Thankful Thursday | it was a crash-out
This week, I am thankful:
that you all sweetly listened to my complaining yesterday
My kids would label this complaining session "a crash-out". Ha. Sooo...thanks for being here for my crash-out. 😉
that two weeks of this class are done
Although my complaining post helped a little, I do unfortunately still hate this class.
So, the best I can do is to be grateful that almost two modules are done.
That means I only have to survive six more modules.
And hopefully, the rest of my BSN classes will not be this awful.
(December 14th is my freedom date!)
that my RN school was in person
Asynchronous online learning is not my jam, but unfortunately, my whole RN to BSN program is like this.
I will get through it intact (I hope), but this has reminded me that I much, much prefer in-person learning. So, I am super grateful I started RN school after COVID. I would not have had nearly as much fun doing it online!
that I am not paying for my BSN school
I would be even crabbier about these classes if I had to pay for them. The fact that my hospital is footing the bill improves my attitude marginally.
for some beautiful fall walks
Just some fall appreciation!
for bright sun in my house
At this time of year, the sun hits so many of my windows and I love it.
So does Chiquita.
that my new oil boiler is working properly
As you may remember, the old one necessitated a festive evening visit from the fire trucks.
So, my landlords installed a new one over the summer. THANK GOODNESS. Zoe and I were honestly scared of the old boiler after multiple incidents.
Anyway, the new one got a checkup from the oil company last week, and it's been heating the house, problem-free.
I am so relieved!
that my landlords are going to buy a new washing machine
The old one has had issues with going off balance, and the repair guy said the machine is not worth buying a whole new tub assembly.
Sooo, my landlord texted that she is shopping for a new washing machine, which will be fabulous. It's been many weeks since the washer has worked properly, and we have been limping along by washing tiny loads on the delicate cycle.
Once the new one gets here (should be a week from today), I will gleefully wash a heavy load of towels. 🙂
It's the small things, people!
that I could get my flu shot at the hospital
I know you can get a free flu shot a lot of places, but I love that they offer them right at my hospital; that way I don't have to mess with any paperwork to let my hospital know that I got it done.
(It's a facility-wide requirement for us.)
that my first on-my-own shift went smoothly
I gave all my meds on time, I did all my documentation, and all my patients made it through the day just fine.
(I was gonna say that they were alive and well, but honestly, no one in the hospital is exactly "well", or they wouldn't even be in the hospital!)
Starting tomorrow, I have a bunch of shifts close together (five shifts in six days), so I'm gonna really feel like an actual on-my-own nurse afterward.
that I am pretty good at working ahead
Since this class has so many big assignments (aka, things you can't pull together last minute) and since I also have work shifts to do, it is essential for me to work ahead.
Luckily, that is one of my core competencies! So, I am managing to stay a step ahead of the game.
(With a bad attitude, to be sure. But at least my work is getting done.)
that I actually CAN make it to my dentist appointment today
There was some miscommunication between me, myself, and I, which caused me to initially think I was gonna miss my dentist appointment today.
But thankfully, I am indeed off of work! So I will be getting my fangs shined up this morning. 🙂
Send me no-cavity good wishes, ok?
You are so lucky to have such a good landlord. Getting anything done is pretty much impossible unless it is literally life threatening (and even then...) The people who own the shares in my apartment (I rent), would be thrilled to make life so uncomfortable that you move out. They have been known to tell people: Oh, just leave for a day or two and then keep the people out of the apartment for an indefinite period so people are basically forced out of their homes with no other option but to get a new apartment (which they can't afford). It's complicated and illegal but that means nothing in a big city with big companies owning shares.
Grateful that while I still have a lot of back pain, it is less. Not so good: Also developed sciatica but only in one leg. It could be worse.
I don't know if grateful is the right word, but it took only a few minutes online in my current Medicare Rx plan to find out that NO, it will no longer pay for two of my meds and that the additional cost for those meds is close to $1,000, a sum I cannot afford. Do not know if doctor can substitute for one of the drugs that is the most expensive. But, at least I didn'7 t have to spend a long time to see, upfront, what is happening with the formulary, and, for once, a major point ("We can change the formula in any month." ) is right up front. It's amazing how insurance companies can have one-sided contracts. You sign up thinking your drug is covered and they tell you "Yea, well, we can change that in any month." That's a one-sided contract and it is just wrong.
I am grateful for the many folks who post the wonderfully entertaining and heartwarming cat and dog videos online. They make me smile and laugh and wish I could have a cat or dog.
I am thankful for having discovered a few comedians online who are entertaining without being nasty, sarcastic, bad mouthed, etc. I just spent a half hour laughing at one guy, and I needed those laughs. Pain is debilitating.
I am grateful that some people in government are actually speaking up...a long way to go to right the wrongs going on, but it's a start. I am grateful for all the folks who protested at the No Kings day. 7 million and counting.
I am grateful for the advocacy group that is currently working hard to get needed change in our state's in home care program.
I am grateful for my women's cancer support group with its online sessions on many topics and not just about diagnosis, treatment and post survivorship. All kinds of health and wellness related topics and a wonderful group of speakers and participants. A real sanity saver.
