Thankful Thursday | I'm beat
This week, I am thankful:
that I am finished with shifts for the week
My goodness, the shifts I worked over the last three days were really...something.
Obviously, I can't tell you about it all, but woo, I am exhausted.
Normally, when I work three days in a row, I'm in a pretty good groove by the time the third day rolls around. I know the patients, the patients know me, and I know how to make it all work.
But that was not true this time; I was just running, running, running all three days, never feeling like I got caught up at all.
It's not always like this, of course, and I'm not complaining. I'm just saying: I AM SO GLAD I'M OFF TODAY! 😉
My body needs a little rest, please and thank you.
that I got to see my buddy Brittany last night
She was working the night shift, so I got to hand my patients off to her, and I was so happy I got to see her. 🙂
What a fun thing it is that we met during prereqs and now here we are, being floor nurses together.
for my warm house
I will say this for my oil furnace/hot water heating system: it does a bang-up job in very cold weather. My house doesn't feel at all cold to me, even though it has been unusually frigid weather here for the last few weeks.
You may remember that my landlords put in a new furnace over the summer, and I could swear the new one does a better job, although I have no idea if that is merely a placebo effect in my brain.
I know my oil tank refill bill will be tremendous after this cold snap, but that is not a topic for a post titled Thankful Thursday. Ha.
that I got another raise
My hospital did a market evaluation, decided what they were paying us as new grads wasn't competitive even after the annual raise, and added another $0.84/hour to my pay rate. Yay!
I do understand that this is possibly motivated less by goodwill/a dedication to fairness, and more by not-wanting-to-lose-staff, but I honestly do not care what the motivation is. I'm just grateful for the raise. 🙂
And it's especially nice coming on the heels of the recent annual staff evals/raises. Woohoo!
that winter weather doesn't bother me very much
Ok, yes, this ice/snow combo is kinda inconvenient, and yes, I don't exactly want to sit outside and drink my morning coffee, but....overall, cold weather doesn't irritate me.
A muggy, buggy summer day tests my patience WAY more than this does. 😉
Which is why I will not be accepting any nursing jobs that involve moving south (unless it's like...California. Ha.)
I have a way better winter attitude than summer attitude!
for my coworkers
I love my unit coworkers so much. And I am very grateful for the way that they kindly answer my questions (because sheesh, I run into new and unfamiliar situations almost every shift!)
I also feel happy that I am getting to be much more familiar with the non-unit staff, like PT/OT, the doctors and their residents, and so on. I didn't interact with them very much as a tech, so this has been a whole new world for me.
that my PT seems to be helping
It is not a magic bullet, of course, but I am having less pain and more mobility. Yay!
That I have yarn in my stash for the sweater I want to make.
That my local library asked me to be their ad-hoc knitting teacher (tutor? advisor?) for their new weekly knitting/crochet group. And that they don't need me to commit to every session, since I would have had to say no if that were the case.
That I'm sleeping better again.
That my dog didn't beg for walks during the cold snap.
That sounds like fun! I wish I had knew of a knitting bee that was not during working hours.
I am really over winter weather, but I have a more positive attitude to summer. I just don't like any extreme for too long! It's been incredibly cold lately and it normally starts to warm up a little by now. I hope you get to enjoy your break and be cosy with the cats!
My thankfuls:
1. It is nearly time for my holiday. I am excited to go to Florence and I'm also excited to get into milder temperatures! Having said that, I did enjoy a wintry walk last week and seeing the ice and snow on the beach.
2. I managed to go to the gym twice a week for all of January (and this week as well).
3. I had a really fun evening with my friend in Sweden last week, and got to meet some of her friends at her book club. I'm also thankful that it's so easy geographically to travel to other countries here!
4. My electric kettle is starting to sputter out but for now it's hanging on until I can get a new one (a less fun thing about here is that supermarkets don't stock everything so it's not always easy to replace right away).
