Thankful Thursday | I'm back! (also: Cookie answers!)
Hey hey, everyone! I'm back!
I don't think I've missed two days in a row of blogging for a good year or two...but ooh, finals week was kicking my butt.
More specifically, the two cumulative finals for my science classes were kicking my butt. The psychology final wasn't that bad...it was the chemistry and microbiology.
But as of yesterday, I am done, done, done with my semester. YESSSS.
Don't get me wrong; I am super grateful for the opportunity to go back to school.
But my classes this semester were woefully short on human body stuff, and I am happy to have these classes in the rearview mirror (especially chemistry!!)
I liked anatomy and physiology way better. 😉
Cookie answers
So, Dorinda's husband (remember meeting Dorinda?) corrected my math; apparently, there were over 1000 possibilities for the cookie guessing contest. Whoops.
I did not mean to make it that hard! Sorry about that.
Unsurprisingly, no one got all six cookies right. But one person (NKS) did get ⅚ right, shortly after I posted the contest!
And fun fact: NKS is one of Jody S's sons; we met Jody in a Meet a Reader interview.
Congrats, NKS!
Here are the correct answers:
Funny enough, no one guessed that the first two cookies were both Sonia's.
Thank you for playing along, everyone. And I promise that next year, I will consult Dorinda's math-whiz husband to come up with a plan to make this not so hard. 😉
On to thankfulness. This week, I am thankful:
for a break from school
I won't start the R.N. program until the fall semester, which means I have eight delicious months with no school. I've been taking classes (and mostly science classes!) for the last two years straight, and I am ready for a break.
You know how I know I was feeling burnt out? At one of my last chemistry classes, I was sitting there listening to the lecture and I thought, "Hmmm, what if I just didn't even TRY to understand this module?"
And then I was like, "OMG WHO EVEN AM I??"
I'm happy to say that I did pull it together and I did learn the last module of material. But for me to be even thinking about not trying? That's a sign of me being rather crispy.
So yes. I am grateful for a break!
for the joy of getting rid of school papers
I gleefully recycled all my chemistry papers. Goodbye, periodic table! And good riddance!
for upcoming time to catch up on things
I have...let some things slide this semester.
Most notably: email.
Sorry to anyone who emailed me in September, October, November, and December. I probably didn't respond! But I might in the next month. 😉
I also am looking forward to redoing some of the furniture that is currently in my carport.
I want to read books just for fun!
And I hopefully will have a bit more time to socialize as well; I have a lot of people I need to have lunch/dinner with.
that I'm gonna be able to rejoin my support group
This summer I was in a support group for women whose marriages ended for the same reason as mine...but I had to drop out this semester because my chemistry class happened at the same time as the meetings.
I can hop back in now, though!
for walks in the woods
Always and forever grateful for those!
for our cat
Also always and forever grateful for her.
for the bright south sun in my bedroom windows
I shared this on Instagram earlier in the week, but I am loving the south sun my bedroom is getting right now!
At my other house, my bedroom was partially underground and it was on the north side of the house...so to be on the main level now, with south windows, is a big, bright change and I love the light.
I don't even care that the seals on all my bedroom windows are broken (that's why the glass is cloudy). The light still comes in!
And I love love love natural light.
this week I'm thankful for...
* My public library honoring books requests by very often ordering them, in english as requested. l. Which is totally awesome since I live in a francophone city (I'm francophone but prefer reading in english) so they easily could order the books in the french version instead of original english ones.
* To have a day off. I have a dentist appointment, which will be mostly covered by private insurances, another something to be thankful for.
* To have all the knowledge and means needed to tackle weight loss. I'm at my highest weight ever and I'm really feeling like crap... But I can do this!
* Online shopping. I know, it's horrible for the environment but.... can't beat the convenience. I hate shopping in stores, especially during the holidays (sooooo many people!). I'm an happy introvert!
* That my DD seems better and better at school. She's making friends, the bullying appears to be getting under control, she's not mentionning being scared or anxious of going.... cross fingers it gets better and better!
@Isa, It's not clear that online shopping is worse for the environment than going to the store yourself. The issues relating to driving are complicated.
Good luck with your endeavors and please remember to be healthy and that what works for weight loss is changing what you eat rather than short-term dieting.
@WilliamB, @Isa, yes, online shopping is actually often better for the environment, unless you're already making a trip to the store and can add it to the trip. That's because shipping routes are much more efficient than you driving to the store and back.
My personal policy is to buy things at the grocery store/that plaza if I can, but otherwise to be fine buying things online if I want.
Also, it is complicated further by the actual things! For instance, I buy Blueland cleaning supplies, which are better for the environment despite me being able to buy cleaning supplies while at the grocery store.
Also - all of this is minimal compared to larger changes like (most importantly) companies/governments making changes or (in your own life) larger lifestyle factors like having a smaller house, eating less meat, or taking fewer car/plane trips. Don't let yourself stress too much about the little things!
Congratulations on having made it through a very taxing semester! I hope you will thoroughly enjoy the coming months and regain the bounce in your steps. I look forward to reading about this.
This week's thankfuls:
- Successful cataract surgery, and medical staff who were understanding about my (no doubt completely unnecessary) anxiety
-A period of crisp cold, so happy skaters and no slippery roads
-Home delivery of groceries
-Well insulated walls and windows and the ability to pay (through our noses) for heating. I almost get a stomach ache reading about the homeless and those in homes who cannot afford heating
-Cousins
@J NL, I just signed up for cataract surgery in February. I'm mostly comfortable with the whole thing but I'm also a kind of anxious person, so I reminded the office manager that I woud certainly need a double dose of tranquilizers.