I am grateful for those customer service reps who take their jobs seriously and really try to help you solve a problem. They are few and far between, but oh, what a difference they make in the quality of our daily lives.
I am grateful that I have enough in my pantry to make a big donation to a local food bank to help feed folks in need now that SNAP is ending. We do what we can, when we can.
Honestly, no matter how grateful one is, for the most basic things, so much is threatening to end badly these days that is it hard not to live in 24/7 uncertainty. Right now, I depend on a particular state healthcare program. If that were to end, as it might, in 2026, due to state and Federal cuts to healthcare, I would be unable to live on my own. My aide may lose her health care in 2026 and then she would not be able to work for me. After 12 years together, I could not function without her. But she has her own health issues and needs insurance. And the state plan she has may no longer be available (again, it's complicated and has to do with how she is employed by the state) and if that is the case, she would have to find an entirely new kind of job.
So many lives are in jeopardy and unnecessarily so. This is when I wish I were super wealthy so I could just create affordable housing, run my own private food bank and create all kinds of programs to help people afford healthcare, get decent paying jobs and live without constant fear of being homeless or unable to feed their family.
It amazes me at how few of those billionaires do anything to help others. In this world, if you need help, look for the poorest among us and they will share their last food with you while the rich (for the most part) do nothing. So I am grateful for all the "real" folks who strive to help each other out every day. Everyman can be so kind.
I am thankful for those physical "angels" who show up when we are most in need of help. Not always available but when they are...lifesavers.
I am grateful that I care about others in the world because it is clear so many do not. That I can in small ways help others. We never know when a small gesture, donation, assistance, word...can help someone in need.
I am grateful that Kristen is doing so well in her new life and that she is the kind of nurse we would all want in our hospital stay. You, go, Kristen. And it's not really complaining to state a fact (I hate the class.) Sometimes you have to do that so you can then MOVE ON as you have. Resistance takes a lot of energy and it doesn't work when we have no choice (Have learned that the hard way, for sure!)
@Irena, Complete agreement about billionaires. It infuriates me how people on low income are criticised for any small thing they spend money on but no one blinks an eye at billionaires choosing to buy another luxury yacht (and that's not even the worst of it) which they certainly don't need! I'd argue that the majority of them didn't 'earn' the money to begin with, but that's a bigger discussion.
@Irena,
I hope you will be able to keep your trusted aide Irena!
@Irena, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with all this in what would already be a very difficult situation. I agree with you 100%.
@Irena,
On the subject of medicine, my son was in a similar situation to yours many years ago. At the suggestion of his doctor, he contacted the company that manufactured his medication. After filling out and submitting his paperwork, he was supplied with his prescription for one year free of charge.
Most pharmaceutical companies have programs that allow them to supply those in need with medication or offer a highly discounted rate. I suggest you ask your doctor or contact the company directly. It was a huge help for him and got him over hump.
Also, your doctor may help you petition your insurance company if she feels that an effective substitute is not available on the insurance formulary.
I wish you the best. I know how frustrating all this can be.
@Irena,
Bless you for writing that post! I got a lot out of reading it. I hope you feel better and that you and your aide's problems (health, financial and otherwise) are all solved. I also wish you would win that mega-million lottery so your problems would be solved-- and you then can help others without having to go without anything yourself. Folks like you deserve to be rich!
@Sophie in Denmark,
Well said! Agreed!
@Bee, I was going to suggest same thing.
Also, have you asked pharmacy what Good RX price is? Good RX is free (No paperwork or signing up) prescription program that has lower prescription prices.
@Bee, Such helpful suggestions!
@Irena, yes the roulette wheel of the formulary (bad spell check) just plain stinks. You're right - it is a one-sided contract. Prior to the OOP on Rx changing, it was cheaper for my father to order a couple of Rx from Canada. Canada had generics where the US didn't (one *finally* is available as a generic). Far too many have tried all the other options (yeah, consume 15 pills 4 times a day which doesn't work).
Is there a Medicare Advantage plan available for you (presuming you are on Medicare)? While some of the "extras" are not as good as they were, it is still a good option in my state.
Uninsured people = higher costs for those insured. Plus it is truly appalling that a child can't get an Rx for an antibiotic for an ear infection. Or a person waits until s/he are deathly ill or in a lot of pain and goes to the ER. This is not a sign of a country that once was the best country in the world.
@Irena, wow
@Irena,
I agree with what has already been said by fellow Commentariat members. I also like cat and dog videos and reels - especially one with two dogs who jump into huge leaf piles (Stella and Mabel are the dog's names). These reels never fail to make me laugh, no matter how many times I watch them. 🙂
I had a whole stack of appointment letters in my agenda (for jabs, medical checks, and the voting pass) and I am so relieved that right now I only have a birthday card there that I want to send!
Thankful
- for a few "ordinary" weeks ahead (time will tell if they are uneventful!)
