Thankful Thursday | I passed!
This week, I am thankful:
that I passed my dosage calculation exam!
WHEW. I got one wrong, and I have no idea which one it was. But I passed! And that is what matters.
Now I feel quite certain that I will indeed graduate in May; the dosage calculation test has always felt to me like the one test that could take me out because you cannot get anything less than an A.
So now that it's done, I think I will be fine.
that I never have to do this test again
We only have to do the dosage calculation test once per semester, so I should be good to go now. I just have to pass all the other exams, and I never get even close to failing regular exams because they don't make you get an A on those.
I love having wiggle room where I don't have to get an A!
that competency testing is less scary than the math
I have my skills competency testing on Saturday, where I have to do a bunch of skills (PPE, vitals, setting up a sterile field, hanging an IV med, giving an injection, etc.) and then get graded pass or fail.
Basically, it's to make sure we know what we're doing before we start clinicals the next week.
This testing feels much less terrifying to me than math because I can just practice, practice, practice the exact skills beforehand (with math, I don't know what they will throw at me!).
Also, if I miss any skills, I only have to come back and repeat those specific skills, not the whole set of testable skills.
And so far, I have never had to come back to repeat a skill, so perhaps my streak will continue.
for a warm house
Like many of you, we have been dealing with much colder than usual weather (it's 10°F as I type), and I am grateful for a house that is warm.
And I'm grateful for a bed that is comfy and warm. I am never ever cold under my down comforter!
that I don't mind the cold
I know I've said this lots of times recently, but I am grateful that cold doesn't bother me terribly.
When we have a streak of weather that is unusually hot and humid, I doooooo get bothered.
But while this cold snap is not my super-duper-most-favorite thing in the world, I am just really not too pressed about it. I wear more clothes and keep on rolling.
(I know those of you in more northerly places are probably chuckling at me thinking 10° is super chilly!)
for slightly longer days
By next Saturday, the sun won't set until almost 5:30 pm.
And by the end of February, we'll be at almost 6 pm for a sunset. 🙂
that I am so close to finishing nursing school
I keep telling myself...just 16 weeks. And this time, it's not just a countdown to the end of the semester; it's a countdown to actually being done!
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be in nursing school, but I also am very ready to be an RN and to have my first college degree. 🙂
How wonderful it will be to have a life that is no longer consumed by nursing school!
But at the same time, I am going to try not to wish away these 16 weeks; there will be good and wonderful parts of this semester, and it is all part of the tapestry of my life.
Congratulations Kristen! It is final to me - you will be a nurse very soon and an excellent one!!!! Not that I ever had any doubts about it......
Congratulations, Kristen!!! (Not that any of us here had any doubts about your passing the test, but we knew you were worried about it.)
And I omitted my thankful for this week: I'm deeply thankful as always for my Betty cat. As I noted in a comment on (I think) Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of her "Gotcha Day" will be Saturday. She's been a joy and comfort to me this entire past decade, and I don't know how I would have made it through the hardest parts without her.
We got Shelly right before things really hit the fan so I've often had this same thought about her!
@A. Marie,
100% understand.My Bella and Buddy are life savers many times over and just watching their shenanigans is good for a laugh.
@A. Marie, Pets are among life's biggest comforts. Happy for Betty for you and I’m sure she feels the same.
Congratulations, Kristen!!!
This week I'm also thankful to be warm and comfortable in my place as it is so cold outside. I'm thankful to have access to so many great books in the library. I'm thankful that I managed to get some things done this morning and I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday!
Congratulations!
This week I'm thankful:
*that we have the titling and registration done on my son's car. Finally.
*for kids who do the animal chores outside in cold weather.
*for heat, hot water to make hot drinks, warm sock I got for Christmas.
*for getting better from a sickness.
*for the possibility of seeing my son's play in a few weeks. (Looooong drive to take the car to him!)
*my "new" tablecloth!!!!!! I found a very large tablecloth that actually fits our very large table hiding in my closet-- brand new. But it's white. All white. Why did I buy this? Maybe in case we did an open house for the church? But I'm beyond the state that I think white looks fancy; I realize white looks like stains after the first use. I also happened to have some blue cloth dye, so yesterday I dyed the tablecloth. It turned out exactly the way I wanted it, and it looks lovely on the table this morning.
@Jody S., I love it that you thought to dye it! I love repurposing things and making them new and pretty again.
Congratulations Kristen on passing your math exam. What a relief!
I am thankful for layers. I have walked every day despite the cold, snow, ice, etc. I am thankful for good balance and the ability to walk.
I am thankful for a warm house and bed.
I am thankful for friends, relatives, yoga, books, and other things that feed my soul.
I am thankful for Kristen's recommendation of A Well-Trained Wife. It is an eye opening book.
I am thankful DD likes to "hang out" with us on a regular basis.
This week I am thankful for
2 actual snow days, by that I mean no remote work expectations for staff or students. In our coastal community, this is rare. Most of our bad weather days are hurricane related, with remote work. Hooray for a peaceful day at home!
my husband, who I get along with most of the time. That's been helpful during the pandemic, and now on these two quiet days.
my adult children, who Facetime me a lot.
Hot coffee, my fireplace, my warm blankets and my big sofa.
how beautiful the snow looks outside and how it hushes everything for a while.
I'm allowed to take a brief break from all of the hecticness that is my worklife.