@Anne, I had cataract surgery and it was the best thing that ever happened! I went from being nearly legally blind to perfect eyesight. I am the only person I know who does not have to wear glasses at 70! And the recovery is so easy compared to when my parents had it. I am happy for you to be getting it!
@Anne,
You are right to speak up for yourself. I am past being ashamed of myself for my anxiety. It exists in spite of my rational self.
My other eye is up for surgery early next year and I feel more confident now I know what to expect. Most importantly I can tell a great difference between the eye that was treated already and the one that has not had surgery yet.
I hope the procedure will go smoothly for you Anne!
You look so happy to be done! Congratulations! I hope you have a wonderful holiday break!
My thankfuls this week:
-my new job. It's practically perfect in every way and I totally feel like Mary Poppins because I just floated in on the wind with my little lunch bag and brought only a puppet and my favorite sharpie. It already feels like I've been there forever and I know it's where I am supposed to be.
-funnily enough, the two hour delay today because I can sleep in but still see my dear ones in a little bit.
-that my kids had great physicals yesterday and their blood work came back already with no issues. So grateful for their good health!
-for a training day yesterday that allowed me to connect with lots of colleagues I haven't seen in a while and learn a few new tricks for helping my students.
-that our Christmas is over and our Hanukkah is almost over (we break all the rules about when things are supposed to happen!) and we can mostly relax and enjoy the rest of the season.
First, Kristen, congratulations on finishing your semester, and may you and your girls have happy holidays!
Now, TT, One Fine Monday Edition. (I really did have a good day Monday, frugality-wise and otherwise, and I'm thankful for it. But this is also a sort of TT/Five Frugal Things hybrid.)
(1) I started my day at the Salvation Army Superstore, where I found three shirts for friends, plus an Old Navy full-length cardigan and a pair of New Balance walking shoes that couldn't have been worn more than twice and fit me perfectly. Total cost = $17.11.
(2) My next stop was Aldi, which is rapidly becoming my new favorite supermarket. (Wegmans, I'm sorry to say, is getting more expensive and dropping a lot of products it used to carry.) Good deals here included a head of cauliflower for $1.49 (wasn't someone here complaining about seeing a head for $8 somewhere?) and a large package of smoked salmon for $12.99. I rarely indulge in salmon, but this was a treat to myself for a successful JASNA presentation on Saturday.
(3) I also made .75 by bringing three carts in from the parking lot. I think I may have discovered a new retirement side hustle. 😉
(4) On the way home, I spotted some Christmas tree branch trimmings on a curb. After lunch, I went back and got some of these. I then constructed my annual "tightwad Christmas bough" (my only exterior decoration; I put a bow on this that I save from year to year, and hang it on my flagpole bracket next to the front door).
(5) And I took the $129 pair of walking shoes that I'd previously put in my Amazon cart out of the cart. Cha-ching!
@A. Marie,
The shoes! What a bargain!
Yes, the finding of the shoes and the removal of the shoes from the virtual shopping cart is perfect. And yay for grocery deals!
@A. Marie, great thrift store haul, and love the new retirement hustle. Reminds me of the Tom Hanks movie where he was forced to live in an airport for months because of a citizenship snafu. Did you ever see it?
@Anne, I just Googled "Tom Hanks movie living in airport," and it seems to be the 2004 film The Terminal. I'll have to take a look at it on Amazon Prime.
@A. Marie, when I read #3 about your new side hustle, it made me think of a hilarious Moth story called “O’Hare Hustle”. You could google it or go to The Moth website or app. Guarantee all of us will laugh. It’s free, of course!
@A. Marie, wonderful savings! I find that if I shop ALDIs on a rainy day I can collect many quarters from abandoned cart. I guess lots of folks don’t care enough about their quarter to get more wet returning their cart. Lol
Kristen, congratulations on finishing your semester! An eight month break from school sounds wonderful and just right when you’re feeling burnt out.
This week I’m mighty grateful that it seems that none of my partner’s family have gotten Covid from our visit. My partner had no symptoms before we went, but got ill the day we got there (spent 14 hours traveling to get there).
Thankful for the previous me for stocking up the freezers with discounted food and TGTG bags. Now I hardly find anything in the stores. And we only need to buy vegetables and dairy for Christmas. That is a huge relief.
Grateful that there is a wood stove in our house and for my partner that conjures up free trees every year to cut and dry.
So grateful that the toys from the chest we kept for visiting kids sold (we don’t have small kids in our immediate circle anymore). Now I have the money to buy a thick wool tights for wearing at home when the temperature drops again.
Lastly thankful that it looks like it will be lots of snow for Christmas.
This week I'm thankful...
- for the resources my county offers, which are making my life easier when it comes to disposing of things from my dad's apartment, like paint and medicines. I couldn't easily dispose of any of these things where my dad lives, so I had to haul it back home, but I'm so glad it won't be difficult to handle here.
- for a break from working on my dad's affairs. I'm waiting for the court to open his estate, and I can't do some important things until that happens, so I find myself with time to take a breath and try to take care of my own things.
- for a friend who has encouraged me to take care of myself after several years of caring for parents. When my husband overheard my friend encouraging me, he said, You have really good friends. Indeed, I do.
- that this phase won't last forever. Hopefully early next year I'll be past the most difficult phases of my dad's estate and I can move on.
- for a great service at church this past Sunday.
@Brooke, settling a parent’s estate can be stressful — so many details. Take care of yourself.
@Brooke, good luck and good health to you, while you go through this challenging stage. Please remember that it's OK to feel positive emotions - I had a long conversation with my father that it's OK to feel relieved and happy to be well-rested.
