Thankful Thursday | for a peaceful little life
This week, I am thankful:
for my peaceful little life
You know how occasionally I have an, "I can't believe how good my life is!!" moment?
I felt like that this past Saturday; I had such a peaceful day. First, I went to the gym and then went for a walk.
I spent the rest of the day working on blog posts, listing things on my Buy Nothing group, tidying up my little house, and doing laundry.
I made myself some dinner:
And then I went to the symphony with one of my free student tickets (wearing my blue dress from eBay!)
My day was nothing crazy, nothing remarkable, but just so calm and happy. Ahhhhhh.
that someone needed my packing materials
I always keep some padded envelopes and other supplies on hand for the occasional eBay sales I make (saved from my own online orders) but since I am hardly a prolific seller, I end up with too many from time to time.
Happily, someone in my Buy Nothing group sells on Poshmark, so she came and picked up my extras. Yay!
that someone else could use the cat bed
My grandcat (ha) Crouton didn't appreciate the cat bed he had, so I tried it with our cats and neither of them wanted it either.
I listed it on my Buy Nothing group, someone picked it up, and then she shared a picture of her two adopted kittens lounging on it. Yay!
Chiquita honestly prefers her cardboard box.
that it was cool enough for some open windows
We had a merciful cold front come through last weekend, which meant I opened my windows for a bit!
Chiquita was very pleased, because a window is just as comfy as a cardboard box. And way more comfy than a cat bed, apparently.
that I got to catch a sunset
I had a free evening on one of those nice days, so I made a quick trip to the sunset park with some cantaloupe and a book.
I almost didn't go (I had a blog post that I needed to write) but then I thought, "Hmm, I can always do that after dark. And besides, what is life without little fun things like watching a sunset on a beautiful evening?"
Out-of-the-ordinary adventures, even if they are little, are part of what makes life feel rich and full.
that I got back out on the trails
The weather this summer has been so unrelentingly hot and humid, I have barely been on my trails.
But I was able to visit some of my favorites once the cold front came through. Yay!
that I got an orientation schedule
My new nurse job starts on Monday, and for the next three weeks, I'm basically on a Monday-Friday schedule with orientation, boot camp, skills days, and more.
And then starting in September, I will be working on the floor with a preceptor, and I think that's when I start with the three 12-hour shifts a week.
I'm glad to know what my life will look like for the next few weeks!
that I get my new pay rate for all these orientation hours
I went through a lot of hours of orientation to become a patient care tech (PCT) last summer, and those were not very lucrative hours because I was getting my PCT pay rate.
But these weeks of orientation will earn me more money since I get my nurse pay rate.
(Relatedly: as you read this, I will be working my very last shift as a patient care tech, and that means these are my very last low-paid hours!)
that I already passed my NCLEX
Still grateful for this!
You can start a new nurse job without having passed the NCLEX, but you don't get paid as much.
So I'm thankful for two reasons:
- higher pay
- no test hanging over my head as I start my new job
that my mint plant is recuperating
Remember how it got eaten almost into oblivion by some unknown creature?
Well, I took your advice and moved it closer to my front door, and now no one has been bothering it.
The cheap pot it's in is breaking off in chunks, though, so I really need to move it to a different pot!
that I got accepted into a BSN program
My paperwork finally all went through, I had an appointment with an enrollment counselor, and I should be set to start classes at the end of this month.
I had some important financial paperwork with a deadline this week. But my scanner stopped working and that meant I could not submit the paperwork on time.
I took a few hours to rest and relax. Then I told myself: I CAN DO THIS! and proceeded to fiddle around and, thankfully, finally got the software problem fixed. Whew! Huge relief.
So thankful for the much cooler days. Heat returns on MOnday but, one day at a time.
This was especially welcome as I had to work in my home office, that has no AC and is extremely uncomfortable when it is hot outside. Meant I was behind in a lot of the needed paperwork. The cooler weather allowed me to make up for lost time.
Amazon Fresh: They have some seriously reduced prices here and there (You do have to look around but if you know what you use/want, it goes fast.) MUCH much cheaper than even local sales prices.
For being able to participate in a healthy eating program sponsored by my insurance company. There isn't much choice and a lot of repetition and some items are definite no-nos (bacon with nitrites and nitrates? Farm raised salmon? No. Not healthy options.) but I've been able to share some of the items I don't eat with a friend.
For our local Fresh Food for Seniors Fruit/Veggie program. A bag of six items for $10 every two weeks. It's truly hit and miss, but, again, I share with my friend (I do not charge her. I just give her the items. I'm thrilled to avoid food waste.)
That the cable company finally fixed the Internet service after it was out for almost half a day. It was truly problematic not to be able to go online.
That I have Mint phone service for $15 a month, with tax and all that I need for text, talk and data. (I think I first heard of it here, through The Frugal Girl.)
That I participate in a truly helpful online woman's health group. It has terrific speakers with tons of relevant information and guidance. And truly special participants who share and are extremely knowledgeable and very good about sharing. So much of my learning to cope with some long term health side effects has come from this group. Also, two incredible social workers who lead the group with exceptional communication skills.
That I can see the end of October...it never cools down here until the last week of October and always after the World Series ends (who knows why?)
