Thankful Thursday | I am not qualified
The other day, I posted something on my social media stories (a quote from someone else) about how social media has caused us all to think we have an obligation to share an opinion on every world event, even when we aren't remotely qualified to say something knowledgeable.
I am qualified to comment on some topics (like frugality! furniture painting! nursing school!).
Conflicts in the Middle East, though? Decidedly outside my range of knowledge.
But here is what I will say:
Yesterday, I read an email from the New York Times with pictures of the hostages and stories of what is going on, and tears immediately sprang to my eyes. I will never understand how human beings can be so cruel to each other, and it breaks my heart.
I think the cruelty must be a result of seeing people as disposable; of not valuing each life as precious.
When natural disasters take human lives, those stories are hard to see. But when lives are being lost because of human violence, that is even harder to see.
I feel an overwhelming sense of helplessness; there is so much suffering in the world, and there is so little I can do to alleviate it. I am only one person.
If I ponder that for too long, the discouragement will paralyze me.
And an immobilized me is going to do precious little good in the world. So after I read that NYT email, I reminded myself that I can only do the things that are in my locus of control.
I can't stop the violence on the other side of the world.
I can love and help the people around me, both at home and at school.
And I can focus on getting my RN, which is going to allow me to go be a helper in the world.
My lifetime impact will be relatively small, but my efforts, in my circle of influence, are all I have control over.
"As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” (Paul Shane Spear)
And if many, many people focus their energy on being a helpful force for good in their circles of influence, the cumulative impact of that will be far from small.
So, deep breath. We can pray for peace, we can donate to (reputable, responsible) organizations that can help the suffering people, AND we can focus on doing good right where we are.
Part of that for me is facilitating a thankfulness practice here.
Sooo, this week, I am thankful:
for my comfy bed
It's been chilly here at night lately, and my goodness, I love snuggling under my warm covers at night.
Chiquita usually sleeps down by my feet, which is very sweet.
for the fall weather
I know some of you hate cool weather, but personally, I am so very happy to be wearing jeans and hoodies. By this time every year, I am well and truly tired of being sticky and sweaty!
for public parks. Always.
The other day, I took some homework to a little nearby park on the water, and I was reminded again how nice it is that public parks make beautiful spaces available to everyone (even those of us who can't afford to live on the water!)
for doctor appointments with my schedule
I am currently due for things like an eye appointment, a dermatology annual exam, and so on...four appointments total!
I made a bunch of calls yesterday to get them all scheduled, and miraculously, the first appointments they all offered me happened to fall on days/times when I am not scheduled at school.
that I had a productive Saturday
I had nothing scheduled last Saturday and I got SO MUCH STUFF done.
I:
- went for a walk
- did my PT exercises
- cleaned my bathroom
- washed my shower curtain and liner
- scooped Chiquita's litter
- changed my sheets
- did four loads of laundry
- did my tax paperwork for Q3 and sent it to my CPA
- read three chapters for school
- watched some lab videos while I folded laundry
- made a med sheet for the drug digoxin (med sheets are papers we fill out with numerous details about a particular drug)
- did a practice math exam
- did two U assignments (practice quizzes for chapters that we read)
- reviewed several lecture PowerPoints to prep for the exam
- organized my pantry
- made dinner
I would like to tell you that this productive day made my current week relaxing, but nope; I'm still barely getting everything done!
I have concluded that nursing school life just requires a lot of efficiency and hard work. Efficiency doesn't really get you ahead; mainly it keeps you from falling too far behind.
But that's fine! I can maintain this life for four semesters.
for portable learning
I am forever listening to textbook chapters while I do other tasks (cleaning, walking, cooking) and sometimes I watch lab videos on my laptop while I'm doing other things as well, like folding laundry.
Combining a head task (video or audio) with a body task (walking, cooking, cleaning) has really, really helped me to stay sort of on top of my personal life while also maintaining a busy school life.
for crunchy granola
Guys, if you haven't made this granola, you should.
(Unless you can't eat oats, in which case, my condolences.)
You just mix it up, press it in a pan, and bake. NO STIRRING WHILE BAKING.
Which means you will not be cleaning spilled oatmeal bits afterward (I always spilled some in the oven or on my counters with the stir-while-it-bakes recipes!)
Your turn! What are you thankful for?
P.S. I am not qualified to comment on the situation in the Middle East, and I am also not up for moderating a discussion about it in the comments. So, I'm not gonna publish comments that will lead us there. But do feel free to share your thoughts on what I brought up; I am sure we can find common ground there.
Oh Kristen, thank you so, so much for your sharing your thoughts on what is happening in the Middle East. Yours is the only American blog I still follow - because you seem the only one who does acknowledge that there is a world outside of a blog and I feel it should be acknowledged without turning the blog into a political platform. You and your readers walk this thin line beautifully!
I am so with you that amidst a world gone completely crazy everyone can still make a difference right here and right now and money isn't necessarily needed to do so.
That's why I hosted the Ukrainian mother with her teenage daughter. By hosting her I calmed down and helped myself that way. Both went back to their hometown Charkiw two weeks ago. I miss them terribly. We have gotten very close during the 18 months we lived together.
And I pray just as you do and I am staying away from people whose opinions differ too much from mine.
And I continue to walk the woods with my dog, I am grateful for the health, strength and endurance of my dog despite his age (13).
And I am thankful for this blog and your work Kristen. So wonderful to know that across the ocean there are like minded people.
@Lea, what a wonderful thing to open your home like that (and for so long!). I get crazy after having houseguests for two weeks.
@Lea, thank you for the update; I've been thinking about you and your guests! Praying for their continued safety.
@Lea, I am so grateful for you and the people like you! You made this world better. Thank you for that!
I've been down with bronchitis all week and I noticed that feeling ill and weak made it even harder to bear the grief and sorrow I feel for the world.
