Thankful Thursday | Look at all these colors!
This week I am thankful:
for my new set of highlighters
Previously, I was in possession of a single yellow highlighter, from the abandoned house.
It was working fine, but I found myself wanting more colors, mainly to distinguish things from each other on my weekly school schedule and my own weekly planner.
Sooo, I stopped in at Staples and bought a pack of many colors. I've never had this many different highlighter colors before, and they are making me very happy.
Definitely worth the $11.50 I spent.
And I'm sure I will get lots of use out of them during my nursing school semesters.
If you need me, I'll be over here highlighting everything in sight. 😉
for a job that is so flexible
I just could not make it work to get out a blog post yesterday, and the wonderful thing about blogging is that it is ok to miss a day here and there.
Nothing dreadful happens. And I don't get fired, because I am the boss around here. 😉
I also really appreciate that it is possible to use empty spaces of time to work ahead; I often do that when I have some extra time.
I see some of my classmates trying to keep a less-flexible job through this nursing program and oof, it is hard. I am so, so blessed to have the flexibility that I do!
for another good exam
One of my current classes runs for only 8 weeks, so there are just two tests: a mid-term and a final. I always prefer classes that have a lot of tests, because then no single test carries a lot of weight.
But I got 30/30 on this one, so WHEW.
Also, the final for this 8-week class is not cumulative, which means the final is not that scary.
for every bit of effort I put into my prereqs
When I was in Anatomy and Physiology 2, a nursing student popped in and my professor asked her to share a tidbit of advice with us. She said, "Work hard in A&P, because you will use all this knowledge in your nursing classes."
I know I'm not very far into nursing school yet, but I can definitely agree with her so far. The work I put into the prereqs has most definitely not been a waste of time.
(Remember how I wondered, "Am I studying too much?" back in A&P1??)
Nursing school questions require a lot of critical thinking, and having a good foundation of knowledge about how the body works really, really helps with that.
Biology, microbiology, and A&P1 & 2 are chock full of information I'm using every week now.
(Chemistry, not so much at this point. Sorry to all the chemistry lovers out there.)
for my tire pump
I had to pump a tire this week and I was reminded of how much I love it.
My very old one burnt out last year at some point, so I ordered this Slime pump and man, this thing is so so so much better than my old one.
I really like that it screws onto the valve stem of the tire (it's idiot-proof!), and I also love that both cables store neatly on the pump itself. That makes it very tidy to store in the middle console in my van.
that I always have jumper cables in my van
My car battery died the other day; I couldn't start it up after an appointment. But happily, I keep jumper cables in my van, so I was able to get a jump from a car next to me.
(Relatedly, I am thankful that we can just google for car-jumping instructions. I've done it a lot of times, but the gap between car-jumping sessions is so large, I always forget which cable to attach first.)
I couldn't remember when I'd gotten this battery, but I did remember that I had blogged about it. Having a blog is so very handy sometimes!
So I did a google search and realized the battery was from January of 2018.
It was definitely time for a new one.
Amazingly, my first battery lasted me for about 5.5 years, and so did this second one. I'm on a pretty good streak!
for how kind my lawyer is to me
Obviously, I mainly have her in my life for her years of legal expertise and experience, but I also appreciate that she is nice to me. She is always offering me encouragement, and she routinely ends our calls with, "Ok, beautiful. Talk to you soon!"
It kind of reminds me of how we are supposed to be in nursing: skillful and competent, but also kind.
that my thumb cut is better
A knife slipped while I was washing dishes, and I cut my thumb. It was nothing serious, but my goodness, having a cut finger is very annoying, as is trying to keep a finger band-aid dry.
So I am super duper happy that my thumb has repaired itself.
that Lisey got the shift she wanted
She's been doing some overnight training at work and she has concluded that she is most definitely not a stay-up-all-night-to-work person. Overnight shifts = a miserable Lisey.
But the training is almost over, and she just told me yesterday that she got the shift she had asked for. So soon she can stop being nocturnal. Yay!!
always, always for the ability to talk to Lisey
Since I grew up in an era where long-distance calls were prohibitively expensive, I am constantly grateful for how easy it is to talk to Lisey. Cell phones and the internet make Hawaii way closer than it used to be.
The other morning I was freshly back from an exam, Zoe was getting ready for classes, and Lisey was on a break from her overnight shift, and we all got to Facetime together (which meant we got to see the stray cats that hang around the airport in Hawaii. We all know Lisey is gonna make friends with them.)
for a phone date with my friend Mia
She's a busy single mom who just graduated from nursing school (and I'm a busy nursing school student) so mostly we manage to text each other. But this past weekend we managed to find a time to chat on the phone, and it was lovely.
for Chiquita's tunnel
If she had opposable thumbs, I'm sure she'd edit my post every week to include this. So, I'll do it again for her.
Seriously one of the best Buy Nothing acquisitions ever!
The Buy Nothing person had bought this for her cat, but that cat never was interested. So, this situation turned out very nicely for Chiquita. 🙂
What are you thankful for this week?
P.S. Thank you for your suggestions on yesterday's not-a-post post.
Among the ideas: repost an older recipe, or do a post that is just a, "Hang out in the comments and talk about anything" post so you guys can still chat even if I'm MIA (with the caveat that I need to at least include a picture of Chiquita in such a post, which is no problem because she is always hanging out with me, which means I'm always taking pictures of her!) Another idea: Use AI to write a post. Which would be a funny experiment to do once.
I’m so tired that thankfulness is not my first inclination. But such a good discipline to keep my head up:
1. I got highlighters too! And sticky notes! And stickers! All from a friend of my classroom wishlist. It was a fun package to get and now I’ll have multiple colors of everything to help me stay organized.
2. The brand new laminator my department got for my classroom arrived. I’ve been having fun laminating while doing paperwork.