- for sunshine today, so I can enjoy well aired blankets tonight
- for the peace of having a safe roof over our heads
- for people with technical skills. Right now, my old and trusty sewing machine is being serviced
- that my house plants are doing so well
- that I like cooking, since I have to do it (nearly) every day
I think most of my thankfuls this week are related to my sister
We all need to have a moan and let off steam at some point so I am thankful that I have my sister close at hand when the need to strikes me.
Also thankful that my sister is happy to help my husband with buying a newer car by giving him a 0% interest loan. His current car is a ticking time bomb and he wants shot of it before that happens.
(If you’re interested he has a 10 yo Ford Focus which has a ‘wet belt system’ which needs to be changed at 10 years or at a set mileage – they never get to the mileage. To change the wet belt is £1500++, if the belts breaks it means a new engine!)
Thankful that my sister is happy to help me change my car (Ford Fiesta) which has the same looming issue as my husband’s car. I have time to research and find the right car for me as my car is only 6 years old.
For wonderful work colleagues – I was away for 3 days last week providing support to aa site who have gone onto our new rostering system. It was made easier by being with 3 colleagues, including our boss. It gave a chance to have a quiet 1:1 with him to discuss my role, if it will become permanent and to vent my frustration at the pay rise we had just got.
We also had a couple of evening meals together which was a great opportunity to find out more about each other and discuss non-work stuff
For a responsive landlord – we have built up a number of niggly issues around the house so we invited her over and went through all of them with her. So far we have a new kitchen tap and oven (still waiting on the old one to be taken out and the new one fitted, but a start). The boiler has been looked at and needs a part and hopefully today the rest of the issues will be fixed including the oven change over.
Thankful that my husband is able to talk with me about his anxiety and issues that are bothering him. He has spoken to a mental health helpline who may be able to sort out some CBT for him. Fingers crossed.
As always, thankful for family, friends and fur-babies.
@Stacey in UK, CBT is SO helpful!
@Stacey in UK,
My daughter had a Ford focus which had similar issues- it died 900 miles from home when they were on vacation. There were no replacement parts available snywhere for months! A good move to get a reliable car.
Our insurance agent warned us against the getting the three F's - Fiesta, focus, fusion- because of known issues.
@Stacey in UK, @mbmom11
There used to be sayings about Fords: Found on Road Dead or Fix or Repair Daily. That was in the 70's. When we had a Ford in the 90's, we had oil leaks galore.
@mbmom11, and Stacey in UK,
I once had a boyfriend who swore that Ford was an acronym for Fix Or Repair Daily. Reading your posts, it seems like he was right!
@Fru-gal Lisa, In 1997 I bought a new-to-me Ford Taurus station wagon for $17,000 cash. It was the dealer's demo and only had a few hundred miles on it. I kept it going for 23 no-car-payment years. Come to think of it, that may be why Ford stopped making the Taurus. Thankfully, I was able to find a 2008 to replace my 1997 model. Paid cash for that one as well.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Fix Or Repair Daily was the term DH used for both of his two 1969 Ford Mustangs (the one he had in high school and the one he bought as a junker and restored during our early years together). In spite of everything, he loved both of his "ponies."
What a gorgeous picture of Miss Chiquita!
1. I am also thankful that I got a flu jab! It was paid for by my workplace which is an extra bonus!
2. I'm thankful for the yoga class I went to last night (although my flexibility is somewhat pitiful).
3. I'm thankful that it's payday.
4. I'm thankful that my sleep has improved lately.
5. I'm thankful that I was able to fix some work issues.
Honestly, this week was a real stretch for thankful things. I'm still feeling grumpy!
@Sophie in Denmark, In case you're being hard on yourself about your "pitiful" flexibility...people often think that yoga is for flexible people. Yoga is for people! The people who do yoga consistently happen to be more flexible because they do yoga consistently 😉 It helps me to compare myself to myself instead of myself to others in the class.
@Heather Mar, Thanks! I do go to yoga class most weeks but I just have insanely tight hip flexors (probably also because I go running). A good reminder not to compare myself though!
Thankful for:
1. the unheralded scientists and techs who spent countless boring hours running tests and tabulating results that led to the drugs that have kept me alive since being born with a cardiac defect, my husband alive during two cancer bouts and me this last year.
2. I have been culling pictures and am amazed and so thankful for the variety of jobs I have held, including working in a max security prison, in gold fields in Alaska, cooking for miners in a remote Alaskan mining camp, and working on the trans Alaska pipeline in a remote camp with hundreds of men and three women. All before I settled into a professional job so I never felt like I didn’t experience a lot of different things before settling down.
3. My father lived in poverty in Eastern Europe. He never saw a banana until after WWII, while in a displaced persons camp. For my entire life I have had access and exposure to fresh fruit. (Not so thankful for beans.)
4. That our sun is not coming up until after 8 and starts showing signs of going away at about 3:30. We are still losing 6 or so minutes a day. I love the dark and miss living in the village where the sun set in November and stayed down until February.
5. The husband, always the husband.
@Lindsey, #5, <3
@Lindsey,
It is always wonderful to see your post and to share a part of your interesting life.
@Lindsey,
Thankful no. 1 is your post! Thank you for sharing bits of your life.
