Thankful Thursday | mostly for you! (updated)
Well, hi there guys!
I'm typing this up super quick from my kitchen table before I leave for clinical.
My coffee is brewing, I'm waiting for my skillet to heat up for my scrambled eggs, my lunch is packed, my clinical bag is packed, and I'm showered and dressed with 20 minutes to spare.
I'll make a proper thankful list later this afternoon when I get home, but I'm putting this up at least so you guys have a spot to put your own lists. And I'll join you later!
This week, I'm thankful:
that school eases up after today
By the time I get home from clinical this afternoon, the majority of my work will be DONE.
At that point, I will only have my ATI remediation to do, plus my final exam, which is not until this coming Wednesday.
I am going to have time to breathe. And sleep a little more. And catch up on general life stuff. Yay!
that my friend reminded me to do a care plan
Last night I thought I was all done with paperwork and I could go to bed....and then I was texting with one of my clinical group mates and she mentioned care plans and I was like OH NO I COMPLETELY FORGOT.
So I stayed up a little longer and got that knocked out. It is probably not my best care plan ever but I did get it done and submitted.
that I have such a lovely clinical group
We all get along very well, even after spending so much time together these last eight weeks, and I do not take that for granted!
Ok that's it for now from me.
______________
I'm back! Clinical is done, my group presentation is done, and I have SO much less on my mind now.
I look way lighter than I did earlier.
Ok, so, to add to my list, I'm thankful:
that I have so little work left for this class
By tomorrow, it'll just be: studying for Wednesday's exam. Yay!
that I have so little pressure about this exam
I can fail hard on the final and still pass the class, so that makes me feel chilled out. 🙂
Of course, I am still going to try my best on it, but I like the feeling of having margin. It is always my goal to be able to fail the final!
that I can do both of my required October work shifts before Peds starts
I'm knocking both of them out in the next week and a half before pediatrics starts, so that way I don't have to think about my tech hours again for a bit. Yay!
for a clean bill of health for Miss Shelley
I keep expecting her to develop some kind of geriatric cat problems, but so far, all of her systems check out fine.
They even did a blood sugar check, and she's not diabetic so yay!
All right...I'm off to finish off my paperwork. See ya tomorrow for a WIS, WWA post!
Thankful that:
* important appointment for daughter got moved up by a month. Hopefully we now can get her the help she needs.
* I have 2 days off work for fall break. I'm supposed to tackle my to do list but might wind up sleeping it away. Which, sometimes, is just what you need.
*I could pass off a problem at work to someone better equipped to deal with it.
*Cool nights! Still too warm most days, but I welcome the chill in the morning.
I hope your clinical day is interesting !
@mbmom11, yay for a move up date. It’s hard waiting for appointments, especially when your kiddos are struggling…at least in my experience.
@Andra,
Honestly, this has been very hard- the worst month of my life- she has had so much trouble, getting worse for months, feeling like there was no help to be had, searching for alternatives, and then finally an appointment! A broken leg or cancer get treatment quickly, but the things we're dealing with - it was difficult to convince people something was wrong! So this appointment is such a blessing.
@mbmom11, sending you so much love!!
I am thankful for the return of sunshine this past week. We've had a string of lovely weather days.
I am thankful for a warm house on these cooler days.
I am thankful for decent and modern health care including our relatively lame vision insurance coverage. I was able to get prescription glasses and sunglasses at Costco for $127.98 out of pocket. I am thankful for modern optometry as I can't imagine living without readers and now a prescription for a bit of far vision assistance when driving.
I am thankful for general good health. I had a hip ache last week but it is better this week.
I am thankful for friends at all levels of connection. They make life so much richer.
I am thankful for:
--Good coffee in the morning
--The nice weather we've been having -- it's just about perfect. (I'm a bit guilty about enjoying the weather, thinking about the hurricane-ravaged places and what those folks are going through.)
--Medicare Advantage Plan -- never before had such amazing health care at almost no cost to me. Thank you, Uncle Sam and Humana!
-- Retirement pensions. Pray they don't cut SS.
-- The middle school kids who come up to me in the school hallways, hug me, and tell me I'm their favorite sub. Some ask "Are you subbing for ________ today?" (naming one of their teachers) and are disappointed when I tell them no. One girl, finding out I'm single, wants to fix me up with her grandpa. OMG no!