3. My students. I’m home tired and wake up thinking about this class or that. And I don’t get paid well, but this is my kind of work and I love that I get paid to do what I do.
4. The smell of the coffee I just brewed that probably won’t be drunk until the meeting I have this morning. (Truth: I brewed my special coffee adjust because of this meeting. Not my favorite part of the job).
5. Fall evenings and fall colors. And fall baking. And fall decor. I love fall.
Now I feel more thankful than sleepy…or maybe this is sleepy happy. Time to get the kids up and get going to school!
I bet you ARE so tired. You are handling so much right now.
I'm thankful the sun came out yesterday after four gray, and mostly wet, days. I'm also thankful for umbrellas for walking on wet days, not perfect but better than nothing.
I'm thankful the "age spot" removed from my leg was benign. I didn't think it was a problem but at my annual skin exam my dermatologist removed it.
I am thankful I did not have major side effects from my Covid booster. I try to move around a lot and also hydrate well afterwards. It may not make a difference but...
I am thankful I switched primary care doctors a few months ago. My previous doctor seemed disengaged last year when I went to my physical and I got the impression he was mostly waiting to retire. Now he is switching to concierge medicine and I received a third phone call about it yesterday and had already received a letter and an email. I see my new PCP for the first time today, for my annual physical so fingers crossed I like her (she was highly recommended by a friend).
I am thankful I'll see a "busy" friend today. She has a lot going on in her life so it will be good to catch up this afternoon.
My colored Pens, bring me Joy! I love to write in a different color every day for work.
I've found that using Superglue on the small, slit-like cuts (I'm sure there's a technical name for those--maybe you already know it 🙂 on the hands gives it enough time to start healing before the Superglue wears off in a couple of days. And then I don't have to worry about keeping a band-aid on my hands while I'm cooking. Which is always.
Thankfuls:
--I harvested six small tomatoes and one calabacita (small summer squash-type vegetable) on Tuesday. It's not much, but given the gardening year I had, it made me happy.
--A friend of our elderly neighbor's daughter dropped off a box of apples from her trees for us. This friend lives about thirty miles away and we don't even really know her, but she comes every year and gives us the apples just because she hates to waste them and knows I'll use them. She didn't come back, so I can't give her any of the applesauce I made with them, but if she does come back (likely with more apples), I'll give her a loaf of bread, at least.
--We got a watermelon in the excess commodities delivery yesterday, and it looks like a seeded one. I have high hopes for it. We also got four cantaloupe, which about half my family really loves.
--For an easy substitute job. I'm subbing today for our school secretary. She told me to bring a book, because it will probably be pretty quiet today other than buzzing students in the door and answering occasional phone calls. I hope she's right that it's quiet, because I just bought Betty Macdonald's "Onions in the Stew" to re-read and I'm looking forward to it.
--For the option of ordering food through our school Sysco order. I did that this week just for milk, so that we don't have to drive anywhere to get four gallons of it, and it will be delivered right to the school today. So convenient.
--For kind teachers. I had parent/teacher conferences with seven teachers last week (three elementary and four middle school), and all of them were unfailingly positive, even when discussing areas that need improvement. Good teachers are such a huge blessing for children, and we have so many of them.
@kristin @ going country, Yay! Onions in the Stew!
@Rose, yes, I own all her biographical books and reread them every few years.
@kristin @ going country, (& Kristen) - try NuSkin for finger/hand cuts. It seems to work well.
Yes! Keeping a band aid on a finger would be way easier if you didn't need to cook. Or do dishes.
@kristin @ going country, Betty Macdonald's books are so good! I think I should pull out my copies and re-read them this fall too!
I am thankful for this blog and especially the loyal commenters for their authenticity, wisdom, kindness and experience. I learn so much from all of you and it often elevates my mood when I read what everyone shares.
I am thankful for the freedom from caregiving I am currently experiencing. We share that responsibility for a very elderly family member and our recent “shift” is over for a few months. I am grateful that other family members are able and willing to do the heavy lifting.
I am grateful for fall and all the smells, tastes and changes that accompany it.
I am grateful for a kind and wise veterinarian who spent a lot of time with me as we diagnose our cat’s health issues. Her attention to detail and efforts to provide complete and useful information is appreciated.
I am grateful for the kindness of friends.
ChatGPT wrote this comment for me.
Dear Frugal Girl,
I just wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible content you share on this platform. Your dedication to frugality and mindful living has been a constant source of inspiration for me and countless others.
In a world often focused on consumerism and excess, your practical tips, insightful stories, and genuine enthusiasm for a frugal lifestyle remind us of the true value in simplicity and gratitude. Your blog has not only helped me save money but has also enriched my life in so many unexpected ways.
Thank you for being a guiding light in the journey toward a more intentional and thankful existence. Your wisdom and positivity shine through every post, and I can't express how much it means to me.
Wishing you continued success and happiness on this wonderful frugal adventure!
With warmest regards,
[Your Name]
@Rose, Gosh. The word "cloying" springs to mind. Emphasis on the "artificial" part of AI. Doesn't sound a thing like the Rose we know and love. Bring her back!
@JDinNM, when AI becomes capable of reproducing snark and sass like Rose's, we really are in trouble!
It's funny how surprisingly accurate, but also generic this is!
@A. Marie, Yes, the tone is a bit lacking, isn't it?
I asked ChatGPT to write a blog post for thefrugalgirl.com.
10 Creative Ways to Save Money Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to fall into the trap of overspending and living beyond our means. However, finding ways to save money doesn't have to mean sacrificing the things you love or compromising your lifestyle. In fact, with a little creativity and some strategic thinking, you can find numerous opportunities to cut costs and build a more financially secure future. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 creative ways to save money without sacrificing your lifestyle.
Embrace the Art of Meal Planning:
Meal planning is not only a great way to eat healthier but also to save money. By planning your meals in advance, you can create a shopping list, avoid impulse purchases, and reduce food waste.