Yay Kristen! Like everyone else I'm not surprised you did well. You've worked hard. Picture me doing a happy dance!
Congratulations on passing - you will never have to be apprehensive about this test again! Not that we doubted for even an instant - but still. In the pocket!
This week I am thankful for the life of my Mother in Law. We had an intensive week following her demise at 94. Now the funeral is behind us and her apartment in the care facility has also been emptied and cleaned (which had to be done within 7 days). There are mementos for all siblings and grandchildren, and we share the memories of her long and loving life.
@JNL, 7 days! That's a very short time to expect families to deal with apartment clearing on top of all else a death requires. I'm glad you and your family were able to share keepsakes and memories and celebrate your MIL's life.
@Suz, my thoughts exactly. We had until the end of the month to clean out his apartment (a couple in the building took the largest piece of furniture that we would have had to move) BUT we could pay another month (we're talking maybe $500) if we didn't. He'd already downsized into the apartment, which was not all that large. Had enough family/friends to get it done in a few hours.
Aww, I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like she lived her life well!
Yay, you! Not surprised, but relieved and happy with you at your math result.
Thankfuls:
--That the metal that got in my son's eye while he was grinding metal in shop class yesterday got itself out, even if it did scratch his eye.
--That I had my car with me at school yesterday--I typically ride the bus in with my husband the bus driver and all my kids and so don't have a car at work--so when I got the call about his eye, we just got right in the car and headed to the emergency room (90 miles away).
--For insurance that will cover this visit.
--For my husband, who had been caring for our sick daughter all day (who was Very Displeased that I was gone all day), and drove the school bus, picked up our one son from basketball, fed everyone, and was doing the dishes when I got home right at bedtime.
--That today is the last day of the school week and not a work day for me. Hooray, weekend. We need it.
@kristin @ going country, Wow! Sounds like you have a good husband doing all of that while you were taking care of emergency. Glad no damage to son's eye.
@kristin @ going country,
OMG, what a day you had! Glad to hear your son with the eye injury is going to be OK. Hope your daughter gets well soon, also.
Well done, Kristen!! Excited for you as you wrap up the final stretch of nursing school. Thanks for taking us along on your journey!
Thankful for a heated home (it is COLD outside!!).
Thankful for modern appliances like washing machines, dishwasher, ovens and microwaves that make life much easier.
Thankful for our dog who really loves to snuggle.
Thankful for volleyball- the joy of the game and exercise and friends involved (and glad that my gradually aging body can still play).
Thankful that each kid is currently in a good place. Not a given, especially considering they're all teenagers. We're consciously savoring this season with them.
You guys, y'all have a wonderful week!! 😉
@PD, I see what y'all did there! I love someone who can take a theme and run with it. ;-}
@JDinNM, 🙂
@PD,
Lol!
Congratulations Kristen!! I'm thankful that you are taking us along with you on your nursing school journey!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! ALL THE CAPS!!!
Tuesday our high was zero degrees F! The wind chill made it even worse, so the school districts decided it was unsafe for kids to walk to school or wait at the bus stop, and the students had an e-learning day. Thinking back to the 2020-21 school year and all those painful zoom classes, I was grateful my kids are already versed in the ways of having class online.
Along with the cold theme, I’m thankful for a functional furnace, an easy to turn on gas fireplace, small heating pads, and a fluffy dog who loves going outside even when it’s bitterly cold! It’s great to just open the back door and let him out to potty without me having to bundle up and drag him out there.
@JenRR, I over-trained my dog as a puppy and now I have to go outside with her every.darn.time. Because she has to hear "What a good puppy, Maisie!" And she's 5 1/2 now. 0 degrees? Yes. 100 degrees? Yes.
@JDinNM, my Goldie Dog is the same way. She became very fearful a few years ago after the death of our sweet old dachshund who raised her. Now she refuses to leave the house unless I go with her and wait around while she does her business, and then she dashes back inside.
@JDinNM, Still with all the empathy. It does not matter how many times I tell Chester Arthur that I do not have a fur coat, I am outside in the single digits watching him do his thing
@Diane, The things we do for our pets....
@JDinNM, Aww. She loves your company and praise. For me, getting my dog back inside is the real challenge! There’s too many sniffs to sniff outside.
Glad you're looking forward to the being present during your last semester of nursing school. Enjoy your time & so proud of all that you have accomplished.
Thankful for our house & heat!!!
Thankful our vehicles sustained the Polar Vortex extreme cold without damage. Yesterdays feels like -32* makes me nervous for long term effects of cold without much snow as insulator. Though I'm not wishing or asking for more snow, just to be clear. Especially since NOAA recently said Michigan is expected to be very snowy for month of February. Of course the weatherman gets paid weather right or wrong.
Thankful school & college were smart enough to cancel classes during the extreme cold. Plus road conditions were/are not great (many wrecks/slide offs & NO salt on roads as too cold & won't work).
Thankful for teen silliness & making us (rescue dogs & myself) laugh.
Thankful my dad is having more good days than bad. Though I'm a little concerned about him getting Covid shot while doing Chemo.
**Kristen--do you know if Covid shot affects blood panel tests while looking at levels/numbers of PH, white blood cells & other things I'm not sure of names/title?
Thankful for funny videos that make me laugh. 😉
Thankful for my leaf blower which makes quick work of lightweight snow. Pretty sure neighbors think I've lost it hearing/seeing me with leaf blower blowing snow.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we can learn & share from each other.