Selfishly perhaps, I feel thankful that I am now on the mend and able to direct my sense of urgency to things I can control, in stead of worrying and keeping myself from sleep.
Thankful for my inner circle of very dear people who pull together and support each other.
Thankful for a safe bed, a warm meal, a nice shower, for the daily distractions of work, household, hobby.
@J NL, it is not selfish to be thankful for feeling better!
Kristen, Ditto your thoughts at the beginning of the post.
I am thankful a friend, S, that is undergoing chemo was well enough to go out for lunch the other day. We joined a mutual friend, C, that S had not seen for a few years. We made plans to get together on a more regular basis. I ran into S's daughter a couple days later and she commented on how much her mother enjoyed the outing.
I am thankful for an impromptu walk with a friend yesterday. Her life is more complicated than mine and I didn't get around to contacting her at the beginning of the week but when I reached out early yesterday our schedules aligned.
I am thankful that the Honda dealership completed my oil change quickly yesterday. They don't take appointments for that kind of thing but I arrived five minutes after they opened and I was pleased with the turn around time. I had a new service advisor and he was thorough and pleasant.
I am thankful for the oil burner, and a full tank of oil, that keeps our house warm during this cool fall weather.
I am thankful that the cooler fall weather makes me much more likely to turn on the oven. There are a lot of foods we don't usually eat in the summer, like chili and soups, that call to me when the weather cools.
It does feel so good sometimes to list (or mark off a list) of things done when you are drowning in things to do!
This week I am thankful:
*that I have not yet had to report for jury duty. One day left!
*that my son who found out that he's sensitive to cow's milk and whey is up for a 3 month elimination diet. Fun times ahead.
*for my daughter who gets all the things checked off her school list so diligently.
*for my 4th son. He turned 10. We had some bumps in the pregnancy, and he's been sick this week; but he made it, he's well again, and I love him so much. Also, he played goalie like crazy in his last soccer game; it scared me, but it was fun to watch!
*that my husband volunteered for the last 2 nights to help my dad with his midnight meds so I only had to get up at 3 a. m. and 6 a. m. (when I should be up anyway!).
*that my father is improving so much. He is really able to do so much more than a week ago after his knee replacement. And he's not balking with his exercises at all. I was really skeptical going into this surgery, but he's doing well.
*that maybe I'm starting to get somewhat of a routine with homeschool this year. Finally. (Not 100% what I want it to be yet, but I am feeling better about it.)
*Is it okay to be thankful that the garden is basically done?
*Did I mention I haven't had to go in for jury duty yet this week? (This one has me so happy!)
@Jody S., Yes, it is okay to be thankful that the garden is basically done (I am too). I love that it's wild and inspiring and it's also a lot of hard work.
Thankful to live in a country that is not at war. Thankful for a steady job. Thankful for a Bible app called YouVersion where it lets you choose a plan and reminds you every day what to read. Thankful for a frugal blogger in my country (Norway) who recommended a credit card that was much better than the one I was using for food shopping. Thankful that my child who drove their bike into a moving car was not injured.
@SK, I have You Version as well and am also very grateful for it!
@SK,
Oh, goodness! Glad your son is okay!
This week I feel thankful that
* the tile guy is actually here, doing the work that it has take us FOUR MONTHS to set up, due to one calamity or another,
*my daughter is bringing me a healthy lunch today since I am stuck at home with the tile guy,
*I've had loads of free time to read, stitch, work in my home office on loose ends for my mother,
*the weather is a teensy bit cool here, so we are leaving doors and windows open as much as possible,
*and, that I live here in this relatively safe corner of the world, my family is safe, and I have a job that I can go to to provide for myself and help my patients.
Happy Thursday!
Thankful I have not caught the crud going around work. My boss sends out emails reminding people to use their sick days when they are sick! You can get paid to stay home where I work.
That hubs walked the dogs for me yesterday. It was raining too hard for me when I normally walk, I will walk in the rain but not pouring rain.
I will be thankful when we see the sun again, I cannot recall what the blue sky looks like.
For leftovers that we have had for dinner every night. I did not have to cook.
That the orchard by us had already picked bins of apples, I did not want to pick apples in the mist. They are fresh off the tree and so crisp.
Most thankful that the swelling on my pups neck has gone down a lot. I am hopeful...he also has put on 2 pounds so yay!
I'm thankful this week for a couple of cool mornings in the 50s. We're back to 70+ now, but those couple of days were lovely.
I'm thankful for the daily practice of thankfulness, ha. I was getting bogged down in some things about my current situation that are less than stellar, but practicing thankfulness helps me feel better. It also allows me to step back and see if there's anything within my control that I can do to help the less than stellar things.
I'm thankful that I was able to get some jewelry from my mom re-sized and repaired. It has taken me so long to do it, but what a joy I felt as soon as I went to the jeweler! I cannot wait to start enjoying those pieces and thinking about my mom when I wear them.
We misplaced a favorite toy in our home - boo - but I'm thankful that I was able to find a replacement on eBay.
I'm thankful that I have been able to get several vaccines this fall. And even though I'm not excited about going to doctor appointments, I'm thankful that this year I have been able to mostly get caught up on healthcare.
Strangely, since I have no connection to the Middle East, I have actually been thinking about Meet the Reader Talia from Israel and hoping she and her family are safe. I enjoyed learning about life there through her post. As usual, your perspective on the situation is spot on and mirrors my feelings.
@Bobi, I have been thinking about Talia also.
I'm nodding my head in agreement with all that you said about the conflict in the Middle East, including making a difference in our personal sphere of influence.
I never tire of watching the leaves change color in autumn. So thankful for crisp, cool sweater weather, for the display of glory that the trees give us every fall, for a sunny morning which makes everything even prettier.
Thankful for coffee with a friend earlier this week and the insightful conversation we had.
