Thankful Thursday | I'm glad to not need gas!
This week, I am thankful:
that we are not in dire need of gas
We have some gas in the tanks of all of our cars, and none of us needs to do a whole bunch of driving right now anyway.
So, we can sit tight and wait for the panic-buying to stop (the panic-buying is more of a problem than a supply chain here, apparently. Very reminiscent of the toilet paper issue a year ago.)
for a pretty cool May forecast
Sometimes, it can get pretty hot here in May, but the forecast for the rest of the month looks like it won't require much A/C at all!
And mainly I'm happy about that because it means the weather will be pleasant for being outdoors. I'm always grateful when we have a long spring rather than jumping immediately into hot summer weather.
that my ear is clear again
Remember how I bought Debrox to try to clear my ears out? Well, I got one cleared out on my own but the other was very stubborn.
I started to wonder if I had some kind of ear infection, so I finally went to the doctor. No infection! Apparently I just needed the high-powered ear-cleaning syringe they have.
I am so, so happy to have un-muffled hearing again. Whew.
And hey, we already met our in-network insurance deductible so I think my ear visit will be $0 out of pocket.
that I'm done with my regular semester work
I finished my last chapter assignments early so now I've been working on studying for my two exams for next week (one cumulative, one not).
My current strategy is to do super well on the non-cumulative exam so that I have oodles of wiggle room on the cumulative one. Ha.
that I need fewer pre-requisites than I thought
It turns out that I'd misread my course work! So it looks like I only need to do:
- Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
- Microbiology
- Developmental Psychology
And that's everything that I can possibly get done before hopping into the nursing program.
There's some question over whether my 1996 math credit still will apply, but if not, that's ok.
I figure I would have no problem getting through college algebra, given that I've been swimming in homeschool-mom algebra for the last 8 years or so.
that some friends helped me find a professor
I asked around for some recommendations for an anatomy & physiology professor for the fall, and I think I've landed on one that will be good.
And I think one of my current biology mom friends is going to take the same class with me, which will be fun.
that Sonia's got some job interviews lined up
Summer job, here we come!
I think Sonia's extroverted self is going to enjoy having a job.
that Lisey had minimal side effects
Shot #2 happened this week, and she really didn't feel too bad after it. Yay!
This is kind of surprising because poor girl, she usually gets every side effect in the book for every medical experience.
for our super affordable mortgage payment
Yesterday I was listening to a podcast about the current housing market and I was reminded again how thankful I am that we already own a home with an affordable mortgage payment.
If we were just getting into the housing market here, we'd pay an awful lot more to live in this same house!
that mortgage payments don't go up
Our current mortgage payment was a stretch for us back in 2005, but since then, our income has gone up a lot and our mortgage has not.
That's a nice situation to be in because it equals more budgetary wiggle room. Whew!
that Sonia made a thoughtful gift for Lisey
Lisey's been working on accumulating items for the apartment she'll live in while she's at airplane mechanic school (she starts there this fall), and Sonia knitted a bunch of dishcloths for her.
As any parent knows, it's a happy thing when you see your kids doing unprompted thoughtful things for others!
"airplane mechanic school (she starts there this fall)"
This is big news - talk about burying the lede! Congratulations to her, I hope it turns out great.
Gosh, I thought I had mentioned it here before! But maybe it was on my other blog.
Is she also still getting a degree in Russian?
Airplane mechanic school!!!! oh my!! I missed this announcement! so exciting and wonderful.
and....as a late entry nurse, I enjoy following your back to school adventures. I only had to upgrade one course (Human physiology), thank goodness. It was a long process to save money and go back to school full time.
Absolutely and totally worth it. Even in a pandemic.
Airplane mechanic school! I’ve never been so impressed! I am so non mechanical, that I am in awe of anyone who can “fix things”, lol. Ha she always been interested in mechanics? I know she has been working at auto parts and repair.
Nope, this is a pretty recent development; just in the last year and a half or so, she has discovered she really likes working with her hands!
Love your list, but particularly the last one. You are right - it's definitely a happy thing when our kids do unexpected things for each other.
My list can really be summed up in one:
1) Both of my teens (14 & 15) got vaccinated yesterday! We managed to get into a mass vaccination site that was having a special teen event, right as our county announced eligibility for their age group. It was serendipitous & I am incredibly grateful.
2) My 15 year old is trying out for different soccer clubs, and has two offers (one more tryout today). I'm grateful in two ways: grateful he'll have options & can find a club that's a better fit for him, but also that he takes risks. I don't love risk or change, and am gratified when one of my kids is thoughtful enough to recognize when something isn't working for them, & then putting in the time & effort to resolve it.
