Thankful Thursday | I wore shorts!
This week, I am thankful:
for the super warm day last week
It was an anomaly and probably won't be repeated for a while, but...it was so warm, I sat out on my front steps in shorts to drink my coffee!
that the IRS did finally answer the phone
I needed to get some tax payment paperwork for my accountant, so I bravely took on the task of calling the IRS.
I was on hold for about an hour, but they did finally answer AND the lady who answered was able to find the paper I needed and get it mailed.
Yay!
I thanked her profusely. 🙂
for the option to use speaker phone while on hold
During my hour of hold time, I just put my phone on speaker and I got all kinds of other computer-related tasks done.
for the time to cram for my CLEP test
I'm glad this "Oh, you actually do need college algebra!" news wasn't dropped on me in the midst of a busy school semester.
I don't have any other classes right now, so I've just been doing oodles of algebra practice in hopes of passing the CLEP test next week.
I figure that even if I don't pass the test and I end up having to sign up for an actual algebra class, the cramming I'm doing right now will make the class easier.
for the years of homeschooling math
As it is, I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed by the CLEP practice problems I'm getting; I cannot imagine trying to navigate this without the advantage of having taught high school algebra to all my kids.
for my reliable car
My Toyota minivan is over ten years old now, and in that time, it has seriously not had one single mechanical problem.
It has needed routine maintenance stuff, of course, but aside from that, I have spent no money fixing it, and I am grateful.
It is such a serious blessing when you never have to think, "Hmm, I wonder if my car will start today."
I doooo still hope to get my dream car (a Honda Civic) one day, but for now, my minivan is working just fine.
that daylight saving time starts soon
I don't like this switching-back-and-forth thing we keep doing, but I do really love having daylight at dinnertime after the switch.
March 12th is the date this year, and that's a week from Sunday!
that it's March now
This is a month when we will start to see my part of the world turn a little bit green, and I am happy about that.
I've been noticing and appreciating any bits of winter green that I see on my walks (holly trees! mosses! some hardy ferns!) but it'll be nice to have more and more green to appreciate.
I'm especially looking forward to watching the ferns unfurl; I really enjoyed that last spring!
I am thankful for new pictures of my seven month old great nephew. He lives many states away but I enjoy seeing pictures of the happy and curious child.
I am thankful for seeing daffodils (along with snow drops and crocus) and blooming trees. It is not normal but since I can't change it I'm just enjoying the scenery.
I am thankful for Freecycle. It's wonderful to be able to share directly with the community the items we don't need/want that others can use.
I'm thankful that it is a quiet week at our house. It gives me time to do maintenance tasks.
I'm thankful my sister's eye procedure went well yesterday.
I'm thankful for general good health. I do not take it for granted.
This week I am thankful for:
1. There is new growth coming up out of the pot on my snake plant. Even though it's an indoor plant it still reminds me that spring is on the way.
2. That the snow cleared up in time for my doctor's appointment. Walking is tricky for me right now.
3. That my grocery store has delicious soda bread on sale. I can't make it myself right now and their price is reasonable.
4. Books, always thankful for books to entertain, educate, and inspire wonder and awe.
5. Mary Oliver's poetry, especially the piece "Sleeping in the Forest." Such beautiful imagery.
Kristen, that hold time was significantly more than an hour but I'm glad you got what you needed and could do other things in the mean time.
* I too am thankful for a reliable older car, mine is 9 years old. And I have to say that although raising children has been the best job I've ever had, I loved going from a minivan to a sedan. I really like having a smaller vehicle - cheaper all around and easier to parallel park.
* Evenings still cool enough that a fire in the hearth brings joy after a long day. Since there's probably only a month of good fire weather left, I'm not taking them for granted.
* Adult children - I love that each of my kids have different areas of expertise and they are happy to share. It looks like my laptop is on its last legs and I'd not have known that if my tech smart son and I hadn't been chatting yesterday. He's helping me pick out a new one.
* Online yoga classes - during the pandemic, I was forced to go from in person classes to online and now I am hooked. The nicest thing is that you do the class at the time best for you rather than having to plan the days around available in person classes.
* Caffeine with a friend - she drinks coffee while I'm a tea person but it's so nice to have an appointment for fun rather than for things that have to be done.
Hmmm, how do I share the good news without sharing more than I want to? Last year I learned I have a medical condition that, while not affecting my daily life much, can have serious long-term consequences if not mitigated. A good analogy is high blood pressure. Naturally I've been taking steps: medicine, diet, exercise.
Two big improvements at the first follow-up.
1) Medical improvement.
The condition itself is slightly less terrible. This is particularly good news because the treatment is still in early stages so there is plenty of room for continued improvement.
2) Running.
The exercise component is very brisk movement for 40-60 minutes; I've been walking, fast enough that it's hard to talk and my muscles get tired. On impulse on a nice day I starting running instead. Turns out I can run! It's been a long time since I ran; before the pandemic I practiced martial arts. Now I (usually) do a combination of running and walking. It feels terrific.
@WilliamB, really happy for you! Thanks for sharing the good news!
@WilliamB, Happy you received good news!
@WilliamB, I'm happy to hear that things are improving! I miss taking daily walks while my back and legs heal, and I have been feeling down about it lately, but you have re-inspired me to keep my spirits up. I hope you continue to improve.
@AnnieH, I'm so glad to hear that. Keep on truckin', you'll get there.
@WilliamB, Cheers to you for taking control on all fronts for your condition. Very glad it was found in the early stages, too.
@WilliamB, So happy for you! And it really is so encouraging when you surprise yourself by being able to do something like run. But I'm very happy for the overall health progress for you.
@WilliamB, it sounds as if you're not only "taking steps," but covering considerable ground, both literally and figuratively. Three hearty huzzahs!
@WilliamB, How wonderful!! I am so glad for you.