5. I enjoyed a long phone conversation with a friend the other day.
Maybe it's the week because mine has been a blur, too. Rest up. This week I am thankful:
*that all of my busy running has been for pleasant reasons.
*that my son was okayed for his first solo flight. Today we will be checking into renter's insurance because that's necessary before a solo; doesn't that seem weird? So, that big flight, depending on weather, will be next week!
*that I get to see my friend tomorrow. Our families are getting together, and I love those times so much.
*that I got to see my other friend (and her family) over the weekend. Her children are friends with my children, too. They just moved back to my state, so my kids are ever so happy to have more "close" friends. (They are still more than an hour away.)
*for the fascial counterstrain appointment I have today. I still don't understand how it works, and it still seems a little "out there" -- but I can't argue with the results. I'm hoping it will also help keep my vertigo away.
*for cozy homeschool days and for college boys who call (one sometimes, one all the time). For my coffee and the fun of pretending to serve my family gruel (steel-cut oats) in Dickens style this morning. That my daughter's textbook has an assignment requiring her to mend something; she mends anyway, but what she decided to mend came out of my mending pile.
If you were going to serve gruel Jane Austen style (think Mr. Woodhouse in Emma), you'd have to lace it with a little wine. That's probably why Mr. Woodhouse likes his gruel so much. 😛
Well, I suppose it wasn't really Dickens-esque either because mine had a healthy dose of butter in it. But I did pretend that I could slop it into their bowls in a most satisfactory manner. But that was all in my head because I really just set the pot on the table and hollered, "Come and get it." They did the rest. 🙂 Y'all might think I'm crazy, but it's really quite frugal to provide yourself with an inner-dialogue that delights because it's free entertainment, right? (And, for the record, I realize I sound kind of crazy right now, but I do get in silly moods sometimes. This is one of my silly moods.)
I hope one of your kids said 'Please Sir, can I have some more?'
They did not. 🙁
Zoe and I made gruel one time for a Dickens assignment!
Do tell what that involved? Since typing these comments, I think I"ve decided that Oliver Twist should be our next read-aloud book. But I have to finish Little Women (which we've barely begun).
I too prefer brisk, invigorating, chilly air to stifling, stale, hot, bug-laden air. However, I am very thankful to be able to take a long walk in Florida soon, unencumbered by ice and snow.
I am thankful for:
Lighting a cheery candle first thing upon rising on a dark chilly morning - thank you A. Marie and Going Country.
Spending time with kids and grandkids and Mr. Book Club.
Enough firewood to last the winter.
The many opportunities to connect with friends - blog posts and other social media, texting, phone calls, video calls, emails, meet ups...
Good books. I finished Cry, the Beloved Country a few days ago and it is stuck in my mind and heart.
This thankful practice every Thursday. Thank you Kristen! Enjoy your recharge day.
So we can claim to be Candle Influencers? Excellent. 🙂 More light in the darkness is always a good thing.
Ahh, Cry The Beloved Country, thanks for calling it to mind. I read it as a young person and it pierced me. I think back now that it was an awakening of sorts for me at an age when I was still ignorant to societal injustice to put it broadly
…and also so well written!
I’m thankful my husband loves my cooking ( I’m not a gourmet) and never complains about us having leftovers.
I’m grateful that most mornings he makes us each a really healthy smoothie to start the day after water and coffee.
I’m thankful the streets in our neighborhood are FINALLY clear. I think it must’ve taken the local school bus getting stuck to draw attention to our icy, snow-packed streets.
I’m thankful for good friends and neighbors.
And ,as always, I’m thankful for the joy our little pup,Wally, brings us. He’s a labradoodle. We love him!
I am just about to go journal this vey topic..so I will include the things here.
*Thankful for dental insurance, a nice dental office that kindly rescheduled my appt. due to the ice storm, and that I have all of my teeth! Will be cheerfully gettibg my teeth cleaned today. Both of my parents had dental issues, and thankfully I do not.
