Thankful Thursday | I found a policeman
This week, I am thankful:
that my headlight saga is over!
The officer who informed me about my burnt-out bulb told me that once I got it fixed, I needed to either stop at the police station or find a random officer to sign off on the repair.
I tried going to the police station to have someone sign my papers. But apparently, they only do such things during lobby hours (me over here not realizing police stations have business hours. Whoops.)
Sooo, I drove to my next destination and lo and behold, there was an officer just sitting in the parking lot of the shopping center. He wasn't busy, so I pulled up next to him and asked if he could help me.
He checked my headlights, printed me some new paperwork, and I was good to go. Yay!
I had 30 days to get it signed off, but I hate having stuff like that hanging over my head. Better to get it done and off my plate, I say.
for a hilarious video-filming session
For one of my classes, each small group has to do a video on an assigned topic. I got together with my group last night to work on filming and we laughed so hard while working on some of our skits.
I was playing the role of a bad nurse in the skit, and it took a lot of tries for me to get through it without dissolving into giggles.
This reminded me of when my kids would play make-believe drive-thru or grocery store games; they always loved to be the bad customer and there was lots of laughing involved then too.
Thankfully, I did eventually get through the whole thing with a mostly serious face.
I love my nursing classmates; laughing with them was good for my soul.
for a small group that's working
I think all of us have been in group project assignments where someone doesn't carry their weight. So frustrating.
But I feel very lucky that for this class, which has multiple group projects, everyone in my little group is motivated and involved. That is a huge blessing!
for the encouragement of a song
Yesterday afternoon I was driving home and Jenn Johnson's You're Gonna Be OK came on.
This one bit reminded me of what I was writing about yesterday:
When the night is closing inDon't give up and don't give inThis won't last, it's not the endIt's not the endYou're gonna be OK
that I'm gonna nearly reach my step goal
Usually, I walk at least 100 miles/month, and I'm at 96 miles right now.
So, regardless of how far I walk today, I will be close to my goal for November! I'm thankful for the ability to walk, and also thankful that I've been able to squeeze in regular walks even during a crazy time of life.
that Chiquita is excited to see me
I pulled into the driveway last night and sat there for a few minutes, on the phone with Lisey. Chiquita was impatiently waiting for me in the window; I think she was confused about why I wasn't coming in right away!
She is crazy, but we love her.
And we love our original cat too. 🙂
that the end of the semester is SO close
Lectures are all done for the semester and now I just have to finish:
- two exams
- a patient presentation (a PowerPoint presentation I give to my lab group about a patient I took care of)
- four days of clinicals
- our group video project
And there are some other smaller things, like discussion posts, but those are pretty easy.
December 12th is the final exam, so I've got less than two weeks left!
(We do have a second-semester orientation day after that, but I'm not counting it. Orientation is not graded. 😉 )
Oh, I always hated group projects! That's why I don't assign them as a teacher.
Im thankful
- it's the end of semester,too. In one class, the new book we choose was not a good fit, and it made thing difficult. Glad to see it end.
-That I am the boss of my class, so I could decide to cancel the last test so we could cover some material more thoroughly. I have a lot of freedom in what I teach and how to assess results. So I'm using that power to complete the term in a positive way.
-that the other parents on my sons basketball team are realistic and funny. The team has some good players but doesn't do very well in part for reasons outside of control. (Age and height differences.) The parents are encouraging and upbeat, and no one gets mad when the team loses again.
-the sunsets are beautiful this time of year. And the full moon shines over the snowy fields- "giving lustre of mid-day to objects below.'
@mbmom11, the last one are also two of my top favorite things this time of year.
Good morning! Here’s my random list:
*For the Merlin Bird ID app- I get such a kick out of having my am tea & knowing which birds are singing (up with the birds this am & heard an owl!)
*For my 14.5 yr old rescue lab/pit (reason I was up so early!). He is slow moving & grey, but I love him with my whole heart
*For my kids (should I have put them before my dog?!?). They are such a gift & are adults who I would choose as friends
*For cold temperatures- I hate to be hot & feel so energized & alive in the cold. I love running in 30 deg weather
*For good health. I do not take it for granted
@Diane, if I ever do get a smartphone (I'm one of those dinosaurs who still carries a "flip on the hip"), the Merlin app will probably be the major reason why. It's another of the wonderful projects that have come from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in the past few years.
@Diane,
Ditto the Merlin app!
@A. Marie, I don't even have a cell phone. You're not as outdated as you think you are.