@Fru-gal Lisa, Smiled all the way through this!
@Fru-gal Lisa, Also smiled through this fun post. Even read the last paragraph out to my DH, who also smiled.
You say "no," but have you met this Grandpa?
@ErikaJS, I was thinking it wouldn't hurt to ask for a picture...
@Fru-gal Lisa,
One of my bff's met the love of her life when she was 72 years old. That was after 2 marriages that ended in divorces. I don't know how old you are (and no need to tell us), just sayin it's never too late!
Hehe, well, I have plenty of time then. 😉
@Fru-gal Lisa Thank you for your comment on the Medicare Advantage plan. I just signed up for an advantage plan this afternoon. I am grateful that decision has been made. The plan looks almost too good to be true.
@Jill,
I have Humana Medicare Advantage and it has been smooth sailing. I turned 65 about four years ago and to date, have never had a problem with them. They cover my meds and everything from uterine cancer. including sugery and radiation treatments, to cataracts. I was pleasantly surprised, if you can call it that, about how little I had to pay to get the robot surgery type of hysterectomy for cancer. My only complaint is that I had to go out of town for it bc doctors in my city don't do the procedure here, only regular (non-cancer) hysterectomies. But that was not Humana's fault.
First and foremost, thankful that I am not living in an area affected by natural disaster. My thoughts are with those that are -
Thankful to have a safe and warm home and great people to share it with. Bandwidth to maintain our home and where needed improve it.
Thankful for a short break coming up and a few days away with my husband. Thankful that the kids will look after our remaining kitty, who needs her humans around to relax and feel happy. Thankful that I have a colleague who will take over essential tasks when I am away.
Thankful that I am nearly recovered from my lung infection. Being ill made me feel down, improved energy improves my mood. Thankful that I did not get a pneumonia again. Thankful for my swim buddies who are also buddies when I have to take a pause from swimming!
- everybody's braces come off this week! No more orthodontist appointments or bills!
- all the prep work I did for my mid-semester conferences paid off: I have been thoughtful, organized and present for all of them so far... even the harder ones.
- husband made it safely to work conference
- helpful sons and I make a good team with 1 parent away
- sunshine here
- relatives in FL so far okay
@K, Is there some sort of, I dunno, "graduation" ceremony for the braces coming off? It deserves some sort of celebration!
@JDinNM,
Maybe everyone can eat some caramel corn or toffee apples? Something sticky, sweet, and off limits while wearing braces.
And congratulations for no more orthodontist bills!
@K,
Can you keep the braces and reuse them for halloween decorations? I am thinking pumpkins with braces etc 🙂
@mbmom11, GUM!
@JDinNM, Cute memory - when I got my braces off, I remember first biting into a whole apple, then having corn on the cob for dinner!!! And there was chewing gum somewhere along the way as well!
@Allison, That was a great way to celebrate!
@K,
My son recently got his braces off - high five to you, yay no more appointments or bills! - and his orthodontist's office gave him a water bottle about half-full of sticky/gummy candy (Starbursts, a tiny package of gummy bears, etc) and a "congratulations, you did it!" note. Mostly, he's excited to be able to eat popcorn again!
@K,
I bet everyone is grinning from ear to ear on that first one!
I am thankful that my friends who endured Milton are safe and their homes are OK, although obviously their yards are a mess.
I am thankful for my own resourcefulness.
I am thankful for dogs. Happiness is a warm puppy, as Charlie Brown says.
I'm thankful that we are blessed with good weather. Thinking of all the people impacted by the hurricanes.
I'm thankful that I can work from home today.
I'm thankful for our rescue dog. She sometimes drives me crazy with her boundless energy, but I love going out and playing fetch with her. And she's always a good companion.
I'm thankful that my costume for the murder mystery party we're attending this weekend arrived in time for the party.
I'm thankful that I have the photography session for grandson arranged for Monday and the weather looks like it's going to cooperate for an outdoor session.
This week I am extremely thankful that I didn't get any bad effects from Milton - my power has even stayed on - while I am also extremely sad for those who did. I hope Bee and our other Florida commenters here are okay!
I am thankful that my sister in central Florida, while without power, has no damages from Milton. Her area is somewhat notorious for getting tornadoes spun off from hurricanes, but none came near her and her family. My sister living near the east coast of Florida is visiting in-laws in California now , so I'm waiting to hear how her home did, once her sons get a chance to check on it.
