Thankful Thursday | from a cranky me
New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; an exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Full disclosure: I am writing this post while not in a very good mood.
It's the end of the day, I'm tired, and I'm feeling cranky.
So, we'll see how this goes.
This week I am thankful:
that my skin checkup was clear
I went to see my dermatologist yesterday, and got a clear checkup.
Last year, I got a suspicious mole flagged and then had a biopsy and then a small surgery to remove it (it turned out to be not cancerous, happily).
So, I am pretty happy that nothing funky appeared this time around.
that I could watch my niece and nephew
My brother and sister-in-law needed a little last minute help with babysitting, and I'm glad I was available.
that young kids are easy to entertain
My niece and nephew are in early grade school, and this is an age that is pretty simple to please.
We played with dominoes, took a walk to visit the neighborhood horses and feed them apples, made a stop at the community field, jumped on our trampoline, played in the hammock, and took apart dried marigold flowers to find the seeds inside.
Nothing fancy, but they were happy.
that the weather has not been dark and rainy
Another bonus: it has not been hot either.
Additionally: the humidity has been pretty low.
I have a super comfy bed that I get to sleep in
This is fairly basic for most of us, I know.
But I think of people who have to sleep in hospitals, or people who don't have homes, and then I am reminded, ohhh, right, sleeping in my own bed is a really big privilege.
I have a stove that is not broken
I am really thankful to not have cracked, broken glass on my stovetop anymore.
that I have a reliable car
My van is a 2012, so it's not super old. And it's a Toyota.
So, I never have to wake up each day and wonder, "Will my car start?"
that estimated taxes are over until January
I am almost unspeakably happy about the financial sigh of relief this is bringing me.
Three months with no tax payments due!
that my family is healthy
None of us have gotten sick, and I am grateful for that especially because Sonia has asthma.
__________________
Alrighty! I do feel a little bit more cheerful after making my list.
And I bet I will feel even more cheerful after a good night's sleep, so I am going to schedule this post and put myself into bed.
I'm thankful for:
-beautiful weather
-the farmer who gave me an extra cucumber in my farm share because she knows my kids love them
-a neighbor who lent me a stamp to pay my property tax bill
-my team of co-workers helping me teach virtually
-my husband who does all the cooking
-my plumber for helping with several plumbing emergencies this month
-my mechanic who is diligent about making sure my car is safe after driving through water
-my cats who are excellent sources of comfort
-a three day weekend coming up
I'm thankful, too, for a husband who cooks. Isn't it wonderful !!
Thankful that our youngest tested Corona negative, and that in these uncertain times our eldest got a contract from the company he has been temping for. They will also train him for an assignment with more responsibilities.
Thankful that we are having such a beautiful Indian Summer, that allows us to be outside a lot and air our homes. Thankful for speaking to our relatives over the phone, and hearing their voices.
I am very thankful that two nephews in my family, who had fallen out, are back in touch and are good together again.
Finally I am thankful that the secluded life we need to live right now, has made me relive many moments from my youth, and has made me feel more of a whole person, and not minding turning grey, wrinkly and less mobile.
Today I fulfilled a promise I made to myself months ago. I was able to sit in the shade at a coffee shop and have a cool drink and read while I waited for my son to finish his dental appointment. I a so glad that my boy is finally getting over his fear of dentistry.
My granddaughter continues to grow and is more delightful each and every day. Some days I am very tired when I look after her sash is now three and I not!
I have been able to find some great deals at the grocery store. Filling the pantry a slower cost is always good.
Someone recommended that I reread the Little House books. I so enjoyed Little Farmer Boy.
It is beginning to warm up here and I am so grateful for air conditioning.
The Little House books are so charming! I love Garth Williams' illustrations too.
Farmer Boy is the best one because of all the FOOD. 🙂
Oh I so agree! What a cook Almanzo’s mother was depicted as being, using a wood stove, no refrigeration, and food they raised themselves! An inspiration to me.
My family likes to point out that Farmer Boy's family ate pie for breakfast .....
I think I'd enjoy that book! When we first moved to a farm my mother cooked on a big old wood stove for several years. It takes talent, I think. And I've never again had better homemade bread than she produced in that oven.
Thank you so much for your bright, encouraging words during what has been a difficult year for many people! I really enjoy reading your blog each morning 🙂
Harder than usual today, but here we go:
For dogs who will chase away bears (!).
For good neighbors.
