Thankful Thursday | goodbye, weekends!
This week, I am thankful:
that we finally got our clinical assignments
We all have been anxiously waiting to see our clinical fates for the semester and at last, we got our assignments two weeks before the first day of class.
I am grateful I'm not trying to arrange childcare or anything; I can only imagine how hard the last-minute style of this is for my fellow students with young kids!
that I got ⅔ of the things I wanted for clinical
Ideally, I wanted:
- a day shift
- clinicals at the hospital where I work
- weekday assignments
I did get the day shift.
I did get assigned to the hospital where I work (woohooo for a ten-minute commute!).
But (womp womp) I got weekends.
However, I figure ⅔ wishes is pretty good! I am so so so so thankful I don't have to drive into the big city and also so thankful I don't have to do clinical late at night.
I'll be on the heart and vascular unit (so not the med surg unit where I work), but I'm delighted to be at "my" hospital where I feel so at home!
that a weekend assignment is not a big deal at my stage of life
For 10 weeks straight, my weekends will be taken up by clinicals.
But honestly, it's not that big of a deal. My sole housemate (Zoe, obv!) often works weekends anyway. I'll adjust to having days off midweek, and all will be well.
(Though I will say that this is going to make symphony adventures a bit challenging...)
for the snow
I know some people hate it, but I love it when we get snow. It is so so so much more beautiful than the drab gray/brown that we deal with almost all winter long.
We will be having cold temperatures for quite a few days now too, so the snow is sticking around instead of melting right away.
for how bright the snow makes my house
The light reflects off the snow and into my windows and it makes SUCH a big difference in how bright my house is. I love it.
for our cute kitties
that a classmate got a job on my hospital floor
One of my nursing school besties got a job on the unit where I work! I'm delighted.
for the extra minute before sunset each day
Right now, the sun sets about one minute later each day. That's not a very noticeable gain, but like I always say, at least we are moving in a direction that I like. 🙂
that I found some cottage cheese in my fridge
I thought I was out, so I stopped in at two nearby Aldis only to come up empty-handed.
My best guess is that everyone has made a New Year's resolution to eat more cottage cheese. This feels like the dietary equivalent of having a very crowded gym in January. Ha.
Happily, when I got home I found one more unopened cottage cheese container in the back of my fridge. Woohoo!
This week's thankfuls:
- for sunshine and the energy that daylight brings
- for having kept up with the closets and cabinets I reorganized in previous years
- for laughs with our kids
- for having worn out my walking shoes - a good sign IMO
We had so little sunshine in December that I was feeling uninspired and unenergetic. I slept more than usual and did not do my normal decluttering of at least some boxes and some drawers or cabinets. However I did notice that what we had decluttered and reorganized in previous years was still pretty tidy. So now I still feel motivated to start on a few boxes in the attic in January , to slowly and steadily keep decluttering (It does help that we do not have small children any more).
I took frequent walks all year round and my walking shoes show for it - they can still do some miles but I need to look out for a new pair. The cobbler (?) was unable to repair this pair as too much worn out. And they advised me to buy the newest pair of walking shoes I could find, because apparently there is a mid layer in the shoes that will degrade over time, even if the shoes are kept on a shelf. I'd never heard of this before actually. Anyway, the price per mile for my walking shoes is rather insignificant after over 10 years of daily walks. And I saw so many beautiful things on my walks, like you Kristen.
I agree that snow is so much prettier than brown!
This week I'm thankful:
* for a great first day back to all of my volunteer activities. It was so good to see all the sweet kiddos yesterday! (Even the ones that were being less-than-sweet... it was good to see them, too.) It was energizing to be with the kids again.
* that I got to cater with a particular friend on Monday night. We don't get to work together often, but we have the best conversations when we do.
* that my husband is so handy. We noticed water under our kitchen sink yesterday and tonight he'll be replacing my faucet. While it's inconvenient to not be able to do dishes for our family of five (my sink is full of dirty ones at the moment!) I'm glad that I don't have to wait for a landlord or repairman or anything - my husband can just do it.
* for the extra family time my husband's new job allows for. He took the kids to school two days this week and we got to go on a lunch date on Monday! We struggle to hit our goal of one date a month, but it should be a lot easier now that he's off on Mondays.
* that our library has been purchasing so many fun new nonfiction books that my kids have been enjoying.
I also always enjoy how snow muffles all sound. The only time it's ever really silent outside is in the winter after a heavy snowfall, when even the birds are hiding.
Thankfuls, return to school edition:
--That my eldest son's return to full-time in-person school this week has been so positive. He's very happy to be back on campus, and I am so relieved about that.
--For the two-hour delay to our school start yesterday because of fog and some snow. Nice to let everyone sleep in a little in the middle of the tiring first week back after a long break.
--For the return of "normal" after the holidays. It does look a little bare when I take down the tree and all, but it's nice to have some of the intense pace of activities and the work of magic-making for me slowing down.
--That my youngest son seems a little more comfortable with his math work, just in time for a test today that he was very worried about. It takes a LOT of repetition for him to get the steps down for long division and so forth, and that causes a lot of frustration and self-doubting before he gets there. Last night's review went pretty well, though, and he seemed a bit more confident when we finished, which his half the battle for him. I don't expect he'll ever be the most academically motivated child, but as I keep telling him, being a fourth-grade dropout is not actually an option. 🙂
--Not super thankful that I have to substitute in the 4/5/6-grades classroom today (yes, all those grades in one class of still only 10 students), but I will be thankful for the extra money in my next paycheck. Eldest son grew again, so there have been a lot of clothing purchases lately. Subbing today will at least pay for some shoes and jeans, I guess.
