Thankful Thursday | for rain
This week, I am thankful:
that we did get some rain
Mannn, it's been so dry here, even the weeds have been wilting. That's how you know it's bad.
But we did get a nice little thunderstorm a few days ago, and even better, it was followed by some slow, steady rain. Excellent.
that my mammogram came back clear
I wasn't exactly anticipating a problem, but you know, it's still nice to get an all-clear message.
I am also thankful that this means I don't have to get another one for a whole year. I do not prefer to do this any more often than that. 😉
that I have honest-to-goodness insurance this year
Last year, I was riding the struggle bus trying to get a mammogram because I didn't have employer-sponsored insurance. Even though I was paying for my insurance entirely without subsidy, as soon as radiology offices heard that it was purchased through the state website, they were like, "Oh, sorry, we don't accept that."
Bleah.
But this year, I have health insurance through my hospital! Woohoo! As soon as I said the name of the insurance and that it was thru the hospital, the mammogram office said, "Perfect, that'll work." and we got me scheduled.
I like, I like. 🙂 This is a sweet reward for my hard work.
for this cottage cheese combo
It's been a while since I did the basil/tomato/black pepper cottage cheese mixture and oooh, it is so good!
It's a very easy way to get a healthy helping of protein.
that my chart tracing audit went well
A few weeks ago, I got selected at work to do a patient chart audit with someone who prepares us for visits from the Joint Commission. Basically, the person sits you down with a work computer and asks you a bunch of questions about your charting, goes through a patient you've charted on, and evaluates your documentation and chart navigation.
I was a little nervous about this because obviously I am still very new, but the auditor sent her report this week and scored me at 96%. Yay!
for Chiquita snuggles
I can never get a picture of this, but she often hops into my bed with me, and her little fuzzy face looks so cute, it makes me giggle.
Here's a daytime snuggle, though.
that I got my big individual PowerPoint done
This assignment had multiple pages of instructions, and I was glad I started it weeks ahead of time because there is no way I could have pulled it off last-minute.
Now the main thing that's left in this class is our big group project PowerPoint presentation.
I really preferred the nursing school stage that was less PowerPoint and more pathophysiology. 😉
On the upside, I am getting faster at using PowerPoint, and I learn more little tricks and hacks each time. By the time I graduate, I'm gonna be able to speed-run a PowerPoint assignment.
for how good my bed feels after a shift
The delicious feeling of becoming horizontal instead of vertical...OH, it is so good.
What a lovely snuggle! I've given so many Powerpoint presentations I could probably do them in my sleep, which is kind of appropriate, as creating them tends to put one to sleep 😉
Whenever I read about insurance issues I feel so thankful for universal healthcare.
Other thankfuls:
1. We are in the middle of a heatwave and I am so, so thankful to live near a beach. I don't have aircon or a fan so it's wonderful to be able to be in walking distance of the ocean. I am, however, annoyed that a thunderstorm which was forecast didn't happen! I love thunderstorms!
2. I had a fun evening at a friend's place. I'm going to be looking after her cat for a few days so she showed me where everything is and introduced me to the cat (who mostly gave us a wide berth haha). We went for a walk to a nature reserve and ate a delicious dinner she made when we got back.
3. I had a fun evening going to see the Sankt Hans bonfires for Midsummer. I also went for a swim and saw some Ukranian people laying flower wreaths in the water, who told me it's an omen for women finding love.
4. I'm looking forward to going home for summer and have booked my tickets.
5. I unintentionally took a break from the gym for a few weeks and managed to motivate myself to go yesterday. It wasn't what I'd call fun, but I'm glad I went. And I was very glad to jump in the sea afterwards!
I never want to go to the gym, but also I never regret having gone. I feel you!
Cheers to the gym! I am in a similar unintentional slump, but will get back on track, and feel the same way every time I go. Excited that I signed up for two personal training sessions with (a very certified) friend in July so I can enter the world of strength training without initimidation.
For me, going to the gym is often to swim. I love it, though I can only dream of "jumping in the sea" like Sophie! Enjoy!
I had a personal trainer when I started strength training for the same reasons! It was definitely worth it 🙂
Sophie in Denmark,
The heat wave in Europe is no joke! My family and I were vacationing in Paris last week (thankful we were able to make this not-frugal trip happen), and the temps were in the mid-90's (Fahrenheit) the whole week. From what I understand, this week in Paris is even worse! Also thankful our hotel had A/C, as many in Paris do not. Lucky you to have the sea so close!