For children who drive me crazy, but bring our house to life.
For a husband who never stops dreaming and planning, no matter how crazy the plans may sound to me.
For books and the ability to read them.
For a body that still requires no medications, eyeglasses, or other external aids at the age of 40.
For cream in my coffee after a few days of just milk.
Oh! So true about milk and cream! We just returned from a weeklong vacation, and I ran out of cream mid-vacation. Last evening I wanted Earl Grey in the evening, but I didn't even want to bother if there was no cream. (I think this is the sign that I lead a privileged life.)
It is like magic.
I am thankful that it is once again enjoyable to be outdoors--I live in hot, humid land--and go for walks. Being over 70, I have not been going to my gym, so the walks are important. I have felt so out of shape. Now it will come back.
I am thankful my adult kids are doing well at their jobs and enjoy their work.
That my husband and I are retired and don not have to face dangerous workplace situations. I was a teacher, and he took public transportation. Glad not to deal with all that.
That the grandkids are back at school at home for some, in person for some and seem happy.
That food is delivered by the grocery stores around here and that we have good food at all.
That the library's books are available in e-book form on my Ipad. Would go nuts otherwise, or broke from buying on Amazon the zillions of books we read.
For phones, email, Face Time, Skype and Zoom to keep in touch with family and friends.
For liking cooking at home and having a husband who loves my food and leftovers!
For my husband period.
Four our apt. with its great view and lots of space and everything we need and more.
For Kristen's idea to list these items. Yes, magic.
1. My job. I'm repeating myself on this one, but I'm so appreciative of a job that's pleasant. I've had jobs that have been less than ideal (basically I dreaded going in) and I don't want to take for granted the fact that I enjoy my current part-time job and look forward to being there.
2. Eyesight (my family's and mine). My mother-in-law's eyesight is getting worse and she often talks about it. It makes me realize how grateful I am that everyone in my immediate family can see well, with correction.
3. A cheap dry cleaner near my house. My daughter bought a cute jacket at Goodwill, then we realized the tag said "dry-clean only." I looked online and found an extremely inexpensive dry cleaner not too far from where I live.
4. Encouraging people. I just love people who are encouraging to others. I'm thankful to have some in my life.
I am waiting to have small surgery on a mole that was biopsied earlier this month. How long did it take for you to heal, Kristen? My cuts heal very slowly and the removed mole is barely healing, which makes me sad that it will soon have to start the process all over again with a bigger cut and stitches. But I'm thankful also that it's just a precaution and not likely cancerous.
I am also thankful that my 96-y-old neighbor tested negative for Covid, after having been exposed to it in close proximity. Thankful the person who had Covid was wearing a mask.
Thankful that my son's job is going well, he is getting hours and is able to save up money.
Thankful for pay raises that allows us to think about some house projects down the road.
And last, so thankful that I finally caught some sleep last night after staying awake for most of it. I was terrified of having a completely sleepless night.
I was really surprised at how long mine took to heal. I too had a biopsy followed by a more in-depth surgery to remove any bits of the mole, plus a perimeter, just to be safe.
I don't remember for sure how long it took, but I want to say a good month, and even the I'm not sure it was entirely closed up. I thought it was healed, took a dip in a cold creek while camping, and then got an infection.
So, err on the safe side and learn from me!
Thank you for the heads up! Luckily we are now in the colder season so I won't be dipping in creeks 🙂
I had a growth removed that turned out to be basal cell carcinoma. I'm guessing the surgery was fairly similar to a mole removal. The initial healing took a month or two, but it took a full year for "complete" healing (when it looked like an old scar instead of a recent surgery). I have another growth now, and the doctor doesn't think it's worth taking a biopsy, even though it looks exactly the same as the last one (new doctor, so he's not familiar with what the last one looked like). We agreed to wait a few months and see if it resolves, since basal cell carcinoma is a VERY slow-growing cancer and is pretty much never dangerous, just unpleasant. but if it's not gone by the end of November, I'm going to insist on getting it checked out.
I just had a growth removed from the middle of my FOREHEAD this summer! It has healed, but there is definitely a noticeable scar. Sigh. I don't think I have one shred of vanity left. (I guess that's something to be thankful for? --Plus a nice vacation week, funny kids, funny chickens, lots of funny-looking pumpkins/squash from my garden.)
Gratitude is good for the soul. This week I’m especially thankful for
• My bed. I have been away from home for several days. It always feels so good to be back in my own, comfy bed.