Have a great weekend.
I am not a doctor (and not even a registered nurse yet!), but based on what I know from just operating in the world as an adult human: the chemo is gonna have much bigger effects on your dad's blood test results than any vaccination he might get.
As far as I know, there are no recommendations to avoid having blood draws or other screenings after routine vaccinations, so that leads me to believe there's not a significant effect from vaccinations.
Your dad's oncology team could hopefully answer this much better than I could, though. If you are concerned about something, it's worth bringing up and asking about, even if it's just so you can end up with a reassuring explanation.
@Regina,
No, as a cancer patient as well as my husband who has peritoneal mesolthilioma, Covid vaccines are not going to affect blood counts. If his WBC and hemoglobin are low though he should wait till they have rcovered from the recent treatment, otherwise, it's fine.
Glad you did well on your test! Won't be long now, Nurse Kristen! A very bright future is ahead!
1. In substitute teaching, I have the option to stay home some days, and I've been exercising this option during the cold snap. Yesterday, I subbed but today I can snuggle in bed with the covers on and not have to deal with 20-degree mornings or roadways slick with precipitation.
2. For the natural gas "fireplace" heater that allows me to be toasty warm in the den without running the furnace all over the house.
3. Meeting like-minded people in this time of confusion.
4. Hot coffee.
5. The community we have on this blog and on Non Consumer Advocate. Sending my love to all members of the Commentariat! All over the nation and world!
You go girl!!! So proud of you for passing your test!
Whew! I knew you would do it, but yes, that’s a harrowing test when you can only get 2 wrong.SOO glad that is behind you forever!! I hope you cherish your last 16 weeks of school..my nursing school days are some of my finest memories! But then,getting out there to WORK, get a PAYCHECK and entering that new identity as an R.N. is stunningly satisfying too!! After all that hard work.
It’s cold in Phoenix also (comparatively) and we had to cover our plants in the nightime this past few days.. but not complaining! I prefer heat to cold but as I have gotten older,appreciate all of it, every day has something to cherish..love your nature photos from your walks!
CONGRATS again on getting DONE FOREVER with the math test!!!!
Congratulations, Kristen! What a relief to know the end is in sight for school, though as you said, it's good to savor every chapter in life, even a little more stressful ones.
This week I'm thankful my son took his first college-level class. It's been a long time coming, and he seems to be on a good path now. (Not that his path was bad before, but a 5-year gap since high school has started to feel heavy for someone who wants to go to college.)
Congratulations, Kristen! I'm thrilled for you, as I am with all of your accomplishments.
Congrats!!! The dreaded math test is behind you!!! Wooooo
YES. And I never have to do it again!
YAY!! Way to go, Kristen! We never doubted you'd pass! Btw, how many tickets do you get for graduation? You know we all want to come. 😉
Sadly, I get just a handful! We are squeezed for space because it is such an enormous program at my school.
But of course I will share pictures!
@Kristen, That's usually the case. We'll look forward to the pix. Sorry I missed my "i" this morning.
Congratulations Kristen! Happy Dance time!
This week I am thankful for:
1. The silk long underwear I got on sale last spring, it certainly came in handy these past few days.
2. The bus driver who waited a moment for me to hobble along to the stop and catch his bus so I didn't have to wait in the cold for the next bus.
3. The heating pad I found that covers my shoulders and all the way down my back. It helps relax my tight shoulders and ease my lower back pain at the same time. It feels especially nice on these bone-chillingly cold days.
4. Hot cocoa at this time of year.
5. A warm and cozy bed to sleep in. I will never take that for granted.
Congratulations, Kristen! I have terrible math anxiety and was feeling anxious for you.
Thankful today that it's going to warm up just a bit, for snuggly dogs, sleeping better, and cozy new pajamas. Minor stuff, but it's nice.
Woot! Woot! It won’t long now and you will be The Frugal Girl, RN. A wonderful accomplishment!
I’m thankful that today is much warmer than yesterday.
I’m thankful that in only 45 days the sun will set at 7:00pm.
I’m thankful that the cold brought a myriad of water birds to shelter in the lagoons near my home including a flock of white pelicans which are quite rare here.
Wishing you all peace, good health, prosperity.
Haha, wouldn't that be funny if my work badge said The Frugal Girl?
@Bee,
The birders in your area must be going bananas! 🙂
Major congratulations for passing this last test! We all knew you would but are so glad to have it confirmed, along with you. How will you celebrate?
I’m thankful for my family. Two sons who worked hard to earn distinguished college degrees (Kristen mentioning this made me think). They have major careers now in their chosen fields and, perhaps more importantly, lovely families. And each have adorable pets, too! They are the perfect package when combined with a dear DS who is everything to me and to the boys. Thank you, Universe, for these comforts.
@ErikaJS, I always love all of your comments (so kind and encouraging), but the one yesterday about the nurse listening to your explanation made me laugh out loud!
Congrats on your math grade and freedom from math tests!!
I'm grateful for a warm house, also. Such a simple but important pleasure (and need, actually.)
I'm grateful for my colleagues, who are always kind.
I'm grateful for my therapist, for her excitement when I'm doing well and her support when I need it.
I'm grateful that I have everything I need right now. I don't need to go shopping for anything, I can just stay bundled up in my warm house until I run out of produce 🙂
Wow, you have almost a nurse! Your hard work will pay off!
