Thankful Thursday | hello, non-hospital world!
This week, I am thankful:
for a few days off
I worked five 12-hour shifts in the last six days, and while I didn't really mind it (they were day shifts!), I'm definitely glad for some days off. My body and brain are a little tired!
I love hospital life for sure, but it's also nice to spend some time in non-hospital world.
I've barely been outside the hospital since last Thursday, so these thankfuls will probably be pretty hospital-centric!
that it's not dark when I leave for work
The end of daylight saving time has not changed the light levels when I leave work; it was dark before and it is dark now.
But it is currently not pitch black when I leave for work, which is kind of nice!
that the time change landed on my one day off
I worked Friday and Saturday, had Sunday off, and then worked Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
And luckily for me, the time change happened on that one day off, which meant I had a slightly longer day between shifts to get my life together. 🙂
Normally, the one extra hour doesn't seem like a big gift, but this time it did!
that I got to go for a lovely walk on my day off
I have obviously been walking many miles at work during this string of shifts, but the scenery is not quite as nice at the hospital.
It was so nice to be outside in the fresh air and sunshine!
that I had a good meeting with my manager and educator yesterday
I had a routine end-of-orientation check-in yesterday, and I got positive feedback from both of them. 🙂
They also asked me how I thought I was doing, and I said I think I'm doing fine for the stage I'm in.
Have I reached the pinnacle of where I want to be as a nurse? No. But for being only six shifts into working on my own, I think I'm doing just fine.
Every day, I learn more things, and I see ways to do things better/more efficiently. So, I'm satisfied with my progress so far, and I know I'm gonna continue to get better and better with more time and practice. 🙂
that our new washing machine is coming today!
Zoe and I are both so happy about this; our iffy laundry situation should be over after today. Yay!
that Shelly's tooth removal was less expensive than anticipated
She's getting up there in years now, and unfortunately, she's developed dental issues that necessitated a few tooth extractions.
The vet's price sheet made me think it was going to be wildly expensive, but it ended up being less than half of what I had calculated.
(They didn't really know until they sedated her exactly how many teeth needed to be removed vs. just cleaned.)
Anyway, this is a case where expecting the worst did actually make me feel more cheerful. Ha.
that my new piercings barely hurt at all
I'd forgotten how much quicker the healing process is for a lobe piercing vs. a cartilage piercing. Mine are only a week old, and the pain is super mild; my ears are just slightly sensitive.
that I successfully advocated for my patients
As a nurse, my powers are somewhat limited; there are only so many decisions I can make and actions that I can take on behalf of my patients.
But what I CAN do is bother the people who do have more power, so that is what I do. 😉
I am so happy when I can make something happen for a patient, like getting a much-desired medication ordered. When I have success and I see the medication order pop up, I'm like, "YESSSSSS."
I had lots of successes like this in the last week, and it is so rewarding!
for connection with my patients
I do love taking care of people's physical needs, but I also love connecting with them and their families, and helping them feel cared about. It's almost always possible to find some point of connection with each person, even in a varied patient population.
Before I leave for the night, I pop in to say good night to my patients (unless they're sleeping!), and when they hopefully say, "Will you be back tomorrow??", it makes me feel like I've done a good job taking care of the whole person.
Aww, I teared up at your snoopy cup. I’m getting my port placed today, and I’m going pretend that you are my nurse when I come out of sedation. My last nurse post-sedation was…how can I put this? Even my husband was like “she sucked.” She was nice, but not at all competent and I felt like I had to be my own medical provider even more than usual. Wish me luck on the provider front today!
@Becca, I hope your procedure goes smoothly today!
@Becca, sending you and your medical providers extra special thoughts today!
@Becca, Good luck!
@Becca, Best wishes for today.
@Becca, Thinking of you today with good wishes!
@Becca,
Sending good thoughts your way, Becca! My infusion port (implantable power port) has been my best friend for over six years.