I'm thankful for waking up to 63 degrees F this morning. It's been abnormally warm for this time of year. I know this sounds insane to people who are dreading a long, cold winter. The cooler weather helps to cool the Gulf waters, which will help to tame storms in the Gulf.
I'm thankful that my homemade fish tank sunscreen worked as I had hoped. I took down the fabric last night and put it back up this morning, easy-peasy, and my fish tank and plants won't be subjected to blazing sun today. I sure miss that big shady tree that was on that side of the house, but this works until the replacement tree gets bigger.
I am so, so glad that my dishwasher was repaired, which I'm sure I've already said. I feel thankful every time it takes me 10 minutes to clean up the kitchen after cooking the evening meal compared to 45-60 minutes because I have to wash dishes from breakfast, my packed lunch, and cooking and eating my dinner.
@JD, I have been thinking and praying for you since the very thought of Milton. God answered.
@JD, Releasing a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. So good to hear from you.
@JD, Before I read the next sentence, my mind was picturing you making a huge vat of sunscreen in a fish tank! 😉 I am way too literal.
I am thankful that this weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving and I will be celebrating with our extended family (my 85 year old father is hosting maybe for the last time as he is thinking of selling his house and downsizing to a retirement home).
Thankful that/for:
My children are safe and happy at their respective Universities (though not healthy, but that is life, they will get over it).
I have a job that I love.
My husband and I are figuring out the empty nester/bird launcher thing.
For good and fun friends and colleagues.
For my health.
and my dog.
Thankful that, after my insurance company unilaterally decided to reassign me to a pediatrician (?) out of my preferred network (?) and location (?) as my primary care physician (?), I was able to get myself reassigned to an in-network female doctor whose office is roughly a 5 minute drive from my house. And it only took about 2 months to straighten out!
I know this is not the time to complain about the weather, but our afternoon temperatures have only now dropped to the unseasonably high 80s instead of high 90s. It’s October. I should be building fires in my wood burning stove, not running fans all over the house.
But very thankful that’s the extent of my weather woes, and praying for everyone experiencing the apocalyptic weather elsewhere. 20+ years ago I moved my aging parents out here from Sarasota, Florida, where they had built their dream retirement home. A lovely place, of which I have many fond memories … Siesta Key, one of the best beaches in the world; St. Armands and Lido Key, Longboat Key… I’m afraid to check the news and see the pictures.
@JDinNM, Now I'm thankful for the pictures of miles-long caravans of hundreds and thousands of utility trucks and electricians and linemen pouring into Florida. We always think of police and fire and EMTs and others, but if the hospitals and gas stations and nursing homes don't get their power restored? Mr. Rogers was (always) right: Look for the helpers. All of them.
@JDinNM, Yes, Mr. Rogers was always right in applauding helpers. He meant a lot to our family. He was the keynote speaker at a conference and gave our DS1 an award for Paper Carrier of the Year (plus a scholarship).
@JDinNM, I went to college in Sarasota, so I too am apprehensively checking the news.
And I'm thankful for the late John D. MacDonald and his 1977 novel Condominium, which was eerily prescient about the whole Milton scenario. MacDonald, incidentally, was a trustee of my college back in its early days as a private school--and, ironically, lived on Siesta Key.
@A. Marie, I remember reading that book in 1979 at my granparents' Florida house.
@A. Marie, There was a terrific article about MacDonald in the NY Times on 9/29. "The Novelist Who Foresaw the 'Big One' for Florida's Gulf Coast".
@JDinNM, the NYT also just did an interview with Carl Hiaasen (whom DH always considered MacDonald's natural successor in Florida-based mystery writing). Hiaasen lives near Fort Pierce, where the tornadoes were so bad. Still, he says, “I don’t know where else I could live....I mean, where else could I get this kind of material?”
-Cooler weather! It’s been downright chilly the last couple of mornings, at least for the foothills of NC!
-Have heard this morning from friends and family who live in Florida (Sarasota & Tampa areas). Some damage to property and homes, but everyone safe.
-Hubby’s stress test went well and he got a good report. What they thought they saw on a previous CT scan wasn’t there.
Have a great weekend!