@Brooke, what Bee and WilliamB said. And I hear you on being able to dispose of things like paints (and other household toxics) and medications easily and environment-kindly. We have similar resources in our county for the household toxics, and various drug and grocery stores regularly run "medication take-back" days.
@Brooke, I’m in the final stages of wrapping up my parents estate. It is both overwhelming and an honor. And I could not have done it without my wonderful friends amid my DH. Self care is so very important. I pray the rest goes smoothly for you.
Congratulations, NKS (and Jody)! Are you Jody's son who's at college?
I'm grateful this morning that my school has a 2-hour delay. I love my job, but also love sleeping in. It's a little treat that happens now and then.
@BJS, I am not the one at college. I still have a year or so of homeschool.
I suppose thats one (bad?) thing about homeschool. My school doesn't get delayed for snow or ice or even sickness. We do it anyway.
And now with my Mom's urging I have to write something that I am thankful for. Does it count that I won the cookie contest?
@NKS, yes it does. Congratulations!
@NKS,
It certainly does!
I am impressed by your 5/6 BTW. I am always way off.
@NKS, absolutely it does!
@NKS,
I think she should make you write out your rationales for each cookie choice, because I've been guessing incorrectly for like ten years now. I need to understand your secret insight.
@Becca, I SHOULD do that! (But I wouldn't share because I, too, never get it right. I was certain that first one was Kristen's!)
@Becca, Also, that NKS reply was actually from me. We use the same computer, and it remembered his info instead of mine without me noticing until too late.
Thankful for:
Touchingly grateful kids who like my cooking! For the first time ever I made crockpot ham and bean soup from the hambone leftover from St Nicholas Day. It was delicious and got rave reviews from everyone who tried it.
learning and adapting to ways to save on our power bill. I've switched to a tablet computer--which uses much less energy than my old desktop computer--and we're drying the bath towels with a fan at night rather than the dryer. I'm grateful for a smart electric engineering husband who knows exactly how many kilowatts are used per appliance! 😉 We even taught our youngest how to put his computer "to sleep" when he's not using it but not ready to turn it off for the day.
I, too, am grateful for Kristen's cat, because I live vicariously through other people's cats, due to allergies. 😀
Thankful for-
My employer sent us to art classes for our Christmas party. So much fun.
My work place is closed for the holiday.
My FIL agreed to have elder care place come and see what they can do to assist him.
My boss is taking us to lunch today and we have another work Christmas party next week. Party party...
That my grand who spent the weekend in the hospital again is doing well. She has had multiple bouts of croup then bronchitis.
Hoping my prayers for settling my dads estate are bring heard.
You are amazing, Kristen. I’m glad you will have a break. There has never been any stress in my life that felt the same as “school stress.”
I have had a year where nothing has been easy - even easy things. For example, when I went to get my hair colored, my long-time stylist turned my very dark brown hair orange. (He had changed suppliers) He fixed it but …
I had a manicure for my son’s wedding and I ended up with an infection. I had to see the doctor and needed antibiotics.
I returned a dress and couldn’t get it the store to credit me. I had to file a complaint with my credit card company.
When my son was married the resort did not provide ample security, I had to deal with thieves and wedding crashers.
And so on… and so on …and so on
Nothing earth shattering…nothing life changing. Just months and months of hundreds of little - and some big - aggravations strung together in excess stealing my joy.
It has worn on me, so I haven’t participated in Thankful Thursday for a long time, but I have decided I need a major attitude adjustment. I’m not going to sweat the small stuff any longer. So here it goes…
I am thankful that the people I love are happy and healthy.
I am thankful that my children have grown into wonderful adults whom I love and they love me back.
I am so happy to see that my new grandson is growing and developing just as he should and my DIL is a great momma.
I am thankful for Rescue Pup and Calico Kitty.
I am thankful that I live somewhere I love, and my husband's employer allows him to commute. If I had to move to Atlanta, I would be miserable.
I’m thankful that I have everything I need.
Wishing each of you love, joy and peace this holiday season.
@Bee,
I've had some times of one aggravation after another, but not nearly as much as that! No wonder it's been hard for you to be thankful. I'm so glad to see you are back here with thanks today.
@Bee, Hang in there! I'm thankful you've returned to thankfuls. 🙂
@Bee, Oh man, that's a lot of hills on your path. The good news is that after a streak like that, life is more likely to get easier than harder.
@Bee, I add my sympathy to everyone else's on your year full of speed bumps. (In particular, the wedding resort story is awful.) But I too am glad that you're back on TT, and I send best wishes for a better 2023.
@Bee,
Crashers, and dresses and dyes, oh my!!!!
That is a lot to deal with, but congratulations for your wonderful attitude, and for being able to see and acknowledge your blessings. Fingers crossed for a peaceful and joyful 2023. ♥
@Bee,
Welcome back to Thankful Thursday! I hope it helps in returning some joy to your days.
@Ruth T, @st, @WilliamB, @A.Marie, @JD, @Jody S.,
Thank you for the love and sympathy! Sometimes life just gets crazy and it has truly been several months of insanity. Just counting my blessing and interacting with such kind people makes me feel much better. ♥️
Congrats, Kristen! I thought of you this weekend when the cleaning lady threw out a broken piece of pottery I treasure and was going to have restored. I was having a giant pity party for myself and then thought, "Why not reframe your thoughts to focus on what's going well in your life and how much you do have?"
This week, I'm thankful for a new programming project at work which I'm truly enjoying. Yes, I'm a writer but I adore computer programming and don't get to do it much any more. I love figuring out how to get my code working.
