Thankful Thursday | I have a college account now!
New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; an exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
This week, I am thankful:
for community college employees
I'm trying to get an advising appointment so that I can figure out exactly what I'd be looking at, school wise, to get a nursing degree.
But it turned out to be a pretty big process to even get an online account so that I could request a virtual advising appointment.
I had to talk to multiple departments multiple times, because when I first registered for college, it was 1996 and I was an unmarried 18 year old. So, my last name, phone number, and address were all wrong.
Plus we didn't even have online student accounts back then! I mean, I barely used email in those days.
Anyway. Lots of nice people helped me out yesterday, and my community college account has now been brought up to 2020.
And I was finally able to send an email requesting an advising appointment. Whew.
for cooler mornings
It's still getting pretty hot here during the day, but yesterday morning, the weather was really quite tolerable when we went for a walk.
It was 91% humidity (!) but the temperatures were in the high 60s and that helped a lot.
that I sold an unused canopy
We used to bring one to the beach, but most beaches have regulations prohibiting large canopies now.
So I listed it on Facebook Marketplace and got it sold. I figured people would be wanting canopies right now, since a lot of things are held outdoors.
I also keep thinking that whatever companies make those huge white tents must be thriving right now. I see white outdoor tents everywhere!
for the way that breaking things keeps me humble
You know how I broke my stove recently?
Well, I'm not happy I broke it, of course.
(!!!!)
But since I do dumb things and I break stuff, it helps me be gracious when my kids do the same thing.
One of my girls did something careless this week and broke a Pyrex dish, and I was able to be like, "Hey sweetie, it's ok. It happens. I mean, I broke the whole stove."
(By the way, my new stove is STILL not in. But the appliance shop said it's on its way. I will believe that when I see it. Ha.)
that I did not know my stove would take so long to get here
When we first ordered it, the guy was thinking the timeline was early August.
But now it's been a good month and a half of cooking on a broken stove, and I just feel so glad I didn't know it was going to be this long.
If I'd known, I probably would have been more crabby about the wait.
(Though when you are the one who broke the stove, it's hard to justify much crabbiness.)
for a pool outing with friends today
grateful for friends for the girls and me, grateful for my parents' pool and how generous they are with it.
that I can have an optometry appointment now
I was about to run out of lenses a few months ago, so my eye doctor sent me a few extra contact lenses to get me through the months when they were completely closed.
Now they're open (with limitations of course!), so I can have an actual appointment and get another year's supply of lenses.
What are you thankful for this week?
Make a list in the comments and cheer yourself up.
Good for you looking into nursing! My sister is a nurse manager- she had a college degree but about 20 years ago decided to become a nurse. Math was her nemesis but she managed to get her RN. I graduated from college and after teaching 2 years, became a SAHM for 31 years. I was still able to use my very ‘rusty’ BA and become a case worker about 10 years ago. I have no plans to ever retire unless for health reasons. It keeps me young.
You’re getting a nursing degree??!!
LPN, RN, BSN?
So excited for you!
Congrats on looking into going back to school! I got my BA in 1997 and decided this year to start back and get a BS in Engineering. Trying to navigate the university and just find someone who would talk to me was a process! I'm thankful I persisted and next week start my 3rd semester. Taking one class at a time is slow, but manageable. And college is a lot "easier" as a 46 year old than as a 19/20 year old. I better understand what amount of work I need to do, and I value the class more. It was shocking that my first class had some College Credit Plus high school kids in it... kids younger than my kids. yikes! Enjoy the journey.
Thankful for some much needed rain. Nice to see all the robins able to get some worms.
That we have enough money to start a 529 college fund for gbaby.
That my vet lets me keep an arsenal of drugs on hand for when my dog is sick. Still had to have him seen but I could at least start treatment beforehand. He has some type of IBD.
I was able to sleep last night for 6 hours straight without waking up. Nothing short of a miracle. Once you get older it is so hard to sleep, at least it is for me.
Amazing. I went back to school and got my nursing degree when I was 40! I absolutely love being a nurse. There is also a lot so be said by demonstrating to you kids that it is never too late. To make a change!