Yes to the quiet from snow!!
@kristin @ going country, Those growth spurts! You'll understand how happy I was that we were able to come up with enough boots for the snow in our basement. Snow pants-- I was one kids short, but she was too sick to play in the snow anyway.
You know what surprised me about growing boys? The college boy grew another inch his freshman year! I thought he was all done with that growing.
@Jody S., my son did most of his growing in the navy right after high school. So from age 17-22, he gained the bulk of his height & weight! It was crazy!!!
@Diane,
DH had an old Navy friend who grew three inches just after he got out of the Navy. Is it something about the Navy...?
@Jody S., my late husband was a professor for 44 years. He was always surprised how much the freshmen boys changed physically when they returned the summer after their first year. The girls, not so much!
@kristin @ going country, about your youngest: my neighbors boy was never a great student, including repeating 4th grade. Not only is he a good, unselfish-conscious person, (1) he's also a pilot for United Airlines.
(1) Just one example. At his 15th birthday sleepover with several of his athlete friends, he spent 15-20 min playing with the little girls on the block. In front of his dudes and everything.
@kristin @ going country,
I had to laugh when I read your remark about being a fourth-grade dropout. I had a monster of a fourth grade teacher back in the day, and I remember wanting to quit school, as well. The teacher told my mother that since my handwriting was less than excellent, since I struggled in math, and that since Mom worked (instead of being a housewife), I would never amount to anything. Mom got the last laugh on that teacher: 8 years later, she invited her to the high school assembly where I was named Best All Around girl; meanwhile, that teacher's pet (a boy who the teacher thought could do no wrong) had just been arrested on a drug charge. Oh, and I went through college debt free while all the children of the housewives had to take out loans. Thank you, Mom, for your sacrifices on my behalf; I miss you lots and lots.
PS -- Tell your son school gets better after fourth grade.
@WilliamB, my son also repeated 4th grade. It was a year that his teacher was out sick most of the year, so all the kids did was watch movies with the subs. He had good grades on the few assignments but learned next to nothing. He also was the youngest and smallest in his class, so we decided a do-over year was in order. He got a new teacher, had another year to catch up on growing, and it worked out really well.
@Fru-gal Lisa, of the nine of us cousins, I and one other (only because a twin) escaped the rotten 4th grade teacher in our rural school. My mom had a few choice discussions with the teacher, my sibling did not want to go to school either. She and another teacher who could really no longer handle teaching were finally convinced to retire.
As to the working mom "stigma" - a pox on it. One kiddo was #3, the other #7 in one of the best schools in our state. No college debt for them or me. I worked with another programmer who had three kids during the time we worked together - I like to think my well adjusted kiddos (daycare is not detrimental to kids) helped ease the BS that still existed 20 years after my first was born.
And yes, I do agree school does get better after 4th grade, even if your 4th grade teacher rocks.
The photographs of the snow are just beautiful! I love clear, bright winter mornings.
I am so glad you got "your" hospital!
This week I'm thankful:
*for relative normal. I can tell this normal thing happened because the laundry isn't piled high.
*that the current sickness isn't too horrible. It just keeps the kids quiet and restful.
*for the coffee I'm drinking.
*that we currently have enough money for me to go to face therapy once a month. It has been so helpful, and I keep improving (tiny steps).
*that we laugh so much in this house.
*for good books to read and also for the new health curriculum. Did I mention my homeschool portfolios are due tomorrow, but I already got them in early and accepted?! Crazy times around here, I guess. It's never been this stressless. (Is that a word?)
*that we have plenty to eat.
*that I've been motivated to be a little healthier.
*for the pretty snow. For the cleared roads.
*that my daughter sold a few things at a maker's market over Christmas. She gets such a kick out of that-- plus about $100.
*that my husband's grandma seems to be healing from her pelvis break. At 93, that's awesome!
@Jody S.,
I love your definition of relative normal! Laundry really is a barometer for a household.
Good job on getting your homeschool portfolio in! My state requires nothing from homeschoolers, but I'm trying to keep excellent track of what my kid does, so if/when he goes back to the public school, he can get credit.
@Jody S., These are such good thankfuls—and very entertaining. "This normal thing" indeed. Good thoughts to you on continued progress with face therapy. And good wishes to grandma for a complete recovery…93!
@Jody S., welcome back! May the lack of crazy continue for your household and life.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, Thank you for the wish, but crazy will begin to rule again starting next week and last for a few weeks again. Grandma gave college boy her car, but when we went a few states away to get the car, the notary signed the title but forgot to use her seal. So another trip to get that sorted out. And then we will try to get all the paperwork done and deliver the car to the boy halfway across the country. But maybe, just maybe, we can get it all done in time to see him be a pirate in a play.
I couldn't even think about making dinner when I was physically and mentally drained. I was going to get take out but my son made a wonderful baked tortellini and spinach dish that'll do for lunch today too. Thankful the ingredients were in hand and he volunteered.
I’m tired this morning because I was up with a child. It is not my inclination to be thankful right now. So I’m going to practice:
-that I woke up in time to get kids to school despite turning my alarm off in my sleep.