I am grateful for my healthy body (thanks for your post earlier this week, I was reminded of that). I haven't had colds this winter (which is super unusual for me) so far. Since I am expecting, they regularily check my blood and everything is a-okay. What a blessing! My blood pressure is perfect, too. I remember times when this wasn't so.
Woohoo! Good blood pressure in pregnancy is such a blessing.
curious when you are going to start applying for a post-school job/ if you already have? are you willing to move for the perfect position, or do you plan on sticking locally to where you are?
My clinical manager at my hospital is gonna let me know when applications open up; it'll be sometime during this semester, which is interesting because I obviously won't be graduated yet!
I will likely work locally while I finish up my BSN and get my nurse legs under me and then maybe I can consider some other locations, or maybe even some travel nursing.
Math exam congratulations! Having dealt with medical a lot more than I'd like to the last couple months, I know how much difference a good nurse can make, especially while in the hospital.
Thankful for a warm house and hot water. The shouse we built is double insulated so electric has been under $150 a month (includes heat & hot water).
Medical - husband got an infusion that will hopefully help prevent him from getting c-diff again.
That we live on 10 acres where I can walk and view nature.
Ability to buy good, nutrient dense food.
That daughter found a place on Maui that would fit our needs for a trip in June. Having a Husband with PD makes things a little more difficult.
Yay that you passed the math test. I knew you would, but such a high-stakes test would have me nervous, too.
Like so many in the northern hemisphere, I'm thankful for a warm house.
I'm thankful for the photos our nieces texted of our grand-nieces and grand-nephews playing in the snow in Texas.
For my chiropractor, who relieved the back pain I suffered after a slip on the ice. I'm feeling much better now.
For hot tea and hot cocoa.
For the birds that come to my feeders each day.
Congratulations! You are so close to the finish line! And from someone just coming out of a polar vortex, 10 degrees is still very cold!
This week I am thankful for:
• Last week’s weeklong vacation with my husband. We spend almost 24 hours a day together when we are vacation and I find myself missing him when we get back to daily life. He’s a business owner and works more hours than there are in a week so our vacation time together is that much sweeter.
• My husband’s job gives me the luxury to do something I love. Working for a non-profit doesn’t afford me a large paycheck but I am able to work somewhere I really enjoy.
• After listening to my coworkers yesterday, I am so thankful not to have to pay for childcare anymore. It was a very expensive season for our family. Teens come with their own costs so I will be thankful once all school related expenses are done.
• We picked up our puppy from bootcamp yesterday! He brings so much joy to our family.
• My teen has a new hobby that he’s excited about. It’s fun to watch him grow and try new things!
• A warm house! Temps in our area were well below zero earlier this week, it was so cold they cancelled school and my office requested that we all work from home.
@Geneva, "Working for a non-profit doesn’t afford me a large paycheck but I am able to work somewhere I really enjoy." I always told my kids that if you hate your job, it doesn't matter how much they pay you.
Thankful for flocks of seagulls flying overhead in the morning.
Seagulls in landlocked New Mexico, you ask?
Yes, New Mexico has seagull flocks, including ring-billed gulls, also known as Chesapeake Bay gulls. We often see them in the winter migrating through New Mexico along the Rio Grande, which is a migratory route for an enormous variety of birds. It’s a beautiful sight. And they’re not as loud as the Canada geese!
And thankful it was 11 and not 3 degrees outside this morning. Not that you can really tell the difference....
@JDinNM,
We get ring-billed gulls up here in Ohio, usually in the summer. How cool to see them in flocks in NM!
This week I'm thankful for-
1. That I was able to easily reschedule delivery of our new secondary fridge yesterday which was out for delivery. DH, who's never sick, was up sick during the night and was ill every way possible! He was going to need to be available to assist with getting the old fridge out and it wasn't possible. Customer service was wonderful and it's now coming next Tuesday. Costco for the win!
2. That I had a few cans of ginger ale on hand. It was the only thing that DH could stomach and he said it greatly helped. I keep a few cans on hand for this very reason since we don't normally drink it.
3. That it's only 57 days until spring! Yeah!
4. That DH was able to get an appointment with our PCP for this morning!
5. So very thankful for the words of Bishop Mariann Budde. Speaking truth to power is desperately needed in these times.
@Kim in Maryland, your #5 - and she spoke from the heart, not just talking the talk. Which sad to say, is sorely missing from all too houses of worship.
@Kim in Maryland, we have a dedicated "barf center" in our pantry that contains ginger ale and saltine crackers.
@Kim in Maryland
P.S. Thank you for mentioning Bishop Mariann Budde. Mercy.
@Kim in Maryland, My grandmother ALWAYS gave us warm ginger ale is we were feeling poorly. I will always pair Ginger ale with being sick.
@Kim in Maryland, Amen to #2 & #5!
@Kim in Maryland, amen on 5!
So glad you passed your math test!!
And very happy for you that you’re closing in on the finish line for your nursing degree.
I’m so thankful for an upcoming visit with our grandson. He’s 2 1/2 and growing so fast. I feel like we’re missing so much but at least he’s only a little more than an hour away so that’s not too far for visits.
Thankful for a beginners dance class tomorrow night. We don’t like going out in this cold weather but we do love dancing. It’s good sometimes to get back to basics and meet new people while we’re at it.
So thankful for all the birds at our bird feeders. We’re glad to help with their winter survival.
Yay Kristen! We knew you could do it! What a relief that is for you!
