Thankful Thursday | I'm caught up
This week, I am thankful:
that I am out of the "hole" with working hours
You know how HR switched me to a different position category without telling me? And how I was behind on the required hours? Well, I worked 7 out of 11 days and got all caught up.
WHEW.
Now that I'm out of the hole, the hours aren't going to be nearly so overwhelming.
(I could have argued back with HR about this error, but I didn't, because....all of these hours qualify me for hospital health insurance!)
that it's gonna be easy to be in-network with my new insurance
My hospital insurance is, obviously, accepted at all facilities associated with the hospital. Which means that I was able to schedule my follow-up MRI without an issue, and also my physical therapy.
Staying within this huge hospital system should be super easy, and I am GRATEFUL.
It was hard to schedule things with my other self-pay insurance because so many facilities did not accept it. So I could almost cry with joy over it being supremely easy to get care now.
It sort of feels like one of the last steps of getting my life in order post-divorce, and maybe that's why it's making me tear up.
I think it's just relief, like...ohh, ok, I made it through this. I knew there was gonna be an iffy period of health insurance in between my divorce and my nursing school graduation/new job, and I am thankful, thankful, thankful that's behind me now.
I did it! My hard work paid off and now here I am, health insurance in hand!
that my new insurance has a $0 deductible
My last insurance had a very high deductible (something like $7000 for one person), which meant it would basically only cover a catastrophic illness.
But now my new no-deductible insurance will cover things like MRIs and physical therapy, so I am delighted!
The monthly premium for this plan is less and it covers more, so that's a big financial win.
Honestly, this feels almost as exciting to me as my new hourly pay rate.
that my nurse job starts in less than two weeks!
Speaking of the new hourly pay rate.... 😉
But I am also excited to get started with my training, especially with the hours on the floor learning how to be a nurse.
I have done lots of clinical hours, sure, but that is not the same as actually being a nurse, and I'm looking forward to getting real experience under my belt.
for a break in the heat
A sample of what it's been like this week:
BUT. Tomorrow promises a high of less than 80 degrees (!!!), and Saturday's forecast says, "less humid". Yay!
I know better than to have high hopes for August weather overall, but I am grateful for a few good days.
On a related note for my fellow summer-haters: There's only a month left until September! And September usually brings at least a little relief from the intense heat and humidity.
that I had a quiet work shift on Sunday
I had only four patients (usually I have 7!) so I had lots of extra time and I used it to organize the supply room/supply drawers and put away the random supplies that end up being left all over the unit.
And I also took some trips down to Distribution to pick up supplies we needed.
I even cleaned out the sticky residue in the drawer left from spilled ginger ale. 🙂
I always wish I could do stuff like this, but I'm usually too busy. So my order-loving heart was very happy with my Sunday shift.
that this week's MRI will be less expensive
I initially got an MRI of my arm with my old insurance, and the bill for that one was $550. Sigh.
But I went in this week for a follow-up MRI, and this one will be way, way less expensive because of my new insurance. Yay!
for a left-handed-friendly form
This is a small delight, to be sure, but all my fellow lefties will understand: the MRI form had checkboxes on the left and descriptions on the right.
This meant my hand wasn't in the way of reading all the options and it was so easy this way.
In a world built for right-handed people, we lefties take our wins when we can. 😉
for an AC vent by the stair climber
As you all know, I hate being hot. It is honestly the worst part of exercising for me.
So it was a big win when I realized that if you get on the correct stair-climber at the gym, you are right by a ceiling AC vent. Ooh! So lovely.
for Chiquita's plush face
Let's have a moment of appreciation for the pleasant fur levels on her cheeks:
This is my first time doing a Thankful Thursday, but it's the first step to making it a habit 😀
- thankful for the NHS in the UK. Being able to see a specialist about pain in my thumbs has opened up a course of treatment I didn't know existed (basically a type of hip replacement for my thumb bases!) which I will not have to pay for
- thankful that a willingness to be flexible enabled me to pick up a load of free high quality paving slabs from Facebook marketplace when the original taker flaked
- thankful always for supportive family who help me and hubby a lot without asking anything in return
- thankful for our two fur babies, Billy and Jack, who are both affectionate in their own way and love fuss but only when it suits them
@Stacey in UK,
Welcome! I hope to seeing you posting again.
@Stacey in UK, welcome to the pool of commenters!
@Stacey in UK, Hi! I am also from the UK and very grateful for our NHS!
@Stacey in UK, welcome! i hope it sticks! you can do it! 🙂
@Stacey in UK,
Welcome! I usually comment on everyone else's comments. Ha. 🙂
And free pavers for the win! I've been lucky enough to score many free garden pavers and garden edge bricks through my Buy Nothing group. My house's landscaping is starting to shape up!
@Stacey in UK, that's a good first list!
I am thankful that the heat this week did not seem as intense as the heat at the end of June. A friend and I walked in the afternoon on Monday. Walking on a wooded trail made it bearable. I think my body adjusts somewhat to heat, over time, but I am not a summer lover.
I am thankful for more tomatoes from my plants. Last year was a total bust. I know the crop is winding down but it has been an excellent month for tomatoes.
I am thankful for AC, modern appliances, plumbing, electricity, etc.
I am thankful to be living in an age when women have more rights and choices. I read Claire McCardell: The Designer That Set Women Free. She was a fashion designer in the 1930s, 40s, and early 50s. Even thought she was a big success (only due to her hard work and perseverance) she still could not buy a house or open a bank account in her own name. She also fought the influences of male Paris fashion designers (Dior, in 1946, wanted women to wear dresses that gave them 18" waists and padded busts, shoulders and hips to achieve a look) while she wanted women to be both comfortable and stylish (think ballet flats instead of heels, pockets on/in garments, pants, and swimsuits you could actually swim in.
@K D, I just looked up her designs. They don’t look comfortable because they would require a corset for women of our day to fit into those teensy tight waists! Maybe she went for 22” waists instead of 18”? But I agree about the thankfulness that women are considered full-fledged adults in our era.
@K D, I just put a hold on the Claire McCardell book - thanks for the recommendation!
@K D, Was looking for that book, but it’s not at my library:(
@Sandra in So Cal, recommend reaching out to your library’s professional staff. Many library systems participate in some variety of InterLibrary Loan. Sometimes there’s a small fee for you as the borrower, but it can’t hurt to ask.
