Thankful Thursday | from blog to real life!
This week, I am thankful:
that I got to meet up with some readers!
Reader PD organized a little Mid-Atlantic meet-up, and ten of us got together at a park for lunch (one not pictured below volunteered to take the photo, since she didn't want to be in it.)
She kept it so simple; we all brought our own food and drinks, so no one needed to plan or coordinate anything. Perfect.
And she brought some flowers from her yard to decorate the tables a bit.
We had very frugal name tags; PD had extra DVD/CD labels from back when we used such things (!!) and she brought them for use as name tags. Heh.
This was a group that could sincerely appreciate such an idea. 😉
that we had good weather for our meetup
I was imagining that this could be quite a sweaty get-together but amazingly enough, we had a low-humidity, not-super-hot day. I was so, so thankful!
for the connections my blog has made possible
As I was driving home from our meetup, I was reflecting on how grateful I feel for the blessings blogging has brought into my life. How neat is it that I type words on a screen and then I get to do things like meet up with people I'd never have come into contact with otherwise?
I love the way this blog has served to connect me with all of you, and also to connect you with each other.
Because I grew up in a no-internet era, I think I have a sense of awe that younger generations may not understand; when I sit back and think about it, I'm still a little dazed to realize that people from all over the globe gather here at my little URL.
In my childhood days, we never imagined such a thing was possible!
that I got a patient survey shoutout at work
In a staff email this week, the clinical supervisor included a patient survey response that named me and several other nurses and PCTs, saying this was her best hospital stay ever, and she felt like family. She said, "this group of employees truly embrace the art of nursing."
I almost cried when I read this because the other techs and nurses in that group are such great people and they are so good at their jobs. It is an honor for this newbie to be lumped in with them!
for all the encouragement from my patients
I am still learning all the ins and outs of my job, of course, and I have a long way to go with my technical skills.
But my patients routinely tell me how much they appreciate my cheerful attitude and the kindness and energy I bring to their care. One of my patients, as he was being wheeled out, pointed back to me and said to the transport tech, "If I have to come back, I want that one." Awww!
I never want anyone to have to be at the hospital, of course, but if they have to be there, I am at least glad to make their stays a little bit better.
I feel like I am making a difference in people's lives, even if it is a teeny-tiny difference. And that feels so good!
for encouragement and help from my co-workers
One of the young nurses (who graduated from my school) is super-duper nice when I am assigned to work with him. He cheerfully answers my questions, teaches me how to do things, and thanks me for my help with his patients.
I am gonna try my hardest to be like him when I am a nurse!
And multiple fellow techs have helped me out in various ways; I am so thankful. I got a super short training time before I got sent out on my own, so I routinely encounter tasks I haven't been trained on.
I rarely need to be shown something twice, but the problem is that there seem to be endless new tasks to learn. Thank goodness for helpful coworkers!
for cat dryer balls
Zoe brought home a package of cat dryer balls and they make me smile every time I do laundry now. 😉
that I see growth in the face of criticism
I happened across something negative that someone on the internet had written about me and when I thought back to how that would have made me feel 10-15 years ago, I realized...I have grown.
Back then, I would have really taken it to heart, and I would have given in to the temptation to try to defend myself. But this time, it took me very little time to realize that trying to explain myself would be useless.
It's ok if someone misunderstands me. It's ok if I'm not everyone's cup of tea.
So yay to my brain for some good growth!
for public parks
We had a couple of lovely evenings last weekend, so I drove to a nearby park to enjoy the sunset and the breeze from the water.
Isn't it so nice that there are places where those of us who don't live waterfront can still enjoy the views? I love public parks!
I'm thankful
* we had a good trip to see family. My husband even planned a few day activities which the kids really enjoyed. And we had safe travels, even with the traffic.
*kids seem happy to go back to school soon. I'm ready for summer to end.
*my daughter's camp has really been fun for her. Bless the staff and volunteers who spend 6 weeks of the summer helping kids with special needs have fun!
*we paid off our mortgage! Three years early, too. Putting the extra principal in every month paid off.
@mbmom11, Yay! for the mortgage pay-off!
@mbmom11, Congratulations!!
@mbmom11, Congratulations on the early mortgage pay-off! Such a nice feeling,
@mbmom11,
Well done!!! It must be wonderful feeling to have your mortgage paid off. Congratulations!
@mbmom11, Paying off the mortgage and my daughter aging out of daycare were the two biggest pay raises I ever received in my life. Not having to spend $1,400 a month on my mortgage is so freeing! Yes, I still have to pay taxes and homeowners' insurance but I paid the latter directly anyway.
@mbmom11,
Congrats on the mortgage pay off!
@mbmom11, Yay! Congratulations on paying off your mortgage!
@mbmom11, congrats on paying your mortgage!!
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, LOL *paying OFF your mortgage.
@mbmom11, woohoo!! congrats on paying off your mortgage!!
@mbmom11,
Congrats on being mortgage free! Major, major, major accomplishment! It's like getting a nice big pay raise every month. Plus, the feeling you get knowing no one can foreclose/take your house away from you is "PRICELESS!", as the old credit card commercials used to say.
Glad everything else is going great, as well.
@mbmom11, Good on you for paying off the mortgage and early, too!
@Fru-gal Lisa, With taxes and insurance at $1600 a month, I never feel like no one can take my house away.
@Rose,
WOW. I knew real estate taxes on LI were high, but yikes.
@Battra92, way to go!!!
@mbmom11, oops, said "Way to go" to Battra and meant to say it to you! It is AWESOME to not have a mortgage.
