Thankful Thursday | My friend's an RN!
This week, I am thankful:
that my friend passed her NCLEX!
Remember my friend Mia?
I knew her from church, and while we both are single moms pursuing an RN, she got an earlier start on both the divorce and the nursing school.
She was a star student in nursing school, so I was quite sure she was going to pass her NCLEX on the first try, and this week, she did!
I am so proud of her!
Now I just gotta follow in her footsteps, and we can be divorced RNs together. 😉
for a little breather from exams
We had a big 60-point one this week, but now we don't have another big exam until December.
Between now and then we do have a rather long exam, but it's only worth 16 points and is mainly an NCLEX-passing predictor test. We take them each semester to test how well we'd do on the NCLEX if we took it right then.
So, it's not very high-stakes.
I'm glad for a little break; we've had two exams, two math tests, a practice test, and competency testing in the last month so it's been pretty hectic.
for beautiful trails
This past weekend, I drove to a nearby trail that circles a point by the water....but the gates were locked and closed. BOO.
I went on a trail that didn't need to be unlocked, though, and I found a little beach I'd never seen before.
So beautiful!
for my everyday trail
When I have a little extra space in my schedule, I like to drive to various trails in the area.
But most days lately, I'm a bit pressed for time, so I am usually just walking on the trails by my house.
I feel pretty lucky to be able to walk right over to wooded trails!
I know I say this all the time but: there are always interesting little things to see in the woods.
And I find that this is true 365 days a year.
for fun classmates (again)
I know I said this last week, but I feel thankful for it again. 😉
My friend who sits next to me saw the little weekly assignment sheet I make for myself, and she said, "This is so beautiful, I want to take a picture of it." and she passed it down the aisle.
We joked I could have a little side gig each week by making these for fellow students, and my classmate at the end of the row sent back my sheet with a dollar attached.
And that made my whole section laugh.
I love my classmates. 🙂
(I make these sheets because we have assignments in a lot of different places online, and it helps me to have them all neatly organized into one spot each week. I use the backside of my 3-2-1-done calendar pad from the previous week, because, of course.)
for the way cats know when you are having a hard time
I had a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day recently, followed by a dreadful night of sleep, and that morning Chiquita hopped up into my bed and snuggled up next to me, purring.
She doesn't usually do this, and I know it sounds crazy, but after some years of owning cats, I have seen so many instances where they seem to know when you need a little extra love.
for Quizlet
I do not really like the feature where you just flip through flashcards, but I love the matching game feature!
I made a little deck for myself for a bunch of lab values I needed to know, and practicing with that really helped. I have the app on my phone, so I can easily play a bunch of matching rounds while I eat breakfast or wait for an appointment.
Of course, I also make some physical flashcards, but those I find more useful when I'm studying with someone else who can quiz me.
that we don't have to wait a long time for test grades in my program
As I write this, I don't have Tuesday's exam grade, but by the time you read this post, we should have the grades.
Turnaround time was way slower in my pre-req courses! Sometimes we'd be waiting a week to find out how we did.
I'm thankful for my daughter who knitted a Griffindore scarf for her little brother for Halloween. She's in a very intense phase of schooling, but loves to knit during her downtime and while watching videos for classes, so she happily made a gorgeous scarf. He was thrilled.
I'm thankful for colleagues who will cover a make up test for me so I don't have to drive to work today. Saves me money and time.
That my child had a lot of fun bowling for Special Olympics, and for the teacher who organizes it and encourages and supports the kids. She's awesome. She's got basketball next - this should be fun!
For a teacher who made a timeline for a child's project to make sure he stayed on task. (And she shared it with me so I could follow along.
Autumn morning sunrises- something about the bare branches against the growing light is very appealing.
You live in such a beautiful countryside Kristen! Ad re the purring - apparently the sound frequency is inducive to healing, which is why cats will also purr when they are wounded. Also: congrats Mia!
This week I am thankful for the things I did well at work (offsetting some things I am less content about), and being recognized for my work and work attitude.
I am thankful for several hours of sunshine this week and getting past the difficult weeks I always have just before Daylight Savings Time ends (in NL it ended last week). I feel more energetic and cheerful now.
Thankful for time spent with our kids, and having laughs with them.
Thankful for our choir community of lovely people.
Thankful that there are so many things to be thankful for, that this list is just a fraction of what pops up in my heart.
Every time one of us is sick in bed, there's sure to be a kitty cat that comes along for moral support. It's so sweet, and it does help! Thankful for my kitties, too--past and present.♥️
I'm thankful that my kitty peed all over the vet table when we took her in. She had blood in her urine and they had done an X-ray, and were telling my husband he would either need to do emergency surgery to remove a blockage or have her put down. Just then, the vet tech said "hold the phones! She just peed!" So she got an antibiotic shot instead and now she's fine. For the record, the antibiotic shot was what I knew she needed and was the only thing I wanted done, but unfortunately I had to work so my husband got bullied into a bunch of other unnecessary expenses. A thousand dollars later...at least she's fine now and we don't have to add the loss of a cat to a very difficult year. She's especially important to my son who is going through a lot right now, so I'm very relieved.
I'm also thankful for YouTube because I had tickets to see my favorite band last night, but I couldn't go because I'm too sick. They just posted a full length concert from a year ago to YouTube, so I'm going to watch it with my college roommate when I feel better. I'm still bummed, but at least I'll be able to watch on a comfortable couch instead in a loud crowd.
@Becca, sorry things are rough. so glad your cat is doing ok. my hubby paid $500 to the Animal Medical Center in NYC to put our 17 year old cat down. on my credit card no less. That was a triple hurt.