3) Grateful that we don't eat out a lot, so when we do..it's a very special treat. Due to the unexpected vaccination yesterday, we missed our planned dinner, and I took the boys to Chick Fil A. There was palpable excitement in the car over our celebratory meal. I love that it's something they appreciate, and not a regular part of our life.
4) Grateful that all four for us will be double vaccinated before a trip in June. The boys will hit their two week waiting period on our trip, but it's as close as we can get, and much better than we'd expected.
5) That our vacation house is now on the market. I can check the first box in the progress towards getting it sold.
That was kind of Sonia! It always makes me so happy when either of my daughters does something kind for the other. I'm sure Lisey will enjoy the dishcloths even more because Sonia made them!
I'm thankful that I got a vaccine appointment for my 12 year old daughter for Saturday morning. She is very excited. Some of her friends are going today or tomorrow, but I couldn't make it work. Saturday will be good!
I thought I was going to be asked to bake decorated cupcakes for an event but actually I was asked to purchase some sparkling cider. I am thankful because even though the cider costs money, this is a busy week and it is much easier and quicker to just purchase the juice, compared to making all those cupcakes!
I am a teacher and we just got to look at our class lists for next year. I am thankful that I have a great group of students for 21-22!
I am thankful that the grass-seed I planted is starting to come up. It was kind of slow to get going and I was worried, but now it looks like it is doing well!
That is so cool Lisey is going to A&P school. I’m a commercial pilot and could have taken the extra time and schooling to get my A&P certificates but didn’t recognize the value of it at that time. I’m kicking myself now.
I love seeing your kids grow and become individuals. It always amazes me how kids raised in the same family can be so different... it is the case with my two sisters and myself as well.
1. Count me as thankful that I could get gas! The gas situation should NOT be dire here in NW Florida, but, as my daughter said, it's toilet paper, all over again. The lines at the pumps have been incredible, many stations ran dry, and people are loading up gas cans as well as their vehicles. My co-worker saw someone filling five gallon buckets from Lowe's with gas, which is anything but safe, and I observed two women filling gas cans after filling their car - while smoking. Hopefully, people are calming down now. As someone who commutes over 100 miles each day, I wish folks who don't actually need gas would leave the gas for those of us who do.
2. It wasn't much of a day, but yesterday was our 42nd wedding anniversary. I spent it at work, and my husband spent it at rehab, getting his therapy. I'm thankful we are both still here to have it, at least.
3. I'm thankful for my nice neighbors who came over last night to check on me and how my husband is doing. They are both approaching 80 but they are very good to check in on us.
4. I'm thankful that the cool front made it here! This must seem insane to people who struggled through icy winters and are longing for summer, I'm sure.
5. I'm thankful that the vandals who decided to spray paint a few churches didn't do more than they did. They spray painted the lovely gothic arches on the front of our cathedral's portico, and it's going to take some doing to get it all off, but they didn't do any other damage, to our church or any of the other three they painted.
I'm glad you were able to get the gas you needed! This whole panic-buying can stop now. :-p
And that cold front? Left enough snow at my house in Colorado to built a five foot snowman two days ago. But don't worry, we're expecting 70* today! 🙂
I wish you and your husband well. Our 42nd anniversary was on Tuesday!
I was just thinking of you this morning because I remembered that you have such a long commute; you really need to be able to get gas.
And also: happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary!! Your marriage is an encouragement!
Thanks everyone! It's hard for me to grasp the idea that we have been married that long!
I am also very thankful for the cold front that has moved through Florida. Summer here can be hard. Every year I threaten to move, but I really love my home. Happy Anniversary!!!!!
Panic buying is for me one of the many signs of the Total Depravity of Man and how easily manipulated people are.
Oh wait, this is supposed to be positive and uplifting, right? 😛
* I'm thankful that after a long time, I got to talk on the phone with a friend of mine. She had a hell of a 2020 for a lot of reasons (not the least of which losing her husband) and I'm thankful that she's doing alright, all things considered.
* That Covid is more or less non-existent where I live now. Cases are almost zilch (not that they were ever high.) Vaccination rates are also really good as well. This is thankfully causing some restrictions to be lifted. I just can't wait for the day when we all burn the masks!
* That I've been able to watch more of the shows I enjoy.
I'm thankful.... for snow and 75* in the same week.
For fun glimpses into your family! Yay to your girls for pursuing dreams, practicing generosity, and venturing into jobs!
For the in-person missions event we're hosting next week. Computer science students and professionals coming from across the country to work on programming projects for missions always gets me excited! Our trips last year were in March and interrupted by COVID, so I'm thankful to see some of our regular attendees again.
