he thinks it is past his feeding time.
3. Three Pines, the series made from the Louise Penny mysteries, on Amazon Prime. It has been a pleasure to watch and I look forward to more episodes.
4. The darkness. I know most people prefer sunlight but I love it that right now the sun does not rise until almost 11 and sets about 2:30. So peaceful and especially now with all the Christmas lights on so many houses, magical. I always regret seeing the shortest day come in December because it means the sun is coming back. I loved it when we lived in a village where the sun set in November and did not come back until the end of January.
5. Christmas music. I am afraid we are very traditional in our choices; Bing Crosby never died in our house.
@Lindsey, love the picture of your Pound Hound bringing you his dinner bowl, just in case you forgot.
And thanks for the info on "Three Pines". I also love that series and didn't know it had been dramatized. I'll look for it tonight.
@Lindsey, I also did not know that Three Pines was a series-- There is an older series but I can't find the name of it.
Her latest book came out within the last few weeks: "A World of Curiosities".
@Lindsey,
Three Pines is absolutely the best book to show ever.
I recommend it to both readers of the series and nonmembers.
Lindsey, your posts are always so interesting. You have the gift of making your readers feel they are right there with you. Thank you.
Thankful for a job that allows for sick days. I don’t take them often but I needed to today and it’s made all the difference
Thankful For a cute little kindergartener who wore a cape and mask today and giggled delightfully when I pretended not to know who she was. Is there anything better than a giggling kid??
Thankful for a working car, 2 weeks without a breakdown.
Thankful for technology - sometimes it really can offer helpful information quickly and without fuss.
Thankful for loving families and hardworking students-they make my world a better place.
Coffee
Aww, Kristen, your home looks so festive and pretty! I bet it lifts your spirits just to look at it. And I totally get your emotional connection with your table. You put a lot of yourself into rehabbing it.
Thankful my son is on his way home for Christmas break! For my cat who "helped" me wrap gifts today (those of you with cats can immediately picture it). For getting the gifts for my immediate family wrapped--I wanted it done before my boy got home and whew, I just finished and now I'm writing about it. 🙂 For the walk I had yesterday--yes, it misted and drizzled on me, but it was so peaceful out. For a fun shopping day to myself in a little town with boutique stores near me earlier this week. For not being dependent on my variable income--we have a built-in cushion so when I have difficulty with getting work hours, it's not something that I lose sleep over.
Todays walmart red seedless grapes are like crispy, juicy, sweet little apples.
I splurged on a rack of ribs and they are perfect: smokey, tender, and juicy.
Happy sensory stimuli to me.
Yay for semester ending soon! I hope you are planning lots of rest around Christmas time!
Today I'm thankful for...
*Being able to just call in sick at work if needed without it being a complicated process (and being able to afford those sick days, since I don't get paid for them
* Having the support of my husband regarding my choice to work part-time. I tried working full time on many occasions and it's not been positive for me (I get depressed, anxious, I have troubl with self-care, etc)
* That my DD has started forming friendship at her new school
* For my house, the space we all have in it. I'm watching clips on Youtube about apartments in Japan or NewYork and they are tiny!! And absolutly crazy expensive (5000$/month??? Who can afford that??)
* For a group of friends from work. We are going out tomorrow night, yay!
A potato ricer! I thought we were the only ones who still own one. I had no idea they still make them and in plastic! Wow! We have a stainless steel one, about the size of yours. My MIL had a huge one, it was the only way she made potatoes. And she didn't peel hers, the skins came off in the ricer, saved time and supposedly added nutrients to mashed potatoes. Hubby wanted the ricer, but I have never adapted. I love the fact you have one and use it.
Funny enough, there are several areas of nursing I already think I will not choose, and psych is one of them! But we shall see...we get to do rotations in lots of different areas during the nursing program, and that will help us figure out what we do and don't like.