@Anita Isaac,
Oh...I'm so sorry you had to put your kitty down. Sending you love. I know how hard that can be and it feels like salt in a raw wound to have to pay for it too. 🙁
But did you get to keep the dollar? 😛 In all seriousness, it's awesome that you've so much camaraderie among your classmates. Being part of such a difficult program is definitely a bonding experience!
I'm glad you've Chiquita and her kitty sixth sense when you just need extra love. One of my favorite memories of my soul kitty (RIP) is actually from when I was home sick with food poisoning. My husband and I had ordered out for dinner after a loooong day, and we each chose something different; I, as it turns out, chose the Doom Sandwich. Even during the "so sick I'm just gonna lay on the bathroom floor for a minute/half an hour" episodes, my soul kitty wouldn't leave my side, and he spent the next week positively adhered to me; we watching old movies together while I recovered. Only a few months later, my soul kitty's health took such a turn that we had to say goodbye. Thus, I'm weirdly grateful for the Doom Sandwich that granted me such uninterrupted time with my silly boy.
Your photos are particularly beautiful this morning!
It been a chaotic few days. My refrigerator went out and this resulted in a huge mess, lots of waste, and much work. This was a relatively new refrigerator and just a few months out of warranty. So I’m a little grumpy.
• I’m thankful for my big red cooler which is keeping some essentials cold for me.
• I’m thankful for my sister who made room in her freezer and refrigerator for some of my food. So I didn’t lose everything.
• I’m thankful for a great “Black Friday” sale that yielded a decently priced replacement.
• I’m thankful for the kindness of the customer service representative that made arrangements for this refrigerator to be delivered this week instead of two weeks from now.
• I’m truly thankful for a the little kindness shown me throughout the week. In an angry world, these glimmers of civility are much appreciated.
Wishing everyone good health and prosperity.
Ohhh man! Being without a fridge is so tough. I'd be upset too if a new fridge gave up the ghost so fast.
I didn't want to get out of bed this morning, but then I thought, "It's thankful Thursday!"
This week I'm thankful:
*for your photos of nature. While I don't really like being in the colder weather, my face really seizes up when it too far below normal room temperature. So. I won't be getting outside a lot for the next few months, but you'll keep me updated : )
*that my husband is a reader. Frequently in the evening he says, "Do you have a minute?" Then he reads me an article or part of something that he finds interesting.
*that my daughter found solace in a tree branch with a book.
*that my father pays for piano lessons for the children who are interested. This is something we cannot provide, but the gift of making music is a delight.
*that my son did well on his time with the driving instructor who told him that he thought he'd have no problem passing the driving exam. Now we just need to log a few more hours.
*for giving friends who are helping us with chicken issues.
*for coffee.
*for morning snuggles.
*for "I'm sorry."
*for "I forgive you."
*for cute shoes to wear in the house (no stains still).
*for lovely in-laws.
*for my thinning hair. At least I still have some!
*for Wingspan-- a new game for us. It's the kind of game I normally don't like, but, for some reason, I really like it. I'm thankful my 8 year old likes it, too, because the rest of us like games, but she usually isn't interested. I have a feeling it's because she can read now.
THE END (but not really)
I am thankful for a week of lovely weather. It is dry and we need rain but the warm fall days have been glorious. This afternoon I will sit outside with a good friend and last week I sat outside with two friends at a local cafe. DH and I walked a local wooded trail on Sunday.
I am thankful for general good health, day in and day out. On Monday I took a potted plant to a friend that had knee repair surgery. She is a few years older than I am and this was her 17th surgery, she had her first (ankle surgery) at age 14. The most I have endured is dental implant work. I know I am extremely lucky.
I am thankful for good insurance, just in case something serious happens. We just completed open enrollment and did not put the maximum in the Health Care FSA. I am also thankful there is a grace period for spending 2023 funds and that they can be used for many over the counter items.
First, Kristen, I enjoyed yesterday's Day in the Life, even though I didn't comment on it, since my second cataract surgery was yesterday.
I'm profoundly thankful not only that the second surgery went well, but that I'm seeing much better out of my left eye this morning than I was out of my right eye at the same stage. So I'm hoping that I have little or no corneal edema in that eye. I'll know more after I see my eye doc for my next-day follow-up this afternoon.
I'm thankful for Betty, who (like Chiquita and many of the Commentariat cats) seems attentive to my moods. She noticed that I was spending more time in my recliner than usual yesterday and kept trying to crawl into my lap. This probably wasn't the best thing for the operated eye, but it made me feel better.
And I'm thankful as always for the Bestest Neighbors, who, in addition to providing transport to and from the surgery, had me over for dinner last night. Dr. BN made an excellent shrimp and chicken alfredo.
@A. Marie, so glad the surgery went well, and that you are already seeing better in this eye! Prayers for complete recovery!
Aww, yay that your eyes are all fixed now!
I am so happy for you that you have wonderful neighbors.
@A. Marie,
Hooray for seeing so soon, and hooray for neighbors who make chicken and shrimp alfredo, yum.
@A. Marie, very glad y our surgery went well.
@A. Marie,
Isn’t cataract surgery a blessing!!!!
Glad you are on the other side. Enjoy your improved eye site.
Today I'm thankful of ...
Not having a ton of work projects for the rest of the year. My teams and I actually were able to push and get everything done ahead of schedule so it gives us a little extra breathing room.
For having some people who get that you're not always okay. If we're being honest, I think I've been 50:50 since my son died which is probably better than I could've expected.
For lots of movies to watch or other things like that. I don't need to keep up with the latest things most of the time because I already have what I like.
For my daughter still being young enough to think her dad is great. I know these days are numbered.