I am so happy for those of you who managed to go to the picnic, it sounds like a lot of fun. The flowers are so cheerful!
This week's thankfuls:
For the wind under your wings
For the self knowledge we gain as we get older
For planning a fall break with my husband
For meeting work buddies yesterday for dinner in a rather distant town, for choosing to upgrade to first class travel to get there, and for the book I read on the way (by a Flemish psychiatrist/philosopher on the topic of acknowledging unhappiness. Because not all unhappiness in life can be turned around or undone)
For lower temperatures this week than forecasted (27 C versus 32 C)
For the smell of sweet peas
For the comments to your blogs, for the perspectives they offer and also for the way they enhance my command of English. When topics are sensitive, I often hesitate before publishing my response. And then I read other comments voicing exactly what I feel, and that have just that nuance or turn of phrase that I was looking for.
@JNL,
same here as far as temperatures are concerned and you describe exactly what I feel when hesitating to comment because I can't find a way to express precisely what I want to say
@JNL, I am continually amazed at the command of English from our readers overseas. I’ve been traveling to Europe every few years, first with my family of origin, then with my own family (we were immigrants) and friends, my DH, our kids, were always happy to know there would be no language barrier.
@JNL, and @Lea, your English is excellent!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Ah thanks! 🙂
We do try!
@JNL and @Lea, not only is your English excellent, it's **miles** ahead of my Dutch or German! 😉
And my Spanish!
Congratulations on your compliments from patients! I have a strong hunch they're the first ones of many.
The get-together was lovely. PD, thank you for your generosity and graciousness, and for your hard work in getting us the most beautiful meeting spot. It was a joy to meet everyone in the group, and to talk with and listen to each person who attended. I hope we can have a second meet-up someday.
Congratulations on the survey!
Kristen, I am thankful that you are now officially divorced!
I am thankful that I had a wonderful trip back home. A little homesick now but it was a great visit.
I am thankful that I've built up a lot of stamina and feel good after going running and working out at the gym. It's annoying that exercise works though 😉
I am thankful for hot weather and a beach nearby. And thankful for a delicious icecream there yesterday!
I am thankful that I was able to have a long conversation in Danish yesterday - it's a difficult language!
Along with others, I'm thankful for Kristen's new life, and for the fact that so many of you were able to attend and enjoy the meetup.
On the home front, I'm thankful that DH has completed his "tour of duty for science" as an anatomical donor, and that the local medical school is now ready to release his ashes. I should be receiving them via USPS registered mail in the next couple of weeks, according to the letter I received late last week from the medical school.
And I'm deeply thankful for the friends who have granted their permission for DH's ashes to be interred on their property. These are the friends who used to own a small llama farm; DH adored the llamas and spent a lot of time photographing and hanging out with them. When our friends sold the farm (both they and the llamas were aging out of the business), they brought their last two llamas to their new place. Our plan is to put DH next to one of them, who was probably his favorite lady llama. This will probably take place sometime in the early fall.
@A. Marie,
I love that you have found the perfect resting place for DH. From what I know of DH, he would love to spend eternity next to his favorite lady llama.
That's really a nice place!
My sister and brother as usual have done zippo about a memorial lunch after my mom's ashes interment with my dad and brothers. Can you tell which sib has the driven personality versus the lackadasical ones?
I think next spring, I'll scatter BFF's ashes along the Embankment in London. She loved mudlarking. Plus gives me a time to try to improve my health.
@A. Marie,
I think that is so very thoughtful and appropriate!
@A. Marie, and Bee,
And his soul will spend eternity with his beloved wife someday!
A. Marie, thank you and thanks to DH for helping further the cause of science. Who knows? Maybe from what someone learned from DH, they'll eventually develop a cure for dementia. Won't that be exciting!?!
@A. Marie, How fitting that your husband's last act was to help advance science. I was reading an article just yesterday about how Scottish medical schools are having trouble getting cadavers and it is impacting the training of physicians, so I hope that reading about what you and he did with his body will inspire others to do the same. I love that he is spending eternity lying next to his favorite llama.
@Lindsey, @Bee, @Rose, @JNL, and @Fru-gal Lisa, thank you all for your kind comments. I really can't recommend anatomical donation strongly enough--first and foremost, because it does advance the cause of science through the training of medical students; and second, because it cuts funeral expenses considerably.
I also got a sweet email from one of my and DH's nieces (one of the two daughters of DH's brother and his wife in Houston), in reply to one I sent her. She's now a colorectal surgeon in the greater Dallas area, and she said about her own med school cadaver that "I will never learn more from a single person compared to her."
@A. Marie, I wish I'd known that family can donate a used pacemaker from a body to be implanted in dogs. Pet-loving BFF would have been so happy to do that.
And I will also leave a note about donating my body. I'm already an organ donor.
@A. Marie, happy to hear you've decided on the final leg of your DH's trip. Better half and I have discussed ashes (but should tell the kiddos). I'll sprinkle his in his various favorite places (most likely, he's older than I). I'll be fertilizer for the catnip patch, local library (likely with a nice bench), and a local baseball field. I'm good with only the catnip patch truth be told.
@Fru-gal Lisa, yes a cure, not a "we can slow it down". I repeat my phrase daily in case I go down the same route as a few family members. And have made it known that if I do, end it quick if I can't. My dad and I are *not* on the same page re: dementia/Alzheimer's.
