Thankful Thursday | days without studying!
This week, I am thankful:
for the obvious: being done with school!
I am so very grateful I had the chance to go to nursing school, of course. But I am equally grateful that it's done.
I made my online school account back in the fall of 2020, started prereqs in the spring of 2021, and now here I am. I have been thinking hard about medical science topics for a long time.
Of course, that will go on, but at least I won't have to pass regular exams about these topics after the NCLEX. 😉
that I am not nervous about the NCLEX
Somewhere around 23420985 graduates of my school have said the NCLEX is easier than the exams my school throws at us.
And I have always gotten way more than a passing grade on the school exams, so I am very confident I will be able to pass the NCLEX.
This is a perk of going to a school with a reputation for being very hard. Ha.
that so many of my schoolmates also passed
I breathed such big sighs of relief as the, "I passed!" texts rolled in. You will be happy to know that my two young study buddies passed! And I'm like a proud mama about it. 🙂
We agreed we will still get together for dinner, just without the PowerPoints now.
Also: both of them will be working at my hospital, one even on my same floor. So we will not become strangers.
that my criminal record is still clean (ha)
I had to go get fingerprinted and background-checked again to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX.
And I forgot that afterward you get a letter in the mail from the state department of correction, so for a second I was like, "OH NO DID I ACCIDENTALLY COMMIT A CRIME?" when I saw the letter.
As turns out, I have not taken up a life of crime; the letter was just telling me my record is clean. Heh.
I think I had this same momentary freak-out when I got background checked for my tech job too.
that I'm allll registered for the NCLEX
I did my background check, applied to the board of nursing, and paid for my NCLEX test.
So now I just have to wait for all of those entities to communicate with each other so I can get approved for a testing date.
for the rain we have gotten this week
Days full of rain are not my favorite as a rule, but we have been short of rain here for a while.
So, I am grateful for the slow, soaking rain we've been getting.
I visited my mossy trail after the gym yesterday and I am pleased to say that the mosses are looking much greener and happier now. 🙂
that next year will be a little less weird
This year, I spent Easter and my birthday at the hospital for clinical, and I spent Mother's Day studying with my two pals. But next year, I probably will not spend every special day working nursing shifts!
Zoe brought me some flowers and a card and a cute Snoopy before my study session though. 🙂
We discovered his ears will stay up, so we are keeping them that way.
for the encouragement from all of YOU
I couldn't respond to every single comment, but I read them all, and I want you to know I am so grateful for you all cheering me on.
And it really made me smile to see how many of you commented for the first time ever, just to encourage me. Thank you!
that I can get rid of so many things now!
I donated my uniforms to my school's uniform closet.
And I finally got rid of all my IV practice supplies because I am done, done, done with competency testing now.
Also, I found out my school will accept my care plan book, so I'll bring that with me today when we go to decorate the gym for pinning.
Congratulations again, Kristen!
I had a Danish exam yesterday. I don't have the results yet but I think it went okay - either way, I'm glad it's done (I have another one in a few weeks but I'm halfway there!)
I had a miserable cold this week but I am feeling much better and I am SO thankful that I was well in time to take the exam!
I am thankful that I got a good night's sleep after several nights of waking up coughing.
I am thankful for streaming services when I get sick. They obviously have issues, but when I'm sick, I just want to watch something mindless!
Finally, I am thankful that I feel better today and that the weekend is almost here!
@Sophie in Denmark, Glad to hear you are feeling better. The cough is the worst part of a cold for me.
@AnnieH, Thank you!
@Sophie in Denmark, So glad you got better in time to take the test! And, that you’re better. I’ve had a few nights coughing as well but mine's due to pollen here.
@ErikaJS, Thanks! I still don't feel 100% and got a terrible headache post-exam, but at least I was well enough to take it. I also suffer from hayfever and have been dutifully taking my medicine, but it feels somewhat pointless when I'm already sneezing from a cold!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Interested about the exam you are taking. Is it for language? Where do you take it through. I am trying to improve my Spanish and want to test intermediate fluent on an international exam.
@Mary Ann, I live in Denmark and it was a Danish exam. Danish language lessons are offered for free by the government to people moving here 🙂
1) Thankful for the rain because my yard is so green, and I haven't had to water my two hanging baskets (given to me by my friend and former boss) since I got them almost a week ago.
2) Thankful that all but one of the things I ordered from Amazon has showed up (the last will show up today) so that I can get started on the memorial for my cat this weekend.
3) Thankful for my excellent vacuum cleaner because that cat sure threw a lot of cat litter all over the place, thankful for small rugs that could be tossed because that cat got mad and peed on them
@Suellen Roley, What a wonderful thing to do after losing a pet to make them a memorial. Wishing you comfort.
@Suellen Roley, so sorry for the loss of your cat. hope making the memorial has you feeling better about the loss of your cat.
@Suellen Roley, my sympathies on your loss. I have no doubt that your cat was thankful for you.
There is so much happiness in your post, it was wonderful to read it this morning. I am thankful for that.
I am thankful that a very rainy day does not interfere with hanging out with a long time friend.
I am thankful for a healthy body and a flexible schedule
This week I am thankful:
*that my two sicklings are better. Five days of intestinal bug is too much.
*for continued (albeit it very slooow) weight loss.
*that my away college boy will be home soon.
*that my soon-to-be sweet 16 girl is so sweet. It's not even 7 a. m., but she decided she wanted to help her older brother out by going into his room and clean. (He's already at work.)