--That this week is almost over. It's been something.
--That although I am subbing at school today, it's an early dismissal day, so I won't have to be there the last two hours. For this particular teacher, those last two hours include a task that I really dislike, so it's a get out of jail free card for me. 🙂
--That I did NOT have to sub on Tuesday. I was on call for a teacher whose child was ill. but he recovered and she came to work, which allowed me to clean my house in advance of my mother-in-law arriving for a visit today.
--That no one is currently sick in my house. There's been a lot of stuff going around, and I'm glad we're getting a breather on it. Particularly with a guest coming.
--For the eggs we're finally getting from our chickens. Almost all the hens are laying now, so we get 4-7 eggs every day. Which is about what we need for our family. I'm trying lime preservation this year, too, since I can still get loads of eggs from my friend's flock, so maybe I'll be prepared for the slow down in egg production when I invariably run out and can't get any easily.
@kristin @ going country, Forgot one! I am very thankful that neither of my sons got hurt in their first judo tournament last weekend, and both did well. Because of that, they got promoted to their next belt without having to take the actual test. This makes me thankful because I don't enjoy quizzing them on judo hold, throws, and Japanese commands in addition to being the designated school work parent. So I got a pass on this one, at least.
Shorts? Wow! I can’t imagine warm enough weather for shorts.
TT, snowy weather edition:
1. Snow day today. I was up with each of my kids at different times for different reasons and it was so nice to know that I could sleep in (til 6:15!) because of no school.
2. My two new warm sweaters I acquired this winter. So snuggly. So wonderful. I will be sad when it’s warm enough I don’t need them. You know…in July.
3. My comfort driving in snow. I had to go out for a couple things yesterday and driving conditions were poor, but I can deal with that without getting stressed, even after years of living in a snowless city.
4. Sounds of little feet pattering up and down the stairs as I lounge in bed. I probably should get going and make some snow day breakfast for them. Kids are the best.
@Kaitlin, here in GA we’ve been wearing shorts for about two weeks now. It’s nice but it makes us wonder if it’s 80 in February how will we survive the summer?!
@Jan G, I hear you, Jan! We’re in Florida and are really looking forward to one last shot of cool weather when we visit family up north soon.
@Jan G, people have invited us to more southern locations, and after months of below freezing temperatures (below zero wind chills much of the time) I can’t imagine going somewhere hot. I think the “heat” we will get here will be plenty enough for my body.
@Kaitlin, I can't imagine living with below freezing temps for months! I would definitely need to beef up my wardrobe before moving to a colder climate. We don't really need a lot of winter gear here. 🙂
This week I'm thankful...
* for a successful trip to the social security office. I had to get a replacement tax form for my father's estate, and I had blocked out half the day to take care of it. I had to wait in line a bit, which was expected, but the nice staff person got me the form in less than 2 minutes after I arrived at her desk! Wow, I was so thankful and so impressed with her efficiency.
* for medical knowledge and medicines that help. I've been having awful reflux lately, which is strange for me, but I'm glad that there are things I can do and medicine I can take to ease the symptoms.
* that my husband and his sisters are rallying around their parents. They (my in-laws) have been having health issues lately, and in the midst of this, it's heartwarming to see the four children being kind and helpful and generous.
* that the attorney working on my dad's estate called me to answer a question I emailed him. Sometimes it's difficult to get through to him, so I was very thankful that he saw my message and called me to explain the answer.
* for feeling stronger and able to do things I used to do. The past few years have been excruciating, and things like cooking at home fell to the wayside. I'm thankful that I've felt inspired and strong enough to start to do these things again. I feel hope in a way that I haven't for a long time. Yay!
@Brooke, I'm so glad to see that you're getting out of that hole. I hope it becomes a virtuous circle and that you remember to give yourself grace when it isn't.
@Brooke, I'm glad that you're finally winding down your dad's estate stuff, and that you feel better.
Thankful for the warmer temps after the ice storm. It helped to melt the 3" ice on our driveway. Plus we did not lose power unlike other in Michigan who were out for a week.
Thankful for those power company line workers.
For a free lunch at work yesterday. This happens a lot at work. That is a whole lot of Yay!
My grand is doing better after yet another illness.
The hip shot has made a huge improvement in my pain level.
For a lady that went way out of her way to get us a dry cart at Costco. She was so kind. Basically all the carts were covered in ice and snow.
Thankful that my husband got to visit his cousin in snowy Minnesota. His flight was delayed and his cousin's flight was cancelled and he had to scramble to get another flight for him and his son. But they got to spend some time together and that is what is great.
Thankful for a quiet house while said husband is away!
Thankful that the 9 mo old puppy made it thru his neutering. He's still wild and we had to sedate him so he would get better, but he's now back to his old self.
Thankful that my girlfriend is getting the help she needs for her speech problems. Turns out, that she has a small brain tumor that will be removed today. I've been praying like crazy this week for her because she has been having problems since last summer.
Thankful that the bathroom painting is coming along and I would say 2/3 done. It seems to be taking forever because of the previous dark color being painted over and too many corners and turns. And I'm not sure I like the color I picked. But once it's done, there is no going back. The previous color was a dark maroon in a room with no windows. I'm painting the room light yellow and it is brightening it up, but do I really like it is the question?!?!?!?!?
@Maureen, prayers for your friend. How scary.
I feel like Roseanne Rosannadana lately, so its very good for me to sit and really think about all the things I have going on that are good. My list:
*This is the second year I am claiming as widow on my taxes, and my refund seems comically large. Most of it is going to the big car repairs I had last month, but I also paid myself by socking a chunk away in savings.
*#2 son will be staying with me for an indeterminate amount of time and its nice that I have that car to loan to him so he can still get to and from work. Meanwhile, the check engine light in the second car mysteriously disappeared and #1 son, who is a mechanic, said it was likely and issue with the gas cap which resolved itself when I tightened it.