Continued thankfulness that the kittens are feeling more and more comfortable with us and for the hilarious entertainment they provide.
Thankful that even though I only had 2 kids for high school Sunday School class this past week, we had a deep discussion on some very important topics.
Kristen, I've never connected more with one of your posts. I feel very similar in that I am just one person, I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person. I have never felt like I'm going to impact the world, but I AM a good mother, I AM a good friend, I DO help those in need around me to the best of my ability. It gives me some sense of peace when the world feels too overwhelming. Thanks for sharing your perspective, I find it like a breath of fresh air in our decidedly divisive world.
I can easily get overwhelmed by the awful events in the world, and struggle to both bear witness and not shy away from them, but also to not get completely lost within. My heart breaks for those impacted.
Like Jody S, I am thankful the garden is winding down. My poblano peppers are the biggest they ever have been! I am also surprised we haven't had frost, and it's not yet in the forecast.
I am thankful to have community around me that helps me process and put my life into perspective. Thankful for a therapist who does the same.
Thankful for my sister, and how she tells stories. I don't realize how I miss it when it's been awhile.
Thankful to have sunshine today, and a fun crescent moon this morning.
Thankful for a dishwasher again, even though I haven't gotten to use it. That my house projects are winding down, and I'll get things back in order.
Love this post, your perspective, and your gratitude. Grateful that voices like yours are still out there in blogland! ❤️❤️
As always, I appreciate your words & your approach on such a difficult topic. We have several colleagues & friends directly impacted, and it's horrifying. Like you, I struggle not to let it overwhelm me, and as a poster further down said, somehow to bear witness & not avoid paying attention to what's happening just because it's too hard (because, what a privileged position that is), vs not getting completely lost. I have no great answers for how to navigate this, because it is really, really hard.
I will also practice gratitude:
1) Grateful for the cooler weather. I adore fall.
2) I got a chance to drive with DS16 to a soccer game this weekend, that was a real haul. While I didn't enjoy the long drive & had a lot going on, the Monterey coastline is beautiful, and the time together in the car is impossible to replicate. Lots of interesting teen conversations were had.
3) My nephew started a new job recently, after not knowing what to do after two years of college. We all use a video chat app (Marco Polo) to stay connected, and 1) I love to hear from him regularly and 2) he's really making his own way in the world & I love that for him.
4) That I had a chance to be productive as well on Saturday. It definitely made my life easier during the week, even if it was still a very busy time. We're in quite a season, with sports, college applications, tryouts, work, travel, and it can be overwhelming. Being as prepared as possible is so helpful.
5) My parents are coming next week to provide "teen supervision" while my husband & I take a week to go away & celebrate our anniversary. It's something we do annually, and is so special for us. That time together plays dividends in our relationship all year long.
Thankful Thursday! So many things!! Almost at the end of a 4 book series on Faith!! Taught myself to make croissants, next time they will be even better because I finally got the shaping part down. My son and his fiancée will get married at the end of the month. Finally the realization that things going on in the world are out of my control and no amount of worrying on my part will resolve the situation. My mother always said,”Two wrongs do not make a right”.
I have been following your blog for at least a year and look forward to your tips, ideas, and positive approach to your circumstances. Being thankful is a wonderful antidote to discouragement and sorrow. I find myself celebrating your triumphs, no matter how small. Your spotlight on what’s happening in Israel and healthy responses is much needed. I did, however, feel disappointed that you didn’t encourage prayer as well.
I did, actually. I said that we can pray for peace. And thank you for your kind words!
@Judy, she did indeed mention prayer. The thing is though, if you feel that prayer will comfort you, then you have no need to mention it at all, nor feel any sort of disappointment in what others do or do not point out. Most people who pray for any reason know about it as a thing to do that is meaningful to them and as a source of consolation.
Kristen's comment about doing what she as one person can do reminds me of something that the 19th-century author and minister Edward Everett Hale said (and that his distant cousin Helen Keller often repeated). Here's the most trustworthy version of it I can find on the internet:
“I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”
Now, my thankfuls:
Thankful that a dear friend (DH's former partner in real estate ventures) is in town this week and stopped by yesterday for a long chat.
Thankful that our trusty HVAC company sent its best guy yesterday to do furnace checks for my next-door neighbor and myself. I had him do mine first so I could brief him privately on NDN's situation, and then I waited with NDN while he did hers. It all worked out very well. NDN's furnace hadn't been serviced in over 3 years, and the last thing I would want is for her furnace to break down on her in midwinter.
And, finally, thankful for this update on one of my Frugal Things this week: I presented the Syracuse China platter I bought for 99 cents to the co-author of the cabaret (along with a Trader Joe’s congratulations card–TJ’s greeting cards are the other big bargain there besides bananas). And I’m pleased to report that she laughed fit to split. It’s always good when a gag gift is taken in exactly the spirit in which it was given.
@A. Marie,
The women's faith organization, Daughters of the King, have a very similar motto. Perhaps they adapted his saying?
For His Sake...
I am but one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
What I can do, I ought to do.
What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do.
Lord, what will you have me do?
@JD, it's been a long time since I've heard anything about the Daughters of the King. My original hometown Episcopal church used to have a chapter, but it got trimmed many decades ago by a rector who perceived too much duplication of effort among too many women's groups. Harrumph.
Anyway, I'm guessing along with you that the DoK version is an adaptation of the Hale saying. Hale's version was very popular in his day--and both versions deserve to be better known now.
Thank you for this reminder to focus on the things we can control. It's very easy to get overwhelmed.
I'm thankful that we closed on the sale of my husband's parents' home this week. It was a bittersweet moment -- this is the house my husband grew up in. But a nice family is moving into the house and I think his parents would have liked that.
I'm thankful that both my dogs, though older, continue to be healthy and happy, and they help keep me healthy and happy, too.