@Rose, You might already know this, but do check with the airline about transporting human cremains. I had my BFF’s ashes in my backpack (I wasn’t about to put the canister in my checked luggage) and it wasn’t until the TSA agent immediately removed my back pack from the conveyor belt after passing through the x-ray machine, that I had a truly sinking feeling in my stomach. I was biting my lip the entire time the agent checked the canister for explosive(s) residue. When I’d safely stowed the explosives-free ashes in my backpack, I shouldered it and whispered to my friend, “this is our last great adventure.” I suspect her spirit was laughing, but I nearly had a panic attack.
I love everything about this. <3
Today I am thankful:
*that we had a safe trip to Tennessee.
*for my in-law's marriage. This was the point of our trip-- celebrating 50 years with lots of family.
*that somebody else organized the trip.
*that our van made it up and down a very steep grade multiple times on this trip. Also that my husband did the driving.
*for the sounds of roosters crowing outside this morning.
*that we splurged by taking our kids out to eat at my favorite restaurant on our way home. It was delicious.
*that your legal struggles are over.
*that I don't have to go anywhere today. Lots of laundry and garden work, but no time in a car is needed!
Yes, the picnic was so fun! It was lovely to meet everyone. Thanks to all who made the trip, and special thanks to Kristen for joining as the guest of honor. The weather was surprisingly perfect. Free pavilion, free wildflower bouquets, zero food planning... it was so relaxing- and frugal 🙂 Happy to "host" again sometime. We still have plenty of CD label name tags for next time, lol!
@PD,
It was a wonderful gathering and the weather was perfect. I loved that everyone packed their lunches in reusable containers including their beverages. I'd love to do it again.
Thanks to PD for arranging the gathering and for sharing her excess goods with us.
@K D, I agree. The meetup was fun and so relaxed. I wish everyone I met there could be in my life every day. Thanks to PD for making it happen.
@PD, I wish I could have made it so am really looking forward to the next time.
@PD,
So glad you all had great weather and such a fun gathering!! Sorry I couldn't attend but would love to come next time!
Your meetup looks so fun!! I'm glad y'all got to do that!
This week I'm thankful:
* that my babysitting arrangement is going so well. The kids are getting along and having a great time. It doesn't feel like lots of extra work.
* that my kids got my husband's skin and not mine. He tans, while I burn. We've had plenty of outdoor time this summer, but I appreciate that they tan well and don't fry.
* for the ways other people have been generous and kind to us.
* that our library purchased a number of new books in a particular genre I want to check out. I love our library, but there was a drought for a very long time in that category. It's good to have fresh options.
* for air conditioning!!
I am thankful I was able to attend the FG Jamboree on Saturday. It was fun to meet Kristen and some of her readers/fans.
I am thankful that despite hot days the early mornings, and even the evenings in the shade, are pleasant. I work every summer to acclimate myself to the heat and that seems to help.
I a thankful for Physical Therapists, especially the one I have been seeing the past few months. I was sent to PT with a shoulder issue but the therapist is addressing my posture
issues and it is making a difference. I am thankful I have time to perform the exercises assigned.
--That the ewe that got wrapped in barbed wire and had a pretty badly ripped up leg is up and grazing again. My husband has been gone, and I would have hated one of his sheep to die while I was in charge. My neighbor actually cut her loose from the barbed wire while I was at church on Sunday, but she didn't get up and out of the middle of the pasture. I saw her lying there when I got home--she was alone and in the sun, both of which are bad signs for a sheep--and my son and I went out to cut the remaining barbed wire off her leg where it had wrapped around. She still wouldn't get up, though. I had to give her water and haul her up to her feet and prod her along until she got to the shade. I've been bringing her water and hay for a few days, but she started getting up to walk away when I approached her--that's a good thing--and I saw her out grazing last night at sunset, so I think she's going to make it.
--For the opportunity to go to Mass on a weekday. I was on my way to buy school supplies and happened to be passing through a village 45 miles from my house that has a Tuesday morning Mass, and as I had never seen that church even though it's in our parish (we have six churches in our parish, spread over a distance of a hundred miles but all served by one priest), I stopped for the short service. I love seeing new churches, and I can certainly use more of the peace I find attending Mass. It was nice to have the time to do that.
--Our weather forecast for the next ten days is for low nineties instead of the high nineties we've had for the past week. Just in time for the county fair, too, which requires me to be outside much of the day for a few days.
--My son started to feel better last night. He's been home from work and sick all week with some kind of digestive upset. I worry about this because it has meant he can't eat much, and he's too skinny as it is. He started to feel a bit better last night, though, and ate a bit. I'm really hoping he'll be mostly normal when he wakes up today.
--That he was home to help a friend of mine who called me when she got a tire puncture just about a mile from my house. I only theoretically know how to change a tire, but my son grabbed some tools, got right in the car with me, and got the lug nuts off within about ten minutes (feeling like he was going to throw up the whole time, poor kid). We didn't have the right jack, though, for the slope her Suburban was on to safely jack it up, so I'm very thankful her dad came with a floor jack to finish changing the tire.
@kristin@going country,
Glad to hear the both the ewe and your son are on the mend. It must have been lovely to attend morning mass. Our church does a sunrise service at Easter on the beach. I often wish that I could start everyday in such as way. It lightens the heart,
Glad you are receiving such encouraging feedback from your patients! You're rocking it!!
This week has been rough for a couple reasons I don't really want to get into but I will try and be positive here.
* For a wife who doesn't take the opportunity to weaponize me opening up or being upset to use as ammo against me. I know so many men whose girlfriends or wives will mock them in private (or at work to coworkers) over opening up or being upset about something.
Toxic Femininity is toxic, yo.
