Thankful Thursday | for an accidental email
This week, I am thankful:
that the college testing email was an accident
I got a notification yesterday telling me that I would have to send proof of a negative test every week before going on campus, despite having all my shots.
I was like, "REALLY??" That would mean I'd have to find three Covid tests every week before Sonia, Zoe, and I could go on campus. That would be a serious headache (they're sold out everywhere), and expensive to boot.
But as it turns out, the notification was a glitch in the system. Whew.
Our uploaded vaccine cards are still sufficient, and I am thankful.
that more snow is maybe coming
I checked my weather app this morning and saw that maybe there will be another snowstorm coming around the weekend.
I would be pretty happy if the skies graced us with another round of snow, so here's hoping!
for my dear sister-in-law who invites me out
When my friend Mia lived here, she was always so good at initiating adventures and get-togethers. So ever since she moved to Ohio, there has been a hole in my life (in many ways!).
But my new sister-in-law turns out to be a good socializing initiator as well! And I love to hang out with her, so I say yes every time. Ha.
I also really appreciate that she and I share our Christian faith, so we are both able to encourage each other in our walks with the Lord.
I regularly tell my brother how much I appreciate that he married her. 😉
for the beauty of the outdoors
The other morning I was out on a walk and I stopped on part of the road that is lined with evergreens. Looking at up them, I could feel my shoulders relaxing as I took a deep breath to smell the pine. There's something about the outdoors that is just very soothing.
for the people who made community access sites on the river
As I was walking, I was feeling grateful for the people who had the foresight to set aside some waterfront land for everyone in the neighborhood. It is so nice that even those of us without waterfront property can go down to the riverside and enjoy the views.
What a gift!
for my squirrel-repeller
It's almost nesting season again for squirrels, so I got out my handy-dandy squirrel repeller and reinstalled it in my van's engine compartment.
This little gadget has saved my van from wire-chewing attacks for years now, and I am just so thankful that I don't have to be nervous every time I try to start my van during nesting season.
(If you're new here, I had repeated issues with squirrels building nests in my van and chewing my wires. Once, I even found three live baby squirrels in there!)
I really appreciate that this is a non-toxic, non-polluting solution to my squirrel issues. It just uses light and high-pitched sounds to keep them out of my engine compartment.
This is the rodent-repeller model that I have. 10/10, all the gold stars possible! Buy one if you have engine rodent issues!
that Zoe is finally signed up for her first college class
She and I gave each other a big high five once we finished. There were two placement tests, lots of forms, and a special approval process to go through since she won't be sixteen until a few weeks into the semester, but we hung in there and got it all done.
Yay!
I'm very happy that Sonia, Zoe, and I are all registered, paid in full, and that we have our books* in hand as well.
*lucky me, my book from A&P 1 is the same one we use in A&P 2! You do the first half of the book in A&P1 and the second half in A&P2.
that I was able to get S & Z into the same college class
They both wanted to take horticulture, and I was a little worried that the class would be full before Zoe and I made it through the college onboarding process. But happily, she's in. Whew.
for my readers
I was thinking yesterday how many fun and interesting people are here; there are so many of you that I have gotten to know through the comments here, and I wish I could meet all of you!
If it were possible, I'd take a tour around the U.S. and pop in to have coffee with everyone. I could head up to New York to meet Rose and A. Marie, and then go up to Maine to visit Trish and stay in her cabin, and once I finished meeting all my U.S. readers, I could travel to meet Efterpi over in Greece, and F in Paris, and Lea in Germany, and many more!
One can dream.
Anyway, it would be lovely to actually meet all of you, but in lieu of that, I'm glad we can all meet up here, online!
I fully second your comment about your readers! I think this is the only blog where I feel part of an online community, so to speak. Such fun, knowledgeable and above all respectful people
I fully second your comment about your readers Kristen! It does feel like an online community. I love how thoughtful, witty and insightful people are responding.
This week I am thankful for our health and our friendships. And most of all I am thankful that my sibling with schizofrenia, who sadly relapsed in the past months, has now be taken into (forced admission) care and will get treatment. How easy it is to take for granted that your mind and body are working as they should.
I am reminded of Jack London's Call of the Wild where a man is sitting by the fire, the wolves drawing ever nearer, and in his peril he is marveling at the wondrous way his body is put together and how he always took that for granted.
@J NL, Sending strengthening thoughts to your sibling and your family.
@J NL, You're right-we shouldn't take it for granted; I'm glad your sibling is getting help, and has a loving family
@J NL, I will be thinking of you, your sibling and the rest of your family. So glad treatment is at hand.
@J NL,
I don't have any useful advice to offer about schizophrenia, but I did read a book called Hidden Valley Road, about a family with ten boys and two girls, where six of the boys were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Ooof. Recommended to anyone.
A dear friend of mine from high school is struggling with his schizophrenic son. Talk about a nightmare diagnosis--the book helped me understand a little more about what he's going through.
@Rose, I was just going to comment that I am currently reading Hidden Valley Road. It's fascinating, but also sad. I'm about 75-80% completed. I wonder how it will end.
Caveat: This book needs a trigger warning for child s3xual abuse. Don't read it if this is a trigger for you because it's mentioned several times.