@A. Marie,
The Merlin app is AWESOME. I love being out at a local park or nature preserve, and using it to find out "who's" around. I also use the iNaturalist app to identify birds, flowers, plants, and other wildlife I might come across.
Chiquita seems to be absolutely crazy but even long distance she manages to make me laugh out loud! Thank you Chiquita - you are doing a really good job!
I am thankful for holiday lights which brighten an evening walk in our neighborhood. I am also thankful for warm clothing.
I am thankful for thick flannel sheets for our bed. I switched from older thinner flannels yesterday and it was a lovely treat last night.
I'm always thankful for modern plumbing, HVAC, electricity, kitchen appliances, a reliable automobile, etc.
I am thankful for general good health. There is a yoga teacher that calls it temporarily able-bodied and she is right.
I am thankful for the love and care of family members.
Thankfuls:
--That my eldest son is coming to being more helpful on his own. He will randomly do things like the dishes if I'm not home. Last night he made dinner for his dad and sister while I was at a church class with another son. He even used leftovers as the base of his meal. So proud.
--For a good First Communion class for my youngest son. We pretty much home-schooled First Communion classes for my middle son for a couple of reasons, which was fine for him, as he's definitely a self-motivated kind of kid. But my youngest son does much better with other students and a teacher other than his parents. There are four other boys in the class, which is a lot for our tiny parish, and he likes to get there a few minutes early to throw a football around with them. Plus, our priest is a much more qualified to teach this subject than I am. 🙂 I stay for the class, and I've been learning quite a bit, too.
--That my eldest son can walk without limping now, almost seven weeks after his foot surgery. He's been faithfully doing his physical therapy exercises, and he's getting much stronger in that foot. His balance wasn't good, and I worried about him falling, so I'm very thankful for the improvement already.
--For our four-day school week, for many reasons, but lately because I could make the weekly physical therapy appointments--in a town 90 miles away--every Friday and he won't miss any more school.
--For good kids at school, who are more than willing to help with things like moving all the playground equipment. I had to do that yesterday because we're in the process of building a new school, and they're starting demolition on the elementary building (and playground) next week. So I had the 4/5/6 class (yes, all grades in one class) help me move all the balls, jump ropes, toy trucks, etc. yesterday after their lunch recess. They were very enthusiastic about this and cheerfully hauled everything several hundred yards to our storage pod. I suspect a lot of their eagerness had to do with the fact that they were missing some of their math time, but I appreciated it nonetheless. 🙂
As an engineering student we had group projects for every class and I hated them for the same reason you mention, sometimes your teammates don’t pull their weight. However, I often tell people, of all that I learned in college, working on bad teams may have been the most valuable lesson because someday you are going to work with people just like those teammates and it is good to know how to deal with them. Sometimes work is just like one big long tedious group project. 🙂
And it isn’t just work either, I run/volunteer at two non profits and I find I use those group project skills a lot. People are all made differently and sometimes we rub each other the wrong way. So as much as I hated those group projects, they actually have come in quite handy in life.
@Faith, all the true facts. I'm in a community group right now that is almost unreal because it's the exact opposite of a bad group project, but it's maybe literally the first time in my life it's been that way.
I am thankful for my new coworker because she is just so supportive-exactly what I need for this class.
I am thankful for ibuprofen because I haven't had time to refill my migraine prescription pills but regular ibuprofen is keeping my headache under control.
I am thankful for my parents who are always there for me when I need them. I know they won't always be around so I am trying to appreciate them now.
I am thankful for my husband who is both a wonderful father and partner. On the radio, I heard a dj talking about how it is normal to have doubts about your partner and to wonder if you should have picked someone else and I feel so fortunate that I have never felt that way. Maybe it is normal, but I'm glad I don't have doubts about my choice. I think it helps that we were a little older when we met, so we knew what we wanted.
I am thankful for my kids because they show me what love is.
I am thankful for this blog. Kristen, you are really very inspiring. I recognize that this is just as much of a parasocial relationship as it would be if you were a famous rock star, but I definitely do feel like we are friends and I'm grateful for having such a cool friend.
And, I am thankful for my cats who will never, ever let me oversleep...
I always love the cat pictures! And the pillow case is gorgeous.
This week I am thankful for
-physical therapy. There are so many aches, pains and complaints that can be remedied and prevented by PT!