Grateful:
-working from home is a much-needed and welcome change of pace
-someone recommended the best-tasting decaf tea EVER (Yorkshire Gold Decaf) and I'm enjoying it
-my supervisors are generally pretty nice people
-I tried a new recipe (a kind of wrapped dumpling in soup) and while the dumplings were not great, the soup was terrific and will enter the rotation
I am thankful for cool mornings and fall weather.
Praying for the south!
I'm feeling grouchy, but I'm thankful that I get a break from work next week and my mother is coming to visit!
Thankful for two books I was able to get from the library which I'm excited to read.
Thankful that I feel a lot more confident at cooking than in the past. I've got more into trying out recipes lately and now I can quickly throw together a meal with a few standard ingredients, and bake things too.
While I’m not thankful that a family member is having challenging medical problems, nor am I thankful that my family has a lot of experience with challenging medical problems, I am thankful that I and my family member benefit from that experience. We really know how to leverage our connections and how to do it quickly.
@WilliamB, As someone who had their own health challenges several years back, it's so great to hear that you have the family connections you need. That is so important and makes the difficult journey a little easier.
@WilliamB, A family that holds together is a wonderful comfort in times of stress, medical conditions, and in general. As a person going through a physical health challenge at the moment, and having little family, none nearby, I love hearing of such families. It’s a huge thing to have.
@WilliamB, until I started working in the medical field I didn't realize that I had more power and control than I ever knew over my choice of hospitals and doctors. Even with an HMO. If something serious has arisen ask, ask, ask around about doctor's reputations and change your primary if you're not comfortable with the physician to whom you're assigned.
When my husband had prostate cancer we were originally sent to a local guy, who might have been an excellent surgeon, but when asked about how much experience he had with with prostatectomies, he was subtlely annoyed. We changed to a woman 50 miles away who was both a professor in the field and specialized in urologic oncology. We were extremely happy with her.
It's your life and your body, so ask questions of other patients and medical personnel that you know.
@Anne, Agreed! I've done this more than once. In fact, one reason why a certain family member changed neurologists is the one he found on his own, got touchy when I asked certain types of questions.
Everyone in my family but me would be dead (several times over) or crippled if we didn't always push to get the best, most focused doctors.
ProTip: Be extremely nice to the support staff. Not only is the humane thing to do, it also often is what makes the difference between getting what you need and not getting it at all.
@ErikaJS, I hope everything turns out OK for you. Best of luck.
Thankful for the long weekend this week. The military base is having a family day tomorrow and holiday Monday so 4 days of peace and quiet 🙂
Thankful that it's looking like we may get to go on our trip to Kentucky next week. With I-40 closing, crazy weather, buying a house stuff...I wasn't sure it would happen, but I think it is. I'm so looking forward to seeing my childhood friends, family, fall colors, horse racing at Keeneland, etc.
Thankful that (knock on wood) right now there are no serious health issues with parents/kids/family and we all are having a moment to breathe.
Thankful so much that the last two mornings I have been able to open the windows and air out the house...take walks without sweating all over, etc.
Thankful that everyone in my area has finally gotten power restored. Many were out since Helene went through...that's a long time for some.
Good morning from Florida …
* I am thankful that Hurricane Milton weakened significantly before making landfall. It could have been much worse.
* I am thankful that the flooding in the Northeastern part of the state was not as heavy as predicted.
* After checking in with friends and family throughout the state, I am thankful to know they all seem to have weathered the storm.
* I am thankful for the first responders who worked tirelessly throughout the storm saving lives and helping those in need. Search and rescue efforts began in the wee hours of the morning well before the first light.
* I am thankful for local and state authorities who provide leadership during these storms ensuring that resources are in place to facilitate a rapid recovery.
* I’m thankful the storm has passed.
My prayers are with those who were not as fortunate as I was.
@Bee, So thankful to hear that you and @JD weathered Milton safely!
And I join you in thankfulness, particularly in such extreme, dangerous conditions.
@Suz, *thankfulness for first responders*
@Bee, glad to hear you are safe & sound.
@Bee,
I'm glad to hear you are okay!
I agree, the rapid response, the mutual assistance with utilities, the rescue and recovery ops, all have me in awe at how well and how quickly Florida is handling this.
@Bee, So glad you are safe. And also to hear your positive words re rescue personnel and your wider family.
We are waiting to hear from a cousin who lives near Tampa BUT have been able to contact his son in another part of FL who reports that our cousin did lose power but was otherwise okay. His wife just died this past Sunday of kidney disease so everything is heightened for him, of course, and our family.