It's slightly cooler in Denmark but still hot by my standards! I went for a run earlier and thought I was going to melt! It was delicious jumping in the sea afterwards 🙂
Oh, and I hope you had a great time in Paris! Did you go up the Eiffel Tower?
I am also thankful that mammograms are "only" annually! And that you reminded me of that simple joy cottage cheese bowl so perfect for summer, yum. The glimpses of your assignments have made me think ugh, yuck, imagine grading all of those! Haha. Glad that as you submit they are off your plate and each step toward more of your own time being your own.
This week, thankful:
- That my CT scans continue to show no evidence of cancer recurrence.
- For the two long trips to hospital appointments this week that were easy, relatively.
- For my counselor/therapist - she's really good!
- That I think I linked my nausea to a protein powder that didn't agree with me so now can avoid.
- That I'm leaving this morning for a visit with my bestie who lives a couple hours away!
Great news. Enjoy your trip.
Yay on the clear scans!
Lots of wonderful thankfuls! Enjoy the time with your friend!
Kristen, I’m so glad your mammogram was clear! Mine is scheduled for this coming Monday and I’m always nervous about it. As a breast cancer survivor, I don’t understand why I’ve been scheduled for a routine mammogram rather than a diagnostic 3-D one but I’m told that’s protocol for being 5 years past the surgery, radiation, etc. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for my medical team!
I’m also thankful for the cooler weather. My husband and I ( and our little pup Wally) are enjoying our daily walks more on the cooler days. We know the heat of summer will return but for now, we’re glad.
So thankful we’re able to keep up with our walks, dancing and tai chi. We’re doing our best to stay active. We’re sleeping well at night but feel alert and energetic during the day. Yay!!
Hope you get good news.
I‘m thinking of you Martha O, that all goes well with your scan. Scanxiety is hard. I’m not yet at five years post diagnosis, but I already feel uneasy about just one low-dose cat scan per year.
A diagnostic mammogram only means that it will be given a quick look by a radiologist to see if additional views are needed and get done right then. The same imaging and ultimate final scrutiny in the radiologist's reading are the same. I, too, am a survivor and wanted to be sure I was getting the best study. We are.
Thankful for the same rain that you got! And very thankful that the tornado warning (not a watch) we had for more than an hour came to nothing. Luckily, we have a partially finished basement and hung out safely there.
Really appreciating the fresh produce of summer! Your cottage cheese, tomatoes, & black pepper is one of my favorites, too.
Thankful for a reliable desktop computer (I dislike working on a laptop).
Incredibly thankful for my husband's work to re-side our house. He's nearly finished with the construction aspects and then just needs to paint.
Love that our family would rather eat at home than out.
Also thankful for our three adult offspring who are all frugal, too 🙂
Water in summer--what a delight! This week my daughters and I watched that storm coming, and the smell was the essence of summer to me.
This week I am thankful--
*for that rain. For water. I love the water that comes out of our tap.
*that son #3 found a seasonal job. The pharmacy where he worked closed, so he needed to find something. This job is (as far as I know) the absolute closest to our house he could get. My daughter is also looking for her job; she has an interview today.
*for my daughter who has claimed our front mulch beds for her own. She has gone out every day since we mulched them and found every weed. Yesterday I made the mistake of forgetting I'd planted lemongrass in it-- and I pulled it out. She was not pleased, but I think no harm was done. For the bouquet on my windowsill she provided.
*for the things growing in the garden. For the volunteer flowers in our front bed. For the sunflower that showed us its face yesterday.
*for the bacon in the oven that I'm starting to smell.
*for the unexpectedly funny things that come out of my youngest's mouth.
I love the smell of bacon too! If I could, I would eat it on top of most foods. So delish!
I’m really struggling for some thankfulness this week. I had some rotten news from my oncologist this week, so I’ve been struggling.
I guess I can be thankful for later line treatment options, and then clinical trials, though.
And living somewhere with universal healthcare so I don’t have to panic about how to keep up with the cost of all this.
I hope you and your medical providers find the best way forward after your bad news. Good luck.
I'm sorry to hear this. I'm not religious but I'm sending good vibes.
Wishing you calm as you navigate through the diagnosis
I'm sorry about the bad news, Kate. Sending good thoughts.