@Kayla, great book- but not a happy read at all. Around here, and maybe everywhere, there is a group called NAMI- I think National Assoc for Mental Illness- which has many services and supports for people who have various mental illnesses, but even more, there seems to be a great support network for families and friends, online or in-person. I have several friends who have schizophrenia and really value them, but it can be pretty hard to know what to do sometimes.
Kristen,
Your last item is what is finally getting me to comment for the first time after reading here for almost a decade. I found your blog when I was on bedrest with my very high risk twin pregnancy and read every post all the way back to the beginning.
I need to find things to be thankful for this week. It’s been a rough few months for our family.
I’m thankful:
-that a school exists in my district that meets two of my children’s needs so much better than a traditional school. One of my younger children was able to join this school in-person this year, and it has transformed our life. Every day, they are so excited to go to school!
-that the other of my younger children, who is high-risk because of preemie issues from birth, made it through a COVID infection with very mild symptoms even though it happened 3 days before vaccines were approved for that age group.
-for my Instant Pot. My husband and I cleaned out the freezers on Sunday and were able to cook food for all the way through today in just one afternoon. We haven’t had to cook all week, and it’s been wonderful!
-for your blog. I’ve come to realize it’s one of the first things I look for when I get online in the morning. Thank you for your kind and welcoming spirit!
Oh, I am so glad you popped in to say hi! And I am so very glad that my backlog of posts helped entertain you during your bedrest. Yay!
1. I am thankful that I was able to buy almost everything on my list this week. The shelves are pretty empty in my part of Australia. One of my daughter's ran out of food. So I topped her food supplies up.
2. I am grateful that I bought fuel before it went up 55 cents a litre.
3. We have had far less food waste this week.
4. I love my Kindle. It is so easy to read any where and any time,
5. Modern phones mean that I see photos of my grand babies every day. The four year old has learned how to FaceTime. Modern communications are wonderful.
@Suzan, shelves pretty empty here at my Kroger in metro Detroit!
This week? Happy to be feeling a tiny bit better mentally than last week. Happy to have my job to distract me, help me pay the bills, and keep me focused on something other than myself. Happy to have a clean, warm, and safe home to come to every evening when I am worn out! Happy to have delicious leftovers for my dinner tonight. Happy that I get to meet a friend for lunch on Sunday in a small town, just us two. Happy that I have a couple of good books to read and a couple of creative projects in the works.
I am also thankful for this blog and it’s community.
I am thankful that the last week has been quiet and productive. The last 8 weeks have been chaotic with Christmas, my head injury, DH’s hospitalization, omicron, and numerous other things. It is just wonderful to putter around my house - cleaning, organizing and working on my long to do list.
I am thankful that we found a fabulous 46-acre dog park that caters to big dogs and hunting dogs. Rescue Pup can safely run, play, swim, retrieve, hike and socialize for hours. It’s fun for me too.
I am thankful for the “winter weather” which has been cool and dry. I may be a Florida Native, but I’m really not a fan of heat and humidity.
I am thankful for my walks with Rescue Pup and DH. This time in the early morning and early evening is so enjoyable. We watch the sunrises and sunsets. On occasion, we are able to catch a glimpse of something spectacular. Last night, we came across a great horned owl calling to us from high in the trees. An extraordinary bird!
Wishing everyone the blessings of peace, love and good health.
@Bee, that dog park sounds amazing!
It would be wonderful to meet the people in this community. We could have a meet- up. Since we are frugal, we can all bring a covered dish and no new attire required.
@Bee, That would be so fun!!
@Beth B, I'm in! Got lots of food ideas from the "what food to bring to sick friends" post!
@Bee, I think that is a wonderful idea!
I kept getting emails last year from the university I was attending completely virtually that I had to come to campus for random covid testing. Each time I politely replied that I was not coming to campus for any reason so I was also not going to come to be tested. The person who replied the last time even asked if I REALLY wasn't coming to campus, not even to see my friends? I answered that I was a 49-yr-old woman and that, although I adored 19-28 yr-old guys in my cohort, I would not be risking my life to come hang out with them. 🙂 Thankfully, they left me alone after that.
@Kate, Humor for the win!
I am thankful we made it through the school holiday break covid free. My youngest gets boosted on Saturday too. So far of 5 of us, only 1 has gotten covid. I know we are all likely to get it at some point, but delaying that until better treatments are developed and hospitals are less full is what we're going for. It was so nice to have all 3 of my kids home for a month too. Always sad to say goodbye.
I am thankful for my husband who is riding 9+ hours with my daughter back to school and will fly home. This way she gets to have her car, we won't worry about such a long trip for her alone, and I don't have to do that long drive either. 🙂
I am thankful for my libby app and my local library that sponsors it. I'm such a bigger library user now that I don't have to get there in person.
I am thankful for our good jobs that allow us flexibility in our budget for the extra airline tickets and high grocery prices. I am also thankful for my supportive boss who has faith in me and provides coaching where I need it in my new-ish role.
I am super thankful for all the people who work in positions of service to our community. Teachers, medical personnel, city and state government, delivery people, roads and garbage maintenance people, grocery store staff, etc. Everyone is short handed and making the best decisions they can with the information and resources they have available plus they deal with such a loudly ungrateful public. Blessings to them for patience and fortitude and good health!