@ErikaJS, I'm sorry about your cousin's loss (that's a real double whammy). And I join you in being glad that @JD and @Bee (of our Floridians reporting in thus far) are OK, and that they can say all the positive things they do about the response to Milton.
@Bee, So thankful for your safe passage through the storm.
@A. Marie, Thank you. She battled the disease long and hard, until Sunday. At least the storm allowed her to die surrounded by her DH and 2 boys. The coroner is holding the body until a funeral is possible.
@Suz, @Regina, @ JD,
@Erika JS, @A Marie @Chrissy
Thank you! I am relieved. @JD, I know you are storm weary. I thought about you often. @Regina and @Erika JS, I hope your families are ok. Not knowing is difficult. Sending Hugs.
So glad you are ok!
Love that you have such a helpful group! That makes such a difference as a student.
1) Super thankful that my rheumatologist pushed for an earlier appointment for a test for me, and squeezed me in for next week. Everything is crossed that nothing is wrong, but waiting a month would have been overwhelming.
2) For yoga. I'm really not great at it, but I did a 3 class trial at a local studio. I'm trying to be much better about incorporating workouts outside of my typical cardio/strength classes, and I know it's good for me, even though it's out of my wheelhouse. I really enjoyed it.
3) That I'm going to see my sister & BFF tomorrow. It's been a pretty overwhelming week, and it will be really nice to see them. They will inevitably make me laugh.
4) That both of my teens seem to be doing really, really well. As a parent, that's really all we can ask for.
5) That the weather has cooled off. I don't ever enjoy 100 degree days, but I enjoy them a lot less in October. Grateful for the much cooler period we're in now.
This week I am thankful:
That family & friends in FL are safe.
That I finally got my bloodwork done for my PCP.
That I have the time & opportunity to babysit and/or show up at school & sports events for my grandchildren.
That cooler weather is here in SE Louisiana.
That none of the medical tests I’ve had done recently showed anything seriously wrong.
Continued thoughts & prayers for those affected by Hurricanes Helene & Milton.
Thankful that my family in Florida survived the hurricane. My Aunt quickly called me & said the survived & are without power but my dad was going to get generator off camper & hook up to house. Unfortunately he has enough gas for today only. NO GAS since Monday afternoon. Will find out more details soon.
Thankful I'm able to be here for my neighbor/friend as she unfortunately has to put her 16 year old little dog to sleep today. The dog has been having problems for about 3-4 months & this last week has gotten a lot worse. As I write this the vet is at neighbors house now.
Thankful for my own rescue dogs. They bring so much love & joy into our lives. <3
Thankful for teen who is enjoying Senior year. Teen finding way to what feels best for self. I'm so glad as it has been more difficult than should have been because of others. Turning 18 helped to lessen some of those difficulties.
Thankful the furnace is working well. Another neighbor unfortunately had to put in new furnace just before leaving to go to Georgia because not working. * yes I broke down & turned on furnace because was 36 overnight & I didn't get much sunshine to warm house that day. *
Thankful for the sunshine! The amount of daylight seems to be less rather quickly. 🙁
Thankful going to be warmer tomorrow/Friday so can try to get outside things wrapped up for season.
Thankful for Kristen & this site to be able to learn & share with all of you.
Have a great weekend.
That I dilly dallied to avoid what I thought would just be a little rain.
that time does help whether you block neural pathways or just learn to accept.
That I drove the 500 mile Blue Ridge Parkway in September since what was built in 1935 no longer exists and probably never will again.
That I ate multiple times at my favorite BBQ place on earth before it was washed away.
For resiliency and baby steps and hope.
@Tiana,
A friend of mine just did the BR Parkway in September as well. I'm glad you got to see it that one last time before Helene hit. It was so beautiful.
@Tiana,
Oh, no, I hadn't heard that about the BR Parkway. Sigh. (I have to admit to being geographically challenged with that particular area). I'm glad you drove it, and had some yummy BBQ before both were swept away.
* I "remembered" my gym membership has free classes. I am going to Yogalates today to help with getting more exercise in my life.
* I have two dinner events in two days. A client appreciation dinner and a wedding. No cooking!!
* I sold my last Magnolia Pearl pants for $165 in 20 mins on Poshmark. Score!!