I'm thankful my fourth grade teacher taught everyone in the class to knit -- it's something I still enjoy to this day.
Fall has been spectacular here and we have been making an effort to get out and enjoy the beautiful colors as much as possible. We took a drive Sunday afternoon that was one gorgeous vista after another. I am in such awe of God's beautiful creation.
I'm thankful we were able to get our Covid vaccinations a couple of weeks ago. We drove to another town to do so. The local health department still doesn't have the vaccines and a lot of our friends who waited are now sick. I pray they all recover quickly, and we are still taking precautions, but we feel we're a little bit better protected.
How beautifully worded! What a lovely reminder to all of us to simply show love and kindness in practical ways to those around us and hope it becomes a chain reaction.
@Haley, your comment is beautifully worded as well!
@MB in MN, thank you!
1. Last week there was a gun/shooting threat at my son’s school via social media. The school took it seriously, worked with the local police, and communicated effectively with the school community. We had never been through this before at my son’s school and it was nerve racking. I’m so thankful that the district took the situation (credible or not) seriously and communicated with the parents in a timely manner. The district also sent out a communication on how they work through threats similar to this because so many questions and rumors were spreading.
2. I am not qualified to coach my son when practice is cancelled, but I am able to guide him on how to still get “touches” on the ball. We’re working on problem solving (he’s a preteen so this is VERY difficult) and I was able to give him some suggestions that he actually listened to and followed through on – look up some drills on YouTube, ask your teammate who lives across the street to practice with you, send out a message to your team on the team app to meet you at the fields on a specific date and time, ask your stepdad who used to be a coach if he will practice with you when he gets home.
3. With this week’s Amazon sale I was finally able to snag the walking pad I have had my eye on for a while. I love my walking trails but once the snow and the below zero temps arrive my daily walks become much less safe.
4. I had a great check in with my boss at work this week. She thinks I’m doing well, I think I’m doing well. All is well.
@Geneva, wow, your #1 is scary. I'm so glad that things were no worse and that the school's system worked as it should have.
Last night I went to a vespers service at my church. We read out of the (Episcopal) Book of Common Prayer, and the schedule said Psalms 59. I thought it was amazing how much that particular passage lines up with praying for Israel and the Israeli people and. indeed, all the innocent people affected by the terrorists' actions. Years ago, a Unity pastor told me, "We say that 'at least I can pray for you,' but prayer is not the least we can do for others; it is the MOST we can do for them." So even though we may feel we can't change the whole world, we can pray for it.
My FFTs:
1. Drinking coffee on my back porch/patio in the cool of the morning, when all is quiet and calm.
2. Friends who bring my elderly dog some dog treats (soft ones she can chew) and leave it on the front porch for us.
3. Getting substitute teacher jobs.
4. Well-behaved students that make #3 easier.
5. Being able to change my environment for the better.
I'm thankful you brought this up. I know this is not the place for current event arguments, so I said nothing about it. I'm glad you brought it up as you did, though.
1. I am thankful for having learned the practice of prayer with fasting, which I have been doing this week because of what's going on. I am thankful for scripture verses I didn't realize I knew by memory, popping in my head as needed. I'm thankful for the prayers in the prayer book, the psalms and the writings of C.S. Lewis.
2. I'm thankful that my daughter was in a different area in the Atlanta airport yesterday when the stabbings occurred. I'm so thankful she is home, safe.
3. I'm thankful that the tornado we were warned was possible from midnight last night to 9 this morning did not form. That's about the last thing we needed so soon after a hurricane.
4. I'm thankful that when I walked under the loquat tree to check on my bird feeders, I didn't walk into the gray rat snake lying on a low branch. They aren't venomous, so it's bite wouldn't have killed me, but the heart attack surely would have.
5. I'm thankful that although our temperature outside was 79 deg. F first thing this morning, and so humid that all of my home's windows were steamed up, I was able to watch the temperature reading on my car drop down to 64 driving through the front as I came to work. The air now feels more like October again.
@JD, of the various evils you and yours escaped this week, I'd single out #2. But #3 and #4 are contendahs.
@JD, years ago, my husband found a six foot snake that slithered away under the back porch. The man had enough sense not to tell me about it. Years later (after we had moved) he was telling the snake encounter story to friends. After catching the horrified look on my face he insisted it wasn't a poisonous snake so I would have been perfectly safe in any case. I countered with "death by heart attack is just as fatal as death by snake bite."
He still occasionally retells the story and it still elicits the exact same response from me each time. Twenty-five years later, we have the "bit" down like Abbott and Costello.
I try to be qualified in matters that matter to others.
If I can learn about saving money or learn how to make a pound cake, I can learn about other things as well ;)- MHO.
So, I show up for any human-related crises, local or international- learn about it from various sources not from those I'm used to or comfortable with (not from my confirmation-related Google search either).
It's so easy to join the bandwagon of the popular side on any issue. Because it means you don't have to spend time doing research to know what actually happened!!!
Ignorance is bliss- a trap I try to avoid at all costs.
Humanity deserves our time/ money/ energy. Because one day I might be in their shoes and wish they spent some time to know the truth.
I can do my best to listen and learn about whatever is the current crisis at any given time. But what I'm saying is that it would be presumptuous of me to behave as though such cursory learning qualifies me to share an opinion that is remotely authoritative. People devote their lives to studying the issues that underlie genocide, racism, wars, political pressures, the historical background that causes political rifts, and so on. I'm not gonna be able to catch up with that in a few days or even a few years.
But I can certainly say that the human suffering I see is heartbreaking.
I am currently devoting my life to learning about nursing and how I can help alleviate suffering by taking care of people. So, one day, I can possibly speak with some authority on that subject.
No one has enough years in their life to become educated enough to share an authoritative view on every subject. We all have our areas of specialty. 🙂
@Kristen, But...but...but I'm a knowitall. 🙁
@Rose, good one!