* That we have some upcoming events to attend so life will be a little less boring.
* For some better weather today. It's been nothing but rain for a while so it's nice to have a change.
* For being at a point where big purchases aren't really a huge deal. I'm finally at a point where if my car was somehow totalled I could browse around and find a replacement vehicle and write a check for it. I mean, not literally but you get my point.
* For removing some clutter and finally being okay with letting go of some junk.
* For Tubi having all sorts of free stuff to watch, plus my giant DVD and Blu-ray collection.
@Battra92,
I'm glad you have some things to look forward to. it can make a big difference when things are not going well.
I totally understand about finally being okay with letting things go. it took me a very long time - and cleaning out several family member's homes after they passed away - to realize how little I actually need. It's still a work in progress for me, but I've given away or tossed so many things, and it's very freeing.
I love public parks too! We spend lots of our outside time at public parks.
Thankfuls:
-being able to watch the Olympics, especially field hockey. I played while growing up but haven’t lived somewhere that I can even purchase a stick or balls for my daughter, so it’s been fun to see the game played.
-cool nights. Summer here is stunning. And even on hot days the house cools off pretty well most nights.
-the number of little bakeries around town. It allows me to take my kids out and not spend much money.
-I finished my one and only research class for my master’s. So glad that is finished. It was my first course, and I’m hoping the most time intensive—research writing is not my preferred style.
@Kaitlin,
I feel that way about Olympic swimming. I swam competitively until I was 17. I’m always amazed by the speed of these swimmers.
@Kaitlin, I loved field hockey, although mostly the getting to hit others with sticks if I am going to be honest. It also was how they discovered my heart defect, when I would be running and then fall over abruptly like one of those fainting goats. The first doctor said I was doing it for attention, and it was only because the head nun at my boarding school lost her cool and started yelling about how my brother fainted and died that a cardiologist was brought in. I had never seen a nun yell before, it was pretty fearsome especially with her Russian accent. So I have always had a soft spot for field hockey for that reason alone, it basically saved my life.
@Lindsey, wow. I can’t imagine a nurse yelling at a doctor. What a sight that must have been. I’m glad hockey saved you. It’s a great sport.
School started today. I have all the Mom feelings as I walked my son to his 3rd grade classroom. It is happening too fast, I am so excited to see the young man he is becoming, gosh I get to be that little boy's Mama - what a gift! He is what I am most thankful for today. God blessed me with this child. He is mine to love and raise and teach and guide. While that carries a weight of responsibility I feel peace knowing that I have what I need to do that for him since God blessed me with him and never makes mistakes.
Back to a routine. I love the routine of the school season - bedtimes, early dinners, activities...the whole enchilada. Schedules rock!
A big change to my workout routine which promises new classes and a more relaxed vibe. Consistent HIIT training for almost two years has been great but it is time to give my body a break and throw in some Zumba, Pilates and maybe a 12-3-30 routine on the treadmill.
A cozy bed to fall into every night with clean sheets and blankets and two Boxer pups to snuggle.
My health. I share my home with two people that have serious health struggles but when I go to my doctor for regular checkups, my bloodwork is all normal, I feel well and I have minimal to no disruptions to my life due to my health. Sometimes I feel guilty about this but mostly I feel grateful that I have a strong body that allows me to care for others when needed.
@Angie,
I love, love your list especially your first item.
@Angie, What a lovely, lovely thing to say about being your son's mom. He is a lucky kid.
Kristen, dh was released from the hospital Tuesday after a post COVID bit that turned into a raging infection that turned into pneumonia and sepsis. Needless to say, we were there during an extremely difficult and scary time, in multiple wards including ICU. I can not begin to stress how important and relieving it was to have the nurses and support staff we had surrounding us. We have had many health issues in the past, so I'm pretty knowledgeable and stoic in the face of most medical issues, but dh is the exact opposite. The nurses we had were tuned into that and made him feel so much better and that meant the world to me. What you do is so important to people at a time when they need care the most. Thank you and every other nurse for everything you do.
@Jennifer, so glad to hear that your husband was released from the hospital.
Ugh, Jennifer, I'm so sorry. I spent a long time in the Plague Ward myself but no sepsis. Make sure he gets plenty of rest now.
@Jennifer, wow, that sounds frightening. So glad that your DH is now safely back home and had good nurses and other support.
What a lovely meet up! I love the name tags — creative and thrifty. I also grew up in an internet-free era, and I am often amazed by all the good things that can come with our connectedness.
Gratitude is not coming easy today.
I am thankful that today is August 1st. It feels like a new beginning. July has been an especially rotten month for me. It started with my daughter having emergency surgery and ended with an $8500 expenditure to replace my HVAC system. There were also a lot of not-so-great moments in between.
I am thankful that I had an emergency fund to pay for my new AC. I currently do not have any emergency fund left, so I need to get to work saving again!
I am thankful that I have wonderful tradesman in my life whom I can trust and call upon. Having your HVAC go out in July in Florida is no joke.
I am thankful for portable AC units and fans. I have been able to cool down the bedroom so we can sleep at night. I have also been able to keep indoor temps in the low 80s.
I am thankful that my son, DIL and babies are recovering well from Covid. I am grateful to be nearby and help them with some small things.
I am grateful for my sister. We live 750 steps apart according to my Fit Bit. She has been wonderfully supportive this month.
Wishing all the blessings of peace, good health and prosperity.
@Bee, so sorry to hear it has been a rough month. I hope August is much easier.