@Susan,
Yes, I am also grateful for all those individuals who keep us moving forward. There is so much that we take for granted. The Covid crisis has taught us there are no guarantees.
@Susan,
Hear hear on those workers!
@Susan, a resounding yes to your last one! The pandemic has certainly emphasized how important these positions are.
You people seem suspiciously like huggers though. I DON'T HUG.
Once, I and some friends had a girls' trip (to Las Vegas, sigh), and while everyone else hugged, they all gave me the Vulcan hand salute. Ha! I VULCAN HAND SALUTE YOU ALL.
what am I thankful for this week? My kitten. He and I watched Youtube videos made for cats yesterday, him staring intently at birds fluttering around and mice darting here and there. It was strangely relaxing.
Also that the world now includes a way to access videos for cats online. Who would have predicted that one?
My BFF's weird side pain turned out to be arthritis and a pinched nerve, not spreading of her cancer. Whew.
The new oil tank will be installed tomorrow and I have the money to pay for it. There will be barking, though. SO much barking.
Ok, well, I promise if I ever make it to Long Island, I will not hug you.
@Rose, I'm not a hugger either. And I can't do a Vulcan Salute. My ring finger refuses to co-operate. But I do an excellent curtsy thanks to my British mother and I would curtsy in response to your Vulcan Salute!
@Rose,
How is Gus?
Our ginger cat loves watching telly with us, wildlife and sports.
She may even peek behind the screen to see where interesting rodents or birds have moved off too!
Too cute for words, thanks! Doing very well. Up to two pounds now--the vet was very impressed with his weight gain. He likes sitting on my chest and staring imperiously at the dogs.
@Rose, I don't hug either. I just kind of stand at arm's length and nod.
Live long and prosper.
@Rose, I do not shake hands. Even before covid I did not like it, thought it was a stupid custom.
Now since covid I have a good excuse. Yes people are starting to shake hands again. I just say because of covid I am not shaking hands and people back right off.
@Heidi Louise, you beat me to it. Rose, the same from me.
@Rose, Vulcan salute sounds perfect. My husband (a germophobe) has been a big fan of bowing to other people, even pre-2020. He's even more in favor of it now, especially when he sees people fist bumping to avoid hand contact via handshakes...
@Rose, I am not much of a hugger, either. The Vulcan salute would be perfect for me.
@Rose, One of the reasons I stopped going to church was the constant hugging. I have never had a hard time saying, "I do not like being touched so please don't" and yet there were still people who would say some version of "Nonsense, everyone loves a good hug." Husband and siblings, yes, everyone else no. And I cannot do the Vulcan sign. My husband assures me that I have perfect the lightening bolts shooting out of the eyes look, however.
@Rose, I had never heard of - or seen - a Vulcan salute. I looked it up, tried to do it more times than I care to admit, and then I was sort of able to make my fingers work. I think I'll just stick to my normal rule of no hand gestures!
@Rose, another non-hugger here! Maybe we need to start a support group, sounds like there're a lot of us. I do air hugs (throw arms wide, lean in from a distance and smile!)
@Kristen, if you make it to LI, or I make it to your area, I will make a special dispensation and hug you. Because you deserve it.
Everyone else, BACK OFF. Ha.
Well, I consider this to be a high compliment!
@MB in MN,
aaaaaaah! Everyone should watch Star Trek, the original series! I love it so much, grew up with it! When I was little, I forced my fingers to train into the hand salute.
Leonard Nimoy actually based it on Jewish rabbis....doing something-something? I apologize for not remembering offhand. My ex-husband, who is Jewish, and I went to the bar mitzvah of one of our son's friends back in the day. The synagogue had huge inlaid brass hands doing the gesture, so I poked my husband and whispered, "Look! SPOCK HANDS!" and we both rather shamefully giggled a lot.
I am also very thankful for this community. I’ve been reading for awhile, only stated commenting a little more recently, and it really is a lovely and positive place, like a refuge on the internet!
I am very thankful for my sisters, we talk every day and it’s just so nice to have them always there and available, We share what’s going on in our lives and give each other advice and just talk about nothing most of the time! It’s especially nice since we don’t live close to each other at the moment.
I am thankful that I was able to peek in the window of my daughters classroom and watch her playing happily for awhile before she noticed me. I know the teachers say she stops crying shortly after drop-off but I still liked witnessing for myself that she’s happy and playing at school. The adjustment seems to be going well and I’m also thankful for how attentive her teacher is and the time she takes to talk to us at the end of each day about how our daughters day went and how she’s adjusting.
First, Kristen, thanks for the shout-out in your description of the virtual blog tour. I recommend postponing a visit (virtual or IRL) to my part of Upstate for a while, though. We're supposed to get another day in the deep freeze on Saturday, followed by a big snow dump Sunday night and Monday. Even our lust-crazed deer population may be taking my "Get a room!" advice under these conditions.
Second, thanks as always to all of you out there, and especially to Kristen for posting so regularly and keeping things so pleasant. Every time there's a new post, you all make my day, even if I don't actually comment.
Third, I'm grateful for reasonably good health at age 66. Last week's colonoscopy was completely negative, and although the endoscopy I had done at the same time (double your pleasure, double your fun...) found some minor GERD-related issues, they *are* minor and readily treatable. And I'm particularly glad to have gotten through the last few years with no worse effects than a bit of high BP and heartburn. A lot of folks on the Alzheimer's Association's online forums for caregivers haven't been nearly as fortunate.