I'm thankful for how hard my children are working at success. For my cat, the lovely DinGus who likes sitting in my lap and watching Youtube cat videos while I read a book. For my dogs, who I missed intensely while I was away. For my feral cats, who greet me every morning because they appreciate my sparkling personality, not because I am going to feed them.
I'm happy it's almost Christmas. I have some cute and funny gifts to give, and my mother already received her tablet and loves it.
I'm grateful for what I do have.
@Rose,
When my mother had to throw away anything that had broken. She would say, “May all my bad luck be thrown away with you.”
@Bee, Thanks. It was rare, old, and valuable! I can't decide whether to fire her or not.
I, like you, have had a crummy year with so much stress--bad health, my own and other people's; things being stolen from me; the nightmare of evicting my former tenant and renovating my trashed cottage; just near constant worry and fear. One of my best friends is MIA and another won't be here next year.
But, by working hard to improve things, things are improving. And at least my family and friends know they're loved. A thrown-out little kitten brought us joy, too.
@Rose, I know we've had this discussion about your cleaning lady before. But if my cleaning crew had thrown out the stuff your cleaning lady has, I'd be sending them packing. (Heck, I get cranky when they throw out the leftover coffee I'm saving.)
And I send sympathy on your terrible, horrible, very bad year. My best wishes for a better 2023.
@A. Marie, I know, I know, I can't decide. She should have asked me. I'm sure she thought nothing of it and I can't have someone I can't trust not to throw things out cleaning. But she's so nice and she puts up with me, too. IDK.
And thanks. I hope everyone here has a bright 2023, too.
@Rose,
Merry Christmas to you, Rose. You are a light on this TFG community. Your sense of humor, your stories, and, especially, your plain and simple honesty are a great encouragement to me. ♥♥♥
@st, Oh thank you, that is so sweet. ♥♥♥ back atcha.
@Rose, my good, honest housekeeper is a treasure. So sorry you lost a lovely item. I guess you have to balance out the bad and see if it’s worth having this person come in. I haven’t had any issues so I can’t say what should be done.
@Rose, I’m sorry. I know from your posts that times have been challenging. You have some truly difficult things to contend with. In the big picture, orange hair is no big deal - just aggravating. My heart goes out to you. Wishing you peace good health and strength.
@Bee, Hey, my daughter has naturally orange hair! Ha! Thanks, sweetie.
Feeling down tonight because BFF is scared of death and I don't know what to say. Who isn't? I told her how much I love her and my kids love her, but it's not enough. Her life has not been enough, considering her brains and humor. Her stupid mother ruined her (think The Barretts of Wimpole Street, sadly obscure now) but of course, part of the blame rests with herself.
Anyway, onward. All we can do is try to live our lives with love and integrity.
@Rose, It's so hard when a friend you love hurts AND you can't fix it. I'm sorry it's happening to you now.
I figured it was exams and I'm glad you focused on them and not your blog. Go you and congratulations on finishing!
These are things that I'm grateful for or that made me smile:
- A flexible and understanding boss who is good company.
- Frugal habits: I have many small gifts on hand for the people I hire, that I bought inexpensively over time. (Penzey's is very good for this.)
- Being really good at cooking with what's on hand: I went on a cookie baking spree one evening when I couldn't sleep. I made 14 dozen cookies and 2 dozen frosted cupcakes with what I had on hand and using up random bits (cocoa butter, raisins, wheat germ, ...) without having to go shopping.
- For learning to have more grace: a mixup at the pizza parlor meant I had to wait twice as long for my pizza without a book to read. I was able to put aside my initial grouchy reaction (after the first minute) and be pleasant even to the person who made the mistake.
- That I'm visiting my father this weekend. The trip is this weekend because it would have been my mother's birthday and his first without her; I'm also grateful that he's doing well and doesn't actually *need* the company.
Lots to be grateful for. Thanks to you, Kristen, and enjoy your time off. I’m looking forward to hearing about nursing school! What is that even like? Classes and rotations? Or just work/rotations?
It varies from school to school, but at my school, you start doing clinical rotations right away, and that continues all throughout the program. And then of course there are plenty of classes too.
Congratulations on being done! That is such a huge accomplishment and a testament to your amazing work ethic. Here’s to having more time this winter and spring!
Congratulations on finishing your semester & the upcoming extended break!
This particular week I’m in “thankful in spite of hard things” mode. My father passed away on Monday, but I’m thankful that it was peaceful & free of pain. My sister is here this week & I’m thankful that I have someone to share all the many tasks that have to be done. Our immediate family will gather this weekend in preparation for the funeral & I’m thankful that I get to be with loved ones once again. I’m currently wearing a walking boot for a torn ligament in my foot & I’m thankful that, at this point, no other invasive treatment is needed.
I hope that everyone has a great day! Remember that there is good even in the hard things.
@LDA,
I'm so sorry to hear about your father! I hope you and your family find peace in the midst of your grief.
@LDA, it's hard to lose your father. And dealing with an injury on top of it--wow, you have a lot going on. Hugs and prayers.
@LDA, I'm sorry for your loss.
@LDA, I'm sorry for your loss and glad that it was peaceful and free of pain. Remember to take care fo yourself, too. If someone offers to help, let them! People tend to make vague offers, which leaves it up to you to make specific requests.
@LDA, May you and your family and friends find peace and joy in memories of your father. And may you have time over the next months to mourn and to heal and to celebrate.
@LDA,
I’m so sorry about your father. I lost my Daddy in September.
@LDA,
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. I hope that your heart and body will soon heal,
@LDA,
I am very sorry for your loss. Wishing you support and comfort-
@LDA,
I'm sorry for your loss. I pray that your time with family is a balm to your heart.