• Our National Parks. I was able to visit two of our National Parks this past week. We live in a beautiful country, and I’m so happy that we have preserved some of these beautiful places.
• My health. I am still strong and healthy. I am able to hike long distances and enjoy hidden places.
• My husband. We just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary.
• My sweet cat. She is currently curled up on my lap. My son found her 12 years ago and her eyes weren’t even open. I bottle-fed her and cared for her.
These thanksgivings always make me feel better. I'm glad you started this, Kristen.
I'm so, so thankful for my daughter finally getting her new dishwasher installed and a water line run to her new refrigerator so she can use the icemaker, as well as getting the outlet for the refrigerator fixed, so she can take the refrigerator off of the extension cord. The dishwasher drain hose for the defunct unit was run through the floor behind it, not to the sink. It took a contractor crawling under the house to put in the new drain hose. She has been calling for five months for any electrician and/or plumber to come-- she finally found someone who did all of it for her in one day. Her house is 80 years old, so it has its quirks.
I'm grateful for our surprising, continuing cooler weather. September is usually quite hot here.
I'm grateful that my husband seems to be doing better using a new flip phone and a $50 tablet instead of an expensive iPhone, which he breaks too easily. Plus, the tablet is easier for him to see and fits a kids' case, which gives good protection.
I'm thankful to find a new pet food store that carries high quality, USA made foods, after Covid shut down my old favorite store.
I'm grateful that my brother-in-law's sister and her husband have not lost their new home in the terrible California fires -- they live in Paradise, which was basically all burnt down in that terrible fire a while back, and had just rebuilt after losing everything but themselves and their dog in the Paradise fire.
I'm thankful for this community of nice folks here!
This week I am thankful for....
Several blogs that I read regularly . It is so nice to be able to have this type of community for idea sharing and communication in general. I find it uplifting and look forward to reading each day.
Provision. Our budget is a bit tighter this month than it normally would be because we had to purchase a new washing machine. I found myself grumbling about it yesterday but then realized how very fortunate we are that we had the cash to make this purchaser without taking on consumer debt, the pinch is short lived, AND best of all the new washer will be delivered on Monday!
Our son has outgrown all of his clothes & shoes and needs new for the fall and winter. I found myself frustrated with this last night as I thought about the expense and the stress of buying during COVid when we cant find many things, stores present an extra challenge and even ordering online can be a challenge due to shipping. But then I was reminded how fortunate we are that our little one is healthy and growing. So many parents have children that are sick or have ailments that don't allow them to grow as they should and we are blessed to have to shop for clothing every few months. I am so thankful for this!
For cooler weather and less humidity. This has allowed me to get 80% of my fall garden planted and begin working on some long overdue projects in my home such as painting. I'm excited for the organization and feeling of completion that these projects will bring as we settle into the holiday season.
For apples, pumpkins, mums & pansies, coffee with sweet cream creamer, cool breezes and high, clear blue skies. I love the fall. All the nature around me is a solid reminder of all that is so very good in this world.
Have a great week everyone!
When our washer quit last year and the new one was backordered for a month, we realized how much we appreciate *not* having to go to a laundromat.
My SIL shops at all of our consignment stores for her 2 littles. Great clothing, shoes, coats etc. Saves her so much. She then turns around and sells them back.
Yes! I cleaned out everything that didn’t fit and took it to a local consignment shop. I then used some coupons from
Children’s Place to do a big stock up which yielded more coupons go some other basic items like socks and jammies. We will get a bit of money back from the consignment shop and I will use that to replace shoes. I also scored several long sleeve items at a local church consignment sale.
We all get crabby at times. This morning it was snapping at my husband who had his first day off in 12 days. We went for a bike ride before I had to get to work and things delayed us. When we got home, I should have been thankful that we can ride together, but I was snappy. I do feel better after a shower.
Like you, I am extremely thankful for my bed and home - a roof over my head.
I am thankful that my husband and I are both still working and haven’t lost our jobs thru this whole crazy thing.
I am so thankful for my husband, who cooked dinner last night after working his 12 days straight. It was spaghetti sauce and it was delicious and there is enough to freeze for 2 more dinners for when we don’t feel like cooking.
I am thankful that the solar company came by to exchange the inverter so we are using solar power instead of paying for electricity. Something happened in mid-Aug and the inverter stopped tracking and converting the sun’s energy to electricity. We’ve been paying for electricity and missing all the sun’s energy. We are back on track now. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up the rest of the year!