-(relatively) warm weather…it might hit 20 today! I hate when it gets above freezing because the rinks melt, but 20 is a nice sweet spot.
-for the really sunny days we had when it was cold.
-for my lovely dog who is sitting at my feet while my children eat breakfast.
@Kaitlin, Even if he or she doesn't show it, you can be sure your child is thankful for a mom who stays up with them.
@Fru-gal Lisa, I should add that I am thankful that I am a night owl and better half is a morning person. When we had those (thankfully few) nights with the kids, he'd take over around 4 am so I could catch some shut eye.
I am also thankful for the beautiful snow, but man, I feel like I am living in Upstate NY rather than WV. We have been getting snow everyday and it's gray and drab. I didn't think WV got like this; maybe because the last 2 winters have been very mild. And it's cold!!!! I can't seem to warm up. And it's supposed to be like this the rest of the month. And last night when I woke up, the bedroom was awfully bright from the neighboring lights reflecting off the snow.
However, I am thankful that my husband stocks the grate next to the woodstove so I can keep the fire going all day. He goes out in the snow when he gets home from work everyday and stocks it. And he makes sure it is going in the AM so when I get up it's warm in the house.
Also thankful that he has been making it to work. The snowblower jammed, so he hasn't been able to snow blow the hill and driveway. He has to drive thru it and has been safely making it back and fourth. He'll work on the snowblower on Friday, his day off, before the next storm on Saturday.
Thankful that there is enough food already in the house so he doesn't have to stop either.
Thankful that my sister made it thru her surgery and that they found some fluid causing pressure before they discharged her. They rectified that; however her counts are not looking 100% so they have been keeping her. Hopefully she will go home today. So glad her boys have been taking great care of her.
Weekend Warriors unite! ha ha Weekends are such an under-rated shift to work. I have always loved being off during the week to deal with less traffic and make appointments for. Plus, there is a different vibe to the hospital, especially in the ER where I mostly am. As a single person with adult children, there is no difference to me in it being a weekend vs. during the week. A day is a day. Thankfulness this week:
*Christmas decorations are down, I am going through cabinets and closets and getting everything clean and purged, the house is cozy.
*thankful to grocery shop this week and stock up my very empty pantry
*thankful for a safe neighborhood for my daily walks which have improved my general health
*thankful for new books and a puzzle, courtesy of a birthday gift card
P.S. Love seeing Shelley, as always!
@Gina from The Cannary Family, I love the peacefulness of your thankfuls.
My big thankful is that my older son and DIL were able to go stay with friends to get away from the very bad smoke in Pasadena. So far there home is not in an evacuation area but it is close. So much tragedy in the LA area for so many people and the ecosystem.
That I am over the cold passed from toddler grandchild to my husband to me. Grandchild swims in the germ soup of daycare so we are picking things up that we wouldn’t normally. Totally worth it.
A days of glorious warmer than usual weather which prompted a long walk to the library. Very thankful for libraries too.
And a small one - Hubby and I are trying dinner main dish menu planning together which so far has gotten us out of our cooking rut a bit, controlled grocery shopping a bit more and evened out cooking responsibilities even more.
@Juhli, I'm thinking too of all the people in Southern CA who are affected by these dreadful fires, especially any of the Commentariat in that area.
@A. Marie, climate change is real. I don't remember the Santa Ana winds being that high. I've yet to hear what has started all the fires but I do know it was not because no one raked "the forests" and no one managed to divert all thawing snow/rain into holding tanks. Watershed is a truly simple concept but not for some I guess. Glad to see Las Vegas helping, hoping to see my state send some help too. The feds too. Sad I don't see states who are recipients when disasters hit them sending folks to help. Hope I'm not the only one making a mental note.
Also happy to see Airbnb stepping up. Just think how much money the Red Cross could have if not for their soiree at Merde-lago. I'll donate to other organizations but not them.
This week I am thankful:
-For the snow!
-For snow days as a teacher (literally nothing makes me feel like a kid as much as being a teacher waiting to see if we get a snow day).
-That we didn't lose power.
-That we have transportation and insurance and basic financial stability to go to the ED when needed. (For my husband, who is kinda ok, and lots of follow up visits very soon).
-That my husband got a specialist visit follow up for Monday, instead of the long wait that sometimes comes when following up after visiting the hospital.
-For sleep
-For my extended family
-For my cat, who gives a lot of love and is so unfussy, especially for a cat!
@Heather Mar, no snow days anymore in my area - remote learning. Which is a bit sad on one hand but the school year no longer gets extended due to make-up days.
@Selena,
OH, I'm so glad we don't have to do remote learning. I wasn't in this teaching role during covid and my professional path has taken some turns so I have been working with new content or new scenarios each semester for the past 5 semesters. Instead of a snow day break, I would have additional stress trying to effectively teach the content remotely. Our district has extra hours/days built in so we can miss a few days before they have to change the calendar, thankfully!
Well, I'm thankful that so many of you are thankful for snow. Me, I'd be thankful to ship you some of ours right now. It's been snowing for almost a week straight.
However, I'm thankful for the upper-body workouts I'm getting from all this sweeping and shoveling. It's good not to be a complete almost-70-year-old weakling.
I'm also thankful that the weather has given me the time and motivation to put shoulder to wheel, nose to grindstone on editing those JASNA papers. I'm keeping up with them *almost* as fast as the journal editor can send them to me.