@LDA, I add my condolences. None of this can be easy, especially at holiday times and with a bad foot. But you've done an admirable job of finding the thankfuls among the sadnesses.
@LDA, I am sorry to hear of your great loss and am glad that he passed with no pain and in peace.
@LDA, My deepest sympathies for your loss. When I lost each of my parents it really did help to have family and friends who pitched in to get things done and share memories. I hope your foot heals well.
@LDA, my condolences on the loss of your father. If people offer help ask them to do things for you such as errands, run to the grocery store, ask for a meal, or help cleaning up the house if you are having a post funeral reception there.
@LDA,
I'm so sorry for your loss and proud of you (hope that doesn't sound patronizing) for finding good in the hard.
I assumed that with all the cookie responses to go through plus three days of exams, we could all figure out what was going on when you didn't post :). It's great that you get a nice long break now.
Thanksgivings for me today -
1. I'm thankful that the tornado warnings issued last night didn't result in damage in our area. My heart hurts for those who did have tornado destruction to our west. If this area can get through the tornado watches for this morning, we'll be out of danger and into the coming colder air.
2. That we had a "lunch and learn" yesterday at work that provided us all with free lunch plus leftovers to take home, and the presentation itself was actually interesting.
3. That we are getting Christmas bonuses again. I went all of my working life without them until I came to work here in 2017, so I appreciate them very, very much.
4. That last year I went ahead and bought the refill of Command adhesive strips for the hangers I will use to hang my lights on my porch. No last minute trip to the store for strips!
5. That my yearly order of contact lenses arrived before my final pair of lenses "expired." The new contacts had been delayed so I was starting to think I was going to be stuck in glasses for a while, and I really don't like wearing glasses for long. My uncorrected eyesight is very poor, so I have basically "no" peripheral vision when I wear glasses.
Do I spy an orange tree in your bedroom? How fun!
Thankful my son is home on his college break .... that he did well with his challenging classes last semester ... that it's the season for band concerts with my high school daughter .... that I'm whittling away at my Christmas to-do list .... that I got to go to work earlier this week (been low censused a lot lately) .... that so far (knock on wood) we have stayed healthy.
@Kris, Yes, that is one impressive orange tree. I noticed it too. I would be showing that off for sure! LOL
@Amanda,
Isn't it just?
And such a lovely splash of colour!
Today I'm thankful that--
*my college son (and his father who picked him up from the airport) made it home ahead of the ice storm.
*after the power flickered (ice storm), I was sufficiently motivated to get breakfast ready before it went out for good. Biscuits and gravy were finished (thanks to son #3 who helped despite it not being his assigned chore) and eaten.
*the electricity is still on.
*Son #2 won the cookie contest-- but I'm also kinda jealous that he won his first time playing. 😉
*we are all snug and together.
*as I sit here, I hear all the sounds-- the dishwasher running, kids singing with each other. Okay, I guess I like the kids singing more than the dishwasher. But it's just so nice.
*Son #4 just reminded me that we need to do school. (He so rarely wants to do school.)
*Okay. I have to put this one here. College son told his younger siblings at breakfast about the human conveyor belt at one of the airports, and he said, "I might even have walked on them a few extra times, just because." (Not exact wording.) I love that he is still delighting in the little things in life despite being older.
@Jody S.,
Your airport story makes me smile! Love it!
1. I actually quoted you to myself this week, Kristen! I said, "Don't let perfect be the enemy of good." I know that's not your original quote, but I'd read through your series on contentedness a few times, and that really stuck with me. In this context, joining two imperfect community groups instead of holding out for The One Perfect One is going to make our lives better 🙂
2. Our hospital and socialized medicine. We spent the night in the ER with our daughter this week (she's ok) but I reflected on how lucky we were to have good access to care, to get in and out in 5 hours, and that we didn't have to worry about the cost.
3. Modern medicine in general. What happened was, little Bee didn't have any appetite and wouldn't drink, then felt worse because she was dehydrated, and then wouldn't drink at all, and got more dehydrated. All she needed was an IV with less than a cup of fluid, and we were able to go home. I remember thinking to myself, "Oh, this is how babies used to die--it's so easy" and still do, in places where there isn't access to full medical care.
4. The cheerful nurses and doctors. They were short staffed (who isn't?) but cheerful and kind. It really helped us be at ease.
5. My mom. She gave us 2.5 days of childcare this week and it allowed us to miss a minimal amount of work this week. So, so helpful. I'm home with her today, but it allows me to save up goodwill at work for when I'll need it.
@Meira@meirathebear, all your points are good ones, especially your #3. Among the many other things my JASNA presentation last Saturday had me thinking about were the high rates of infant and maternal mortality in Jane Austen's time. JA lost four SILs and several nieces and nephews this way.
I am thankful for kind people. Mean people are so hurtful, especially to introverts.
This week I’m thankful for….
The snow that is currently falling. It is simply stunning outside right now. It’s looking like we’ll have a white Christmas.
My dad calling to ask if I wanted to ride with him to my grandparent’s house this weekend. I had a wonderful afternoon chatting with grandma while my dad watched football with grandpa. I also had a great chat with my dad on the ride.
I have most of my Christmas gifts wrapped. I need to round out a few gifts, but if Christmas was tomorrow I wouldn’t be in panic mode.
Audiobooks! I needed a break from all the things so I pulled out a Christmas themed puzzle and spent the afternoon doing a puzzle and listening to a book I’ve had on my to-read list for far too long.
Hot tea, cuddly dogs, blankets, candles – all the things that make cold winter evenings warm and cozy.