-the first frost of the season, turning the withered thyme bush by the back door into a festive seasonal decoration
-the voluntary return of an escaped tomcat (unrelated: I recommend the anime The Cat returns, one of youngest's favourites)
-eldest's help in reestablishing authentication for several applications on my new mobile. I need the apps for banking, access to government and healthcare files, access to work environment. Some are easy and others are a pain
-careful meal prepping, as the dinner rush hour was busier than usual all week
-wool. I love my wool socks, my wool hat, my wool sweaters and my wool blanket. It is wonderful to have a walk outside, breathing in the fresh air, and then snuggling toasty warm with a book or some music
@JNL, YES to the wool! I can't stand to wear anything other than wool or flannel in the winter months. It really does help.
Thankful for safe travels over the holiday week. Combined driving over 2500 miles.
To see my youngest and his wonderful wife. She is such a gem.
For Amazon, never ever could I have got my Christmas shopping done without them. Not even a slight chance. Same with Sam's Club click and pull. Chewy too.
For our crews at work who keep us safe while walking on campus or making sure walkways are clear of snow.
For all the people who gave me puzzles!
Thankful I did not take my tree down last year. I just pulled it out of the bedroom and it is ready to go, decorations and all.
I am grateful for the Internet and scanned books today. If I want to read "How I Managed My Household on Two Hundred Pounds a Year," (1855) and I do, I just fire up archive.org. If I then want to read "The Ideology of Domesticity: The Regulation of the Household Economy in Victorian Women's Magazines" in Victorian Periodicals Review, ditto.
Heat! Yessss!
The crazy coonhound, who is doing so so well after only one training session. I need to schedule another. I thought I knew everything about dogs, but whaddya know! The trainer immediately saw her issue and we've made real progress.
@Rose, you might add the chapter from Thackeray's Vanity Fair titled "How to Live on Nothing a Year" to your list--except that most of us probably can't equal Becky Sharp Crawley's cold-blooded skill at dodging creditors!
@A. Marie, I LOVE Vanity Fair.
And since I whine here all the time, may I just say I am so so happy that I found a good organizer to help me? What a difference in only a few hours today! And she's so cheerful and nice! She's coming back tomorrow and I'm like, "Uh...next week?" Feel like a weight off my shoulders.
@Rose, I read almost as many books per week as the number of cookies that go into my mouth, so I was thrilled to hear you recommend archive.org. I googled it and then went to American libraries, but it was a bit overwhelming. Which sub sections do you recommend?
Thankful for the hubs for taking care of me this past week. I am feeling better, but still not even 75%. And today he is working late, so when I woke up, he was here and it frustrated me (see, still not feeling great!). But I know after the meds all kick in, I'll be better.
Glad all my guests made it home safely after a long weekend -- sick and all. They feel a lot better than me, but still they have sick days and I don't.
Thankful for yesterday's "island of peace" day. And thankful that, first as a telecommuter and now as a retiree, I've had the luxury of being able to plan my winter outings around the weather. When it snows, I stay in; when it stops, I venture out.
Thankful that I finally finished that book The Age of Overwhelm. I found it helpful and recommend it to others who are feeling overwhelmed. (The author is a trauma specialist and has worked with a lot of **seriously** overwhelmed folks.)
And thankful as always for the company of my Betty, as Kristen is for her cats. Betty's island of peace when the woodburner is running is right in front of it, toasting her ample tummy!
Good morning! Today I am thankful:
*that my son is looking forward to coming home for Christmas. I miss him so much!
*that it is only 2 weeks until he does come home.
*for my face therapy. And that my husband is taking me to my appointment this evening. I do NOT like driving when it's dark.
*that the last minute gifts I decided to make with things I had on hand actually are looking decent. I am enjoying making them!
*that a daughter is learning to handle her big emotions.
*that several long-distance family members are able to come this weekend for my eldest daughter's confirmation.
*that my Christmas/Thanksgiving cactus always knows the right time to bloom.
Thanksgiving family friday went well, and one nibling staying another day which was terrific.
A few days' vacation with my father, leaving my cares and obligations behind (but not undone) for a little bit. I've been doing caregiving for someone who needs a lot of care and it hasn't been easy. Now I feel somewhat refreshed. Plus, my father is great company.
That I have enough spoons to help my friends who are separating and almost certainly divorcing. (I am not thankful that I missed they were having marital problems. WTF, self?!?) Also thankful that it looks like I can remain friends with both of them.
@WilliamB, Glad that time with your father left your somewhat refreshed. Being a caregiver is difficult and really takes a toll on you.
@WilliamB, for some reason "enough spoons" is striking me as funny. But the most important thing is that you will be able to remain friends with both. Divorce has an unintended ripple effect, messing with relationships in every direction.