*for a few days of relative quiet.
*that I tried a new sort of therapy. It relaxed my face so much. Has anybody ever heard of fascial counterstrain? I don't understand it at all, and it seems out there. . . but there were at least some remarkable results. I don't know how temporary they are or not. I'm game to try again.
*for the songs of the birds in the morning, for the 4 new baby chicks (Who is all for redundancies first thing in the morning?!) in our coop. For the momma who gathers them under her for warmth in this dreary weather. For the children who care for all the chickens. For the growing things. That we live on a hill instead of near the flooding waters. That we'll be getting new cabinets sometime soonish. That we can use the church kitchen for cooking when our kitchen is getting new cabinets. And that I don't have poison ivy.
@Jody S., yay for you on your weight loss. Slow is ok and it is more likely to stay off. Experience speaking here.
@Jody S., that facial paralysis is sure longlasting. I commend you on your persistence in combating it and congratulate you on doing whatever you are doing to slowly lose weight. All studies point to rapid weight loss being a recipe for rapid regain, so you are doing very well!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Well, with regards to the facial paralysis, every case is different. My paralysis lasted for a long time, and by the time I started getting movement back, complications (synkinesis) had developed. I will never have my normal smile back. I know that. But I am trying to reduce the discomfort (not pain anymore-- yay!) and unwanted muscle movements. I think most of my nerves are healed, but I also think some are not. I don't think I have all of my muscles working. I might never, but it could possibly come back!
Congratulations again Kristen! I’ve enjoyed hearing about your successes and challenges as you’ve traveled this journey and will continue to like hearing about things you can share from your job.
Since nurses no longer wear caps, does the pinning ceremony take the place of the capping ceremony? (Btw, I can make a very nice nurse’s cap from a sheet of paper… learned from the days when very young me wanted to be a nurse!)
Thankful for:
- Rain which we needed, but no bad storms.
- Sunshine! After 3 days of rain, I am ready for a sunny day and today appears to be it.
- Some good news from a dear friend who has had quite a go of it lately.
- Getting to “babysit” our granddaughters occasionally. They are at fun ages. And we can go do something without having to take all the baby/toddler stuff.
- Good neighbors who look out for each other.
Hurrah for being done! Even just getting a week off, in my case, feels like a vacation, so I can imagine how great it feels to be done testing, save for the NCLEX.
DS#3 and I are thankful he got through his AP Language test yesterday--it was a bit nervewracking going to the high school for it (being homeschoolers for the past 21 years, we've never been in one)*, and he studied hard for it. Writing is not his favorite thing, but he wants to test out of composition in college.
Very thankful that DS#1's first week of work is going smoothly. It's been mostly onboarding and learning about the company, but we learned he's not a contracted employee, but a salaried one, which is good! He said the project they're going to put him on is of high importance, and so far he seems to like the work environment. It's a short commute, which is great, and is very close to where DH works as well. He's doing a great job adjusting to getting up early and heading out and being gone all day. If you'd asked me this time last year if I thought he'd be employed and working a full time job, I'd have been doubtful. God is so good!
I'm thankful I got through my chemistry class with a solid A--I took chemistry in high school and college, but never got more than a C. DS#2, who was taking chem with me, got a solid B, and he was very pleased with that. This summer he's taking Bio and Anatomy with me to improve his grade in that.
DS#4 is thankful they were able to fix his brackets on his braces--and he's thankful that the braces are working so nicely! Already we can see a difference. Next month he has oral surgery to remove two premolars (plus get his wisdom teeth out of the way) to further the correction.
I'm thankful that my computer is not broken after Clark K. Fluffin had an inexplicable spaz attack, as we used to say, and knocked it completely off my desk (it's a tablet computer on a stand) and onto the ground--I can only speculate he was spooked by something he saw out the window behind my desk, and knocked down his blanket, the lamp, my computer, somehow clawed me in the gut with one claw, all WITHOUT somehow knocking over his little mug of water that is also on my desk, right near my compute stand. As I pulled my computer back up and hollered that it better not be broken, he just sat calmly on the carpet, watching me curiously. Anyway, the computer is fine, and as I say, he didn't even spill his water, so kudos to him.
*When I dropped DS#3 off at the school, I asked the secretary where the library (the room where they were holding the test) was, and she blinked at me: "Doesn't he know where the library is?" "No, we homeschool, as I said just a minute ago." "So...you've never been in this building before?" LADY. What did I just say? I realize that homeschoolers do partake in extracurriculars, but really, she just seemed awfully confused by the idea that a homeschooled student would not be familiar with the layout of the local public high school.
@Karen A., My rising senior made his way to a local high school to take the SAT a couple of weeks ago. I told him, "Just follow the other kids. That's how you'll know where to go." For the longest time, one of my daughters was fascinated by school buses. Sometimes things that are connected to public school seem so mythical and strange to my kids.
@Jody S., That's how DS#3 found his way back down to the main entrance! He just followed the crowd.
When my oldest was very little, he was also entranced by school buses, and his main ambition at the age of three was to ride on one. When he was four, he asked again about riding on a school bus--I said yes, if he wanted to go to school on a school bus for kindergarten, he could. He said, "Oh, it will be so fun for us!" Then he learned that Moms and Dads didn't go on the bus with kids to school! That dampened his enthusiasm quite a bit, as he had no interest in THAT. He just wanted to ride on a school bus!