Thankful for friends who came over yesterday to help me get my house ready for hosting parts of the event. My community is critical!
Airplane mechanic school?! Fantastic!
(Burying my envy....)
Good for Lisey!
Lisey's school sounds exciting! I bet being a homeschool Mom has really helped in all your college courses. As a non-homeschool mom, algebra would have to be completely re-learned.
My thoughtful things:
1. I'll echo the gas situations. My husband and I have a relatively full tanks of gas and don't plan on driving much. It also helps that one of those cars is a hybrid and the other get relatively good gase mileage too.
2. That my son thoughfully brough me my favorite beverage for lunch today.
3. That I am almost done my month long training course- 1 more day to go! Additionally, thankful for my family who has been supportive of me during this time when I'm less focused on our family stuff.
4. That I got to see all my immediate family and some of my extended family within the last week. With most people now vaccinated, I'm finally starting to see my family again!
My dad was an airplane mechanic in the Air Force before I was born. I believe he worked on F111 jets but perhaps that's something I should ask and write down for posterity.
Interesting that until I read this, I had no idea there was a gas issue. I bought gas day before yesterday for 2.79.
I'm thankful for so many things. My family visited and brought the (relatively unusual) tools we needed to fix a bike axle that was buggered up, so the youngest can have the training wheels she has super-wanted. We have one more day of pretty weather before the rain starts, meaning hopefully the soybean planting can get done. The end-of-school calendar has changed eleventy billion times and now we only have two days of school next week before some time of no alarm clocks. I finally got the website I wanted to start up and running. (I love using the internet but, as it turns out, don't love building the internet.) Our household is thankful for a quality pastor and accompanying family.
I'm always thankful for coffee.
Well, it all depends on where you live! The south is the most affected.
I had another thought, which is that when I started college in the fall of 1994, I took a CLEP test to avoid college algebra. Maybe this is still an option (I admit I did not google this, ha).
That is awesome news about you needing fewer prerequisites and Lisey's airplane mechanic school. Yay! for you smart women!
This week I am thankful for my boss, who gave me four days of work with him to keep me out of a toxic work assignment for as long as possible. He's a good guy. Also thankful that my husband and I were able to celebrate the two-weeks past our second Covid vacations with a trip last night to our favorite Mexican restaurant, which we had not been to in 14 months. The owner still remembered our usual order.
Airplane mechanic school! That’s amazing ... go, Lisey!
Wow airplane mechanic! I wish I had known myself that well and been willing to do unexpected things when I was that age. Would have saved me from a huge, very regretted career mistake. Good for her.
I'm thankful:
1. That I'm down 20 pounds in my weight loss goal. Only 15 more to go!! Since I'm over halfway to my goal, I feel hopeful that I can actually do it.
2. That my kiddos are almost done with school for the year.
3. That this year taught us that full time homeschooling is not for us. Back to the two-day-a-week study center we go in the fall. I am VERY tempted to be discouraged about this. The whole year was one long fail and led to many miserable family members including myself. But I'm trying to look at the bright side. We bravely tried something and at least now we know what works (and what doesn't) for us.
4. My two oldest kids are growing less picky. They're still decidedly in the picky camp, but they're much more willing to try things and eat something even if they don't love it.
5. That it's just about time to pretty up the deck for summertime!! Can't wait to get some flowers in pots and put out my summery deck things. Summer may be my least favorite season but a beautiful deck with string lights and flowers and a pretty patio table certainly helps.
Congratulations on your weight loss!!! That is just awesome. I’m afraid my weight went in the opposite direction during Covid.
Thank you!
I think the two-day-a-week hybrid thing sounds perfect! A lovely mix of homeschooling and out-of-the-house schooling.
Yes I think so too. 🙂
The whole best-of-both-worlds thing is definitely the main feature that attracted us to the school!
Airplane mechanic!! Don't need whiskers for that either!!
Airplane mechanic school - that is so cool! Congrats to Lisey!
I'm thankful that:
1) I have 3/4 tank of gas and hubby was able to find a station with gas to fill up his car. Panic buying a real thing in our area. Apparently we learned nothing from the "2020 toilet paper crisis"
2) our replacement flooring is almost done, except the contractor didn't order enough supplies. But they are moving our things back into the house so I'll have a stove and washer and dryer again this weekend!
3) we can afford to send our dog to doggy daycare while the contractors are working on the flooring. It would be very hard for my husband to work from home, deal with her, and the construction.