@Lindsey, I can't wait for the movie! I wish Katherine Hepburn were still with us so she could play you. From The African Queen to The Gold Fields of Alaska...
@Lindsey, I am always fascinated by places in the world where it is dark like you describe. I would love to live in a place like that!
@Lindsey, thank goodness for all of your thankfuls--especially #1, for keeping you and the husband still with us.
@Lindsey, we lived in Anchorage 1960 - 1963. I adored it, my parents were miserable. For a kid 9-12 is was like living in an outdoor version of Disneyland. But I do remember the sun rising while walking to school at 9ish and setting on the way home at 3. And the Northern Lights! There are not words in human thought or language to describe experiencing them. sigh <3
This week I am thankful:
*that, despite complaining about it yesterday, I had a facial therapy appointment yesterday. The traffic was unremarkable. The therapist is amazing. It is so nice to go to a health care professional who listens and responds. I left with some new tools in my bag.
*for the rain I hear outside right now.
*that one college application is done. That community college is always a back-up plan for us.
*for my daughter's enthusiasm for all of her knitting/sewing projects.
*for my husband's wisdom. He's so good at seeing the big picture.
that I don't have to go anywhere on Friday. I'm feeling the need to be home and have normal time.
@Jody S., I LOVE those "don't have to go anywhere" days. Enjoy!
I'm hoping you will continue "whinning Wednesday." I think most of us do not have a "sounding board" to talk to. It is a relief to talk about it.
@Kathy, yes please, my insurance does not cover therapy. But the commentariat does! This is such a supportive, generous, wise group. Maybe once a month if every week is too much.
I am thankful for a good night of sleep last night.
I am thankful for a warm house this morning.
I am thankful for fall colors in the tree leaves. While they are not brilliant this year they are still beautiful. It is almost November and there is still a lot of beauty left.
I am thankful for your honest posting yesterday about your struggle with that class. My girl is hitting her wall this quarter and struggling. I am one that carries a mindset of *buck up buttercup/things could be worse* but I was able to pause and just be there and listen to her and ask deeper questions. While internally I think back to my college days (and everything I went through and compare it to her situation and WANT to comment), I am able to pause and let her vent and stress... I was grateful that I was able to pause and reflect on the fact that I did NOT have a point person to complain and stress to.. and am so grateful I can BE there for her to come to, to hug her and for her to know it will eventually be alright. Thank you Kristen! And since I am still a touch older that you- Make sure you hydrate, nourish and REST yourself well during these next crazy work days!
@jes, I think when someone is upset, it's good to check if they want advice or if they just need to vent. Usually I let them vent first and then ask if they want suggestions (obviously this is trickier if it's your kid, but I think vent first is still the best way). On a personal note, when I'm frustrated about something, I'm not usually in problem solving mode. Once I get it off my chest I'm usually feeling calmer and more willing to hear advice.
@Sophie in Denmark,
It is one of mt pitfalls that I switch into solution mode very quickly. Often people are more in need of an ear and some commiseration.
@JNL, me too. I am a fixer. Tell me what's wrong and I will attempt to make it better. I have to really check myself.
@Bee, I too am a fixer. So much so that my sister says "I don't need you to fix anything. I just need to vent." We learned this very young.
Your list sounds like mine most of the time - it can be challenging to find those silver linings. I was sitting in my kitchen yesterday admiring the sun, the cool weather, the breezes and thought "this is the life I always wanted". A good job, a beautiful home, things to eat, a day off, and peace." But also:
*thankful for our dept. nurse who loaded me up with supplies to take care of a growing blister/sore on my right hand. OUCH.
*thankful for money and time to go get deer spray which is keeping the deer from completely destroying my shrubs I have worked so hard to keep alive all summer
*thankful that someone is coming to get these 2 upholstered chairs for free since I couldn't get anyone to buy them on FB marketplace. I want them out of my garage!
*thankful for my paycheck today which will wave at me as it speeds ahead to the mortgage company...
I need to go back and read your post from yesterday since I am out of the loop!
On what would have been our 46th wedding anniversary, I'm thankful as always for DH and for the life we had together before Alzheimer's. As Lindsey says, "The husband, always the husband."
And I join Irena and others in being thankful that I have the means to donate to our local food bank and one of our local food pantries, both in money and in food. The need in the US was already acute and is only going to get worse if the government shutdown and the stoppage of SNAP continue.
@A. Marie, it makes me happy to think you have so many good memories of your husband.
@A. Marie, Thinking of you & your husband today
@A. Marie, This is such a touching reflection. The love you shared shines through every word.
@A. Marie,
Sending you best wishes and lots of love on this day.
@A. Marie,
Sending you a virtual hug and a virtual dozen red roses today. I am so sorry you are alone without the love of your life, but happy you have Betty your cat, your neighbors and friends and your JASNA (?) group. May your memories of your DH be a blessing. As the old hymn goes, we'll all be together in the bye and bye.
@A. Marie,
Peace and warm memories for you on this special day!
@A. Marie, Sending lots of good vibes.
@A. Marie, Thank you for reminding us of your anniversary to such a special guy! May your good memories shine bright today!