My best advice, get some Press and Seal to use as a cover (goes over the dressing so does not have to be sterile). Use it if your port is accessed and you are going to take a shower. It actually will "stick" and stay in place, keeps the area protected and dry vs what they use at the hospital. And frugal 🙂 Also works really well for covering incisions and casts. Plus you can also wrap up your lunch leftovers.
@Becca,
Sending you positive energy for your procedure.
@Becca, I join the others in good wishes today.
Ohh, I'm sorry you had that experience. Good nursing is a combo of kindness PLUS clinical skills. One without the other, in either direction, is insufficient.
I hope your procedure today is smooth sailing!
@ceecee,
Thank you for this tip!!!
@Kristen,
So far so good on my nurse this morning. Hoping the doctor will be good too.
Woohoo! I hope you are surrounded by competent and kind people today.
@Becca,
Thanks so much, everyone!
@Becca,
Wishing you luck, hope tiu will recover quickly!
@Becca, Sending good vibes!
@Becca,
Glad you had a good nurse this time! Sending hugs.
@ceecee, I second using Press and Seal. It has made my life much easier.
Congrats on making it through your first six shifts on your own--it sounds like you are off to a good start, and I'm so happy for you!
It's been a rough week so this exercise will be good for me.
- I'm thankful to have many good friends who are there to lend support when times are tough
- I'm thankful DH made the drive to/from his appointment at Vandy safely
- I'm thankful I was able to take off early yesterday and pick up our grandson from daycare
- I'm thankful we have money in savings to cover expenses since the insurance company keeps giving themselves extensions on deciding DH's long term disability claim
- I'm thankful that I can take off work on Monday which will give me 5 days off work
@Beverly,
I hope things start running more smoothly for you!
@Becca, Thank you!
Kristen, I love that you say good night to your patients before you leave! That's so sweet.
This week I'm thankful:
*that I'm making progress on the college applications for the boy.
*for time to talk to my daughter when we go to and from her driver's ed. class. It's even more enjoyable because she's starting to compare other kids in the class to Jane Austen characters. (There is a definite Lydia!)
*that I still have a couple little ones who enjoy playing in all the leaves.
*for a child who put it all in perspective when I needed it most.
*for a congregation who takes care of us.
*that I didn't have a hot flash last night.
*for decent food. It's nourishing, even when I mess up and make meh food.
@Jody S., We are also going through the learning to drive process with my son. Similar to you, I take the opportunity on our drive home from school to talk to him about his day and whatever random things that pop into his head.
@Jody S., I love your second thankful for obvious reasons. (I'm sure your daughter is a good student in driver's ed., but I shudder to think about a Lydia behind the wheel.)
And have you and/or your daughter ever considered joining JASNA? Student memberships are free through the end of 2025. See https://jasna.org/join/250th-bday-student-offer/ for details.
@A. Marie, Thank you for that tip. I am forwarding information to my college boys, too.
I’m very thankful my family has enough resources for ourselves, and the ability to share with others who are struggling.
This week, my daughter’s school sent out a letter asking for help for other families at our school. They are collecting non-perishable Thanksgiving foods and money to help buy turkeys and other fresh foods. The love and commitment of the school for students and their families is very touching. I’m grateful that such caring people exist and the wonderful example they are setting for our kids.
My son is starting Tae Kwon Do classes. He hasn’t had the confidence in the past, so I’m very happy he’s decided to give it a try. I did TKD in my twenties and loved it. I hope my son has fun, too.
I’ve so far convinced my daughter that it’s not yet too cold not to walk to school. Our morning walks are one of my favorite things. I’m grateful for each one of them (so is our dog).
My fuzzy freckle-face dog. He’s sweet, cute, funny and a good motivator to get out and enjoy a walk. I always feel home is not complete without an animal companion.
@JenRR,
I took tae kwon do in my mid-late 30s, and also loved it! Being able to break a cement block with my fist during my black belt test is a memory I cherish. I hope your son enjoys it, too.