@K D, I just finished reading this book on my Kindle! I thought it was an excellent and sympathetic biography of interest to all of us. I am of the age that remembers how girls were required to wear dresses all the time, and was always in trouble for ripping them and getting them dirty while busy with interesting outdoor activities. McCardell enjoyed sports herself and helped develop real sportswear for women, clothes you could play hard in and not rip any lace. I also appreciated her perspective on Paris/haute couture fashions--good to dream about but not practical for most women. My reading of history was helpful too. Real working women, the milkmaids and house maids and cooks and farmers wives, wore low heels; corsets were valued mainly for the back support they provided, not to constrict the waist or the lungs. Even today if you consider the needs of women on their feet all day--teachers, nurses, cops, scientists--high heels are not welcome.
We of the frugal camp also have McCardell to thank for promoting the philosophy that good clothes can be worn, mended, and revised for many, many years. Her own clothes are hard for collectors and museums to find because they were very popular, and owners wore them out. Good fabric, classic design, good fit. Always a good investment. I just finished her own book, What Shall I Wear (I think that's the title), spelling out her philosophy of dress and ornament. She also promoted coordinated separates as a way to be well dressed for many occasions with a minimum of actual quantity, and no volume compared to the old days. Her first fashion trips to Paris involved a steamer trunk and additional bags, and by the 1950s she could make the same trip with one suitcase. It is a good idea to consider one's wardrobe as serving the life one wants to live and is living, not a life waiting for extra special super duper occasions.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, McCardell's own book on dressing well includes a brief discussion about foundations. The modern equivalent of the corset is the girdle, or some kind of firmer-upper, not necessarily of the suffocating variety. Many women wear them under knit dresses, for example. I sew quite a lot and have a friend who is a theater costumer. The foundation is very important to the fit of a garment, but it doesn't have to be a torture. Bras and girdles that fit properly are actually quite comfortable and provide comfortable support. Unfortunately it is the rare store that know how to fit them, so many women buy them too small which IS torture. Most clothes look better on a well supported figure, hang properly, and do what clothes should do for the wearer and for all who see her.
@Kristina, @KD
I learned a lot from this discussion. Thanks! It reminded me of another book I just read - The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict. It's about Hedy Lamarr. I'd heard of her name as a famous actress in a previous generation, but had NO idea about her quite adventurous life and amazing mind! Here is a brief summary of her story for anyone interested.
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/hedy-lamarr
This last week has been a crazy-busy/crazy week topped off with a big shock yesterday when we learned that my husband's close friend and colleague died unexpectedly while on vacation. I don't feel terribly thankful; I'm feeling overwhelmed and sad. But, this practice isn't only for when everything's sunshine, right?
This week I'm thankful:
*that we were able to see our faraway friends multiple times. Also, we got to see even farther away friends (from Kenya!) once.
*that my son had safe travels to and from Minnesota.
*that my father's back is slowly improving. That my friend's husband's back is also.
*for the goldfinch that was just perched on the sunflower outside my window. For the fog which I can visually enjoy from inside in the air conditioning.
*for the hand-me-downs a friend passed on from her friend. They fit, and they are cute.
*for a brief time away with my husband. For my husband, my best friend.
*for the back rub my daughter is giving me right now as she peeps over my shoulder at my thankfuls. That she thinks I'm silly for typing that. 🙂 That she passed her test and has her learner's permit now.
I’m sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Any death is hard but an unexpected one adds another layer of grief and shock.
@Jody S., I am so sorry about your husband's friend. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
@kristin @ going country, Thank you. Also, he was a pastor, so please pray for his congregation.
@Jody S., I wondered that, when you said it was your husband's colleague. I definitely will pray for them.
@Jody S., I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories be a blessing.
@Jody S.,
My condolences to your friend's loved ones, his family, friends and congregation. Prayers going up!
@Jody S.,
Sorry about the loss of your family's friend. It's hard enough when someone dies but being on vacation away from normal areas surely was difficult. May your family find joy in the good memories.
@Jody S., My condolences to you and your husband; it's hard enough to lose a good friend, but unexpected deaths are so hard. Praying for strength for you, your husband and your friend's congregation.
@Jody S., I'm sorry about your friend.
@Jody S., a dear friend of my Grad School BFF lost her husband last year under similar circumstances, and the friend is still crawling out from under the shock. I wish your husband's colleague's family, and all of you, the peace of God that passeth all understanding.
@Jody S., I am thankful for you keeping it real here, sharing things that you are able to be thankful for today as well as the very big thing that will never go on a thankful list.
@Jody S.,
I, too, am so sorry to read about the loss of your husband's close friend. An unexpected loss like that is extra hard to endure; hoping his family, friends, and congregation can find strength and hope to move forward, as I would guess he would have wanted.
@Book Club Elaine, I am, by nature, a Pollyanna. But life is just hard frequently. The danger on the internet is that we only see the good that people show, and it makes us feel isolated in our pain. It's so important to acknowledge both the good and the bad.
This week I'm thankful that the renovation is wrapping up. I will have a fully functional stove as of next Tuesday!
I'm thankful for my rice cooker. I've cooked ground beef, yellow beans, soup, pasta, and other things in it for the past few months.
I'm thankful for my friend that came on Monday to help clean. She did the front 2 bedrooms and the bathroom. I worked on purging more stuff!
I'm thankful that I could donate stuff to the local hospice, plus the tote every thing was in stayed there too!
The clothing was donated to a local church for their yearly clothing sale.
And as always, I'm thankful for your blog!
Ohhhh having a non-functional kitchen is so tough. You are gonna be on cloud nine once it’s all done!
@It's me, Sam, I'd never thought of using my rice cooker in other ways. We have a kitchen renovation coming up sometime soon, and this might be a big help to me. Thank you.
@Jody S., my SIL used to make cakes in hers.
@Jody S., Hard boiled eggs come out great in a rice cooker.
@Bobi, Thanks for the tip about the hardboiled eggs! I've wanted some but didn't want to turn on the stove burner and get the kitchen heated up.
Of course, if I wanted fried eggs in this 100 degree weather, I could go outside and fry 'em on the sidewalk, LOL!
--For a fairly calm week when I expected it to be a contentious and difficult one, for various reasons.
--That our school has hired an in-person math teacher. We couldn't find one for a couple of years and the middle and high schoolers did their math with an online teacher. She was actually great, but it wasn't an ideal situation, especially for my middle son. So I'm very glad they'll have a real live teacher this year.
--For a couple of cooler days in which to bake bread and so forth without wanting to crawl into my chest freezer.