*We are expecting storms today, which I do not love, but I see one last broken branch on one of my trees outside and I'm sure the winds will help bring it down.
*I have PTO and an understanding Lead who is letting me stay home in bed today with laryngitis, congestion, and cough. No fever. No covid. And hopefully the rain will take care of the rest of the cedar pollen in Austin!
*Son #2 brought home baked goods (he is a baker) and I plan on enjoying some cheese danish with my coffee this morning. Then go back to bed! (:
@gina, Your Roseanne Rosannadana reference made me laugh 🙂
@Beverly, Me too! I read her post in Roseanne's voice in my head!
@gina, "If it's not one thing, it's another!" I miss Gilda Radner.
@gina, I was looking at a very high, very big broken branch earlier today and hoping that it comes down during tomorrow's winter storm. 🙂 I get you!
Hope you feel better soon!
@AnnieH, I did the same and loved the reminder. Her voice in my head went on to do the rest of the bit.
@gina, thanks for the SNL memories. That cast with Gilda Radner was the best!
@JDinNM, it just goes to show you it’s always something!
I'm thankful for helpful kids; my husband is out of town right now and it is nice to have teenagers who are able and willing to take turns cooking dinner and cleaning up afterwards. In fact, sometimes they shove me out of the kitchen when it's time to wash dishes!
I'm thankful that my parents let me take all those art classes and minor in art in high school, and even take classes in college though it wasn't for my major. Now that one of my high school sons is taking an illustration class for college credit, I'm able to give him useful advice and support--even though I never used a computer to do illustration (and probably never will, ha), the principles of art and design are still the same. (He just got his midterm grade, and it's an A so far!)
Thankful for College Credit Plus, which is paying for college credit classes for my other high schooler.
I'm really thankful for the beautiful 70 degree day we had yesterday; we went for a hike and had the windows open all day (and I'm especially thankful that the neighbors with barky dogs for some reason did not have their barky dogs out all day--or maybe the dogs were out but just happy it wasn't cold, so they weren't barking like they usually do). When the dumb dogs bark so much, we have to close the windows. Not yesterday!
I have a sibling who is prone to psychosis and I am unspeakably thankful that I do not have to drink from that cup.
@J NL, this! I also have a sibling in the same boat. It's heart breaking.
A *big* thankful this week: I'm going down to NYC at the end of the month to visit JASNA BFF for a week!! It'll be the first time I've visited her since 2015, so I am reallyreallyreally looking forward to this!
@A. Marie,
Have fun! I'm so happy you get to go!
@A. Marie, You enjoy that! We all need a break.
@A. Marie, Gosh, you deserve this right now.
-I'm thankful for my 13-year-old Honda Pilot (her name is Scarlett). She's been extremely reliable and has hauled so much stuff in her lifetime with us. Filled Scarlett up yesterday with more of Mom's stuff from the hoarder house.
-I'm thankful for my DH who drove 45 miles each way to meet me at said hoarder house to help me load Scarlett.
-I'm thankful that we have cleared out two of four rooms at the hoarder house. Items remaining are mostly kitchen stuff and books, oh so many books. Still many loads to go but DH and I are making progress.
-I'm thankful the CPA has filed paperwork to the IRS asking for the payment on Mom's revised taxes be waived. Even if the IRS doesn't waive the payment, this should be the last IRS-related item for the estate. I've been waiting for the IRS to process 2 amended returns for over a year now. Those have to be finalized before I can close out the estate.
-I'm thankful for my incredibly sweet, thoughtful, and protective son. My sister and I got into an argument yesterday about Mom's estate and my son texted and asked her to give me some grace while I work this this overwhelming process.
@Beverly, I don't know the story of your hoarded house, but I would recommend flipping through the books, or shaking them out. It's a not uncommon behavior for people who hoard to hide important things in books. If there are a huge number of books I know it might not be realistic to look in all of them, but shake a group if you can so you can see if that was a behavior that was happening. Sending good luck and love, it's a hard thing to be doing <3
@Rachel, my grandmother once hid her engagement ring in a book, so I second your recommendation about the books. And I call my 13-year-old Honda Element Nellybelle (after Gabby Hayes's jeep in the old Roy Rogers serials: "Whoa, Nellybelle!").
@Rachel, That's a really good suggestion, thank you. I have found important paperwork in with old newspapers and fast food napkins, so Mom definitely tended to mix things together.
@A. Marie, Love the name Nellybelle! And it's nice to know that I'm not the only one that names their vehicle. 😉
@A. Marie,
Wow, that took me back. My dad used to say that when he stopped our car - "Whoa, Nellybelle!" We watched Roy Rogers on TV, of course. "Happy Trails" on your trip, ha.
My good friend's dad was a prominent bandleader in the 60s through 90s (weddings but also other events), so he usually got paid in cash. It was a real trip searching through their entire enormous house finding the squirreled away $100 bills. Including between the bellows of numerous accordions. 1970s girlie mags. 1960s electric bills. Sigh.
@Beverly, your Pilot's name is so cute. I named my 27 year old Honda Accord Fernando.
I feel for your long holds. I am trying to get information from the city where I work, for a bill we need, and so far, I've had no responses, had to leave a number, and of course, no call backs. They just upgraded their online software, and I have a feeling everyone is having problems with it. I know we are.
1. I'm thankful for the view from my open upstairs window this morning, of a Carolina Wren practicing his tunes in the silvery early light while perched among the white blooms of the Lady Banks rose. It made my heart glad.
2. I'm thankful for the birthday flowers that arrived yesterday. I'm told they were supposed to arrive on the 28th, but since my birthday this year falls in that nanosecond between 2/28 and 3/1, getting them on 3/1 still works.