Love that connection you have with your patients. How nice it is to feel that connection and have them ask "will you be here tomorrow."
Thankful that I am hurting today from the gym. Now just to get the eating under control. Wish it would work out better. But only if I put the effort in!
Thankful it's my sister's birthday and she gets to do something she absolutely loves -- watching her 4 month old granddaughter. Already got a smiling picture. And very thankful that she loves to travel with us.
YAY, NEW WASHING MACHINE!!! I rejoice with you.
Thankfuls:
--For a day this week (yesterday) that did not require me to drive anywhere. There's been a lot of backing and forthing this week, so a day without a drive was appreciated.
--Except I did go to the daily Mass in the village yesterday morning. That was voluntary, however, and only nine miles away. I was so glad I went, because the homily was something I really needed to hear. Challenging to me personally, but in a good way.
--As I have said many times, for our current priest. He has a way of preaching that seems to hit everyone in their own hearts. Even my sons have asked me before if Father was thinking of something specific to their own lives when he was giving his homilies. He never is, but one of his gifts is making that connection with people so they reflect on their own circumstances.
--For a good talk with my aunt on the phone. She lives in Louisiana, just about an hour north of New Orleans, and was calling to see what day we could come visit her when we're there in a couple of weeks. I haven't seen her or talked to her since my sister's wedding over a decade ago, and she's over eighty now, so I was pleased to find that she's just as sharp and funny as ever. I've never been close to her, but I'm looking forward to seeing her and introducing my children to her.
--That I live in a place where a nighttime noise annoyance is listening to the newly-moved cows and bull bellow at each other all night, rather than listening to the police helicopter or sirens, as was the case in some of my previous neighborhoods. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, I wish both you and Kristen joy on your washing machines! Your accounts of doing laundry in the absence of your machine have been epic.
Haha, your noise annoyances made me giggle!
Kristen, I hope you know how much your positive attitude impacts your patients! They are so very blessed to have you as a nurse!
This week, I am grateful for:
~Being surrounded by such dedicated, competent and kind co-workers. It really does make a job much more enjoyable!
~For our emergency fund. My family is heavily impacted by the lack of federal budget. I am thankful that we have enough in our emergency fund to cover our basics for many months.
~That my dogs hearing loss isn't a sign of anything life-threatening. I'm not happy that she lost her hearing, but I am happy that she seems happy and comfortable. She is an elderly dog with LOTs of past health issues-keeping her comfortable isn't always easy (or cheap).
Kristen I am sure I’m not the only reader today who felt like Woodstock on your Snoopy mug, inspired to joyfully follow your lead in doing my best in my (I.T.) job to brighten days of the (sometimes seemingly invisible) people I work with and the people who benefit from the services our company provides. Your influence stretches even wider than your readership!
@A A, love this, keep up the good work!
I've had some nurses I was sorry to see end their shifts, and some I was.... not sorry. Of course Kristen is the kind of nurse whose patients are sorry to see her go!
My thanksgivings:
1. I'm thankful for the huge moon glowing softly as I drive to work in the mornings recently. It's so peaceful and beautiful. It makes me think of the words in the hymn, "All Creatures of Our God and King": "...Bright burning sun with golden beams, pale silver moon that gently gleams..."
2. I'm thankful I can make oven meals again, because it's not 1000 degrees outside anymore.
3. I'm thankful for the All Saints' Day service at church. It is always so meaningful and I have a lot of people I remember with love.
4. I'm thankful my frequent-flyer daughter has not had to go anywhere lately. Hopefully she can stay home a while longer before she has to go on a business trip again.
5. I'm thankful for days without needing air conditioning or heat. They are few and far between in Florida.
@JD, although I remain a lapsed Episcopalian, I like your #3. I'm singing "When the Saints Go Marching In" these days for an increasing number of folks, including both your DH and mine.
First, Kristen, I join everyone else in delight that you are enjoying your new career so much in so many ways. (And I hope, along with everyone else, that you don't get too many more big chunks of 12-hour shifts.)