--For the new fixtures and floor my husband installed in the kids' bathroom. Having a floor that isn't sinking is really nice. Also nice that it no longer smells like a swamp when anyone bathes. The extra-deep tub and fancy new shower are just bonuses. 🙂
--For our friends who invited us swimming. The only pool within a hundred miles is on a big ranch that only the employees can use. They're employees, and they invite us every year. This family has three kids the same age as my younger three, and the mom and I are friends, so it's always fun to hang out with them. Even more fun in a pool, of course. 🙂
--That I know how to wash clothing in the bathtub. My washing machine is currently in for repairs, and laundromats aren't available here, so tub washing it is. Luckily, my younger kids think it's fun to stomp around on the clothes in the tub. There is actually an old wringer at the abandoned house next door that we own, and I might actually try that out this time. Wringing the water out is the worst part of doing laundry by hand. And I always tell myself when this happens that at least I don't have to haul the water in a bucket and heat it on a stove.
@kristin @ going country, very resourceful to do laundry in the tub. Teach the kids to use the wringer (and how to hit the release button on the top of it if their hands get caught). It is an efficient way to wring!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Definitely teach them about the release button! I remember getting my hand caught in our basement wringer washer when I was small. Didn't damage anything but it was scary!!
Sounds like you're making work fun there. Good memories for your kiddos!
Like you, Kristen, I'm thankful for a break in the heat. Commodore Fluffin is also thankful, because he's had to deal with a closed up house (no windows for sniffing the air) for over a week now. Is outrage. But today, this morning, he gets some window time.
I'm thankful that we got the TREE of DOOM chopped down to size--it is not completely down to the ground, we just had the tree guys cut it so that it will not pose a threat to our power line. They had to have the power company disconnect the line from the house, so we were without power for a total of maybe twenty minutes, tops. Pretty seamless. And DH was able to convince them to not haul the wood away (at a charge to us), so we have lots of firewood for the future.
That I did good job studying for the last lab exam, and got a 96! After a poor showing in the second lab exam, I felt redeemed. That gives me an A in the anatomy lab portion, and our final exam for lecture is this Monday, and then I get a three week break before Anatomy II!
That I seem to be possibly, maybe, making friends in my class? Another student to whom I lent some notes told me she got herself transferred to the section of Anatomy II that I'm in, and another student regularly texts me to chat about the class. After being a homebody, homeschooled mom for so long this is all very new.
For a very supportive family--DH in particular.
Whoa only a week of shut windows? Mine haven’t been open for many weeks. Clark would hate it here.
@Kristen, Sometimes, in the mornings before it really gets hot, we open up a few windows for Sir to sniff the fresh air and listen to the birds. But then we close them. This last week we haven't even done that; it's been so humid that every morning the windows are fogged up!
He does have a screen door out in the garage that we open during the day (dubbed "The Sniffums Window"), but he has to be let out into the garage and back in by his human servants, which he finds irksome because he has to knock on the door and mew to be let in and out, like a peasant.
Yep that’s how it has been here this summer: the air isn’t refreshing even in the early morning!
@Karen A., how long will it before you graduate?
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I am just finishing up the courses required to apply for the limited enrollment classes for the RN degree. (While waiting to get into those I can take Nurse Aide training, Anatomy II, and some online electives to get those out of the way.*) If all goes well I might get into the program for the Fall 2026 cohort. DH, my ever-optimistic cheerleader, seems to think I will. Then it's four semesters of those classes. So maybe two years or so?
*A couple of my classmates think it's absolutely silly that I need to take Intro to Psychology, given that my bachelor's degree is in Psychology, but I am sure that so much has changed in 30 years--and I've forgotten a lot!--that it's well worth taking. 😉
Could you clep out of the psych class instead? Lisey did CLEP tests for a bunch of credits and saved a lot of money that way!
@Karen A.,
"Is outrage".....bwahahahaha! that sounds like something our Lafayette (Master High Maintenance) would say, if he could. 🙂
Kristen--thank you for the idea! I hadn't thought of that, but turns out my college will take a CLEP for Introductory Psychology. I'd much rather study for a test on a subject I have some familiarity with than spend money and time on a class! Thank you!
@Karen A., You get A+ for attitude.
So happy to hear you have proper health insurance now
My thankfuls
- that I do not have to worry about healthcare, housing, food, safety, sanitation and all those other matters that are a daily struggle for many people around the world. Mostly we take it for granted, but when realization strikes, it is truly humbling (thinking of last week's book with pictures of families and their weekly food supplies)
- that we have had rain most nights and sometimes during the day, and that the garden is looking so green
- that we have had such an elegant pigeon at the feeding table, looking at us so intelligently
- that I got to swim nearly every day this week
- that I had a near-normal conversation with the sibling I am periodically estranged from. Mental health problems suck, they disrupt so many aspects of life. I know this is "a good spell" and most likely only temporary, but I deeply appreciate a brief respite in grief and worry.
Today, I'm thankful for rain--both the glorious thundershower we got early Sunday morning and the good gentle soaker we're getting this morning. And the soaker is supposed to last at least till noon and has brought much cooler temperatures with it. Ahhhh.
I'm also thankful for my HVAC company, as always. The young tech who came yesterday to do the annual service on both NDN's and my AC was both efficient and courteous; in particular, he did beautifully with NDN.
I'm thankful for Chiquita's furry cheeks -- I agree with you that they are so very lovely!
This week I'm thankful:
* to go to the zoo today with friends. Between Facebook and Google Photos, memories have popped up this week of us going with this same group of friends (3 moms, 9 kids total) 3 years ago and of going 8 years ago when it was just me, one other mom, and we only had 3 kids total. I love the longevity of our zoo adventures.
* that we're getting more settled in our new house. Every day brings fewer boxes and less mess.
* for the previous owners that put a screened porch on the back deck. I was kind of annoyed by it when we first bought the house (Why would they do that? It makes the usable space so much smaller!) but now that I'm here, I understand completely! With so much woods around, we have a lot of bugs and the screened-in porch is a huge blessing!
* that we caught the hornworms on our tomato plants before they fully demolished them all. It was disappointing to see the damage they made, but it could have been way worse!
@Ruth T, aren't screened in porches wonderful? I had one in a rental house and was delighted that the house I bought happens to have one also.
@Ruth T, I am envious of your screened-in porch! My grandpa had one at his house, and so did my great-grandmother on hers, and I spent many summer hours enjoying the breeze without getting bitten!
•I am also thankful for a break in the temperatures. I know it’s temporary, but I will take it!