Do I have thanksgivings? You bet I do.
1. I'm thankful my bosses called for a snow day yesterday. They kind of had to, because many areas had travel bans, but they were going to do it anyway.
2. I'm thankful that I made it to work today, although I waited until it was 8:30 to start, so the light would be good. It's still in the 30'sF as I write this, so the ice and snow isn't melting, but some of it cleared yesterday in some areas. The high yesterday at my house was 35F. Last night was mid-20's, and we will have that again tonight. I AM living in Florida, right? I'm not mixed up, am I?
(Check your maps; places like Havana, Florida had 4.5 inches of snow. Blountstown, FL had 6 inches. Places in extreme south Georgia had up to 8 inches)
3. I'm thankful my area didn't lose power! I'm thankful there are fewer trees around our houses - the only advantage of 3 hurricanes in a row that I can think of - so that the ice-burdened limbs around me were falling from trees in the woods proper, not on power lines, fences, cars, sheds or houses.
4. I'm thankful that I finally, at long last, got a pitcher (hand-powered) pump installed at my well, so if the power is out, I can pump my own water. Hallelujah!
5. Finally, I'm thankful that my family is safe and staying warm, the young grandkids had a blast playing in the snow, and I had what I needed without having to go anywhere. I didn't have to run to stores to panic-buy, I just came home and stayed home.
@JD, 8 inches? When I lived in Philadelphia, one winter we got 36 inches in 24 hours. The City deployed a flotilla of dump trucks to pick it up and dump it off the bridge over the Schuylkill River. So much snow it turn into a ski slope from the bridge down to the river. And then the EPA made them stop, because of all the pollutants in snow scraped off city streets. And remember Philadelphia was founded in 1682 so the streets in Center City aren't exactly wide enough to accommodate snow plows. Pedestrians? Yes. Bicycles? Yes. Horses? Yes. Carriages? Some. Snow plows? Nah.
Congratulations to you Kristen - I echo all the others....I never had any doubts about you passing any exam and I have all the confidence in the world that you will make an exceptional nurse!
1. Thankful for provision in every way. We have a home, warmth, food, clothes on our backs, clean water and fresh air. There are so many in the world right now who would count those simple things as abundant blessings.
2. For all the many things that are holding me together - worship, therapy, prayer, faith, family, & coffee - always coffee and prayer.
3. For quiet time and fires burning in the fireplace this week, card games, video games and family time this week as snow fell and school were closed.
4. For excellent insurance benefits that help us stay in good health.
5. For a healthy, strong body that gets me through workouts, long days, & all the energy required for caring for my family.
I am thankful for my morning coffee.
I am thankful for that my mother's health seems to be improving. (She has been hospitalized twice this year!)
I am thankful for my Bible study group and their support.
I am thankful that we did not get our power shut off during the recent windstorms. Many of our friends lost power for days.
I am not at all surprised that you passed and what a relief for you.
I am highly grateful that all the wine racks (which came with the house) sold. It took a lot of work to find someone to manage the sale but when I did, it took 10 days from taking photos to getting them out of my house.
For a few highly productive days. Some days that's like pulling teeth, other days it's easy. I'm always grateful when it's easy.
Well done, Kristen! The finish line is within sight now! I’m sure I can safely say we will all celebrate your graduation day from afar, but it will be such a happy day!
Thankful for a warm, comfy home and a good book to read on the frigid days in Maine.
Thankful for a fully stocked pantry and freezer so we don’t have to leave the house on below zero days.
Thankful for a husband who is a good cook and a cheerful partner, who makes me laugh over silly things.
Thankful that all our appliances are in good working order, even though they don’t match! I am not into consumerism just to have the latest, greatest “thing” out there. I much prefer appliances and vehicles with less bells and whistles as they seem easier to operate and repair. In my opinion, anyway.
Thankful that I got to snuggle my nieces new baby last weekend. She is small, soft and sweet, and she smells so good! The latest addition to our large family, and she is loved!
Congratulations! I’ve always enjoyed your posts and perspective on things but lately they’ve had an extra little sparkle ✨ Thanks so much for continue to share this time with us. You’ll be the best nurse!
Aww, that makes me happy to hear. I love that some sparkle is coming through!
@Kristen, I just love that description of you! So glad, Rebecca, that you pointed this out.
It made me smile because sometimes when I tell people about my divorce, I end with, "and then I got my sparkle back!" 🙂
Whew, good for you!
This week I am especially grateful for:
- The access to - and money for - healthy and delicious food
- Good health (as far as I know)
- Smart people who take climate change seriously and are doing what they can for the future of our planet. (I'm mentioning this to express appreciation, not to debate.)
- All the work that's being done on our house while we're away
- The warm weather in Arizona compared to Minnesota
Congrats!!!!!
So much in life is just showing up. School, jobs,relationships, everything, you just gotta be there and it gets done.
Plodding along, one step at a time is the basis of everything. All the prizes, the accolades and attentions are just window dressing and froo-frou. A simple one foot in front of the other baby step eventually gets you out the door and into the day. “It’s as easy as rolling off a log” I don’t know who wrote that but it keeps playing in my head today. Every path leads you somewhere and if you don’t want to be there change directions and set a new course. Shakespeare said “ may he who hath the steerage of my course direct my sail” You are the captain of your ship, you set your sail and choose where to point your toes today. Word up.lol
It is true; the consistency of showing up to class, doing the homework, doing the prep work, doing the practice, and so on, is what gets you to the finish line.