@A. Marie, anyone who has never been a caregiver has no idea the level of stress caregivers routinely live with and it is a severely overlooked part of our rapidly aging society and our healthcare system.
I hope I never have to do a double, but if I do, I'll try to channel your amazingly positive attitude!
BFor anyone under 50, please know a colonoscopy is enough fun all by itself.
@A. Marie,
I am so glad you are doing that well. I was 24 and 25 when I was caring for my mother-in-law who had Alzheimer's - my husband was born when she was in her forties - and I developed a hernia that required surgery, from lifting her as her ability to maintain balance and walk started to fail. When my husband started having strokes, I popped up with a second autoimmune disease and flares after having been in happy remission with my first autoimmune disease for years. There are so many ways a caregiver can be affected, sadly. Here's hoping you stay healthy for a long, long time!
Oh man, JD. That sounds so very hard. Big hugs to you. And to A. Marie as well!
Thankful for being able to go places again! We were all in quarantine for positive Covid tests but we’re done and feeling better.
Thankful for my chiropractor fitting me in on short notice.
For money to buy food.
For my family: my kids and husband bring so much joy to my life!
Oh, so glad to hear you are able to move around in the world again. Whew!
1) Thankful for the gorgeous sunset last night at the boys soccer game. They were being wiped out by the other team, so the sunset was a lovely distraction.
2) My crockpot, which saw me through a very busy week, and got dinner on the table in a fast manner, once we were back from soccer.
3) My husband bought me an elliptical machine, but didn't think I'd really use it. Oh my, how that's proven to not be true. A combination of many factors (a rainier than normal winter - hurrah, we need the rain), earlier workouts (not able to run in the dark), the convenience, and a more consistent workout schedule mean I use the elliptical 4-5 times/week. The kids also used it during lockdowns, when it was one of the only options for an indoor workout.
4) For my parents, who want to take our teens to Disneyland this summer. They are so excited about it, the teens are excited. I helped them with some of their travel bookings. This is one of the last hurrahs on all sides, as next summer there will be jobs, and trips to see colleges, and that type of real life.
5) I bought a pair of jeans at Old Navy right before work from home/COVID. They are very comfortable, but lined with a fleece material. They are absolutely perfect for chilly winter days of working from home. I'm "dressed" (aka not wearing joggers) for work, but so warm & comfy. They are also comfy enough that I often toss on sneakers at lunch & go for a quick walk. They are glorious. Wish they sold them again this season, but alas, no. When these wear out, I'll be sad. For now, I'm enjoying them!
@Hawaii Planner, My husband works outdoors and loves his fleece lined jeans. The brand is "Weatherproof" and I get them at Costco. I just read that Costco has a new agreement with them to expand their offerings. Not sure of the timeline for that.
LLBean also has them for women. I'd expect Duluth Traders might also have them. Spendier, but they last longer because they're worn seasonally.
Stay warm!
@Dicey, I don't know how Duluth stays in business---their stuff lasts forever! My husband could be a model for them, so much of his clothing has come from their catalogs. They opened a store in Anchorage and my husband keeps saying he wants to go to Anchorage to go to there. (Not likely, it is a 6 to 7 hour drive...)
@Lindsey, my husband has so much clothing from Duluth Trading, including a logoed sweatshirt, that my nephew teasingly asks my husband if DT is paying him to advertise! My husband also gets his socks and underwear there, and they will probably outlive him.
I also am so thankful for this community. The support and shared knowledge makes a huge difference in leading a thoughtful, frugal life.
I am thankful that we're back to a normal January in the deep South, that next month we should be able to afford the hearing aids I've needed for a while (our health insurance pays nothing on these, like being able to hear is optional?), that the local grocery store where we do all our shopping has a few shortages but we've managed to work around them, and that nothing broke at our house this week (so far). 🙂
@Ruby, have you tried Costco? Top of the line product at very, very competitive prices. DH loves his, as do a lot of our friends.
@Ruby, My MIL joined Costco just to get the hearing aids.
We tried to tell her about other things there, like the chickens but no she was one and done.
We joined Costco just to get my husband's hearing aids a few years ago. They had the best price and the service has been excellent.
I am thankful that appreciation of teachers is rising (though I’d guess this group already appreciated teachers). My husband is a teacher. He has not had a pay raise, not even a cost-of -living rise, for 3 years. PLUS teachers are not eligible for social security. And any social security their spouse is eligible for is docked by the amount of his teachers pension. Plus now he gets more exposure to Covid than anyone would want. He teaches 120+ kids a day. If he was younger I think I would encourage him to leave teaching. Now it’s too late. I hope that through this all, conditions for teachers might improve.
@Kara, I am sorry your DH has not had any kind of cost of living increase. That must be tough. However, I think that the eligibility for social security must be something with the state. I am an accountant, and I know that the retired teachers I assist with their income taxes do get social security, as well as their state teacher's pension. Unfortunately, not all states treat their empoyees the same.
@Nancy in Eastern Washington, Yep. It's a California thing with the social security. I'm not sure if we retired to another state if I would be eligible for social security, or whether because the pension is a CA pension that it makes me ineligible in every state. It just feels hard today.