•That my son & his wife & my nephew & his girlfriend are heading down to stay with me & go to an epic baseball game Saturday night. I love it that they want me to go with them
•Kroger sent some amazing coupons this week, including free eggs!! All told, it amounted to about $15 off my total
•My gigantic magnolia tree is blooming & it perfumes the entire back yard
•My glorious front porch. I live in a mid 19th century farm house & the front porch is one of my several happy places here. I love sitting on it with a book, esp during a rain shower
@Diane, Bristol Motor Speedway? Have fun!
@Bobi, Yes!!! And we are huge Braves fans
Thankful that today is the the last day of July. Back on July 1, I was not highly excited about three very long distance trips that were on my schedule for the month. All three trips are done, all three went extremely well, and I even enjoyed them all immensely!
Thankful that my first grad class is nearly done. It went really great! Feeling freshly anxious for the next classes though, as they are supposed to be the hard "weed out" classes.
Thankful for fulfilling work that is varied (both in type and scheduling).
Thankful for the abundance of fresh fruit options in the summer! And so thankful for pleasant AC in which to enjoy eating them 🙂
Thankful that all our kids are in a good place right now. Bumps in life are inevitable, but it's been pretty smooth lately.
Thankful for our dishwasher- I really don't mind many chores, but I would rather do so many things other than wash dishes, lol.
Have a wonderful day, everyone!!
Congrats, fellow adult student. 🙂
I am thankful for the break in the heat this week. Ameren will be glad to know that I turned off the AC last night after I unsubscribed from their emails that I was using over my usual amount of electricity. I also opened the windows to 70+ weather today.
I am thankful I was able to make it probate court Tuesday regarding my Uncle's home and car. Nothing was done and court was moved to September to allow our family to clean the home and get rid of clothes and other things of no value. The whole thing added to my imaginary book "You Might Be From a Rural Community If..." I introduced my self to the County Sheriff as I was going up the three flights of stairs to the courtroom. There were three of us, two family members and the Lawyer besides the Judge, the Recorder and the Sheriff. The Sheriff was also the Court Bailiff. We barely stood up to the announcement to "All Rise," when the Judge motioned us to sit down. After that, I was thankful to meet with my niece's lawyer and learn that there is YET another life insurance policy that names my baby brother and me as beneficiaries. It is a small policy, but still...I am humbled that this quiet, unassuming gentleman chose his eldest niece for these gifts.
I am thankful for summer produce.
I am thankful for Molly. It is hard to watch her not be able to see well or hear me even from a short distance. But she still provides cuddles and kisses and sometimes comes in from outside with the zoomies. I'm cherishing her numbered days.
@Chrissy, we all need to cherish our numbered days. Thanks for these words of wisdom.
Y'all WE ARE HOME!!!! After 42 days in the hospital, then rehab hospital, then back to the hospital, we are back in our own beds. We did come home with more antibiotics, but that's no problem. His walking is ok, he took a spill yesterday but as a stroke survivor, he knows how to fall safely as counter intuitively that sounds. Not even a bruise. It'll take a while getting back to normal, but we are happy being home bodies for a while.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate them.
@Jennifer, HOORAY! So glad to hear you are home, and praying for continued recovery.
@Jennifer, woohoo!
@Jennifer, AND THERE WAS MUCH REJOICING!
I know exactly what you mean by falling safely. It may be the most useful life skill I learned in my dojo.
@Jennifer, in Regency-era-speak, three hearty huzzahs!
YAYYYYYY!!! So glad to hear this.
@Jennifer, so happy to hear your good news!!!
@Jennifer, Wonderful news!
@Jennifer, Gosh, I’m glad to hear this! Thanks for letting us know.
@Jennifer,
Wonderful news! Sending wishes for continued healing.
Kristen, how wonderful you have better health insurance now, and also that you made it through your time of minimal coverage without any major illnesses or accidents. The imbalance of good, accessible healthcare in the US is worrisome to me.
My thankfuls:
- I am a year out from surgery to repair a torn ACL. It's been a long haul, with lots of physical therapy. It took 9 months for my knee to finally start feeling strong again, and I am relieved to continue to improve and gain strength.
-for my attic fan (aka whole house fan) that is cooling off my house right now. Fellow summer-hater here. We have window a/c units that I tolerate, but I much prefer when i can open my windows and shades when the air is not oppressive.
-for a pair of practically new Keen sandals/water shoes that my sister passed on to me. I have been wanting a pair of athletic water sandals for a while now. I'm so excited!
-for a mobile urgent care service for my dad. His health continues to decline, and at this point he refuses to go to the hospital. We recently were told about this agency that brings care to your house. It is not cheap, and thankfully my parents can afford it. This service has literally been life saving for my dad.
-for the joy that singing in a chorus provides me. And for the wonderful friends I've made in this group. This is such a welcoming and supportive community! Check us out at http://www.rockvoices.com
-for friends and fun. The Salvation Army stores in my area are 50% off on Wednesdays. My friend and I had such a good time together yesterday, and we both went home with a few frugal goodies 😉
Have a good week everyone!
@Price Chopper shopper, what a cool choir! I listened to a song and really appreciated seeing the varied members enjoying singing in different ways - no lockstep motions, lots of happy faces
@Price Chopper shopper, where are you in Price Chopper country? If you don't want to specify, give us a hint such as this: I'm in the salty, citrus-themed city that has the minor-league basketball team with a party-school university attached.
@Suz, thanks for checking us out! We are a happy group! Community and friendship are what makes our group sound so good. <3. There are locations throughout the NE, and one group in Portland, OR.
@A. Marie, you are one of the reasons why I changed my name to this - to give a shout out to readers close by. I live east of you, in the Capital District. There is a large party-school university here as well.
1. For Air Conditioning. It was 100 degrees yesterday.
Also that yesterday was the FIRST 100 degree day we've had all summer, most unusual. Usually, it's early in July, and sometimes in June, when the triple digits begin.
2. Got approved for a zero percent credit card, which will allow me to buy the flooring supplies for the last portion of my house. I want to get the LVP before Ollie's Outlet sells out of it. The zero percent is good for 21 months so I can pay smaller payments while paying off the roof (which will be paid off in 12 months), then ramp up and pay off the flooring.
3. That my roof, supposedly a 2-day job that morphed into six days, is finally finished and no more rat-a-tat-tat drilling sounds from above.
4. For having several days off this week.
5. I booked my first substitute teaching gig for the 2025-26 school year!
Sounds like your insurance is great! One caveat though. Some of the doctors within your hospital may not be in network. Example anesthesiologist, radiology and other possible specialist. Ask me how I know
Heck according to my insurance not all doctors within the same practice are considered “clear pricing providers”.