Sending good thoughts to you and up to the Universe for you, Kate, at this stressful time. May you come through with the best medical care.
I'm sending you good thoughts and prayers for peace and a new treatment that does that has you healthy again!
Wishing yiu strength Kate and better news on the horizon.
Kate, I'm so sorry for your rotten news. Sending a virtual hug to you across the miles.
Praying for you, Kate, and for all our other ladies who are --or who have been ---fighting cancer. By Christ's stripes, you ARE healed!
I am faithful and will add you to my list. I will send goid vibes for the best medical team to surround you in this journey. Chin up! I am a 30 year survivor. Hugs.
Kate, I'm sorry you got that bad news. Hoping your medical team comes up with a good plan to deal with it.
So sorry. Sending virtual HUGS.
So sorry to hear this, Kate. Please take good care of yourself.
Oh Kate, I am so sorry to hear of the unpleasant news. I am sending you hugs and a strong hope that the later line treatments work well for you.
So sad to hear what you are going through. Sending healing thoughts your way and I shall pray for you. Be better soon.
Wishing you good options as you move onward. Hugs!
I am sorry to say my m-i-l passed last night. I am going to pray like crazy that I get to stay in my 750 sq ft apt. m-i-l suffered so much during the last 3 months. Glad your mammo was clear. What a relief. Thankful for you, the Commentariat, that my m-i-l is no longer suffering, that my Noah did not fall apart when I told him about grandma. Zozo is still sleeping. Noah got 95 on his Geometry Regents that he had to take Tuesday.
So sorry to hear this, even if it is a blessing she is no longer suffering. I wish you and your family gentle passage through this difficult time.
Thank you.
Sorry to hear this, Anita.
Thanks.
I'm sorry about your MIL, Anita. May her memory be a blessing.
Thank you.
So sorry to hear the news of your MIL's passing.
Thanks.
I appreciate your kindnesss.
I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you.
I hope you get to Cin your apartment! And I'm sorry about your MIL's passing.
I really hope so too.
Condolences Anita. I wish you all comfort in fond memories of your mother in law.
Thank you.
Thinking of you, Anita, and your family and hope all things work themselves out for you.
Thanks
I am so sorry for your loss, Anita, but I have faith your mother-in-law is in the place when there is no more suffering and no more sorrow. Hugs to you and your family, and also prayers. Great news about Noah's doing well on his test. Give him a high 5 from me!
Thanks.
Anita, I'm sorry for your loss. Fingers crossed that you do not have to move.
and toes and everything else. Thank you so much.
You are such a strong, caring DIL. I'm thinking of you as you ride this last wave with your MIL.
Thank you for your kind words.
Anita, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your MIL was well loved, clearly, and I'm praying for strength and peace for you and your family during this time.
So kind of you. Thanks.
Anita,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your mil. Sometimes, it's a relief when someone who has been suffering passes; I know I felt that way when my beloved mil passed after a long decline with vascular dementia.
Congratulations to your Noah - that's an excellent score! I remember taking Regents exams when I was in high school (a looong time ago!).
Thank you.
So sorry about your MIL. But glad she is no longer suffering. Hoping you and your’s find peace in that.
Wishing you and your family comfort during this time of sorrow.
I echo your love for your bed. This Week residual mine has been such a sweet gift.
Thankful, ER editon:
-for friends who were able to watch two of my kids while I took the other one to the ER, and for the beautiful memories they made.
-that blood draw happened on the second try and IV on the first.
-for a friend who came with my to the ER. I’ve never been there with support. It’s always just been me (and I’ve gone a lot). So much easier with support especially when the problem is newish and symptoms are scary.
-for living close by so when I can home at sunrise it was per easy to pop in bed and sleep.
-super thankful it was not the specific emergency I feared based on symptoms.
-thankful for the incredible staff who worked so well with my kiddo.
Oh, going alone with a child is so stressful. I made that run many a night with one of my sons. My husband stayed home with our other son. It most often happened in the middle of the night and we didn’t want to call anyone to come sit at the house. I’m glad that you had someone to sit with you.