Fast forward a few years, and we were at the National Air Force Museum. At the time the Presidential Hangar was still on the nearby air force base proper, so to go see the retired Air Force One planes you had to board a tour bus. Since we had base IDs, we didn't need to do that, but DS dearly wanted to go on the tour bus, which was a repurposed school bus. "A SCHOOL BUS!" Sure, it was painted blue, but that didn't matter. The school bus of legend! He hopped on so excitedly, only to be dismayed at the lack of seat belts. Ever after he would point at school buses and say "Those are DANGEROUS! They don't have SEAT BELTS!" Ha.
Oooh, enjoy your anatomy class! I loved my two anatomy and physiology courses, and oh my WORD the stuff I learned there was so important for nursing school.
@Kristen, That was one of the subjects I enjoyed most when studying for the TEAS. This is BIO 1, and then I'll be taking BIO 2 later, but I've been helping DS#2 study for that, so I almost feel I've covered some of the material already!
Congrats!
It’s been a tough week on my mom heart and my “thankfuls” theme is my firstborn. My son growth seemed to suddenly stop at 5’2” and after some doctor visits, X-rays, and an endocrinologist, we found out his growth plates closed earlier than expected. It’s impossible for him to grow anymore and I’ve been experiencing some overwhelming fears about the extra social/emotional challenges he will face as a usually small man. However, there is always something to be thankful for:
- They did not find any other health issues beyond short stature. The same day we had gotten our news, a boy at my son’s school died. This sort of tragedy quickly changes perspective on things.
- My son did not know this student, but came to me with the allowance he’d been saving because he wanted to donate it to the boy’s medical expense and funeral fund. I’m proud to have such a kind and thoughtful son. He’s been a sunshine in my life since the day he was born. I’m so thankful to have been blessed with this child.
- In the midst of my fear of how the world was going to treat my son as a man, I’m thankful for my dad’s words. He told me to have faith in my son. Until then, I didn’t realize my fears had been doing my son a disservice by doubting his ability to adjust and handle challenges in life. (FYI I have not been sharing my fears with my son because I don’t want to place my anxiety on him)
@JenRR, Sending you positive vibes as you deal with the emotions and challenges regarding your son's growth. As a mom, it's so hard when we see things we believe will negatively impact our children and not be able to solve it for them. I have faith with the support of his loving family he will thrive in life.
@JenRR,
I have always believed the adage that you measure a man not by his height, but by the size of his heart.
My husband is only 5' 5" and I know at times this is challenging. However, he is always the smartest and nicest person in the room. People don't notice really notice his height once they get to know him. Please don't despair.
@JenRR, I'm glad you're not sharing your fearful thoughts with your son. It's hard sometimes as a mom but your dad is right. My dad is only 5' 3" & is a spitfire to put it mildly, & has been his whole life. Then mix in Marine & some days I have to remind him to behave. Even now during his radiation treatments, standing next to 6'+ men he holds his own in every way.
I agree with @Bee comment about her husband. Your son will be an amazing man even at 5' 2". 🙂
@JenRR, not only did you raise your son right, but you are an amazing mother yourself. Best wishes to you both and all your family.
@JenRR, My brother-in-law is a short man but man is he a good man! I'm sure he has moments when he wished he were taller, but he is the best possible husband and father and provider. I wouldn't trade him for anyone.
Thanks all for the kind words. My husband is only 5’5/5’6 which is what we’ve been expecting my son to be. I think the fact that I very rarely see a man that is close to 5’2 is what is the hardest about the situation. He is an amazing person and I hope the world sees that more than his small size.
@JenRR, One of my husband's best cycling buddies in Colorado is 5'2"-ish man (I know he is shorter than I am at 5'4"). He is an excellent climber on the bike because he doesn't have as much bulk to haul against gravity. He is so strong that sometimes his front wheel literally comes up off the ground when they take off. When he lived near the great lakes he was also an avid windsurfer. I'm not sure if smaller stature helps with that, but I do know that there are some places in life, even as a man, that being more compact is a definite advantage.
@JenRR, in first grade i was the tallest in my class but then i never grew. my 16 yr old daughter and my 14 yr old son are taller than me. but it is what it is. your son is a mensch and i know he will have a good life. and he has a good life now.
Thanks again. It’s especially helpful to hear positive things about men that are around my son’s size.
@JenRR, he'll be fine - he was raised right (unlike so frickin' many these days). Truth be told, it is healthier to be a smaller person (yeah, small boned women and osteoporosis excluded). And frankly, it is a genetic roll of the dice (whoops, can't talk genetics lest I upset those so entrenched in XX/XY is all there is).
@Selena, Genetics definitely are interesting. My husband is Latino with black hair and I’m white with brown hair (and brown-haired parents). Our son came out looking like exactly like his Abuelo except with very different coloring. He surprised all of us with his blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin. We like to joke about him being Swedish Latino. Our daughter, on the other hand, ended up with the dark hair, my hazel eyes and overall more expected combination of family traits.
Congratulations again Kristen! We are so very proud of you. 🙂
Thankful that my dad is doing better with radiation & that there is a lot less pain. And that he has not said that he's not going back, which I really had expected. 🙂
Thankful for my dad's partner (lady friend) that is there through it all. And that my dad is taking steps to have certain things (professionally) done around (her) house to make things easier for the future.