@Lee Ann, and that's the way it is with providers. However, if there is an in network authorization for a service (say a surgery or big ticket item), the out of network providers should be paid at the in network rate: meaning usually billed charge with whatever percentage you will owe. At least that is how my insurance works and I believe most insurances should work the same way. I definetely would call to verify that with your insurance.
@Maureen, with my experience I’m not sure about how much the provider is reimbursed but the amount I’m responsible for is increased. And that’s what some patients don’t understand. It can be difficult to navigate everything.
How my dog always jumps on my bed in the morning to cuddle. So! Stinking! Cute!
That my body is in good shape and generally does what I need it to, including exercise walks in the summer heat and humidity. It feels sometimes like all my nearest and dearest have serious medical problems, which makes me aware of my health.
My new(ish) home still makes me happy. It's roomy and light and I get true delight in how well organized it is. I love being able to put my hands on what I need, when I need it.
That first deep breath when walking into Penzey's Spices. Also their great deals.
I am close to having a sufficient stash of Penzey's crystallized ginger (for quick reads and apple pie). I already have a stash of garlic powder and taco seasoning.
The fan above my bed, that keeps me chill at night without cranking up the AC.
My father's continuing good health. Right now he's in Japan with two teenage grandchildren. I can only hope my old age is half as good as his.
@WilliamB,
"I love being able to put my hands on what I need, when I need it." - organization is well worth the effort spent on it!
@WilliamB, I'm envious that you're near a Penzeys retail store. The closest one to me is in the Upstate NY city named for bison, which is 150 miles west of me.
I am also thankful that cooler weather is on the way. Over the last week, the heat index has hovered around 115. That's just too hot for me and my Rescue Pup.
I am thankful for air conditioning, ceiling fans, and an up-to-date electrical grid.
I finally decided to replace my car. After 15 years and 220,000, the time had come. I drove my-new-to-me car home last night. I am thankful this process is over with. I find it really, really stressful to spend this much money at one time. My stomach hurts, my head aches, and my palms sweat. On the other hand, I am also grateful that I was able to do this.
I am thankful that my dental cleaning and check-up were uneventful and all is well.
I am thankful that the doctor gave me good news on Tuesday. I will not need surgery. Yippee! I am grateful that healthcare has advanced so much and there are options available to treat my condition.
Wishing you all the gifts of peace, good health, and prosperity.
@Bee, having just sold my car of 24 years, 255,000 miles, I fully understand. However, I didn’t have to buy a car because my mom gave me hers, for which I am deeply grateful for several reasons: 1. it’s a great car; 2. she has stopped lying to herself that she will drive again; 3. I didn’t have to car shop.
FANTASTIC about no surgery needed!!
@Bee, I hope your new-to-you car lasts as well as your old one! Like you, I literally feel sick spending such a large amount of money (especially for something that depreciates but I digress). I felt so ill after driving off (DH driving) in the last car purchased, that I leaned the seat back to take a rest. Once I opened my eyes, I was totally shocked to see a sunroof that I had not noticed before. All I wanted was a plain reliable car that wouldn't wear out in a few short years but there were all sorts of cool gadgets I didn't even notice during the buying process because of the stress.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Not only am I attached to my old car. The car buying process is overwhelming! I'm glad your mom passed hers on to you.
@Book Club Elaine, I think frugal people understand this reaction. The last time I purchased a new car - which was 15 years ago- I told my husband exactly what I wanted and what I wanted to spend. He took care of the details and it showed up in the driveway.
I tried to get him to do this again, but he insisted that I test drive the car. Like you, I wanted a plain , comfortable car. I don't think simple cars even exist to me anymore. I feel like I'm flying a jet rather than driving a car.
Fortunately, the sales team at the dealership was very patient with me. Although I did not mean to be, I was quite an indecisive customer..
@Bee, regarding buying a new/replacement car. I am due for another car. And I am dragging my feet because I don't want to go through what you described. But the repairs are racking up on this car and I have to do something soon. Isn't it funny I should be so excited and all I feel is dread. These new cars are so loaded with things I do not understand.
@karen, If you are feeling overwhelmed, maybe try renting a newer car for a week and drive it a bunch. You might find the newer technology isn't as intimidating as you thought. I felt the same way until I rented a car for my vacation traveling last summer. I did have to have someone help me hook up my phone so I could use Google Maps to navigate, but otherwise it turned out to be easier than I expected.
Thankful that my dad is here (from Florida) & that we were able to get him (mostly) set up even with the extreme heat.
Thankful sold a few things. Neighbor decided was going to do yard sale, so I set up with some big items (teen had 1 table out for small items otherwise no tables). A few other neighbors set up sales also.
Thankful for teen gently reminding me of things as between loosing track of time & getting distracted with other things I have almost forgotten to get things done I needed to. Been having blonde moments lately as teen says.
Thankful we have had minimal flooding with all this rain. 5" in 3 hours just few days ago. Detroit flooded (but honestly that's a low spot anyway) 2 days in row & Cedar Point was flooded (people floating & swimming in some areas).
Thankful that all the Tsunami warnings were not much of anything. It looked more like storm surge at few areas that got water. That was such a relief for all involved.
Thankful for AC & tower fans. Lately the extreme heat has been getting to me & I know when to get inside to cool off. It was nice to turn off everything last night as the rain/cold front moved through. Current temp 60* & high will be 70* today. 70s for next few days.
Thankful for rescue dogs always.
Thankful for Kristen & her blog where we can all learn & share with each other.
Have a great weekend.
Met with the superintendent of our one-school district to discuss a mural there. It’s only conversation, but it was a start.
The library! It’s website has stopped working so I can no longer order books BUT I can still go in person.
June in the Garden was a 5-star read this week.
I only have 1 more drawing to complete for my 2026 calendar.
We are having a cool summer so far (not to rub it in, Kristen. . . ) If you all on the east coast get some relief, we will probably become an inferno here in the west, because there is no such thing as a cool summer here in the Central Valley.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, oops, “Its website”, not “It’s website”.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, have you ever done a mural with others (e.g. some kids from the school district in this case) participating? I helped in a big mural at a bookstore once as one of the unskilled filler-in-painters - the artist outlined things, we filled in, and he came in afterwards to blend and finesse things. It was so fun to be part of that! (My daughter's school also had an "artist in residence" program at one point, where the artist gave one or two talks and mentored a little, and sometimes guided the kids in a big project, like a mosaic mural one year. Just sayin, maybe your school district needs an artist in residence... : )
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, hope the mural project works out. Your work is beautiful!
Congratulations Kristen on having good health insurance coverage and access going forward! It is stressful to lack those.