@Bee, I sympathize with you on the HVAC fail. N0 AC in FL in July?? I'm glad you were spared that.
And I agree completely about having tradespeople we can trust. I had my own HVAC company (DH had a good relationship with the owner) here today to service both my own and my next-door neighbor's AC systems, and the HVAC tech (who is himself an old friend by now) was patience itself with NDN's cognitive difficulties. Granted, I was on standby in case there were any problems, but he went above and beyond the call of duty.
I'm thankful
- that my company found a new project for me after mine ended yesterday. I had been told not to worry, but I am so thankful to have a direct charge instead of being on overhead.
- that I am taking off tomorrow. Our summer has been filled with moving and getting the old house ready to list. It has been physically and emotionally draining so I'm looking forward to having a day off.
- that our SIL made it home safely from his business trip, even though it was after 1:30 this morning when he made it home. Also thankful that his dad was able to pick him up from the airport, so DD didn't have to get out in the middle of the night with the baby to pick him up.
- that my 90-year-old aunt passed away peacefully in her sleep. She had dementia like Mom did and I'm so thankful she did not suffer at the end of her life.
- that my cousins asked me to bake a cake for the fellowship at the church after my aunt's funeral service. Mom was the "cake lady" and always baked a cake when someone was ill or when someone died. I'm honored to carry on Mom's legacy.
What a fun-loving looking group! I looove that everyone brought lunches—brilliant! So glad to hear about it. Kristen also looks soo relaxed.
Thankful for:
A good termite inspection and treatment. Termite damage seems to be contained to one small area and is older, no signs of new ones. It costed less than we were expecting and now that it's treated we can finish replacing boards and the porch.
Rain. It cooled it off a little and has been great for the garden.
My husband wasn't hurt when he accidentally cut into a wire while working on the house.
A clean-ish house. It's a struggle, but seeing it clean is very peaceful.
The toddler has been giving lots of hugs. While he loves to be held by me, giving physical affection isn't something he's ever been big on, so it's heartwarming to see him giving them out.
I was 50-50 about going to the picnic. Driving or taking the train would have been a hike, but health isn't so great lately so I decided not to.
Thankfuls: yesterday's FG post ruined my day. (I know, I know, it's not all about me.) I just kept thinking about my ex's horrible friends slapping him five about getting rid of horrible, horrible me. So I took a pot gummy and got a massage and felt much better.
After nine years I can finally stop paying to store things! They're all moved here.
Org lady is gonna be in for a shock when she gets here, ha! She's been gone for two weeks. Two rooms are now filled with furniture and stuff. Plus I cut my hair to earlobe length.
Rescue Pup is hilariously dirty. I adore him--except for when I'm lying down and he jumps on me. I realized the other day where all my small yellow bruises came from.
@Rose, I really do understand your painful memories about your ex-husband's friends dissing you during the divorce. Not all of us are really good at letting comments like that slide off our back.
@Rose, One of our Irish wolfhounds loved jumping me, even at 150 pounds. I always had big ugly bruises on my legs and more than once women at the aerobics class at our swimming pool pulled me aside to tell me where to get help and escape from a batterer. I finally brought the dog with me one day to introduce him to the group so they would stop giving my husband stink eye when he came to pick me up. God, how I loved that dog, more than I have ever loved another animal, jumping and all. I wish I believed in heaven and that dogs would come back to us there.
@Lindsey, your wishes on the animal-enriched afterlife are similar to my own. I have no conventional ideas about life after death, except that I hope that on some astral plane, DH, all our dogs and cats, and all our llama friends will be there to greet me.
@Anne, it wasn't so much the comments as the Facebook pages and memes I discovered. Like this one!
https://ibb.co/vPHmQkz
Note that this was posted before I found out about them. Or as my friend said, "Yes, poor things. Doncha hate when an innocent spouse and two children are keeping star crossed lovers apart? I'm sure they'll come out even StrongeR though."
Then there was the Facebook page dedicated to me with a picture of Shrek's fat, green wife attempting to punch someone. Yeah, they had me to rights there.
@Anne, But also--I don't really care about those people. They're idiots. I just felt sad about my ex telling everyone how horrible I was/am. Feels unjust considering he was the cheater, not me.
@Rose, then keep telling yourself that and adopt a f- him attitude. Time for him to stop living in your head.
@Rose, Dang, that's rough. I know I would be devastated to have that happen to me. I also hate the people who seem to think the end justifies the hurt they cause to people along the way. Did your ex work at a movie theater because he sure sounds like a projectionist.
@Battra92, He doesn't take responsibility for anything. It's so much easier that way! Plus, of course, guilt helped him reclassify everything he ever got angry with me about, going back to 1989 or so. He then got angry because at one of our counseling appointments, "How about we not rehash arguments from more than 20 years ago? Sound fair?"
But don't worry, he recently filed for divorce from Homewrecker as she drunkenly wrecked his car and tried to have Ex arrested for it. Still trying to find out more but everyone acts like I'm worse than Hitler for wanting to know.
I'm thankful for root canals! It was painful to need one, nerve-wracking to get the anasethetic because I'm difficult to numb, I'm still swollen from the procedure, and man, was it expensive. BUT! They saved my tooth! I don't need dentures! (which are even more expensive) and we are not in a financial position that this will break us. I'm also thankful it's over, because now I can drink cold water without flinching 🙂
I am thankful for the love and care for your shower on your patients. I have had the benefit of having nurses that go the extra mile, and it helps so, so much. I remember those who shared a smile and kind words in situations that are usually stressful. You are making much more of a difference than you realize!