@Battra92, My heart goes out to you. BTW, I still think my dad was great!
@Battra92,
Take it from me a 58 year old woman that I still think my dad is great and he’s 83! Dads and daughters have a very special bond ❤️❤️❤️
@Battra92,
Thinking of you in your sadness. It is a good thing though that the people around you understand one cannot put a timer to mourning a loss.
If you are good to your daughter she will look up to you for the rest of her life. My father passed away nearly 25 years ago and I still remember him as the best of dads.
@Battra92, I'm glad that you have "some people who get that you're not always okay." As you so kindly said to me when my DH died, please give yourself, your wife, and your daughter as much time and space as you need to grieve.
@Battra92, I continue to hold you and your family close to my heart.
@Battra92, My brother-in-law and his wife lost their son last week (at 20 weeks). It is just so yuck. I think you are being so realistic and fair to yourself. I am not sure my brother-in-law is going to be so gracious to himself. Please tell me about the best things I can do to care for them (long-distance) during this time.
@Battra92, My Dad was "not" great during my childhood, BUT a stiff sentence from a wise judge for a "driving w/o a license" d/t DUI's, included attending AA. It changed his thinking and his life and the the last nine years of his life were my best with him (while in my 50's). We did many activities together and my childhood was restored and while I am 70, I miss my GREAT dad!
Sending you love, along with everyone else, Battra. I think it's perfectly ok to not be ok, and all the experts in such things say that leaning into and accepting the grief process helps you in your healing. The grief journey is what it is, and having people who understand that is golden.
@Battra92,
I pray you and your family find comfort in each other as you walk through this terrible grief.
Father and daughter relationships can be so special. There's a good reason why I still refer to my late father as "Daddy" and my girls still call their father "Daddy," even though he is nearly helpless these days. May your daughter always look up to you!
@Battra92, your daughter will always think of you as her hero. don't worry about that. you can cross that one off your list.
@Battra92, I hope you (and your family) feel the virtual caring that so many of us feel for you as you navigate this sad chapter. I always enjoy your comments, authenticity, insights, honesty and wisdom. Take care.
@Chrissy, that’s really awesome about your Dad. I, too, have seen some hopeless, mean, not-great people, become absolute wonderful people because they got to the point where they “got sick and tired of being sick and tired” and turned to a Twelve Step group for their new life. And I am so grateful for tough judges, police, doctors, etc. who helped provide the motivation.
Reading this makes me miss having cats (hubby's allergic), but I'm thankful to have had those experiences earlier in my life. I had a cat that loved to sleep wrapped around my head, purring. It was frustrating and sweet all at the same time.
I'm thankful that hubby and I were able to go away for a few days before he starts an intensive class to prepare for his PE engineering license. We did some walking, some swimming, some eating, and a whole lot of resting. Coming back home yesterday was a shock to the system!
I'm thankful again that I can walk for long periods of time without pain. Especially when I'm walking at my favorite places.
I'm thankful for an emergency fund and savings. If hubby should have to leave his job before finding a new one, we'll be fine. (Ask me how I know this, ha. Been there, done it, more than once.)
I'm incredibly thankful that I have inherited some money from my parents (in inherited IRAs), which gives me some income over the next ten years, much like a part-time job would do. Though I'd much rather have my parents with me, it's comforting and sweet to think about my mom taking care of me even after she's gone.
@Brooke, your last line made me think of my own mother, whose 102nd birthday would have been yesterday. In addition to being the best possible mother under her circumstances (I'm sorry I can't say the same about my father), she left me the money that DH and I used to build our new garage in 2008. (Believe me, we considered it a much better use of the money than putting it in the stock market in 2008 would have been.) We put up this plaque on it to express our appreciation: "This garage was made possible by a bequest from [A. Marie's mother, with birth and death dates]. Thanks and love to our Momcat."
Thankfuls:
--For a few days of extraordinarily beautiful November weather (78 degrees!) that fell during the school week, which made recess monitoring a pleasure rather than a pain.
--For the maintenance guys at work, who are always cheerful--and often very funny--even though we're in the demolition phase of building a new school and they are way overextended trying to move everyone and get ready for the next phase of construction.
--For a sense of humor that allows me to find it incredibly amusing that my new office at work is half of the old concession kitchen. I put up a temporary divider so the actual kitchen equipment isn't right next to me while I'm teaching online . I don't teach kids in person, so I don't need a classroom, and space is very limited right now while we knock down old buildings but don't have new ones yet. My husband also thought this was very amusing, noting that no matter where I go, I always land back in a kitchen. 🙂
--For our new priest. He is a much better and clearer public speaker than our last priest, and his homilies are really good. He's also teaching my youngest son's First Communion class, and his ability with extemporaneous explanation in terms simple enough for his young students is very impressive. Plus, he's just a nice guy.
--That today is my last day of work. I usually only work Mondays and Wednesdays, but this week I'm working all four of our school days. I subbed on Tuesday unexpectedly--that was kind of a mess, as I logged out of the teacher's smartboard when I put something down near the keyboard and accidentally hit a key--thereby losing access to pretty much everything--and am subbing again today. Same teacher, and I am going to be veeerry careful not to log out of her smartboard this time. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, The weather has been fabulous! Dry, of course. But this is the latest autumn I can remember. All the cottonwoods still have their leaves and it makes for colorful hikes.
I’m glad you have such great animal companionship. I’ve always felt a special emotional connection with animals. It was hard for me in college not having an animal with me, but somehow they always found me when I was feeling my worst. On one particular day, a grey cat with extra toes met me at the front door to my dorm. I may have let him/her follow me to my room so we could hang out for a little while … until the RA made me bring him/her back outside.