This week I am thankful for -
1. DH and I finally feeling much less stressed by the move we made 2+ years ago. We have always been happy that the move put us 10 minutes from our younger son, DIL and 2 young grandchildren but the day to day of adjusting to a new location plus loss of friends and activities has been quite stressful after having also moved just 6 years before this move. We both seem to have turned a corner though which also is reducing stress.
2. Granddaughter hugs and time together with the whole family - sharing day to day life rather than occasional visits.
3. Small things in our home that are enjoyable - art on the walls, appliances that work, the coffee station I recently put together, that the landscaping we installed is providing a nice view with relatively low maintenance.
4. Seeing a few butterflies and hummingbirds while walking the dog. A safe and friendly neighborhood for doing all that walking. A sweet, friendly and fun dog to take on those walks.
5. Still being able to manage complicated paperwork and information on our own. Yesterday I was also thankful that a notary is available a 10 minute drive away.
@Juhli, I know where you are coming from with the moving. My husband likes to call us gypsies because of our moves. Our move to Florida and my work situation really hit me hard. A friend suggested looking up similar interest groups on FB to see if they have get togethers. It worked perfectly! I met some great people. When we made the move to WV 8 years later, I did the same thing and have met some great people here too. And having moved twice in less than 9 years, it was a great way to meet people.
@Maureen, I'll have to give your successful approach a try! I have made one friend and we have plans with a couple we met. Just slow going. Where we lived before I did get involved with a terrific women's club where I made lots of friends and purposeful activities. Nothing like that here so I need to find other avenues. Being in your mid 70s has advantages and disadvantages LOL.
@Juhli, Gosh- I feel like I say this all of the time, but see if your library has a Friends of the Library. I joined right after my husband died & have made some amazing friends!
Good health insurance is a major win in this world. The peace of mind knowing any little sickness might not cause complete financial upheaval is a great thing!
I'm thankful that the last of the problem trees in our yard is coming down as I type this. Also, very thankful that they have a large lift truck, pulley system, etc that makes this all less anxiety causing while they do the work (vs when companies come in and drop a huge tree). I will use this company for any future tree service we need.
Thankful that we spent the first few months after buying this house opening up a part of the fence behind the garage and adding a gate, cleaning out the yard, clearing a path so our mowers and other large equipment can access the back yard.
Thankful for the small amount of rain we got last night. We needed it desperately. I'm trying so hard to save the hydroseed we had put on the front yard in April. It has been an extremely dry and HOT summer for baby grass.
My dad found out last week that he has a huge blood clot in his leg. Thankful he has access to doctors and medications. Praying this starts to improve, but this morning's ultrasound wasn't great.
Thankful for siblings that are just as involved in helping with aging parents.
@Marlena, all best to your dad
@Marlena, my 106 year old MIL had a large blood clot in her leg 4 years ago - meds really helped, no side effects and she is still going strong. She spent a couple days in hospital while they titrated her dosage but it’s been smooth sailing ever since. I hope for a similarly good outcome for your dad.
I am particularly thankful that yesterday was the first day we could open our windows in a very long time due to high heat and humidity. I love hearing the birds singing and the kids playing outside.
*I had my annual mammogram yesterday (and it was normal, yay!) But when I checked in the very cheerful young woman said "ooh, you have new insurance, congratulations!" Then we both rejoiced over health insurance without a high deductible. My 'new' insurance is Medicare -- after 20-years of self-pay for high deductible plans. I'm still paying for Medicare and my supplement, but it's about half what I paid for my insurance previously, and it doesn't have a $6500 deductible.
* My husband's best friend -- who was best man in our wedding 46 years ago -- is visiting. It's so great to have good friends we've known for a long time.
*We're having a little rain this week. Not enough to break the drought, but it does cool things off.
* We have two mama deer who hang out around our place. One has twins this year and one has a single baby. The fawns are so cute at this stage when they're still spotted.
*The garden is producing well -- enough that we are eating fresh vegetables daily, but not so much that I'm drowning in produce.
My farm helper. One thousand times thankful. He is a go getter, self starter, intelligent and practical.
My mom's continued good health, she has dementia, but is happy and healthy. Today I made her a batch of her favorite cookies as a thank you on my birthday.
Today I will drop her at a dear friend, friend's daughter & I will go meet our friends for lunch at a high school hang out that is closing today after 55 yrs in business.
Grateful for extremely low tides at the time the 2.6 ft tsunami waves hit our part of the OR coast. Our 4th gen beach house is thankfully on a 200 ft bluff.
The tuna are now being caught within 50 miles which means I will be canning soon!
I also take the dark meat to can for the farm cats.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, how lovely to make thank-you cookies for your mother!
I am thankful that this is the second week of going to the gym 4 days. As much as I didn't want to go today because of a tired, semi-hurting body, I went anyway. And besides being glad I did because I got it done, the people there are wonderful. My older, over-weight body just has to get used to going 4x a week. I have weight loss goals in mind, and going to the gym is part of it. Want to really enjoy my healthy retirement next year.
I am thankful that I automated savings transfers at the bank. Makes saving a lot easier.
I am thankful for 3 paychecks in August. Woo who!!! Plenty of savings for next month. That is if I don't spend too much on the 2 weekends I go away.
Like everyone else, thankful for AC and for the storms coming this afternoon. They haven't reached WV yet, but should be here this afternoon. Looking forward to sleeping with the windows open at night as it's supposed to be in the low 60's and way less humidity starting tomorrow.
Thankful that my husband helps around the house. I couldn't do a lot of the things he helps with when I ask.
Woohoo for gym consistency! I didn't want to go this morning but I made myself go and I'm glad I did. 🙂
This week I am thankful…
• My friend called to ask if I wanted to do a last minute mother-son trip. Our boys are both only children and have a cousin-like relationship. The four of us have spent the week planning and we are going on our adventure this weekend!
• My husband and I had an impromptu date-night last night. My son had a sleepover at a friend’s house and there were reservations available at our favorite restaurant so the stars aligned for us!
• I found some compression garments on Amazon that work as well as the one my physical therapist recommended (and that I use regularly) but at a fraction of the price.
1. Grateful for a husband that has taken on so many tasks this week after his wife picked up a nasty cold in the ER with my Aunt on Sunday. Sickness while pregnant is no joke.
2. Grateful that said Aunt responded to medication well and was released yesterday.
3. My sweet nine year old son has been saying the most wonderful prayers over me and his sister these last few days and I am so thankful for the way he is growing up. We are far from perfect over here but getting to witness your child be active in their faith is one of my greatest joys as a mother.