To quote the wonderful Mr Rogers "Look for the helpers" - I am thankful for all of them.
@Cheryl, interestingly I watched a documentary on Fred Rogers on Netflix yesterday. He was so compassionate and his message was consistent throughout his life.
Events in the Middle East fill my soul with a grief that is too heavy to bear. I cannot imagine the horror those people are experiencing. I so appreciated the thoughts that you shared on Instagram and here Kristen.
I am thankful for my faith. For my family that I can love and care for. For beautiful fall weather and the colors that it brings. For sweatshirts and jeans. For life giving workouts that give me an outlet for stress that is healthy.
Blessings to each and everyone of you.
I know. I read the stories, imagine how it would feel to endure that kind of suffering and loss, and I can't help but cry.
@Kristen, same. It's truly unimaginable.
Kristen, just reading about your productive Saturday has tired me out so I'm now in need of a nap 🙂 I'm envious of your furry foot warmer at bedtime. I'm having to rely on wool socks. Thankfully, I like wool socks but they don't purr.
I am thankful for my clothes dryer. It works great and is at least 15 years old (we've had 3 replacement washing machines since the one that matched this dryer died. Do not let me get started on the planned short lifespan of appliances.) My grandmother as a young woman washed clothes with a washboard and then later in life with a very cumbersome washing machine with rollers on the top. She always hung laundry outdoors to dry, often on her porch. My mother had a dryer but often hung clothes outdoors to dry. I have the sunshine option but it's also nice to use a dryer.
The thing I'm most thankful for today is my cell phone's texting functionality. I have an out of state daughter who is going through a very difficult time and it's so nice to text her every day, I call them 'I'm thinking about you texts'. I can read her responses over and over to get fresh enjoyment each time. And I know I'm not interrupting with a text whereas with a phone call you never know.
Thankful that I went and visited Mom in the nursing home yesterday and that she was lucid, and of course, happy to see us.
Happy about the continued nice weather.
Glad that my daughter listened attentatively when I droned on about classic alternative music on the radio. "Oh, that song. Did I ever tell you about Aunt BFF and me going to see the Sisters of Mercy?"
and for the other side:
Annoyed that my sister took my mother's looseleaf book of family favorite recipes and when I was for something like Nana's peanut butter cookies, she says she doesn't know where it is. And my mother's annoyed because all my sister ever makes anyway is cupcakes.
Amused that people were looking at me funny yesterday. After two hours of driving, I can't stand straight up and four of my toes decided to be gouty, so I limped and hobbled my way into the nursing home. No! I'm a visitor! I swear!
I’ve made the crunchy granola many times, I can attest that it is delish!
I am grateful for modern medicine and for the nurses who are kind while they’ve been caring for my step-dad. The hospital life is no joke, and kind nurses(and doctors) ease the anxiety. (You will be a great nurse Kristen.)
I’m grateful for my bigger kids who can manage themselves while I’m gone for unexpected big Chunks of time!
I’m grateful for easy meals.
I’m grateful for the cool down in the weather, we had our first chilly night last night and it was a gift!
I’m grateful for old friends who check in on me, even when we haven’t talked in ages.
I’m grateful for google maps that help me avoid traffic as much as possible, CA freeways are bonkers all the time.
Thanks,Kristen, for always hosting thankful Thursdays. I don’t always participate in the comments but I almost always reflect and participate in my mind!
I hear you. While I do agree I also think it important to know/understand different events happening not only around the world, but around us right here in our own communitt/state/country. Helping where we can & doing what we think is best for us (at that particular moment). Who knows, maybe someday your nursing abilities will be used in ways you never imagined. But for now, we are so grateful for you sharing your insights & your life with all of us.
Things I'm thankful for---
● My teen has the ability to take some college classes for FREE while in high school that will be less time and money after high school towards college degree. Teen is really enjoying college classes & the more in depth of classes.
● My bills are paid for the month. I'm broke but normal exspenses are taken care of. Vehicle repairs will have to go on credit card but at least have that option. Then, hopefully find new job.
● That yesterday (Wednesday) was a slight warm up (60) and was able to get outside & finish most things in yard/outside of house that needed to be finished before stays cold. FYI--(I didn't know this) you can use potted dirt/soil from plants (I had citronella plants in pots) in raised garden beds (strawberries) and there should be no cross contamination/effects. Teen has botany class this year & I was worried as I have not had ability to go get compost for raised garden bed & needed dirt for strawberries. I asked & was told could dump my potted plants dirt/compost into strawberry bed. 🙂
● That I also found time to do all bedding from 2 beds yesterday while getting outside work done.
● that a local repair shop is able to get my vehicle in beginning of next week ( tire shop said need some front end work done) since my regular mechanic has not return my calls (for few weeks).
● Teen is still honoring volunteer commitment even though already completed hours (since no one else showed up first time & only one other person second time so stayed whole day instead of scheduled shift).
● And that my dogs love their new small (bat) toy that picked up at Target last week. Much smaller & body squeaks while wings make crinkle noise. This size is much more manageable for dogs & take toy everywhere with them (except on walk---mean mom).
* I read that lots of you do Panera drink/sip club. Did anyone see that October advertisement is $5 (4 months?). I don't go to Panera but thought might share information.
* Walgreens & another pharmacy/store just announced this week that will be closing stores due to strike of employess/pharmacists. Did not say specifically which stores/areas but said will impact people.
Today I am grateful for:
+you and your lovely words
+telehealth therapy
+Zoom meetings
+my stand-up desk
+truly lovely work colleagues
I don't have a dog in any fight right now around the world outside of wanting it all to stop and to keep us out of it.
Sad thing is there will always be wars and rumors of wars until Christ returns.
@Battra92, so true. When things get really awful, like right now, I often think, "Jesus, come get us!"