On another note, although I am sad that my wonderful couple neighbors are moving soon, I am grateful for the years we shared. I will miss them and can only hope that whoever moves in next will be as kind and neighborly.
Cats can be so picky about their cat beds - we've passed on several ones too because they were not used. The cat bed in the window sill is much loved in winter (it is over a heater) and otherwise there are always our own beds and chairs.
This week's thankfuls
-This week we had quite some rain, and mostly at night. And temperatures will back to nice and summery in the weekend.
-Looking forward to trying out some recipes in the weekend.
-Looking forward to an afternoon trip to visit a garden, with my husband.
-Feeling strong, healthy and cheerful. The daily morning swim does help a lot towards that!
-Having parts of our house back in order. There are always more chores than time, it seems. I need to keep doing chores or get overwhelmed in the end.
-Still many birds at the feeder. They know and trust me, and I could swear the blue tits go sit on the branches closer to the kitchent to get my attention, if the feeder is empty.
And yet, any old cardboard box will do just fine!
@Kristen, i was thinking Chiquita, like you, likes the simple life.
I too have been enjoying the cooler weather, what a blessing.
@JNL, the cat preferring the box over the bed makes me think of how children always enjoy a big box to play with over the item that came in it. Simplicity never gets old I guess!
@Kristen, When I was a kid my mum worked from home and once a year we would send out lots of products, which meant lots of cardboard boxes - our cats were in heaven!
@Kristen, Clark must not think he is a cat. He is curious about boxes mainly because he knows his food arrives in one, as do his treats, so every box gets inspected. But his favorite sleeping areas are chairs.
@Haley, have you seen Wired Magazine's list of 5 Best Kids Toys?
https://www.wired.com/2011/01/the-5-best-toys-of-all-time/
@WilliamB, someone else's repost of the article, without paywall
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2024/december/five-best-toys-of-all-time.html
@Kristen,
Should have added to my post that I'm thankful for Amazon boxes. I always seem to need one about the time my Amazon order shows up. I'm mailing something in a recycled one today.
There was a cartoon a couple years ago that showed cats sitting around in a conference room when they were talking about how to get more boxes into houses. I thought that was just the perfect cartoon! I think it might have been labeled something like when Amazon was new.
I'm thankful for:
* my sister is visiting. She's so fun, and the kids love her.
*a guidance counselor who worked hard to find a different class for my kid.
*modern medicine. One of my adult children was able to be a stem cell donor- he had sent in a swab after watching a video in which a couple of vloggers promoted bone marrow donations. It turned out he matched and donated. It was mostly easy - no bone drilling-more like platelet donation. Very proud of my kid, and amazed that we live in a world where this happens.
* school starts next week. I know I'll get anxious and it'll be stressful, but we need a routine. Summer vacation has become a little stale.
@mbmom11, Your last sentence made me smile, and nod emphatically in agreement. It always ends this way, doesn't it?
@mbmom11, my adult son was a match for bone marrow, which did involve bone drilling. He only took two days off, regretfully and was in pain while working, luckily from home. Good for your child and mine!!!
This week I am thankful for:
I now have a fully functional stove/kitchen! I haven't actually cooked anything on the stove top yet, but perhaps tonight!
My veggie box from a local farm. Lots of veggies and ideas for meals.
My ability to sell/gift things I no longer need. I got the sweetest message from the lady who bought my old.air.fryer. She said she had roasted meat, baked potatoes and was baking a pie when she sent the message.
My partner/ husband.
My mom, she's 85 and still going strong!! She has slowed down some, but she is always up for an adventure!
As always, I'm thankful for this page and the community you have built!!
I've really had to think this week, but I have come up with some...
The kindness of strangers - I was transporting the free to me pavers from house to allotment and one of my allotment neighbours helped to carry from my car to my plot.
My mother in law - she is an amazing 91 y.o. We did a bbq on Saturday for her and she was so appreciative. It wasn't anything fancy, but I think you enjoy food so much more when someone else prepares it for you.
A reliable car - I had to travel this week for work (3.5 hours each way and overnight stay) and it was no problem in my trusty little Fiesta.
Family and friends including the fur babies - always
That blue dress is a show stopper!
One of my favorite books is Mary Renault's "The Persian Boy." Just before the harrowing final fourth of the novel (it's historical fiction, so there are technically no spoilers), the main characters have an idyllic lull. The first-person narrator thinks themselves "Something told me 'Carve this moment upon your heart.'" I've always loved that line and think of it when having truly superb days. Kristen, I'm so glad you're having more and more of them, gifting yourself sunsets and music.
Congrats on getting into the BSN program! Our professor out of the blue asked everyone in the class who was going into nursing, and then proceeded to advise them to get their RN, get a job, and then the hospital would pay for the BSN degree. Good advice.
I'm thankful:
For a very supportive family. I've said this before, but I never take it for granted. Especially after a classmate who I text with told me that she appreciates having a 'school buddy' since nobody at home understands what she's studying or doing. (Or why.) She has young kids and a husband who is not quite as supportive about her going back to school, so I am extra grateful for my situation.
That I'm getting stronger on my bike. I do two "long" rides a week and a couple of shorter ones, and I can now pedal up the steeper hills, rather than get off and walk up.