Thankful for teen who is really enjoying the last weeks/days of Senior year. Wrapping up everything related to high school & headed towards graduation. 🙂 I think we are just about ready.
Thankful for rescue dogs who have been so loving & attentive lately. Wanting to be with us all the time. Just genuinely happy.
Thankful for the warm weather & sunshine! We have had rain & clouds for what seems like weeks. My (200 gallon) rain barrels have been full/overflowing since we hooked them back up over a month ago. We are expecting storms later overnight & hoping we dry out before then, lawns taking most day to dry out after overnight rains since so wet. But lawns & plants loving the rain & then warm 70-80* days.
Another bird somehow got stuck in the evestroth between gutter & rain barrels. I don't know how the bird is getting in because we have gutter screens on at gutters & caps on end of evestroth, so no where to get into. I unattached evestroth last night when I heard evestroth shaking & pulled out of rain barrels (which is much shorter than normal) hoping bird can get out safely. Will check again this morning to hear if still in evestroth. If so, I will need to take down evestroth piece & shake bird out. I want bird out safely & evestroth hooked back up before storm tonight.
Thankful for the blessings that we receive every day that sometimes get over looked. We are grateful for all that we have.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we all can learn & share with each other.
Have a great weekend.
@Regina,
I learned a new word today - "evestrough". I just Googled it. I had no idea that a gutter attached to the eaves of a house had a specific name. 🙂
Although we seem to be heading into Round 2 of the spring monsoon season here in Central NY, I'm glad that at least it hasn't been one of those dry springs where I feel like Our Lady of the Perpetual Watering Can before May is even over.
And I'm thankful that my prompt and reliable roofing company was just here to repair a small leak that formed around the top of the plumbing stack where it goes through the roof into the house. Water's been dripping (not gushing, just dripping) down the stack into the basement for the past several weeks, and I finally got off my tushie and gave the roofers a call. Problem solved, I hope!
@A. Marie, Oh! A. Marie, "Our Lady of the Perpetual Watering Can" made me laugh out loud! Thanks for the chuckle.
IIRC, you said you hated those blue scrub pants they made you wear, so you're no doubt delighted to get them out of your wardrobe. Haute couture they're not. Hopefully, you'll like your new uniform much better.
My thankfuls:
1. Snuggles, my snuggely-wuggely new dog. His adoption fee was only $12 at the dog pound, but I've spent a few hundred bucks on him since then. Including yesterday's visit to the vet. He acted like the perfect gentleman! He's totally worth it as it makes me happy to have a dog again.
2. Snug instantly made friends with my pal M. when she came over.
3. M. was able to connect the tubing in the little bathroom, so now it is fully operational. (My arthritic hands make it difficult or impossible to tighten things like water hoses and toilet tubing.) Repurposed the cabinet (old space saver now fastened to wall), flooring (leftover vinyl planks from front room project) and commode (relocated from master bath when we got a new one in there). I guess that tube thing was the only item purchased new for the potty room!
4. The yard crew (finally!) came over and mowed the lawn (mostly weeds this year). But I found someone else -- hopefully, a more reliable guy -- who also can do this.
5. Found the forms for the property tax protest. I'm gearing up for battle!
Yes! I gleefully put them in the uniform donation basket. 😉
@Fru-gal Lisa, wow that is the best $12 you have ever spent. around her (nyc) it is $700 or more. and i hard ly eve leave the vet without spending $300. but buddy is so worth it. and forget what the groomer costs in nyc.
Congratulations!
It is double happiness that your study buddies have also passed and get to work with you!
This weeks thankfuls:
-that I saw several butterflies and different kinds of bees on our flowers. The numbers have gone down dramatically in the past decade and we try to garden pollinator friendly
-that the weather has been auspicious for taking long walks
-that I feel more confident now in my capabilities than I did when I was forty-ish
-for hay fever medication. Achoo-
@JNL, It is inspiring to hear about the confidence you have acquired, and comforting to me that, as someone in her thirties, maybe I can still grow my self-confidence.
I remember the relief of being done with studying, papers, tests.... it felt so good. Congratulations again!
1. I'm thankful for my girls' and grandchildren's love and thoughtfulness on Mother's Day. I'm also thankful for my son-in-law's sister and her husband, who hosted a Mother's Day brunch on Sunday at their house and included me.
2. I'm thankful for my family members who checked on me Monday, the first wedding anniversary since DH died.
3. I'm thankful for my memories of my own mother and her mother. My other grandmother died before I was born, but I always enjoyed hearing my father talk so fondly of her.
4. I'm thankful that my raised beds are sprouting. There is a long way to go before getting any produce, and weather, bugs and disease may mess up everything, but I have a start for now.
5. I'm thankful for a comfortable bed, ceiling fans, bird songs, the wildflowers blooming in my wildflower beds, the tomato picture Jana painted, books, glider chairs and dogs content to lie quietly with me on the screened porch, watching nature.
@JD, aw shucks, thank you for putting the TOM-ato on your list. I now add to my thankful list the friends I am making because of this blog (who I may never meet in real life but one can hope. . .)
Yes! Like a heavy weight has lifted off my head.
@JD, wow, I'm thankful for your skill in painting that delightful word-picture in your #5; I feel relaxed just reading it...
(and I'm so glad you had support and love on Mother's Day and your anniversary, most especially this first one)
@Kristen, I also went to a nursing school which had the reputation for having a challenging curriculum. When I sat from my NCLEX RN, I couldn't believe that the test was much easier than I had anticipated. Ive just entered my 43rd year of nursing. Good luck on your exam; were all rooting for your success!
