Thankful Thursday | I do like green
This week, I am thankful:
for the green that is all around us
I do not appreciate summer air, as you well know, but I am trying to remember to look at and appreciate all the green that is here right now.
that I worked on the most miserably hot day this week
We've had some decidedly July-like weather this week, and luckily, I worked a 12-hour shift on the hottest day.
Since I work in a climate-controlled environment, I don't mind being at work when it's miserable outside. It's not like I'm missing anything out there!
I'd rather be off on a beautiful, low-humidity day.
that I got to be a runner at work
Our systems were down, which meant everything needed to be done manually, including prescription verification, med pickups, lab drop-offs, and result pick-ups.
So, instead of taking care of a patient group (and having to do paper documentation), I just got to be a go-fer.
And I considered that a blessing!
However, my feet were very tired by the end of the day. It was so much walking!
for the joy of seeing a patient progress
Sometimes a patient I take care of could be on our unit for a while, and when that's the case, I try to pop in on a future shift and say hi, even if I'm not assigned to the patient.
Not everyone improves drastically, of course, but sometimes the difference is night and day, and it's fun to see a smile emerge once someone is feeling better.
that I have a symphony ticket
I honestly have not had the schedule space to try to go for a while now. But I looked at my upcoming work schedule and realized there's a date I could make in October. Yay!
I might also be able to make it to one in September because I do have one Friday off this month.
that some nice weather is coming
I spy a lot of days in the 7-day forecast that say things like "Sunny with low humidity" or "Sunny and pleasant". And this is making me feel hopeful!
Maybe I will get to open some windows. 🙂
(Which Chiquita would appreciate for sure.)
Yay for the symphony!
Thankfuls:
1. I perhaps unfrugally bought a blanket and a bowl with autumn leaves on them last week and am enjoying sitting with the blanket while it rains outside. There's been a real drop in temperature!
2. I had a couple of crummy runs last week but went on one where I was able to run for an hour! That's the longest I've ever run without stopping.
3. I cleaned out the shower drain and mopped the floor. Those weren't exactly fun tasks but I'm thankful to cross them off my list, especially the drain!
4. I had a fun evening at my book group.
5. I sent some writing I've been working on to a friend and he gave me such thoughtful and constructive feedback. It was very motivating and meant a lot in general 🙂
I really feel like I should get a gold star when I clean drains. 😄
Gold stars for both of us!
AGREED.
Hi Sophie-I must admit I am jealous of rain and a blanket! Well done on running for an hour! I can't imagine being able to do that!
Thank you! I did Couch to 5K a couple of years ago and could never have pictured running for an hour then.
I have been going through a pretty rough patch and won't bore people with the details other than I'm leaving my church. I'm not leaving my faith but I don't feel I'm able to serve God well where I'm at. It's rough when you live in a spiritual desert that is New England but if I have to drive an hour to attend a church, so be it.
Thankful that my wife and daughter are doing well. My daughter is back in school and has made a new friend. If only it was that easy for an adult man to do that. 😛
Thankful that I have some things to look forward to like comedy shows and a concert in the next few months.
For our family trip in the future.
Also the Godzilla/Hello Kitty toys from McDonald's are nice.
Aww, that's always a hard decision to make. I hope you find a place that is a good fit for you and your family.
I agree that making friends as an adult can be challenging! I hope you make some meaningful connections, especially in the midst of stepping away from your existing church community (I did something similar years ago, and it was harder than I originally expected, but worth it). Glad your family is doing well & you have some events to look forward to!
It's honestly something that I never wanted to do and I have worked and prayed talked endlessly on if I'm being selfish or self centered but the fact is, I can nitpick on minor things (e.g. they sing one of the same five contemporary "hymns" every week) but I can't overlook some more serious issues.
DH and I went through the same adventure a few months ago. I'm so thankful we found a new church, I'm making new friends and we like our pastor. Sunday we found out our former pastor has resigned and the handful of folk still there are embarking on the call process to replace him.
SO thankful we got away before more drama and are happily settled.