@Mary Ann, Yogalates?! Yoga + Pilates? Inquiring minds want to know more!
My husband and I went on our first vacation sans kids in over 21 years last week. Thankful for the time to process our new empty-nest lifestyle, for drop-dead gorgeous weather, for the beauty of the area we visited (Porcupine Mountains and Copper Harbor area in Michigan's upper peninsula), for getting to see our son on the last leg of the journey, and most importantly, for quality time with my beloved husband. It was a much-needed time and I'm still in the "vacation bubble". So wonderful.
@Kris, The UP of Michigan is truly a gem!
I am thankful to have had two days/nights (working night shift, sleep schedule is wonky) of eight hours sleep. It is usually sporadic at best and the rest does do a body and mind good.
SO VERY thankful that Milton did not cause as much damage as predicted. And thankful to see the rescuers in both hurricane areas. The mixed news from the damage caused by Helene is still unsettling. But the reports of the overflowing help is highly encouraging. Giving from the heart to people in need is so much better than taxes and waiting on government entities.
Thankful that Molly got up this morning bearing weight on all four legs. She has been gimpy in her one of her hind legs for at least a week. Poses that question in my head "Am I allowing her to suffer needlessly?" She continues to awaken with vim and vinegar so I keep hoping...
Thankful for warm days and cool nights.
Thankful for getting the laundry done. It was quite a chore. I had let it go quite a while.
• I'm so thankful for all the people that are chipping in to help us move this weekend: friends, our families! It's going to be a huge blessing.
• My dad had a weird fainting event several weeks ago, and his cardio test this week showed it was not a heart attack or a serious blockage. That is a relief.
• We got the keys to our house yesterday!!!!
• My therapist is such a help to me.
• We had a great weekend celebrating my husband's birthday and going to the local festival.
I'm late to the party today because I spent two hours this morning at the nearest Honda dealership getting the problem with the Element's latest warning light diagnosed and disentangled. I'll spare you the full saga. But suffice it to say I'm thankful for the service department and especially the service rep I dealt with at the dealership, who (a) determined that the problem was with a component of the new exhaust system I had installed at my usual garage back in August; (b) got on the phone with said garage and made sure I had an appointment to get the problem fixed at no charge before I leave for Cleveland next Tuesday; and (c) refused to charge me for the service time today. I may be shifting my automotive allegiance henceforth.
@A. Marie, So great to get the problem diagnosed and fixed before you get on the road! Maybe it would be a good idea to use the Honda dealership going forward, at least to get an initial diagnosis and cost estimate for any needed work. Unsolicited advice from someone who recently replaced her 1997 station wagon with a 2014 Toyota. (Cue the lyrics "Never can say goodbye, no no ...")
@A. Marie, I love the Honda dealership here. DH had a problem with his phone not connecting to the car -- his car is much newer than mine -- and they fixed it for him free of charge. And they've always been very reasonable with costs on the few repairs my mighty Fit has needed.
Thankful for:
1. Unbelievably vivid northern lights this past week.
2. Snow has finally arrived. Like other places, climate warming has changed the seasons. We used to get first frosts by August 20 and snow soon after. Each year the snow seems to get later.
3. Convinced husband to give away some items that no longer served a purpose. He always saves things "just in case" so the garage looks like a messy hardware store. Looks better now.
4. We left the Dane home for an hour by himself and returned to find that he had not destroyed anything. Honestly, he is such a huge destructive puppy that we entered the house convinced it would be a wreck. Maybe some of the training is kicking in.
5. Was able to visit a friend who was transferred to a nursing home. It is affiliated with our non-profit, locally controlled hospital, and is really well run. No sad people sitting in wheelchairs in the hallways, just looking to be engaged by someone, anyone. Windows all over, so lots of natural lighting and views out onto the community. No foul smells. Lots of greenery about and walls are not painted white. My friend says she is treated really well by cheerful people. Still hard to be in a nursing home, but at least this one does not scream "last stop before death" as so many of them seem to do.
@Lindsey, Clobber Paw: "Wait, did they leave? I was asleep the whole time!"
My two pups are demonstrating unique strengths when it comes to ruining things: Mack, the elder (formerly known as Rescue Pup), is very good at stretching himself to reach anything left on a counter as well as opening the fridge, at least until I put the baby lock on it. Jasper, the younger, is adept at rappelling onto things and parkouring his way into stuff. I caught him on top of my daughter's Victorian rocking horse this morning attempting to get something he's not allowed. Sigh.