Congratulations Kristen! Happy dance time!
This week I am grateful:
1. For people like Kristen who want to help others and choose to earn nursing degrees. My Aunt was a nurse and my mom taught math for nursing students. They always told me how hard these folks work in school, how dedicated they were.
2. My new treatment plan is working well and I am already seeing good results.
3. The weather will be nice for my staycation next week so we can go out and about the city. The past few years it had been very hot during the same time and I'm not a fan of hot weather.
4. My sister who sent me a surprise gift of tea.
5. My colleagues who share plants with me. My gifted spider plant is producing more babies!
It's that time of year again!!! I am so thankful for air conditioning. As temperatures move into the 90s and the sun gains in intensity, this one thing makes life much more pleasant.
As always, I am thankful for my family. I love them with all my heart.
I am thankful that I am nearly done cleaning out closets and cabinets. Every once and while this needs to be done. It seems to have taken me all spring! I sent a good deal to live elsewhere. It always feels good to pare down a little
I am thankful that the sea breeze in the evenings makes it cool enough to do a little gardening after dinner.
I am thankful that recent rains have perked up my hydrangeas and my back yard is filled with purple and pink blooms.
Wishing all the blessings of peace, good health, and prosperity.
Kristen, I'm thankful for the privilege of being a spectator to your life. That may sound creepy but I'm truly grateful to learn what it takes to be a nurse (wow, I had no idea and one of my nieces is a nurse) and to see what resilience and growth looks like in the face of your challenges. You're the best.
@MB in MN, I fully get what you are saying. It makes me view the nurses in my life with great admiration and awe. I also wonder if their training has been even half as rigorous as Kristen’s.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I know exactly what you mean, looking at nurses with new eyes. During the pandemic, our town had a weekly drive-by in front of our hospital, beeping our horns to thank the nurses and doctors who put themselves on the line. I will feel extra thankful for any nurse we might encounter as we need their services, because of what we’ve learned goes into the job. All due to Kristen taking us along so well on her journey.
That is not creepy at all! I appreciate being able to share with all of you. 🙂
We are all so happy for you Kristen. I love that you have shared your journey, and I know it will encourage others to work towards their goals, even in difficult times.
- I'm thankful that both of our children came over to celebrate Mother's Day with me.
- I'm thankful for the wonderful baby snuggles from our grandson when they came over for Mother's Day. Fills this Nana's heart with joy to have him sweetly sleeping in my arms.
- I'm thankful I was able to keep our grandson this week while the rest of my family went to work on cleaning out my MIL's house in preparation for it to go on the market. I love spending time with him but especially when it's just the two of us.
- I'm thankful our son in law is so wonderful with our crazy, energetic rescue dog. He is one of the few people that is willing to play and rough house with her because she sounds so ferocious when she's playing. She loves when he comes to visit.
- I'm thankful my BFF was willing to alter our plans last Friday. We were all planning to go to an outdoor concert, but DH was not feeling well. Instead, she came to our house for happy hour so we could take care of DH.
@Beverly,
My rescue pup can be vocal too when she plays. Dogs seem to understand our language, but many of us don't understand theirs.
@Beverly, when my dog is really excited and trying to engage us humans in chase or other outside active play he is quite vocal too. I've seen him do the same when playing with another dog and they get it as an invitation and sound of joy.
I'm still feeling carryover excitement for you that you are done! Woohoo!
1) DS18 had his final AP exam tomorrow morning, and I think we're all looking forward to that being done. AP physics at 8 am - who wouldn't be excited?! He also has to work tonight, so fingers crossed his shift ends relatively early & he can get some sleep.
2) So grateful for that DS18 loves having friends over. He called very last minute yesterday & asked if the tennis team could come over after losing in the regional qualifying match. We had an impromptu pool party, and DH grilled hot dogs & I got out my super secret hosting stash of Trader Joes snacks that I keep in my bedroom closet, to prevent them from being consumed as just regular snacks. DS18 has impromptu get togethers a lot, so I've learned along the way to be prepared.
3) That I only have 3 more classes to teach until I'm done!
4) That DH & I have time & emotional space right now to host impromptu pool parties
5) I'm making a photo collage poster (a tradition for DS18's school's graduation) & after attempting to decide which pictures to order & trying to narrow things down, I was struck by how many amazing family memories we have, how many opportunities he has had with sports and friends, and how supportive our broader families are.
@Hawaii Planner, teaching? Did you get a teaching job? How did I miss this?
@Hawaii Planner, it's a tradition for us also to do picture collage/poster. Teen being my youngest, this was not new for me, but the most difficult. So many fun memories stacked on top of each other all crowded in to tell a great story. I love that people do this & we set it out at graduation open house to share with others. All the ones I've made for my kids have been well talked about & loved. Good luck narrowing down what pictures to use. I'm sure it will be great!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, not quite. It's very part-time & a certification class for adult learners, and/or the students are in college & this class/10 week program is offered through their college's business program as additional marketing focus.
Kristen, I so relate to you immediately decluttering everything related to student days!
It's my birthday today!! I got to go to trivia yesterday with some friends, I saw my parents last weekend for a dual Mother's Day and birthday celebration, and this weekend we are touring an old hotel in the southern part of our state with my in-laws to celebrate. So much fun, I'm calling it my birth month!! I'm lucky to have so many people willing to celebrate with me.