Now, my own thankfuls:
Thankful for two lovely ladies who made several financial processes this week much less of a PITA than they could easily have been. The first was the one at City Hall who determined in 5 minutes flat on Monday that I was eligible not only for the maximum senior discount on my property taxes, but for the "enhanced STAR" credit (this one has to do with school taxes). The second was the young woman at my bank branch who (a) took over the process of moving the money in my former CD over to my savings account (further uses for that money to be revealed later) when my regular guy missed his appointment with me; and (2) also straightened out a problem I was having with my bank-based Visa card. Guess who I'm going to be seeing from now on instead of my former regular guy. 😀
Thankful as always for old Nellybelle, my 2010 Honda Element. She and I celebrated her turning over 80K miles on the way home from the bank branch this morning. As noted earlier, I think I'll treat her to a detailing the minute I have the time.
And thankful for a late-lingering fall here in Central NY, with more autumn color than I was expecting, given the summer's heat and drought. The paperbark maple tree that DH and I planted over 30 years ago is still blushing beautifully.
@A. Marie, I've read these comments a few times today, and I was too busy to comment....but throughout the day I keep thinking about your blushing tree. I love that.
Glad your hospital shifts are going so well! Several of my thankful this week are medically related -
1. I switched primary care doctors and am so thankful I did. I was able to have useful discussions with the new one during my annual physical.
2. My blood draw was done by a student who just had 3 weeks left of schooling. She did a great job so I was able to honestly compliment her and wish her well.
3. My labs all came back in the normal range.
4. The 2 photos of skin issues sent to dermatology came back with recommendations for medications to apply for them but no concerns that they are malignant. Meds are ordered.
5. And lastly, my husband’s lovely 97 year old aunt died in her sleep and her son decided to have a quick burial followed by a memorial in January. Thankfully we have the funds for him to quickly purchase a one day round trip flight to attend the burial while I stayed home with the dog. We are now part of the oldest generation on both sides of our family.
I love your entire list. I would have been grateful for them too. You painted a picture, an atmosphere of contentment with your words
@AZ Lynn, sorry, I don't know how I did it but I posted this to the wrong comment.
I am not thankful about the passing of your husband's aunt. So sorry.
The reply was to JNL
Note to self, No posting until at least 1 cup of tea.
I am at the point where working is like doing penance, as far as fatigue is concerned. My schedule is down to every other weekend plus three days in a set two week rotation. (Three days one week, two the next.)(Sorry if you remember this of me, already). There are a couple of sour grape residents, but for the most part they're okay. I tell my faves when I'll be back and they seem genuinely glad to know. I'm thankful for the workplace and the characters, staff and residents and even the community. This week, there was a smoke scare which resulted in a complete evacuation with our fire department, and community members responding as well as two mutual aid fire departments. The smoke was from an outside fire in the neighborhood. It is a nice community. I'm glad I wasn't there, but I have done partial evacuations and have been responsible for tornado warning procedures.
I am grateful for a few days I can organize some things before the "Cleaning Maidens" come next Wednesday to clean the house. I have to say, I'm a little panicky as I don't know how this is going to go. The house is small and having 4-5 young ladies, myself and the dog sounds a little crowded. (Can you tell, I like to be "in control?") However, I am thankful for this family that can get this done in one fell swoop as it has been weighing on me a long time. I used to like doing housework, and seeing the wood furniture shine.
I'm thankful, I'm able to get the last outdoor plantings done. This particular spot has had some near freezing temps, but the things that need to be repotted and brought in have not frozen. I still need to plant a few things in the garden and yard. I am having a couple of the brothers of the "Cleaning Maidens" help with yard touch up which is cutting the rogue tree sprouts, maybe mowing, but no leaf raking or blowing or disposal of the branch pile. Thankful for the little sleeping bees and insect eggs that are home here.