3. I'm thankful for the 7th birthday today for a dear granddaughter with an offbeat sense of humor, a love of dinosaurs and outer space, and who is the only one among the four siblings to take after her dad's (my S-I-L's) side. I try not to hold a grudge that she was due on my Leap Year birthday but missed it. 🙂
4. I'm thankful for books, beds, rocking chairs and dogs.
5. I'm thankful that I'm invited to a meal with my younger daughter and a granddaughter this weekend, for my continued birthday celebration. We've always been pretty loose in this family about what days we celebrate things. We celebrate on whatever days it works best.
@JD, believe it or not, I had two Carolina wrens working the suet at my Central NY bird feeders during a snowfall last week. I bet they wished they were back in Carolina.
@JD, Happy birthday!! 🙂
@A. Marie, We have Carolina wrens here all year round. One of them bellows GERMANY GERMANY GERMANY at me every morning. How a tiny bird can be that loud, I have no idea.
@Rose, Maybe it's trying to give you vacation ideas?
@Jody S., Honestly I have always wanted to take one of those Rhine cruises! Right now, I just want someplace warm to swim with my brain switched off, so I'm thinking of the Caribbean, which I like.
@A. Marie, We've had one here in Western NY this winter too! My 15 year old son (birthday today!) runs the feeders and is very excited each time we spot it!
@Shannon,
@Shannon, what just happened!? Was trying to say happy birthday to your son. That’s so great that he feeds birds, knows about them, is enthusiastic about birds, and talks to you about them! Teen boys are so amazing in different ways! I had a daughter, so didn’t raise a son, but my two grandsons are awesome. One of them was very into tropical-type birds and knew everything about them. It was sometimes hilarious, but very impressive.
I, too, was very excited to see March this month. February is a wild & busy month at our house, and March is one of our most "relaxing" months (no work or personal travel, etc) & I'm looking forward to spring!
1) Thankful for friends, who listen to all of the daily drama, and always make me laugh when things get too crazy
2) For one teen driver (and, one upcoming in a month!). I was not feeling driving to/from soccer practice last night, and my 17 year old drove my 15 year old, and sat in the parking lot & texted his friends while he waited. It was such a gift not to have to do the driving myself. This is the first soccer season with another driver, & it's glorious!
3) For ebay sales. While they are usually not much ($12-15 is an average, I'd say), getting a few sales worth transferred to my bank account feels like such a fun surprise. And, it gets junk out of my house, which is almost better.
4) My office has free fitness classes, and I felt so lucky to do a great spin class yesterday, and then be able to shower & get ready, & be on time to work. It was convenient & awesome, plus I love the instructor.
5) That we had a brief break from the rain yesterday. The sunny day was so, so appreciated!
@Hawaii Planner, My mother was so happy when I got my license she let me drive her nifty gold-colored Mercury Cougar to high school.
Until recently, my household had both a Toyota mini-van and a Honda Civic. Last summer, my husband traded in his 14yo Civic and bought an EUV. Our kids (plus the carpool kids) were outgrowing the car, but it was a great little vehicle.
- This week, I’ve been thankful that multiple mornings the weather has been nice enough to walk my 8yo daughter to school. We both enjoy that time together. The dog has also been very thankful to come along. His only disappointment is not being allowed to actually go to school with all the kids.
- I’m grateful my son has been needing less asthma medicine these last few months. Less asthma symptoms are always something to be thankful for!
- I’m starting to see hints of sunlight when I get up in the morning! Getting out of bed always seems easier when the sun is already up.
- We had three tornadoes come through town on Tuesday. I’m very thankful no people were hurt or buildings destroyed. Somehow just a sparse few trees came down, and none in our neighborhood.
- I’m grateful my family made it through winter, to March, with no significant illnesses. My kids had a minor cold or two, but overall we were very lucky!
It is a maudlin day here, so am grateful for this exercise. 1) Thankful to be a nurse. Yesterday morning was part of the job that is bittersweet, but am grateful to be there to help a family saying goodbye. The number of nurses is getting smaller and I'm no spring chicken. There will be a tremendous shortage of healthcare workers in five years. 2) That said, I am thankful for a week's vacation starting yesterday. This is the one I use for reflection as it is my birthday week and I will be 70! My brain thinks I am 25, but my body knows the difference! I go over my bucket list and choose to project the ones that are truly achievable at this age and ability. 3) Thankful to visit family in a nearby state in conjunction with a Master Gardener Seminar this weekend. 4) Thankful for reliable transportation getting to and from. 5) Thankful to be able to afford to stay in a nice motel while there. Growing up we never had enough money for such a luxury! 6) And as always, thankful for my dog and chai latte.
@Chrissy, you sound like a wonderful, compassionate nurse. I bet the younger nurses see you as a mentor.
@Chrissy, Happy birthday week!!
@Chrissy, Happy birthday week. Thank you for being an nurse, a profession I could never follow. I am not nice enough!
Thank you again for inspiring this weekly exercise! This week I'm thankful because:
Life doesn’t stop because of snow! Last Friday we celebrated a friend’s 50th birthday at Top Golf while it snowing! It was a pretty cool experience and a birthday party no one will forget!
My dad’s 65th birthday is TODAY!
Sunshine, always sunshine!
The fresh snow this week covered up the dirty snow so everything is pretty again.
For what my body can do – it’s easy to compare my workout sessions to others in the room, but I have to remind myself that I’m there and my body is able to move!
My son is enjoying band so much he wants to learn a second instrument! It’s really fun to watch the enthusiasm he has for music.
For giving myself enough grace to just make soup on Tuesdays. Tuesdays are a scheduling nightmare so I’ve just been letting soup cook in a slow cooker all day and everyone can serve themselves when it works. I’m really big on sitting down at the dinner table each night as a family but it’s also better to just get everyone fed.
My son plays soccer instead of hockey - last weekend he had a game in a dome connected to a hockey area. Jut going by equipment alone I was thrilled at his choice of sport but based on the chaos in the parking lot I'm really happy to not have to deal with limited ice time that hockey families have to schedule around.