Thankful for -
*a storm that blew much of the smoke out of our skies. (we have several forest fires burning somewhat nearby and had so much smoke, the sky was gray for many days) Blue skies always make me happy.
*a husband who has many skills and often saves us so much in labor costs.
*our daughter who suffered many wasp stings, but didn't have a major allergic reaction.
*an amazing work environment, where my coworkers and I all get along and encourage one another.
*good medical care, and online pharmacies that save money on prescriptions.
*to live in a free country.
I'm so glad that you are fitting right into your coworker group of awesome nursing!
#Friendsheep has great wool dryer balls in a big assortment of designs. Their products are great! I actually have a good assortment of designs that I plan to use & in a glass container for display. And the wool dryer balls are safe for dogs & cats to play with if they get a hold of them--no chemicals.
Thankful that teen has really done a good job on the firewood shed build (alone with input/adjustment said from me). Did a little different than originally planned but still did great!
Thankful my dad made it here from Florida. He was not glad about all the rain storms drove in between Florida & Michigan.
Thankful we were able to go & help him get the camper on camp site & outside set up & done 5 hours later.
Thankful that after dinner with dad we headed back home & safely made it as first part of storm moved through with heavy downpours.
Thankful that after getting home that a little later the tornado sirens & our cell phones went off for tornado warning. A tornado rotation started a few miles from us & also started producing hail. Luckily it changed direction as it headed towards us. And luckily did not here of any major damage or deaths.
Thankful for neighbor that is turning into friend as we are both going through similar life issues & sharing experience about them.
Thankful that lunch is provided when work open to close shift at work. Those staff (2 or 3) get to choose take out from local restaurants & it is delivered to us. Snacks & water are provided for everyone every day.
Thankful for air conditioning & fans as it's back to heat wave & high humidity this week.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
I am thankful that our adult son, who is on the autistic spectrum, came through a series of difficult dental appointments on his own. I did have to counsel and encourage him, but he did it! Fourteen fillings, a root canal and two crowns in a little over a month. The final step in a few months is getting a missing tooth replaced. He actually does take good care of his teeth, which were badly damaged a decade ago when his jaw was broken on both sides.
@Ruby, Wow! Your son is a rockstar! That's a lot of dental work in a short time. 🙂
@Ruby, the mere thought of that much dental work in a month-plus makes me cringe--and I'm not on the spectrum! Give your son whatever form of kudos he appreciates most; he's a hero!
@Ruby, Holy smokes, anyone would find it difficult to face that much dental work. Here I was congratulating myself for being adult enough to get my teeth cleaned this morning! Good for him!
@A. Marie, it was really good for him emotionally to manage this on his own. I mostly had to prod him to make the appointments and cook him scrambled eggs for dinner. The dentist has been so patient with him. She's new to the practice and is calm and quiet, which is just what he needs.
@Ruby, does he like the lead apron? Serious question. I'm also autistic and I bought myself one. I loooove it.
@Rose, wondering if you have tried or like weighted blankets?
@Jean C, Bought one; didn't like it, dunno why, gave it away.. I even bought a weighted vest from a special needs site. Didn't like that either. Just lead dental apron for me! I call it the Human Thundershirt. That said, my crazy coonhound won't let me put her Thundershirt on her. We got issues in our house, ha.
@Rose, I have never asked his opinion about it. He generally does not like to be covered up -- he's very sensitive to how clothes feel, but loves it when his cat sleeps pressed up to his side.
@Ruby, It's OK, just wondered. I too am very sensitive to clothing, much prefer to be underdressed in winter, dislike blankets etc in general but I've always loved lead aprons since I was small. I accept that I'm much weirder than most!
- I’m thankful for air conditioning.
- I’m thankful that my mom is still pretty healthy and that we have a date to talk on the phone weekly.
- I’m thankful that my friend’s apartment is ready for her soon. Her current living situation is difficult.
- I’m thankful for a good doctor and her staff.
- I’m thankful for this blog. Yesterday’s post and all the positive encouragement really lifted my mood.
Those dryer balls are adorable!
This week I'm thankful that my mammogram came back with no abnormalities. I'm good for another year.
For the choir program we performed Sunday -- after weeks of practice it turned out so well.
For our wonderful choir director and her family. They have all been such a blessing to our church and community.
That my friend was not hurt badly when she fell while walking this week.
That a work project is going well.
Thankful sane and common sense people continue to speak/stand up to keep the public parks and land the US has. Sadly, their job will never be done as greedy people keep trying to take those places away from us.
@Selena,
Having greedy people in positions of power in government, along with having mega-wealthy greedy people to feed their greed, is a very dangerous thing. Keep up the good fight against them!
I have little sheep faces on my (wool!) dryer balls. They're so cute I bought them for Christmas gifts for some friends and they all say the same thing you do -- "I smile every time I use them!" I love cheap thrills ...
And I'm grateful for my cat-loving librarian niece who texted me a picture/cartoon this morning of a proper 18th century lady being lectured by a man saying "You're going to become a crazy cat lady living all alone with your books." "OK!" she says.
Thanks, as always, for the beautiful photos of nature. I enjoying viewing them -- the next best thing to being there, IMHO.
My FFT (and there may be more later today):
1. For my former roommate (not the bad one I've previously written about, but a super nice one). She is always there on the phone for me (we live in different states now), listening and giving wise advice. Last night I was super depressed and called her. I think I interrupted her Olympic viewing (she's a big fan; I could not care less about the games and didn't even realize they were on TV at that hour) but she took time to help me.