DIY Home Improvement:
Instead of hiring professionals for every home improvement task, consider tackling some projects yourself. With the help of online tutorials and a bit of research, you can save a substantial amount on home maintenance.
Shop Smart with Cashback and Rewards:
Take advantage of cashback and rewards programs offered by credit cards or shopping apps. These programs can help you earn money or discounts on purchases you'd make anyway.
Buy Used or Refurbished:
Consider buying used or refurbished items when shopping for electronics, furniture, and even clothing. You can often find high-quality products at a fraction of the cost of new ones.
Utilize Public Transportation:
If you live in an area with reliable public transportation, consider using it for your daily commute. This can save you money on fuel, maintenance, and parking costs associated with owning a car.
Carpool or Rideshare:
If public transportation isn't an option, explore carpooling or ridesharing with coworkers or friends. You can split the costs of fuel and parking, reducing the financial burden of commuting.
Negotiate Bills and Contracts:
Don't be afraid to negotiate your bills and contracts. Whether it's your cable bill or insurance premiums, negotiating can lead to significant savings over time.
DIY Entertainment:
Instead of splurging on expensive entertainment options, consider DIY alternatives like hosting a movie night at home, picnicking in the park, or exploring local free events and activities.
Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions:
Take a close look at your monthly subscriptions and identify any that you can do without. Streaming services, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions can add up quickly.
Embrace Minimalism:
Adopting a minimalist lifestyle can help you appreciate the things you have and reduce the desire for constant consumption. This mindset shift can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Conclusion:
Saving money doesn't have to mean giving up the things you enjoy or compromising your lifestyle. By implementing these creative money-saving strategies, you can make your hard-earned dollars go further while still living a fulfilling life. Remember that small changes can add up over time, leading to financial stability and peace of mind. So, start exploring these ideas today and take control of your financial future. Your wallet—and your future self—will thank you for it.
Grateful that time next week, all the work on the house should be done for the year.
Thankful that the new coat I bought online fits (it's a very much smaller size for me) and is really cute and I love it.
Happy that it's still warm-ish out. I'll probably go swimming on Sunday.
That's all I can think of for now. I'm pretty tired.
With Warmest Regards,
[Your Name]*
*To this day when getting mass sworn in somewhere, I always say, "I, [Your Name], do solemnly swear..." and I laugh every time.
I'd love if you share a link to the Slime pump. That sounds like a great gift for someone I know and I'd like to support your blog since you shared it. 🙂
You should see one in the post! Check and let me know if it's not appearing for you for some reason.
- I am thankful for a supportive partner who surprised me with ice cream following an exceptionally emotionally taxing week.
- That silly songs and music videos exist. That I can appreciate and find delight in the fact that they fit the era they were created, and that someone thought they were a good idea, and that other people also thought they were a good idea enough to be created. The fact that they exists both brings me a lot of joy. The creative spirit is a lovely thing.
- The house, while taking what feels like forever, is still progressing. That myself and my dog are the only ones who are really disrupted. I would hate to have small children to manage around the chaos.
- For small kind gestures that people make. Like giving a warning when there's going to be extra disruption in a space.
I went to Sam's Club the other day, and was lucky to grab the best box to pack my things. It was open at one side, like a cat carrier, but a little bit wider and taller. My cats, who would nest in a matchbox if they could fit into it, any old box will do, both examined the new box and said "Nope." "A" for effort, though.
@Jean, Ingrates.
@Jean, You never know what is going to be an attraction in their little pea brains. I have bought so many different cat toys and supposed attractions, only to have almost all of them be ignored.
@Jean, My dog, on the other hand, would cheerfully rip that box to shreds, thus making it easier to put in the recycling bin. Good girl! Have a liver treat!
I’m very thankful for my daughter’s 9th birthday tomorrow. I suffered from secondary infertility and had given up hope I’d ever get pregnant that second time. Every September, I am reminded to be forever grateful that I was wrong! Of course, I am also forever grateful for my son 🙂
Thankful for this weekly exercise in thankfulness. I'm a semi-regular reader here, and this is the one day a week that I make a big effort to participate. Such a good exercise!
For our neighbor, the party queen, who makes the effort every fall to host an outdoor potluck for the neighborhood. She loves doing it, and we love participating. Along with that, thankful that most of my neighbors are awesome (there always has to be one or two who are less so--it makes me appreciate the good ones even more!).
And ... I'm back to kittens. Thankful that the two little boogers we adopted last week are starting to settle in. Thankful for how stinkin' funny they are. And that they love us (and we, them) already. And that they love each other. Oh, and that they are quiet at night. It's been a long time since I've had a kitten in the house (and I've never had two at a time)--I find that it's similar to having toddlers (kitten-proofing! Bouts of insanity with unpredictable bouts of napping! All.the.kitten.toys.everywhere!), which means a fair amount of work, but at least I'm getting sleep at night.
Speaking of all things feline--I love pictures of Chiquita, but don't forget Shelly (or is it Shelley?). Maybe on a day when you aren't up to doing a regular post, Kristen, we could all chime in with funny cat stories? We could include other pets, too ....
Please please please don’t do AIposts .I am already afraid that half of what I am reading/chatting with is not a real human!
Appreciate that you take time to share with us,even while soo busy with nursing school,family, and life!
Love the kitty pictures..where is the OTHER kitty??
@Madeline, I'm starting to think I'm an android from the future. I have to go cut open my arm to see if there's circuitry in there.
Don’t worry! I won’t actually do AI. The whole point of a blog is to hear from a PERSON.
Shelly’s here and well! But she does not like Chiquita and Chiquita is always hanging with me, so Shelly is with Zoe downstairs most of the time.
She’s hard to photograph in good light and even moreso downstairs where it’s darker.
So she’s fine…she’s just not hanging with the photographer as much as Chiquita.