@Geneva, Our son played hockey (travel, to be more insance) instead of soccer, mainly because I find soccer unbelievably boring.
@Rose, nothing is boring if someone you love is doing it’
Kristen, kudos to you for getting through two things that I would hate--algebra and a loooong time of being on hold.
In Michigan, we seem to be having a day or two of sunshine followed by ice/snowstorms. Today is a nicer weather day and I am thankful for that. Worried about the potential for a snowstorm tomorrow, since my husband is bringing home my son from the UP for his spring break, so I'm praying for safety for all who are on the road.
I was able to connect with several family members on Tuesday morning at a local coffee/bagel eatery. Between their health problems and the aforementioned weather, it's been hard to meet up, so I'm grateful for the opportunity to have a fun social time.
Thankful for my health. For tea. For friendship. Thankful for this weekly exercise--it's good to be reminded to give thanks.
@Kris, if I had to choose between algebra and an hour-plus on hold, I'd take algebra any day. And our current weather pattern in Central NY seems about the same as yours in MI.
Am I the only one who loved algebra? One of my very favorite subjects of all time.
@Rose, I loved algebra! Then when I got to calculus, I was supposed to imagine the third dimension of the "Z" axis coming out of the paper toward me, and I couldn't do it. I stopped with the two dimensional X and Y of algebra.
1. I am thankful that my 10 month old pup made it through his neuter surgery without any complications. He had a bit more done that the traditional neuter due to an issue we discovered but his bloodwork and the procedure went well and he is home recovering.
2. Super thankful this week for the blessing of my job, my colleagues and for provision.
3. Thankful for the sermons I am fortunate to be able to hear each week that speak to my soul right where I am at and refresh me on my journey.
4. Thankful that I will be ordering dirt and amendments for the garden this week which means that planting and growing is not too far away. I am SO excited!!!
5. For the warm sunny days this week, the bursts of green that I am seeing everywhere & some glorious sunsets this week.
I had to do the college algebra CLEP test, too. I had been out of high school for a while and didn’t study much, so I missed it by one (!!!) question the first time. I took it again a few months later, but I studied a lot more that time (Khan Academy and another online tutor, the name of which I’ve forgotten). I passed by a good margin that time. I would choose to always do my math classes this way, if possible, because learning math in a classroom doesn’t really work for me. I’m pretty good at it, but it works differently in my brain than it is taught. It’s just easier to teach myself. Anyway, the percentage required to pass isn’t super high, so if you’re proficient with high school math you should be all set.
Good morning!
This week I'm thankful that my 8yo, can go back to normal activity and eating tomorrow!
I'm thankful that my 16yo son likes to share his life with me... even if it is after I'm already in bed for the night.
I'm thankful that my husband is able to push through hard projects and just keep going! It motivates me.
I am thankful that the snow and the cold are done. We have had 10 days of winter storms and temperatures below freezing. But today the sun is out and we are headed for the 50s. (I am so tired of being cold.)
I am thankful that a book I've wanted went on Kindle daily deal!
I am thankful that my extreme fatigue has improved. (no idea why, but I'll take it.)
I am thankful for the flock of American robins that flew in just before the storm. It was so fun to watch them pull worms out of the rain-soaked ground.
I am thankful that my husband loves leftovers. It is so nice to not have to dream up a new menu everyday. Husband, "More breakfast tacos? Fantastic!"
Thankful for...
* A beautiful sunny morning to walk the kids to school
* An un-scheduled day yesterday to get my house ready for hosting house guests and 20+ people for Spring Break Code-a-thon for Missions worship night next week.
* That the first arriving team has had uncomplicated prep so far. No snow storms threatening their journey. No last minute drama. I actually have the logistics handled in advance this week and haven't had (too many) last minute changes. They leave Ohio tomorrow afternoon to head to Colorado.
* Date night with my husband to see Jesus Revolution. Paid for with a gift card someone gave him four years ago (!) after he went above and beyond helping at our church. Lots of good conversations after the movie about walking humbly, the simplicity of the Gospel, and God using broken people.
@Kristen, I know all of the arguments about why DST and switching clocks is terrible . . . and yet I love it. Bring on after work sunshine for hiking, gardening and general enjoyment.
@Rebekah in SoCal, I would love to switch just this one last time and be done with it!
I am thankful also for a reliable older car: my Honda Fit will be 13 in May and has needed only routine service and two small body repairs from bumping into fixed objects like the garage door.
So thankful spring is on the way!
@Ruby, Years ago we had two Honda Accords, which we were ready to sell when they were 10 and 13 years old. People were vying to buy them from us!
Thankful Thursday-In Spite of Edition
1. Thankful for the 10 days I recently spent with my son & his family. I got to experience Mardi Grad parades & all the loot thrown from the floats, plus the excitement of the grandkids. Although I now have a head cold, the visit was fabulous!
2. Thankful that I can take a direct flight to/from son’s city of residence. Even with delays, it is easier to manage.
3. Even though my flight home was delayed, it wasn’t due to any major issues. Just a couple of hiccups.
4. Thankful that I already had cold medicine on hand, since the store shelves have been relatively bare lately.
5. Even though my grands live far away, we still connect & are close via FaceTime, phone calls & frequent in person visits.
This is a really weird and unsettling week of things to be thankful for. The Nevada med-evac plane that went down last week was our sister base and a lot us knew the crew and have flown in that plane. That is our main service area and I ran that exact call Weds night. So on one hand, I am so incredibly grateful and thankful that I get to come home but there is a lot of guilt and anger.
1. My bosses. I have bosses that genuinely care about me as a person, and not just someone that makes money for the company. They have been so supportive and flexible with us over the last week.