@Kara, I normally don’t post, but I suspect the reason teachers in California aren’t eligible for social security is because they don’t pay into the social security system. Instead they most likely pay into the California retirement system only. It might be something to check into. My sister-in-law worked in a hospital as an employee of the state of Louisiana, and she doesn’t receive social security either. Her pension comes from the state. In Virginia, where I live, on the other hand, teachers pay into both the state retirement system and social security, so they’re eligible for both social security and the state pension.
I am thankful for finding your blog and your positivity. And I love all your readers -- especially the ones that share their lives on Mondays! Its great to hear how others live since we all know how you live.
I am thankful my husband and I recovered from Covid. We are vaccinated and boostered, but still got sick. Luckily we were smart and stayed home and away from people as per the CDC guidelines.
Thankful that we had plenty of food in our freezers and pantries to keep us feed until quarantine was over. And if we did need something, thankful for grocery pick up at the store.
Thankful that my husband is on board to eat at home and eat healthier because of a health scare he had last month. Its working so far! He is trying vegetables he hasn't eaten in a long time.
I am not shopping and spending money. Well I have been home, so I'm not spending. LOL
This week I am thankful for all of the fantastic ideas that readers shared for providing meals to others. And thanks to Dicey for asking the question that set it all in motion. I now feel more inspired and prepared to offer a variety of delicious and appreciated meals when the time comes.
I agree that this is a wonderful group here. I always enjoy this place and the people I meet here!
1. I'm thankful that although I seem to have a cold or perhaps sinus issues, the Covid test came back negative.
2. I'm avoiding my husband's assisted living facility while I'm under the weather, and my local daughter is picking up the slack, visiting her dad more often and taking a needed prescription to him for me. She has four kids aged seven and under, so I'm very grateful for her extra effort.
3. I'm grateful that when I lie down on the sofa when I don't feel well, the dog hops up by my feet, rests her chin on my leg, and snoozes quietly. I'm also glad I have a pet cover on the sofa, ha.
4. I'm thankful that I was able to use a gift card to pay for some things I ordered. Free is my favorite price.
5. I'm thankful that my work place is staying busy with plenty of new work coming in.
1. That we had several days of sunshine this week. It was a nice change from the gloomy gray days.
2. For the occasional freebie I get from my online grocery store. This week it was a mini banana bread which was very tasty! Fortunately the minimum is close to what we usually spend anyway so I don't need to pad my order to get a freebie.
3. My meditation teacher is resuming her online class next week. I love the community we had and will get to see them all again.
4. I may have said this before, but I am always grateful for books. For education, for entertainment, for all of the joys they bring!
5. That fixing our internet outage was a quick and easy process. Some cables and our old modem had finally given out. The tech person was on time, professional, respectful of our home, and got the job done in less than an hour. He did a great job placing and stapling the new cable down, you barely notice it.
I am thankful for warm weather the last few days.
I am thankful for health. We all had the flu a couple weeks back, which for me turned into bronchitis as well. Nothing like being sick for a while to make you appreciate being well!
Thankful for my husband’s company. They seem to have really good values, put out a good product, and treat their employees well. They gave us free almost courtside basketball tickets so we are having a date night in the city tonight. Woo hoo!
Thankful for my parents who are babysitting our kiddos on our date night.
Thankful that Kronos is back up. Being able to punch in and out at work and do my schedule from home is much easier.
On my Meet the Readers tour, I promise not to hug you either. 😉 But of course I will stop in and visit you!
In general, though, I am totally a hugger. Rose has me pegged correctly.
Thank you for continuing this weekly post!
I am thankful for the one year anniversary of my second knee replacement. Such a difference in my life to have had these two done. No complications, good insurance, excellent medical and especially PT staff, and a great reminder of how fortunate I am.
I am thankful that however my husband moved around over night when he was having a nightmare, he only bruised his head on the chest of drawers and didn't cut it or fall out of bed. Glad that hasn't happened before and hope it won't happen again!
Mellow TV programs. Perry Mason, because justice always prevails, and Repair Shop, because any treasure should be restored.
@Heidi Louise, Love me some Perry Mason.
I'm thankful for:
* A fully functional stovetop. It took a while for the part to arrive but it did. I'm also thankful that I was able to get the whole thing fixed for around $35.
* That despite the Omicron surges in other parts of the country, it's relatively quiet near me.
* I am getting an upgrade to my car in the form of a new radio and backup camera. My car is not exactly new but it runs well and it's paid for. The only thing I have really coveted on other people's newer cars is the lack of a backup camera. and the crummy stock stereo. I got a gift card from work for a Christmas bonus and my wife encouraged me to put it toward getting this; which is the only real thing I have wanted in a while.
* That I have a lot of good music to listen to in my collection. I never got into Spotify or any of those services and my new musical discoveries are limited so it's nice to have variety.
I'm thankful you want to come stay in our Maine cabin. You are always welcome...but if you wait another year or two, it will be much better equipped!
I have been reading Thankful Thursdays for years and finally have decided that it is something that I should be doing. The last few years/months/weeks have been really hard for me to remember the things I should be thankful for (for reference, I am an ICU RN), so this weekly reminder might help.