I am thankful that my family is okay following a stressful weekend.
I am thankful that I found my first training class engaging and fun. It makes me exciting for the classes that are coming to complete the series.
I am thankful to be healthy and physically able to move my body. I want to keep it front of mind as I know that it could and likely will change unexpectedly.
I am thankful that I can cover my bills. Money is feeling quite tight at the moment, but I know I have options (while maybe not ideal), but I am above water.
I am thankful for having everything I need, and even an abundance at that. I was looking at my pantry and realize that I have plans, or could have plans to make a much needed dent in them. So it's just a matter of putting them into action.
@ElbowGrease, I hear you! Thankful that I always picked up extra food on sale to stock pantry. With Thanksgiving food prices a little better (lower) but knowing have food already & extra bills to pay cuts into other areas to cover those extra bills.
@Regina, Exactly! I just need to remind myself time and time again that things are not a good deal if I don't need them, and to be practical with sales.
It's also not a good deal if I end up having to toss them because they are bad, or I know I am never going to eat them. (for example several canned good that are discolored. The best buy date has less finite deciding power, but is a good indicator that I am not prioritizing those goods). I shall meal plan and dream of ways to use some of them up!
Sometimes I think a cat is just the ticket...but I'm still holding back. This week, especially today, I am thankful that the tile guy came and FINISHED the job. I still have to clean and seal the floors, and I will be touching up the trim and cabinets. Buts that's OK and I am also thankful that I have all of the stuff for that and feel 100% competent at doing so! In addition: someone is coming to quote me a price on fixing my fence, someone is coming to fix three fan switches, and a third person will come clean my dryer vent out as it is on the roof. I am thankful I can pay a professional for all of these things that I know I cannot DIY.
@Gina from The Cannary Family, you could always try fostering! Most shelters will give you all supplies needed to temp house a cat in your home. Cats may need a break from the shelter, or time to see how they act in a home, or maybe quiet time to heal from an injury or illness. So you can try a cat commitment free without cost! I've fostered 95 animals, it's a very rewarding experience!
For this week I am thankful;
Like a lot of people said, the amazing weather. We're supposed to have rain today and tomorrow and then a slight temp drop, but I loved the warm weather and clear skies. We were able to finish some outdoor work this past weekend.
For being recognized at work with my team. I joined a team of people from offshore and they are wonderful to work with and great that we are getting recognition together. And when I spoke with my manager, she recognized that too (some don't like to work with the offshore folks!)
The Thanksgiving prep. We will have a small group this year and that is fine by us. But I am enjoying putting everything together. Cleaning will begin this weekend.
That my husband's stomach scan did not find anything serious. Next up is a scope in January. This has been ongoing for almost 2 years. Hopefully it gets resolved soon.
For old traditional Christmas Music. Satellite radio started their music this week, and I like to listen to the old, traditional Christmas music. Since the TV died in my office, I am listening to the radio and I'm thankful for this. Hard to wait for Black Friday deals for a new TV, though, when I would prefer to have that as my background noise.
Love your lake photo, and that you found a new little spot to rest and rejuvenate as needed. 🙂
This is the first Thankful Thursday I've had any desire to participate in in weeks (months?), because we decided to move away from a home we loved, but a neighborhood we did not, and it has been stressful beyond my limits apparently. But we are now on the other side of it, and happiness, serenity, and thankfulness are returning into my life.
1) For lovely neighbors again. So much kindness already being extended to us, including an offer to use someone's trash can's if/as needed, which was so, so thoughtful compared to our old neighborhood, it made me want to cry.
2) For beautiful sunsets that we can enjoy from so many places in our new home, both inside and out.
3) For art. I re-hung two paintings from a local artist in our new home, one enormous at 48x60", and I feel a little jolt of pleasure each time I see or pass by one of them.
4) For the ability to easily walk to the beach. One of our goals in our move was to get even closer to the ocean. We went from 2 & 1/2 miles distance, to now 1 & 1/4 miles, and easy walks along a bike & walking path to the ocean are now an almost daily occurrence. Today a girlfriend and I are walking to the beach, then on to breakfast, then back, exactly what we hoped would be our lifestyle in our new abode.
5) For professional and reliable vendors. So many projects at the new house, but with rare exception, the vendors we've been working with have done what they said rhey would, WHEN they said they would. So, so appreciated when so much is going on.
I think I would like your classmates! The dollar was hilarious.
Ah, glargine and aspart insulin. Every other month my husband's prescription plan notifies me that glargine insulin is not on his plan and must be approved by his doctor. I always wonder how they expect a Type I diabetic who is not on a pump to get along with only the aspart.
1. Today I'm thankful that we have a chance - not a good one, but a chance - for rain this weekend. We are very dry. Although the drought is not good, I must admit the weather has made it delightful to be outside lately.
2. I'm thankful that when my daughter's office ceiling collapsed during the hurricane, destroying her computer and many other things, it didn't damage the little wooden sleigh candy dish that she got from my father's two sisters, now deceased. I'm thankful that having that candy dish is meaningful to her.
3. Those two aunts were the only girls in my father's family and never married. Being childless, they especially looked out for their nieces next door (my siblings and me). For many years when we were young, my mother was often sick and my parents were buried under a mountain of medical debt, so our aunts bought us clothes, cute kids' jewelry, treats and toys that our parents just couldn't afford, and I'm thankful for their thoughtfulness.
4. I'm thankful that my office is taking tomorrow off for Veterans' Day, and I'm even more thankful for veterans, especially the many veterans in my family, my husband included.
5. I'm thankful for the new roof on our house and the completed repairs to the roof of the well house, and for the insurance company paying for most of it!