This week I am thankful . . .
-For clean, plentiful water despite the fact that our hot water heater line froze. We had a water crisis here in Richmond a few weeks ago where we spent several days without a drop of water. It was hard and a little scary. We flushed the toilet with melted snow, and drank water that the city distributed to residents. We had to come up with meals that could be cooked in the air fryer with no dishwashing needed. Everything was sticky all the time. It was terrible. So when our hot water froze Tuesday night we thought, eh, could be worse.
-For puzzles. Now that the kids are old enough to just play by themselves for a while after dinner, our evenings have become a little less hectic. My husband and I started spending a lovely half hour on the front porch most nights after dinner until it got just too cold to sit outside comfortably. We weren't really sure how to fill that time in a way that was relaxing in January. Then we started a puzzle over Christmas and decided to just work doing a puzzle into our routine. This week we finished a puzzle that we started early in the pandemic (before life got really hard and exhausting for us and we had to put it aside) and pulled out a new one.
-Some prospects. Our income took several hits last year because of multiple factors. We were getting worried at the end of 2024, but this year already things have picked up. I'm in the process of interviewing for three jobs, any of which would be great. Our business has picked back up. And we have two prospective tenants for our commercial space. It could all come crashing down, but it might also work out.
@Amanda in VA, all I have to offer is to plan for the worst and hope for the best.
So excited for you, Kristen! You are really close.
1) Thankful that DS17 got into one of his top colleges. It was really competitive, so he's thrilled.
2) Grateful for so many great friends & family in my life. I feel super blessed.
3) I say this semi regularly, but I will never not be thankful for freezer leftovers during weeks we are busy.
4) Getting a chance to catch up with friends at high school soccer games. I will really miss this next year.
5) For enough money saved that helping dS17 think through his college selection isn't an incredibly stressful process & that money isn't the only factor we're considering.
@Hawaii Planner, #4 -- parents graduate, too!
Congratulations Kristen! I knew you'd pass.
Congratulations, Kristen! I'm not surprised at the result, but am happy that stress has been removed from your shoulders.
I'm thankful that I am now permanent in my new job - since I moved over 600 miles to take the job. There were no concerns coming up to the 6 month review, but it's a relief to know that I'm no longer considered a probationary employee.
Congratulations! Enjoy your last 16 weeks before your career takes off!
Congrats!!! Treat yourself to a latte!
Congratulations on the math exam Kristen!
Thankfuls:
- I'm thankful I felt a little better yesterday afternoon so I could go and help DD with the grandbaby. We love him to pieces, just not that he shared the daycare crude with us all.
- I'm thankful that DH takes such good care of me. I couldn't sleep last night because I was so congested, so he went to the pharmacy as soon as it opened to get a decongestant for me.
- I'm thankful my job is flexible and I could take a sick day.
- I'm thankful my new car has heated seats and steering wheel. Our temperatures have unusually cold all week. Also glad DH drove my car to work while I stayed home sick so he could be warm and toasty.
- I'm thankful for a warm house.
Yippee!
Yay for passing that math test and putting it behind you!
At the beginning of the week, looking at the weather forecast, I was a little apprehensive. But I'm happy to say that I am...
1. Thankful that the outside temps have risen from a mere 4 degrees to 26 degrees F as I type. I actually see water dripping outside my office window!
2. Thankful that the forecast looks like we will have temps above freezing during the day beginning on Saturday!
3. Thankful that we didn't have strong winds with this cold snap!
4. Thankful for space heaters at work! The boiler died last week, and we were left scrambling for a warm solution! We wore layers, toe warmers, and had lots of hot soup to help take the edge off!
5. Thankful along with you, Kristen that the daylight hours are getting longer every day!
So I guess it's obvious that I'm not a fan of cold weather! I lover spring the best of all! My coworker and I were just discussing spring flowers!
I was 3 weeks away from completing my diploma to bsn when I interviewed for a position that required a bsn. When asked if I had one. I said no but I will in 3 weeks if I don’t kill any patient and that is hard to do in a psych rotation.
I got the job and started on the day commencement was happening. Really enjoyed that job and made a lot of good friends That was in 1979. 10 years after I graduated from my diploma school.
Only took me 4 years to get my masters
Congrats Kristen! Knowing how daunting I find the math right now in my own courses, I am impressed.
Today I'm thankful
For the lovely sunrise as DS#2 and I drove to our first chem lab
That my adult son is not embarrassed at all to be his mom's lab partner
For a monumentally patient DH who helps me with what is probably very, very basic math (significant figures will be the death of me)
For Baron von Fluffenhausen, who always manages to make me laugh. He is learning that he cannot expect us to get up for the day just because I may go to the bathroom at 5 am...when I went back to bed he thought seriously about nibbling my hair, I could tell, but then thought better of it and curled up at the foot of the bed to wait for the light to go on and the day to start.
That I am ONLY taking Chem and Chem Lab this term.
That I did take Chemistry back in high school and college so at least I have a passing familiarity with the periodic table and atomic structure. Still.
That it is somewhat warmer today and promises to get warmer next week.
That our pipes have yet to burst.
Congratulations on your exam!!! You are almost there, May is just around the corner. I totally understand being excited about longer days, I love 75 kms north of Montréal in the Laurentians. Every little minute counts .
Congratulations on passing your test! Wahoo!!!