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea,
Happy Birthday! May your day be wonderful. 🙂
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, Happy, Happy birthday!!
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, best wishes for a happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead.
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, Happy Birthday! Sounds like you have so many fun things planned.
MUST GET RID OF EVERYTHING. 😉
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, Happy Birthday!
Thankful for:
* end of the semester. And all my students passed!
* the high school guidance counselor who spent time on the phone with me trying to hammer out a potential schedule for next year for teen. He might be partially homeschooled and/or take community college classes or stay in the hs full time. She's patient and trying to find something that will encourage his success.
* the same counselor has enrolled him in some summer school classes to catch up on credits. He might not thank her, but I do.
* my teen boys went out the night before mothers day and bought me a plant ( to replace the dead shrub one had accidentally mowed over!). It was a hard mother day for a lot reasons, but that these two stumbled through a garden center, clueless about plants, trying to find something for me, warmed my heart.
* adult son has a new job after months of looking
Thankful that our younger dog, who we affectionately refer to as Demon Puppy, is much better today after a massive middle of the night spell of gastro upset yesterday. I am thankful for whoever invented machine washable mop heads because mopping most of the floors was part of the cleaning up after her.
Also thankful for this rainy spring that's watering my little garden, and that the garden suffered only a little hail damage. And for having a lovely chat at the mailbox with our new neighbors.
Thankful that we successfully got my son moved into his new apartment last week. It involved 2 long days of driving (one while towing a trailer with furniture for him), but all went well. Also thankful we were able to stay for an extra day with him and discover some beautiful hiking areas together. Grateful that we were able to move my daughter home from college last week (lots of moving themes in this week's thankful list). Appreciative of spending non-stressful time with her, now that classes are done. Grateful for my husband, who recently spoke out in a group to which he belongs about the ethical handling of situations (being ntentionally vague right now). Thankful always for our goofy cats, who keep us laughing.
I am impressed with the graceful way you navigate those bureaucratic requirements that so infuriate me. I know those things are in place for a reason, but I am so very grateful to be self-employed in an unregulated business that I can almost taste it!
Thankful also that:
• summer heat hasn’t arrived
• got a huge piece of landscaping planted at church yesterday
• the owner of the native plant nursery made great selections, brought them to us, placed them, and taught us how to plant correctly. (some need gopher baskets, some don’t, some gopher baskets need a hole cut in the bottom for the tap root, some don’t. . .)
• I (finally) have time to paint today
Haha, yes, no one would feel good if healthcare workers were unregulated. 😉
Whenever I fly I am always nervous about my luggage. As if, what? I accidentally packed all sorts of contraband? Ha. The relief of getting through security is similar to my feeling when I pass background checks, which like you I haven't suddenly taken up a life of crime, so I shouldn't have anything to worry about. 😉
Congrats, Kristen!
This week I'm grateful for:
*the beautiful weather we've had here that allows me to spend time in the garden daily
*our generous Buy Nothing group -- just this week we've been gifted many high quality food items. One group member is a former grocery store employee and rescues food that Whole Foods will throw out. He is a very cherished BN group member! We received several loaves of artisan bread (which promptly went into the freezer), organic produce, fresh salsas and guacamole, and frozen organic burritos. As a family with 3 teenagers, this free food is a welcome gift!
*the kind words of a stranger whom I gifted 2 vintage twin headboards via FB marketplace (no one from the BN group wanted them). They sent a nice note complimenting our front garden, which I view as a bit wild and more than a bit weedy, so I appreciated their kind words.
*my acupuncturist for helping me calm my nervous system
*hikes with friends
*our 4-month-old puppy for bringing laughs and smiles (and lots of work ) to our household. He's been a healing presence since losing our 6-year-old dog in January.
1. Both of my ultrasounds came out perfectly this week and it looks as though we are full steam ahead for our first FET next Wednesday! My husband and I are SUPER excited about this as we have been praying for an addition to our family for over 8 years now and we are only a small distance away. Send us all the good vibes, prayers and baby dust please 🙂
2. My aunt moved smoothly into a personal care home last weekend. I miss her terribly and this transition is much like going through the grief of a death but this has made me realize that I have totally neglected myself, my family and normal life over the past 4 + years. Time now to catch up on all that I have been missing and look forward to wonderful memories to be made.
3. I found a magnesium butter that is really helping me to sleep well at night. Best of all it is all natural and is helping me feel rested in the mornings rather than hoping I can hold my eyes open in the shower.
4. A return to my bootcamp classes. I am not running at full steam intentionally trying to promote longevity rather than heroics. The workouts feel good both physically and mentally for me and I love being in the company of others I can encourage along their journey. My journey is far from over so camaraderie is always welcome.
5. The end of the school year is within sight and I am so grateful. I am looking forward to the more relaxed schedule and more time with my son.
@Angie, sending positive vibes your way for your #1!
Sending you hugs on the transition. I know it was a hard decision, but I hope you find some peace as you guys adjust.
I am thankful for YOU and this blong. It does wonders for my mental health. Checking In here daily is such a boost of positivity, in a real and helpful way.
For my nieces. I have tried my best to be available to them if they need or want and ear, it’s hard with teens. But I am grateful that they reciprocate(in their own time 🙂 I love my relationships with them, it fills my cup.
For my kids.