God's peace and blessings as you navigate the new path🤗
Thank you. If I'm being honest about it all I am struggling badly.
So very sorry you are going through this. I had to do the same thing several years ago and it was really hard. I actually haven't been to church since the pandemic, but like you, I certainly didn't leave my faith. I moved two years ago to be close to my 86 year old mom (can't attend her church-too many stances I disagree with) and I just haven't made the effort to find a church here. Take good care of yourself.
I left church a few years ago but never left my faith. The reasons for leaving were many, but mainly that the church I used to love had devolved into being very clannish and not welcoming.
I started attending a book club at a church in a different denomination, and liked everyone so much that I started going to services there. It's very different from what I was used to, but that's good and it feeds my soul.
Ruby, I followed a different path after a major tragedy (see my comment below), but I'm glad you found a way that worked for you.
And I've thought of you often since Dolly Parton's death, since I've learned through your local online rag that Dolly married Carl Dean in a church that I believe is not too far down the road from you. Let me know if I'm right.
Battra92,
I sympathize/empathize about the church deal. You are definitely not alone in that! (Happily, I have found a new church after a long dry spell that started on Ash Wednesday.)
This is going to be a stretch for me today, because I'm sick. I most likely have COVID or flu. I have asked my grandson to pick up tests for me, but he sleeps late, so I don't know when he'll read my text. Everyone else is working.
I am thankful, however, that my son reinstalled one of my AC units last night. I am hanging out by it now, so much more comfortable than I was yesterday.
I am thankful, weirdly, that I figured out I was sick, because I woke up at 4:30 am thinking I was falling apart.
I am thankful that I have family nearby to help.
I am thankful that it's September, and this summer from hell (weather -wise) has to end eventually.
I am thankful that I have a comfortable home in which to be sick, and that I'm retired and don't have to think about going to work.
Sorry to be such a downer, but these are truly the things I'm thankful for today, and I don't want to pretend otherwise!
Sending you a hug! I hope your recovery goes quickly and that you are back to your normal self soon.
It's miserable being sick! I hope you feel better soon.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and glad you will have tests coming to figure it out soon. I’m so glad you have family nearby, something we don’t have.
On the plus side, everyone one else is working means that your son is employed, an that’s great.
Rest well and I hope you feel better soon.
Oh, I am so glad you have an AC back in your window. I was worried when you said you were doing without. Hope you get well "soonest." (Maybe you should telephone your dear grandson the old fashioned way, and let the ringing telephone bell wake him up.)
Thank you, all. My grandson came through with flying colors, bringing me a kit that tests both COVID and flu. Unfortunately, I have COVID, and last night I exposed my son and grandson, so I feel bad about that. (But still really happy I have air conditioning).
I've called my doctor's office and getting Paxlovid is in the works.
I'll be isolating for the next five days. To entertain myself, I subscribed to a free trial of Britbox and I'm watching Shetland.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Beth.
BOO to Covid! I hope your round is not too terrible.
Feel better soon
Ah, I am glad that you are carving out some time just for you!
I have a museum visit planned, on the same date that youngest plans to go there as well. It was such a nice surprise to discover we both booked tickets for the same event!
My main thankful is that my sibling, who has been living in assisted living for several years now due to chronic mental challenges, has improved sufficiently to move to a home with more age-compatible residents and more personal space. A considerable improvement that we had all been hoping for. We keep our fingers crossed for continued stability.
-thankful that our sweet dog is ok after being really sick (emergency vet visit was not frugal, but very helpful).
-thankful that our septic drain pipes are no longer backed up. (service visit was not frugal, but very helpful).
-thankful that my work and class schedules this year feel significantly more manageable than last year.
-thankful for the health and strength to play an all day volleyball tournament and weekly league matches. Trying to stay young & keep moving!
-thankful that both of our college kidults seem to be doing well and text/call occasionally.
Whenever I have had to call a septic company for service, it has not been cheap. But I have always been grateful to have things fixed; septic issues are no joke!
I am so looking forward to cooler and drier weather arriving soon. The recent spate of humid days has been a bit much.