Having two cats who, at least daily, change their favorite little nesting places, I have to say that one of them favors a fresh basket of laundry over everything. As soon as I bring it in and turn my back he's in and settled down for a long nap. We don't care if our underwear, towels and clothes now have a fine covering of cat hair, we love them so much, we're honored to wear it.
Thank you, Kristen for expressing what is on most of our hearts. We have friends in the Mideast and they are always on my mind.
I am thankful for a family gathering that was held this past Saturday. My sister-in-law and brother love to host weenie roasts and live out in the boondocks where it is lovely to have. We heard coyotes howling and the local deer were snortingly close although invisible in the dark. I'm also thankful I did not lock my keys in the car this time while there. Still remain thankful that local Roadside Assist can locate need even in the boondocks.
Thankful that a church family is going to have time and is willing to help me with some outside chores that have needed to be done. Some require climbing a ladder and while it really doesn't scare me, at my age (70) it seems prudent to let someone younger do the "upper" chores. Some of the chores just require youthful energy.
Thankful my beloved Molly is limping less in her back leg. She has a streak of beagle and jumped incessantly in her younger days. She jumped on and off of the couch and the bed and I think pulled or damaged something several months ago. No, did not take her to the vet, well, I did, but he thought it was arthritic in nature and no x-rays were done. A month's worth of glucosamine may have also helped. I lift her on and off of the bed and use it as an opportunity to hug her. She wraps her front legs around my arm as if to hold on or hug back.
Thankful to have gone to a baby shower last week for one of my sister's former afternoon caregivers. Was able to give her a basket of medicinal "necessities," infant acetaminophen, ibuprofen, gas drops, butt paste (that's the name, but it's mostly zinc oxide), a thermometer, measuring syringe. I get this vision of middle of the night desperation on the parent's part and an unconsolable child with no stores open. And it points back to the nurse in me. This young lady is also going to nursing school and is a good friend.
We have had a couple of refreshing albeit limited showers this past night. Still thankful!
This week we returned from our Last Hurrah Tour; hard to believe we were gone over two months! I have a lot to be thankful for:
1. That our state does not allow billboards. It seemed like everyplace we drove the land was littered with ads for cannabis, alcohol, gambling or lawyers promising a huge payday. And Wall's drugstore. I am not opposed to booze, grass or gambling, but it was depressing to see such an emphasis on them and to see beautiful landscapes ruined by their billboards.
2. That we have zoning laws, although I think they are not strict enough. Decades ago we drove through Gatlinburg and Pigeon Ford, Tennessee. Gorgeous country. This trip I was horrified at how trashy those places are now, business run amok in pursuit of profit at all costs. I am glad we have some controls over what is built where.
3. We thought it would be fun to try various fast food places we don't have access to but it ended up being depressing to see franchise after franchise after franchise. One intersection of a city there were Chik-fil-As on all four corners. Do we really need that many chicken and burger places?
4.That there are kind and friendly people all over the country, which is easy to forget; sometimes it feels like we are all divided by race and politics. We went into a convenience store and on the way out I fell off the handicap ramp, right onto the paved parking lot. Within seconds four men had gathered around me, discussing how to help me up. A minute later a young woman ran up and identified herself as a nurse and after assessing my injuries, showed the men how to get me up without hurting themselves or me. Two of the men spoke with Middle Eastern accents, the two others with Hispanic accents; the nurse was Black. Yet they rushed in to help an old white woman with no hesitation. It was very heartening. (The husband, however, has yet to recover from one of the men saying very respectfully as they went to lift me, "Grandfather, stand back. We don't want you to get hurt, too." ) And while this was more dramatic than most encounters we had with strangers, uniformly we had interactions that reinforced commonalities, not differences.
5. That while I am still in back pain from the fall, that nothing was broken and I did not smack my head on the ground. Also, this happened the last week of the trip so I am suffering my muscle pains at home.
6. The grandfather, always the grandfather, this time for how much of the burden he carried, literally. I was useless with carrying luggage or anything of that sort, but he did it all without complaint.
7. My new compact wheelchair. Weighing only about 40 pounds, it performed heroically on pavement, carpet, grass. I have no vested interest in the company, but if someone you know needs a wheelchair that can be put in a specially designed suitcase (to avoid airplane damage), snaps open with ease, is light enough for most people to lift (not me, but people who have strong arms), and has a battery that lasts for hours and hours, look up the Matrix company. I do not think our trip would have been possible without it.
@Lindsey, sounds like you had a great trip! I enjoyed reading your observations. I giggled at the grandfather comment (don't tell your hubby.)
@Lindsey, glad you and the "grandfather" are back. And since you, he, I, and others here are grandparent age even if we don't have grandkids, we may as well shut up and go quietly into our age group.
@Lindsey, When I returned to the States after a year in England and various parts of Europe, the very first thing I noticed (and complained about) were the billboards.
@A. Marie, At least it is a term of respect. It could have been "old man" or the like. I would definitely take it as a term of respect, especially if it was used in an act of kindness.
I am so grateful that my family and I safe and have all the basic life necessities taken care of.
- I’m thankful my son’s injury is just a sprained foot. The school nurse called me yesterday to tell me he’d fallen on the school bleachers. She thought he’d fractured his foot, but we lucked out. I’m extra glad he didn’t hit his head.
- I’m thankful to be in a stage of life where I don’t have to super-stress over paying for X-rays and a convenient care bill. It’s never fun to pay a medical bill, but in the past getting medical care meant sacrificing something else.
- I’m thankful I have the flexibility to go pick-up a sick/injured kid and to not have to risk losing my income doing so.
- I’m thankful I don’t have to get up at 6am for 10 days in a row. This one is pretty minor, but the kids are on fall break and it’s nice to wake up naturally after the sun is up!