That while on a bike ride I was able to help a lady get her dog back. Her dog bolted away from her yard, and she was using a walker and couldn't chase after him and he wasn't listening--but having a stranger holler at him to "go home" apparently did the trick.
That DS#3 passed his driver's test! We have five licensed drivers now. And, DH points out proudly, "only" four cars. DS#1 and DS#2 own their own cars, and we will sign the car that DS#3 learned on over to him, and then DH and I share a truck. I can carpool with DS#2 when we have classes together, or use the truck when I have a class on my own.
That as I suspected, a lot of my psychology knowledge is coming back to me. Most of what I'm reviewing and studying for the CLEP, I remember from my undergrad days.
Kristen, I'm so glad you're enjoying your peace and your various successes. Goodness knows you deserve them.
I'm thankful this week that the antibiotics seem to have cleared up Betty cat's upper respiratory infection. She and I are both now eagerly waiting for normal lower-GI functioning to be restored, if you catch my drift. 🙂
@A. Marie, so glad to hear that Betty is doing to be okay. She might need some Fortiflora probiotic in her food if the her innards don't settle down.
My Demon Puppy with the sensitive stomach gets a little duck-flavored probiotic treat most days and it really helps her.
@Ruby, thanks for the probiotic suggestion. If things in her lower-GI department don't simmer down in the next day or so, I'll look into this.
Also, two thankfuls I forgot earlier: I got out of a routine dental exam/cleaning on Monday without any suggestions for further work on my teeth (fillings, crowns, implants, etc.). And I got out of the Element's state inspection and oil change this morning without any suggestions for further automotive work (always a possibility with a 16-year-old vehicle; long live Nellybelle!).
@A. Marie, I was in traffic behind an older but immaculate Element yesterday and thought of you. Long live the senior Hondas!
@A. Marie,oh my goodness I had a dental cleaning/check up Monday. It was the first time in 5 years my teeth were OK and I did not have to come back or go somewhere else for further work. I felt like going right out and buying a lottery ticket.
--For a nice day out with my younger two kids yesterday. My older two had to be at school doing county fair stuff, and the younger two had been wanting to go to the (tiny) dinosaur museum again that I took them to a couple of years ago. I had to go to town for a couple of unavoidable errands, so they came with me and we went to the museum, I got them a doughnut and some lunch, and I got all my errands done with their help. I very rarely take my younger children with me for things like this, because of the distance, and they were quite amusingly enthralled with the very minor entertainments of this town. Little country mice, for sure.
--For the storm moving around us last night that blew some cooler air in just as I was trying to get to sleep. We didn't get any rain, but at least the heat was reduced a little bit.
--That my husband was finally able to get to the dump yesterday. We did some clean-up on our property and had a trailer full of stuff to be dumped, including several tires. He finally got to the dump to get the trailer unloaded, and now I don't have to see those tires anymore.
--That my eldest son thoroughly cleaned our shop. This is a pretty large room off our porch with all the tools and all, and it is one of the few places I do not clean or organize, because I never use it. It's always a terrible mess, and it drives me crazy, but it's not my stuff and the people who do use it are the ones who need to clean it so they know where everything is. Our eldest uses it more than his dad these days, and he finally spent the full day it took to organize and clean it. We paid him for this, and it was totally worth it. And I feel much calmer now when I go in there to feed the dogs. 🙂
--For my always-surprising middle son. He decided that he wanted to do carved stone for his county fair project this year. There is no category for this in the open class exhibits, because no one does it, but he figured it out with his dad's help. It took him days to shape the large stone, make a stencil, and chisel out the letters he chose. He finished it with a lime wash in the letters to make them stand out more, and it's really neat. I doubt anyone will appreciate the amount of work that went into it, but he had fun, learned a lot, and is very proud of the result, which is the whole point of the fair projects.
@kristin @ going country, I'm with you 100% about disorganized dirty rooms that you don't use. It's almost painful, isn't is?
@WilliamB, Yup. And irritating.
So often I think of "peace" as the opposite of war, but peace in our own lives sometimes seems just as difficult to achieve. I'm glad you are smart enough to appreciate it. I think this little gratitude exercise helps me establish a little of that in my life.
This week I am thankful:
*for my kids. That they talk to us.
*for National Night Out. My kids enjoy it, and I saw the funniest thing that belonged in a viral video or something. Two very cute little toddler twins were being pulled around in a wagon by their parents. One had already succumbed to exhaustion, and the other was bravely and comically fighting it. When he realized his brother was already asleep, he did everything his tired little self could do to wake him up, too. It's probably one of those "you had to be there" moments, but it was a silly joy!
*for (finally) the first zucchini from our garden.
*for the hummingbird visiting my flower bed.
*for those crazy kittens we have. Their antics are a delight.
*that my husband made it through the sermon and graveside service of his friend. He asked another pastor to help with the liturgy, and that worked out very well. I'm also thankful for the kindness of everybody toward our friend's widow and children.
*that our friend did not have a major reaction to being stung by at least 20 yellow jackets. He's not comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, but it could have been so much worse.
*for this cup of coffee. It's a good one.