Sometimes, people are so good at hiding the problems, no one outside can really see. Don't blame yourself. <3
@Kristen, Or even inside, she said brightly.
True. It is possible for a person to gaslight themselves into at least KIND OF believing that things are fine when they are, in fact, not fine.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, It comes from this:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoon_theory
@Rose, @Kirsten - this is true. With your encouragement I will try to be easier on myself although I'm not there yet.
@WilliamB, thank you! I thought you meant it literally.
I am thankful my dad is still here following a very full month of medical concerns.
I am thankful that I have friends who will support me in fixing my oven when I found that the local appliance company doesn't work on my model. Sometimes I just need the moral support. Doing the fix myself will likely save me at least $100. (I might be over hopeful here, but people's time is expensive!)
I am thankful for friends to exercise with, and that I decided to give a group class a try. Twice a week, even though it's early and I need to leave early for work, it has been feeling good.
I am thankful for friends who help me think through ways to save while finishing up the home remodels happening at the moment. Specifically ways to try to give myself dopamine when making the right decisions for this season. And for friends who understand my need for a rain check for some of those very fun things that I want to do, but should pause on.
I am thankful to have a partner to have conversations with about disagreements who I haven't had a fight with yet. He will take feedback, and hopefully I provide the same for him.
I am thankful for the ability to take the good and leave the bad. People are complex, and having grace and compassion make the world a brighter place. I don't have to agree to appreciate the good parts of them.
1. I am thankful that the term is almost over. I have 6 more class days and all of my classes are on schedule with the exception of a couple students.
2. I am thankful for a slightly busy advent season that isn't too busy...Christmas play, concert and 2 family dinners.
3. I am thankful for some alterations in Christmas this year. I have 2 adult children and instead of me budgeting my heart out to meet Christmas needs, they are stepping in. Quite frankly their idea to split up stocking stuffers was brilliant.
4. I am thankful for quiet time at night. I am working alternating 10- and 6-hour days this term. Even grownups get burnout.
5. I am thankful for the mom God gave me.
A good group for projects is worth its weight in gold! In my long-ago experience, it was the person who cared about the A who did all the work, and that was always me. I hated group projects.
I am thankful for my husband, who in retirement found another job he loves; for my own career doing what I love in spite of many obstacles through the years; for health despite chronic conditions; for a comfortable place to live; and for our adult children who make us proud.
Glad you were able to cry & release some of your worry. I love it when songs come on right at the needed time. 🙂
Thankful for---
● temperature finally going above freezing (32) instead of single digits. I started hacking up clear crud (again) from my chest last night & been wheezing for few days now because so cold & my respiratory issues.
● Sunshine! Even with so cold at least the sunshine came out to help feel good.
● heat & somewhat warm house to live in. I don't generally have time to watch news but occasionally make time (catch up on what's happening) & with being so cold lately some warming centers changed/cut hours so that can change to over night sleeping for homeless.
● teen still able to be silly with me & rescue dogs! Teen not completely stressed by finals in college & high school while doing extra curricular activities at school.
● my dad has such a great life partner as the effects of Agent Orange are really starting to take toll on his body lately. He politely (for him) complains about body problems & she does what she can to help him deal. I am grateful that they are in a better home/community since she bought house few years ago.
● for other readers who share their experiences & helping to show different realities of life & how they move through as life still goes on.
Hoping each of you have something good happen in your life. 🙂
You never know what will happen with people from your group projects. A young engineer at my last job was greatly dismayed to find the difficult slacker from his college group engineering projects had just been hired by our employers. He said he had hoped their paths would never cross again.
Group projects can be lots of fun, though. My daughter's literature class' project team included the daughter of the local bakery owner, so their scene from a Shakespeare play was acted out on video by "actors" made out of shaped doughnuts.
1. I'm thankful that I took time in the cold dark to cover the tender plants last night and the night before, as we were below freezing both nights and had freeze warnings from 1 to 8 a.m. both mornings. There was heavy frost and some ice, but the covered plants seem to have made it. I'm not so thankful that a family member called me to laugh because the morning lows for her sister-in-law in northern California, her grandchild in Indiana, and her sister-in-law in southern Illinois were all higher than the one here in my part of Florida, according to the internet.
2. I'm thankful for the 18th birthday this weekend for a dear grandchild. We will celebrate with family this Saturday. Where has the time gone?