2. Snow plows. I have never lived in an area where I would rely on them regularly but the Sierras got over 6ft of snow in the course of 2 days. So having snow plows made life possible.
3. Warm socks. The rest of you can be cold, but as long as your feet are warm and dry, it isn't too bad.
4. Goodwill. I am in the process of redecorating some of my house and I have found some amazing, heirloom quality pieces as of late.
5. As always, my husband. He has had many a late night conversation with me over the last week, listened to all my venting, will be driving me up for work next rotation just so I didn't drive in snow for 250 miles and still putting in a laundry room for me. What a guy.
@Heather, Wow. I read about that in the paper here in NM -- it got a lot of notice nationally because it was so unbelievably tragic. My condolences to you, that had to have been, and must continue to be, incredibly sad and also traumatic.
@Heather, I'm so sorry. That's really hard.
@Heather, All the best thanks and blessings to you and your med-evac colleagues!
@Heather, I'm so sorry about the crash of your sister plane and crew. Words are inadequate.
@Heather, I saw that news and was concerned for you. I found your meet the reader post, read the name on your uniform, and continued to worry about you anyway. I am glad you are safe, and sorry for the loss.
@Heather, my heart goes out to all of those who suffered losses. I can't imagine how difficult this must be for you and your peers.
@Heather, I saw that news item and immediately thought of you. So, so glad you’re safe but oh my gosh how tragic for the families affected.
@Heather,
I also thought of you when I read that news story. It is ok to be grateful to be alive even when you are deeply grieving someone else's death. All emotions when you are grieving are ok. (Technically all emotions are always ok, but especially so when you are grieving and they get complicated.) Sending love.
@Heather, my condolences for this tragedy. I read the news article and prayed for your safety. But I'm so sorry for the loss of your colleagues.
Heather, I'm also among the group of people whose first thought was of you when I saw the headline. I am so thankful you are ok, but I can totally imagine the mix of feelings you are having.
Like Gina, I'm having a Roseanne Roseannadanna morning ("If it's not one thing, it's another!"), but I'll try:
Thankful for the reminder from Kristen and others about the peace of mind a reliably functioning car can bring. I went several months last year patching together a 25-year-old car with duct tape and chewing gum, and I'm very thankful used car prices came way down and I don't have to be doing that any more. I'm not sure I understood how stressful that problem was until I fixed it.
Not thankful for the relentlessly awful windy weather (40-80mph from the west - no the south! - no the southwest! - no the northwest!) but thankful that other than some downed tree branches and fence posts there has been no major damage. So far.
Thankful I didn't have to live through the Dust Bowl, when people literally lost their minds.
Thankful that I was finally able to get together for a very belated birthday celebration with 2 dear friends; our birthdays all fall within a day of one another's, we celebrate together every year, but this time we had to reschedule repeatedly since late December.
Always thankful for my 3 1/2 year old "puppy" who is an absolute bundle of joyful energy and keeps me moving (even, or especially, when I don't want to). She's wicked smart -- her obedience instructor, who breeds border collies and wins national obedience competitions with them, said "Oh, this is a smart one!" when she first met her. And that's when I knew I was doomed.
Not thankful for the Amazon delivery guy who pitched my package over the wall of my enclosed front courtyard into a puddle, breaking open both the outer and the inner wrappings, but thankful for Amazon's easy and free return and replacement service. Which must get a real workout with this guy.
@JDinNM, We babysat a border collie for a few months. I was so happy to see her owner get back from deployment! Great personality but always needing to have her energy drained off. Pound hound is older and happy to sleep next to our recliners!
1. In the last two weeks, I have had surgery on each eye and it has gone well. The hardest part has actually been following an extremely complicated routine for the four times daily eyedrops. I am hugely looking forward to no glasses for the next couple of decades.
2. My middle aged son had to move back in with us two months ago to financially rebuild his life. Then he became ill and spent a week in intensive care. He complained about being there the entire time and I brought really good cookies to the nursing staff so they wouldn't toss him out the second story window. But healthwise, he's back on his feet and getting some work so his mood has improved enormously. He's also spending some nights at his girlfriend's house so tensions have eased. It will be some time before he can move back out but at least things are smoother.
Thankful Thursday - Ice Storm Cleanup!
* I'm thankful for how hard our power companies, tree companies, and city workers have been working and for the long hours they've put in to clean up and get things back to normal.
* I'm thankful for the crews from other states that were willing to come help. I think it's cool how power companies help each other like that.
* I'm thankful for the ways this gave us a chance to connect with our neighbors more. We see each other a lot in the summer when we're outside a lot, but don't see them in the winter very often.
* I'm thankful for the kindness of our neighbors. Yesterday was our turn for our power outage and they were offering use of their showers, laundry, kitchen... whatever we needed.
* I'm thankful that our power outage came yesterday. It was a sunny day (everything feels more manageable when it's sunny!) and we had already scheduled for our electrical stuff to be fixed last evening.
* I'm thankful that our outage was so short. I expected it to be 2 or 3 days, but my husband let them know at 7:30 last night that we were ready for them to come put our power line back up and they were at our house at 9 p.m. to do it! I couldn't believe it! We would have been thrilled to get service the next day and never expected it to be so quick. All in all we were out for 11-12 hours and it wasn't a big deal at all.
* I'm thankful for progress with the cleanup process. Seeing the downed trees day after day on every single road got pretty discouraging and things look a lot better driving around today compared to Monday or Tuesday. We'll get there!
@Ruth T,
Regarding your number 2 about the linemen, I agree. Living in Florida, we get to experience some major power outages, and I will see lines and lines of power trucks driving into Florida as I drive on the interstate. And when big outages happen elsewhere, I see lines and lines of trucks from Florida heading out of state to go help. I see linemen working here on the power lines when it's 10:30 at night in miserable weather, when these same men often don't have power at their own homes yet. They and the forestry firefighters are special breeds.