@Kristen, I think many people, even nurses imagine psychiatric nursing (we call it behavioral health here now) as much different than it actually is! Actually this goes for almost any kind of nursing- and quite probably for any type of work!
And many aren’t sure about what a registered nurse practitioner, an advanced-practice nurse, and other similar things are.
I just did riced potatoes for 20 for Thanksgiving and it was easy peasy. Love your table!
For Facetime. I am always so happy to see the grands. Same with my kids and their wives.
That the weather has been mild so the dogs can at least get a walk in.
For no doctor appointments in the next 3 weeks.
That my youngest bought me a puzzle board. Its very handy -I was use to using my cookie sheets for the puzzle pieces. I don't bake much so ha ha not sure what I will do with those cookie sheets.
That we were invited to the parks light show, it was employees only so no crowd and we took one of the dogs. It was a nice night.
Aww, I'm so happy to hear that you have made so many positive memories this year! I hope the good times keep rolling for you and your girls!
This week, I am SO thankful for this new full time position! Today was my first day and it is absolutely perfect for me in every way! I haven't been this happy at work in a very long time! Plus, SO much more money!!! I keep thinking I will wake up and it will all be a dream!
Aww, Becca, I'm so glad to hear this. Yay for you!
1. Finding the perfect mittens for my mom's arthritic hands, her Christmas gift. They are recycled wool, lined with fleece and have a suede strip across the palm for gripping the steering wheel on her car. The unicorn of mittens. Warm and lightweight.
2. Being able to afford to buy two pairs of work socks for my dad for Christmas. Easy purchase.
3. My happy jaunty little dog, best walking companion ever.
4. A warm blanket to sit under.
5. Good chili for supper.
@Mitzie, I love your name. One of my favorite grown ups when I was a kid, was Mitzi, our church secretary and family friend. 😉 She was so kind.
This has been a much calmer week for me, both at work and otherwise. I still cannot get my Christmas lights to work on the timer, but I am thankful that this is the type of problem I have right now, if you know what I mean. I am also thankful for:
*my flannel sheets which help me sleep like a baby.
*my calm and clean home. It is my sanctuary.
*the fact that I finally got my backyard tree pruned and the big project of "take care of my trees" is DONE, and well ahead of winter.
*I am done with Christmas shopping and can focus on relaxing in my spare time.
Happy end of semester - I know it will be a welcome relief!
I love that you put candles in your fireplace! I would do that before we converted our fireplace to gas. Wood burning fireplaces are beautiful but when we had a fire, our family room would be toasty but it pulled so much air out of the house that our upstairs would be very cold.
The decision was sort of made for me because the fireplace is not operational! Ha.
I’m thankful for snow! This is only the second time it has snowed yet this year and it is so pretty and I love playing with the kiddos and sledding in the snow. It is so much fun.
Thankful for wiggle room in our finances. Our couch finally broke for good (it was broken but usable before, but now it is really gone) and we need to buy a new one. Thankfully we had the money saved up and we could pick out a nice leather one that will hopefully last a long time.
Thankful for the library. Access to so much free entertainment and free parenting books is really a blessing in our lives.
Thankful my friend is going to be in town over the holidays and I will get to hang out with her. I haven’t seen her in several years as she lives across the country and my kiddos are too little for planes or long car rides right now. So I am excited she is visiting and will have time to get together.
Thankful for frozen pizza. I know I bought yeast but couldn’t find it in time to make the dough before I had to pick my son up from preschool. So I am grateful for frozen pizza to pick up my slack.
How many thankfuls are we "allowed" to do? "Three Thankfuls" is alliterative, but there are way more than that in my life!
1. Rain last week, with more coming this weekend. (Too much drought in Central California to be taking rainfall for granted.)
2. Finished 2 difficult oil painting commissions today, such a relief after losing 2 weeks of work to The Plague.
3. Brilliant yellow leaves on the fruitless mulberry tree
4. Husband keeping the wood stove burning for a warm house all day
5. Three cats, with distinct personalities