This week...
1) I'm thankful for the laughter that my husband's combination computing program and conversation brought to the forum/blog. You guys made us smile!
2) For clearance groceries that gave my pomegranate-loving son 4 pomegranates for $1.
3) For laughter in the van this morning on the way to school. We usually walk, but with low temps in the single digits this week,we decided to drive and pick up friends along the way. And played silly kids Christmas music.
4) For central heat. Our eccentric neighbors only use space heaters to try to heat the small bedroom they are in and don't have central heat anymore. They lost their mobility this fall, so I've been carrying groceries/deliveries into their house for them. And every blast of cold air that comes in with me just stays in the house. Makes me grateful for our heat and our south facing windows.
5) For fleece leggings to go under my jeans! We bought things at Kohls over black Friday, but only things we needed. So the resulting Kohls cash really did feel like a happy splurge. 🙂
And I'm thankful Kristen gets to have a break from school!
Congratulations on being done with finals!
This week....
1. I am thankful that my son begins Christmas vacation next week and my husband and I get to join him on Friday. I am looking forward to waking without an alarm, warm wassail, wrapping gifts and baking cookies.
2. I am enjoying the cold weather we have been having lately. It is hard to feel Christmas when it is 65 outside but much easier to listen to Irving Berlin when it is 38 outside.
3. Thankful for a well stocked pantry and freezer which is letting me run to the grocery for far fewer things than I normally would during the holidays.
4. Thankful for the provision to plan surprises for others, meals to celebrate the holiday together and the chance to worship together throughout the season.
5. For fires in our fireplace, coffee, warm bowls of soup and a Boxer pup who loves to snuggle.
Happy Thursday!
Ooooh! The chance to read books for fun!! So happy for you! And congratulations on making it through the semester!
This week I'm thankful:
* for the flexibility where it's not a big deal if I have to bring a sick kiddo home from school.
* that we were able to avoid sickness until today. Things are spreading like wildfire here! But we've had a few big events over the last week that we needed to be healthy for and I'm thankful that all worked out. It's a bummer that my kindergartener will miss his Christmas party tomorrow, but Christmas break starts tomorrow at 11:30 and then we have nothing on our calendar for a good long time! And if sickness rolls through now, we should get it out of the way before my in-laws visit after Christmas.
* for whoever put together our school calendar this year. Often, schools here go until the 22nd or 23rd. But we have a FULL WEEK off before Christmas this year. I. Am. So. Excited!!!
* for grocery pick-up. I think I'm going to be needing that option tomorrow.
So happy that the heavy sciences are over for you! Enjoy your time off before you start nursing school because you hit the ground running. I highly recommend using this time to get your project list done because the time off is few and far between. I wish someone had told me that...
This week I am thankful for...
1. Baking soda. I know it is a weird one, but I have been making bath bombs, bubble bars and baking as Christmas gifts and baking soda (or sodium bicarb for my Brits) is a key component in all of them.
2. My best friend. Not only is she coming out for two weeks from the East Coast, but she coming to Christmas dinner with my fam and is ferrying two gifts I had shipped to my house.
3. Sunscreen. I had my first dermatology appointment in awhile (gotta love closing in on 35 and having a family history of skin cancer) and it was really great to be told a. no skin cancers and b. that I don't look my age. And for all the young ones here....WEAR SUNSCREEN
4. Dollar Tree. The one my me and and work is a freaking treasure trove. We finally gave in and bought a fake tree for convenience sake, but it is 12 ft tall and I do not have 12 ft worth of ornaments. Dollar Tree really fills in those gaps on the cheap.
5. My mom's homesteading heart. I am a firm believer in homemade gifts (to a certain point, mostly bc I can't afford anything my truly wealthy relatives would want), but I can my little heart out over the summer and bake and homestead. And it is all thanks to my mom teaching me. So everyone is getting fig jam, tomato sauce, chile/pineapple infused tequila and mango chutney....and it was all from my garden or local farm (except the tequila lol)
Yes! I figure a break before diving into nursing school is smart on a lot of levels. I need to go into that feeling a little bit refreshed. 🙂
It was extremely easy and cheap to replace the glass in my windows which means they are no longer cloudy. Get a quote for glass replacement not new windows. Ask landlord to replace. Massive difference in temperature. Under 1K for TONS of window glass replacement.
Thankful for:
1. the friend who knew I missed a Christmas recital while I was in the hospital. She showed up on my doorstep and for my Christmas gift gave me a one hour violin concert of all the songs that were played that night. I was so honored that she went to that trouble; it may be one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me!
2. for the two See's candies my husband put in my Advent calendar. I only eat them at Christmas (because I have no self-control) so it is really fun to get two every single day. Mmmm for nuts and chews!
3. for Christmas music, which I know I have said before but I continue to be happy every time I hear some of the old classics so I am mentioning it again.
4. for the heater in our chicken coop. It was 17 below last night and this morning I found the three hens lined up in front of it, nice and toasty. They eat our kitchen remains and give us eggs, plus they entertain me, and when we have not had chickens I have missed them.
5. for my new felted wool mittens taht I received as a gift. So warm and colorful. I feel like a 5 year old when I put them on.
As with past years, I offer this rendition of a fifth grade class in one of our remote villages presenting the Hallelujah Choras, aided by the adults. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyviyF-N23A It is fun to watch.
@Lindsey, I rewatch this each year you post it. It is so clever and I just adore it.
I am struggling with the end of the semester as well, so I especially appreciate the opportunity to count my blessings.
I am thankful for . . .