I, too, am thankful for a warm house! We had to call the HVAC person twice in the last 3 weeks. The first time we ended up replacing the thermostat with a smart thermostat, which should eventually pay for itself as we can adjust the heat from our phones rather than reprogram the thing. The second visit replaced a broken sensor. Fortunately, our house is well insulated and we were only slightly uncomfortable. And, he came within hours of our calls.
I’m thankful for a weekly visit with a friend. We get together and knit/crochet. Her house or mine. BYOL or shared food.
I’m thankful for my support people … a spiritual director, especially.
Although, it’s cold for my neck of the woods, I’m so grateful for the sunshine!
I’m grateful for those who speak out!
Congratulations on your test. I understand the theory behind it being imperative that nurses don’t make med mistakes, but pharmacy sends the drugs in the ordered route, amt., etc. Rarely are you needing to convert to drams, tsp., ml. And someone would happily check your math if we were suddenly thrust back to those days: so many checks & balances available. When I was working FT, we couldn’t give insulin w/out someone double checking the order, the bottle, & the amt. A lot of blah blah on my end to say well done & to commiserate that the requirement strikes me as unnecessarily harsh.
I know, it does seem a little bit silly to me to have these expectations for us. It doesn't really translate to the real world!
@Kristen,
I think a lot of these requirements are just intended to “thin the herd” so to speak. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it makes your degree much more valuable because it is very difficult to get.
Nurses are so very important that I kind of want this to be a very difficult degree to earn and a difficult license to keep!
The instructors swear up and down they're not trying to weed people out...but who knows??
@Kristen, it might if you decide to pursue NP/ANP - aka those who can write Rx.
I’m so thankful for my last dog- he’s 15 but doing well and keeps me company
For my great divorce lawyer. I wish I didn’t need him but since I do, I’m glad he’s so competent and has my back.
For neighbors behind me, who share their woods and let me walk and snowshoe back there in this glorious, but cold, weather
These longer days are helping my mood, and even though it tends to be quite gray in western Michigan we’ve had a decent amount of sun poking through!
For the Libby app on my Kindle and how efficient it is to get interesting things to read all the time
I will always be grateful for the good genes that my parents blessed me with.
I’m 61 years old, move every day, take no medication and while I’m a little stiffer some mornings than I used to be, I am happy every day to get up and use this body and understand that not everybody is so fortunate
Also forgot to congratulate Kristen! I know you were anxious and I know we were all rooting for you and I’m glad that all your studying paid off!
Thankful
that I have my "new" laptop back and it seems to be running, although I did lose all the reports I had completed. I am capable of going back and redoing the 12 reports due 1/30/25.
that I have a warm coat and boots and home.
that I was able to use my snowshoes this week. I bought them 2 yrs ago and only used them once in my backyard--then the snow was gone.
that I was able to donate blood this morning.
@jeg,
Kristen--Congratulations on your test results.
I'm wondering where you set your thermostat? We set the thermostat for 55 at night which is fine because we have warm blankets and I always sleep best in a warm bed but cold room. During the day it's set at 63, and we bundle up, but sometimes I wimp out and turn it up to 66, and sometimes, in the last half hour before bed, I turn it up to 68. I feel terribly guilty doing this, and contrite when our astronomical bills come in! We have a gas powered forced air furnace.
We visited the northeast US many years ago and I was boiling because most places were kept in the mid 70's. I keep hearing about people there complaining about fuel bills in that region, but at the same time, they seem to keep their homes and businesses warmer than we do. And our bills are huge in the winter. We have no AC, so bills are low in the summer, but it's often in the 100's and miserable without AC.
It doesn't get THAT cold where I live in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay Area. It can get to freezing at night, but daytime it's usually 50's or 60's, occasionally in the high 40's. No snow. And it doesn't get as cold as when I first moved to the area 45 years ago--I remember some days back then when puddles froze over at night and never melted during the day if they didn't get direct sun.
My landlord's hired furnace guy instructed me to keep it at the same temp 24/7 (we have oil powered hot water baseboard heat). I have it at 67 all the time, and that's ok if I am running around, but I do get chilly when I sit for hours doing schoolwork.
My house is a little drafty from the old windows, so I don't know if that makes a difference in how cold it feels?
If I had my druthers, I'd turn it down overnight because I don't need 67 degrees once I'm under my covers!
I enjoy winter weather and we've sure been getting it in west Michigan this past week! Thankful for winter weather that allows me to go snowshoeing .... that despite the awful roads on Monday, we were able to get our daughter back to college ... that my husband made it home safely from chaperoning a middle school retreat (the bus battery didn't get charged properly), that we had a great young adult group meeting/event last Saturday, and our attendance is growing ... that I could have my niece and her little ones over today--they have been off from school all week due to the weather and are getting cabin fever. Oh, and also thankful that I don't have macular degeneration, even though I do have other vision issues. That's a big relief.
Whoo hoo, Kristen! Congratulations on slaying that math test!
10 degrees sounds really nice. Kids couldn’t go outside for recess because the windchill was below the district benchmark of -18F, and that was about 30 degrees warmer than earlier this week.
-I’m thankful I have the resources to acquire appropriate outdoor gear for the North.
-I’m thankful for awesome pillows and blankets.
-for the awesome paraprofessional team I work with. I learn so much from them and am thankful for their steady, consistent presence in a underappreciated field.
-for catching up with a friend I haven’t seen in months.