@JD (and this is also for @Isa below), when we had our last major power outage here in Central NY on Labor Day 1998, DH and I were excited to see trucks from Hydro Quebec rolling down the street three days later. We called out, "Vive Quebec!" The driver of one truck grinned and called back, "Vive Quebec LIBRE!"
@Ruth T, ugh, you were in THAT part of Michigan for last week's storm. Isn't it amazing how appreciative you become of electricity when you've had to do without? During Michigan's last ice storm (2013), my parents were without power for 8 days and were some of the last to get it restored. Thankfully they had a woodburning stove but it was an unnerving experience. My dad's dementia was not helping the situation, as he refused to leave the house to come stay with us. Whenever I hear about extended power outages, I think of that and worry about who has been affected and if they are safe.
@Ruth T, I totally agree about linemen (line people?). I have seen them at 40 below zero, laboring to bring things back on line, working under lights because of the darkness. I feel the same sense of gratitude toward firefighters who battle our forest fires every summer and also fly out to other states to help them.
@Ruth T,
Several winters ago, we had an extended power outage over such a wide area our state crews couldn’t work quickly enough. As the week went on, our neighborhood was dead quiet and we were all increasingly depressed.
All of a sudden, one day, a long line of trucks bearing a Georgia company drove through with those boys at the wheel sitting high and grinning like the heroes they were to us. We all went out and cheered. People brought them coffee and food until they got us back up and running. I fill up just recalling the sense of rescue we all felt.
@Erika JS, What a cool story!
lucky you, no more snow! Here (Quebec, Canada) we still get snow almost daily, I'm so over it!
My thankfuls at the moment:
* Private insurances that cover psychology services so we can get needed therapy at a decent cost
* Big windows in my living room and dining room. I need lots of light to thrive. Can't wait for warmer and sunnier days
* An appreciative comment my DD gave me this morning
* A quiet and safe neighborhood
* Having a color printer at home
As for the Honda Civic, I have a 2018 and while it's fine during the summer, it's a big pain in the butt during the winter as it takes forever to warm up and it's very low so it gets stuck if there's too much snow. Going back to Toyota for the next one!
@Isa, I adored my Civic, but honestly it sat so low that my friends, family, and I couldn’t get in and out! Humbled and sad, I got a CRV.
I'm thankful for
1. the abundance in its many forms in my life.
2. the snowy mountain views we've had this week - such a rarity in our part of southern california. Not only do we have snowy mountains but all the rain has cleared the smog so that we can enjoy them from very far away.
3. friends who are willing to hang out with us at the last minute, even though they have babies and little kids and all their gear to lug over to our house and even though they have to make a long drive.
4. the airpods my husband gave me - he got a new pair from work so he let me have his old pair (also from work). This allows me to wear a hat and glasses and listen to podcasts and books on my walk vs my over the ears headphones. It also allows me to sleep on my side while watching netflix at night on my ipad (teehee).
5. comfortable sweatpants and joggers. At some point I should probably start wearing real pants again but for now, I'm good.
I'm thankful for
Having job prospects on the horizon. I don't have one dream job I am gunning for right now, which is probably best because academic jobs seem to be a bit of a crapshoot. But I do have several potentially promising options out there. I look forward to the stability a long-term job will create, but until I get there, I appreciate having options.
A week that seems to be child-sickness free. Just when my husband and I start to make some progress on a project, BAM, someone throws up all night and one of us spend a day cleaning up and caring for the sick child. This week has been wonderfully well.
The long-term health of my entire family. Childhood sicknesses will always be with us. The kids spend a few hours sick and then recover quickly. Praise God none of us is seriously ill with chronic or deadly issues.
I'm thankful for our library and to people who recommend really interesting books to read. This week I read The Premonition that William talked about. I could not put it down, wow was that interesting!
I'm thankful for the YouTube and Instagram videos that I have learned so much from about gardening. Today's clip (or maybe it was yesterdays) from Lindsey @homegrownsmalltown about watering seedlings from below was something I didn't know, but will do now.
I'm thankful for the beautiful Bougainvillea that is in full bloom across my courtyard entryway. It's a bright, deep pink just covered with flowers.
And for Google Lens that correctly identified some garden pests on my citrus and tomato plants so I could try to remedy them.
I am thankful that homeschooling my 9th grader has so far worked out. (Not spectacular,but okay.) His semester at the high school was a disaster , so we're taking a term at home to see if it helps him adjust. I have no clue what I'm doing, but it's really nice to have him reading books again and talking about what he's read.
I'm thankful my husband let me do this. He wasn't sure it was the best choice, but he acknowledges life is much less stressful this way - and my son is much happier.
I'm thankful for the internet where people post things like "A Study Guide for Of Mice and Men" or vocabulary quizzes - it saves me money and helps me see what my kid's supposed to learn.
I'm thankful for Spring break at work. I have a whole week to clean the house and prepare for some German exchange students who will be staying with us for two weeks. I have no clue what I'm doing - we never have guests - but I decided to stretch myself when my daughter asked if we could host. It's been fun buying some new sheets and towels, and making the room they'll stay in look cozy. So I'm thankful that I have the funds to spend on new linens for the guests.
Thankful that I love teaching and today I had such wonderful moments of teaching that I almost cried!
Thankful for the love and support of my family, I am so blessed by their presence in my life
Thankful for the simple things that I normally take for granted, a car that runs, occasional free food at work and just simple kindnesses of others.
Coffee!!!
- Kristen: I looked at your algebra that you were working on, and I'm seriously impressed that you know/remember this stuff, your homeschooling definitely being an asset. I was good at algebra in college (1981) but now I wouldn't be able to remember it at all.