For our silly cat! He is my garden buddy and I love it.
For sunshine but not heat, we have had a few beautiful days!
That my mom’s cataract surgery went well. She is widow now and I’m an only child. We are navigating some new territory here. Im grateful Thais was a relatively easy surgery and that she’s doing well and feeling good so far.
Aww, I'm so glad my little internet home cheers you!
Thankful for the health and abilities of my family. I started teaching music classes and one of my students was non verbal autistic and about the same age as my son. What a beautiful young man so focused on the music and so eager to learn. We translated the tunes he hummed into colors and he could play the colors to recreate the melody on the piano. Joy was expressed in his eyes. I went home counting how many blessings I take for granted.
Thankful my son has started his first "real" job as a mechanical engineer.
Thankful for increasing my take home money in retirement. I have a new part gig which should bring in about $300 a month. Now that my son has insurance, I will save $600 a month. That is a $900 a month take home swing. I also cancel a medical massage for my hip and offers to go see a baseball game in the city. That was $500 this month I didn't spend. It all adds up.
@Mary Ann, what a gift! That you could figure out how to translate teaching music in a way that enabled that young man to play and enjoy his music
@Mary Ann, people who care about others as much as you do make the world a more beautiful place.
Thankful as always for this blog and lovely online community,
*A two day visit from an out of town friend. We have been friends since the age of 10, which is 57 years. The best thing is that no matter how long it has been since our last communication, we pick up the conversation (written or verbal) where we last left off.
*A two day visit with a nice dog. My friend brought her Australian shepherd. I am not a dog person. Thankfully, this dog is a people dog and very gentle.
*Master gardener volunteer opportunities. Somehow I misunderstood the requirements and have a June 1 deadline to get my hours completed. But there are enough projects and enough days for me to get it done.
*A happy birthday. Not everyone gets to live for 67 years so I don't take it for granted. I got lots of calls, texts, attention and pampering.
@Book Club Elaine, I'm glad you got all the love on your birthday! I'm 65 1/2 and don't take it for granted, either.
What a week for you!! I am soooooo happy for you!!!!!
And that's a very cute picture of Chiquita lounging on your (cardiac?) poster
She decided it's a cat bed. Everything is a cat bed.
@Kristen, Do you know that poem Cats Sleep Anywhere? It's so apt!
Kristen I am so happy for you!
Thankful that my daughter got her Master's Degree and will soon hopefully have a job.
Thankful that my son will be getting his MBA from Berkley and it will be a family trip to go to his graduation.
Thankful that we have the money to do this!
Thankful for the Baltimore airport to fly out of as Newark Liberty has been an absolute mess these days.. Yes we'll drive 4 hours to get there but our daughter will be on the same flight as us.
Thankful for Ozempic. It's jump started my weight loss again. I had gastric sleeve in 2021 and lost 100 pounds but then it stopped. I could stand to lose another 100 pounds but I'd be happy with 50.
BWI is a nice easy airport to fly out of!
I am thankful for the blog and for Kristen's completion of nursing school. I did cry through the post and the teariness hung on through the day. Someone asked me how I was. I kept it vague as how do you explain that you're emotional because of a your friend that you know only through a blog?
I am thankful that it appears that ALL of the inheritance issues of my dear Uncle, related to me personally seem to be complete. There is yet the probated items, but I'm going to do what I can to pass on that as I have been the one most abundantly blessed as a beneficiary by his choice.
I am thankful that the beneficiary blessings have allowed me to become debt free and I am able cut down (for now) one day of work, which means I work two days one week, three the next. Hopefully, by July, I can cut down by another day. We are so short staffed, I feel slightly guilty for doing so, but the peer I follow has been making my work life miserable and I'm getting to the point that I no longer feel responsible for putting up w her.
I am thankful that this year's Master Gardener Plant Sale will be over by this time next week. Having chaired it the past two (?) years, most of us know what to do w minimal communication or sweat as details are already in our minds. Still, much of what I need to do for myself has been put on the back burner.
I am thankful, while cleaning some yesterday, I was able to gather some things for a benefit garage sale. I have much more to go through but at this point anything done is a step in the right direction. My focal point in my home is my kitchen table and buffet and I like for them to be seasonally appropriate. Snowman theme and Christmas finally moved to Summer Lemons.
I am so touched that my story has resonated so much with you. Thank you for following along on my journey!
Congratulations !!! Am so happy for your success!!
I know you feel like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. I've followed you for years. I found you when I googled "frugal tips" and became a regular reader. I am 73 and enjoy reading what everyone posts. You have been and continue to be a blessing to me.
Yes! The constant mental buzz of, "I should be studying something more right now" is gone!
Congratulations.
I always love to read your posts.
Lol. Congratulations! Very well deserved.
I never go to the doctor, but I would consider getting sick enough to go to the hospital if I could end up on your floor. Your patients will have the best nurse
Hehe, I will consider that a high compliment!
Grateful that:
- I slept in yesterday
- I've gone ~6 months without a cold sore
- I am fairly well prepared wardrobe-wise for another very hot summer
- There are people in this world working to care for our planet
- I have a bathtub now
I’m thankful for all your posts,Kristen,and how transparent you are in describing/expressing all that you go through, whether good, sad, exciting,challenging,etc. We can relate to a lot of what you’ve experienced. We’ve learned so much from you. I’m glad you’ve finished training as a nurse. You’re the nurse every patient will want to have !