*Thankful that I am feeling brave and courageous at getting out in the world, by myself, sometimes at night, and going and doing. I have done a lot of work to feel this confident and mildly extroverted. And I am thankful that I have discretionary income right now to add these experiences into my life.
*Thankful that we are having mild and sunny winter days - I will soak up as much of this beautiful sunshine as I can today and take a lovely walk at my neighborhood park.
Happy Thursday!
Have good rest Kristen!
This week I am thankful that
- the ice roads have cleared away in my region. I was desoriented being woken up by a phone weather alert warning people to not go outside if at all avoidable. And it was highly unususal hearing about court sessions rescheduled and libraries, schools and town halls being closed, and nursing staff staying on longer shifts as their colleagues could not come to the hospitals. And an ambulance slipping and being towed away by a fire engine. It was short but not sweet. Although later in the day there were children ice skating on the iced roads. They made the most of the situation!
-eldest, who had no choice but to drive home after his shift in lowest gear, and glided against a wall, only had a damaged car. So relieved to see him home!
- a workarund for my as yet unresolved IT problem. Deadlines are deadlines.
- a stash of library books (fiction and non fiction) and fully operational heating.
Good morning, this is a first, I am early to comment!
Thankfuls:
- I finally got around to applying for my pension, this has been sitting on my to do list for *months*! I applied for my CPP (Canada Pension Plan) on-line, and it was .a.slog. It took me close to 3.5 hours to do, the first 2 hours just getting through the security part, OMGosh, a.slog. to get through. But DONE is done and feeling hugely relieved. Now I have to do the OAS portion (Old Age Security) for which I have actual paperwork; as I am not Canadian born I have to provide copies of my citizenship card and papers.
- My HB is a whiz at finding amazing stuff at the thrift store. He found a ceramic non-stick pan which is Seriously non-stick. The brand is "Carote" which I have never heard of before, but now I want to get a DEEP pan of this same brand so that I can retire my scratched up deep non-stick pan.
- Did a job I was not looking forward to doing: I contacted the owner of a temporary pop-up shop in the local mall (from December), she had sold me a facial moisturizer that is defective; the pump part does not work. She said she would send me a replacement, so I am hoping to receive it this week or next week. Fingers crossed.
- Present me is thankful that I put gas in the vehicle when it was *relatively balmy* at -7C and not windy, because it is no joke standing outside and filling the gas tank in a cold wind chill of -22C.
- Hugely thankful for the "windrow" plow that comes by after the big street plows have come by and blocked our driveways with snow and ice. We have had some serious snow this winter, so.much.snow. The "windrow plow" is this special plow that comes by and specifically removes the snow from the bottom of our driveways. This is a special service that my small city council voted on and for which I am MOST grateful!
- And lastly, thankful for some lovely sunny (but cold) days with no snow. Seeing the sun is very uplifting and mood enhancing!
Grateful we have a 4 wheel drive. Our driveway is 1/2 mile long and this snow and ice ain’t going anywhere any time soon. No considerable warmth until next week. This is going on 2 weeks. I’m stiff from being inside for so long and slightly depressed. Tired of having to wear so many clothes. I want to throw a dress and sandals on and go!
Some declutterring has been done and blessed someone with some craft things through our Buy Nothing group. Again just getting to the end of the driveway for pickup involved donning so many clothes.
One positive from being home bound is I’m saving money!
Spring is coming y’all! Hang on!
I also don't mind cold weather, but am a wee bit tired of below freezing temps on the regular. I could go for some, say, 20-30 degree temps right now.
I'm thankful:
That I am finally recovered from the Mystery Virus we picked up on our trip back from Florida. We all came down with it, and it has been pretty brutal (more on why it's a mystery later).
That DH and DS#1 were well enough to take care of me and the three other sick people for most of last week.