I think that fall and school supplies are just fantastic. I love all the colors and fresh start feel to it all.
1. My neighbors left their chickens in my care which I always enjoy and I get to keep all the eggs that they lay while I am looking after them. Fresh eggs are fantastic so I am super grateful 🙂
2. Thrilled that this is the last week of the month and the last week of the quarter. This is always a super busy time for me and I am tired & ready for it to be done.
3. For cooler temps outside and the high beautiful blue skies of Autumn.
4. Fall candles. Gosh there is nothing better than a pumpkin candle burning while I am cleaning house or working. I just love this simple pleasure.
5. Coffee. Full stop.
Congrats on the 30/30, hard work pays!
My 5 thankful:
* Recovery from gastrectomy is going beautifully! No problems whatsoever, already started eating a more solid diet and tolerating everything I tried so far.
* Friends. I have social anxiety so friendships are not always easy for me, but I do have a couple dear friends.
* That my 6 pounds Morkie is not tired of me being home yet and keeps jumping on my laps to cuddle
* To be able to sleep on my side now that the surgical staples are out!! That and my King size bed
* Helpful husband and kids
Yay for successful surgery recovery!
Thankful for delightful fall weather this week (warm days, cool nights, plenty of sun). And it's predicted to extend into next week.
Thankful for my HVAC folks, who were happy to set up back-to-back furnace check appointments for me and my next-door neighbor, once I explained the circumstances with my NDN. They'll do me first, and then I'll come over with them and sit with NDN while they do hers. (NDN's furnace hasn't been serviced in at least 3 years, and the last thing I want is for her to have the thing conk out in midwinter.)
And thankful for the life and work of a wonderful man: the co-founder and (until 2 years ago) president of my former company, who died Tuesday. If this man and his partner, my former editor-in-chief, hadn't taken a chance on hiring a telecommuter for a full-time staff position back in 1984--when such things were practically unheard of--my working life would have been much harder and much less pleasant. RIP to one of the best bosses imaginable.
@A. Marie, Gosh -- 1984? "Practically unheard of" is right! Tell us more about how that worked. I mean, we had computers back then but not the internet as we know it. And telephones (and faxes!) but no Zoom meetings (a mixed blessing to be sure). No cell phones, no laptops.
@JDinNM, I suppose the term "telecommuter" isn't too accurate for my work situation at first, since the "tele-" was mainly telephone. For a good many years, I edited hard-copy manuscripts, and the company and I exchanged them at first via Purolator (anyone out there remember Purolator??) and then UPS. But the fact remains that I worked for 36 years from my Central NY home as a full-time staffer for a company based in NYC--and this wouldn't have been possible if the president and editor-in-chief hadn't been way ahead of their time in regard to flexible working conditions.
@A. Marie, Also, the NYC book publishing world had to be dragged kicking and screaming into the internet age. I was editing hardcopy manuscripts as recently as 15 years ago.
My eyes lit up at the colored highlighters, ha! One of my best Christmas presents ever as a kid was a Twiggy ink pen in a bold turquoise pattern that wrote in bright turquoise ink. I was the envy of the girls in my class and I used it till it was completely dry.
A Twiggy pen dates me fairly well, doesn't it?
I'm thankful because...
1. The rat snake that somehow slithered its way into my daughter's house was not poisonous.
2. Although the gray, rainy days and high humidity are hanging on longer than predicted, it is at least a bit cooler. We haven't hit 90 but one day this week, whew.
3. A nurse notified me that she found a possible boil or infected cyst on DH and notified the doctor, who has ordered labs and medication. Any infection in a diabetic can be quite serious, so I'm thankful she was observant, followed proper procedure and that she took time to text me about it.
4. Take note, A. Marie! My sister and her husband have an appointment with a lawyer in two weeks to get their needed paperwork done before the husband gets too far into his dementia. I am so relieved.
5. The hurricane broke in the roof on our old, tiny shed, but I don't mind because I was thinking I don't really need it anymore now that we have a bigger shed and was planning to empty it and tear it down anyway. The replacement cost of the shed, however, should go toward my hurricane deductible.
@JD, re: your #4: Hallelujah!!!
Oof. This whole week and month have been hard. There's a lot to complain about! But let's see:
1. Other parents in my program. Most resident doctors don't have children, but some of us do, and it's so great to commiserate with fellow parents about the challenges.
2. I like my sister-in-law! We don't know each other very well yet, but Mr. B and I enjoy spending time with my brother and SIL, and my daughter loves them both.
3. I am in relatively good health. My daughter hasn't been sleeping and I am still fatigued from covid, but there was a time in my life when I officially qualified as "disabled" due to a chronic illness, and I could not have functioned as I do now. I can feel terrible and still know that this is better than it used to be!
4. My supervisors are kind. I unexpectedly had to work overnight on the weekend, and due to my tiredness I made a pretty big paperwork mistake. My supervisor caught it and corrected it for me and was really nice about it.
5. We will go apple-picking this weekend, and I am excited about it!
@Meira Bear,
Kind supervisors are the best.
Rebekah
I teared up a little reading about your lawyer because I know she genuinely does care. Lawyers get a bad rap (and some deserve it) but I’m married to a lawyer and they honestly care about their clients. There are days he comes home excited because a client had a win outside of the courtroom (new home, new baby, something/anything awesome happened) and he just wants to share and be excited for them with me. Other days he will come home and just be upset because something happened and “they just don’t deserve that.” I’m glad you have one who isn’t afraid to be a real person around you and lets you know that she cares.
I moved my plant clippings from the kitchen window to the home office window. They are right on top of each other so they get the same light, but now I get a little more cheerfulness when I’m working from home.
The weather has been cloudy and rainy all week but suddenly my grass is green like I haven’t neglected it all summer long!