In the meantime I am thankful:
1. That overall it was not a horrendous summer weather-wise. We did have some hot days but they were mostly dry and I can deal with that.
2. That it's a little less buy now at work. I always have things to do, but I'm grateful not to feel rushed so often.
3. For the tasty snacks a colleague shared with us this week.
4. For the last of the fresh summer corn.
5. That my ancient air conditioner seems to have survived one more summer. 20 years and counting...
I'm looking forward to the cooler weather too!
This week, I am especially thankful for:
• Getting to know a wonderful man, brother and friend in Christ who recently passed away. He lived a beautiful life and touched so many people.
• All the hard work our church leaders put into the volunteer appreciation ceremony I was able to attend with a large group of other volunteers at church.
• My wonderful, smart, creative and funny middle girl and the chance to celebrate her 10th birthday.
• Life has calmed down a bit after finishing summer activities, getting the girls back to school, celebrating my girl's birthday and grieving the loss of a dear friend.
• Being on track to finish reading the whole Bible by the end of the year, alongside the girls' one year devotions too!
• Getting back into walking and strength resistance exercises.
So glad you got to work in air conditioned comfort during the hot muggy and miserable day. Just think: all that running around gave you a lot of exercise, albeit with tired feet.
1. My biggest and best thankful thing is that this week marks the 4th anniversary of the cancer surgery I had back in 2022. It's just a vague memory now because I have not had any symptoms and have passed all the medical checkups with flying colors.
2. Although we've had 31 days straight of 100 degree or hotter weather, it is cooler today. Ahhhh! Much better! We also avoided all the damage and flooding from the tropical storm. Sadly, it has not rained one drop so far, and we need the rain, but there is a chance for maybe a half-inch later today.
3. I filled up with gas when it was $3.27/gallon earlier in the week. The TV news says gas prices in my county are now averaging $3.60-something. The stations always hike the price during holiday weekends, but that won't affect me since I never travel during holiday periods....just running around town.
4. Thankful that our area has more than one wifi/internet providers. Spectrum has gone down yet again, and I'm going to order service from Astound later today. (In fact, I had written my post at home and then couldn't send it due to Spectrum failure, so I am now re-writing it at the library. My friend said her Spectrum has been going down multiple times a day, as well, so I know it's not my equipment at fault.)
5. Thankful that I have found a friendlier church to attend and that everyone is super welcoming.
I can't imagine 31 days straight of 100 degrees. What a trial!
Happy anniversary! Such a wonderful thing to celebrate.
What a wonderful anniversary! Congrats!
Congratulations on four years cancer-free. That's something to celebrate.
It certainly is, and congrats to Fru-gal Lisa!
mazel tov. such great news!!!!
Thanks to all of you for the well wishes! I'm celebrating with a bowl of Blue Bell. (ice cream). Snuggles will get to lick the bowl. Wish I could send some up to Heaven for Miss Lucy Dog, who was here by my bedside checking on me while I recovered.
Oh, and I forgot this thankful: I told my boss, the store manager, that it was my anniversary and thanked him again for keeping my job open for me, so I could return when I got well. He said "we all won on that one." He is a very quiet person who doesn't give out a lot of compliments, so that made me feel super happy.
It still hasn't rained but they say we may get some precipitation in the wee hours of the morning. (Don't bet the rent.)
I switched to Astound internet and the timing was perfect: they have a special going on where I've locked in my monthly rate forever...or as long as I have their WiFi/internet. I keep my landline and same phone # and the whole thing is cheaper than Spectrum. They'll come do the service call next week.
So pleased to hear about your wonderful anniversary! Also, I’m not surprised by how highly your store manager values your work. Yay to a Blue Bell ice cream celebration.
Rain.
Coffee. Fresh baked bread. Butter. Fresh spicy apple butter.
Community. Framily.
"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning."
Peace be with you, Gloria Steinem
May she and Dolly collaborate for the good of the world from the other side of this world.