I’m grateful for the new bedding set my spouse surprised me with, which is made with some sort of fancy cooling technology fabric. He knows I’ve been experiencing night sweats (thanks perimenopause) so he did some research and bought this bedding as a gift for me with a work bonus he got. I was pretty skeptical at first, because it sounded like those cooling pillows that never work for me, but y’all! It feels like silk that was just pulled out of the freezer, so smooth and cool. We’ve had it on our bed for about a week and while I still have times when I wake up hot, I haven’t woken up drenched in sweat like usual which is SO NICE. I never would have bought this bedding for myself due to price/skepticism, and I am so thankful that my spouse was willing to use his bonus money on such a thoughtful gift.
That is so sweet of your husband! What is the brand name of the bedding?
That is such a super thoughtful gift!
What a sweet thing for your DH to do! He must be a Prince Charming indeed!
I am thankful:
That DH was able to get home from work after he found somebody had let the air out of one of his bicycle tires...he works on an Air Force base, just so you know, as a civilian, and this level of pettiness is just beyond. He says it's just reinforcing his excitement about retiring. He had to walk to a Meijer 17 minutes away, get an air pump and a new inner tube, but then he was able to make it home. Of course the backup plan was to call me to come get him, but he still would have had to walk off the base, as it no longer has the Trusted Traveler program and they don't issue base IDs to civilian employee's spouses. Ugh. Anyway, he made it.
For nights cool enough to have the windows open and not use the AC!
For DS#3's slow but steady improvement. He's doing more getting up and walking, a little more every day. We are still waiting to get a referral to an endocrinologist.
For the skills I am learning by caring for DS#3. There's a tendency to want to take it easy on your kid when they're ill, but that is not what is needed in physical therapy when you need the patient to actively do more. I've never been great at the tough love thing, but I'm learning.
For the Commodore! Just now he hopped up on my desk, where has his blanket and catnip fleece mouse, and did what we call his little "crazy dance" (hard to describe, but he braces his front paws and then shakes his head back and forth!) which is his way of asking for some catnip. It makes us laugh every time.
Glad the Commodore is still entertaining you all! And my sympathy to your DH re: the bike tire pettiness, and good wishes to your DH#3 for his continued recovery.
Dh was slow to progress in physical therapy because he was afraid the pain meant something was wrong. The PT said, "It's only pain. Get moving." It was the kick in the pants dh needed!
- Thankful for all the fresh produce of summer. We had BLTs on homemade sourdough for dinner and they were delicious!
- Thankful for all the pictures our daughter sends us of our grandson. They live very close to us and we see them often, but it's still fun to see pictures every day. Today's picture was of him with a crochet blanket my MIL made with his toes sticking through the mesh. It made me happy to remember how our son used to do the same thing with his blanket when he was small.
- Thankful that we had a few days without rain this week so we could get outside. Unlike Kristen, it feels like it has rained the most of month here.
- Thankful that the antibiotics prescribed by the eye doctor are clearing up the internal stye in my eye.
- Thankful for all the beautiful coneflower blooms in our flower garden. The bees and I are loving them.
Thankful for discovering a new-to-me podcast, The Two Trees--it dovetails quite well with Bible Project. For time with my daughter. For funny cats. For the gorgeous days we've had, with temps in the 70s and lower humidity--it's a true treat. For my husband.
1. I am also thankful for the rain on Tuesday. We are in an "exceptional drought."
2. I am thankful my daughter's last day of school is Friday. I have one kid in year-round and one kid in traditional. They will both be out for the month of July, thank goodness.
3. I am thankful for peaches and watermelon.
4. My little chihuahua Jeffy that makes us all laugh and smile and is only a little bit of trouble.
5. For air conditioning. It went out in my office this week. No fun.
Peaches and watermelon = summer!
I am euphoric that I no longer have to wear my full-length leg immobilizer after two months of keeping my right leg as straight as a mummy to protect my fractured knee. My first shower in two months was glorious - goodbye to sponge baths and washing my hair in the kitchen sink. Oh, and I can wear underwear again! And I am grateful for my physical therapists who are helping me get my knee to bend so I can eventually drive and walk normally.
Hip hip hooray, MB!
A. Marie … (so sorry, but can’t help myself) don’t you think it should be
Knee, Knee Hooray!
MB in MN
So happy for you! I’ve had 4 joint replacements and I feel for you!
PNW Casey: Touche!
Oh that's wonderful! I can identify -- I had a similar experience after a a bad ankle break. That first shower -- glorious indeed!
Yay!!! What fantastic news! I'm so happy for you!
What a wonderful feeling that must be. Here's to completed healing!
Thank you all for your kind words!