*that Karen A. posted about her education experiences. In addition to blowing my mind, it's made me think about my own future. I still have 9 years of homeschooling to finish, but I've started thinking about the after time. I have looked at some graduate school programs, and I realize I have few (if any) professors alive who would remember me to write a recommendation. I'm not sure grad school is the route I will go, but even looking for employment I may be well-qualified for could be tricky. I've got time to think about it, and I'm thankful I've been made aware of some possible challenges.
*for the good folks in Lindsey's life right now. I've been wanting to reply to previous comments, but time.....
@Jody S., It's a good time to start thinking about it...I wish I'd started a few years earlier, but honestly, waiting until now made sense. In a way I'm starting from scratch--an associate's degree after getting a Master's in a different field--but that actually makes it easier. I didn't need any recommendations, really, just transcripts and to take a test. So "retraining" has been easier than my earlier thoughts, going for a PhD or another Master's. Plus I'll be very employable, hopefully!
@Jody S., "Finally the first zucchini"! I got one (only one!)(1!) a few weeks ago and then nothing but yellow summer squash. I broke down and bought a half dozen zucchini yesterday. (Hanging head in shame.) I honestly don't understand this. I'm usually complaining about too many zucchini and leaving bags of them on the neighbors' porches.
@JDinNM, Well, our garden got in sooooo late, so that's why we are just now enjoying.
Kristen, I’m so happy for you that your life has become so beautiful ! Your thankful list is quite full today. 🙂
I’m so glad we’ve had some cooler, less humid, days this week. My husband and I have been able to do our daily walks again which means less achy joints and more energy. Our little pup, Wally, is also happy to get these walks with us. He doesn’t do well in the heat.
I’m thankful for my husband’s cardiologist. So far the tests have been unremarkable so the tachycardia spells are still a mystery. But husband is feeling good and has good energy to do walks , dancing and morning stretches as usual. We’re both so thankful.
This week I am thankful:
- for the unseasonably cooler weather. It's been so nice to be able to go outside in August and not have a heat stroke
- that both kids and grandbaby came over for dinner last night. It's always so nice to be able to get together with them
- that the handyman came to do a few things around the house. I'm especially happy about the peephole in the door
- that our son is going with us on vacation to the beach this next week.
- that our son's best friend is going to pet sit for us while we are on vacation. Our dog will be happier at home than being boarded.
For you, I'm thankful that you have built such a peaceful and beautiful life.
For me, I'm particularly thankful that I went to a retirement party where I got to see so many friends and colleagues at the organization where I worked for 40 years. I've been retired for six years.
* I had the best time with the baseball weekend with my family. Very rainy, but so fun
*My son & nephew fixed my dryer (I am thankful for the spare dryer in our garage apartment, but was getting tired of all the schlepping) & cut down some big branches that were making it hard to see from my driveway
* For a group of friends who have been together for almost 30 yrs. Several came on Friday to see my son & his wife & to very quietly celebrate my birthday
*For the gift of 60 yrs. My husband was 58 when he died (I was 52) & it’s difficult to wrap my brain around being older than him now. But, I am determined to live joyfully & big enough for both of us
*It’s trite- but, oh this weather!! So, so grateful for the lower temps/humidity & open windows
Someone once told me that cats only like cat beds when there is very little humidity in the air....since they get too static in their fur.
As a single woman, remember how crucial it is to maximize your retirement contributions in whatever plan your employer offers. You never miss the pre-tax money; and then, in retirement, you have a good chance that every day can be as peaceful as the one you described in your post.
@Bell N,
Amen! Retirement is a huge consideration.
Another thing to think about is the fact that a lot of employers find ways to get rid of you prior to your full retirement age....often after 40 or 50. So don't sit there and plan on making X amount of dollars, based on your current income, when you're older. I know they're not supposed to engage in age discrimination, but I promise you it happens. A LOT! (I've known incredibly good -- almost perfect -- employees who suddenly had ridiculous made-up complaints put into their personnel files, and this allowed the employer to let them go. So they were suddenly jobless. As my neighbor Ray once said, employers know simple math: they can get two 22-year-olds for the price of one 44-year-old. Sadly, the employers don't care about you.) Instead of being middle management, you may be waiting tables, sacking groceries or flipping burgers. Plan for this sad eventuality by having a side hustle and/or saving/investing like crazy.
And also very important: if you folks can swing it, don't take Social Security too early. If you KNOW you won't live long bc you have serious chronic conditions, then it's OK to take it at 62. But remember you'll only get HALF each month of what you'd get if you wait until Full Retirement Age, which is older than 65 now. (My company pensions kicked in at 65, but SS doesn't start until you're older.) Don't start at 65, wait the extra several months for FRA. Every year you delay after hitting FRA is 8% a year more. Even better, delay until 70 bc then you'll get the most bang for your buck.
Being in reasonably good health, I waited until 70 for SS in order to get the most $$ every month...and I am very, very glad I did. I had to sacrifice for 3 1/2 years (low-paying jobs + small company pensions) but now that I started getting delayed SS benefits, I'm getting a bit more than $300 extra every month (=$3,600 a year more), and that helps a LOT. Clark Howard, Dave Ramsey and several other financial gurus recommend waiting until 70 (providing you don't think you're going to croak anytime soon) -- I'm glad I took their advice!