Saturday after my son’s game we went over to my friend’s house to just hang out with her and her son. It was a really relaxing evening where we could just sit, talk, eat some pizza, and listen to the boys laugh for a few hours. The boys have been friends since they were two so the middle school pressure of “being cool” isn’t there and they could both just BE. As a mom, it was so nice to see.
@Geneva,
The lawyer I used to get the necessary paperwork (POA, wills, etc.) done when my husband started to decline not only handed me tissues and chocolates when I started to get emotional, she prayed over me when our appointments were done. There are some lovely people practicing law in that jungle out there. Your DH sounds like one of them.
Aww, it sounds like your husband is a wonderful person, and his clients are lucky to have him!
Thankful:
1. That I have not been sick, had to go to ER or felt generally crappy this entire trip. Honestly, before we left I wondered at my sanity at trying a 10 week plus trip across the country and the Atlantic, but here we are about 10 days left to go (all driving from NYC to Bellingham and then taking the ferry to Alaska and then driving 12 hours home from there when the snows have started in parts of the areas we will cross...) We get off the ship tomorrow morning, swing by for the faithless Pound Hound and off we zip.
2. That I have not had one night of insomnia since we got on the ship. I have experienced this before but it always amazes me again. We need to put our bed at home on a cradle contraption of some sort because something about rocked all night long agrees with me. Maybe that is part of why I feel so great...
3. For the nifty new electric wheelchair we bought for this trip. My usual one is 420 pounds---without me in it! It is very hard to load and unload and has massive wheels and battery. It can make short order of mud, snow or pretty much anything else but I was dreading taking it all over. So, we used part of our travel savings to spend $2000 on a wheelchair made of the stuff they use for airplane frames. It is 42 pounds with the battery in it and it folds up so small it can go into a large suitcase, which reduces the chances it will be damaged. You open it by grabbing the back and making a snapping motion and it unfolds like magic. I had my doubts that it would be durable enough but it has worked perfectly. It will not work for winter at home but it has been the answer to my prayers--so light I can open and close it and the husband can easily lift it into the back of the pickup. I feel like becoming a spokesperson for the manufacturer!
4. The theme of this crossing (they hate when you call it a cruise because they are the only line that does Atlantic crossings regularly...plus they consider their themes serious minded) is food and was done in conjunction with the London Times. One segment focused on bees and how they impact food yield. There are rooftop hives all over London now and they sell the honey by where it was produced, giving information on the type of plants in that area that fed the bees. Anyway, at the meals if you wanted honey they wheeled out a small wood frame that had one of the wax and honey filled slots from a hive (minus the bees) and you indicated how much you wanted cut off for your bread or whatever you are eating it on. They sliced off a section of wax and honey onto a plate and there you are! I don't care for honey at all but I was glad people around me did because it was a hoot to watch.
5. The husband, always the husband. Every night we go to hear one of the bands or orchestras playing. For years we would dance but really that is no longer possible---I am pretty steady on my feet on the ground but the swaying of the ship makes it dangerous for me to try and walk and I am no longer able to dance. Last night the husband arranged for the band to play one of my favorite songs, about a couple hoping to have 40 years together. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JV7c8V5XLk8) We are now working on 41, which is a miracle considering my brother died of the same birth defect as a kid and I was given an estimate of 30 years. HA!!! I am now at 72!! Anyway, they asked for the people not to dance as they played this song and the husband held me up and we sort of swayed, not real dancing, for the entire song. We were the only ones on the floor and it felt like some sort of dream. I believe I could have died happy right then...Tomorrow back to reality but it has been worth every penny, just for last night.
@Lindsey, I've never heard that song before - it's beautiful and what a wonderful memory for you!
@Lindsey,
That's so sweet about your dance! Your husband is a prize!
I am in awe of that electric wheelchair. DH has one he can't use anymore, and you are right, it weighs a ton. A light one would be such a boon to so many people.
@Lindsey, these continuing trip reports have been a joy. But your dance story may be the most joyful of all.
@Lindsey,
So happy for you!
Awww, Lindsey. I love your last one!!
@Lindsey, your wonderful dance story made me cry. I am so glad you have had enjoyed your trip so much (as I wipe away tears).
@Lindsey, What a lovely song--and story! Hubby is a jewel!
@Lindsey, Your stories are the best! I especially love your stories and comments about your dear husband.
You’ve made me realize how caring and wonderful my own hubs is. Of course I always knew it on some level but you know how you start to take people for granted a bit over decades. Your comments make me consider how lucky I too am and to notice how much he is there for me and our kids every day.
@Lindsey,
Every break from insomnia is cause for celebration. I'm happy for you.
Rebekah
Kristen, I am a huuuuge fan of multi-color highlighters, and I am not even studying for anything! But I do use them for tracking my habits on a monthly basis. Something about the bright possibility of me being organized gets me.
I am thankful that I am making healthcare appointments (not my favorite thing to do) I am just getting on top of it and not letting things get worse, this is very difficult for me.
I am thankful for my relationship with my daughter, I'm listeing--not fixing and that means she still calls me with her heartbreaks and concerns--how great is that?
Grateful for my stocked pantry and the mojo to prep food from both the freezer and pantry. Yay for dried black beans--what a great deal (and meat substitute)
Coffee.
Karen
My List:
1. Thankful for this beautiful weather that compels me to get out walking or working in the yard.
2. Happy to see a few hummingbirds on these final days of September. Thankful for my tall son who helps me hang them up…this child is the reason we started feeling them all those years ago! He switched seats at the dinner table at age 5 to have a better view of the feeders.
3. Grass seed that sprouted after lawn aeration!
4. Zinnias and marigolds that keep on blooming.
5. A son who is thriving at college. Making friends, studying in the stacks at the library and getting into the swing of things for a very hard major.
Thanks for the link to the Slime tire inflator. That might be going on my list of Christmas gift ideas for my husband! And I love what you said about your lawyer: skillful, competent, kind. Great goal for any position!