I am thankful that my family is happy and healthy, that we are both employed, that my children both have a safe (as can be) plan for returning to school. And that I have spent the last 13 days staring at the ocean.
Well, I am thankful you are interested in becoming a nurse -- you will be a genuine asset in any care-giving scenario.
I am grateful for health and strength -- for fresh food, and air-conditioning, and clean water.
One of my neighbors selected three paintings from the 70+stash of paintings I have "created" in the pandemic -- SHE LIKED THEM! and will make a contribution to her church's food pantry!
I am thankful for the people who serve their church's outreach to feed the hungry!
I am grateful for my husband whose companionship and kindness make this crazy time so much more bearable. At my age, many friends are alone and struggling.
Super thankful that my son got his first job out of high school at a library and is really enjoying it. He is taking a gap semester this fall to save up money while working.
Also very thankful that my husband got a significant promotion, not just for the money but for his work being recognized.
Thankful for being able to take a long vacation and get things done around the house, while also relaxing at the pool.
Thankful for being able to get my first haircut in over 6 months, I really needed it.
Thankful that we can afford the vet bills for our elderly cat.
P.S. Speaking of broken stoves. I can't quite believe it myself, but we have been cooking with an ancient JennAir stovetop with only two working burners for 13 years, while our family grew to 4 kids and we cook meals from scratch daily. Replacing cartridges for the two broken burners did not work, and we are waiting to do our kitchen reno to replace our ancient appliance. Thankful that my husband is a fabulous chef who has been able to create wonderful meals despite the limitations. He mastered sheet pan cooking in the oven before it became trendy 🙂
Oh wow; 13 years is quite an accomplishment!
This week I am thankful for:
The vacation we start today. We'll be camping with my mom and siblings (and their families). This was postponed due to everything being shut down in June. Plus we got a free night... each! For the inconvenience.
Yesterday being the last day as a manager. I loved the job, but it has been a nightmare since the coronavirus hit. I have never been so stressed for such a long time.
My youngest being excited to be homeschooled this school year. When our governor said parents aren't allowed in schools, we knew he wouldn't be going. My middle will be going, freshman year, as he misses his friends desperately.
1. I am thankful that the pandemic hasn’t affected my husband’s business.
2. I’m thankful that my kids are able to go to school in September full time in person (although I’m nervous).
3. I just applied for 2 FREE graduate courses through an early childhood grant.
4. I’m thankful for nice weather that allows us to be outside with friends while still remaining safe.
5. I’m thankful for the technology to allow my kids to chat with friends when they can’t see each other in person.
6. I’m thankful for swim lessons! 2/3 of my children can swim!
Congratulations on starting the process of going back to college! College as an adult sounds much less overwhelming than college as a teen while living on campus. I've thought about going back after my kids grow out of needing me for everything.
My thankful list:
1. First week of school is under our belt. One child is attending her brick & mortar class through zoom, and it's worked surprisingly well. This particular school has been beyond amazing with accommodating needs and providing instruction in the midst of the pandemic. My other two kids are homeschooled this year, and it's been a better week than I anticipated.
2. Cooler temperatures! We might even have days lower than the 80s next week!
3. A quilting project to keep my hands moving when my brain is worn out.
4. Technology and friends--we've continued to limit our interactions with people (outside husband's work) to outdoor activities, and technology has made it possible to visit with family and friends, especially those who are truly confined to home. (Please check in with your people that aren't able to go out. It's tough to watch the world move on and still be at home)
5. Fall stuff is showing up in my feeds, which means it's time to pull out all my favorite fall things, even if it is still in the 90s!
Funny to me it is do much easier to get the degree right out of HS when you have few responsibilities and if lucky like I was, your parents paid for a good portion of it. My third child got her masters right after graduating too- other two waited and it was much harder and their jobs didn’t pay a cent either. My husband and I paid for undergrad but grad school was on their dime. T
College was really stressful for me, and while some of it was dorm life (I'm introverted and never had time alone) most of it was self-inflicted: 20+ credit (with a few 0 credit courses thrown in) semesters and summer work, and I made a huge deal of everything, which I do less now. I can't imagine going to school with children still in the house, but I'd love to go back to school after the kids are gone. I'd go for a different degree this time around.