@JD, please thank your DH and the other still-living veterans in your family for their service. Even if your DH is beyond understanding the words by now, I hope he'll pick up on the vibes.
@JD, Your two unmarried aunts reminded me of the "unclaimed treasures" from Sarah, Plain and Tall.
@A. Marie,
Thank you! He is still very (sometimes a bit too much) verbal, even if he slurs at times. He disliked being in the Navy while he was in it, but he is still glad that he served and lights up whenever he meets another veteran.
Congratulations to Mia! And I love reading your enthusiasm for your nursing courses. You will make such a great nurse.
I'm thankful I have reconnected with an older cousin. We have been texting regularly and it's a nice family connection.
That my husband and I work well together on projects.
For the light snow we received yesterday. It's really beautiful outside right now.
For wonderful neighbors.
That my oldest dog came through his second surgery this week in great shape and now we're done. (He had a skin cancer removed and they had to go back in to get a little more.)
I'm thankful my dog made me go out for a walk this morning. The temperature was 39 degrees and there was a "high wind warning" in effect (not unusual for New Mexico). But it was actually really nice out there! No wind. And we've had a very late autumn and all the cottonwood trees still have their yellow/orange leaves and there was nobody else out there on the trail. Probably because of the high wind warning. Lovely. I'm gonna listen to my dog and not the weather forecasts.
Morning!
Yay for your friend and her accomplishment! Good girl Chiquita for giving cuddles and purrs.
Thankfuls.
1. For my own purr babies Miss and Peanut who are currently thundering up and down the stairs (zoomies) and scattering their toys all over the living room.
2. For the good hot coffee I'm drinking. I don't normally spend a lot of money on myself but I do insist on good coffee.
3. I have the day off and all to myself so I'm looking forward to a day full of reading, research, and writing. Plan on soaking in a bubble bath to...bliss.
4. Lavender dawn.
We live at a higher elevation and we get banks of fog rolling in obscuring all the evergreens surrounding us pretty often. Imagine standing in a cloud and everything's billowy and white except for the black silhouettes of trees... spooky. Anyway, the suns coming up over the ridge and it's lighting up all the fog surrounding us a bright lavender.
It's gorgeous.
Best.
Thankful for--
Teen making it through this selection of exams. Teen has always studied & is pretty smart but lack of regular studying night before/morning of test has shown as not as confident in knowing information. Granted still gets good grade, but it worries me that other distractions/activities (video games) spends more time doing than studying.
Teen feeling somewhat better from the cold got due to lack of proper clothing (imagine that a teen would actually dress for today weather). After finally getting teen to take medicine (& keep taking medication) feeling mostly better.
Thankful almost done with Christmas gift(s) shopping. Only had teen left (already exchanged & sent other gifts) & only need to pick up 1 more thing, maybe 2. I already have other physical gifts & some of the cash teen getting. I really was torn yesterday as Target has Black Friday sale of $100 off adult electric scooter (best reviews) & then I have 25% off digital coupon that would make scooter third off. Teen said doesn't want but still uses bicycle (which just broke) & thought may be useful for travel between campus buildings in less than ideal weather. Though one review question did say was not waterproof & would void warranty. Plus more additional money I really don't have. So, think I'm going to stick with my original gift plan---no scooter.
Thankful got another huge round of leaves done. This time I did more labor since teen not feeling well--cold. One more round to go once last huge tree in neighbor yard drops leaves.
Thankful for our rescue dogs who just love us!! They get so excited when come home & jumping up licking us. One is finally getting using the potty pad while the other only does after first dog pees on potty pad first. Training them because they don't do well in really cold (below mid 30s, which already had earlier in October) or rain.
Thankful able to get bills paid & utility bill was less than expected (even with my extra payment last month). Turning off heat during daytime when 50 has helped keep bill down. Know can't do much during colder days/months, but it's useful at the moment.
Thankful teen school doing clothing/coat collection tomorrow & distribution on Saturday for anyone needing clothing/coats. Gathering up winter coats (outgrown & dad's old ones from before moved to Florida that he brought back for teen that didn't fit) to donate/declutter.
Thankful for the sunshine outside as it's dark by 5-6pm & sooner in weeks to come.
Have great day! 🙂
I love that about your cat!
I've never owned a cat, but I think dogs have that ability also. Years ago, during a challenging and heartbreaking time in my life, I would sometimes go sit on the backyard patio in the middle of the night to cry. So the rest of the family didn't hear me. My dog would sit and cuddle next to me. Then, after a little while, she would walk to the door and look back at me. As if to say, "Okay, you've had some time to cry, now you need to come back in and try to get some sleep." So I would go in and cuddle with her some more, and usually be able to sleep.
I am fully convinced that animals, especially cats, can read our moods. Which leads me into my first thankful comment--it's been really busy lately and this morning I sat down to chill out, watching an old episode of Julia Child baking bread. One of my kittens leapt onto my lap and snuggled in ... and then kitten #2 hopped up on the sofa and snuggled next to me. I decided to enjoy the moment, rather than doing something "productive". Sometimes I need a reminder that it's ok to take a quiet moment for myself.
Thankful for knowledgeable plumbers who were prompt and efficient with making needed repairs. For my daughter's 18th birthday yesterday and for the privilege of 18 years of being her mom. For a sunshiny day. For hiking trails nearby where I can enjoy the sunshine (bonus points that it counts as exercise). I always relate to your hiking adventures, Kristen! Finding new areas to hike (like your new beach) are like opening a present.
Congrats to Mia! And thanks to everyone who has chimed in with cute cat and dog stories of their own. I enjoy reading about them.