Our put-together home. We've had some major and minor issues in our home that started early in 2021. Several circumstances delayed getting repairs done. But finally, for the first time in what feels like a very long time, I can put things away and get on with life in a home that is comfortable and fully-usable again.
Our farmhouse. Way back in 2019 we began negotiations with family members to purchase an old family farmhouse. It involved moving the house to new land. The process has been long and exhausting and finally culminated in the house being moved to our new land yesterday. We have a lot of work ahead of us to restore the house and make it livable, but this was a major milestone. I am just so grateful for the folks involved and that, at long last, it is finally ours. I am also thankful that the rain held off until we got the house moved!
The next two weeks of being home with my family. I am in a point in my career where I travel each week during the academic year. It is exciting and wonderful to be able to take advantage of some great opportunities. And, honestly, I was really ready for some alone time after being home with all my children for 18 months when school was closed during the pandemic. Now I am tired of traveling, so I am extremely grateful that I can take a break before it starts up again.
A quiet day to work alone. We've had lots of disruptions and kids home sick lately. It is nice to work all day quietly by myself without having to nurse anyone or run to some appointment.
I didn't even know there were support groups for divorce or for specific reasons that cause the divorce. Amazing! How does one find such things? And are they usually free through a nonprofit organization is it like paid therapy? Any idea how to locate such a group for infidelity? Thank you
This one was recommended me to by a pastor friend of mine; it's run by a therapist that he knows. This one is not free, but it's not expensive either; like $50/month or so.
I would try googling to see what you can find in your area!
You did it!
No to enjoy Christmas and furniture rehabbing! And people!
My TT:
1. A snowblower that has helped us move 2 feet of snow from our driveway, shared alley and extra parking (currently being used for workers that are helping us with home renovation)
2. The two feet of snow we got. Everyone stayed home and we used the time to play and rest—something I probably should do more.
3. Friends who can offer real and honest feedback to help me grow.
4. The season of advent. I love that the Church calendar carved out time to be reflective and still leading up to the season of Christmas. This year we have incidentally lived it out more than typical, and it has been good for me to practice this kind of quiet waiting since I am prone to keeping moving all the time.
So happy for you to be done! You deserve a big, restful, relaxing, refreshing break!!! I'm on the other side of the desk (I teach political science at a community college) and I still have a bunch of grading to do. But...I know that break is coming!
Kristen, I’m so happy for you that you finished this semester with wonderful grades! I hope the next months before you start into the RN program are filled with activities and experiences that will help you feel revived and refreshed! Wishing you much joy and peace!
I am thankful to be almost ready for family Christmas gift exchanges.
I’m thankful to have attended a few Christmas concerts this year.
I’m thankful for the ongoing joys of dancing with my husband, dog antics ( our pup Wally Wagz), cooking, coffee, Christmas music, reading , and visits with friends and family.
I’m thankful for good neighbors.
I’m very thankful for skilled, compassionate medical teams who help us maintain strong health but who also help us when we have health challenges! Thank you, Kristen, for going into this field. Your patients will be so blessed to have you caring for them!
I seriously can't get enough of your school updates. It's SO nice to know I'm not the only 40-something student. 🙂
I am grateful for:
a FIVE-week break from school!!!
for all the new acquaintances and friends I made at school
time to read for fun and get back to my Russian language studies
my physical therapist who is helping me heal something that was becoming really annoying
Yay for the semester being over for you! Hope you enjoy the long break.
This week I am thankful for:
1. Free butter. The grocery delivery service we use was gifting one free item if you spent a certain amount, which we normally do anyway. One choice was a pound of organic unsalted butter so we snagged it for baking.
2. A warm home. It's been quite chilly lately and we are grateful to have heat.
3. Found some money left on a gift card someone gave me, was able to treat myself to a large matcha latte. Had 1/2 yesterday and the rest this morning.
4. The gifts of curiosity and persistence my mother passed on to me. It helped me solve an aggravating and sticky problem at work by repeatedly asking myself, "what if...?"
5. The scrambled eggs my husband makes, one of my ultimate comfort foods.
@AnnieH, your #4 reminded me of something my great-grandfather (the only one who lived long enough for me to know him) once said, when he was asked for the secret of his longevity: "Curiosity and enthusiasm!" I'd like to think I've inherited those qualities--and it sounds as if you have too.
Thankful on your behalf that you're DONEDONEDONE! HOORAY!
And on my behalf . . .
--For my husband on this, his birthday. A truly remarkable man.
--That my eldest son finally recovered from the nasty flu that laid him out for a solid week and is back at school today.
--That we had lots of eggs and cream on hand, as that was more or less all he ate--in various combinations--for most of that week.
--That he was never sick to his stomach with this illness, so he could at least eat something, as long as it didn't bother his sore throat.
--That we have all that gound beef on hand to make his favorite foods--meatloaf, meatballs, shepherd's pie, etc.--to help him gain back some of the weight he lost. He was verging on too slender as it was, and really couldn't afford to lose that weight.
--That no one else in the house caught that flu. I have no idea how we avoided it--it's not like he was strictly quarantined or anything--but I'm profoundly grateful we didn't.
Interesting my windows are cloudy from dirt, not broken seals.
Kudos for the professional looking cookies. And good riddance chemistry. I had to take that too and now 25 years later all I remember is that a mole is really small.
@Lisa,
Cloudy windows due to dirt cracked me up! I literally laughed out loud. Mine, too, btw.
Congrats on finishing your semester Kristen and enjoy your long break.
1. Thankful that my dh works from home. It's snowing today and he was able to drive me to a doctor's appointment.
2. The doctor's appointment was my one year check up on my bariatric surgery. I have lost 103 pounds in a year. Still more to go and I will up the exercise in January with walking at the mall.