High five for restarting the college process!
My daughter's leg tumor is benign! Got my windows & blinds cleaned. Supposed to rain, eagerly anticipating planting a fall garden. Kittens for my kids to play with.
Ohh, that's such wonderful news about your daughter!
I need to practice gratitude. Goodness I struggle with it when I'm so tired.
1) Thankful that I'm strong enough to take care of my 2 yr old grandson while his parents work....4:30AM comes earlier the older you get.
2) That I can listen to any radio station I want to online....what a gift....to bring my favorite music into my house & car no matter how far away it is!.
3) For grace...it's been given to me overwhelmingly lately.
4) For friends who reach out. I know how hard it is to do that sometimes.
5) That my family is well & working.
I had two years of college right out of high school (Secretarial Science). Then, 30 years later I went back to the same college (same school, but a university by then) and got my B.S. in Psychology). However, then I worked in the field of technology...a programmer, programmer analyst, then software trainer. I had/have such a love of computers. The funny thing is 3 of my cousins did the same thing years later in life, and all of us got degrees in Psychology!
Interesting, a percussion teacher I know who already had a bachelors in music went back to school to get her law degree but didn’t want to be a lawyer. She just likes a challenge.
1. Thankful the fires in our area (CO) are under control and the sky is blue again!
2. Thankful for potential new clients
3. For outdoor activities like mountain biking and golf that are great for socializing and social distancing
4. For cooking skills and lots of great recipes to peruse each day online and in magazines
5. For cheap magazine subscriptions through Amazon Prime!
6. For work that allows me to set my own schedule
7. To be able to spend lots of time with the people and kitties that I love!
Thanks for commenting on the blue skies here in CO! I went for a walk this morning with a friend but hadn’t noticed until I read your comment - SUCH a nice change of pace!
Hooray for you! I started college right out of high school, taking way too many classes while working part time, got burned out, moved, and just let it go until I was 35, when I returned to college and finished my degree. It wasn't easy, juggling kids, a job, a husband and school, but I did it. I finally had to quit my job, as so many of my required classes were not offered as night classes, but my life was still quite busy. That's not to scare you, just to let you know it's kind of a shock how much time school takes, so be prepared and you'll do great.
And I'm grateful for:
I'm thankful I went back to school and finished my degree!
I'm thankful that Laura didn't hit my area, even while I am terribly dismayed at what those in Laura's path have suffered and will suffer.
I'm thankful for my oldest, whose birthday is today. This was a long, difficult day 38 years ago, but she was worth it. We will celebrate this weekend.
I'm thankful that a family member's son-in-law has turned the corner and is recovering from a serious case of the Covid-19.
I'm grateful that I went ahead and watched a Covid information video on my health insurance website -- they sent me a $300 reward card usable with doctors, dentists, and ophthalmologists, among other health related places.
I'm grateful that we should have cooler nights soon.
I'm grateful for bananas. Don't laugh. Kids usually love them, they make great smoothies and "ice cream", create wonderful bread and muffins, and are a nice little snack when I want something sweet but don't want to give in to candy or cookies.
I'm thankful I was able to escape the Califoronia heat and fires/smoke, and spend time with friends who have a house on the Puget Sound.
I decided to go back to school too after all this is over. I am 72. No car. But 10 minute bus ride to a vocational school for beginning computer class and one or two after that. So I dont have to beg people to help me with my computer. Then I can take online classes at a college and do other stuff.
That is awesome. I'm so happy for you - you are opening a whole new world for yourself! Best of luck.
I've had more disappointments this week than successes so I will try and be positive:
I was able to take a half day yesterday so that was nice. Of course it was to watch my kid while the wife went to the dentist and said kid has been a real terror all week but at least I was at work. Going to need to work overtime to get caught up but at least I get paid for that.
I am getting my brakes done tomorrow. Had I taken them to the shop yesterday they would've been damaged by a busted water main throwing gravel and rocks into their parking lot.
That I have a lot of movies and such to watch.
Cooler evenings and some well needed rain is on our way.