We would be totally surprised if you didn't great reviews & feedback. And patients who think you're a great nurse! Glad you are settling in so well. 🙂
Thankful for the mild 50*s fir high this week as the cold frigid Canadian air is coming this weekend & next week with highs mid 30*s & SNOW. 🙁 Would not be the first year we had that white stuff on ground before Thanksgiving.
Thankful that teen got called to do part time job for holidays. Teen bank account needs restock. Don't we all 😉
Thankful my Dad retired again (4th time & hopefully last).
Thankful teen is expected to be finished with college classes for semester slightly early. Luckily classes allowed to work ahead.
Thankful for our house that keeps us warm & safe. 🙂
Thankful finally having run of good health days!!! Now hopefully will continue when COLD weather continues to stay instead. Time will tell. 😉
Thankful for rescue dogs always!
Thankful for Kristen and her blog where we can learn & share from each other.
Awesome! Sounds like you had a great (if tiring) week. 🙂 Do you wear a pedometer or other device that tracks your steps? I'd be interested to know how many steps you get per shift. My jobs have always been very "sit down all the time," so getting steps can be a struggle for me. My Fitbit reminds me walk every hour, so that helps.
Anyway, just one thankful thing this week: I'm so thankful I've saved a lot. I don't mean that in a bragging kind of way—I mean it in a "lost my job" kind of way. I received notice last Friday, 3 hours before the day was over, that my contract was terminated. (This was about two weeks after they extended me to December 31...) Luckily, my recruiter thinks she can get me a new contract soon (like in about six weeks) and I'm thankful I have enough to cover my expenses until then. In the meantime, I am building my accounting firm. 🙂
I usually walk around 4 miles per shift, although that amount can sometimes vary greatly! It all depends how many times I have to go on a long trek to get supplies.
I'm so sorry about the job loss, and I hope a new one is in place VERY soon. Good job prepping for this, though; that reduces the stress so much!
@Kristen, Thanks for the good wishes 🙂 I've got a few leads, thank goodness.
That's a decent amount of walking. No wonder you're exhausted at the end of shifts!
After the last few days of yet another atmospheric river, the promise of blue skies tomorrow.
+ I roll over my emergency Personal fund when it gets above 1 yrs worth of estimated expenses. This funds our Family community fund. we were able to buy enough food to feed 50 families for this month.
+ Anna's hummingbirds. They have been riding out the storms on our porches. My daughter made miniature hanging wooden benches, the birds actually use them in the heavy rainstorms. So cute.
+ Johnny and June (the miniature donkeys) are settling in well and seem to like their pasture mates our 3 collected goats. I accepted a donation of horsey hay for their keep. Horse hay is selling for $15/bale.
+ Warm sweaters. Flannel lined jeans. Wool socks.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, are Johnny and June named for Mr. and Mrs. Cash? And I envy you Westerners your Anna's, rufous, and other hummingbirds. Don't get me wrong--I love my ruby-throats--but I often wish we had more than one species here in the East.
@A. Marie,
Yes, their previous owner that passed was a banjo picker...the family across the road has 5 children and they have visited everyday. I told their dad to find room in their livestock barn and they can have them. Another friend offered the family a miniature wagon.
We only have 4 Anna's, there may be more, as I go thru a quart of nectar every 5 days.
Ah, poor Shelley! I hope she is all set for the next years, now.
My thankfuls -
The super moon,
Beautiful foliage,
A lovely dinner at my sibling's,
The cello playing at our choir concert
Clean sheets, dried in the autumn sun,
Looking at our wooden table, after dinner, contented -
You sound like such a great nurse! I'm glad you're getting a few days off. I feel for Shelley; the cat I had as a kid had to have some teeth out as well! The vet said she might be sleepy when we picked her up - instead she bounced around the house and tore off her bandage with her remaining teeth!
My thankfuls:
1. It's been cold and dark lately but today there was glorious sunshine and I went for a walk in the park with my coworker.