And I'm thankful to have had a well-stocked freezer and pantry to draw on. Yesterday's discussion of stocking up and storing was quite timely.
@A. Marie,
Goodness, I can't imagine the digging out you are doing!
@JD, fortunately, it's all been light, fluffy snow. But I'm still having to do it twice a day or so, even though my snowblowing guy "King James" has been here regularly.
I am thankful we have a snow blower. Most years we don't use it but it was wonderful to have on Monday when we received heavy wet snow. I am also grateful that I am still able to shovel.
I am thankful for AWD drive vehicles for dealing with snow on the roads.
I am thankful for heated mittens. They were an indulgent gift in 2o23 and they make being out in the cold much easier.
I am thankful DH was able to replace the motor in the bathroom exhaust fan. It was returned to working order and it is much quieter.
I am thankful for general good health. I am also thankful for my physical therapist as she saw beyond what the doctor diagnosed and is addressing my posture.
I read that sunsets in our area are now at 5:00 or later. We are making progress in the daylight department.
@K D,
Heated mittens sound amazing! I think I need some. Heh. 🙂
I love the snowy pictures. I used to see snow some during the winter and I miss the sight of snow, but not the driving in it. We have had some very rare snows here where I live now, but they barely coated the grass, if that much.
I'm thankful:
1. That Wile E. Coyote and I got our timing synchronized just right for me to miss him as he dashed across the divided four-lane highway on which I was driving. No sign of the roadrunner, though.
2. That my specialist visit and lab tests revealed that I don't seem to have rheumatoid arthritis. I'm having issues with one knee only, but with my family history of rheumatoid arthritis, I thought it best to check it out.
3. That my kids are doing well. Two of their old classmates were in the paper yesterday, and not for good reasons.
4. That my little grandson came up to me with a big smile after church to show me he had brought with him the book on big cats I had given him for Christmas. As my daughter said, I could have just given him that book and not bothered with the other presents I gave him. That book thrilled him to the core.
5. For the sight in my back yard of a bald eagle, disturbed by some (still!) ongoing hurricane tree work my neighbor is doing around his pond. It flew directly over my head and circled around the tree tops for a while. One of the benefits of hanging out one's laundry is the occasional sightings of things like this.
@JD, Glad you didn't hit Wile E., that could've been quite the scandal! 😉
@JD, your #1 wording made me laugh 😉 Have not heard Wile Coyote & Road Runner except occasional commercial. Glad you & he missed each other.
@JD, re: Wile E.: Did you perhaps hear a distant BEEP BEEP from the Road Runner? And congratulations on your bald eagle!
@JD, the grandson with the cat book sounds utterly delightful!
@Bobi,
According to all my childhood cartoons, he would have gotten up and moved on to the next adventure, such as an anvil dropping on him.
@Regina,
That was one of my favorite cartoons. I think "Acme" was the forerunner of Amazon. They shipped any and everything to him.
@A. Marie,
No beeps!
I was pretty excited about the eagle.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
He's 4 and 1/2, adores big wild cats and watches kids' nature shows. He was a tiger for Halloween. He told me very earnestly at Christmas that deer and antelope were preferred prey for some of the big cats.
@JD, This was my favorite story from today's blog. Your sweet grandson reminded me of our sweet granddaughter, who also delights in books. And the small fry show their delights (along with all their emotions) wholeheartedly!
@JD, My middle son now 12 is similarly enthralled with big cats, especially tigers, and has been since he was small. He has a very technical book about big cats his own grandma gave him a year or so ago, so you can continue with the theme for years to come. 🙂
@JD, I love this. It sounds very similar to the daily conversations I have with my almost 4 year old son.
@JD, If you ever come to Alaska, go to the town of Haines. It is a gathering place for bald eagles and you can drive past literally thousands of them. In the trees, walking on the ground, dipping their feet in the water. I am not exaggerating---the limbs of the trees are bent with the weight of them.
@Lindsey,
That sounds incredible! I see bald eagles in my neck of the woods every now and then, but only one or two at most, and from a far distance (like it's perched near the top of a tall tree.)
@Lindsey, Homer,AK, also has amazing eagle populations! You can often get up close and see them feeding on fish on the beach. I once got about 2 yards away from one and got watch it tearing a huge salmon apart. I might have been able to get even closer,but I have a healthy respect for those huge wings and sharp beak and talons.
This week’s thankfuls:
- that DS is starting to feel better after getting the flu
- that DH braved the grocery store before the winter storm hits us
- that I can work from home on Friday so I won't have to try to drive in the wintery mix
- for a warm house
- for heated steering wheel and seats in the new car
Great that you get to do clinicals at your hospital. Does weekends automatically equal night shift? Or do you work 12 hour shifts that fall in the symphony timing? My cousin works 12 hour shifts but they are not necessarily the same 6-6, sometimes its 3-3 or 11-11, etc but that is her job no clinicals.
Thankful that I'm off today as it is 3* currently but is expected to get into the 20s hopefully.
Thankful for our house & heat!
Thankful for potty pads! Rescue dogs so want to go outside, but I won't let them. It will hurt their little feet even on non snow areas, which would be sidewalk, that I don't want them to necessarily go potty on.