I'm thankful to hear that @JD and @Bee have come through the storm safely and that there are so many people helping out after Milton.
I'm thankful for cooler mornings. Even though the afternoons are unseasonably hot still, it's very nice to wake up to cool weather.
I'm thankful that my mother's cat, who I've been watching this week, is recovering from the sudden illness she developed a few days ago.
And I'm thankful that my parents are coming back from their vacation today.
My in-laws survived the hurricane. My MIL and FIL could not be convinced to leave Bradenton. It was terrifying, but they only had tree damage and loss of power. Power is already back on. My SIL in Lakeland had power loss and property flooding, but house and people are fine. We’re feeling extremely grateful today!!
@JenRR, glad to hear good news for your family. My family is not far from both those areas but are together as Helene flooded/under water my Aunt house & luckily stayed with my dad during Milton.
@Regina, I’m sorry to hear that your Aunt’s house flooded in Helene. I’m glad she was able to stay safe with your dad this time. Things have been really hard in that area lately.
Shelley: "GET. YOUR. HAND. OFF. MY. TAIL. NOW. Or enjoy your skeleton hand."
As my dad would say to people he arrested, as well as us kids, "We can do this the hard way or the easy way. You pick."
Thankful for:
All my Florida peeps are ok & did not have much house damage but certainly have more gray hairs. None of them have power but they have generators.
The company my niece works for set employees up with generators so thankful for that.
That Ms Boss provided lunch and laughter today.
That so far, knock on wood, I have not caught the various crud going around.
For our sunny weather lately, we are really lacking in rain and have had many Fire weather watches.
I’m so thankful for an anniversary getaway with my dear husband.
And the weather has been beautiful!
We’re both very grateful for some recent extra time with our grandson. He is a delight!
It's been a week of blessings, which has been so helpful. I just moved and the place was...rough. I'm thankful that:
*The water heater issue was just the hot water element and not the whole contraption.
*That my neighbor gave me meat he hunted and in exchange I could give him homemade jam. We both got to eat something we otherwise wouldn't.
*That my home is now in liveable condition and I got my bed from storage- sleeping on a musty used couch isn't fun.
*The autumn leaves are so pretty and it makes me so thankful to be able to experience then.
*DMV without an appointment took only an hour on Monday morning. I was prepared for a daylong event!
Cool weather! Windows cracked open for cool breezes; I can use the oven and not torch the kitchen; & I actually need a jacket in the mornings.
And I'm strongly reminding myself that I need to be thankful for a caring doctor who is encouraging me to get a colonoscopy (even though this was supposed to happen this week, but the prep didn't work in time for the procedure so it had to be rescheduled for next week and I get to do the prep all over again--waaaaaahhh 🙁 ugh.
for scratch insurance on my brand new glasses lenses because something gouged right across both lenses 🙁 free replacement but if/when it happens again it's 1/2 the cost of the lenses.
really nice co-workers so I have built-in friends at work.
healthy and happy grown up offspring!!!
Gratitude post: Hurricane edition.
I continue to read stories and reports from rescue teams in the hills and hollows of WNC. The devastation is unimaginable, and sooooo much less than what the media is reporting.
A child's life jacket 30 feet up in a tree. By a river.
An entire riverside RV and mobile home community vanished--like the village of Roanoke in the 1600s. One set of footprints going out, none coming in.
The National Guard sent in over a week ago--with no supplies, and unable to get anything done.
A baby born during the storm, to a young mom, alone at home, boyfriend still missing. Rescued as she was down to her last pre-made bottle, a gift from her baby shower.
So I am grateful:
That I don't have to wash my clothes in a 5 gallon bucket with a (new) plunger and find a clean place to hang them to dry.
That I can drink a hot cup of coffee or a glass of ice water when I want to, without boiling it first.
That I can get in my car and drive to the grocery store or the gas station and get what I need, and don't have to wonder if I have enough cash because the card readers don't work.
That I don't have to be on the lookout for displaced yellow jackets when I step outside.
That I can clean my floors with a steam mop and not a shovel.
That there are trash collectors who drive by my house and take my garbage away. Every week.
That I don't have to cut my insulin in half or reuse my needles, to try and make them last til mail, packages, or kindhearted strangers arrive.