- Re: old cars. We had a 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1993 Grand Am. Even though HB is a mechanic and he always maintained the vehicles, I always said a little prayer when I had to go places "Please don't break down on me, get me there in one piece". The best story about the Grand Prix is that at 20 or 21 years of age, my HB gave the car to a workmate who took part in Demolition Derby's. Everyone laughed at him and said what a piece of junk the car was. Well! who was laughing when said vehicle came in FIRST in the Demolition Derby and HB's workmate walked away with just over $1,200.00 in winnings.
- I was in line at the grocery store today and noticed a couple behind me that had only a few items, so I told them to go ahead of me. That made me feel good and it helped them get through quicker.
- A thankful, but really for HB. I told him to eat the last slice of pizza, which made him happy.
- I asked HB to make me a milkshake today, just as he was settling in to watch a movie. He did so and it was delicious. The milkshake maker was a thrift store find that he fixed up. My part in this is that I bought him Malt Drink Mix, and chocolate/vanilla ice-cream.
Thankful for:
1. The very kind comments on yesterday's post on mystery shopping. I was hesitant after an experience where I wrote a piece on foraging for edible weeds in the spring. I got some nice emails but some of them were horrible. "You must be rich and want the rest of us to eat our lawns." "From your picture I see you are big. You must want to keep everything at the grocery store for yourself." And the most bizarre: "You must believe in abortion if you think we are not humans but cows in the field." I should have known that would not happen with this group.
2. My medical appointment this morning, to follow up on my surgery last week, went very well. Although the doctor is moving to the Midwest, which practically makes me weep.
3. The magnificent auroras we have had every single night. The colors, the way they move...jaw dropping and I have lived here 50 years.
4. Sumo oranges. Where have these been all my life???
5. The husband, always the husband.
@Lindsey, Your # 1 just makes me think: people are bonkers. If you write again in another forum you should tell us here, so we can go to that other forum and write normal (nice) comments there too.
Side note: I love the idea of foraging - I wish everyone didn't feel compelled to spray dandelions; I still remember the dandelion salad my grandma would make - delicious. (I guess hot bacon dressing would make most things tasty.)
@Lindsey, Holy crap on those comments. Remember the first law of the Internet, never read the comments.
I want to get more into foraging. I used to a lot as a kid, but unfortunately we have such a horrible deer overpopulation, they have destroyed a lot of our native plants and fruits. (Every time I bring that up, I get noted as an animal hater, which is slightly amusing, considering. Do the people judging me feed feral cats every single day and also try to keep the deer from eating it before the cats do?)
@Rose, and @Lindsey, Foraging is a wonderful activity! My nephew (who is paralyzed from the chest down) has become an active forager. He has been having kids (or other family members) follow him has he explores in his awesome wheelchair; they help him gather things, and my sister has been making all sorts of jellies, tinctures, soaps, etc. with his finds. He's even thinking of teaching small classes on it-- maybe even a youtube channel. I've been so excited to see him get into life again!
@Lindsey, I would love to learn about foraging for edible weeds, because that seems to be all that I am able to grow. About sumos: they are a recently developed citrus, at least recent to the US, originally from Japan. (By recent, I mean within the last ten years.) Aren't they fabulous?? The other citrus that just blows me away is Oro Blanco. They look like grapefruit but are sweet like oranges. I don't know if they are available commercially because it was too hard for consumers to learn that they are NOT grapefruit.
Thankful for:
1. How content a good dinner makes me. Mmmmmm.
2. Thinking about maybe having a real vacation, the first one since 2011
3. Playing with the ChatGPT APIs—seriously, I know most of you aren’t into artificial intelligence, but this is gonna revolutionize everything.
4. Feeling much more like myself the past week.
5. My son, who cracks me up every single day.
@Rose, So glad for #4.
Kristen,
I’m sure you’re doing great on your CLEP prep! If you get stuck on anything, I’m a high school math inclusion teacher (which means it’s my job to expertly and cheerfully explain math), and I’d be happy to hop in a Google Meet and talk it through. I think you’ll see my email through this comment, right? Best of luck!
Today I am thankful:
*that my son's amblyopic (?) eye has improved enough that he'll be able to drive someday! We'll keep patching to see if it'll continue improving.
*that my college boy is coming home tomorrow for spring break.
*that supper was nearly ready when I got home this evening from my son's eye doctor appointment.
*for all the piano and recorder practice I've heard in our home this week. Three of the kids took it upon themselves to practice recorder together; they even tried playing parts. Okay, keeping it real here--- it was LOTS of recorder playing, and that can be tough to handle for hours and hours at a time. BUT it also meant that my homeschooled children were taking care of teaching themselves music, so that means I can focus more on something else.
*for coffee. I've enjoyed it this week.
*for warming weather. Soon it will be warm enough out for me to go out without ill effects on my paralyzed face. (I hope.)
@Jody S., How wonderful about your son's eye. Celebrating with you!
@Amanda, Maybe in 7 years (when he gets to be driving age), we'll have different feelings! 😉
I’ve never posted before but was just reading and thought, wow, reading Kristen’s posts are like having a chat with a friend! You spread lots and lots of joy! Thank you
Aww, this is such a nice compliment! I'm so happy that you feel that way here.
1. I am thankful beyond thankful for not having any damage to my house and yard (other than a few downed limbs, which were dead anyway, so glad they fell) when the tornado sirens went off the other night!
2. Also thankful for the rain we got. Every drop helps bust this drought!
3. That the PTA served all the teachers and subbies lunch on Friday. Free lunch from my favorite taco place!
4. That the 7th grader who gave me fits last year with his constant extreme misbehavior not only remembered my name, demonstrated perfect behavior, had a nice conversation with me during class, but also came up and hugged me! And said I was one of his favorite substitute teachers (although he might say that to all the subbies, lol!). You could've knocked me over with a feather on that one!
5. That the new health care providers are working with me to schedule my labs and CT scans at times where I won't have to miss work (and miss getting paid). Praying that this group will be more efficient than the one I "fired."