4) we think we have found a buyer for some land that Mom owns. She needs liquidity to pay for her nursing home stay much more than she needs land
5) I'm making plans to visit with friends in person now that we are all vaccinated
I am impressed with Lisey and also with you as a studying mom. A great example to set your kids! Your husband must be so proud!
I am very grateful for the long weekend off we are having, the more so because the weather is so fine now after a long cold spell. It feels like a holiday to sit outside in the sun.
I am also grateful that my husband is enjoying his job so much and has good prospects. He's been unemployed for nearly two years before his present job and today we talked about how insecure and stressed the long duration of his unemployment had made him feel.
I am also very grateful to have had positive performance reviews for my own job and hearing my manager is trying to get me a promotion. Our company has not done anything by way of promotions for years (in fact, many people have been laid off) so although no promises can be made, I am very happy about the thought.
Airplane mechanics school, what a great accomplishment. And she will never be unemployed!! Are you and your husband mechanically inclined? When my sister became a welder, it seemed completely out of left field because absolutely no one in my family, parent or child, ever showed an interest in welding. We were all left wondering where her gifts came from.
Well, I think the two of us are probably at some kind of average level of mechanical competence, but neither of us has the passion for it that Lisey does. She really enjoys doing this kind of work!
My dad is extremely mechanically inclined; he's super good at working with his hands. In fact, he built the house I grew up in, and he and my mom still live there. So I wonder if she got it from him.
In my own family at least, some interests and abilities seem to have skipped a generation or two before turning up among me and my sibs. For example, my mother managed to kill every plant she ever owned, and my father's favorite thing to do with vegetation was to hack it down. But my paternal grandfather and a maternal great-grandfather were both dedicated gardeners, so I think I got their genes. The same great-grandfather was a talented amateur musician and played several instruments--as my middle sister does, though Lord knows none of the rest of us since "Grandpa Pom" have done. So I can well believe that Lisey gets her mechanical skills from her grandfather.
I am grateful that tree pollen seems to have waned, the weather has been perfect spring weather this week, and the cicadas are coming. We've been hearing about the Brood X emergence for months. We have lots of holes in our yard and a neighbor reported seeing two on the sidewalk this morning. I'm ready for them to do their business and be gone.
I am thankful that we have at least half full tanks of gas in our two vehicles and not a lot of driving that must be done.
I'm grateful that so many people, including teens/tweens, are being vaccinated and that Covid case and hospitalization numbers have declined so much.
I am thankful that we live in a vibrant neighborhood and have good neighbors.
I am grateful for the gift of literacy and the public library. I am able to borrow so many books, including audio books. The digital format means I don't have to visit the library or worry about due dates. Also, our public library system will finally reopen branches, to the public, next week. I also appreciate online subscriptions to national newspapers that are reasonably priced.
Grateful to see my neighborhood DOH vaccination site is crowded with young people!
Grateful to see my students begin to heal as they get in the groove of being in school again.
Grateful for mindfulness as I go about my day, recognizing all is well or at least, all is as it is.
Grateful for walks with the love of my life after work everyday.
1. My vacation is almost here! It will be nice to take a week off before the crazy season starts at work.
2. The weather forecast looks good for next week so I can get in some morning walks and enjoy the sunshine.
3. Most of my in-laws are also fully vaxxed and we will get to see a small group of them in a few days.
4. We live simply. It helps since my husband lost work due to the pandemic and we are still managing on one income.
5. Books to entertain and educate.
I agree with WilliamB, you totally buried the lead!!
I also wanted to mention that you can buy the same ear flush system that is used at your doctor's office. Some in my family have an excessive amount of ear wax; so when at the MD office last time I paid special attention to what was done and asked lots of questions. Now I just take care of it at home!
Several family members worked at Pratt & Whitney, so I think it is super cool!
1. I use a full tank of gas a week for my commute, but there was no line where I am in N. England, and up only .06 a gallon over last week, so I'll consider that a win!
2. There was no traffic yesterday for my 3.5 hour commute home last night.
3. We have fresh radishes picked today from the garden.
4. I have really nice colleagues whose company I enjoy.
5. Started a new semester and my students seem smart & interested.
It’s wonderful to see Lisey pursue such an interesting career. . The progress that woman have made in the last 50 years cannot be overstated. When interviewing for jobs after graduating from college from a major university in the mid-80’s with a degree in economics, I was often asked if I could type. (Anyone remember typewriters) Boy have things changed!
I am feeling blessed and thankful today that we live in a dynamic and exciting time. I am grateful for my husband and family. I’m blessed by the unconditional love of Rescue Pup who thinks I’m the most wonderful person in the world. I am thankful for my home and all I have.