Thankful for the sunshine! Even though it's really bright with the snow. 😉
Thankful teen & I are both healthy. We continue to do our thing & hopefully continue to stay away from illness. Teen school has reported first case of Whooping cough that was a surprise. 🙁
Thankful for Kristen & her site for all of us to learn & share. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
@Regina, My “new to me” rescue dog wants to send all his time outside. But, he wants me to be with him. It was 8 * this am. He lays down & surveys his kingdom while I freeze to death!! I do love him. And winter, too!!
Chaquita sure does look like she likes the new kitty tower. 😉
Look at her sweet picture.
I'm thankful for the sunshine in this cold weather!
I also am thankful for that extra minute or so daily.....another month or so will make a difference.
I am thankful I have cabinets for my kitchen and appliances. Hopefully, the stone for the countertops will be cut and go in soon. A functional kitchen will be lovely.
I am thankful for the position I have held at work for the past 22 years. I had my last in office day this past Tuesday, and my last day working will be next Wednesday. No more driving back and forth is a huge praise!
I am thankful for my PCM. My doctor is just the best. She's a lovely person, she takes the time to really listen and answer questions, she literally cheers when you overcome a health issue (she did an arm pump in the air reading my positive outcome of my most recent, improved angiogram). You just know she's on your side and wanting to help, not just get you in and out. I will continue to drive back and forth to see her because she's worth it.
@Marlena, congrats on your retirement! Do you have plans for yourself now?
@WilliamB, I plan to spend the next few months taking a break and just renovating my new house and yard. I figure by fall I might start getting a bit bored and will look into a part-time position or a larger opportunity than I currently have for volunteering. I'll need something to keep the brain from going to mush haha.
The bright sunshine today is welcome after a lot of gloomy days. It's also showing me what furniture needs dusting. 😀
Thankful today for my sweet dogs, who are piled on top of me right now, my sweet family, a quiet day, and a peaceful neighborhood.
A friend works Friday, Saturday and Sunday night shifts. Tweve hours each day and with over tiem makes more then 5 8 hour shifts. Being in a mdeical field she has excellent insurance and say she can now actually use it. She has a lot more perks like less administration and her supervisor is not the weekly micro manager.
This weeks thankfuls:
* That my stomach is getting better.
* All Christmas stuff has been stashed. The outside stuff has to wiat until a break in the snow.
* That it is cold enough that it hasn't snowed the last 2 days.
* The Christmas eating season is now over...see the first thankful
hush and hear the echo still
falling softly on the hill
while the antique tear drops fly
white on white against the sky
wondrous sights engaging me
shadows calling come and see
white beds that an hour before
lay like brown graves at my door
whisper cool against my face
sweet caresses fall from space
like a lover leading me
on to hidden mysteries
gentle on into the night
not a sound to mar the sight
beneath a muted moonlit glow
I walk amid a midnight snow
@Tiana, how beautiful! Did you write it?
@Tiana, applause for the poem!
Tiana, maybe you should start a poetry site!
@Tiana, That's beautiful!
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed this morning. The destruction from the wildfires in LA county sits heavily on my heart for many reason. Please keep those impacted close to your hearts.
So to practice gratitude..
I am thankful for Florida winter’s … usually bright, sunny, and cool/cold.
I am thankful that my dear friend who headed to NYC for a few days has been texting me photos of her trip. It’s fun to see her having a much deserved holiday.
I am once again thankful for my wonderful and kind doctor. I have had complications from my earlier procedure. He has been fabulous!
I am thankful for Rescue Pup and Calico Kitty.
Wishing all the blessings of peace, good health, and prosperity.
This week, and every week, I’m thankful for my DH who is indeed dear. He pitches in wherever, no need to ask him, is always calm and a worthy support to my sometimes worrier self. He’s also a voracious reader and awesome companion on adventures, outside and inside the house. His hard work, now retired, has given us a financially secure life at this point.
@ErikaJS, your DH sounds a lot like my dear departed one. I'm glad that you are appreciating him while you have him.
@A. Marie, Funny you say that. I have had the same thought whenever you tell us stories about your wonderful guy. Then, I grieve his loss for you again.
Your snow photos are spectacular!
Thankfuls:
-That the birds going crazy outside and slamming into the windows haven't broken any glass yet. (A red-tail hawk is freaking out the quail.)
-For time with a young friend later this morning—we get together each time she comes home from her mission in the Dominican Republic
-For a wonderful time with a former drawing student yesterday; she has developed a tremor in her dominant hand and asked me to finish 2 of her pictures for her. She did the parts that she could, and then told me exactly what to do on the parts that required a steady hand. It was a role reversal, and a great time together.
-That the fires are far away (200 miles or so). I HATE wildfire. (duh) At least with floods you can tell where the water will flow; fire does whatever it wants.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I once saw a video of a guy who kept birds away from his windows by hanging strings down from the tops of the windows so the slight motion of the strings let the birds know it was not a safe place to fly. The strings did not block the view and it was something that homeowners could make for themselves. He was not trying to sell anything so of course google is not helping me find him. If I am remembering correctly, he was a retired professor who had a lifetime of birdwatching and found that this worked. How I wish I had saved the video.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, there are various stick-on products available that are supposed to keep birds from crashing into windows, and at least some of them seem to work. There was an entire article in the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Living Bird magazine about this, where they used these products on a major building in Chicago.