Have I said I am thankful for my husband sleeping in his recliner right now after working 12 days straight? He works so much, that I won’t mind him home for the next 3 days. Then another 12 days of work. Hopefully after that we will be able to see our granddaughter.
I'm thankful...
*that my son's teacher is going out of her way to help us adjust to virtual school. There is a learning curve for everyone involved in the process and her patience is helping my son be more confident.
*that we rescued an abandoned newborn kitten that was trapped under our house. Two days of hearing it crying was heart-wrenching. There was no outside access but we were able to retrieve it through a pipe access panel inside. No idea how it got stuck under there but so glad we got to it in time.
*for fall in the Northeast, even with all the allergies it brings.
That’s amazing about the cat rescue! Once I had to similarly rescue a stuck stray kitten and it was pretty strenuous. Good thing I was a labor and delivery nurse!
Will you be able to keep her?
The best remedy for anxiety is gratitude!! That's from Max Lucado's "Anxious for Nothing" Bible study last night. Any time we feel anxious or cranky, stop and think of something to be thankful for. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for!
I am doing that same study and we did that same lesson this week. Good reminders.
That I managed to get an emergency appointment at the dentist (despite Covid) to have a tooth looked at and that he immediately reacted to what he called a massive infection of a nerve.
That I have a house and garden I currently live in and can enjoy the outdoors, even if they reintroduce lockdown.
That my parents - far away in another country - are well too and that they have all comforts available.
That my kids are back in school and thriving.
That I don’t have to worry about the costs of the dental treatments that are going to happen in the next few weeks
I'm thankful that my sister who lives in Louisville, KY (and actually lives four houses down from the Louisville AG) is safe. Lots of texts flying last night (we were in church) with her, my husband and two brothers, checking on her. I prayed for a hedge of protection around her and her neighborhood.
I'm thankful that our Havanese, Marisol, is on the mend. She has a soft tissue injury to her tail.
I'm thankful that her Vet is loving and kind and concerned about her.
I'm thankful that my husband has been working steadily through this craziness we're going through.
I, too, am thankful for a roof over my head, food in our pantry, and a comfy bed to sleep in.
I could go on and on about things I'm thankful for...
This will be a tough one. Currently dealing with anxiety surrounding my upcoming retirement, lying awake wondering if it’s even financially feasible, although we’ve crunched the numbers every which way.
1. Our six beautiful, wonderful grandchildren.
And honestly, that’s enough right there... the fact they all live right here in my city is the biggest bonus!
Hugs to you!
Everyone I know who is retired says unless you are depending solely on SS and/or you have excessive health expenses, you don't need anywhere near the projected amounts of money that 'retirement experts' tell you is needed. If everyone really needed a million dollars to retire, few people would be retired! 😉
Enjoy your retirement! Remember when you're retired, everyday is Friday!
Really needed a couple of posts like this this week! I too have been cranky and sad and have to constantly remind myself that in my little world, all is well. I have a cozy home that I share with a person (and cats) that I love. I have friends who support me, clients who appreciate me, and I live in a place where I can mountain bike, golf, and enjoy the outdoors most days of the year (300+ days of sunshine!). We are healthy and blessed!
I'm thankful:
- My headache went away, and ibuprofen on hand.
- A yummy lunch (beef gravy over noodles) that reminded me of my childhood.
- I second a nice bed to sleep in
- The beautiful place we are visiting for a work trip. God's variety increation always amazes me.
That I can buy what I want and not just what I need. This week I ordered a cover for my firewood rack and a second Ring Fit (Nintendo exercise game) so everyone can exercise - no question of scheduling the exercise or who gets to take it away.
That I've learned that exercise will improve my mood, that I have a Ring Fit that makes it easy to do so, and that I'm mature enough that the long-term benefit (feel better) is enough to overcome the short-term detriment (Idonwanna!).
That I'm in better physical shape than before the pandemic began. I'd left my old dojo but hadn't settled on a new one.
That my work group is flexible and, even better, not the toxic boss I has at the last group. My organization really needs to promote for managerial skill and not just subject matter competence. I can list a half dozen who are good workers and hideously bad managers. :-<
For the special brownie pan that a friend gave me because he thought I'd like it. It has long thick flanges so every brownie is an edge piece. On Tuesday I made JOY's butterscotch brownies in it. Yum!