1. I am so grateful that for the last few days there have been long periods of time when I did not think about the fact that I had had a hip replacement!
2. I am so grateful that it seems like my sleep has settled down and I am getting some good ZZZZ…ZZZ…ZZZ.
3. I am so grateful for a husband who has NEVER ONCE acted irritated or annoyed during the last 7 weeks as he took care of me.
4. I am so grateful for friends and acquaintances who have let me know that they have been thinking about and praying for me. And who have been happy for each of my small successes as I healed.
5. I am so grateful for my furry friends (Cookie, Lucy, Ethel) who allow me to pick them up and nuzzle them when I am feeling blue.
1. I’m thankful for the blue skies and clear air here in CO, which I somehow hadn’t noticed on my walk this morning but was pointed out in your comments.
2. I’m thankful for some one-on-one time with my 4 year old in this two week gap between when my elementary kids started school and he starts preschool.
3. I’m thankful for friends to walk with.
4. I’m thankful for the speech progress my preschooler has made being in constant close quarters with big siblings the last 6 months.
5. I’m thankful that I’m able to be home with my kiddos and provide our family some continuity, connection, and margin during this crazy season. I remind myself of this one A LOT because my introverted self who craves predictability has had a hard time these last 6 months. While it hasn’t been my favorite season of stay-at-home-motherhood, I am so glad I’m able to be here.
6. And I’m thankful for your blog that reminds me to practice gratitude, particularly this week with big feelings at the start of a new school year.
I agree with breaking things keeping me humble when it comes to things my kids do. In that same line, every time I forget something and we have to go back to the house for it I am reminded that I need to be more patient and gracious when my kids forget stuff.
* I am thankful that my oldest daughter is at school learning in-person right now! Her first day was yesterday and went great. I'm thankful for all that our administration and teachers are doing to make in-person learning possible and safe.
* I am thankful that the school is letting K/1st parents walk their kids to class for the first 2 weeks of school (masked, of course). It was one of the things I loved about her school (we were always able to walk them down and go in to pick them up) and brings such community. So many things are different and I appreciate having this little bit of comfort.
* I am thankful for tomatoes from my garden! Tomato sandwiches for lunch all week. Mmmmmm!
* I am thankful that my oldest 2 are currently motivated to do their chores. This is the first time my middle child has had chores and he's so naturally helpful and compliant and he's eager to do the chores and put up his sticker. Having my oldest be motivated for now is a blessing!
* I am thankful that (most days) my 2 that are at home still nap. Alone time is a gift.
1 - Coffee and visit with a friend this morning outdoors in my yard
2 - Another coffee and visit with another friend tomorrow morning (I am working to make the most of the opportunities warm weather gives us to socialize and social distance at the same time)
3 - My new job tutoring homeschool kids
4 - Our country - as crazy as things are now, I haven't seen many places I'd rather live
5 - This reminder to be thankful for the many things I have been given
That's so great that you're looking into going back to school for nursing. Such a wonderful way to help your fellow humans and a great way to do something for yourself. Best of luck to you! Today I am thankful that:
1. The fires near my in-laws' home are moving into containment. And to be honest, that they felt comfortable returning to their home after staying with us for three nights.
2. The first days of the new school year have been smooth despite being so different than years past.
3. I got some rest last night. I've been feeling awfully spent the last few days and it really helps.
4. My husband is a computer guy. He swapped out the battery on my 7 year old laptop so it's still going strong. Also, now that all four of us are doing our work on computers, it's so nice to know that he's got the situation handled.
5. I can take a hot shower for as long as *I* want in the morning. I know it's silly but it truly feels like a luxury. There was a time when I couldn't shower or even go to the bathroom without someone coming in or needing me so ya, I love a hot shower in the morning, especially when I think about all the places in the world that don't have this available.
6. That my kids are busy and aren't playing with LEGOs as much (for now). Every summer I joke that I have a summer internship in LEGO management so it's been a nice break not having to reign in the brick chaos.
Good for you making plans to go back to school! I teach at a community college so I am a big fan 🙂
1. Online tutorials to learn to use new software for work.
2. Yummy leftovers for lunch
3. Still summer fruit season
4. We are forecast to get rain for a few days so I don't have to water the garden
5. Store-brand sparkling water
I'm excited to hear more about nursing school!