2. I went for a moonlit swim.
3. I ran for forty minutes last week and didn't feel tired afterwards.
4. I went to the cinema after work one evening which was really fun, and I also managed to run an errand beforehand which has been on my to-do list.
5. I'm thankful I finally set up my savings account!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Your 2 sounds great!
@JNL, It was magical!
Shelley was so chipper afterward too! I was surprised!
@Kristen, She probably felt so much better after getting the bad teeth out!
I would guess she does!
I am awaiting delivery of a new range today, so I'm totally with Kristen on appliance excitement.
I'm thankful for:
*Having money for the new range in savings. It has an induction stovetop so I'm looking forward to fast heating elements.
*Bright autumn colors are a little past their peak but still lovely
*My manservant, the robo-vacuum cleaner working away while I do fun things.
*Phone calls with a daughter and a lifelong friend this morning -- and both before 8:30 am.
*And always, this weekly reminder to practice thankfulness with online friends.
I'm thankful for the beautiful weather we're having! Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect! I read a book out on the patio this morning, while Snuggles ran around the back yard, ostensibly chasing squirrels.
And for my friend...well, she started out as my cleaning lady, but we've bonded into a nice friendship as well. She and her family and community all are reeling from the SNAP situation, and are coping as best they can. (Her grown daughter went down to a food bank and had to stand in line for more than an hour!) I got her 24 cans of Libbey veggies that our store had on special, 69 cents each. I didn't want anything in return, of course, but she showed up today with a big dish of her wonderful homemade spaghetti. That *really* touched my heart. (She'd made a ginormous batch for her family and friends so they could all eat for the next several days. Sparse on meat but lots of chopped up veggies made up for it.)
For 20% off coupons to use at Goodwill. And all the other discounts we get!
For the filtered water pitcher I'm using now that the city is blasting the water pipes with mega-doses of disinfectant. Everything coming out of the faucet positively reeks of bleach!
For being able to pay various bills over the telephone. Super easy!
Oh, this week has been hard. So I need to do this.
Thankful that neither DS#2 nor the other driver were hurt when he rear-ended another car while inching up to a light. (She was inching up, he was inching up, and she stopped abruptly, he didn't.) They both were able to drive their cars, but instead of bringing it home for DH to look at, he drove to the body shop. Sigh. BUT nobody was hurt. Gotta keep positive.
Thankful that the silver lining of this %$#! government shutdown is DH is able to be home while I'm in this nurse aide class. It is going to be intense, just four weeks until we do our clinical days and then I'm DONE. Monday and Wednesday I'm at school all day, so DH is being a champ and picking up the slack and I've been told to not do any household stuff from Monday to Thursday. (My bio class is on Tuesday-Thursday). Every day we check the Senate and make plans of what to do IF the government reopens.
Thankful for a beautiful day for biking today. The morning was so frigid, though, that DH drove me and my bike to school, and by the afternoon I was able to bike home. I am thankful we still have a working truck and that was possible. Thankful my body is strong enough to bike the route.
I'm thankful for the blue jays, deer, and cats I saw on my ride today. Sometimes it has to be the little things!
And I'm thankful for my faith. Some days it's hard to maintain than others, but I'm thankful it's always there.
Oh, thank goodness everyone is ok. But ohhh, all the headache of dealing with the aftermath of a car accident is terrible. So many hours. I sympathize!
@Karen A.,
You have done a great job of finding things to be thankful for when things seem a bit trying. Sometimes I find this is a very difficult to do. Wishing you peace, good health and prosperity while navigating the unexpected things that life brings.
@Karen A., repetitive votes on a bill the senate majority knows won't pass is the definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. I feel for your family as I do for those who ACA premiums have skyrocketed. I do need to stop here.
This week I am thankful that…
• My husband decided to grab something out of our basement fridge and noticed that it had died. Because of his timing we managed to save our quarter cow (and the eight pound bag of tater tots – priorities).
• I have been working on cleaning out our upstairs freezer so I had room to put all the meat before it could defrost.