I wish you lived near me because I cut the edges off brownies because I hate the texture of them. I would deliver little boxes of end slices to you!
Haha! Me too!
I would be fine with that!
I have a LOT that I'm worried about right now, but I do have a lot to be grateful for.
I'm so, so, so grateful that the skies are blue and the air is clean where I live. I actually got outside for a run yesterday. I'm thankful we've had temperatures in the 80s this week despite the fact that they're heading back toward 100 next week (I'm SO READY for fall). I'm thankful my sister has a beautiful "cabin" in the mountains that we could stay in during the week our daycare was closed, and I'm thankful that I have a house to come home to, and I'm really thankful that our new house is so energy efficient and our energy bill is half of what it was at our old house. I'm grateful that despite the fact my refrigerator is acting up, it looks like it's something we'll be able to fix easily ourselves. I'm grateful that we were able to sell our old campervan easily and still have money left over after we paid for repairs.
I am grateful for the ridiculously nice weather we’ve had this week. It has been a lovely 75 and sunny with no humidity all week.
I am grateful that my son’s preschool is open. He seems to really like it and is doing well.
I am grateful my family is healthy.
I am grateful for the frugal girl teaching me how to make good homemade pizza. I struggled with it for several years until her tutorial post. And now tonight we get to eat delicious homemade pizza for a fraction of the cost of ordering delivery.
I am grateful for our produce delivery box. It is so convenient to have it put right in my doorstep each week and really cuts down on the time I spend in the grocery store.
- For another week of in-person learning for my daughter.
- For another week of tomato sandwiches for lunch. We had our first frost over the weekend, so these days are coming to an end. I'm thankful to have them for now. 🙂
- That my Community Bible Study zoom group actually wasn't terrible. I had low expectations for how doing it over zoom would go this year but our first one was really good!
- For really nice weather the last few days. We've played at the playground after school, taken a bike ride, eaten meals outside, walked without freezing... So great!
- For yard sales where I can get clothes for little money. Today I found a nice Lands End fleece jacket for a dollar. Over in my pile to fold is a Banana Republic sweater I got for a dollar a few weeks ago. I appreciate these finds.
I am thankful for this blog for reminding me to be thankful.
I am grateful that my colonoscopy went well at the beginning of the week. I had two procedures last year as well as the one this week. Now I don't have to return for three years. Also, I am impressed by all the staff at the GI Diagnostic center, a true team of professionals. I am glad that Covid has not interfered with the ability to get screenings done. I am having my vision checked in a couple days and having a dental check up next week.
I am grateful that I have been able to see friends every day this week. Yes, it has been outdoors but I'm okay with that.
I am thankful that mask wearing is common in Maryland. It makes it easier to go places. Yesterday I dropped off and then picked my car up at the dealership, for routine maintenance. It felt safe.
I am glad that my stitching group will soon be allowed to meet indoors again. We'll have to distance and wear masks but with cooler weather coming it will be a good thing.
I am grateful to be able to eat whatever I want this week. For a week prior to a colonoscopy several types of food are not to be eaten. I have welcomed them back into my diet this week.
I am thankful for cooler weather. There is very little need for HVAC and being outside feels wonderful.
I am thankful for
Good friends who check in with me regularly
Plenty of fresh food in my fridge
My faith in a higher power that makes my life easier
A smart phone and a laptop
Being able to teach (community college) from home this whole semester
I think cranky was going around this morning. I was ready to chew up nails and spit out tacks for awhile there.
1. I am thankful that all at our house are still working and healthy.
2. Thankful that my weird leftover-use-it-up cooking last weekend resulted in some actually delicious money-saving meals.
3. Thankful that our littlest rescue dog, whose health is a bit frail, has bounced back from a sick spell.
4. Thankful that our pantry yielded a little extra to donate to the food bank.
5. And for my favorite ancient black cardigan sweater, which I bought 12 years ago at a thrift store and is still keeping me warm in the office when the A/C is set at a central location, presumably on the equator by the level of chill blasting out.
1. Today I am most thankful, actually over the moon, to find out that my husband has located a new Irish wolfhound for me. I have grieved the loss of our last one for over a year, and although I love our adopted pound hound, we usually have two dogs so the new boy will complete the home as far as I am concerned. It is my birthday/anniversary/Christmas gift, all of which are in the next few months.
2. Last night we had to be out late in the evening and when we arrived home in the dark it was raining, 34 degrees and windy. I had this flash of extreme gratitude for our warm little house just waiting to envelop us in heat and comfort.