3. I'm thankful for the 5th birthday the Friday after Thanksgiving for another dear grandchild. She was celebrated on Thanksgiving day and the day after, since some of us couldn't be there to celebrate on Friday.
4. I'm thankful for my heaters working when I turned them on for the first time since last winter.
5. I'm thankful for the season of Advent. It's a time of rest, reflection and anticipation that helps me avoid getting caught up in the frenzy of commercialization.
1. For the cheery fire burning when I got up this morning. It's really a natural gas heater made to look like a log-burning fireplace, but it has a thermostat that keeps my den warm. (Even when I turn it way down at bedtime.) Even better, it does not require electricity to run, so if we have another blackout, or downed powerlines in an ice storm, I'll still have heat...I learned my lesson after that bad winter storm!
2. Getting to work a bunch of hours. Last week, during the school holiday, I had extra shifts assigned to me at the drugstore; this week, 4 1/2 days of substitute teaching.
3. For today's rain.
4. For my 15 y.o. dog. She doesn't seem to be in any pain although the tumor on her chin has gotten bigger. She sleeps a lot now. Every day is precious.
5. For my house...and paid-off mortgage. Unless there's a bad disaster, I will always have a place to live.
@Fru-gal Lisa, a paid-off mortgage is unbeatable for relieving all sorts of financial worries and pressures. I can't recommend it enough! ". . . where the paid-off mortgage has taken the place of the BMW as the status symbol of choice. . ."
Yesterday was a hard day, with a lot of bad news. I'm thankful that "today is fresh, with no mistakes in it"
@Carla G, I hope that today is a better day for you
Our youngest son successfully defended his Master's Thesis yesterday! We are so excited and proud of him. He's been researching/writing for nearly a year and was sidelined this summer for 6 weeks with mono and Bell's Palsy. THEN, they moved his deadline UP 30 days. But he got it done, and we are all so grateful Now he just needs to find a job!
After a busy but great Thanksgiving, I am looking forward to a quieter Christmas at home. All four of our kids (who are scattered around the country) will be here to celebrate together, which is rare these days.
My husband had to have some pretty extensive (and expensive!) dental surgery this week. He is recovering well, and even though it's costly, it's not as bad as we anticipated it may be.
Silly (and NOT frugal!) but we are celebrating 35 years of marriage this year and my combined anniversary/birthday/Christmas gift was a new diamond ring. I love my original and didn't want to replace it, but I'm excited to have something new and different. I have wanted one for a while, and my sweet husband made it happen this year.
So nice of Chiquita to watching and waiting for you to get home. It makes me happy to see our dog in the window watching for me at the end of the workday. It's like having a personal welcoming party.
I'm thankful
- that our bank caught the fraud on our credit card immediately so we could cancel the card. It's been a hassle not having a credit card when I need to be Christmas shopping, but the new card should come in soon. We don't like to use our debit card for online shopping because we often get hacked this time of year.
- that my SIL and her family did not drop by for Thanksgiving since they are now all sick with RSV. I'm so thankful they didn't "share" it was our daughter who is 7 months pregnant.
- that today is probably my last day of PT. My ankle still hurts with some movements but is finally mostly recovered from the sprain 12 weeks ago.
- that our adult son has met someone and actually went on a date last night. He is painfully shy and has severe anxiety, so he hasn't dated much at all. I am so proud of him for making an effort to put himself out there.
- that the meeting with my siblings and the estate attorney about dividing Mom's estate is over. I'm the admin of the estate and the meeting was very tense, stressful, and emotionally draining for me. After much contentious discussion, I think we finally have a path forward. Fingers crossed my brother doesn't change his mind, yet again, and throw a monkey-wrench in the plan.
- for my husband who is always incredibly supportive.
Nursing school is so hard to get into and requires so much prep work that at least when you get there, you know you are with other students that have your work ethic and high standards.
This week/month (bc it has been awhile) I am thankful for:
1. Cold weather at work. I love being bundled up and waking up every morning to see snow on the Sierra's
2. My signing bonus. I received the last part of my signing bonus without even having to remind my boss and it will go a long to helping us out.
3. My therapist. I started seeing her in 2021 and she has helped immensely. I have some long standing issues that have started to rear their ugly head and it is really nice to know we can work on them
4. My therapist (again). Because she started accepting my insurance so all I have to pay is my copay instead of the full out of pocket (which I had done for 2 years).
5. Christmas trees. We are on a giant rock hurtling through space that is slowly dying. If putting up sparkly tree early makes me forget that, it has done it's job.