I am thankful for:
- that even though I probably have covid (again), it is nothing more than a case of the sniffles
- that I am using my quarantine time to start some home DIY projects and start a writing project I have been putting off
- I have an amazing friend group that supports me and makes me laugh everyday
- I had already taken this week off for a (canceled) vacation, so there is no scrambling to get time off
- my back log of To Be Read books on my Kindle
Thank you for serving your community in the ICU; I know it has been a very hard couple of years for you guys.
@Heather, many, many thanks to you and all frontline health care staff out there. Best wishes for a speedy recovery from this round of COVID, and regrets for everything you all are having to endure.
I am thankful for the many friends who checked in one us and delivered soup when we were sick last week.
I am thankful that we are getting better now. My husband slept last night (instead of being awake with his cough) and is going back to work this afternoon.
I am thankful that we aren't moving until March. We are anxious to be in the new house but being sick has really set us back and we are glad to have another month to pack.
I am thankful for slightly longer days. 15 minutes of sunshine is enough for an afterwork walk.
This week I'm thankful for:
* My second grader being in school! Approximately half of the elementary has either tested positive or gotten quarantined this week, so it's no small thing that she's still in class!
* Getting my vaccine when I did and that I made it through my 10 days of being a close contact just fine (my cousin got sick right after a family gathering). This was my first time of being a close contact and it was just a few days after I reached my "fully vaccinated" status. Hooray for staying healthy.
* A friend who is going through a hard thing very similar to a hard thing I am going through. I wish she wasn't having this experience, but it was a bit of a relief to know that I wasn't alone and she was able to share some wise thoughts with me. This is not the first time that she and I have had a moment of, "Boy, I'm sorry that you're going through this, but it also feels good to know that I'm not alone!" Community is a blessing.
* Audiobooks!! After 3 months or so of only reading nonfiction I'm listening to a novel this week and really enjoying it!!
So much to be thankful for this week. I live in Ontario, Canada and we have spent the longest time in lockdown worldwide. As a healthcare worker, this is tiring. We are currently in a modified lockdown: students are online learning, stores are open, restaurants and gyms are closed. I am thankful that:
1. Driver's tests were not canceled and my son passed (though insurance for a 16-year-old boy is vomit-inducing).
2. My daughter finally made it back to her University town (lots of delays due to weather and covid)
3. I have been healthy and can continue working outside the home. I want to do my part for our struggling health care system.
4. That my husband works from home (although this is not his choice, it is Covid related). It is nice to have him in the house all day.
5. That our schools will be back to in person next week. Teenagers' mental health, in general, is really struggling.....I would like to keep mine as healthy as possible!!
@Ali M,
Hello from a fellow Ontarian (Ottawa) Health Care Worker! 🙂
Kids back to school on monday, yay!
Today I'm thankful for lots of things:
1) Echoing others' agreement with you about your reader community. This is a great place!
2) Renewed energy for the part of my job I like the least - research. I'm expected to publish 1-2 academic articles a year. I've struggled for awhile to really enjoy what I'm researching because it doesn't always feel very important. Over the last month, my long-time research partner and I identified a more socially-oriented focus in our work and have both experienced a burst of energy. Yay!
3) Auto insurance. After hitting two bumper-destroying road hazards in a 6-week period, I am incredibly grateful for insurance. I am not super excited about increased insurance rates until accident forgiveness kicks in again, but I am very grateful to not be on the hook for $6000 worth of auto repairs. (Also, I hate I-45 north of Houston...)
I too am thankful for this blog and it’s community. This blog is the only one that I read faithfully, including the comments, and I truly enjoy reading all of it.
This week I am thankful that
1. My car battery did not have to be replaced after AAA jumped me off when the car wouldn't start in the grocery store parking lot
2. We have snow in our forecast for Sunday. Snow is rare in Alabama so it's kind of treat for us
3. I have an very inexpensive subscription for a streaming service with exercise videos that I use 3 to 4 times a week. They have an amazing variety of workouts available
4. My DH entertains our dog each afternoon so I can workout without her "help"
5. My DH works from home so he was able to quickly find that the toilet connection hose suddenly gave out and the bathroom was flooding. Damage would have been much worse if it had not been found for 6 hours when I got home from work
I just drained the rendered fat off a pork roast cooked in my very heavy enameled Dutch oven, and was reminded that I am thankful to have new pot holders that are not shredded and so actually protect my hands from burning. 🙂
Yay! So glad to hear this.
If you do a tour, come meet your Canadian readers! ;P
My 5 grateful for today are :
- Free diner for me and the family offered by my work place
- Library books!!!! I know, I say it ALL-THE-TIME. but I love books, I love reading, and I would be devastated if our public library shut down
- Kids going back to in-person school next monday. I was hesitant about it, but they spend too much time on the screen with school at home, so this is better for them. And to socialize
- 1st university class yesterday ; great teacher, great group, already found people for the trimester project, yay!
- My house. Mortgage-free since 2020.
Please be careful, even fully vaccinated - I had two Pfizer followed by a Moderna and baby and I came down with Omicron last weekend! It’s not life threatening, but it's uncomfortable!
I got the same e-mail yesterday and I freaked out a bit, too! I am going to be on campus more this semester so maybe I will see you in the HLSB (my office is 360C)!