I am thankful for the incredible support community I have around me. Depression crept back into my life. Winston Churchill called it "the black dog." I thought that I could power through what I need to do with putting my mother in a care home but I underestimated the triggers of so much contact with siblings and father.
Yesterday I raised the flag of surrender, called hubby, a friend and a counselor. I told the truth and accpeted help. I have been here before. It is always scary but there is always another day.
Thank you for sharing this. So very proud of you for asking for help. I understand "the black dog" very well. As Matt Haig said, which is similar to what you said, you have been here before and gotten through it-you can get through it again. By the way, I highly recommend Matt's books The Comfort Book and Reasons To Stay Alive. They have helped me a great deal during depressive episodes and just with general life things. Take good care of yourself.
Oh, I am glad you were aware enough to get the support you need. Sending you a hug.
First, I truly sympathize with all of you who have been/are having past or present difficulties with your church communities. (A dear friend of mine is on the verge of resigning her senior wardenship at a troubled Episcopal church because of infighting, and it is hitting her hard. I don't take her faith and struggle, or yours, lightly.)
But I must say this, in all honesty: I left both organized religion in general and conventional Christianity in particular behind me more than 50 years ago--and I remain thankful that I did so. This started with a triple murder in my then-boyfriend's family. As I sat in the chapel next to the sobbing boyfriend, I looked up at the ceiling and said silently, "There's no good answer for this, is there?" Resounding silence--and I let myself off the chain forthwith. No regrets. The only afterlife I hope for is that somewhere, somehow, beyond the stars, I will be reunited with DH. And I may be wrong. The only reason I call myself an agnostic instead of an atheist is that I could always be wrong.
My goodness A.Marie, what a horrible tragedy.
I would like to believe in God and part of me does, but not in the organised religion sense. That kind of god doesn't answer my questions.
A. Marie, no decent person would ever blame you for your response to that horrendous tragedy.
You are correct that Dolly and Carl's wedding took place just a hop over the state line from where I live. Carl actually grew up here, and someone tracked down photos of the house and a city directory page from back then.
There's a locally popular bumper sticker that reads "What would Dolly do?" That's really the best question.
i truly hope you are reunited with your dh. i undersstand why you would not be religious. am so sorry that this happened to you. i think you are spiritual.
Mine was the current minister, married to his second wife who was *barely* older than his child from his first marriage. Said minister thought *he* could decide if a couple should marry. Nope and the hypocrisy of organized religion already had me asking "really?". The scandals of the catholic church as well as the southern baptists were further proof. One kiddo was on grand jury duty and a fellow juror said "she's baptist and could not judge others". My mother who grew up in the south set my kiddo straight. The baptists in her town were quite judgemental.
Agnostic is a good choice @A.Marie - there is a supreme being but it isn't any of ones other religions ("christian" and others) say it is.
I'm thankful:
For butterfly sightings! I've spotted several monarchs out and about on my bike rides.
For a DH who is good at fixing cars...DS#2's battery wouldn't hold a charge but together they ended up replacing the alternator and that seems to have done the trick.
For A/C, especially now that it's working at tip-top efficiency thanks to DH replacing the contactor.
For the Commodore, who has favored me by snuggling down at my feet the past three nights. It somewhat counterbalances the 5:30 AM alarm call and hair grooming to alert me to the fact that he wants breakfast.
i love butterflies. i believe that when my zozo and i see one that is grandma saying hello. she finds great comfort in that. for me when i see a schipperke dog that is my mom saying hello. after i had my wedding hair done at my stepmoms salon that she went to instead of the one i went to for 15 years, i saw a schipperke outside and i knew my mom was saying hello. i felt her at my wedding when i walked down the aisle just after my father stepped on my dress.
Gosh, the Thankful Thursdays just fly by! Happy almost Autumn to everyone.
I am thankful that since my son moved in with me, and he doesn't eat meat, I have completely stopped purchasing meat at the store. I still eat out when someone else cooks it, but he has made me realize that I don't really care for it that much either. Being near the ocean, we eat a lot of seafood and that's fine with me.