-for the beauty and quiet of fresh fallen snow.
whoo hoo frugal girl rn almost. you go girl. congrats and a million mazel tovs.
I can scarcely believe that you are almost done with nursing school! Congrats on the math test.
I bet it flies by faster when you are not the one in school. Ha.
And thank you!
Wow! Just 16 weeks left! It seems like not that long ago that we were all excited for you to get started. Way to go!!
This week I'm thankful:
* for the bonus couple of days off of school that we got. It was really nice to have a 5-day weekend!
* that I'm not overwhelmed by my house right now. We have been ripping up carpet and refinishing the hardwood underneath for the last few years - little by little - and tomorrow we rent the sander to do our living room. The final room! I've been kind of dreading this room for a long time because of the inconvenience, but now that we're almost there it doesn't seem so bad. I have a couch in my dining room and other furniture scattered about, but we got our house really clean prior to this, which has made it all easier to handle. We'll see how I feel in 5 days, though. 😉
* for all the kind things people have said about my husband at the job he recently left. I still work there part-time and people have been so kind.
* that my daughter is having a really good month. She had some big anxiety struggles in the last quarter of 2024 and ever since Christmas she seems to be back to her normal self. I'm so, so thankful for this!!
* I know I've said this before, but I'm so thankful for our community. Having been in one place for ten years has bred such great relationships and it's such a gift.
Very late to the party. So glad, Kristen for the results on your math test! Congratulations! Smooth sailing here on out!
Thankful it has "warmed up" in our region to the 20's. Not a fan of single digits or below.
Thankful for Molly, in spite of the fact she seems to forget why she's taking a periodic run outdoors
Thankful I got a cooking spurt last night. Food choices! More nutritionally sound than "scrapping."
Thankful for my work. I am currently working opposite of a worker that actually helps with the paper work so I am not left with catching it up the days I am there.
Thankful for a car that is not afraid of cold weather. It is a blessing to have reliable transportation.
This week has felt incredibly slow to me for some reason. I have a lot to be thankful for though!
-sunshine on cold winter days (and very good heated house)
-grocery delivery: I don’t drive and would really prefer to not walk for my groceries on winter
-being physically active: I fell on the ice today and it could’ve been SO much worse. I am sore and humbled, but ice/rest & caution will go a long way for healing.
-friends to run errands with
-my cozy down comforter & bed
-our local buy nothing group! I was gifted a free espresso machine and it’s in good condition.
Congrats Kristen and I had no doubts about your ability to pass the test.
Thankful for an angioplasty that turned out to be clear so no new stent for me in my heart arteries.
Thankful for nice nurses...I'm sure you'll be one of them Kristen!
Gross but thankful that having a catheter inserted to help my bursting bladder. I just couldn't use the tampon like thing between my legs this time.
Thankful for my wonderful, loving husband who came to the hospital with me and waited all those long hours.
Thankful that I have a warm house and warm bed.
Thankful for having things in the house to eat for supper so we don't have to do takeout after a long day.
Ohhh, yes, we use the suction external catheters (Purewicks) at my hospital all the time!
I'm so glad you had nice nurses. Yay!
So glad for you acing your math test & all of the other good stuff, like being in the home stretch of school. I’ve been recovering from a stroke & reading your blog is one of my bright spots! Thank you!
Oh I am so sorry to hear of your stroke! But I am glad my blog has been entertaining you as you recover.
Congratulations on math test!!! And 16 weeks!!! It will pass quickly. So thrilled for you!
1 - financial means - raised by those who at a minimum lived at if not below their means.
2 - farmer genes/depression influence to keep items that still have use. Will be donating some this weekend
3 - a MIL who raised her son (my better half) to not only be a man but one that has life skills. And continues to be a good father to our kids. Both have good better halves.
4 - for parents who raised me to not be a freakin' doormat
5 - for a father who accepts he's not getting any younger and should not be driving in the part of the large town that is busy and does not lack for drivers with poor skills/time management.
Congrats on the math test. My dad did not let me take the easy route in math. I also did not let my kiddos. This is why the p* boys want to kill DEI. Sorry, just because you are a white male doesn't you get a pass.
Do you will have an Associate’s degree when you finish?
Yep! It’s an ADN nursing degree and I will be a full fledged RN after I pass the NCLEX. I will then enroll in an online BSN program to get my four year degree. But that part is far easier from what I hear!
The end is in sight!!!
I'm late to the party but I'm sending a sheet of gold star stickers and a cake bursting with confetti virtually your way.
Enjoy this moment and congrats on all that hard work and dedication paying off <3
Thank you!
No kitties included in the Thankful Thursday post - blasphemy! LOL!
Hooray for no more of these math tests! Keep up the great work!
I'm thankful:
-That I just figured out how to text from my laptop. My mom decided to stop using fb messenger, and our texts can get pretty long. It's much more efficient to type on a real keyboard!
-Along the same lines, for a computer mouse! Young people now in general have no idea of the efficiency/ease/comfort of using a real mouse! 😉
-For my classes - generally full of great kids. Some I already knew and it's great to have them in class again. Some I'm getting to know and many of them are just such awesome people. I love interacting with them and seeing their growth.
-For oncology yoga - a recent discovery at my YMCA is this class. Can't do full regular yoga yet, and the modifications/movements in this class are EXACTLY what I need!
-For a great conversation yesterday with one of the YMCA staff. All great people there and so easy to talk to.