@A. Marie, a realistic picture of a coiled snake printed out and taped to the window also works. At one of my past jobs, the bathroom window had a deep exterior sill and cast a reflection. Male mockingbirds would hammer on the window all day, trying to fight the reflection. The bathroom was right next to my office, so this was annoying. I printed out a photo of a snake, put it in the window facing outward, and blissful quiet returned.
This week I’m thankful:
• I had a doctor appointment scheduled for me! When I got my walking boot in December I was told to see my doctor in four weeks but of course there was no appointments available in four weeks, so I made the closest one I could get. Out of nowhere an appointment showed up exactly four weeks after I got the boot – I’m sure the clinic did it, but it took some weight off my shoulders.
• I am out of the walking boot and it appears my swelling is going down – this mysterious swelling has been lingering since October.
• My friend is doing a no spend first quarter and has been turning to me for support. She’s (lovingly) teased me for years on being frugal, but now I’m giving her tips, tricks, and ideas. We’ve had some very fun conversations!
• I remembered that I can boil pots of water to add moisture to the air! It’s been so dry and the humidifiers help in bedrooms but our main living space it too open for humidifiers to make a difference.
• The sun has been shining this week! The blue skies make the bitingly cold temps not so bad.
Beautiful snow pictures! We're getting sleet/snow here in Texas!
I'm thank for:
- The snow/sleet.
-Our cat
- A warm house
- Good health
- Yummy food
- Family
- Coffee
- Encouraging Bible verses
We've had beautiful weather lately, & I'm loving it.
1) For aligning on an MLK plan (finally), after quite a bit of back & forth with the teen.
2) For fun soccer parent friends to chat with at games. I will miss all of the small social interactions next year.
3) For a flexible schedule that allows me to attend DS17's soccer games.
4) For gracious folks who have helped me network, as I'm looking for a job.
5) As always, for my family, my incredible BFFs, my hiking friend, my post workout coffee friend, all of the lovely women I have casual chats with before our workout class, etc. I'm surrounded by a bunch of awesome folks, and I feel really lucky to have all of those positive interactions (both big & small) in my day.
For knowing how to dress for the weather and having the right gear to do so.
For my dog. No matter how much bother he is, he makes up for it when he cuddles up.
For my SIL, who did what the fancy interior decorator could not - make me an extra-long shower curtain. Far more cheaply, too.
That my niece had a safe childbirth and for the next grand-nibling in the family.
For having enough to be able to share - this time spare thread for a friend going thru chemo, and soft warm yarn to make her a hat - and to buy an extra knitting doodad. Not list an extra but the cool version, too, which was $14 instead of $4.
For a warm house not threatened by fire, with food and running hot water and plenty of light. Most Westeners don't realize how hard it was, historically, to have both the right temp and lots of light in one's home. Windows let in light but also hot, cold, wet, dirt, bugs, and danger. Not using windows keeps in the heat (or cool) but also keeps in the spot, particles, and bad air from cooking and lamps,
@WilliamB, congratulation on the new addition to your extended family,
I am happy you like the snow Kristen, but I will take cold and brown over cold and white any day!
1. I am most thankful that where I am in Newfoundland, Canada, there is no snow right now. None on the ground at all. Most unusual considering where we are (Google map it, folks!)
2. Thankful that I have gone a super long time not having been sick with a cold or flu.
3. Thankful that I have the energy to keep plugging away at both a full time and part time job. One is a desk job and the other is very much not. Grateful that the part time job helps to keep my bones and muscles strong as I approach 5o this year.
4. Thankful for a fully stocked fridge/freezer/pantry. There were times when this wasn't always the case.
5. Thankful to get back into a routine now that the holidays are over. It was wonderful to have some downtime, but I do appreciate having structure to my time as well.
I am keeping the folks of Southern California in my prayers in the face of such unimaginable devastation. I honestly cannot imagine what this must feel like for them.
@getting there, I had a hilarious conversation with my half-Canadian roommate[1] about how to remember St. John vs St. Johns. We came up with two mnemonics: Newf & Lab (new name!) is plural, therefore St. Johns is as well; whereas St. John gave its “s” to New Brunswick because New Brunwick sounded wrong.
[1] Mom born in Canada, Dad has US roots back to 1600s. Roommate suddenly found himself a Canadian citizen as the result of the citizenship law change of 2009.
@WilliamB, you got the St. John's, NFLD 100%, but Saint John, New Brunswick is spelled out fully. It's a great mnemonic, but being a proud New Brunswicker, seeing Saint John spelled St. John drives me bonkers
There's been many instances where people have thought they'd booked a flight to NFLD, but ended up in NB, due to the spelling).
PS, I always love to read your wisdom here. 🙂
@It's me, Sam, Oops! Now I need a new mnemonic. Since our conversation was oral, that wrinkle didn't come up.
I feel you on the Aldi cottage cheese! It's a weekly staple at our house and our Aldi's have been essentially out for the last 3-4 months. It doesn't matter what day or time I go. I can sometimes snag a 4% one, but the 1% version is never in stock. It's a bummer because I prefer the taste and texture of the Aldi cottage cheese.
Yes, Aldi has the best cottage cheese!!
Thursday thankfuls: I am thankful for the people who used to scoop my sidewalks and porch. Sadly, since I was in a church that split and we went different ways, the snow angels I had are scooping other people's snow. I made a brave attempt at it this morning esp. since Molly would go no further than the front step for her daily constitutional. (It's more often than that.)