Sounds like your day turned out how you needed to - lots of laughs, music to feed the soul, a conversation with Lisey, crazy cat at the window. Guess we never know what our day holds for us.
I was thinking about how if I was not financially stable in my life right now, a lot of things would be just that much more stressful and difficult. I don't really have to be too upset about getting a Costco pizza instead of staying home.
@Battra92, YES!! One of the main reasons for frugal living is to be able to not stress over small things like getting a pizza when you need an easy dinner. Or big things, like unexpected dental bills. Or big expected things, like needing new tires. Life is hard and expensive, and while money doesn't buy happiness, it certainly takes the pressure off in a few places. When one is not a high earner, living frugally is a way to build a buffer.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, amen sister. Spouse and I are dropping thousands on dental work that we should have done years ago. I'm not sure why we didn't, but certainly money worries was probably part of it. SOOOOO much of life is easier with a nice savings account. And, we've been able to give some nice cash gifts to family.
Retirement has been so much easier because of an earlier life that was frugally lived.
@Battra92, I ordered six frozen pizzas (I think they're 14") from a local guy starting a new business, using local ingredients (except for pepperoni etc). He's going to deliver them tomorrow. It's nice to feel smug about supporting local small business at the same time just heating up my pizza stone.
However, I love Costco pizza too. And son is purchasing this a gift for one his friends for Christmas.
https://shitheadsteve.com/products/got-that-hot-dog-in-me-t-shirt?variant=43829197176970
Ok since you mentioned a song I thought I'd throw out there Abba's "Chiquitita" as Chiquita always makes you happy (Shelley too but in a more subdued way:)). I think it's a good sign that Chiquita's name is Chiquita and that she came into your lives when she did. I really appreciate how you always find the bright points and also how you give yourself space to acknowledge the dark times. These tough times will hopefully soon be in the rearview mirror. Thank you for always showing up on here- you bring so much light to the rest of us!
I'm thankful that a good friend had extra tickets to see the musical "Mamma Mia" which is why Chiquitita was in my mind:)
She is definitely a ray of sunshine for Zoe and me. 🙂
My son was always very serious about group projects and would invariably get stuck with a bunch of slackers, which pulled his grade down. In his senior year, he was assigned the worst one yet and asked the teacher if he could peel off, take his work and be a group of one because the others had not lifted a finger and told him they did not intend to. She agreed to grade him separately. He made an A. The others got an F instead of the cozy C they were expecting based on his work. He was so freaking happy.
Today I am thankful for getting in to see a doctor at my regular doc's super busy practice for Real Good Drugs for a 30-day sinus infection, that our very old, quite sick cat made the effort to start eating and is holding onto his tiny, frequent meals, and yesterday's mail brought no letters from new surprise creditors of my late brother. As always, so very thankful for my sweet family and the gang of rescued pets.
@Ruby, My son, a couple of years ago, was assigned a college group project during Covid lockdown. The professor asked if anyone had heard from one student. No one had. Finally the student checked in. "Hi, I live in Myanmar and the Internet is very spotty now because we're in the middle of a coup d'etat."
Cats are the best!
This blog causes me to examine my life weekly in order to recognize frugality that is working and the many blessings in my life.
So, my first thankful is this blog!
It was an expensive week, staring with needing to fill one of our pickups with gas. I was so thankful to have money for gas.
I grocery shopped for the first time in 2 months, and it was massive. Could hardly steer the cart, filled 3 ice chests, took forever. But, I had money to pay for all those groceries (although some of the prices shocked me in just a 2 month time-period). And Winco had almost everything on my list.
As I wrestled that cart out to the pickup, I was so thankful to have a spacious vehicle instead of trying to stuff everything into my 2-door Accord.
Getting home was a little tricky because our road was closed. There were many utility vehicles and trailers, replacing a power pole (the wooden kind get wrecked by woodpeckers, so gradually they are getting replaced by metal ones). The power was off at home, and I was struck by what a blessing it is to have electricity and companies that keep it flowing.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, you must be very organized to be able to eat everyday with shopping only every two months! I live in a very developed place so there are stores everywhere. I find myself picking up groceries several times a week.
@Elaine N, we supplement the big grocery run with produce and dairy from the overpriced local store.
Today was a pretty intense day! It snowed overnight so the subway broke down on the way to work and then I had to take two buses...and managed to drop two cards in between. A very kind person found and returned them to me but it's been a seriously stressful day!
I am thankful that the above person found them and was kind enough to return them!
Thankful that I still made it to work ontime.