This week, I'm very thankful for CF's financial advisor, with whom CF and I had a long and productive meeting yesterday about NDN1's money matters. Briefly, as soon as we can get NDN1's tax records for the last three years to him, he's going to start consolidating all her little PITA accounts into a couple of big accounts. This will be an enormous relief for both CF and me--and, I imagine, for NDN1's nephew as well (who gave us carte blanche to act as we see fit in this area).
We had to do this when my husband took over his parents' finances. PITA is right! Glad you're getting this done.
I'm especially glad for you, Kristen, that your insurance struggles are over. I know how that is! Mostly through my kids -- I've always had good insurance except for one brief period, but my kids have not.
1. I'm thankful, first of all, that my son has found a job. It's far from his dream job, but it's a job. After three months, he will get benefits and he can stop paying $$$$$ to Cobra.
2. I'm also thankful that his wife has found work as a teacher's aide -- and she loves it -- unfortunately, though, there will be no work for her in the summer.
3. I'm thankful that another item sold on eBay from my sister's pile of clothes. I'm doing this for her -- she is a hoarder, especially a clothes hoarder. I convinced her to let go of two big piles, and bit by bit, they're selling. My payment is keeping the ones I like.
4. I'm thankful for the long spell of cool weather we are enjoying in the great lakes area. I have hardly used my air conditioners at all.
5. I'm thankful for good public transportation. I'll be riding the train, free, to pick up a book at the library today. The free ride card is a benefit in this community for low-income seniors. I'm grateful for that, too!
Congratulations to your son and daughter-in-law!
Hooray for the jobs!!
Congratulations to your son and daughter-in-law, Beth! My daughter lives in Chicago and she loves the Train!
So happy about the new jobs! Such a relief!
Yay on powering through those assignments and doing so well.
I, too, am thankful for rain. It rained yesterday afternoon and overnight and we have a little more in the forecast today. Smoke from fires in Utah had settled in our valley, making being outside unpleasant. The rain washed all the smoke out of the air. Plus, we're in a severe drought, so every drop is so appreciated.
That I completed physical therapy for my knee. I'm glad not to have to drive to the PT office two afternoons a week anymore.
That gabapenten is successfully treating my older dog's anxiety. It's nice to see him happy again. (He's 16 1/2!)
For the zucchini plants that finally came up in the garden after I had decided we just weren't going to have any zucchini this year. And for the tiny peppers and tomatoes forming on my plants. It will be August before we actually eat any of them, but they are on their way!
That all 5 of our birdhouses are occupied, most with second clutches of bluebirds and swallows.
A clear mammogram, always a sigh of relief.
This week I am thankful for last Friday's truly impressive thunderstorm, that made our water containers overflow. We made use of that water all week because it has been warm on some days and scorching on the others.
Thankful too, that lightning did not strike our house. A house not far away from us was struck and the roof and attic burnt out completely. Truly humbling, a storm that lights up the night with its electricity; not just the forky lightening but lighting the whole sky for over an hour, with rain falling down like a sheet. A white wet wall.
Thankful for starting the day early and telling the plants to remain courageous. And removing the snails. For the frog that hides in the bird bath. For keeping our cat entertained with a new box. For finding a lightweight umbrella that is also UV resistant. It will go in my office travel bag with my flask of water and sunscreen. Thankful the water mains outage due to maintenance was not in the street where my just-under-90 auntie lives.
1. I got the day of the neighborhood block party off. I usually am scheduled to work all weekend but I requested off and my request was okayed.
Also that I have neighbors kind enough to host block parties. I never before have lived in such a community-focused place!
2. Redbirds nesting in my backyard.
3. Snuggles snuggles with me a lot and he has gotten better about eating his supper.
4. We've had a rainy spring and summer so I haven't had to put out the sprinklers.... although that is fixing to change.
5. Little Free Libraries. I got President Obama's new book (Titled "A Promised Land") free! A $30 hardback book in brand new condition....and I can take my time reading it. No fines or late fees with a LFL.
Kristin, do you follow https://gratefulkae.com ? She’s a transplant nurse (and is fluent in Spanish and is a mom). I learned of her through OMOAP so assume you are also aware, but somehow the power point thing made me think to ask.
I'm struggling a bit with my anxiety the past few days... so I need this thankful thursday!