3. For over 100 pounds of potatoes we finished harvesting yesterday. I thought we were done harvesting, conveniently forgetting the potato patch. We were supposed to have a light snow last night so husband and I hustled out and finished off the garden.
4. The chickens continue to produce more than we can eat so I am able to gift them to neighbors. We have a little pod of neighbors who help each other and it feels really good to be able to surprise people with home grown chickens.
5. My sourdough starter, going strong. I used it to make a deep chocolate cake a few days ago and was reminded again how well it has served us---especially when some folks were having trouble getting yeast.
Thankful for our many blessings this year as I know so many others are struggling.
Thankful for my dog and how she always makes me laugh when she sleep-howls (think sleep walking...).
Thankful for my siblings and our close adult relationships -- sprawled across the country but always supportive, always in touch.
Thankful for my in-laws. I hit the lottery with these two.
Thankful that the national forest near my house hasn't burned and in about 15 minutes flat, I can be deep in the trees, wandering around, breathing deeply, contemplating life -- I find it calming, healing, etc.
FALL! I love it. Beautiful weather gives me a chanceget out to run and walk to work through stress, and cool weather allows me to wear sweaters and drink warming drinks and bake all the things. I feel invincible in Fall, which is kind of ironic this year because 2020 is bringing me to my knees and the three days of fall so far have been no different.
Husband's irregular work schedule that allows me to get walks and runs in and take children to appointments without compromising our comprised kiddo. (Also, our pediatrican is incredible. He's willing to do flu shots in the car so we don't have to bring compromised kiddo "anywhere near a healthcare facility")
Health--typically every 4 months our son has flu/pnuemonia or a cold that requires multiple doctors' visits or hospitalization. He hasn't seen the doctor since February, and he's been well. We have not slept in a hospital bed since February. We have not done nebulizer treatments since February. It's the longest stretch of his life without entering the hospital or needing a doctor, and I never, in a million years, dreamed we would be able to go this long without seeing one of his doctors. We have diligently isolated, which has caused stress of its own kind, but our son is expressing wellness, and thriving emotionally without having to battle illness.
Feeling grateful with you about the health of your son!
1. For my family. They are what sustains me through all the craziness of life. They are my joy, my comfort, my safe place to land.
2. For good books and cozy blankets to read under.
3. That we can do a lot of fun things safely and still have a full life. We miss a lot of things right now and hope we will be able to do them again in the future but for now we are content with finding new activities/entertainment.
4. That my anxiety and depression are pretty well-controlled right now. I know that’s quite personal to speak about but it has been one of the most difficult things in my life to deal with and so I am thankful that for now at least I have found what works for me. It is something that I will likely experience for the rest of my life but I will take joy in the good times.
5. For long, meaningful talks. With my brother who lives far away from me. With my daughter, about what is important in life.
I feel you on #4! Have you ever tried light therapy? It CHANGED my life! I live in Canada, low light in the winter, so I use my therapy lamp every morning for 30 minutes from september 1st to end of may 31st my seasonnal depression is so much better because of it.
That’s awesome that you have found something that works for you! It’s interesting I just heard someone else mention this recently. I live in the Southern US and I have never had a doctor even bring it up with me as a possible treatment option. I will do some researching. It’s so hard to know what will help and what won’t. I have tried a lot unfortunately but I am always interested to see what works for others so thank you for mentioning it.
You are welcome. I found this on my own, not through the doctor. I was at a point, during winter months, of having to create to-do lists to function (like "take a shower" activities included), and I felt like I was living in a fog from December to march. I did my research and choose the best lamp I could get on Amazon (about 200$). I can't say enough about how it changed my life, yes I'm repeating myself, ahah!
Good luck with everything!
Toni, I am sorry that you have anxiety and depression. Being able to control those in 2020 is a major feat. I am glad that you shared your struggles as it helps raise awareness and lessen the stigma of mental health issues. All the best to you.
1. I am thankful that my glass protector on my phone screen did it's job and protected it when I dropped it. I'm also thankful that the warranty meant I got a new glass protector mailed to me for free. Yay, free.
2. I'm thankful that my family is all healthy. So often, health is taken for granted. And I want to remember that not everyone is able to live a healthy life everyday.
3. I'm thankful that my husband is employed - still - and able to work hard everyday. And he likes his job.
4. I'm thankful for my library. I would've been much crankier had I not had books to read and dvd's to watch during the shutdown. And now.