Having to do without a bit of money (that is saved/invested/put into a retirement account) when you are young or middle-aged will pay off in spades when you get older.
We didn't get weather cool enough to open windows or turn off the a/c, but the high 90's and low 100's are gone - for now anyway - and I am grateful for that!
I'm also thankful....
1. That we all enjoyed our trip to the island, no one got hurt, sunburnt or sick, and we all made it back home safely.
2. That my husband's nephew, who, like me, is just 3 years younger than DH, survived a major heart attack just after having a surgery recently. Thank heavens he was still in the hospital when it happened! He is recovering and the outlook is good, so far, for full recovery.
3. That although we couldn't get my new generator to start (!!!), my younger daughter played with it and figured out the problem. It turns out, one should NOT follow the directions exactly as written. They left out one tiny step. And I'm thankful that my son-in-law, who set it all up correctly but couldn't get it to start, was not in the least put out that his sister-in-law figured it out instead. He was just relieved to find out it works. In his defense, my generator starts differently than his generator starts, but similar to my daughter's generator.
4. That when I got home from the vacation, it was to find my little brick pond with the fountain in it now has more fish - there are little orange and white babies in with the older goldfish. We've only had that happen in this pond once before, several years ago.
5. That my office had a meeting with an advisor from the company that holds our IRA, with free lunch. The advisor gave me time alone with him to look at planning my retirement. He also offered to walk through it with me when I go from paycheck to just SS next year, and gave me some good advice to use for now.
@JD, good financial advice is indeed cause for thanks.
Also, your #5 prompts me to tell this story: My financial advisor's administrative assistant called recently to set up a September appointment for our usual discussion of my investment accounts, etc. Among other things, she said (a bit worriedly, I thought), "Are you sure you're taking out ENOUGH money?" I enjoyed NDN1's CF's comment on this: "They don't know who they're dealing with." (I probably will take out a bit more next year in view of the economic outlook, but I made it a personal challenge this year to try to get by on a rock-bottom minimum--and so far, I'm squeaking through.)
I enjoyed reading about your party lifestyle this week 😉
I am grateful for a really lovely family visit with my husband's aunts and uncles last weekend. His parents hosted us all and it was a great time.
That is a lot to be thankful for!
1) DH & I had a really nice evening, sitting outside & catching up over a glass of wine. While I try to avoid wine on weekdays, he lost his father over the weekend, and he is more of a "hold things in" person, than a "share how i'm feeling". I wasn't going to pass up the advantage to spend time with him.
2) I went to the office for a couple of meetings, and I'm grateful that I can usually WFH. This is especially important, as 95% of my meetings happen with people not in my office. It saves me about 75 minutes a day to not commute.
3) Last time I went to the office, there weren't any healthy meals options. Yesterday, there were a plethora of choices, and I felt very lucky. Greek yogurt, bananas (at the perfect level of ripeness, no less) & salads.
4) For a delicious meal. I made a chicken curry on Tuesday night, and it was so, so delicious. I love it when an easy meal turns out to be fantastic. I prepped the meat & veggies ahead of time, so the actual hands on meal time during dinner was very quick.
5) DS18 referred DS19 to his part-time evening/weekend job, now that he's heading off for college. No idea if it will work out (DS19 is way more introverted than DS18 & this is a customer facing role), but it's great for him to get a chance.
@Hawaii Planner, Ahh ... A banana "at the perfect level of ripeness" is a thing of (definitely fleeting) beauty!
@Hawaii Planner, I'm sorry for the loss of your father-in-law - if I'm recalling correctly, I think his family is overseas? So that must be an added difficulty. I'm sure that gift of an extra evening of catching up and being together was a comfort to your husband (& you)
@Hawaii Planner,
Sorry for the loss of you FIL.
And you spending the extra time with him during this difficult time. When my (now Ex) FIL died unexpectedly my (now Ex) husband was in a place I never seen him in before. He was never more vulnerable. As I'm sure your husband is (also).
My cats I had as a kid always spurned cat beds! They preferred sleeping on our beds haha!
1. I'm thankful that I didn't have any cavities when I went to the dentist yesterday. Last time I was at risk for some, so I stopped drinking soda almost entirely and it seems to have helped!
2. I had a really fun solo trip to the cinema to see Superman. I don't go to the cinema very often and I don't usually watch superhero stuff, but it was a lot of fun and I really loved Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane (she's also incredible as Mrs Maisel!) I did have soda and popcorn there but that's all part of the experience 😉
3. I'm thankful that I went to the gym yesterday, despite not really wanting to, and it being less tough than I feared - I didn't go over summer so was afraid of losing gains.
4. I'm thankful to someone who helped me in the library.
5. I'm thankful that I was able to go home for a few weeks and have a relaxing summer!
I'm so thankful you are so happy and having such a peaceful life. You deserve it for sure.
Thankful for your new job as well.
I'm thankful for today as I'm spending the day with my 3 year old great granddaughter!!
I, too, am thankful for my simple life. I know how fortunate I am to be at this place in my life.
I'm thankful the growth on my dog's gum disappeared, without needing surgery. We took him for a pre-surgery appt and it was gone. The vet said sometimes they do fall off by themselves (It was a benign overgrowth of gum tissue.)