This week I'm thankful:
* for some upcoming work. I don't work often, just helping in catering when needed, but I got a text asking about my availability for 3 upcoming events. I had been starting to feel like some extra income sure would be helpful right about now, so I'm really thankful that these dates are coming up!
* for access to library books. I'm reading one right now that I'm thankful is giving me a different perspective and different things to think about. Since I was able to order it through interlibrary loan, it was free. What a beautiful thing.
* for some more balance in my days. The start of the school year was a lot, but things are starting to slow down to more of a pace of what will be normal for the rest of this year and it's much more manageable. I'm able to prioritize some good self-care things (like exercise and getting in my garden for 15 minutes a day).
* for 4 good drop off days in a row for one of my kiddos! He's had a lot of rough drop off days lately (getting stuck in "I just want to stay home and do what I want all day" instead of the reality of life) but this week has been great!
Seeing your Slime and hearing about your jump reminds me that I have not seen my Volt . which holds power for battery devices. Need to get that located as well as my phone car charger. And since I did get a new phone (more than six months ago) have not Blue tooth enabled the car to this phone. Little chores...
I am thankful for chai latte and Epic Killer breakfast bread which makes the best toast.
Grateful for the lovely weather, but we are dry, dry ,dry, It's great sleeping weather.
Thankful to be caught up on sleep, a difficult thing working three nights a week. My sleep habits are all over the place.
I went to pick up an inexpensive birdhouse that had been listed on Swap Shop and the seller had several other things I was interested in. He kept throwing things in at no extra cost including a Corelle platter in the pattern I had purchased for my parents and then kept for everyday after they passed. My parents never had a matching set of dinnerware until I bought it for them for our family get togethers. I have gone completely the opposite (and there is only one me) and have four sets of matching dishes (two of china, one of stoneware, and the Corelle) for eight or twelve. I have used the two sets of china for the last two Thanksgivings to throw my non-china family for a loop, so I think this year I'll use the Corelle in honor of Mom and Dad to keep things interesting.
I hope and pray your divorce will soon be finalized. It has been a long and tough road for you. You are rocking nursing school. Before you know it you will be done.
ME TOO. In January it'll be two years since I left. Sigh.
@Kristen, It only took us five years! That said, I did get some amusement out of drawing it out because that way he couldn't marry his smoochie.
Man, I hope I'm not in this for another three years. Sigh.
Thank-you for Thankful Thursday.
(1) Thankful for the medical team my eldest daughter created after two devastating miscarriages. Her endocrinologist and reproductive endocrinologist (two of many talented and hardworking individuals)assisted her in a successful delivery of a baby boy.
(2)Her middle sister who was with her during the delivery.
(3) Her youngest sister who finished a term contract and flew out to be with her sister and BIL. She’s been such a blessing as an extra pair of hands.
(4) The cousins, two girl cousins who for their lives have lived 13 hours away.
Our parents died when I and one brother were starting our family’s. We have children so close in age and we made a point of visiting or having the children visit every year growing up.
The cousins came in February to celebrate my daughter’s pregnancy and now came back to celebrate the birth.
Always amazed how everyone cobbles care together for their families in order to come out.
(5) In the middle of watching The Blue Zones on Netflix. They talk of human connections with family and friends as a positive support as you age.
It appears I have it in spades with my adult children. I do not take this for granted. I am so thankful to have relationships with them and poignantly reflect how nice it would have been to have had them as an adult with my own parents.
@T, Congratulations to your daughter (& you for your new grandson : ) !
Yayyyy for your number one!!
@T, Your extended family sounds so wonderful! All that support and love, how terrific for your daughter and the dad and the baby.
@T, that is all so lovely -congratulations to all.
@T,
Congratulations on the new grandchild!
Grateful for a nice afternoon with a friend and our kids getting to be together. I haven't had much friend time lately so it was a gift!
For a new employee who is always in a good mood, it brightens our whole workplace.
For my husband NOT being in the hospital. Just regular life is something to be thankful for.
A flexible work schedule.
A young friend of ours with cancer is doing well.
Love the cat pictures!
Thankful this is Thursday 9/28, which means tomorrow is Friday 9/29, the last business and banking day of the month, which means the second of two complicated business transactions that have occupied almost all of my time (including weekends) since January will go to closing not later than 5 p.m. tomorrow and I will have at least some of my life back and (I hope) the month of October to tackle all of the things that I have not had a moment to do this year.
Not thankful that one of those things is cleaning out the garage.
Thankful that this year October weather is better suited to garage cleaning out than say ... July or August would have been.
Thankful Kristen is batting a thousand in nursing school. Go, Kristen! Go!
I'm thankful for the organic boneless chicken thighs I found marked down to $2.99 for a 20 oz pkg. That's my favorite type of chicken. I got all 4 pkgs the store had marked down. It was timely, because I had completely run out of chicken in the freezer.
For the beautiful weather we're having in MN right now.
For a great time with our son yesterday. He lives in a group home, and we pick him up and bring him to our house twice a week. Very grateful we live close enough to do that. We treasure the time together.
I work with a bunch of people who all love pens, me included. Most use the Pilot FriXion, fun colors and erasable. Their planners are so colorful.
Thankful to be visiting the grands this weekend. We will hit the Columbus Zoo and an apple orchard.
My family got together for a brunch. It was nice to have us all together again.
I started my Christmas shopping at least for the grands. I’m glad to get a head start.
My sister has settled into her new condo and plans on attending their condo meetings. She has met a number of new people there and really likes her neighbors.
For a new coworker who is super outgoing. He’s fun and funny.
I am thankful for cool weather. It has been so delightful.
I am thankful for Green Tea. (My very pregnant body quite handling coffee and black tea so I am supper thankful that I have some high quality green tea on hand. Add coffee to the very long list of things I cannot wait to eat/drink when I am no longer pregnant.)