Thank you for your comments on the situation in Israel/Palestine. I'm with you--terribly sad about what is going on, but way out of my depth in understanding it all. We haven't even talked about it around the dinner table like we did when Russia invaded Ukraine because of our lack of understanding of the broader history and context of what has occurred in the last week.
Despite the sadness, this week I am thankful:
1) That my husband and children are healthy. This is my go-to when I am feeling low as I have been for a while now. Whatever else happens in my life, my family is healthy.
2) That I finished my last really hard round of chemo yesterday. I am dreading how I will feel for the next week as the treatment works its way through my body. I am planning to take it one day at at time and remind myself that each step is another day toward being cancer-free and a day away from the terrible experience of chemo.
3) That we have insurances in place that we need. Not only the health insurance to cover all my care, but the car insurance that will fix my husband's truck after a hit and run last night. His truck was parked on the street and was hit by someone who must have screamed around the corner and didn't quite make it, smashing his back bumper in the process. The police officer who made the report was very nice and found a crushed VW hood decal under the truck. A clue! Based on the fluid at the crash site and all the way down the road, they couldn't have made it very far. So I did call our neighborhood mechanic to ask them to look out for a VW with a busted radiator if they come in for a repair. Our insurance will cover the repair, and I've already started a claim, but I sure would like to find the person and avoid the $2500 deductible that we will have to pay.
4) For friends in my field. I was planning not to attend any academic conferences this year because my cancer treatment is scheduled to go through the spring. Then I was contacted by a friend planning a panel that sounds really cool. I am working on a research project that would fit well, and I wouldn't have to travel too far. And this is my favorite conference, full of folks who are becoming a cohort of scholars and friends. The timing works out too--it is one month after my mastectomy but before I go back for reconstruction. Plus I think that getting back into this research and writing the paper will be a good way to pull me back into my scholarship when the fog of chemo starts to wear off. I told her I was in, and I am so happy I did.
5) That we are going back home today. We usually spend the weekends back home where we stay in what was my grandparents' house and are working on restoring a house that will be our home place. I love our life here in the city, but boy does my heart really love to be back home. We often drive home on Saturdays, but I start to crash from my Wednesday chemo round on Friday, so Saturdays have been really hard for me to ride home. This week we are pulling the kids out of school and going home early for a big family even this weekend. I won't be going to the event (actually multiple events), but I want nothing more than to ride out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in my bedroom down an empty dirt road with the windows open listening to the quiet and the birds.
6) For good books. When people find out I am on chemo they ask me what TV shows I am watching, assuming, correctly, that I spend a lot of time just sitting around. But I'm not really a TV or movies person, especially now when flashing lights and sound are just too much for me. Instead I am listening to audiobooks, and dearly loving it. I'm currently listening to Drew Gilpin Faust's memoir that just came out. It is incredibly well written as is all of her work and beautifully contextualizes Faust's own upbringing (also in rural Virginia, like me) with the history of the mid-twentieth century. What a treat. Highly recommended. With a lot of hard work and a lot of luck I hope I will one day produce work like Faust.
@Amanda in VA,
Glad you've made it through chemo! Watch out- while your hair grows back in, your eyebrows might fall out weeks after chemo is done- they grow and fall out on a different cycle than the hair.
When I had chemo, on bad days I left the TV on for company though I really don't watch it. PBS kids was my background noise. I admire you for listening to audio books.
Good luck as you continue your treatment and surgery! I hope all the medical personnel you interact with are wise, kind, and careful!
One of my spiritual teachers, many years ago,taught me: “For the forest to be green, the trees must be green.” Well,I am one tree and I am working hard to do as you do, that is, make life kinder and better for those within MY locus on control.And keeping MYSELF healthy and centered so I can be a force for good in my friendship circles, my family, my community. Do what you can, WHERE you can! Yes, my heart is breaking too.but I can’t linger in that space, it does no good.I can go DO SOME GOOD however small. (Today I gave away some good grocery coupons on my Buy Nothing fb page!So I helped
a tiny bit, in someone’s life!)
A gratitude practice helps me stay centered,too.
I am grateful for the crisp cool water in my pool.It makes me smile to jump in,after my morning coffee..
Grateful for my kitty Luna, that she is recovering quickly from her dental surgery.
Grateful my son is doing better .
Grateful for chance to get away to the mountains 2 hours North of me, for a couple of days,soon, and hike in autumn color.
Very grateful the new team owner of the SUNS basketball team has decided to make it so we can watch the games FOR FREE ..no cable subscription!! YAY MATT ISCHIA. I can watch my fave team now!!
This week I'm thankful:
* for a less-full day today. Many of my days have been very full lately and it's nice to have a good chunk of time to get things done at home.
* for how my husband has been helping with some of the things that I normally take care of but am struggling to keep up with right now. He's just stepping in and helping without me having to ask and I'm so, so thankful.
* for community. One of the families in our community is in the midst of hard days and heading towards harder days and lots of grief. I'm thankful that they have become so established in our community over the last couple of years so they don't have to walk this path alone.
* for the flexibility that comes with only having one kid at home during the day - and that's she's such a good helper! My dad is having heart surgery tomorrow and it should work out for my youngest and I to go hang out with my mom at the hospital for a while during the surgery.
* that I had 3 friends join me in my exercise class this morning! It was such a fun group!
* for the little funny moments in life... We ordered toilet paper from Sam's Club and FedEx just delivered it, but it's not in a box! It normally comes in a box. Right now I just have a giant package of toilet paper on my front steps and it makes me laugh. It's time to submit this comment and go grab it. 🙂
Thankful for walks with friends, what a gift it is to talk and walk in nature.
Thankful for public libraries and librarians.
Thankful for my routine that is helping me move more and taking some bone-strengthening classes for free (sometimes I love the internet)
Thankful for our shared humanity.
Thankful for coffee.
First of all, I'm thankful I live in a country that, while it has its problems for sure, is currently safer than many places.