I'm thankful our house remains cool even though we've been in a very unusual August heat wave.
Thankful for all the vegetables the garden is currently producing -- I picked our first broccoli yesterday and have been able to share some things with friends.
That finally I have a fully working stove. It took 7 months, 3 stoves, and about a dozen visits. I can't say this strongly enough: don't buy Fulgor Milano appliances (owned by Pinnacle) and don't buy from AJ Madison.
For my dog in the morning, who wants nothing more than to jump in bed to cuddle. And for the fact he doesn't want to sleep there.
For my house. I love how well it's organized, with (almost) everything having a place and in its place; makes my life easier and less aggravating not to hunt all over the place for what I need.
For my bedroom, which is so serene, with its blue-gray walls, white trim, doorways lined up to make an interesting series of rectilinear shapes, and the view of several green backyards. I wish I could show you a picture.
For my office with its huge desk and generous storage. Everything I need is in reach or two steps away. I didn't have a dedicated office space in my old house so it took me 15 min just to get my supplies and files to the dining table first.
You are the Frugal Girl and Chiquita is the Frugal Cat bc she prefers a cardboard box to a possibly not-so-frugal pet bed, LOL! You trained her well!
Thanks for the beautiful photo of the sunset, and all the nature photos; seeing them is like taking a mini-vacation, at least for a moment.
Congrats on your new job/pay bump, your passing the exam, and your acceptance into the BSN program. (Boy, are you a glutton for punishment! No sooner do you finish one school than you start another....isn't that like jumping out of the frying pan and into the fire?) I wish I had your stamina!
My thankfuls:
Money in the bank.
My new roof.
Mr. Snuggley-Wuggley Dog.
Getting the flooring material before it sells out.
Air conditioning!
Oh, and I got my first few substitute teaching assignments already.
my cats also do not like cat beds. Both of mine prefer a plastic bin that is under my bed. They would fight over it, so I bought another and now they both sleep under there more than anywhere else. Occasionally, they both will like a nylon teepee like thing.
I'm thankful that my dad's bloodclot in his leg is much smaller. They will check it again in two weeks.
Thankful that some heart tests I had done yesterday all came back with great results.
Thankful for these cool days after the misery that was SC's weather for a few weeks.
What a very exciting time of your life! YAY FOR YOU!! ALL THAT HARD WORK PAYS OFF!!!
I love the water near your home. .that you can just walk to it, such Joy! I live in Arizona, we have many man made lakes and some rivers, but I have to drive to get to them..still, at least I can..
Sending you lots of hugs as you get ready for this new start!!
Good luck in your new job!
-thoughtful friends: I’m going through a divorce and so many friends across the miles and local checkin on me through the week.
-buy nothing freebies: as I prepare to move cross country I am collecting a few items that can either serve multiple purposes, or help me process this season.
-littles: snuggles from friends kids, smiles, and laughter are truly the best medicine.
Odd jobs: being unemployed is difficult but I have been able to pickup a little work here and there and every little bit helps!
-free plants: having plants in my space helps my mood.
-library: love the opportunity to read a lot and it sure helps the budget!
@Colleen,
I am glad your friends are supporting you in this difficult time!
@Colleen, good luck on the cross-country move and changes - greenery and books help my mood too; it's nice to have some of these helps around you, along with your good friends!
I’m thankful my family and I took advantage of the cooler weather last weekend. It’s already back to nearly 90F and forecasted to stay there the next week.
The hot weather will give daughter and I one last chance to go swimming before school starts. I’m thankful I can take advantage of one of my least favorite things (heat) for two of my most favorite things (swimming and my daughter).
My son and I took tennis lessons together. He told me he enjoyed the time together. I’m grateful my 16yo still likes to spend time with me!
School is starting next week. I’m grateful for this one last year of walking my youngest to school. It will be weird to walk by the neighborhood school and no longer have any kids there. After this school year, we’ll have to find another reason to walk and talk regularly.
Yesterday, I had a dentist appointment. I’m thankful for the luck of genetics and the privilege of regular dental care that have given me 48years of very good teeth! Hopefully, I have many more to come.
Our dog benefitted from cats not accepting certain beds. When we got him as a puppy a neighbor offered a similar bed that her cats had rejected as they preferred human beds. Although the dog is much larger now he still curls up and naps in it. Glad you found cats who like it.
Today I’m thankful for -
- The warmer weather we are finally having. Summer may have finally arrived in the East Bay of CA.
- Our ability to purchase healthy and tasty food and that it is available.
- Seeing butterflies and hummingbirds around the neighborhood.
- Access to so many books through our library system.
- My healthy immune system and access to vaccinations as not everyone is so fortunate. I was slightly ill for a couple of days but bounced back.
Congratulations!!
Kristen and that blue dress...so pretty!
Simple thankful this week. My nephew and his joy in helping on my farm. The drenching rains, cut down on the dusty air and ever present fire dangers. My happy garden, the county fair starts today and I entered my crazy pup in a herding competition.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl,
when will your nephew be leaving to go back home? Enjoy the fair, ours starts Sunday through next weekend.