That I can now take over care of DS#2 and DS#4, while DH visits DS#3 in the hospital. Yes, hospital. DS#3 was fighting this virus (upper respiratory, fever that wouldn't quit) and developed a scary symptom that even alarmed him so that he was agreeable about heading to the ER. He's there right now, being monitored and with a gastroenterology consult. Originally we thought this was covid (which also messes with our digestive systems) but he tested negative for that and Flu A and B.
That DS#4 is really turning a corner--his fever finally broke after nearly two weeks--and he's doing a lot better.
For Columbo, which is one of our go-to comfort watches when we're sick. Peter Falk makes everything better.
For the mini-government shutdown, which means DH could go to the hospital on Tuesday without taking leave.
And...besides the basics--roof over our heads, plenty of food and running water...that's it. Everybody, wash your hands and mask up because I wouldn't wish this whatever-it-is on anybody.
My heart goes out to your family! I hope you all feel better very soon!
Yuck. That sounds beyond miserable. I really hope everyone is back to 100% very soon.
Our weather has been very cold. If it's going to be this cold for this long, I wish we could at least get a little snow.
This week I am thankful:
- that I will be picking up grandson this afternoon to spend a little time with him
- that I have plans with my BFF tonight. We're trying something new and going bowling at a place that has "happy hour" pricing on lanes so it should be an inexpensive outing
- that husband's new doctor ordered blood tests that showed his thyroid T3 level was extremely low and prescribed him medication for it. It frustrated me though since his thyroid levels are supposed to be monitored by his endocrinologist, but that doctor did not order a full thyroid panel. Hubby also been to Mayo and Vandy for extensive testing and bloodwork and it was not caught there either.
- that husband gets my breakfast and lunch ready for me while I get ready for work
- that we were able to clean and deodorize the rug I got from our Buy Nothing group. I wanted a rug for our covered porch and I'm thankful to have gotten a free one.
Kristen, the PT/OT buddies who you are working with appreciate you, too.
Speaking of which, I was very thankful for a wonderful nurse who helped me out with a patient who had trouble mobilizing. We have rehab techs to help for that sort of thing, but they were all busy, and the nurse kindly took time out of her schedule to be another set of hands for me. She also paged out to all the nurse techs on the floor for help, and they answered in spades. I love love love it when the whole team works together for the good of the patient.
I like winter better than summer, but the bitterly cold temps and endless snow (last I checked, we've had over 92 inches since November, but I'm sure the total is higher now) is wearing on me. I'm grateful that the temps are moderating into the 20s, which means the road salt can melt the icy stuff off the roads.
Thankful that my friend from work had a lovely retirement party this week. She's a fantastic clinician and is also a professional musician. She played a recital as her going-away present for the rehab staff. She deserved to be celebrated, and I think the party honored her contributions well. We keep up almost daily, but man, am I gonna miss working with her.
I had a phone call from a dear friend who I haven't talked to (we've emailed/texted/done the Christmas card thing) for probably 20 years. We picked up the conversation like no time had passed.
I'm vey grateful for my flexible work schedule.
In keeping with the knitting theme mentioned earlier in the comments, I'm thankful for a woman at church who helped me figure out a knitting problem. I knitted an afghan last winter and one of my cats snagged a strand with her claws. I wasn't sure how to fix it, but she was able to identify and fix the problem straightaway. I'd love to attend a knitting class which focuses on correcting problems. I can generally figure out any stitch I need to make without much trouble, but somehow my brain gets turned around when I need to make a repair.
Grateful to have attended a mini-class reunion luncheon yesterday. We had to pay extra for a small private room which is understandable as the purpose of getting together was to have ample time to visit. The unexpected wrinkle was one guest brought homemade cookies to celebrate another participant’s birthday. As a result, the restaurant added $24 to her bill - for bringing in a non-restaurant provided dessert. That was an unwelcome surprise (and they didn’t even serve the dessert). Live and learn.
Grateful that a friend’s surgery on Monday went well, she is home and her only request is I help her stay accountable to walk briefly each day as part of her recovery.