1) For the ability to treat myself and my family. I always poke around a little during Amazon Prime Days, but I didn't find anything I needed. But a friend mentioned that other places were matching this sale--I went over to Costco and bought myself a Ninja Crispi 5-in-1 for the lowest price I've seen. I've been making due with a $5 Ninja air fryer I got on the market place. And I am wildly excited to try something larger, nicer, and new-to-me!
2) We have the ability to treat the big kids (23 and 22) and their significant others to a day at the ball park in Denver with us. While the Colorado Rockies aren't doing amazingly well, the game happens to be on the 4th of July and we all get to see the fireworks together! (And the 6-year-old loooooooves his big brother and sister).
3) For rain and umbrellas. I knew it was raining the moment I woke up today. My bedroom was filled with rain smell from having my window open. My little was excited to get out of the car going into school just so he could pop open an umbrella. It's the simple joys <3
4) For a new boss who was willing to listen as I minorly complained about drowning in tasks at work.
5) For a theater family. I volunteer most of my free time at the theater... and I'm performing a lot during Cheyenne Frontier Days this summer. I'm looking forward to fun performances for our 250th!
When I read blogs from the US and the issues you guys have navigating medical insurance, it makes me so, so thankful for European socialised health care. Every time.
I'm thankful that my doctor gave me a doctor's note for 2 weeks of 8 hour days. My trigger finger is still painful and of course it took a while to get rid of the infection.
I'm thankful that in 8 months I will be happily retired!!
I'm thankful that my job pays well so that I don't have to have roommates other than one very chunky and oS<pionated (but cute) feline!!
I'm also thankful that June has remained relatively cool. July and August will be horrible lol!!
I'm thankful that I have managed to save 6k towards the 9k I need to have my house flooring done. Particle board is NOT a good look ROFLMBO!!
Wow! $6000 is a great achievement.
This week I'm thankful for:
* Great one-on-one helpers for the two special needs kids in my group at kids camp. They're doing a fantastic job and making it a smoother week for ending.
* My daughter's sweet friend being able to come over today. She's about to move to Florida and we're heartbroken over it. My daughter's best friend from church moved away in the fall and now one of her two best friends from school is moving away. We love this family. So much. And it's been tricky to coordinate schedules for a playdate this summer. But today is the day! I'm so thankful that my daughter will have one final playdate with her two best friends here today. Such a gift!
Great news on the clear mamm!
I survived our mini 4 day heat wave. Getting up extra early too chores, working on my tree farm that is at a higher elevation, getting much done. Such a good feeling.
My friend who is struggling with her own c*ncr journey, just got marker improvements. Her sweet hubs just retired and is taking very good care of her.
Those sheets sound magical. Gotta look into getting some.
We're expecting rain starting tonight with temps 30 degrees cooler. May just happy dance in the rain!
So thankful to hear your mammo was clear! That's always a blessing. We do not have "traditional" health insurance, so I thought I'd share a tip. I typically get my yearly mammos done at a "mammo bus" in our town. You can schedule online, and mine have always cost somewhere between $80-$120, and you can use an FSA/HSA if you have that option. One year, I went to the radiology office, and paid close to $800 out of pocket, so the bus is definitely a cheaper option, and it's always been great (still read by radiologist associated with a local office in case I need follow, etc.) Just a tip for those who may need it!
1. Air conditioning 🙂
2. A supportive husband. We are going on a trip and are flying out of an airport that gives me major anxiety. I’m trying very hard to manage it appropriate. My husband has been understanding and I appreciate it!
3. For our trip, I’m excited to BE where we are going. I’m just nervous about the airport and security(it’s not rational.
4. The preschool I work at, the asst. director is lovely and creates a great environment.
5. Long walks and even a little bit of running at the end of long days. I never wanna go but I’m always happy afterwards.
6. A bonus… a paycheck 🙂 my very own paycheck. This has been my first year back to work in 18 years. It feels really good to be paid for doing something I enjoy.
Congrats on your first paycheck! after being away from work so long.
I understand about the airport and security! It may be too late for this trip for you, but I gave myself a GREAT gift and got the TSA Pre-Check. It was a bit of trouble, but it only costs (at least when I got it) $70 for 5 years and it means that I can avoid those LONG security lines. Even if I only fly once a year, it is SO worth it to me.
This week I am thankful . . .