I guess I am thankful that the baby hasn't come yet? I'm ready to be on maternity leave holding my baby but I guess the baby needs more time to grow or I need more time to get ready for the baby.
I am thankful that the baby is healthy--last week I did panic and go to the hospital for monitoring.
I am thankful for the friend who spent three hours helping us with yard work--it is so nice to see fewer weeds when I look out the window.
Excited to hear baby news from you soon!!
@Kristen, Me, too!
I have a sad one: I'm thankful for the wonderful, caring friendships I had when I moved out of state. One gal pal in particular always had my back, and she and her husband were like extended family. He died, and she had some terrible problems (such as losing her house bc of her husband's medical bills) and everyone lost touch with her. I've been trying to find her contact information for a long while now. This past week I googled her name and found a funeral notice. She actually passed away a year ago, but they were having a hurricane where she was and I guess there was no actual funeral service. I'm horribly sad not to be able to contact her again and thank her for everything, but through my tears, I'm super thankful that sometimes you have angels come into your life.
My garage is all cleaned out and I can park my car inside. At long last!
I'm finding people to help me with my household repairs and cleanup from the bad roommate and the damage she caused. Should have a really nice home by Christmastime -- new paint, new flooring, new carpet in the living room. Also, thankful that she is gone and will not be moving back in.
I got to go out on the town with my gal pals from church. So nice to socialize!
I found my favorite Halloween shirt that glows in the dark. Just in time for next month's holiday!
So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend!
I hate the wet bandaid finger dilemma! I had purchased these for my husband, who never used them, but they are AMAZING for keeping fingers dry and bandaids secure while fingers and thumbs heal! (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075DDJCL5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and they last through multiple wounds if you wash them.
I'm thankful I decided to stay home with my kids. It's been a gift that I've only now come to fully appreciate 10 years after I started (and wasn't super excited about at first). No regrets at all, despite career sacrifices and such.
Thankful for beautiful fall weather we've had this week.
I'm thankful that my kid, that struggles many things as a result of his ADHD, loves nature so much. It's a free, good, and beautiful way of coping and refocusing that he can take advantage of his whole life.
I'm thankful for truth. It's not always easy to hear truth from others, not always easy to hear the full stories and the brokenness, but it's always good. And I'm so thankful for that.
I'm thankful fall! I'm so glad it's here and am looking forward to savoring everything about it!
This week I am thankful for:
- A stuffed freezer and a subscription to a CSA that I paid for at the beginning of the year. My grocery budget is so much less and I don't have to go to the store. I really don't like to grocery shop.
- A hiking trail on campus. I've had forgotten how much I enjoy going there on my lunch hour. I've been three times in the last week and showed a coworker how to get there. Being in nature really helps my stress level.
- A monthly massage. I had a massage last night and I slept through the night for the first time in weeks. I felt amazing when I woke up.
- Cooler weather. Yay fall!!!
- Ice water. For the most part, I don't feel deprived if I have ice water to drink. I can pass by Diet Coke and Pumpkin Spice Lattes if I have ice water. Most of the time.
Pro Tip: store your highlighters tip down. They’ll last longer. Highlighter ink is water based and…..gravity.
Oh, good to know. Thank you! I just flipped them all.
This week I'm thankful that my father's estate tax return check came today! Just before a probable government shutdown and a slower IRS.
I'm thankful for the estate financial advisor. I can count on him to always respond to my phone calls and emails, and he does so with respect and kindness. I cannot say that for other professionals assisting in the estate (or heirs, for that matter), so I'm very thankful for this one.
I'm thankful that some medical bills are very close to being paid off. In another month we'll have a lot more flexibility in our budget, yay!
I'm thankful for good health and a body that's getting stronger.
I am thankful that I can finally start an overdue journey to healing. My ex was abusive in every way for 15 years and never was accountable, never showed remorse, never took responsibility. It was always my fault. He finally slipped up and got arrested in April.
Yesterday was the hearing. I had to hear him plead “I’m guilty,” knowing full well he only said it to have to avoid jail for more serious charges. Still he had to say it. I got to read my victim impact statement. He finally had to be exposed for the abuser he is. He had to listen to what I had to say.
Finally, he has to take accountability even though he never will. Most importantly, I can get the accountability he told me I at fault for off of my load.
I’m thankful for being heard. I’m thankful for some justice. I’m thankful for finally feeling like I can move on with my life, I’m thankful for the support systems I have in my life.
Oh my goodness, Ash. I am so happy that you were able to get out, and that he is being held accountable for hi choices.
Sending you lots of love!
Glad to hear that, Ash. Good for you.
@Ash, So glad you got some justice, though long delayed it sounds like. I hope you can see a brighter future.
Today I am thankful for:
*safe travels.
*being home again, home again.
*funny kids.
*a neighbor who took our attack rooster to a special farm.
*neighbors who take care of our animals when we're gone.
*face therapy.
*old cemeteries and epitaphs.
So many awesome gratitude posts this week! Or maybe I'm just more attuned to them.
This week I have so many, I'll try to keep it relatively short.
1. Small town volunteer rescue squad. Hubby is a stroke survivor with some issues that require intervention at times. I expect efficiency from them, but they are also so caring and patient. Makes hard situations more bearable.
2a. My gifting group. I have been purging in the shed, getting rid of so many items, especially Halloween items, and they have been extra careful to come promptly to pick up and not leave items languishing on my porch. Very important when you have 26 giftings scheduled in one weekend!
2b. Got some plastic shelving from one member for said shed, which will help so much with organizing.
2c. Lost my taste for coffee about 10 years ago, and got rid of my coffee pot. Decided to take a long shot and ask for a coffee maker. Lo and behold, another retired nurse was doing some purging and gave me a combo maker that had only been used a few times on vacation. It's so much nicer than what I would have hunted for in thrift stores!