• My flight to Las Vegas (for work) this morning was uneventful. Will I be able to get home on Sunday without any complications? Who knows, but my Sunday is more flexible so if I get stuck at the airport it is what it is.
• The hotel that work stuff is happening at has the best lunches.
• I work with a great team so a weekend full of work won’t feel like work.
• I set up a Plinko game for Trick or Treaters and it was a big hit.
Sending you healing wishes.
I am thankful, first of all, that I flew out west and back before Duffy announced a reduction in flights. I was on four different flights and none of them were late. In fact, two of them arrived early! I am grateful to the unpaid air traffic controllers who kept us safe.
I am thankful for my freezer which is full of food for the days ahead. I don't intend to spend anything for the next week.
I am thankful that I live in an area with excellent public transit, and that our state provides free transit service to low-income seniors.
How did it get to be Thursday so quickly??? Let's see. Thankful for being able to take our daughter out for an early birthday dinner tonight--her university is close enough for us to be able to do those kinds of things (unlike when my son went to college, 5 hours away). For a beautiful autumn hike at a state park that I haven't been at in a long time. For a good work review yesterday. For our funny cats. For knowing that we can afford basic needs--in a time when so many are experiencing food insecurity, I'm more aware than ever of the privilege of having enough (and am increasingly trying to find ways to reach out to others in need).
Kristen, do you have any control over your schedule? I think lumping a few shifts together then having a string of days off is a good plan ☺️
I do to a degree; we are allowed to fill in our desired schedules, and then the master schedulers take over and see if they can make that work. But they adjust as necessary so sometimes your desired shifts get moved around in various ways.
But I do appreciate the effort they make to give us some say in the matter!
I'm glad you mentioned Shelley because I was wondering about her the other day!!
I'm thankful for starting a glp1 medication, mostly because I've become very aware of what my body really needs in terms of nutrition.
I'm thankful for a staycation that isn't over yet.
I'm thankful for the job that gives me the staycation, and the insurance from that job which allows me to start the glp1 medication.
So happy for you and especially your work thankfuls. And I identify with you about that tooth bill for Shelly. We had a similar situation last year and thankfully just one tooth had to be removed to resolve the issue!
I'm thankful:
-That even though I attended a not very good professional development seminar on Monday, it was regional and I got to connect with some former coworkers/current friends who work in different districts and were stuck at the same training.
-That the training provided free lunch.
-That I didn't have to attend the PD sessions at my school that REALLY aren't helpful for me/my scenario.
-That this week has been windy sometimes but overall BEAUTIFUL! Nice days for walks that aren't freezing, incredible moon, etc.
-That technology has generally been working for me this week and is not an added frustration as it is sometimes.
Your hospital is so fortunate to have you there. You sound like the amazing nurse I knew you would be. My mother spent a lot of time in the hospital over the years with significant health issues and good, kind, and compassionate nurses made all the difference. My family encountered far too many cranky, jaded, and unhelpful nurses.
Teeth cleaning for cats and dogs is important. My cat will not let me brush her teeth - most won't - and she'll be getting a routine cleaning on her next annual check up.
I am currently in the hospital and while I have had some really good nurses I do wish you were one of them. Today I will be discharged to a care center for some rehab. The center has an excellent reputation so I’m looking forward to it. (The source of my problems seems to have been gall stones moving where they don’t belong so I no longer have a gallbladder.)
I'm so happy to see how optimistic you are. You must be someone who looks at the glass half full.
I'm thankful for/that ...
• My husband is finishing up his kayaking trip down the Mississippi from Minnesota to Louisiana. It's been a long 2 1/2 months for me and my girls without him. We're praying that he completes it and gets back home to us safely.
• The precious time I had with my girls like reading books, watching movies, playing games and us growing closer to one another.
• The chance to be a stay at home wife and mom.
• Yummy foods. Been cooking a lot more Asian foods at home and loving it!
• Hot warm showers at night and being wrapped up in warm blankets especially when it's been getting colder out.