4. For my home and my bed. I have not left either in several days and I love them both dearly.
5. For the fact that there is only one month of summer left and sooner rather than later cool temps will arrive. The heat is making me very nauseous so I am very much looking forward to cooler weather.
Chiquita is so fluffy!
1. I'm thankful for a really fun day out with my friend. We swam at the lake and it was supposed to rain but the sun came out and it was very warm, and then we went for lunch afterwards.
2. I'm thankful for my friend's encouragement with an issue.
3. I'm thankful for a fun day at a festival with another friend, and I'm thankful that I braved a fairground ride!
4. I'm thankful that I found a really cute bag in a charity shop.
5. I'm thankful that my friend invited me over for lunch and that her cats wanted to hang out with us as well!
I am thankful for all those Chiquita photos! They make me smile!!!
Thankful for an easy inexpensive dinner date with husband last evening, impromptu,so even more fun,Good conversation.
Thankful for good dreams and for deep prayer and meditation this past week.Feeling very centered.
Thankful to see you on your way! Nursing! YAY! All that good health insurance helps one sleep better at night..I know since we got onto our Medicare Advantage program I sleep a little easier!! Had a hip replacement surgery for very little out of pocket.
Thankful for my friends and family.
Chiquita is beautiful, cat whiskers are so interesting!
I’ve been working very hard on my fear of flying and traveling. This past week, I made it to NYC! I’m thankful…
- I did it! It’s a huge accomplishment for me. I’m very proud of myself.
- I didn’t freak out when we got stuck in an elevator. Seriously. It was one of those stuck between floors, needing the doors pried open and climbing out things. Getting to meet the NYFD was a bonus.
- We unintentionally came across St. Patrick’s Cathedral and decided to go in. It was truly awe-inspiring and probably my favorite place we visited on the trip.
- We all had fun! It can be hard to find things that all four of us enjoy, especially with a 10yo daughter and 16yo son, but it was easy in NYC.
- We were all healthy and safe during our travel.
@JenRR, Way to go! I went to St. Patrick's Cathedral when I went to New York last year and loved it.
@JenRR, Welcome to the “been stuck in the elevator” club!
@JenRR, I'd have freaked out about being stuck in that elevator, so kudos to you that you didn't.
Ok, question for you guys, but first some background;
Last summer I bought my husband a subscription service to a monthly treat box that I knew he would like. I paid for 12 months, because that was the cheapest price per box: 31.50 versus 37.50. My husband has loved the boxes, and I was totally prepared to continue the subscription this year, HOWEVER, every month this company advertised a special deal where if you input a secret code from each box, you earn “points” and after 12 codes you get 15% off for life. Obviously, I had input every code religiously. Then my renewal was processed about a week ago and my “discount” was only 7.50. I didn’t understand, so I used their (very difficult, btw) email system to ask them how they came to this number and (after implying that I couldn’t do math) they admitted that the discount is applied to the higher box price of 37.50. So, I asked since I am no longer getting any financial benefit to purchasing 12 months at a time, could I just change to once a month charges instead. The answer was that they offer no refunds on payments already processed but that I could change my subscription in one year…also they offered me like two extra “treats” in one box.
My question is, should I just drop this since my husband does like the boxes and I would have paid the higher price anyway (I did last summer)? Or, should I press them further about this disingenuous discount or even dispute the charge with my credit card company? The difference in what I thought I would get and what they actually gave is 51.00 which would buy a lot of gum and potato chips. Again, it’s less the money and more about feeling disrespected by a company. What do you guys think?
@Becca, well, of course you should pick what will make you guys feel best in the end - but for me, I'm not interested in a company that operates that way, so I'd be happy dropping them. (Esp easy for me after yesterday's discussion of ALDI products, since now I'm looking forward to trying a few of their treats : )
@Suz,
Yeah, it seems like such a small first world kind of problem, but I’m really torn about it. What do you do when you really do love a product but feel so cheated by the company’s customer service policies?
@Becca,
And Aldi is a perfect counter example because I have nothing but positive experiences with their customer service, which makes me feel confident giving them my business because I know they will never make me feel cheated and will bend over backwards to make me feel like a valued customer.
@Becca, I sometimes write a letter or email detailing the issue. Makes me feel better and also alerts them to the fact that someone is noticing that they are being disingenuous at the expense of their customers. Even if it gets no result, I feel it is necessary (sometimes) to make a little noise. (I do the same with letters to my congressman even though I know he won’t change his trumpy ways).
Who knows? You might get some results or plant a seed.
Thankful to read that life is on an even-er keel for you, FG!
I’m thankful for supportive family and friends.
I’m thankful for my full time employment status which also offers long breaks (teacher) and weekends off.
I’m thankful for health care.
I’m thankful for our window AC units even though it is so humid that the one in our bedroom spits on me at night.
I'm thankful that today is the last day of July, for several reasons, but especially because of the plumbing problems that we have been working on most of the month. If all goes well, today should be the last day of strangers in and around the house with their noisy equipment. Hopeful for working drains that will stay that way for a long time.
I'm also thankful that we're half way through summer and so far the predicted high temps have not been as bad as we were told. I don't have high hopes for August, but at least September is not too far away.
And as always, I'm thankful for cute pictures of Chiquita and funny stories of other people's pets here in the comments, as well as for my own two sweet kitties.
Oof, I hate plumbing problems. So inconvenient!!
I am thankful for my dog and cat. They are always happy to see me, and they give endless love.
For the cool summer we’ve had up till now! its about to get hot here but I have been soooo grateful for the milder weather we’ve had!! I’ve tried so hard to appreciate it, because I know we don’t all have it!
For my son’s initiative. He’s the kind of kid that when he wants to do something it’ll get done. It’s just hard when he doesn’t want to what you want him to do. Teenagers are wonderful and hard in all new ways. He’s my oldest so every year we are both learning. 17 has been. Doozy but I’m grateful for where he is right now.
That don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to take a cool walk, at least not this week. We’ll see what next week holds!
For the countless little things that bring joy. I am trying hard to see and appreciate little things. There is so much joy out there to be had, but I need to take the time to see it. I’m trying. <3
I am so grateful for health insurance too. My husband works full time in our small business, which means that I carry the health insurance. For the last decade, I have been in non-permanent, full time positions in academia. I love my career and all the positions I've held, and I am thankful to have always had access to health insurance, but my goodness it is stressful having to constantly adapt to new insurances. And sometimes I have to hustle up a few months between post-doctoral positions. It makes me appreciate health insurance all the more and look forward to the day when I have a permanent position and the same insurance for years and years.