Thankful for the lovely trip we were able to take--a quick weekend trip to DC to see my best friend, who I haven't had the chance to see in person in ten years! We text and write to each other a lot, but in person visits are few and far between. It was wonderful to be able to go for a walk in the forest and talk and see her kids again. (And meet her youngest, who I'd never met!)
Thankful we had safe travels, wonderful weather, and for good adult kids who step up and take care of things at home. Our oldest even did homeschool with our youngest, including computer programming! They cooked, cleaned, and took care of each other.
Thankful son #3 is all healed up from his wisdom tooth extraction, and was so in time for us to go on our trip!
Thankful for the gorgeous weather we're having right now. And for improving health for my DH, and overall good health for everyone.
The situation in the Middle East is heartbreaking. The “As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person.” quote was very impactful. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I'm thankful that the weather has been so pleasant this week. While I do not enjoy it getting dark so early, I do love the cool fall weather.
I'm thankful that DH made it safely to the wedding destination. I will be leaving tomorrow to join him.
I'm thankful that our yard guys did a great job cleaning up all the fallen leaves.
I'm thankful that I had homemade pepper jam to bring for our weekly potluck lunch at work and that the guys enjoyed it. I got home late and didn't have time to make anything to share.
I'm thankful that our son will take care of our dog while I'm gone to the wedding. She much prefers to be home than to be boarded.
1. Thankful for your bourbon chicken recipe that I will make this week.
2. Thankful for no major injury when I fell face first, flat on the ground. I stepped on a shoelace and went down like a tree, hard. I have some bruises. I was wearing the appliances on my teeth thankfully. Will always wear them when I am out in the woods.
3. The time I had today to apply for some grants to present local educational programs.
4. My ability to cook a good dinner. This week I had milk and cream that needed to be used up--made mac&cheese and I made chocolate stout short ribs and cupcakes with remaining chocolate stout for our dessert--it was our anniversary.
5. This: "In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it." Marianne Williamson
I’m thankful the combine didn’t burn
I’m thankful for the day today spent with a friend sewing for the mission
I’m thankful for our warm home and we have food to eat.
I’m thankful that all my children and grandkids are healthy
I’m thankful my friend receiving radiation is feeling better
A "productive" Saturday? Yikes! I'm pretty sure I stopped after item 1: "went for a walk". And the dog made me do that. I printed out your "SO MUCH STUFF" list and will attempt to match it this weekend. Using both Saturday AND Sunday. And eliminating the six (6!) nursing school items. But I do have to finish up taxes ... for LAST year. I always get an extension and always regret doing that.
I am thankful for:
- living in a country where the risk of war is exceedingly improbable
- having avoided catching COVID so far
- the last three weeks being in the rearview mirror as work has been insanely busy
- two weeks of vacation that are right around the corner
- cooler fall weather, which will mean lower power bills without the AC running 24/7
In the midst of a hard week, I am thankful for the people who see how hard I am trying even when I am ultimately failing. Having my efforts recognized does help.
Sending you love!
@Kristen,
Thank you. ❤️
Christians are fully qualified to speak on this with God's Word.
Praying for the dividing wall of hostility to come down. One new humanity and thus, peace!
Fellow citizens and members of the same household!
What an encouraging passage!!
Ephesians 2
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone
Thankful:
1. to live at the entrance to a National Park
2. to have a flexible schedule so I could go there today
3. to have a retired husband who went with me
4. for health to tromp around up there without trouble
5. that the only current fire didn't trash the air today.
Good words today, Kristen. Thank you!
Kristen, my immediate reaction to this post was AMEN!! Thank you, as always, for your perspective, kindness, and thoughtfulness. What a wonderful nurse you will be!!
I just found your blog ! As an RN and a Physician Assistant I agree that I can only change things in my sphere of influence . You NEVER know the impact you will have in people . I’m glad I’m on the down hill side of my practice but thankful for the experience .
May you be blessed as you serve others .
Thank you!
Thankful for the local medical community as we rally around our co-workers who were called into service in Israel. We put together 200k of medical supplies, soldier personal supplies and humanitarian supplies for them to take for support. Out of extreme caution we were not told where they were being sent to and they are working to coordinate supply shipments. It is all heartbreaking and the feeling of helplessness is real.
So on with the weeks business!
Thankful for a catch up visit with dear friends from our old neighborhood (moved from there 47 years ago).
Thankful for completing my always scary task of roof maintenance and gutter cleaning...I did not fall off any ladders, even though my puppy tried to follow me up onto the roof. Who knew that sweet pup could climb ladders? Thankful I had my cellphone on me & the neighbor rescued the pup. Good grief!
Thankful for sweet neighbor who helped me fix a gutter on the big barn. I in turn installed a new tv antenna on his barn.
Thankful for the garden slowing down, I'm ready for fall! Soups, stews, fresh baked bread, conversations around the fire. Sigh.
Thankful for the local mushroom farmer. I purchased a load of compost and he gave me a small tote of mushrooms that didn't meet grade. Delicious and got them processed and frozen.
Looking forward to taking my mom and her friends on a drive next week to look at the fabulous fall color. I am surprising them with a special lunch half way thru the color tour.
The Paul Shane Spear quote is rich and good. Thank you for sharing that, Kristen.
I just came back to reread this post again. I needed and continue to need the reminder: despair isn't a helpful response. I need to do what I can where I can to help. Thanks for sharing.
"I will never understand how human beings can be so cruel to each other, and it breaks my heart."
This is exactly my reaction to all the reports from the Middle East right now, regardless of who is "right" or all the problematic history. It breaks my heart that humans inflict such pain on each other and I am praying for all those involved.
Thank you for writing this. I read the post a few weeks ago, and had to re-read it today after spending to much time scrolling on world news web pages. I need to keep reminding myself of what I CAN do, instead of all the things that are way out of my hands…