I'm thankful for the little cakes of hair powder (Clairol) that helps you keep your roots up until you color again. I'm not completely sold on my real haircolor, a very drab grey which doesn't go with my complexion, so this gives me a lot longer between colors. Also works on my eyebrows!
I'm so glad that my immediate family live close to each other. My brother suggested we get together for lunch tomorrow and everyone agreed enthusiastically. I love my family!
I'm thankful for Amazon. My aging parents and grandparents never had the ease of something being delivered to their doorstep. Saves on gas and time.
I know there's another but I have to meet a friend so I guess I'm thankful for friends!
Thankful for a/c in my house and my car. Thankful for library books (especially when a hold finally comes in and you find out you don't like the book and you can just return it instead of having buyer's remorse). That I can use my mom's Prime account if I want to watch something there. That I have free year of Apple TV from my mom's credit card as a perk from them. And for Ted Lasso!!!!! And also Bill Nighy's podcast and Patreon. I get so much pleasure out of his Patreon (The Back Room) for $8.12 per month! And something a bit silly, but it made me happy-I found my mom's hairspray today at her grocery store. She had been ordering it from Amazon because she didn't think she could find at her grocery store. H-E-B for the win!!
Aw, Kristen! It’s like you’re reverse aging these days! Every time you post a selfie, you look younger, lighter, and happier. It’s a joy to see!
Today I am thankful that on their third day together, my students (four year olds) are already building friendships and taking care of each other. Yesterday there were a lot of tears (the second day is often like that because reality sinks in that school is an every day kind of thing…), but today once everyone got past the arrival blues, they all had a fantastic day and when one little girl started to sniffle at lunch thinking about home, four other little girls wrapped her in a group hug and told her not to cry because she’ll see mommy after school. She still cried a little, but had a much better afternoon today than yesterday. So I’m thankful for this really sweet class.
Oh - that is such a sweet story - thank you for sharing.
I agree, Kristen’s pictures often radiate joy and I am thankful for that too,
Aww, thank you. 🙂
And that is so sweet how all the girls were supporting each other.
thankful for you, that we made it home safe from our road trip, that the meet up is on a holiday weekend, that it is near a train staion. that the podiatrist saw my son for his ingrown toe nail and that it was on the other foot this time. that he is taking a financial literacy class that will give him college credit in high school. We all put coins away every night. the coinstar near our apt is no longer there. but noah and hubby and buddy went to a coinstar near the east river and with the money noah bought an index fund. he currently has two stock and an index fund, am so proud of him.
meant to say that my son has two individual stock and one index fund.
stocks.
Kristen, necesitamos más personas como tú en este mundo. Gracias por cuidar los pacientes con amor. Disfruta el fin de semana 🙂
I am happy to say that I understood all of that! 🙂
1 Special Grateful Thing
Sending a BIG thank you to Lara and Kristen for asking for Reader blogs. I didn't think too many of you would be interested in mine, but I posted anyway trying not to overthink it.
I was shocked to see huge increases in visitors and views and even have some new subscribers! Thank you for checking it out. It has inspired me to get to writing and sharing more!
If you missed it the first time, I write mostly about living abroad and traveling on a budget.
https://marthamillerwrites.com/
I'm thankful that a terrifying situation in my school district this week did not become more tragic.
That myself and my students were safe and that I could be with them that day.
That our community is stepping up in countless large and small ways to work through trauma and healing with support.
And now for a 3 day weekend to rest, recover, see some friends, and get ready for next week.
Oof, so sorry about the situation in your school district. I know that had to be rough for all of you.
Those pop in patient visits-it is been my experience that a lot of times, family needs that bit of visit as much or more than the sick person. I used to make a point to go in and say something about how hot it is today, or the sunshine because they feel so cut off from reality. I remember one little elderly lady had been watching her sick, sleeping husband for several weeks. They had no children. She always seemed to appreciate the little check in.
And from times I have been a patient myself, I would be so excited when a favorite nurse popped in to visit me from another floor. It made me feel loved!
Way to go, Kristen!❤️
Oh, yes, that is a good point too! It can be very isolating to have a family member in the hospital.