This week, mostly thankful for great insurance. My pre-op testing for a catheter angiogram was almost $77,000 for the doctor and hospital bills. I paid $73. My son had a bad cold and was tested for flu/covid/strep and was negative for all, got meds, etc for $24. Also, so very thankful he has none of those as we were exposed and I have surgery in 8 days...so I'm trying to avoid crowds and people, but he had been to the house for supper the night before he woke up sick.
thankful my mom and sister are coming today for a quick, unscheduled visit. We'll have lunch. Thankful for family.
and very thankful for the beautiful weather we have had recently. A solid 60-75 degrees and sunshine. Can't be beat!
Whoa! 77k!!
@Kristen, right?! I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this was a crazy amount! It was 4 hours for prep/procedure/recovery, but $77k seems like a LOT!
@Marlena, Yeah. About $70k too much.
@JDinNM, No way the insurance company paid them $77k. Minus your $73 contribution.
@Marlena, did you buy that doctor a new car? $77,000 is a lot of $$$, at least you only had to pay small amount.
@JDinNM, oh no...the insurance rates paid about $9k. They did ask for certain parts to be resubmitted also, but so far has paid $9k. Which irritates me to no end because they should just charge $9k. If someone didn't have insurance they wouldn't be able to negotiate the $9k rate. $77k...it's ridiculous.
I have a lot of bittersweet around my house. You'd think it would make for nice cut branches in vases, but the cut branches immediately drop their berries, making a huge mess.
Thankful:
1. It hasn't been too cold, except for yesterday, while we sit waiting for the new boiler to arrive.
2. Not much traffic.
3. Mom's still with us, though she's hallucinating a lot, and will cheerfully tell me long stories about hallucinations. "Did that really happen, Mom?" "I'm not actually sure."
4. I figured out a way to buy a book I've been looking for for years. Can't decide whether to save it for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
5. Got a major house annoyance taken care of.
Annoyed about:
1. The does are coming back to eat the ferals' food, again.
2. I'm so much more sleepy and weak than usual. Sleeping 12-14 hours a day.
3. My daughter not wanting anything physical for Christmas. Reminds me of my ex and his horrible attitude to gift giving.
4. Larger dog chewed up my bank debit card. Thanks, girl! SIGH.
I hope your boiler arrives soon and that the cold weather holds off for you.
I recommend going hard with the baking. 😉 Pot roast! Slow-cooked pork! Baked potatoes! Muffins! Of course, that only helps much if your oven is centrally located. My current oven is sort of off in a corner so idk if it would help much. At my other house, it's a little more central.
@Kristen, It's not at all central. I could turn on the oven, but I haven't cooked anything much in days because I've been so weak and shaky on my feet. I keep trying to decide if I have enough energy to take a shower, for example.
Ahh, I'm so sorry. It is so tough when your body will not cooperate with what you want to do.
I am thankful for the warm weather this week. My procrastinating self failed to take the opportunity to winterize earlier in the season and I have been a second chance.
Thankful for a lovely church family who will visit tomorrow and help with many outside activities I cannot get dome by myself. Thankful my friends are teaching their children to be mindful of the needs of others. I am not the only one thy help.
Thankful for today to have the time (and desire and energy!) to work on the inside of the house.
Thankful for the glucosamine chondroitin that renewed some of my dog Molly's pep. She is part beagle and was (past tense) a bouncy dog that jumped up to the bed and couch and down from the same and and injured one of her back legs in the bouncing down. I cradle her up and down from the bed hanging onto her a little longer while she starts wagging her tail. She is a love bug!
Thankful for my neighbors and the city for allowing a "relaxed" yard upkeep code so I can maintain a pollinator habitat. I do not rake or trim back native perennials until late spring so the various bees, bugs, moths and butterflies have a chance to survive.
I have not shared yet that the "twofer" (decor and food) pumpkins and squash that I got a few weeks ago have ALL been consumed by the squirrels! I suspect my neighbors to the south and I will be "enjoying" volunteer plants of the same next summer.
@Chrissy, My apple tree once had a banner year -- so many apples the squirrels came and formed cheerleader-type pyramids so the top squirrel could jump up and grab the higher up apples. It was funny. Until it wasn't.
@JDinNM, cool! I’d pay good money to see that! Put it on YouTube!
*Thankful For:
-Kristen's classmates. She is doing 3 very big life things...the big d, gracefully supporting herself and kids, tough curriculum to support future awesome self. Support however it comes, is golden!
- The good weather, albeit rainy, it will allow me to put beautiful dahlias and alstromeria on my dad's grave on what would've been his 80th birthday.
- For my 30 year friendship/kinship with a friend who went on hospice yesterday. I will support the family as needed (she has a huge family - 5 kids, 30 grandkids, 60 great grands).
-For my awesome pup, she turned 6 mo this week and she is 35 lbs and still loves to cuddle...oooph!
-For my great chronic pain support group that I'm leading. From a nursing perspective it is so genuinely encouraging that people are willing to try other methods to alleviate pain. Being a Emergency Room nurse for years...enough said!
Ending with a great imagery quote:
“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” Kristin Armstrong
Aww, thank you. 🙂
I am in an all-day meeting today but I am in a conference room with the most beautiful river views. The river is going to be frozen soon, but today it is flowing, the sky is blue, and people are going for walks and enjoying the unseasonable warm weather.
I’ve had a cough for three weeks. I finally made it to the doctor because no OTC medication was helping. I felt heard during my appointment and I was given a medication that was helpful right away. 24 hours later and I already feel more like myself.