@Chrissy et al., thanks to all of you. I'll admit that right after DH died, I was afraid I wouldn't be able to remember anything except his terrible last few years. But time has been kind, the bad memories are mercifully fading, and there's room for the many good ones again. My stay in Baltimore with old friends before and after the JASNA meeting was, among other things, an opportunity to let the good times re-roll.
@A. Marie, I am thankful for this.
--Your thankful about getting a new washing machine reminded me: I am SO thankful, every day, that I have my washing machine back after its 2-month hospital stay. Doing laundry in the tub was so much not fun.
--That I don't have to sub today (I hope). I was there yesterday in the 4/5 classroom, and while that's one of the easier classes to deal with, I do not enjoy being a classroom teacher. I think their teacher is feeling better, so I won't have to do it today. At least, I haven't yet received a text asking me to come in. I suppose it could still happen . . .
--For teachers. God bless you all; it is a special calling to be sure.
--For my son's FFA advisor, who has been texting me every day, sometimes even with pictures, while they're on their cross-country trip to tell me where they are. My son's phone isn't working, so I appreciate knowing he's doing okay. She even had him call me yesterday on her phone. This is the kid who will probably one day join the French Foreign Legion or something one day and send me nothing but cryptic postcards once a month, so I'm pretty sure that call was her idea. 🙂
--For friends to trick-or-treat with. We trick-or-treat in the village ten miles from us where our school is. In the past few years, when Halloween has been on a school day, lots of families just stayed after school and went with us. The houses we go to our spread out enough that when the kids can't walk, we let them all pile in the back of our giant van to get to the next walkable place. With Halloween being on a non-school-day this year (we have a four-day week), and with all of our friends living some distance from the village, I wasn't sure if anyone would be coming with us, which would have been sad for my children. But over the course of the week, three families have asked if they could come with us, so we'll have I think ten kids in the van. The scene in there is extraordinarily loud and crazy, as you might imagine, but it's one of my children's favorite things.
@kristin @ going country,
Your Halloween sounds marvelous!
@kristin @ going country,
your 2 month hospital visit for the washer comment made me laugh. That's a great way to put it. 🙂
@kristin @ going country,With no street lights, unpaved roads, and houses acres and acres apart, my Village hosts "Trunk or Treat" at the Recreation Center and Soccer Field.
How awesome that your rental comes with laundry machines! Ours didn't, but DH prefers that in some ways, I think.
I am thankful:
That the sleep-deprivation headache I came down with is a little better today. Just in time for my exam. 😉
For the fun fellow classmates I've bonded with. We won't have classes together next semester, but we have a group chat and when we're not talking about the class we joke around and support each other, which is nice.
For the professor we have. She is absolutely the best--she wants us to learn, and she tries to make the material relevant for nursing students. She is funny and not afraid to share her faith. And she's tough! She tripped on her stairs and broke a bone in her foot and is still coming to class in a boot cast and crutches--I heard this from another student who was there yesterday.
For my DH and kids. They are supportive and loving, and I couldn't ask for a better family.
Going to add to my thankfuls after my class: That my studying did pay off and my head was clear, so I got a 100 on what I felt was the toughest material yet (kidney and acid-base balance). Whew!
Also that I wasn't the only one in costume in class. Our professor had encouraged us to dress in costume today, saying (maybe joking, maybe not, it's hard to tell with her!) that she'd give whoever dressed up 5 extra credit points in the class. Me and my two buddies decided to dress up--this morning, the one who was going to be there today texted me, saying she might chicken out, and was I going to chicken out? I said absolutely NOT and I texted her a picture of me dressed as a pirate, so she dressed up as well. It was fun and it made our professor happy, which made it all worth it.
@Karen A., did you ride your bike in a pirate costume??
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I would have! Except it was pouring rain here AND windy AND cold. I can bike in cold weather. I can even bike in some windy weather. But I prefer to not get wet and chilled, so I opted to drive. I told DH he should have rigged up some kind of sail for the truck, but he just rolled his eyes. 😉
* I'm also thankful to be getting my flu shot at work
* Being able to pick up extras shifts when needed (2 this week), as I have the most seniority
* Books, books, books! And my public library
* A supportive husband
* 2 daughters that are managing well in school
Our community, which was already struggling, is being hit hard with the reduction of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. My Facebook page has been absolutely flooded with local organizations looking for donations and volunteers. This makes me very thankful for very simple things.
- We are able to afford groceries without assistance.
- I have time and a van to volunteer to help.
- My daughter’s school started a food drive this week. We can afford to donate and her grade has already filled one box and needed a second.
- That our school district has reassured families that students will still receive breakfast and lunch every school day.
- We have so many kind people in our community that are concerned and trying to help. There is even one small business near me that is offering a free daily meal to anyone that presents them with their SNAP card.
@JenRR, I'm glad that you and your community are both getting and providing so much food aid at this crucial time. See my comment above.
@JenRR,
I hope that the small business's idea catches on! God bless the owners for doing that!