I'm (prematurely) thankful it's supposed to only be 99 degrees today, instead of the 102 degrees it reached yesterday, when the weather app on my phone said it's 102 degrees "but it feels like only ... 102".
Yeah for the next chapter of your life! 🙂
The mint plant will recoup & soon you'll have plenty of mint. Just beware that it does need at least part time sun or it will start to die. The mint plant on my back deck (only one plant closer to house & under umbrella shade) is half the size of the other mint plant that is in more sun.
Thankful that my dad is feeling good, though still tires as he thinks he can do more than he should.
Thankful for a late birthday gift from a neighbor/friend. I collect & use vintage A & W rootbeer glass mugs & neighbor found baby mug I didn't have. 🙂
Thankful had enough stash gifts to put together neighbor/friend upcoming birthday (reused the gift bag given for my gift).
Thankful ALWAYS for rescue dogs. 🙂
Thankful for a few days without Canadian wildfire smoke. I was able to get some weeding done & work on cleaning up an area I want to be different. Cutting grass in interval times because I start hacking & have difficulty breathing. I always look outside now before going out to see if I can see (physically) the smoke in the neighbor back yard.
Thankful teen keeping busy on side gig of making money in addition to part time job. Teen likes seeing savings grow. 🙂 Plus needs money for gas since Mom doesn't pay for gas anymore.
Thankful teen spending time with friends (in between job schedule) before all go to start college. Even helping each other pick up furniture for dorm room(s).
Thankful my bills paid for month.
Thankful for Gas Buddy that showed me gas going up $0.30+/gallon. Already went up to $3.39 in my town but still $3.05 at has station few miles away in next area. Not looking forward to $0.30/gallon increase October 1st due to state gas tax increase.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we can learn & share with each other.
Have a great weekend. <3
I normally don’t post here since most my grateful moments are related to health and I don’t imagine they are very interesting for others but this week writing my five frugal things I felt so thankful so this is a continuation of that.
I’m so very thankful that I had the luck to get so many pieces of the teak shelving and cabinets we already have. More storage in the basement and finishing our living room has been weighing heavily as there has been a complete chaos in the house for several months. Not to mention in my mind as I have tried to find a solution both we can afford and is durable and sustainable.
For all the «free» time I’ve had this week when I don’t feel the need to scour Facebook marketplace all the time looking for shelving and all that.
For finally meeting a friend I haven’t seen since Easter.
For an unexpected burst of energy that let me get several small things off my to do-list.
And lastly that even though I’m very much a knitter on the novice level I manage to make things that’s practical and useful (re: frogging a headband that turned out to small and using the yarn to knit leg warmers). Sleeping with wool makes my RLS (restless legs syndrome) less severe and I can decrease the medicine. Not to mention 100% wool is so expensive and nearly impossible to find in stores these days. So thankful for this skill, however limited it is.
Yay for such beautiful life!
Thankfuls:
-reconnecting with an old friend after 15 years of each of us living life. How sweet are the friendships that can pick up where they left off!
-Fun week! Each week this summer has had a theme, and while we’ve had fun before this, this week week has been filled with intentionally picked fun and games, and it’s been a blast (and so exhausting) to play hard with my kids.
-life. It’s been hard, wearying at times, but it is so very worth it to live fully. So that is my continued aim.
So many wonderful things - and that blue dress looks AMAZING on you! Chiquita is also the adorable-est in her box.
Thank you for this: "Out-of-the-ordinary adventures, even if they are little, are part of what makes life feel rich and full" because I think I needed that reminder!
I'm grateful for so many things - but mostly because I've set a date [in 161 days!] to leave the 'JobIHate' and semi-retire [I'll still have a small salary from a small time commitment gig I *don't* hate] without too much financial strain
That Chiquita is so photogenic! You should enter her photos in some kind of contest!
Thankful for:
-Rain! We have been very hot and dry for the last 6 weeks or so… enough that things were getting brown and crunchy. Thankfully we have had a lot of rain for the last four days.
-Greening grass as a result of the rain!
-Friends who are there when times are rough. We’ve been going through a very difficult family situation and several friends have been texting/calling daily to encourage us and see how they can help.
- A quiet morning this morning, free of drama, and with a coffee from my favorite coffee shop.
This week I am thankful for:
• The road trip I took this week. My best friend and I took our boys from Minneapolis to Memphis and visited lots of sights along the way. It was very busy but we all had a great time.
• Our tour guide at Sun Studios was amazing! He let my son play a guitar in the exact same spot that Evis recorded. My son is a new guitar player and was VERY nervous, but it’s a memory he’ll have forever.
• The library! When I look back at everything I have checked out so far this year I am so thankful to have this resource available to us.
• Fantastic weather on our trip. It was hot and humid but we had sunny skies every day.
• Being home – it was nice to wake up in my own bed with my husband and pups.
-- OMG, I'm so thankful to be retired and have free time to do things. Last week I went and visited my son in his new apartment and was able to create curtains for him that I mailed to him and he's already hung up. Tomorrow I'm going to see my 96-year-old friend who I try to see once a month. I'm so happy to have the time and the resources to do these few little things.