Fingers crossed and prayers said for more snow!! 😉
I feel like this would be a pretty big financial burden for students; I'm so glad it turns out to be a mistake!
I was adding up the cost for Sonia, Zoe, and me x all the weeks of the semester and feeling a little blue about it.
Yes to the community here, amen.
Also, I also have the best sister-in-law ever.
Thankful for:
1. Warmer weather. Zero is so much easier than 30 below for people and vehicles to handle.
2. Neighbors who are fine with their two dogs jumping the fence into our yard and our dog jumping the fence into their yard. One of the other of us often has three dogs playing with each other and stealing each other's bones and stuffed toys and no one cares. This does not happen in the summer, only when the snow is so high that the dogs can walk across the five foot fence between our yards, instead of jumping over.
3. The woman who comes for three hours every weekend to do the heavy chores. Life would be much harder without her help. I resisted this for a long time, but a friend made me realize that my husband was taking on the burden of doing way more than his share of the work because I am often too ill to do so. He never complained but now he every so often he makes a comment about how much he likes having her help.
4. The moose and the dogs have reached some sort of accomodation. The moose stays at the bottom of the yard, eating all my raspberry bushes down unfortunately, and the dogs stay at the top on our porch and bark like maniacs until we force them to come in. Moose are very ornery and more than one human has been kicked to death by a moose and one of our Irish wolfhounds was kicked in the head by a moose and never quite seemed the same afterwards. They also STINK and every time this past week when it slept on our porch, when we opened the door after it left, the foul odor would waft into the house.
5. PBS and the new All Creatures Great and Small. Every time I watch a new episode, I am sorry because it means the pleasure of watching is behind me rather than in front of me!
@Lindsey, Your comments are always so interesting. I can't imagine living with moose, for example. And, btw, I enjoyed the Christmas video you shared of your town!
@Lindsey, my lust-crazed deer are likewise now hunger-crazed and eating everything in sight, including the wild black raspberries I let flourish at the bottom of the yard, plus my remaining kale in the garden (which they consider a last resort). But, again, your moose take the prize. Do you think All Creatures Great and Small will ever do an Alaskan edition (All Creatures Super-Sized)?
This week I am thankful for my husband.
When I told him someone on frugal girl thought he was a bit of alright for making lunches for our daughter's classmate so many years ago, he modestly muttered that there was a poem about a kind of love called maintenance.
I was intrigued, so I looked it up and thought this community would appreciate it as it celebrates the fact that sometimes the best way to love others is to just keep on keeping on. So I post this in appreciation of him, and also in appreciation of all the other people who just quietly keep on doing what needs doing.
‘ATLAS’
by U. A. Fanthorpe
There is a kind of love called maintenance
Which stores the WD40 and knows when to use it;
Which checks the insurance, and doesn’t forget
The milkman; which remembers to plant bulbs;
Which answers letters; which knows the way
The money goes; which deals with dentists
And Road Fund Tax and meeting trains,
And postcards to the lonely; which upholds
The permanently rickety elaborate
Structures of living, which is Atlas.
And maintenance is the sensible side of love,
Which knows what time and weather are doing
To my brickwork; insulates my faulty wiring;
Laughs at my dryrotten jokes; remembers
My need for gloss and grouting; which keeps
My suspect edifice upright in air,
As Atlas did the sky.
UA Fanthorpe, from ‘Safe as Houses’ (Peterloo Poets, 1995)
Becca, what a lovely tribute to those whose love is non-showy but constant and faithful. I got a little teary thinking of those who serve like this and are sometimes unnoticed because of their quiet nature.
@Cheryl,
There are so many unsung heroes, aren't there? I also love the phrase "suspect edifice" because I feel like that is very much a metaphor for my life. 😉
PS Shh... don't tell anyone that my edifice is suspect...
@Becca, Thank you for sharing this poem.
I'm a missionary and just returned to the country I serve in two weeks ago. Before leaving the US, we each had to have PCR tests (spent $1200 for all six in our family) and then on arrival in the country we serve in, we had to have another PCR test (another $600 for all six). We're vaccinated, so it was a frustrating way to spend $1800. But I'm thankful we're back in our other home.
I love how organized you are. 3 ladies signed up for college, books purchased and ready to go. You are amazing!
We are of course thankful that you blog & for your blog!
Thankful that the cold weather eased up and it was 30 today so good day to walk the dogs.
That my doctor is getting to be a pro at FaceTime office calls. Also that I was able to get the whole day off for my half hour doctor appointment.
That days are getting a little bit lighter longer and we have had some sunny days! Due to the Great Lakes we usually go thru a long period of cloudy days.
I had no errands that I needed or wanted to run today. I read a book and will work on a puzzle later.
I’m thankful for you! I love your content and positive spirit. It is so encouraging!
Today I am thankful...
1. That my energy and enthusiasm for my job (teaching) has returned. I had an unusual (for me) low spell before Christmas.
2. That I have so far remained healthy this year, when others around me have been sick.
3. That the weather has been warmer after 3 weeks of -25 to -25 C weather.
4. For wonderful books to read from my public library.
5. For interesting recipes to try.
I always love Thankful Thursday!
1) My son heads back to college tomorrow (insert tears), but I have LOVED having my sweet boy at home over the holidays.