That I can sleep with my C-PAP.
That I know where my family members are.
Thankful that the tornado in our town that was a result of Milton’s outer bands didn’t go through our part of town. It caused a lot of destruction. We lost power for a few hours and had a lot of rain and wind but no damage. My son is here from Tampa with his girlfriend, and it’s so nice to see them. They’re working remotely, waiting for their power to be restored. My school has been closed since Wednesday and will reopen Tuesday. My grades are done and submitted for first making period, so I’m reading and relaxing. Many people are not as fortunate, and my heart breaks for them.
Miss Shelley does not look happy but with her glare - endures.
Chiquita! She melts my heart! Such a cute girl.
And you look so chipper. You are going to make it.
I’m thankful for …
1) My morning walks.
2) The leaves changing colors. Love seeing the bright reds, oranges and yellows.
3) Seasonal decor for fall and Halloween decorating my neighbors’ front yards.
4) Seeing my girls’ eyes light up and their excitement at seeing the fall/Halloween and even Christmas decor at the stores.
5) Picnics and walks at the park with my family. We had a beautiful sunset stroll past trees with leaves changing colors with a half moon out and the cool breeze coming through.
I LOVE Shelley's expression!
Yay for less school work!!
Grateful for :
* A 4 days week-end ( Thanksgiving on monday here in Canada)
* A change of colleague. The last one was lazy and did not do her fair share. The current one is actually working, yay! We get yet another change in a week, hopefully the next one (the permanent one) will be great.
* Finally a good night sleep last night. My nights have been rocky lately.
* My kids having a couple friends each. They both had their challenges throughout the year.
* My public library. Books, books, books!
About that exam…
I once took a sociology class P/F, just to see if there was anything to the field. Having aced the midterm and the paper, I calculated that I could pass the class with a 63 on the final. When I sat down to the final, I realized that I would ace the T/F and the short answer, giving me a 68 without writing a single word for the essay.
So I skipped it.
Haha, nice, nice! I need a 48% to pass the class, and a 75% to keep my A. I haven't ever had an exam grade in the 70s, so I feel quite confident that I can keep my A.
However, I am not brave enough to skip any of the questions. I will do all 100!
I’m thankful that all of our Florida families are safe, even though they all live in and around Sarasota. Even my sister in law’s 30 year old single-wide made it through unscathed! She just had a new baby, so I’m particularly grateful that her home is ok. Hopefully everyone will get power back soon.
DH and my kids came to my work to have a picnic lunch with me yesterday and we went on a walk afterwards. It was such a beautiful day. We saw some graffiti that read “All things are difficult before they are easy.” It was a good reminder!
I'm always happy to see Shelley. I'm glad she's doing well. And Chiquita -- what a vibrant, strong, little soul. She likely feels your lightness and joy after returning from your day and is happy with you. Love them!
- thankful for thoughtful friends gifting books! My friend gave me a couple Rosemary Gladstar books so I can learn about herbal remedies
- thankful for palliative care; one of my aunts is going to be starting it soon and hopefully it will help the situation
- for neighbors with all the things: this week I borrowed a hot glue gun to repair a purse, I borrowed a variety of baby carriers to try on for form/function, a neighbor is downsizing baby items and I will be able to purchase severely discounted!
- thankful for a good co-op store where I can purchase herbal items and choose how much I want of each. This week I will start making tinctures & tea blends in time for winter
- thankful for good friends, new & old!
- thankful for sunshine, yesterday we had a beautiful bike ride on an air line trail
I'm thankful:
-That Kristen is crushing it in nursing school and that she will be a great nurse!
-That I was able to take a walk every evening this week, even if a little shorter sometimes.
-For my knowledge of good nutrition and the fact that I like a wide variety of foods. It feels good to be able to nourish myself well, mostly frugally, and with a few convenience foods when they make sense (helloooo Rx bars, and those are thanks to Kristen. I usually would have just passed these by, assuming they were way too expensive. But at Walmart, for 12g of protein, they're not bad!)
-That I have the best cat (no offense to Shelley and Chiquita lol). My husband has taught him tricks. My cat is technically geriatric but also acts like a teenager. And he is so tolerant/flexible when there are changes in routine, guests, just...whatever! He is unflappable.
-For safe driving to my appointments this week despite a lot of traffic.
By the grace of God, we survived Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in Florida !
Yay!!!