3. The RAIN!! My mower guy hasn't been here for 6 weeks due to the drought! Everything was dry and brown, but the rain last weekend was steady enough to actually get absorbed and things are greening up. Maybe we'll have some color in our trees this autumn after all.
4. Mower guy and his crew found a yellow-jacket's nest while they were working today. I am so blessed that they did, as I have been walking Ziva in the front yard some evenings, and if we had encountered the yellow jackets, we would have been badly stung, as we wouldn't have been able to run from the! Pest control is coming out tomorrow to take care of it.
5. Grateful again for my vet clinic. Ziva tore the ligament in her right leg the Saturday of Labor Day weekend--less than 10 weeks after surgery on the left knee for 2 torn ligaments. The clinic was open for a few hours on Labor Day and the only other vet who does this surgery was the one on duty, so she was diagnosed right away and scheduled for the first available surgical spot. She had the surgery 2 weeks ago, and they have been so good to call and check on her, answer questions, and just take excellent care of both of us!
6. My husband. Wed was our 52nd wedding anniversary, and although he can push my buttons like no one else can, we still love each other. He is an optimist to my usually pessimistic viewpoint, patient where I can get irritated over the little things, and has a quirky sense of humor that our daughter fortunately inherited, and that makes me laugh at those unexpected moments.
@StephanieLD, 52 years! Congrats!!!
Thankful for the rain we've had this past week.
- For the neighbor helping me cut up the biggest oak tree ever .
- For my new insurance agent who is so kind and thoughtful.
- For the cool fall nights that make for a good night's rest.
- For this awesome blog and community.
* As always, thankful for my pup. It is so much fun watching her learn the farm and take control of her world...and the cats.
About that A&P and your high test scores: did I ever tell you about the time in pharmacy school that my grandfather failed a test on which he'd gotten 9/10? His teacher's comment was that grandpa had killed his patient.
(Grandpa was mad about that because in real life, he would have checked he got it right first. Sixty years later he was still miffed.)
I had an in-hospital, discharged the same day, medical procedure this week. It was pretty routine, medical wise, but I had so much anxiety about it. It went well. The staff I had contact with, ranging from the person who checked me in at 6:30 a.m., the nurses, the doctors, and the fella who wheeled me outside in a wheelchair when I was discharged, were fantastic. I was very thankful for their kindness, and Kristen, I thought of you. You're going to be a wonderful, compassionate nurse.
Oh, and pathology result came back normal. Hooray!
Aww, I am so happy everyone was so nice to you. Yay!! And I'm touched you thought of me.
My family is going through a rough patch - it marks two years since my daughter-in-law passed away tomorrow, we all had Covid the first week of September, and my daughter-in-law's sister just finished a rigorous year of dental hygiene school with 3 boards in the last month - with my husband and I ramping up care of my grandson for the last 3 weeks. 24/7 for a 2 year old. (Normally we have him Monday through Friday) So right now I am just thankful that we have a house to keep us warm and dry, are able to afford food and we are able to help where we are needed. Sometimes just being grateful for the basics is all the bandwidth I have. But right now that's enough.
Wow, that's a lot all at once! I'm so glad you are able to help out with your grandson; I'm sure you are a godsend.
I used different color highlighters to color code my notes & what I highlighted in the book. Yellow most important, then pink, then orange, etc.
i am so thankful to hear about lisey and glad things are going well for her. thanks also for chiquita photos. love those too. frugal girl rn. nice ring to it!!!!
Use a sharpie to mark the date you battery went in your vehicle. That way you always have a handy reminder of the age of the battery.
1) I am thankful that my husband and the wee dog and i were able to take a 5 day jaunt around our state to enjoy the beautiful fall colors. It was a lovely and much-needed getaway.
2) I am thankful that our state has public use cabins in some beautiful state parks to allow us an affordable getaway with shelter and wood stoves since it’s a little chilly for camping this time of year.
3) i am thankful that a friend’s cancer was discovered now due to his insistence on a screening procedure. He can begin treatment ASAP, with a better chance of survival.
4) I am thankful that another friend with a worrisome lump found out that it was benign and not of concern.
5) i am thankful for a hot shower and my own comfy bed after 5 days of cabin sleeping! I loved it but now my “usuals’ will seem ultra-luxurious!
And who doesn’t love highlighters…and sticky notes. Life’s small pleasures!
Thankful Thursdays are my fave posts and I love all the comments too!
Talking about calling and texting Lisey in Hawaii—I just had to say that I was born in Hawaii in 1953. My parents sent telegrams to the family! :-O
I can’t imagine what it was like for my mom to have her first baby thousands of miles away from all her family. I know she and her sister wrote each other several times a week (and the family mailed a baby-shower-in-a-box).
Very thankful for modern communications!!
FaceTime is way better than a telegram!
I am thankful our neighborhood cat is not dead! We have a lovely cat who comes to visit us regularly and his owner has posted on Nextdoor that he hadn’t come home. Two weeks went by and no news so we assumed he had passed (he is at least 12 years old). But apparently he had lost his collar and ended up at a far away shelter. But he was chipped and returned home. So we will get to enjoy him once more.
I am thankful the mulberry tree I transplanted is also not dead! We noticed it growing right next to our house and air conditioner and unfortunately could not stay in that location. But I love mulberries and was super excited to have one in the yard so I dug it up and moved it and was watering it but all the leaves died and I gave up on it. Then this week I noticed new ones grew back, it survived. Hopefully in a few years we will have mulberries.
I am thankful for our extended family. We had them over for our boys’ birthday party and it is just nice for the kids to have so many people who love them and a chance to play with their cousins.
Thankful for the beautiful colors starting to change on the trees.
Thankful for my Zumba class. I haven’t been able to go in a while because I’ve been sick and I went for the first time yesterday and it just so dang fun, I really missed it.