2. That the appliance repair guy is still in business even though he closed his storefront. Also that I had saved his card, and could find it to call him. And that he's going to come over to see what's wrong with my refrigerator. (Praying I don't have to buy a new one.)
3. My neighbor and new-found friend down the street had me over to swim Tuesday afternoon. I got to meet her two precious little granddaughters, ages 6 and 8, who promptly gave me a Mermaid name, LOL. And we (the little girls and I) had a blast racing up and down the pool with our kickboards. Good fun, good exercise and a chance to cool off!
4. Getting to sit out on the covered patio at night. Very relaxing! We've fixed it up grand with clear Xmas lights and an old string of patio lights (from about 20 years ago!) that I was able to repair. My biggest expense was getting a bug zapper for the mosquitoes, and yes, it is helping!
5. That my medical report from the gastro doc came back and I'm OK. No cancer, no major problems. They stretched my esophagus while I was out cold for the "scope" procedure and it didn't hurt my belly or "innards"; only had a minor sore throat. The sore throat is gone, so I'm off to the next exciting adventure! (A diagnostic mammogram, pls. pray nothing is wrong there, either...)
@Fru-gal Lisa, So happy you were able to spend time with New Friend! With bonus grandkids to enjoy!
@Fru-gal Lisa, are you sure about the bug zapper? I've heard all it does is kill beneficial insects and mosquitos aren't attracted to UV light anyway. We used to have one and I stopped using it.
@Fru-gal Lisa, ugh on the esophagus stretch. A co-worker from decades ago had that done at least three times before he retired. My mom had it done - one and done was she and I do not blame her - she was not out "cold" when it was done.
IMHO, mammograms are but one of the barbaric "tests" females are expected to genuflect and be "gracious" "thankful" and subject themselves to having. Next time a medical professional says I need mammogram, I will respond "when a penile and/or a testicular cancer test is done slapping said organ between two cold metal plates and giving it/them a good squeeze, I'll *maybe* consider a mammogram".
The US health care system treats women like dirt.
There are definite gender disparities in healthcare; 100% agreed there. Check out the You are Not Broken podcast with Kelly Casperson for more on that.
However, given the biological differences between male and female anatomy, sometimes there are necessary differences in tests/treatments.
People sometimes complain that male fertility testing is so simple compared to what we put women through. But the fact of the matter is that the male portion of conception is just far less complicated, so of course there are going to be more tests and treatments for women.
Now, if you want to talk about why there is no male birth control pill (which would be so simple) and why there are so many female birth control pills...I think we'd be onto something there. (If I recall correctly, they stopped one trial of a male birth control pill because the relatively mild side effects were so intolerable. Heh. AS IF women's birth control pills have no unpleasant side effects!)
@Selena, I'm sure you didn't mean your comment to come across quite as harshly as it did. Mammograms save lives. If it wasn't for mammograms, I wouldn't be here today. Sure, they can be painful (especially after having surgery and treatment) but six years later, I'm still having them and thanking God and medical advancements that I'm healthy and continue to be cancer free.
What Allison said. Penes and testes are much smaller and less dense than breast tissue. If you don't want a mammo, no one is going to force you, but they do save lives. There are a lot of politics around women's health and cancers, about which I agree with you, but refusing a mammo because men generally don't get them? That reminds me of a neighbor who decided to treat her cancer "holistically" because chemo reminded her of our current war in Afghanistan, or wherever it was. Of course she died. Hope it was worth it.
Re cancer politics, I once again would like to recommend the book C: Because Cowards Get Cancer Too, by a cancer patient who loathed the whole bravery/battle/war metaphors used for cancer patients.
https://www.amazon.com/Because-Cowards-Get-Cancer-Too/dp/0091816653
John died in 2000 (he was Nigella Lawson's husband and the father of her children) and nothing has changed. The book is both smart and witty. I try to honor him by recommending the book all the time.
https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/first/d/diamond-cancer.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
@Rose, Thank you for posting about this very important book. I’ve read it and it’s incredible. I so enjoy hearing your wisdom about so many topics.
I've really been enjoying reading about all of your wins - it's so fun to read good news!
Last Saturday evening I went on a lovely dinner cruise on one of our local lakes. It was a work event (so a frugal win) but everything about it was fun.
While I was working over the weekend my husband stepped in to help get my son to try-outs and then the two of them had ‘man-night’ (their monthly tradition). My son said it was the best day.
The Olympics. It’s on in the background at all times and has led to some fun conversations.
What a great pollinator photo!
1. Four weeks of travel and time with kids and grandkids - it's the best!
2. My DIL and grandkids did not get the COVID that my husband picked up at the airport and then I got from him. Also, thankful for the timing - it was good because the days I was pretty sick, my DIL was not working so she took care of the kids. And the rebound hit after I got home.
3. Unbelievably wonderful tenants. I just got a text saying that the per diem rent that I calculated for them to pay is not enough and asking if they can pay more. More?!?!?!?
4. Podcasts - there are so many good ones to choose from.
5. Always this weekly thankfulness exercise.
I am thankful for Kristen's "loose ends" to be tied up. Or "chains" to be broken.
Love the pictures of the mullein and the bee. It is about the only herbal plant I do not have in my plethora of medicinal herbs. (I seldom do anything with them, just glad to have them. And some I have for the symbolism and use in Biblical times.)
I am grateful for my mechanic shop. We have been trying to replace a faulty sensor for several days. I have been cracked up laughing at the incidents that have occurred, The first time to put it in, it was faulty, ordered another, still faulty. Ordered one from Ford. Sent the wrong one. Twice. It has NOT been the shop's fault, but the other end. The tech can remove my rear wheel blindfolded and in record time. He learned to look at the part before taking the wheel off the last time but not before getting it up on the lift.