-- I'm thankful I've made new friends at the senior center. Being retired you don't have the connection to your old work co-workers like you used to. So it's nice to make new friends but it is harder did you get older. I go to my local Senior Center two to three days a week and I've met a lot of nice people and made a few good friends. The social part of going there is almost as important as the exercise classes I take.
-- I'm thankful that we've had a recent break from the incredibly hot weather here in arkansas. It helps me to remember that fall is on the way. And fall is my favorite time of the year!
I never knew peaceful days until I started a new single life. I love them now.
I understand this so much.
Oh boy, I feel your point about a peaceful little life. I am so grateful for my life. After COVID, then two years of long-distance commuting, and then two years of cancer treatment, I feel like, maybe, the universe is going to let me loose. I was telling a friend that I feel like I am waking up for the first time in five years. This week I am particularly thankful . . .
-That our business has gone from us almost closing the doors a year ago to thriving. I think the turnaround is due to luck and my husband and I starting to get past the fear and stress of my cancer treatment. You can't be creative and hustle--necessities to running a successful business--if you are struggling to survive.
-That I don't have to quit a career I love for a better paying job. This time last year I was thinking I might have to give up the flexibility and creative energy I need in my soul if the business failed. I've spent years building an academic career. I love it so much. But it does not pay well.
-That our family has gotten to enjoy this lovely cool week on Virginia's eastern shore splashing in the bay, catching hermit crabs, and reading books. We've been zipping around on a golf cart and getting ice cream. Yesterday was drizzly, so we just stayed comfortably at home until the evening when we took a long walk along the beach. Peaceful indeed.
-That we are on the cusp of sending our daughter to a better school. Our sweet girl has a range of developmental and behavioral disabilities, and despite having an IEP in place since she was three years old, experienced a level of stress at school last year that resulted in seizures. We've gotten her placed at a private school that specializes in her disabilities and hired an advocate to help us have the school system place her. I want peace for her and for our whole family, and a school that meets her where she is at is our best bet.
@Amanda in VA, I hope that you are able to place your daughter in a school that will meet her needs. It is so important and yet do difficult to do.
That picture of Chiquita in the box made me laugh out loud!
Here's my Thankful post:https://practicalwalk.com/2025/08/07/thankful-post-2/
"Living large." Sometimes just going to the consignment shop downtown is like a vacation destination for me.
I am thankful my bank is on top of things. I got a notice on my phone and then an email that someone was trying to take advantage of my debit card. I thought it was kinda scammy, only to have the card denied this morning when I tried to fill up w gas. I am thankful I was able to use my paid off credit card to get the gas anyway and it does have cashback advantage. Called the bank to find out that someone in New York (said like the Old el Paso Salsa commercial) tried to buy Broadway tickets for$500+. I'm left wondering what they wanted to see and maybe I would have liked it, too? (I have zero desire to go to NY.) The caveat is changing EVERYTHING to a new card when it gets here. I am thankful nothing was taken from my bank account.
I am thankful for trash pick-up. There is something cathartic about having trash removed from your life. Our recycling gets picked up every other week and I got off track for a month so it was a relief to get that gone. The cats would have had a heyday as I had a bunch of boxes that I had been saving for items to be purged. Never happened and gave up and "purged" the boxes. I can always save them closer to the actual time.
I am thankful for the community support my friends who suffered the tragedy last week are receiving. I was afraid detail would narrow down location, but I am going to share that this family had a gas explosion and fire that totaled their home. The Farmer/UPS Driver was horribly burned after heroically pulling his wife from the fire, moving her vehicle and then hosing himself down. He was quickly flown to a burn center from our local hospital and has begun the arduous and painful treatment that will be for at least two months. This includes surgery twice a week to remove burn tissue and replace with grafts as he heals. Thank you for your prayers.
@Chrissy, prayers for quick recovery from the physical injuries. Prayers for recovery from the mental injuries of the trauma. Thank you for sharing.
That blue dress looks stunning on you!
Glad you've enjoyed extra peaceful personal time lately!
Kristen, it brings me much happiness that you are at this peaceful stage of life. You have had many trials and have earned this. Life will only continue to get better from here forward- I just know it!!
What is the advantage to the BSN? (Or what is the difference.) I'm not in the medical field. But 20+ years ago, I went to a wedding where the groom was a doctor and the bride was a nurse. The bride's mom wanted to make sure that I knew she was a "second degree nurse", meaning she had a regular bachelor's degree in something, then got her RN. I was supposed to be impressed - but I am always impressed by nurses. I don't know the difference! (I do also have a friend who has RN, NP, and now a PhD...)
That picture of Chiquita in the box reminds me of the comedy pet photography awards. I am grateful for pictures of other people's pets 🙂
I am also grateful for:
- Friends who reach out from across the world.
- A call with my mom.
- Not having to make dinner last night.
- Employment.
Thankful for this group. Thankful for the opportunity to see different parts of my state and NM for my job. It makes me appreciate where I live. Thankful I don't live where humidity is normal. Bless those of you that it is normal. Thankful my family is healthy, no chronic illness. Prayers to those who deal with them regularly. Thankful for hearing others share their blessings. It reminds me how blessed I am. Thankful for my dog care provider. She loves them as her own. I had to stay another day away and she had no problem with that.