Just one this week - my teenage daughter set up a hummingbird feeder in our backyard, outside the kitchen window. It took several days for any of us to see a hummingbird, but it finally happened! Everyone in my family gets ridiculously excited whenever we see one out there. It makes me happy whenever I think about it.
Oh the joy those little amazing birds can bring! Just wait until you discover you can setup cameras (amazon cloud here) to capture them at the feeder 24/7! Or that they love misters (at least here in Tx) and will fly and loopdy-doop through the mist providing hours of more joy! I am hopelessly infatuated with them (to me they are an example of a loving God) - I could go on and on, but I'll end by saying you should report sightings to Journey North and buy stock in sugar (I currently go through 25 lbs/week during migration times...SO WORTH IT).
I am thankful that:
the fires near us are subsiding so it's less smoky for us, and evacuees can return to their homes.
our daughter is visiting this weekend. It's a surprise for my husband's birthday.
I am keeping up my exercise program
I got a lovely chat on the phone with an aunt who is usually too busy for that
our garden is still producing enough to provide us with 100% of our veggies, provided we don't mind the repetition!
I'm thankful for Kristen, and all of you!
I am thankful for the chance to take my kids and get a break from the wildfire smoke where I live, with the even better benefit of having family time. I'm thankful for the flexibility of Zoom homeschool group and community group while we're away. I'm thankful that some kids somewhere are able to get back to school in person. I'm thankful for my teacher training, which is turning out super useful for homeschooling (not a huge shocker, but still ;). I'm thankful my kids are really good at entertaining themselves without screens, which is really useful on long road trips!
I work in healthcare and there are days I am soooo over it, but mostly, its been very good for me and my family. Today I grateful for:
*We had the money needed to fix the A/C in my car - a MUST in Central Texas with our 100+ degree temps
*My 90 year old mother seems to be doing Ok even though she broke her arm and has been home bound due to Covid, able to cook for herself and take care of her bills and her dog.
*My daughter and family friends in Houston were not impacted by Laura. (but how terrible for those who were impacted and I am remembering them in my prayers, because what else can I do??)
*Hubby and I both have jobs and are able to make ends meet AND send a kid to college. We got to see said kid last weekend and take him out to dinner and purchase him some things for his apartment ahead of school starting.
1. That I've been able to be together socially with friends five times this week. Outdoors but that's okay.
2. That we have good Rx drug coverage, since my husband has a prescription for something that would be very expensive without it.
3. That there has been a good breeze during my outdoor visits this week.
4. That it is so easy to make rice pudding in an Instant Pot.
5. That my life has been quiet as of late. There were serious family issues in April, May, and July.
6. That I am reading Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. It is a difficult book but worth the read.
7. That Covid-19 numbers are not crazy where we live.
8. For this blog, our faithful blogger and the wonderful community of followers.
Thankful my husband’s outpatient surgery went off without a hitch
Thankful I spoke to HR about serious concerns I had and that I felt listened to! I didn’t back down!
Thankful for beautiful sleeping weather
Thankful for cooking every meal for over a month—no takeout at all!—has not been horrible and is truly a new habit.
Thankful for My daughter and husband in my life!
Thankful for journaling and reading, I learn so much from both.
Congrats on exploring a nursing program, Kristen. Good for you, I admire nurses so much, they are angels.
1. I am thankful to have a job even tho my job is hard right now.
2. I am thankful for kind and fun coworkers.
3. I am thankful for an ice maker. I lived 45+ years without one.
4. I am thankful for my sweet pets.
5. I am thankful for your blog!
1. my husband
2. my dog
3. my garden, which is pretty much providing all our meals right now except for the meat and milk
4. my 16 year old truck, which has never broken down and still runs perfectly, and is easy to drive even with my leg brace so I have freedom to go places on my own (I cannot drive our main vehicle because of the brace). We do put it into storage for the depths of winter but I don't want to drive or even leave the house when it is more than 20 below anyway. I once had an accident at 44 below zero and was pretty frozen by the time the police and tow truck were done with me.