Continue to be grateful for this Commentariat. Only blog I read at least twice a day to check up on friends.
Thankful for the rain we got last night. North and East of here has gotten an overabundance and there are flash flood warnings. I measured 1 3/4 inch in the rain gauge. I'm always glad not to have to water things.
Thankful for fresh produce. When I went out to check the rain gauge, I ended up checking the garden. Picked a couple of tomatoes, some okra, a huge green pepper, some chives, parsley and basil, and lovage and thought how wonderful it would be to chop up a fresh salad! I also have some garlic that was pulled a few days ago that would be a delightful addition. This is for me who usually prefers old fashioned donuts to anything healthy. I had two sliced peaches with milk and a little sugar for supper last night.
@Chrissy, that's fun about the herbs. I have a rosebush because of Agatha Christie and an apisdistra because of Orwell. And a yellow rose for my mother.
How wonderful that you and some of your readers were able to meet in person! And I love the name tags, how clever and funny.
Thankful for :
1. a great dental hygienist, who makes having my teeth cleaned a pleasant experience.
2. that Clobber Paws has outgrown his eating poop stage. I have never had a dog who did that and I was beside myself trying various ways to make poop less appetizing. Then one day he just stopped. Now if he would just quit destroying things. It can be charming with a normal puppy, but this guy managed to stand up and pull a pair if cinnamon bear mushing gloves off the wall and ate them. (Mushing gloves are large and long, to provide extra cover beyond what normal gloves provide. These were huge.) It is a miracle he didn't reach the other mushing gloves we have on the wall, including ones made out of polar bear, wolf and beaver. All were purchased decades ago from women from various villages who make extra income from sewing them and cannot easily be replaced these days as the skill is fading.
3. shorter days, where we actually have an hour or two of darkness now.
4. our local non-profit, community run hospital is buying a PET scanner so people won't have to go to Anchorage for treatment. I have raved before about our hospital and associated clinic, and the benefits of having a non-profit that will not be sold to some soulless, profit whores from Wall Street, aka equity firms.
5. the husband, always the husband.
@Lindsey, both our last two rescue dogs have had the poop-eating habit. Our vet speculated it is tied to a vitamin deficiency. Both those little girls were pretty skinny when we adopted them. The one who is eight now was on a canine multivitamin daily for a year before she "caught" up. The younger one we adopted in October was really bad about it but is gradually stopping. Now it's only about once a week that we have to chase her while commanding her to "drop it."
@Ruby, My theory bout pups eating poop is for immunity, same as some people swallow encapsulated poop for their gut issues.
And hey, my son is a soulless Wall Street equity whore!
@Ruby, The vet never mentioned that as a possibility and it is true he came to us with all ribs showing. And, now that the pieces come together, he is at normal weight now (good thing, the bacon grease supply for his food was getting low!) so perhaps it was related to missing something. I am just glad it is over because I love his homely, droopy face but not when the breath he gives off smells like a butt.
@Rose, well you called a spade a spade.
I’m thankful that I live near the beach, near enough. I’ve been sick and also anxious for all the life changes coming our way in the next month! (New school, not homeschool!, for my youngest, and high school to boot!)
We had a friend birthday party at the c
Beach yesterday and I was dreading it, in all honesty. It was so good for me to go, be outside, the sound of the water and friends… it was so good for me. The beach is my happy place even if I go begrudgingly sometimes! I always leave happy. I’m grateful for that!
Looks like a fun meetup!
Thankful for a pleasantly-busy-but-overall-chill day at work today. For nice coworkers and a boss. For my husband's willingness to pull together supper today. For the joy of anticipation--we are leaving for vacation this weekend, and it's nice to have that to look forward to.
Thankful tonight for:
+ The skilled vet who diagnosed pancreatitis for our newly adopted feral cat. She is already acting more lively from her new diet.
++ My piano teacher, who has become a dear friend as well as marvelous teacher and musician.
+++ My DH, who is sweating with me to clean the basement as we have a drain resolution system being installed next week. It is an awful job, but less awful when shared.
++++ My church pianist, who has just been appointed music director. She will do a great job, and it means our choir will be able to keep singing.
+++++ The frugal practices of my late father-in-law, whose legacy is helping pay for the basement work. Bless his memory.
I’m sorry people are writing negative things about you online, but I definitely help bring balance to that subject because I spend a lot of time gushing about your blog.
This week I’m thankful for: a mid-week sleepover my kids had with their grandparents, a unique date night with my husband, that Qelbree seems to be helping my brain sort itself out, and that we qualified for a small portion of food stamps and will no long have to buy groceries on a credit card.
Congratulations on the compliment! It doesn’t really surprise me, as I have the feeling you always come in to great your patients with a smile and a pleasant helpful attitude!
Love your blog,
Thankful for our vacation trip !
Teacher thankfulness this week:
-That I could go back to work this week (even though it was super overwhelming lol).
-For new coworkers who are kind and have good attitudes.
-For my ability to persevere and be resilient.
-For other veteran coworkers who help me put things in perspective and boost my confidence.
-For a weekend to rest and recuperate, and the time to reflect on how to approach next week.
" It’s ok if I’m not everyone’s cup of tea"
Love it. One of the greatest things about my 40's is no longer caring if I'm cool or not. If I could take this confidence back to my 20's I'd have been a much happier girl!