My husband has been working some insane hours for the past few months. I understand why and we do make sure to spend a little down time together each night. The last few weeks he’s been making a point to check in with me to see how I’m doing with our lack of time together. I appreciate that he’s checking in and I know he would do things differently if asked him to, but I understand why he’s doing what he’s doing and I’m trying to be his support. Just him checking in and being aware is what I need – this is a season, not forever.
I got our family pictures back and I am in love with them. I’m so thankful I finally took the time to get our pictures taken as a family.
I spent some time with my grandparents last weekend. My son and I went over to their house for the afternoon and he brought his trumpet over for a mini concert. My grandpa was just tickled to hear him play and kept shushing my grandma when she was chatting with me while my son was warming up. They live about 45 minutes from my house so the likelihood of them attending a concert is low since the concert are usually in the evening, so this was a real treat.
Aww, your list is delightful!
@Geneva, re your #1: Prior to retiring, I worked for an organization that was located on a lovely part of the Mississippi River in downtown Minneapolis. I LOVED watching the river, the bald eagles, the people - all of it. Thanks for jogging those memories!
I just love your nature photos, Kristen. They're like having a mini-vacation when I see them. And thanks to you and all the posters for being so honest and genuine in your comments. Sometimes we feel down and discouraged, and it's a source of solace to realize we're not alone in feeling blue. Oh, and I'm sure you will soon join your friend in passing that big certification exam on the first try. You, too, are a star student!
1. This Sunday, I was both thankful and amazed to see the flowers at church. They let you sponsor the flowers, but you don't get to select them. Nov. 5 would've been my parents wedding anniversary had they lived, and I commemorated the day. The floral arrangement featured bright and cheerful flowers that Momma would have just loved. I couldn't have picked out any more beautiful arrangements if I'd been tasked with the job.
2. Thankful for friends, even if they are many states away, being there for me. Missing my parents, and also hearing of another friend's passing, made me very blue. I was able to talk to my former roommate (not the bad one I've written about earlier, but an absolute angel of a friend) for a couple of hours Sunday afternoon. She listens with her heart, is very attuned to spiritual things and provided me with amazing insights that made things better.
3. On a related subject, thankful for not having to pay long distance (phone calls) anymore. Remember when it was super expensive to call out of town? Having long distance provided free with your phone service IMO is the 2nd greatest thing ever to come from the telecommunications industry....right up there with the cool old light-up Princess phone I got for my 16th birthday. That was back when rotary dial landlands were the cutting edge technology, LOL. But I wish I still had it on my bedside table.
4. That the statewide proposition to lower all homeowners' property tax passed. It lowers my annual taxes by a LOT....and means that I can afford to live in my house for many, many years to come.
5. That sage advice from friends is only a few keystrokes away, thanks to the internet. My retired teacher buddies are advising me about when to totally quit subbing, and I also found out about refinancing cars at credit unions. (More on that later.)
I have often thought about the long-distance thing! I would not be able to talk to Lisey nearly as much if we had to pay long distance rates still.
And...I'm so glad you enjoy the photos! I love being able to share the beauty that I see.
@Fru-gal Lisa, i had a princess phone too. and back then they used to let you change the color for free. i had a blue one a green one and a yellow. i am an only child so i got mine for my 13th birthday. i had my own number and everything.
I don't know so much about cats (I'm new to loving them), but dogs 100% know when you need comforting. It is truly amazing and a gift from God. I love the pictures of things you find on your walks.
There are so many words that come to my mind that say more about who you are/dream to be than "divorced" RN. Kind, knowledgeable, skilled, compassionate, devoted, and resourceful are a few. I pray that very soon you can be done with the horrible process of "D" and move on into a most wonderful career.
I am sure that once I'm on the other side, the "divorced" part will be small. But when you are in the midst of the process, you look at people who are on the other side of that finish line, and you feel anxious to be there!
And yes, I hope to be much more than just a divorced RN. 🙂
Loving your photos, as usual, Kristen!
I’m thankful that my husband is recovering well from a knee injury. This injury to his meniscus has prevented him from doing his daily walks. As well, it has kept us from dancing. But the PT visits and slow exercises at home are helping the knee to gain more mobility with less pain. The therapist has now recommended he ( we) start slowly back into our dancing routine. So for that, we are so grateful.
I’m thankful for an upcoming Christmas concert in 2 weeks that we can attend with good friends.
I’m thankful for medical folks who treat humans. But I’m also grateful for veterinarians. Our little pup,Wally, brings us so much joy but this week he’s been sullen and lethargic. His ears seem to be bothering him ( he’s scratching them a lot) so we’re thankful to have a vet appointment for him tonight.
I’m thankful to have my car back. A relative needed to borrow it for the past week or so … “ you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” So I feel more independent now. My mother never learned to drive so she depended on my father or other family members to take her on errands whether they were to the library or food store or fabric store. But she was used to that lifestyle. I guess I’m spoiled but I’m grateful, too, for the ability to drive as well as for a reliable vehicle.
I’m thankful for the energy I’ve had this week. I’ve been making measurable progress in sorting, organizing and sometimes discarding, various stuff cluttering our home. I don’t know how things pile up so quickly but I’m glad to be making some headway.
I’m so thankful for the variety of birds that visit our yard. The Carolina wrens are especially cute. I think they go after spiders so that’s an extra bonus. 🙂
The thing to be most thankful for this week was a good parking spot. (It's been a hectic and aggravating week but the good parking spot meant I wasn't late and when my dental work took twice as long as planned - that's not good news, ya kno - at least I didn't get a parking ticket.)
OK, I should be able to do better than that.
That I can get my COVID booster and be cranky, rather than pretending to be happy or something.
My house is coming together nicely.