Thankful for the optician I dealt with because I had to take new glasses back. She did not make me feel foolish. I could not focus to read, though I tried to get used to them for two days.
Thankful I got my vehicle inspected and the only problem was a burnt out tail light. I am notorious for waiting until the last minute.
I am thankful for my bed, too. I put clean sheets and bed quilt on today.
I am thankful the laundry is done for another couple of weeks. The advantage of taking it to the laundrymat is that it's all done at once. I do hang out everything except the sheets and bedspread because of the pollen in the air, and I have a dog. Dryer gets the fur "glitter" off better.
My husband, whose birthday is today;
My husband's mother, who makes all our birthday cakes, including ...
My husband's birthday cake, which is red velvet with butter frosting.
The fact that a kid wanted to go out for a sport which means I have to learn it now.
And for the cat that occupies the preschooler's time so beautifully.
For a friend who invited a couple of coworkers over for a small dinner who has a lot going on in her life. And the weather was perfect for sitting outside.
For my 2 dogs who while playing sound like they are killing each other. They are funny.
That we have a game plan for an out of state wedding. Trying to manage it safely.
That it was very little effort to sell a number of items on Marketplace. Now on to handing a number of items gifted to me that are going to a consignment shop.
I should have responded earlier as I was internally cranky today.
I am thankful for taking time to go to the park today. Did we skip a subject today? Yes. Was it worth it. Also yes!
I am thankful for the library. I would not be able to afford all the spider books for our next topic of study. So glad they are open!
I am thankful that I got the last of the water out of our pool today. Was it easy? Yeah kinda but physical. Was it time consuming? Yes. Can we start wiping the liner down, so we can store it over winter and put it in a better location next year? Yes!
I am thankful for meal planning to be flexible. I have had to rearrange three days this week, but we have done a great job sticking to the menu for two weeks now.
I am thankful for taking the time to rearrange the pantry this evening. I found some snacky foods that need to be eaten up, so I moved those to the kitchen counter with an "eat me" sign. Once my older boys find it, they will disappear quickly enough.
Can't go wrong with a Toyota! My 2004 Echo is still running! (we barely use it, but it's still there).
* Super grateful that I do not have a neurological condition! I waited 1.5 year to be tested for a specific condition and got the results yesterday : negative!
* My house is PAID OFF!!!!!!! After 11.5 years of being frugal and putting every extra cents on the house, we are done with the mortgage!!!!!!!
* That the kids are back in school full time
* That I was able to have a girl's week end away before everything closes down again
* That I have access to the public indoor pool and public library (again, before everything closes down again, I'm afraid)
Oh wow, congrats on paying off your mortgage. That's an amazing accomplishment.
And also...yay for a clear medical test!
Thanks!
As always, so much to be thankful for at my house, even when I too am cranky:
1) We have gorgeous tomatoes in our garden right now. Cherry tomatoes that are ripe & a huge number of large (baseball sized) beefsteaks that are a few days from ripening. I'm so happy.
2) That my immediate family (parents, sister) & I all see eye to eye on the state of the world right now. I have friends going through really challenging situations with their parents or siblings & finding it difficult to find common ground. For the people I'm closest to in my life, this isn't a problem & I'm grateful for it.
3) Our herbs went wild this year, and I was able to share basil, mint, parsley & bonus jalapenos with neighbors. I email our neighborhood alias, set them out in big bowls, and am delighted when everything is gone at the end of the day. Food waste makes me twitch, so it's nice to see a huge amount gone without stressing about how to use it up. Bonus, some neighbors shared their lemons, so now I get to add mint & a squeeze of lemon to my water bottle, which makes it taste almost like a mojito.
4) I had leftover taco meat that I could turn into a quick taco salad, which made for a delicious lunch on a busy day.
5) That my eBay sales finally picked up, after a month of slow sales. I make extra mortgage payments with all of the sales, so it always makes me happy to send those payments as the money rolls in.
I am grateful for my salary and students to teach in person
I am grateful for my new heating pad that relieved my lower back pain
I am grateful for all the strategies I learn to handle anxiety, I just keep working at it
I am grateful for my husband, love of my life.
I am grateful for the simplest blessings that have risen to the top after being taken granted for far too long.
Just found your blog. I wanted to do a Thankful Thursday post and googled it and your blog came up.
Thanks,
Sammie