I’m thankful my husband and I have had ( and still have in the near future) a few exciting events to attend. We’re having a season of fun that we haven’t had for awhile. It’s very refreshing.
We’re both thankful for a recumbent bike we recently purchased. It’s helping us to stay active on days weather prevents us from walking or when we can’t go dancing.
I’m thankful for fresh inspiration for my watercolor painting and that I’ve been pleased with the final product of some of my efforts. I’m not always happy about the way the paintings are evolving but the last few have turned out well.
I’m thankful for a concert my husband and I can attend tonight. It should be very entertaining.
Congratulations and have a great time getting pinned!
WELL DONE Woman! Congratulations, Proud of you.
You Did It! without going into debt.
5 years older, 100% smarter, good for you.
Congratulations! It sure is a big weight lifted off your shoulders, you will do great on your NCLEX!
i am grateful for you. that my daughter's 50% attendance email in high school was an error. she has 98% attendance. that my son got into a good high school although not the one he wanted. that our nanny is recovering from surgery. that my husband is recovering from surgery nicely. that my horrible color job is growing out nicely and i had a pretty decent haircut today. the lady who cuts my hair does a nice job although it is very much shorter than i would like. but she charges me $45. when i used to pay $75 with my old stylist who moved to tamp fl, i have had my hair colored since i was 16. i had mousy brown yechy hair. but at my current age mousy brown with a bit of grey and a bit of blonde ain't (sic) so bad. super grateful that my daughter's teacher conferences were not too awful she struggles and tries very hard.
I'm thankful:
* that I have the ability to go on field trips with my kids. I went on one last week and one today. I love it!
* that nothing major was wrong with my dog yesterday. He's much more back to normal now. And I'm thankful that the vet didn't charge us an arm and a leg for it.
* for my planner to help keep all of the May craziness organized.
* for the chance to hug an old friend this week.
* for access to good books.
* that my kids have good friends.
* for all of the ways that my son's teacher makes things special. Really, all of my kids' teachers this year are great!
The passing along of items is quite commendable - it might make a difference in another nurse-2-be's life.
Don't get too sure of about not working Easter, bday, Mothers Day in the future. The calendar rotation is dependent on number of "peeps" and number of "peeps" who are not on vacation, our sick, on FMLA, STD, and/or LTD. Upside is your hospital will likely have a floater pool/temps available. So you'll not start on a team of five that became four that become three, that became two of which one is having medical issues.
So after my previous post - thankful for:
1 - living below our means for decades
2 - #1 means a visit to a highly ranked vet program is doable
3 - being Ms. Reliable at work - while I won't abuse, they are not going to burn me out. I've made that quite clear
4 - being retirement eligible at my job - means no money left of the table when I've had enough
Congratulations Kristey!
First, I wanted to say I really enjoyed your post and look forward to reading all of them. I usually don't post but I wanted to say that I know you will pass your NCLEX Examination with flying colors. You are smart and determined to success. I remember my niece going through the same things you're going through. It didn't come easy for her, but she persevered through it all and was cum laude of her graduating class. That came from never giving up on herself, when obstacles got in her way. No one said that life would be easy. She graduated December of last year. She is working at a wonderful hospital and just got her first apartment. She gives her strength to God, family, friends, teachers, and her college guidance counselors. All these people played a vital role in her life. I see the passion that you put in, both in your schoolwork and working at the hospital. You will continue to change so many lives. Congratulations again, on your accomplishments.
Biggest congratulations to you. Have followed your journey for many, many years and I just wanted to share how proud I am of you and what you have achieved.
Congratulations! And thank you for doing God’s work. Nurses are a straight up gift.
1. As of this morning, I have been cancer-free for 152 days.
2. I didn’t know this until my boss told me on Thursday because she put it into her calendar. She wanted me to be in office that day because they’re gonna have a banner and a celebration as a surprise. (No I don’t deserve her.)
3. I graduated to monthly labs!!! This was supposed to happen at the beginning of February.
4. Manicures today with my daughter.
5. After almost 2 years, I am finally getting to go on a Mommycation to my favorite place in the world tomorrow.
Just grateful and thankful for you persevering and accomplishing so much!
Hi, I want to thank you for your blog, and for following along on your journey. At just turned 62, I have decided to go to Paramedic school! you are part of that inspiration. I also have to take A&P 1 and 2, and an IV cert class (already an EMT). so it will also be a slow journey, and I may or may not even work as a paramedic after, after all, I am starting to collect Social Security!
the thing I am most worried about is the community college online system as it seems very not user friendly and a grand pain to learn.
Aww, I am so touched that I inspired you!!
My best advice about the online system: find a younger buddy who can help you figure it out. 😉
Congrats on graduating and all your hardworking and dedication Kristen!
I'm thankful ...
- That my husband is finishing up his last 2 weeks of work. Hopefully, this means more time of rest and a time of reset for him.
- That God has blessed us with much that we can have a family vacation this summer.
- That God gave me the courage to call my mother and sister in law to talk to them and see how they're doing in their new house. We're not that close so it took a lot of effort to do it. I'm hoping that our relationship with grow stronger over time.
- For the quality time I have my my girls talking to, playing games, watching movies with, encouraging them, etc.
- For the rain. Love listening to it while sleeping.
So proud of you!!!
You've come so far and you did it with grace and determination!
So glad to have met you through 20ish years ago and to see your life and family grow into this beautiful new chapter.