I checked out my first holds from my new library. New library does ILL for free, unlike old library which charged $5 for it. At that price I might as well buy the book.
That I found a good candidate for a bag/sling/pouch/belt bag for my father, so maybe he can stop misplacing his phone, his glasses, his credit card, his driver's license... He's brilliant and is amazingly competent about a vast number of things, and boy does he get sloppy about certain types of details. ... Or maybe the bag just means he'll be more efficient and lose them all at once.
my son is in middle school, and he gets three to four tests a week. i don't remember having so many tests and i am grateful that i didn't have so many. he is an a student and always worries that he flunked one of his tests. meanwhile i continue to be grateful that you continue this blog. it is such a blessing in my life.
Ha! Retired 7 years ago, but still knew the Na, H & H, Creat, and since you already posted the pH of urine, Plasma Osmolarity was a cinch. That was fun!
This week's gratitudes:
1. Thankful that the cortisone shot is still mostly working, even with a setback earlier this week. I just have to remember the cause is still there, and not to overdo it.
2. Thankful for the receptionist's assistance with my husband's knee appt. Hubby has been having severe right knee pain (his only functioning let), and the earliest appt I could get him for a cortisone shot was Nov. 29. Added to that is the fact it is usually 1-2 weeks before one feels relief, which meant it would be at least 5 weeks more of pain. So I called the office back on Mon. and asked that he be placed on a cancellation list--and she called back Tues with a Wed 8 am appt. Injection is done, and pain relief is going to be 4 weeks earlier than anticipated!
3. Restoration of health for my dog. Ziva, 10 1/2 years old, has had a rough 6 months, with back to back knee surgeries, and then an infection of some growths on her backside. Vet appt yesterday showed all infection is gone, activity restrictions are lifted, and Ziva was happy-dancing in the office and even rolled over for the vet to rub her tummy. I have not seen her so happy and playful in months! She still needs the surgery, but the vet and I agreed she needs a few weeks to just be a happy, healthy dog again before the next event.
4, Ziva's groomer. In light of all the surgeries, illness, tummy upsets, etc. said dog has not been bathed or trimmed in 12 weeks, which is about 5 weeks too long in the best of conditions. She was looking like a homeless stray, and with my knee, I couldn't even put her in a shallow tub of water to wash her feet. Today was finally appt day, and Debbie did an awesome job of cutting back all that heavy fur, her nails, her ears, and her backside, despite the growths and all the little body moles that were hidden by the fur. Ziva is sooo much cooler and not sliding around on the hardwood floors.
5. Gratitude by my dog. I am the one who has to apply ointment to sore places, put drops in ears, get pills down her throat, leave her at the groomer's, hold her down at the vet's, etc. And she is not a cuddly type dog. But this afternoon, after I brought her home, she came over to where I was sitting and just rested her chin on my knee for the longest time while I stroked her and scratched her ears. I'm not actually certain if she was saying thanks or forgiving me, but I'm grateful for either!
@StephanieLD, awwww...sweet pup. My dog also is not a cuddler so when she does give affection of any type or even tolerates my affection...it's the best!
@StephanieLD, yes! Semi-retired RN but like you, I had to make sure I still knew my stuff (lab values). Sure helped with my recent health issues- I could look at my labs on my own phone app, and it helped to see the trends and the big picture and make decisions. And Hgb of 7= not normal, but trending in the right direction. Much better now.
Congratulations to your friend Mia, Kristen. After we finished hospital-based nurses’ training, as it was called, we took what were called “state boards” by going in person to a huge hotel ballroom where we sat at tables with paper tests for 1 or 2 days. Being a young, divorced mom, I couldn’t afford the pricey review classes, so I hoped and prayed I had learned well! The night before, two of my classmates and I went to dinner at a restaurant and I got food poisoning, so spent most of the night up in bathroom. I passed with flying colors. I’ll never forget walking to the mailbox and opening the letter right there.
I’m thankful that this week is almost done, does that count? Haha!
But really, I’m thankful that:
1. We have a nice functioning pellet stove, a heat pump, and a full oil tank, because I don’t like being cold.
2. That I didn’t have to go anywhere in the snow today, because I no longer enjoy driving in snow.
3. For my sister, also an RN, who takes over the care of my mother when I’m not around.
4. That I got to work the election with a friend that I haven’t seen in a long time, and we got to visit while we worked!
5. That my aunt and I had a nice ride to her new home, (nursing home, that is) reminiscing and laughing all the the way. It was all downhill when we got there, but, we got there. It is going to take a while for her to adjust, not her strong suit. But I hated leaving her crying and yelling as I went down the hall. Some days are just hard. My heart ached hearing her, but it was the only safe option.
6. I am SO thankful for the kind supportive staff at the home, and that it is a top notch, beautiful place to be.
I am just happy that people can be kind. When I went to lunch afterwards, the staff there wasn’t nearly as kind. But I’m sure there’s a reason for that, and it is not on me to judge anyone.
Thankful for-
My boss who picked up lunch for us.
That she tolerates me for my openness about certain issues at work.
That we can afford to take my dog to the groomer.
For fellow work peeps who all talked about an employee that passed prior to covid. We miss her. She would be happy to know we keep her in our hearts.
Super thankful my son & wife are heading up for Thanksgiving!! We will have so much fun.
That the weird cough I caught has made me lose my voice, I have felt A ok the whole time.
As the mama of your friend who just passed her NCLEX, I am thankful for HER!
And I am thankful that you were there with her during those early months/years. Now she can be with you.
Our fur babies can be amazing. When I had a major surgery, my pet rabbit wouldn't leave my side for days - even for treats! We called her my therapy bunny.