Thankful that even though the subway broke the buses were there.
Thankful that work itself went well.
Thankful that there were no hiccups on the way home!
Kristen, your cats are so cute!
What a beautiful song, Kristen! Thanks for sharing it. It certainly affirms what you have been doing throughout this difficult season.
I am thankful today for having all my Christmas decorating done except for hanging the ornaments on the tree. Also for weather cold enough to have a fire in the evenings (a big shout out to A. Marie! All I need is a cat...) And for free DVD rentals from the public library. Watching Home Alone in front of a roaring fire sure put me in the holiday spirit.
I'm thankful for a fantastic thanksgiving holiday. We spent time with:
1. my husband's side of the family - a little awkward but without incident
2. my side of the family - had a fun atypical thanksgiving at my parents' house with my cousin and his kids - my mom saved the day because I didn't know what I was going cook.
3. my husband's childhood friends - my parents-in-law and their parents are friends, my husband and their sons are friends and now our kids are friends. Three generations of friendship!
I also exercised and took nice walks and my family was happy. It filled my cup a bit after being somewhat depleted. Now to focus on getting our house back in order! Entropy has taken hold.
Thankful for:
1. snow, that muffles the noises of outdoor life.
2. the unknown guy ahead of me at an intersection who got out of his car and helped this very slow and elderly cane-using man across the road. It meant none of us could move on as the light changed but no one honked or yelled.
3. our police department that invites people to use their parking lot to meet people when they are buying or selling something on things like FB Marketplace.
4. for another book being released by one of my favorite authors. I cannot lie, I bought it rather than waiting for the library to get it.
5. the husband, always the husband. The year we were married, he built a five foot tall wood advent calendar for me in the shape of a Christmas tree. For 40 years he has filled the 24 little doors with things like a favorite chocolate bar or nuts or things like colored staples. He put it up again last night, as pleased with his shopping as I am with the little daily reminders of his care. One year I was in the hospital in December and he dragged it to my hospital room and home when I was released.
@Lindsey, your number 5 hit me right in the feels. What a beautiful tradition you have between the two of you!
Man. Your husband sets the standard high for men everywhere.
I am delighted that you are the recipient of this kind of love. <3
@Lindsey, What a doll you married.
@Lindsey, don't take this the wrong way, but I'm in love with your husband. What a gem!
I am thankful that I am excited to go back to work on Monday. I am nervous about being a working mama (for the first time in my life) but it is a relief to find that I'm still excited to work.
I am thankful that my husband loves leftovers as much as I do. It makes life so much simpler if we both enjoy Shepherds pie week.
I am thankful that my baby is a semi-decent sleeper.
I am thankful that my husband helps with nightfeeds since baby prefers the bottle.
I am thankful for the flexibility of working at home.
@Rebekah in SoCal, I put cheese and leeks on top of the mashed potatoes. Mmmmm, actually it's been too long since I've had any.
I am so thankful for the reality and consistency of this blog. I read and reread yesterday's and did not have anything to add as I had been through that kind of difficulty when my parents died 23 years ago. (They died 10 days apart.) Me, oldest child, single, no one else wanted to bite the bullet to be responsible, but being thought of as "bossy." The challenges you meet immediately after the deaths are not unlike having them die all over again. And although we siblings have remained amicable, my brother's bent to bitterness rears it's ugly head when we are together.
Today is Thankful Thursday. I am thankful my niece recognized I needed help cleaning house for our family "Merry Thanksmas" on Saturday. She came last night and vacuumed and mopped and told me what I could get by without doing. My mom always thought she needed to clean everything including the closets when the Pastor and his wife came for dinner. Turns out my sister was the same way and I'm not far behind in that mentality.
The time spent with my niece is proving to be a blessing. We are really enjoying each other.
I am thankful my immediate family can be here Saturday.
Thankful for my dog. She is aging faster than I like. The Cosequin has helped but she has a lipoma that is significant and I see her staring off into space from time to time. both her vision and hearing are waning. It's no longer just the beagle nose being engaged and ears disengaged at the same time.
Thankful for the warmer day that allowed me to put a little holiday on the front porch. It wasn't on my to do list, but the simple beauty is inspiring to do the list for today.
@Chrissy, Aw, she's a beagle? I've had a lot in my time and they tend to get lipomas, but they're harmless.
@Rose, She's beagle mix, supposed to be mixed w poodle. She's all cuddle and love. Well, except when she wants to go out when I walk in the door from work and she starts the intense beagle howl (and me with my hearing aides in) and tells me off. Thanks for asking.