@JenRR,
Luckily Michigan was able to keep free breakfast/lunch for ALL public school students in out state budget again this year. It was a serious possibility of being cut when Governor wanted more money in other areas.
@Fru-gal Lisa, it has in some areas. I've seen it in my area.
@JenRR, It is absolutely unthinkable that in a so-called country as progressive as ours cannot support a better standard of living, especially for our children and elderly. I retired from a HR manager position and it just broke my heart that I couldn't hire everyone. I pray for those who depend on SNAP to feed their family. May those of us who can donate to these programs with our time and goods help out those who need it.
Well I am thankful that you shared your struggle with us and that you are 2 down!!! Sometimes it just feels good to get it off your chest, doesn't it?? Have a great day, I know you make your patients days better. PS I'm a huge Peanuts fan since birth!!
Your Fall photos are lovely. Autumn is my favorite season, and I love all the color in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. In Northern Florida where I live, the seasonal changes are much more subtle. The intense, burning sunlight is replaced by beautiful golden light. The ocean is no longer calm as the wind begins to blow and the waves roil. Best of all, it is enjoyable to be outside as temperature slip into the 70s. I am always thankful for this change. It lightens me.
I am thankful that Kristen gave us the opportunity to commiserate about life's little irritations in yesterday' post. I am thankful for the life I have, but sometimes I get really annoyed with things that I have to deal with. It's nice to know that I am not alone in this.
I am thankful that I have the ability to help others even if it is in small way. A little kindness can make a huge difference.
Wishing you all peace, good health, and prosperity.
- I'm thankful that my company's charity committee accepted my suggestion of donating a significant amount of money to our local food bank. Our community has been hit hard with the government worker furlough, and it will get worse with the upcoming loss of SNAP benefits.
- I'm thankful that even though DH's long-term disability claim hasn't been approved yet and he's not getting paid right now, we still have enough money for all our necessities.
- I'm thankful the long-term disability insurance company says they will make a decision on DH's claim within the next week. DH has started getting very anxious not knowing what his future holds.
- I'm thankful I was able to have lunch with a friend yesterday that I haven't seen in person for over a year.
- As always, I'm thankful for our grandson. He brings so much joy to our lives.
I had my first cavity in years at my last appointment, despite same dental hygiene - my dentist said something about menopause? Oh boy, more menopause fun? 😉 Women have all the luck!
1) That I have 1/2 a day off today & all day tomorrow! I'm using tomorrow as a comp day, as I had to fly to Japan on Labor Day & this is the "make up" of that.
2) Grateful that I have excellent friends who will fly to Las Vegas on Halloween weekend with me to celebrate birthday & attend a concert. Seriously feel so lucky to have so much support in my life.
3) DH planned the trip (largely using his hotel rewards), and also feel so lucky that he put so much time & effort into something for me.
4) That the boss's boss is out of town this week, and I'm unlikely to get an escalation when I'm on vacation.
5) For gorgeous weather expected this weekend.
@Hawaii Planner, I wonder if your dentist's comment has to do with calcium loss in women? Very curious.
Sending you no cavity good wishes! (especially after you read my story).
Things I would not recommend: Having oral surgery (2 tooth extractions and having my sweet senior cat euthanized right after, she was just too ill, I couldn't put her through another night).
Tooth #1: I'm detailing this to you as this was a big surprise to me, shocker! It was a root canaled back molar with a crown on it (waves goodbye to ~ $2300.00 CDN). Who knew that a dead tooth (read: no root) could decay?! Not me for one. So it had to come out, my regular dentist could not save it.
Tooth #2: This was my baby tooth. It has stood by me all these years, but about 2 months ago it started to crumble, hence it had to come out. I did this under IV anaesthetic with an oral surgeon, but breathing on my own. I felt nothing. Thankfully I have had no pain so far (18 hrs later).
Funny story: After my surgery, HB took me to my pharmacist to get pain meds. I paid and smiled at my pharmacist. HB and I went to a regular cashier as HB had picked up cereal and yogurt. I paid and smiled at the cashier. The lady behind me offered for me to use my points card on her groceries, I smiled at her and declined, told her I was just out of oral surgery and not able to think to clearly. Got home and LOOKED IN THE MIRROR!! I had blood streaks across my upper front teeth, and dried blood on corner of my mouth. NOBODY TOLD ME! (Hello HB, seriously!!!) Thankfully I had mentioned to these people that I had had oral surgery. I have decided to take the high road and just laugh at this story, it is really funny. I have chosen not to take the low road of humiliation. And here we are. Very thankful.
@Linda in Canada, lol! Thanks for sharing the funny story!
@Linda in Canada, Great story, for us if not for you! And how appropriate that this is Halloween weekend.
@Linda in Canada, lol! Yesterday I had a similar situation. My face therapist uses suction and was fairly aggressive just behind and below my ear. I know it's always possible that I'll bruise on these days, but the son who was with me failed to tell me about the GIGANTIC bruise until after we got out of Walmart. I can only imagine what people thought.
Hooray for a functioning heater! And no more fire truck visits, which is even better!