I am also grateful . . .
-for cheaper car insurance. It seems a truism of life that if you have been with an insurance company for over a year, there is a better deal elsewhere. Yet again, here we are, switching for a better deal. But I have seen this agent consistently find us deals on business and now car insurance, so I am hopeful that I can trust her to get me the best deal and not have to constantly be on the watch? Or maybe not. Who knows.
-for the luxury of piddling. This week we are back home and helping with VBS. VBS is the most exhausting thing in the world. I don't know how actual teachers do it. I tried to work during the day on Monday, but then I just surrendered to puttering around the house and yard doing easy chores and reading books. One of my favorite parts of academia is that I can read a book and feel like I am working. And it's the summer, so I don't even have to "work" at all.
-for my neighbors and community. I spent two hours yesterday with a friend going through my old house I am renovating and then her barn that she renovated. It was such fun. I love too how our friendship, though not close, is built on layers and layers of connections. We were a year apart in school. Her mom worked with my dad for many years. She is married to a neighbor who has always been like a brother to me. It makes my neighborhood more like a family. That can be for good or ill in the small town South, but I am leaning into the "good" part.
-that I have gotten to do a little yard work this week. As mentioned above, I am renovating an old house back home. I am at the two year mark since I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I am only now starting to feel back to normal. We have done no work on this house or even cared for the yard for those two years that were just about survival. It's really too hot to do anything, but I have found an hour each evening after VBS to hack away at the poke berry bushes and briers. It feels like and important step in my recovery to clean up the mess that grew while I was focused on healing. Kind of like your health insurance. Once I do finally get the yard cleaned up, we can begin to move forward with slowly landscaping and working on the house.
-for tomorrow being August 1, the day we officially turn a financial corner. Our finances really suffered during that two-year cancer battle too. Between having to pay high out of pocket maxes (multiple years. and it ain't over yet.), and the hit our business took with me being sick and my husband not able to focus on the business like he otherwise would have, by the end of 2024, we weren't broke, but we were badly bent. We hatched a plan to rebuild the business, rent our commercial space, pay off the debt we had accumulated, and get me in a better job in academia. Tomorrow the last little bit of debt comes out of our checking account, the new rock star project manager joins our staff, and our new tenant for our commercial space pays her first month of rent. (We are still working on the better job for me, but that is also the longest row to hoe.) August 1 has been a long time coming, and I am so grateful it is here.
@Amanda in VA, All the best vibes coming to you as you turn your corner xo
- Thankful that my bone density test was a quick and easy.
- Thankful that DH and I had "non-encounter" with the five-foot rattlesnake we walked right by and didn't see. Someone else saw it 5 minutes later when we walked the same area of an overgrown yard with them.
- Thankful that my workday today is short and I'm off tomorrow.
- Thankful for the slightly cooler temperature today. Heat index was 115 degrees earlier this week, so any amount of cooler temperature is welcome.
- Thankful for air conditioning during the brutally hot days of southern summer.
Chiquita is such a pretty girl.
Our air quality currently in Michigan is horrible (from the Canadian wildfires), BUT the temps and humidity are down today, and for that, I am grateful. Thankful for coffee time with my sister and 2 nieces today. Appreciative that our new septic tanks are finally, finally installed--it's been a long road. Excited to be leaving on vacation in a few days. And appreciative of the weekly chance to think about my blessings--thanks, Kristen!
I'm proud of you, Kristen!
So thankful for my 16 year old 11-pound rescue pup’s near recovery from a stroke on July 6! The first week was a doozy, but I got him a stroller and we started going out with him doing little walks. He is now back to 2-mile walks, but sometimes still has some minor nerve issues.
Thankful that, as a teacher with summer off, I’ve had the time to rehab him.
Thankful that my significant other, who was burned on the job earlier this year, is doing very well with his recovery. He has been using his recovery time wisely and is learning/doing ok with the stock market. (No big risk taking!)
Thankful for morning beach walks and always for this blog!
Oh yeah, I’ve always had trouble in the falling asleep department, and decided to list things I’m grateful for while waiting. It’s working quite well and has put so much in perspective for me. Thanks, because I only thought of it due to your Thankful Thursdays!!
@Sandra in So Cal, we lost our sweet, 16-year-old, 10-lb dog earlier this year, so I'm sending extra good wishes for your little pup. Really impressive that he's back to long walks in less than a month!
@Suz, Thank you! I’m so sorry for the loss of your pup. They are such a part of us.
It was a scary first week. I still carry him across streets. He does great walking on damp sand at beach in the early morning.
my first time too! also thankful for a break in the heat. i woke up and the weather was still in the 70s!! not triple digits like yesterday!
Congratulations on your new health insurance!
I am thankful for cooler weather on the horizon. I’m also on the east coast and this summer has been brutal.
I am thankful for three weeks off. I’m a teacher and worked our summer camp. Our last day was today. My house is in serious need of an organizing overhaul.
I am thankful my dog is much better. She woke me up three times during the night with an upset stomach. After withholding her breakfast and lunch (and a few tablespoons of pure pumkin) she is back to normal now. I have medical insurance on her, but I still have a $200 deductible for her, and who wants their sweet furbaby to feel unwell?
I am thankful for air conditioning!
When I read how much your insurance cost, I thought it was high. Note for future, whenever you post premium, post deductible/co-pay/Rx info for a more clear picture.
Good for you, Kristen! I am so glad your adult life is coming back together. Divorce seems to shred one's "safety nets" of all kinds.
I am thankful:
For a chance to look at new pianos tomorrow, a special birthday present from DH. My old piano is barely tunable any more.
For the beautiful fruit and produce of this season.
For A/C in our home. What a relief this past week. Ohio has felt like one big steam bath.
For new landscaping that seems to be taking hold in spite of the heat. Rain helps too.
For the perseverance of DH and our contractor to get a building permit to replace our back porch, and fit the laundry in it to save me the basement stairs.
Incredible - a ZERO deductible! The stuff of frugal dreams. And I feel you with the ease of being in-network. What a relief.
I can't express how grateful I am for my scenario at work this school year. I keep tearing up this week as we started our workdays. Compared to last year, my small department is MILES ahead in our personal wellness, collaboration, enthusiasm, and building some momentum so our program can continue to grow and eventually thrive. Last year we tried our best and.....survived. The students will start soon, and all the fresh challenges that we don't even know about yet are waiting around the corner, but we will keep at it and support each other all the way.
Aww, I am so happy that you have a positive work enviroment. YAY!