3. Thankful that my Christmas shopping is done. I need to get wrapping paper as dh bought some last year and it has cutesy cats and dogs on it. We don't have pets and the paper doesn't bring me joy. It will for someone else after I donate to Goodwill.
4. Thankful that a magazine I subscribe to will not publish anymore I will get a refund for the extra year or two that I subscribed to.
5. That it's snowing and looking like Christmas.
@Auntiali, congratulations on your weight loss!! I have a good friend who had the surgery and lost only about 40 pounds. I'm sure she's gained it back again. She just can't help "cheating". I'm so worried about her.
I am thankful for your posts Kristen, it is pushing me to remember to be thankful today.
I am thankful for a wonderful neighbor that always offers a kind word or ear and checks in with me with no agenda.
I am thankful that someone new reached out in friendship to me and reminded me that making new friends is possible and important.
I am thankful that my daughter is making choices on her own and meeting the moment.
I am thankful that this challenging month of teaching is almost over.
Coffee.
Karen
Why Kristen, I think you can officially say now that you are a cat person 😉
I’m grateful to be free to babysit my napping sick grandson so his mum can go to his brother’s Christmas concert. I moved plans around so I could go, but this is even more important.
I’m thankful to be nearly done my music studio commitments before Christmas. Only two more concerts!
I’m thankful I am planning an extra week off. I had two weeks alongside the school holiday and both have filled up with child care commitments, and I was finding that very disheartening. I don’t want to find helping my kids and grandchildren disheartening, so I worked my schedule around to finish a week later in June so I will still get a rest. I’m lucky to be able to do that. I’m also glad that I’m now gracious enough towards myself to consider it, because in the past I wouldn’t have. I would have just soldiered through.
I’m grateful to be in the position to help my family. Life is harder than it used to be, and though I can’t give a lot financially, there’s a lot of support I can give.
I’m thankful for my fantastic students and families this year. They are awesome!
I’m ever-thankful for my adhd diagnosis and treatment. My life is so much better because of it!
Merry Christmas to all of you lovely folks who celebrate it, and happy holidays to all!
Thankful Clementine's 6 kittens were at least 5 weeks old when she suddenly and unexpectedly passed away so they have a chance to survive.
Thankful that the kitten's aunt Summer has stepped in to love and cuddle them so they feel loved even though they lost their mom Clementine.
Wishing Pearls Ragdolls the best during these difficult times.
I love that you discuss attending a support group on here. I was in an S-Anon type group during my divorce and I always felt so weird going but it was so wonderful to connect with others. Normalizing getting that support is important.
@Andy, I can say that the Al-Anon Family Groups (www.Al-Anon.Alateen.org) saved my life! And later, AA saved my husband’s life. They both saved our marriage and sanity, although some get different gifts and miracles than we did. (The only guarantee is that actively-participating members will learn about themselves and be able to be happier, no matter what is going on around us.) Seems there is a Twelve Step group for almost anything these days. One of the greatest things about support groups is finding out that there are lots of other people going through the same problems, and that there ARE things we can do to improve the situation no matter how bad. Of course, if the pain from a loved one’s alcohol addiction is not the issue, find another group that applies to you. There are many online support groups and “remote” therapy/treatment these days, a gift of sorts from the ongoing pandemic. Thanks, Andy, and Kristen, for sharing how helpful support groups can be!
So, I’ll keep going, I guess-
#2 fairly decent weather for this time of year- really affects my work, and my physical and emotional well-being, too. Of course that I have a home and car, which makes nearly all weather relatively comfortable.
#3 for kind friends who invite us widows and bereaved parents to events or casual get-together, and who understand when we have to decline, keep asking, are happy when we can get together, and aren’t afraid to talk about our loved ones.
#4 family miracle- healed or healing relationships, surprise new nieces and nephew through DNA program, patience and tolerance, the comfort of spending time with close people who really know me, the strong bonds that have been really stretched/fragile, but not broken.
#5 Licorice, both my old black formerly stray cat who is so entertaining, though much of his time these days is between couch and bed. The stubborn old wanderer who insisted on living outside in winter one terrible year before he would trust us enough to come inside, is now a cuddled. Also! The candy called licorice!
@Jenny, I am so happy to read that those groups were helpful for you!
I love that kitty name! Mine is also a former stray 🙂
I think you are over the worst of it for nursing, except maybe when you take pharmacology. So it may be more intense in terms of learning but it won't be HARDER to understand. So congratulations! Enjoy your break.
I like the simple things. I live beside a lake and park. I have 2 cats. I love doing chores on bright sunny days. I enjoy your blog. Thanks for inspiration!
Kristen, 2 questions for you:
1. What is your cat's name? Wait, is it Frugal Kitty? Frugal Cat? Fru?
2. How is it that you know you are going to nursing school? Did you get accepted before finishing all the prereqs? Just wondering how that works, and how you will remember all that you learned with that 8 month break. (Inquiring mind here. . .)
Congrats for getting a long school break! Very well deserved.
I'm grateful for:
-One week left until my teens are done with finals. Everyone is also crispy.
-For a job that is flexible enough to often allow me to watch my high school son play on the school soccer team. The games are pretty early on weekdays, so it takes some flex to make it happen.
-That my company was able to repair the heat in our office. It was incredibly cold on Tuesday, pretty cold on Wednesday, but much nicer today. Being able to type without numb hands is a pretty big treat.
-Chocolate. It was a week.
Yay to finishing!! Not that you need to, but if you get tired of looking at cloudy windows, rabbitgoo window film (available on Amazon) is fantastic!
🙂 Erin