@Chrissy, My two dingalings at local church's blessing of the animals. And my son's legs.
https://hamptons.com/wp-content/gallery/2021-blessing-of-the-animals/hamptons-blessingofanimals-easthampton7716a.jpg
just a quick comment! When you give bags to cats, always cut the handles open! If they stick their head though the bag handles, they can get caught and freak out and get hurt. Or you can pull them off completely, my cats love the TJ handles as a toy! Not to tell you how to live your life, but it is safer for the cats! <3
We just got a beautiful little kitten and it is such a joy. Thankful for this little creature and all the fun she will bring. Also thankful that she appears to be housetrained already.
- Homemade bread (used your french bread recipe)
- My teens good attitudes lately.
- Geometry videos (they seem to be helping)
- Safety and good health
- The stability of God during instability in other areas of life
-the blogs and Pinterest I enjoy so much
Not gonna lie…saw the song you listened to and skipped the rest of the post just to get to the comment section to say that’s been my song this week too.
You’re gonna be okay. We’re gonna be okay.
Thankful for:
-friend who got me a Diet Coke to keep at school for my next migraine
-anonymous friend who dropped a purple ribbon in my desk to honor a part of my story.
-hearing my kids belt out songs that encourage my heart
-warm blankets. It’s chilly enough to need them!
-my dog for his mellowness and peace. He’s good for me.
Ah. Chiquita is so cute, waiting for you. I love it when my cats peek out the window when I pull into the driveway and then greet me at the door.
The first thing I am thankful for is that I never have to do school group projects again!
Today I am thankful for my vet's office. I switched about a year ago from the vet's office my family used for 40+ years! I was very sad to do it but it had become impossible to get an appointment there other than routine care that you could set 2-3 months out. For urgent care you had to line up before they opened at 7:00 a.m. and *hope* you could get one of the very limited number of urgent care appointments and then wait hours before your pet was actually seen. So I switched to smaller feline-only vet and found care was easier to access, the vets and support staff are fantastic, and it's less traumatizing for the cats not to have to wait or being around dogs.
I am grateful to have a day off tomorrow! I never thought I would max out the 6 weeks of vacation we are allowed to roll over from year to year. But now I have "use-it-or-lose" time to burn. So tomorrow I get a day to decorate for the holidays and work on some gifts I am crafting.
Tomorrow we are expecting the first snow of the season, which I will especially appreciate since I won't have to drive in it. I love the snow when I have nothing to do but enjoy the beauty of it.
I am grateful for my county library's change in policy where they automatically renew your books unless someone has them on hold and they abolished late fines, too. I am still careful to return things by the due date, but renewing them is one less thing to keep track of.
I probably mentioned this before, but I am grateful for my washer and dryer EVERY SINGLE TIME I use them. After using laundromats and apartment laundry rooms for 20 years, I am forever grateful to have my own machines to use whenever I want.
‘Tis the season to be thankful…..
For a nice lunch out with some relatives on Thursday. It was great fun!
For a cute Christmas tree that will fit nicely in the corner of the living room, and smell so divine.
That my daughter and family are almost done with their car trip from Colorado to Kentucky with a toddler, a preschooler and a 90 lb dog. They planned well, stopped and explored some areas of interest, and played in the hotel pools every night to help the kids relax, move around and switch gears. They are a military family who has moved a lot, and I am very proud of all of them. And of course, I am thankful for all members of the military who protect our many freedoms.
For heat. I Hate feeling cold, and I am fortunate to be able to turn the pellet stove up and enjoy the heat blasting on me!
For the pharmacy technician who finally took care of the refill problem I’ve been having. My prescription should be ready on Monday. Fingers crossed!
Thankful for your uplifting blog. You offer so many frugal tips and recipes and you bring such happiness every time I read it. I am also thankful for my health and the health of my friends and family, that I was able to work for 53 years and retire finally! I loved my career path though so that made it fun. Thankful for a nice home, good food and friends and a man who has been my partner through thick and thin for 36 years. And thankful for cooler weather, the heat and humidity of summer are not my favorites.
Good luck on your exams and enjoy the holiday break!
Kristen, make sure there is no fee attached to getting your ticket signed off. The first time my husband got a fixit ticket, we didn't realize there was a fee, and we got an ugly reminder from the city of Los Angeles! (Instead of $5-ish, it was well over $100, 25 years ago.)
Whoa, that's wild! Mine is fee-free as far as I know, based on what both officers said to me.