1. I had a weird noise coming from under my car - it turned out to be an under-body shield that was flopping loose due to broken clips. The mechanic put my car up on the rack this morning and found the issue, fastened it back securely and charged me zero money. I'm quite thankful for that!
2. My anti-trafficking group at church entertained some at-risk kids and took them to the 5 pm service Sunday evening, a time-slot I had never attended before. I had the chance to experience the more intimate worship of the smaller service and the interesting mix of young adults/college students and elderly parishioners. The at-risk kids were respectful and eagerly took part in the service. I'm thankful I was there.
3. I'm thankful that the animal my dogs killed in the backyard was a squirrel, and not the cute cat that came in the yard about a week ago. I'm sorry for the squirrel but...
4. I'm thankful for the near end of the hurricane season, the cool nights that cool the Gulf waters, and I'm praying for all those who were or still are in Melissa's path.
5. I'm thankful that I am right at four months left until I retire!
I hope the rest of your classes are more to your liking!
I am thankful for:
My son found a job after a layoff.
I have some interesting work projects. They vary over time but current projects are in my sweet spot.
We are able to provide some financial support to our daughter who has an expensive restricted diet and that the product selection has improved in recent years so she is able to find some things that work for her.
My cleaning lady came yesterday so my house is immaculate.
I have needed some speciality medical consultations recently. I am thankful our insurance is so far riding to the occasion. I wish everyone had similar access.
Okay, I did not complain yesterday, but today I will. I am waiting for my pre-op appointment. My doctor's office has had computer issues going on 7 days now. I have no idea how they are even functioning. They cannot schedule any appointments. I feel terrible that they are going through this but I also hate waiting for this surgery.
On a bright note - this one is for you- I have enough Peanuts Halloween shirts to wear one to school every day this week!!!
I'm with you on appreciating the beautiful fall weather. This has been a gorgeous autumn.
For the physical therapists who are working to alleviate my back pain from bone spurs in my spine.
For dinner with friends (who live a few houses down the street) tomorrow night.
For my kind, thoughtful husband.
I'm also thankful my mother taught me to sew starting when I was 8 years old. It's still something I really enjoy doing.
1. This community! How I love to do my chores, brew a cup of strong coffee, sit in my fav chair and visit this blog.
2. The cool nights, bright starry nights. Colorful leaves.
3. The farmer helper who is a delight. If he wasn't already family, I'd adopt him.
4. The crazy pup. She is my constant source of love and laughs.
5. The professional insurance broker who helped my mom wade thru a new medical insurance plan as hers is being discontinued. A true blessing.
I am grateful that you have a good landlord and living situation.
I should have complained yesterday. I got off work came home took a nap and then off to a doctors' appointment. My appointment was at 1230 pm I GOT HOME AT 4 PM! First thing after the appointment I had to go to the local hospital to get bloodwork done. Waited forever, and it took 3 tries to get a good vein even with me warning them that I have lousy veins. I was already grumpy because I got both a covid shot and a flu shot at the first appointment. So today I feel horrible, everything hurts (I fell at work 2 days ago and smashed the heck out of my bad knee, my arms hurt from the injections, and I didn't get nearly enough sleep yesterday even with the nap.
I am grateful that my boss let me go home at a little over 8 hours for both days (we usually work 10 to 12 hours every day). I am grateful that I will be in my bed very shortly.
@Suellen Roley, I hear you on the lousy veins. The last time I had blood work they needed to stick me six times! I hope you get some good sleep and feel better soon!
@Suellen Roley,
Oh no!!! Feel better soon. It is no fun to hurt everywhere.
@Karen A. @Suellen Roley - if it makes you feel any better, I have easy-stick veins and despite reminders to use the SMALLEST needle, I often get massive bruises when the phlebotomist pierces the vein. You can't win for losings sometimes.
You can ask for a heating pad or I forget what my dad told me it is called that makes it easier for deep veined people.
I am singing the praises of my Buy Nothing group as we are converting Little Free Libraries to Little Free Pantries, posting free food, and offering fully cooked meals and baked goods to our less fortunate members.
Way to go on your first day alone! We knew you would do great! 🙂 Enjoy your day off before a long stretch of shifts, even if it's at the dentist. 😉
Thankful for my Aunt who is my biggest support. She is such a wonderful blessing to teen & myself. I wish we didn't live across the country from each other. But, thankful for video calls & no long distance fees so that we can communicate as often as we want.
Thankful for modern medicine that allows fast, easy & semi pain free surgery to replace & repair body parts. My dad's girlfriend is currently having out patient knee replacement surgery. It amazes me how much faster things are dine with new technology and better understanding of the human body.
Thankful for rescue dogs who always happy to see us & make is smile. Thankful teen vehicle seems to be running good & known (minor) issues are slowly getting done. Need to check oil to see if need oil change before weather turns again.
Thankful college tuition bill is paid, not thankful we had to pay (nothing is free).
Thankful for our house that keeps us warm & safe. And is filled with Love. <3
Thankful freezer & pantry filled up again. I still need a few things, but hopefully will be on sale soon for holidays. I need to rehome some food that decided don't want but still good. Teen picking through to eat favorites first. 🙂
Thankful for an extra hour of sleep this Sunday for day light savings. I'm not a fan of changing clocks (though I do understand the original reason why) but I am a fan of extra sleep (especially right now).