-For a clear colonoscopy. Your mammogram story made me think of it. I turned 45 earlier this year, so it was time. I have been under treatment for breast cancer for three years, so I would have been shocked if they had found something (given how often my body is scanned and evaluated and how many cancer-fighting drugs I have ingested), but it was still nice to hear that I don't have to get another colonoscopy for a decade.
-That colonoscopy prep was easier than I anticipated. The hardest part was being hungry. Otherwise the drink was yucky, but the, uh, affect of the drink was no big deal at all. A silver lining of three years of cancer medications that wreaked my digestive system. This was small potatoes in comparison.
-For my children. They have made me a better, more kind, more empathic person in so many ways. They make me keep going when life is hard. I am so deeply grateful for them.
-For the years of mourning my dad. My dad passed away on Sunday after years of a very hard dementia struggle. It has been tough for us all. Of course I didn't want him to die, but I am just so relieved that he is at peace. I think the last few years have prepared my heart, and I am grateful for that.
-For the folks in my community and networks. I am in a couple of important fights right now, and I want to give up. I am incredibly grateful for the people who give me advice and tell me to keep going.
Wishing you comfort & peace during this time. Still hard, even when one knows it's coming. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thankfuls! Hoping for good news for you on the job front soon, too!
Amanda, I'm sorry about your dad. It's not easy even when there's relief that his dementia struggle is over.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and the challenges you’re currently facing.
At the same time, it is incredibly inspiring to see your positive outlook amidst such difficult struggles. You are blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful, encouraging people right now.
Please know that I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sending you and yours love!
Echoing the comments above and sending my best wishes. Appreciate your perspective.
So sorry for your loss and the struggle that went before it. Dementia is so very cruel. Hugs.
Yes, laying horizontally after being vertical!!
I'm thankful for:
- This time with my kids during this phase of life
- Ladies Bible Study
- Gardening
- A day at home
More details and pictures here: https://practicalwalk.com/2026/06/25/thankful-post-5/
When salad bars in restaurants used to be a thing, I always used cottage cheese for my base instead of lettuce. All those toppings are wonderful on cottage cheese.
That cottage cheese combo looks absolutely delicious!
Here’s what I’m feeling especially grateful for this week:
• All the delicious tropical fruits like lychees and mangoes, plus a refreshing coconut juice drink that I happened to get for free!
• A wonderful night of deep rest. I managed to sleep for over 8 hours today, and it felt so incredibly good to finally catch up on sleep.
• My wonderful husband who constantly reminds me that he loves me.
• Quality time with my girls. We've been busy making the best memories together—from drawing chalk art and building Legos to playing Switch games and introducing them to some classic 90s movies.
• A great new read. I couldn't find a copy of The Art of Spending Money at my physical library, but I finally tracked it down on Libby and have been loving reading it on my Kindle.
I'm in the hold queue at the library for this book. Glad to hear you're loving it.
It took me more than month of hold in queue before I could get the book but so totally worth it!
Today I took a few online personality assessments about the Big Five (openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) and am thankful that I have the characteristics necessary to meet my obligations.
I’m also thankful that, despite being physically tired, I can achieve what I need to achieve today.
Finally, I’m thankful for my local yarn shop knitting group. I’m making a friend or two there, which is welcome.
Thankful for:
Air conditioning in my house and my car.
The pool in our community which I often have to myself if I go in the evening-also that it's a saltwater pool.
For a telehealth service that I can access for $29 visits through my Costco membership. This is such a gift to me since I don't have health insurance.
For a dear, dear friend that I've known since I was 17 and she was 15 (we are now 61 and 59!). Even though we are far apart geographically and don't talk that often, it's like no time has passed when we do connect, as we did earlier this week.
I am thankful that I am recovering from a major back surgery! It will be 6 weeks on Monday. My pain is so much better. I just keep putting one foot in front of another!!
Laurie: Wow! Yay!
Woohoo! I'm glad you're over the worst of it.
we had the same type of person come to our hospital (I don't know why but we are switching back to JCAHO from DNV) and it was a less-than pleasant experience. That's all I can say about that. Aside from that, we only have a few things to change to be compliant (dust on the crucifix smh). I am an administrative assistant so have minimal contact with them but the nurses are always nervous.
This week I was reminded about how very grateful I am for my calm, clean, cool home with snacks in the pantry and clean sheets, and a yard I can sit in to listen to birds in the morning with some really good coffee. All it takes is being away for two or three days to remind me that I am a homebody! I feel especially grateful lately and at peace and that is the best feeling.