I am thankful that driving in the snow has not been an issue. And my car does quite well.
I am thankful that a family member's health is improving after a fall. He was in the local hospital for about five days before being transferred to one more suited to his needs.
Thankful for a warm, cozy home.
I am soooo in agreement with you about the snow! I have also noticed how much brighter my house is when there is snow on the ground.
Without further ado .... I'll start with being grateful for snow and consistently cold temps (I hate the waffling temperatures we have had in recent years, where it snows ... and melts and gets icky ... and snows ... and melts). For both kids being home from college--we have had some great times together as a family, and at the life stage they are in, I know that time together is a fleeting thing. For a great young adult Bible study at my house this past week. Good conversation and good fun was had. For the ability to throw together tasty meals without a lot of fuss--years of trying to improve my cooking skills (and recipe base) is paying off. For funny cats that keep us laughing.
@Kris, I agree about having snow that stays rather than going back and forth. Also, just wanted to pop in and say hi from another part of the mitten! I'm glad you got in some good family time. 🙂
I had a terrible journey back after Christmas which involved my flight being delayed for five hours. I am not thankful for that, but I am thankful that the plane boarded eventually. I'm thankful that I had a book to read and was able to hang out with the other people who were getting the same flight. We kept our spirits up!
Thankful for clear weather as we race Winter Storm Cora to get home before she hits Ohio.
Thankful the house did fine, and so did the two boys at home, during the previous storm. No frozen pipes and power stayed on.
Thankful for DS#3 texting, offering to have dinner ready when we arrive.
I misread today's title and thought you were saying goodbye to Thankful Thursdays 🙁
* I am so thankful that Thankful Thursdays are not going away!
* The beauty of snow on the ground, more than we have seen for a decade.
* We and our neighbors did not lose power during the storm Monday.
* With snow melt and below freezing temperatures, icy spots are appearing between my house and car. I am thankful that they are easy to spot and avoid.
* This morning, I called a longtime friend who no longer lives near me. We have no plan or schedule to call on a regular basis, but whenever we talk, it is like there's been no time at all since we were last together. So, I'm thankful for great friendships and great conversations. And as nice as texting is, I hope that telephone calls never go away.
* A miracle happened this week. My super cat-averse husband met a cat he loves!!!!!
No, no, we will keep being thankful!
And ooooooh, are you adopting said cat?
@Kristen, I wish! He keeps a local shop mouse-free so is not up for adoption.
@Book Club Elaine, but at some point he could be. Keep him fresh in your husband's mind. A dump we took in has won my better half's heart. To the point I hope the cat does not pass before my better half.
I grew up in Malibu. My family home burned down in 2018. The current fires are burning down where I went to school, my old neighborhoods. It is a very strange feeling to watch it happen. I , of course, am thankful that the loss of life is minimal and for all the first responders. My brother in laws family lost their home yesterday but I know they have a place to evacuate so I am grateful for that. My sister's school was closed but she is safe and cozy in her home.
I am grateful that currently we have fire insurance in our Nor Cal Cabin and home. I do not know what will happen next year. If you have a housing loan you must have fire insurance. California property is so expensive that almost everyone needs a loan. I do not know what will happen but that doesn't mean it will be negative.
In teaching my classes in World Geography, I was insistent about showing the vulnerability of people around the world in natural disasters. I am so lucky to be living in America with a functioning policing force; running water and sewers; safety codes and building standards that minimize loss of life; non corrupt charities established by the red cross and churches. Our institutions are certainly not perfect but they do save thousands of lives and prevent so much human suffering. I am thankful for them.
@Mary Ann, Agreed! You might add “effective trash removal” to your list. Not being able to clear out the rubble is an underreported barrier to rebuilding after a disaster.
That must be so hard to watch. <3
I am very thankful:
1. That I am substitute teaching so that when it gets this horribly cold, I simply don't sign up for a gig and I get to stay home. Having to be at a school at 7:20 on a cold winter morning is the pits! Thankful I can opt out!
2. The egomaniac pastor at my former church is on his way out. (Resigned, asked to resign, fired...who knows?) Hopefully, they'll soon get a humble servant of the Lord and things will be better there. Not sure whether I'll return, but glad to know things will be on a more even keel for my many friends who stayed. Maybe the church can reinstate all the ministry programs Rev. Egomaniac ended because they were not programs he started, and hopefully the church can get out of the massive debt he ran up. (The church was debt free when he first took over, but not any more.)
3. Even though it was horribly cold, I got to visit my (and my mother's) friend A. on the occasion of Mom's 100th birthday. Didn't go out to the cemetery due to the weather but we got to share lunch and old memories and it kept me from crying and being too depressed.
4. That A. has a place to live where she is being well taken care of. She has many, many friends who are coming by to visit and to take her to church and take her shopping.
5. That it didn't sleet, snow or rain this week when I had my retail store shifts. We so seldom get icy roads, people here don't know how to safely drive on them. Glad I didn't have to brave a winter "demolition derby" going to and from work.
I am also thankful for the snow and how it brightens up the environment, but also that the storm had passed by the time my son was traveling. I was able to drive him to the airport on fairly clear roads.
I'm thankful we are safe and snug in our house, thinking of people across the country who have faced so much destruction this year.
Thankful the cold I had last week passed quickly and hasn't lingered, as I usually get allergy- and asthma-related symptoms from upper respiratory illnesses.