I am having fun learning the game of Mah Jongg - keeps my brain functioning and is social.
Grateful that the end of our coldest weather is predicted in the next week or so.
It has been very cold for Florida and for an extended period.
Grateful that even though our exercise instructor didn’t show up earlier this week, several class members stepped up and “taught” their favorite exercises so the participants got something out of the class period.
Grateful for the oatmeal (aka gruel) that Imhad prepared earlier in the week and that I just had to microwave a serving this morning.
Grateful for a lifelong friend whose birthday is today. She has enriched my life (and that of others) for many years.
Chiquita, on the other hand, looks quite well rested. I imagine she naps more when you're not home. 🙂
Thankfuls:
--That I'm going to pick up our beef at the butcher today. Yay, good beef! And that we have the money to buy a whole cow at once.
--That we figured out the smaller chest freezer wasn't actually freezing before losing anything in it. Apparently, there are two cords and plugs for that freezer. One is for the compressor and one is just for the light in the lid. When I plugged it in, I only plugged in the cord for the light. We discovered this when my son reported soupy ice cream. But that was on the top and everything else in there was still frozen.
--That when one son had a rough situation with friends at school, he found a positive way to deal with his negative feelings. This particular boy does not have a history of good reactions to stress, so that was a relief.
--For my friend who gave my basketball player a ride from the post office where the bus stopped to our house on her way home with her kids. They didn't get home until after 11 p.m., so I was very happy to be able to go to bed and just get up when he walked in the door to blearily ask him how the game went, and then go back to bed. 🙂
--For my Honda Pilot, still. I have to drive around 300 miles today what with one thing and another, and that is much more comfortable in my climate-controlled Honda with a functioning CD player than in our big old van.
--For an online friend (and one of your readers, too) who very generously sent me her daughters' First Communion dresses for my daughter to choose one. She also included some decorative scarves and bracelets that my daughter has delighted in playing with, and some chocolate for the rest of the family. So generous.
I'm so happy you have a great work team to lean on!
This week (and next) are the weeks I plan for a PICU stay for my kid because it seems to be the hardest time of year. And every time we end up in the hospital it seems like it’s full and crazy across the board. Thanks for caring for your patients well…especially during these crazy months.
Thankfuls:
1. Sun!!!! It was thinking about maybe being dawn before I needed to leave the house this morning. We are gaining Sun! Just 4 weeks ago I thought winter would last for all of eternity, and were already to the brightening phase of winter! Phew. We made it.
2. Not being in the PICU (where’s the wood??)—my kiddo has been sick and I’ve had to take nearly a week off to care for him but he is managing without the need for hospitalization.
3. A great team at work which eases my concern when I’m out. They do such a phenomenal job.
4. My youngest starting to grow up. It’s kinda sad because he’s not as little anymore, and it’s exciting to watch him develop maturity and put empathy into action.
5. My dog. He has been a faithful companion for over 13 years and as we enter his last years I’ve been soaking up as much time with him as possible.
I also have a better winter attitude than summer attitude, though this particular winter is certainly testing that!
I am thankful that the weather has gone from dangerously frigid to normal winter, and I hope it stays that way.
I am thankful for being retired! Because when I feel kinda off, like today, I can just snuggle down and tell the world to go away.
I am thankful that my recent visit to the DMV was so quick and painless. I had been dreading it. We have a branch dedicated to seniors in the senior center, and it is awesome!
On that note, I am thankful to have a license, after having to manage without one for about a year. That was due to a minor accident caused by a medical emergency. It was a struggle to get reinstated, and now I never take my wheels for granted.
I am thankful, as always, for food in my kitchen, clothes in my closet, heat in my radiators, a roof over my head, and good health!
I’m thankful for being able to get plant cuttings from work. One of my coworkers propagates from what we had at retirement home. I brought home a snake plant start and it has already rooted thanks to her hard work so I can plant this weekend!
I’m also very thankful for working 10’s so I have a 3 day weekend!