I love and still use my electronic typewriter! There are just some things you can't do on a computer.
Thankful:
*that we have nearly full gas tanks in both cars.
*for mild sunny weather to plant flowers & garden plants this week.
*for a little extra energy to do a couple of minor chores that have been neglected for too long.
*that I’ve been sleeping better this week.
*that we finally ironed out all the details for our 2 big home improvement projects.
I am thankful for a job that has remained steady throughout the pandemic and a coworker who is a delight to be with every day, but I'm also happy to be moving back to the US this summer--even though the current state of affairs there is not what I would like--I am happy that I will be near my kids and grandkids. I'm thankful for seasons and that summer is coming. I'm thankful to live in a time of modern medicine--I can't imagine what it was like during the Black Plague or the Spanish Flu. I'm thankful that my kids are healthy, gainfully employed and have strong work ethics. I'm thankful for mystery shopping, that allows me to eat at high end restaurants for free (well, OK, there is a bit of work involved:). I'm thankful for friendships that expand throughout the globe. I'm thankful for Jesus Christ and the global church.
So funny about the gas, my son in Nebraska told me his friends couldn't get gas in Alabama and I was like, that's weird, so I pulled in to the gas station and they were out of the mid and high octane and the guy at the next pump told me they were out in Tallahassee, so I filled up. I do think it was ALL PANIC buying in FL as they said multiple times that we were not affected here in central FL...
I'm thankful that my inlaws and brother and sister in law are leaving Wyoming and moving to sunny Florida. I wasn't sure if they were committed, but my parents in law are now under contract on their house and the other one is for sale, so they are committed!
I'm thankful for a new tablet. I just was not happy with my old Kindle (don't like the browser, can't put on the apps that I wanted, etc), so I was thankful for a sale at Sam's and the money to replace the Kindle.
Fiestaware. I just love using it and seeing it in my cupboard.
Grandkids. And a daughter in law who sends me pictures and videos every single day and types out the funny and crazy things they say just the way that they say them. She is THE best!
That I have FINALLY broke my nail biting habit! Only took me 50 years, actually a few less, I didn't start as an infant!
These are not in any order.
I know how you feel about the Fiestaware! My niece, best friend and I are all collectors, and all the colors just make us happy! We use it everyday:)
Every time you write about the weather I am like that is so similar to mine in NC. What state do you live in? I know, the gas thing. I had to get some but when I did I got only as much as I needed. It reminded me of it's a wonderful life and when the people only take the money that they absolutely need for the week so that the building and loan can survive.
1. Thankful this week that we are able to have a family vacation in a place that we love. We have had wonderful weather and kept expenses down enjoying the beach, homemade meals and snacks with some planned for treats.
2. For amazing weather while we have been here, for no pain in my shoulder even though I have been swimming and hauling stuff to the beach.
3. For the fact that gas shortages haven’t affected Florida as badly as they have Georgia so God willing we will be able to find gas on our trip home.
4. For finding a photographer willing to take family photos at the beach for us while we were down here.
5. Thankful for the wonder in my little boy’s eyes as he gets to play on the beach, jump in the pool, find shells, make new friends. He never meets a stranger and is just a people person. I so appreciate that quality in him and hope it serves him well throughout life.
1. Our youngest son comes home from college tomorrow. He's had a rough year because of all the unexpected COVID restrictions and he's eager to come home. And I'm eager to have him here!
2. Next week, we are going to visit our son and DIL in Dallas. I am so excited to see them for a few days.
3. PER CDC: no more masks for vaccinated individuals. Our state has been relatively easy with restrictions compared to some, but it's been so nice to go into stores, etc with NO MASK. I think I may have a mask-burning party! Happy Weekend
If the school you are attending doesn't except your prior math credits, you may be able to test out instead of sitting through a whole semester of a class. There is usually a nominal fee to take the test, which is much less expensive than tuition for a course.
Yep, that's true; I could always CLEP out of it.
Your last one makes me smile. 🙂
This week I'm really thankful for these flexible days with my preschoolers. Heading into the school year it was hard to have my husband back at work and my oldest back at school and still have no sense of our usual normal for the 3 of us at home, but I'm so thankful for how the Lord has provided during this time! Yesterday was especially enjoyable - we took a walk, played at the playground, went to some yard sales, stopped to thank some people who are redoing some sidewalks near our house... It was leisurely and enjoyable and I was able to really treasure the time together. The days aren't all sunshine and rainbows, but I'm thankful that I've come to appreciate all of the really neat things we have because things are "different" right now instead of getting stuck over what we don't have.