5. the days keep getting shorter! Dawn is at 5:24 and last light is at 10:19 today. I like it better when the sun comes up at 10 am and sets at 2 pm. Except for the drinking blood part, I could happily be a vampire.
Lindsey, do you by any chance live in Ak? Fairbanks maybe? I saw your times for dawn & last light & thought that must be the case. I live in Anchorage.
She does indeed live in Alaska!
Interesting - I’ve never heard the expression “last light”! I was thinking “isn’t that sunset, as we call it?”, but being outside last night I was paying attention and yeah, there’s a difference. Dusk or twilight is a pretty time, if the mosquitoes would let us enjoy it! I feel much more energy, though in the longer light spring and summer days.
My daughter's cat, Mia, was 15 years old. In the spring, we found out Mia had cancer and sadly she passed away today. However, we had 15 wonderful years with Mia, for which I'm very grateful, and my daughter worked from home until recently, so she was able to spend Mia's final months with her, for which I'm also very grateful.
I'm sure there are other things for which I'm grateful, but today, they're all overshadowed by the mixed feelings I have for Mia and her passing.
I'm sorry for your loss- losing a cat that becomes part of the family is hard. And sad.
Sorry to hear about your loss. We lost our beloved dog two weeks ago, and it really is hard. So much sadness, but so much gratitude to have shared life with this wonderful creature.
I lost a family member this week so its been a tough one. But I still find things to be grateful for.
1. I am thankful that after being told numerous times that the hospital was not allowing visitors due to COVID19, we were finally granted permission for a short visit to say goodbye. I am grateful he went quickly and peacefully.
2. I am thankful for the neighbor's sunflowers that peek over the fence at me every morning.
3. I am grateful that the hot smokey summer sky is clearing little by little and the days cooling bit by bit.
4. I am thankful for my 17 year old car that carried me over the mountains and back to see my loved ones without incident. (I was a little worried!)
5. I am thankful for doctors, nurses, hospital security, friends and family and all of their kindnesses.
I am so sorry for your loss, Lorraine. I'm glad you can still find things to be grateful for at such a difficult time.
I agree...my condolences, as well as my admiration for finding things to be grateful for in very difficult times.
Thankful that I got my new stove about six weeks after I ordered it!
Grateful that the college I attended for my BSN accepted all my courses from my associate degree in nursing in 1984 in 2014!
Hang in there!
My thankful list:
1. Sunshine today--we've had a cold, rainy summer
2. The clear, clean-smelling air. For several summers in the last few years, hot dry weather meant smoke and forest fire danger all summer. Our cool, rainy summer meant no forest fire danger here.
3. Students will be coming back to school full-time, in person (I found teaching remotely not very enjoyable or fulfilling. I love interacting with my students face-to-face.)
4. I got to the Farmer's Market in time today to get the next-to-last loaf of delicious homemade bread from my friend's market stall.
5. God's many promises which give me strength in stressful times
A lot of our teachers are older and afraid to go back. School starts here Monday- I’m thinking after a few cases, there will be a lot of resignations if they don’t go back to virtual school. Both my daughters elected to homeschool- in-laws and myself are over 65 and they are protecting us.
I’m thankful that we weathered Hurricane Laura with very minor damage. Just had one tree fall in our front yard. Some of our neighbors and a lot in our parish weren’t so lucky.
Also thankful that the casualties were very low for such a significant storm.
Yay I'm so happy you've decided to get a nursing degree. I remember reading about it a while ago and was so excited for you!
Good to hear from you! I've checked in on your blog here and there, but it's been pretty quiet over there. I just clicked and saw you've been posting again, though. Yay!
* very happy that the indoor public pool is open again. I missed swimming!
* For a great group of friends at work
* That it's friday, which means "weekend!" is almost here!
* To finally have had the sleep study I had been waiting for for 18 months.
* For school starting on monday. Vacations is nice (for the kids -I work), but a return to routine is great too
So excited that you are looking at going back to school, Kristen!! You definitely have the smiling face and genuine care needed to be a nurse. I'm looking forward to reading about your experience in school/clinicals etc. on the blog.