After a few days at home, thankful to send my boys back to school 🙂
And last, thankful that my mother is on a mend after some frightening health scares over the holidays.
I am thankful that my power is on. I live in an area of Socal (far from current fires) that often has fires and many homes and businesses nearby have had their power turned off for public safety. (High winds and very dry foothills are not a good combination.) For some reason our street and my daughter's daycare have been spared.
I am thankful for my morning coffee.
I am thankful for friends who helped watch my daughter last week when her daycare was closed for the Holiday break.
I am thankful for increasing sunlight.
This week I'm thankful:
- for snow, for all the same reasons Kristen gave. Snow is rare where I live, but it's so pretty when we do get it and it actually sticks around for a little while.
- for a safe, warm house and the ability to stay in when it's cold out. I'm glad I don't have to go anywhere.
- for shoes that make walking more comfortable than it has been for some time. I didn't even realize how tired I was just from standing and walking without proper support.
I am happy that I don't have to work weekends and haven't for almost 20 years now. I used to work Sundays from 4pm to Midnight so I could at least still go to church (though at that point in my life I was trying to find a denomination.)
I'm thankful that I don't have to go out in this freezing cold weather. I hate the cold with a passion (give me summer 100%!)
If I had a significant other with a regular work schedule, this weekend thing could pose a problem. But as a single pringle, it's no big deal. 😉
I typically buy my cottage cheese at Aldi, but I was at Costco yesterday, and a 3 pound tub was actually a little cheaper than Aldi, per weight.
I bought a ridiculous amount of it!
How does it compare? I sometimes buy the breakstone’s big tub at Sam’s but it does not taste as good as the Aldi kind.
Life feels really low at the moment for me and my family. I’m trying to stay positive and I’m grateful for thankful Thursday. I’m grateful for my home, my 2 kids and for my husband.
Sometimes life rocks out off the blue but like you say there’s always good to be found.
My sole thankful is for those dedicated elected leaders, emergency personnel, volunteers and others who are dealing with the devastation in California, getting the work done with grit, heart, and true leadership under apocalyptic circumstances. Misplaced blame, misinformation and personal attacks are indefensible and unhelpful to those affected and to those of us watching.
1. The astounding northern lights displays we have been having. If I did not see them myself, I would be sure the pictures people posted were AI generated. Swirling pinks, purples, greens...
2. Our new vehicle because it has foot room like my ancient pickup. My leg brace makes it tricky to get into some cars, but this vehicle is perfect in that regard. No so perfect is the lack of knobs, everything uses the display board and I hate it. It requires too much attention to do almost everything besides steering.
3. The heated seats in our new vehicle. The last car had very anemic ones. Also the heated steering wheel is good and hot in no time. So wonderful at 35 below, which it was last week.
4. That we put in triple paned windows when we added windows to our living room. It had no windows at all and was paneled dark brown, so it was like a dungeon. The triple panes are superior for keeping out the cold. The bathroom has one paned glass, put in by someone else, and it is always iced over on the inside. If you turn your head the wrong way, your hair will stick to the ice.
5. The husband, always the husband.
This week I'm thankful that I started a temporary, but full time job. It's a huge change but I'm very grateful. I've even hung the quote for JNL on the wall of my office.
I'm also very grateful for the community you have built here, Kristen. It's a daily ray of sunshine. I love reading the comments.
Thankful my two sons and families in California are safe. Such heartbreaking events these last few days. Prayers for those who lost so much.
yay a guest appearance by shelley thank you so much. sorry you got weekends but you are almost to the finish line. go fg almost rn.
@Kristen - I have worked in IT since high school. Yes, weekends are a prime time for "projects" but a 3 day weekend is the trifecta for conversions and other large projects. Of course none of the executive boys are there with us. But karma has gotten most of them over the length of my career (they decided others work those 3 day weekends).
Appears Shelley tolerates you because you are Zoe's mother (I literally been around cats all my life - whether they realize it or not, they have readable faces).
When my father had his silent heart attack (another reason I don't get too het up about lab numbers), he had the "honor" of having an alarm on his bed. He was in the CCU which isn't where you'll be working (not sure because vernacular varies so much).
But you'll be in the home stretch and I can tell you days off during the week can be a good deal.
I'm thankful for the posters "posts" about grandchildren enjoying books (being about felines especially). There seems to be so few that appreciate the simple things in life. I had life necessities growing up but not many extras/luxuries. During Covid-19, I sent a text to a neighbor that I had a lot of age appropriate books her kids could "check out". She was happy as her kids missed "browsing" for book. Better half and I set up tables with the boxes/totes of books. We all masked up as the kids browsed. At least one book was re-homed. We did this a couple of times (there were not due dates).
I know she and I don't jive on various things - we don't bring them up. But we jive on family and helping out each other. It works.
@Selena, I know it's weeks past your posting this but just incase you see it, what a beautiful thing to do! And extra beautiful that you are able to share with people with differing opinions to you. You are a wonderful example for all of us. Thank you!
It was so fun to see all the snow pictures from friends and family this week. The snow there is beautiful!
This week I am thankful for:
• A yoga class that gets me out of the house and regrounded every mid-week
• The opportunity to buy an additional, folding bed so my spouse and I can get quality sleep when we have shifted schedules at work
• My nephew/niece-in-law having babies so my parents can have children around their house again
Wishing everyone a wonderful next week!