2) The weather here in south Texas has been quite lovely ~ a mix of chilly days and sunshine. So much nicer than our brutal summers.
3) My job and my husband's job. We both work with nice people, make a good income, have great benefits and, bonus for me, I get to work from home.
4) This might seem strange, but I am thankful for our ESPN+ subscription. We are a soccer-loving family and we can see a ton of games each week.
5) I'm thankful tomorrow is Friday! 🙂
I have no trouble thinking of a hundred or a thousand things I'm thankful for, but would like to try for some specific and focused things. Then I read this and all of the comments and thought of even more! Amazingly thankful!
I hesitate to post my 5 thankful things because I don't want to be a Debbie Downer here, but I will post because everyone's gratitude is relevant to their current place in life.
#1 Biggest, best news of all of 2021 and 2022! I was approved for immunotherapy in adjunct to my chemo therapy and has shown some really great results for people with my type of cancer. At a cost of $8000 to $10,000 per month, it was not something as a single parent, I could even consider. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this and for all the work and dedication of my oncologist to make it happen. And very grateful for universal health care in this wonderful country of mine.
#2 Grateful for 2 weeks off chemo with both my girls home. My eldest has been home since the week before Christmas and as her university has gone remote until the end of February, she did not have to rush back. She does leave this weekend though as she has to go into the lab for work on her thesis. My 15 yo has been in remote learning as well and although school goes back in real life on Monday, she is staying home for a few weeks to see how things are in the schools. My last chemo had to be delayed a week because of low neutrophils/white cells so we do not need covid in our house right now.
#3 I'm very thankful for whoever it is who has sent us Hello Fresh meals these past 3 weeks. Even my 15 yo has become more interested in cooking. It is so nice for her to be able to grab the bag out of the fridge with the detailed with photos recipe card and create a meal for all of us! Very grateful for the support shown us in this small, rural community.
#4 I am thankful for apples. Do not ask me why, but I crave apples 24/7.
#5 I am thankful for our two cats and the laughs they bring to us with their funny antics.
I could go on and on, I have so much to be thankful for but I won't. I've already written a book! But I will say, I love this community, have been here for many years but only started posting in the past few months. Thank you for having me, Kristen.
Oh, friend; do not ever hesitate to post! You are going through something so, so challenging, and it is our honor to be here for you and support you. And your ability to find things to be grateful for is inspiring.
So, post away. 🙂
@Kristen, thank you for being so kind and welcoming. I do really appreciate this as not everyone wants to hear my trials and tribulations!
@Leann,
I have often wondered what to send people who are going through a challenging health issue, eespecially those with families and would never thought about doing a meal delivery subscription! Thank you for sharing your gratitude, and good luck in the weeks to come with your treatments.
Another option if someone has a lot of family staying at the house that aren't usually there - when our elderly neighbor was in hospice and then passed several years ago his wife had a ton of family coming in to see him before and help her after. Her church was supplying more food than they could eat, so I brought ground coffee, creamer, a few boxes of tea, and a small bottle of honey. (It was winter and hot drinks always help when it's cold out). When my grandfather passed a neighbor brought disposable tableware and napkins, and it was a big help to not have to worry about washing dishes to have enough for everyone. Another neighbor brought us a whole cooked ham, she had cooked it then sliced and refrigerated so we could use it cold or heat it up.
@Michelle H, Whoops! Sorry y'all, totally thought I was commenting on the post about meals to bring to others. Not sure how I wound up here!
Kristen: Wow you are just the sweetest person, wanting to meet every one on this list. It would be great to meet up with you as you insprire me so much!!! I enjoy reading everything you have to say so keep up the great work!
Re: Meeting people--You passed nearby my daughter and my house when you went to RI after your brother's wedding.
Your squirrel issue sounds horrible.
Re: Covid testing. I am thankful so far that I have not taken one of those tests. My daughter said she had a virtual meeting with her doctor. Through the conversation, the doctor thinks that she did have omicron and that omicron passed through the house (cold-like symptoms)..... My daughter's family all did the home test, which the doctor said are not accurate. Is this a waste of money? The idea that your school would expect a weekly test is crazy. IMHO, the testing has gotten out of hand. Some people are so anxiety ridden over this that they are over testing. I hope to get through this without ever taking a test.
I am thankful for a gift my daughter gave me yesterday--fleece lined leggings. They are so warm. Perfect for the upcoming weekend. We are getting cold weather but it rained today--no snow here in the northeast. Yesterday was nice--40+ deg. weather. I took my grandson outside. Although it is muddy. He was filthy and wet from 1 hour outside.
I have been working so hard this week to keep my house organized. The cleaning lady came Monday. Each time I have to re-organize, put things away, get rid of stuff (each time)--cleaning before the cleaning lady comes.
Each day I look around and put something back that I see is out of place. It is hard work. But I am thankful for the peace it gives me.
You must also come see me in New Bern, NC! 🙂
I will add it to my itinerary. 🙂
Thankful as well for those rodent gadgets. We have one in both of our cars (not sure it is the same brand). We have had four incidents of squirrels chewing wiring in both cars (numerous neighbors have had problems as well). But it seems to be doing the job cause we haven't had a problem with this for a couple years now.