Thankful for Kristen and her blog where we can share & learn from each other.
Happy Halloween & all trick or treaters be safe & have fun.
Thankful New Mexico’s Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is tapping a $30 million state contingency fund to pay food costs for SNAP recipients (of which we have 460,000, or more than 20% of the state’s population) for at least 10 days starting November 1. “We’re going to choose feeding families over politics in New Mexico”, she said. But “[n]o state, including this one, can replace federal SNAP benefits [in the long run].”
This week I am thankful for…
• Having a 15 year old! I’m really lucky to be this kids mom. He’s kind, bright, funny, caring, hardworking, and just a good human. Watching him grow up has been such a gift.
• The emergency vet. She was so kind and helpful with our sick pup.
• Both of our dogs are getting better. It has been so hard watching them be sick and only being able to offer pets and snuggles while waiting for their medicine to start working.
• My husband. The reasons why are endless.
I totally agree with the hatred of asynchronous learning. It is the worst for people who need others to process information. In a classroom or message board. I like to interact and ended up finding a fellow student to talk over the subject matter. The instructor taking 5 days to answer my question really turned me off. I have to have 24 hours of CE every year. I now do more and more webinars instead of self guided learning too. But they still take too much time to answer my questions if the class is over. LOL
I had that washer. It lasted 3 years and when the service guy came he found out that it was leaked oil from the bottom. IT just pooled in the washer and we had to remove it out the back door so it didn't leak all over. This is no help I know.
Thankful:
1. That after having no rain all summer it is raining. Sorry everybody but my well is really low.
2. That I have maintained my garden through the colder temps and still have spinach bok choy and radishes.
3. That I get books through the Libby app for my book club.
4. That I get my beef delivery next week.
5. That I got some hours this week even though I was supposed to be off.
Like many others have commented, am thankful to have the extra wiggle room in my budget to donate to my local food pantry at this time. Also , as my Brother is a disabled Veteran on fixed income and will be losing his SNAP benefit, am also able to send him gift cards to make up the loss in his grocery budget.
9 weeks ago I dislocated my shoulder. 3-4 weeks ago (ish) it became very painful. After one physical therapy visit, one visit to bone and joint, and one (painful) MRI, I should have a better idea on Tuesday for the path to move forward to get healed. I am incredibly thankful today is done.
*The MRI itself wasn't painful. I had an arthrogram, which uses a needle to inject the contrast + Novocain directly into the affected socket. The needle was indeed painful. I may have cried. But it's done and I'm proud I did it. Even with a few tears.
I am thankful to see neighbor helping neighbor in these trying times. I see that it is private and even smaller government agencies as well as person to person being the bigger personal time and donation response after hurricanes, floods, fires, untimely deaths. And lack of government party action.
I am thankful we had Whiney Wednesday. In the vein of my complaint against the mix of Halloween with the pretty fall decor, I am grateful to be able to attend our Reformation church gathering and fall celebration tomorrow night. I have few or no visitors to my door anyway, we are generally a trunk and treat community.
I am thankful for the slow soaking rain we had for about three days. The dreariness did not help my maligned circadian rhythm, but I am WELL rested. Just need to get some chores done.
Thankful to have the apple butter jarred and sealed. I love hearing the "ping" of the lids after canning. Such a pleasant and satisfying sound.
I am thankful for my Molly. She has some health issues, but she seems to be perking right along.
In my doctoral degree program, there was a heavy reading and writing load, but all the assignments were set out at the beginning of the year in the syllabi. Most courses spanned two semesters, so I would work all through winter break to get as far ahead in each class as possible with a goal of finishing all the work by the end of spring break (and sometimes before). This made life so much easier as I was working two jobs, and had a baby in the middle of the program.
Working ahead was my secret weapon! When everyone else was cramming for end of the year cumulative exams because they were still doing the coursework to the very end of the semester, I had lots of study time to prepare for the exams, and did very well as a result.
Thankful for a fun weekend with a friend, that the flights went smoothly, and the weather was mostly good. Also thankful for my crazy cats. Pippa was jumping 5 feet up to tap a reflection on the wall with her paws. She did this during dinner. Dinner and a show. If anyone knows where to find a cat toy that casts prism lights ( I'm afraid she would cause harm to herself if I hung one in a window), I'd love to know about it. Laser light toys don't work well for her. She has them figured out.
Also thankful for my husband, who kept everything rolling smoothly while I was gone.
@Kristen - as well as they can be while "in hospital" is good.
Hope your dentist appt went well! Everytime I see your smile, I'm wildly jealous of your healthy gums; I remember someone said something bone-headed about them at one time, and as I prepare for (more) gum surgery, I am happy that you should avoid my fate!
I am a bedfast 80 year old woman with an amazing hubby. I give thanks for him daily. I am also so thankful for the tips I can pass along to DH that help us be more frugal. (DH is 60 yrs. Old) We have been married for 35 yrs. Age IS just a number!