Thankful Thursday | my heart is so NORMAL
This week, I am thankful:
that I got to have an EKG
During our school EKG lab, I volunteered to have my fellow students do an EKG on me, and ohhh, it is so cool to see my heart rhythm on an EKG strip!
I know it's just a normal sinus rhythm, but after doing a deep dive into EKGs these last few weeks, it's so interesting to see the electrical pattern my own heart is putting out.
I don't know how to explain it, but I look at the strip and I'm like, "Oh my gosh, look at that! I produce P waves and QRS complexes! Whoa!"
that my EKG is boringly normal
I have looked at so many problematic EKG strips in the last few weeks, it is nice to look at my own and see how everything is working just as it should in my heart!
When my instructor was looking at the machine, she said, "Do you exercise?" because my heart rate was in a nice healthy spot. So of course, that made me happy. My walks and gym sessions are probably helping maintain my heart health. 🙂
I will say that learning about all the things that can go wrong with the human body makes me really appreciate things like having normal blood pressure, a good A1C, an unremarkable EKG, and so on.
that we got snow!
The snow didn't stick around for long, but I did squeeze in a snowy walk in the woods, and that made my heart happy.
I so appreciate any breaks we get from winter brown!
that my boot fix held up
As it turns out, I shoe-gooed my boot just in time for the snow. And it held up just fine during my trudge through the snow.
for a job that is never boring
I picked up a little four-hour shift yesterday, and in just those four hours, so many interesting/funny/entertaining/wild things happened.
Life is never boring at the hospital! And I appreciate that.
that my clinical commute is short
I am realizing just how fabulously wonderful it is to have nearby clinicals this semester.
This is the semester with the most clinical days, so it is going to save me massive amounts of time to be at a nearby hospital. Clinical days are way more manageable when you don't have to spend several hours driving!
that I am here in fourth semester
I was thinking about how much our class has shrunk since we started (not everyone passes each semester, so we lose a good number each time), and that really made me feel thankful to have the privilege of even being in fourth semester.
I know it's gonna be hard and a lot of work but I am grateful to be here.
that my exam grade was pretty ok
I generally get As on my exams, but this time I got 52/60, which is an 86%.
That's a little on the lower side for me (especially considering how hard I studied!), but everyone I talked to got lower grades than they usually get. So, I am just gonna carry on, keep on studying hard, and hope that the exams don't get harder from here.
And I will be grateful that an 86% is still a very safe distance from a failing grade (which is anything less than 75%).
that I got my 1 point on my paper (ha)
We had an assignment to write a paper about the social determinants of health, with APA formatting and all.
But it was only worth one measly point! So the options were to get 1 point or zero points.
Thankfully, I got my one point.
I would have been annoyed to put in all that effort and get a zero!
For getting a number of unpleasant, meticulous, and tedious office chores done, such as organizing the paperwork & manuals that came with my new house.
That all the work I did to find auctioneers & consigners to sell things has come to fruition. I have my mudroom and spare room back, not to mention the extra cash.
That between us, the roommate and I can fix a lot of things around the house.
For how in the morning my dog jumps on my bed and cuddles up.
For my yarn stash.
For how my niece looks forward to our cooking lessons.
@WilliamB, I love that you and your niece are doing cooking lessons!
@William B,
Ditto to what Beverly said. That is so cool!!!!
@WilliamB,
If Kristen does do updated Meet the Readers, I’d love to hear about your new house.
@WilliamB,
That's so awesome that between you both, you and your roommate can fix most things. My DH and I are are similar; he does electric/mechanical things (plus heavy lifting), and I do more sewing repair/gluing/paint touch up/cleaning-type repairs.
@ErikaJS, I second this request.
Good job on your test. 🙂
I love looking at EKG's of the heart also. I've been interested in learning a little more about the heart (my personal choice) so maybe I could check out some online material. Has you heard what any heart professionals think of the portable EKG readers sold on TV/online/CVS? For $100 I would think it's a good investment to regularly check your heart EKG & the app keeps track of each reading. Then you would know when your heart rhythm is different from normal & be able to possibly get ahead of heart problems by going to heart doctors earlier.
Thankful the previous me bought cold/flu meds & Kleenex when on sale & stocked up some as lots of people sick around us. Luckily so far just colds for us.
Thankful for warm house to keep us sheltered from Winter wonderland.
I was actually happily surprised that frozen waterfalls popped up on my Instagram feed yesterday (bucket list place) in Munising, Michigan where the waterfalls are still pretty frozen & safe to explore behind the waterfalls. Some people climb the frozen waterfalls (local experts offer experience) which is usually a very limited timeline, but longer this year. 😉
Thankful teen found my large package delivered yesterday (which was early) & safely got inside before snowstorm.
Thankful teen put together new shelving for bathroom & successfully got into bathroom (alone). It looks so much nicer & more accessible to items.
Thankful work has not been crazy yet, steady most days & few slow times but nothing overwhelming yet. I did forget to mention that anyone who bought electric vehicle in 2024 (from dealer) can get one time tax credit for electric vehicle purchased.
Thankful for more sunshine! I try to go to a window (or outside) occasionally while at work to soak up that Vitamin D & just to see the sun. March 9 is daylight savings (again) which means 1 extra hour of sunshine really soon. 🙂
Thankful picked up white eggs at Save-a-lot $4/dozen when stopped to look for motor oil at Dollar General (next door). Found boneless Sirloin for $5.50/pound that I picked up 2 packages of & will portion out & freeze today.
Thankful teen helping more with (actually cooking) dinner. Not super fancy, but easy & edible. I think today I'll make some lemon bars for us for Valentine's day (tomorrow if they last until then) for a treat teen enjoys.
Thankful for a unexpected day off as some staff off for day & not needed in office because not much to do, will miss the OT on my paycheck. So I volunteered to take day off (another coworker did yesterday) & will get some things done at home after shoveling the snow that came down yesterday/last night.
Thankful always for Kristen & her blog sit where we can learn & grow from each other.
Sending lots of virtual hugs & love <3 for Valentine's day tomorrow & a great weekend.
@Regina, You're right! Michigan seems to be getting more sunshine than usual this winter! Thankful for that!
1 point! How frustrating. My daughter's middle school grades everything out of 4. What happened to marking things out of 20 or 50 or 100? I'm befuddled...
@Elisabeth, And by frustrating, I mean for anyone who put in effort and got a 0. I'm so glad you got the necessary 1, but it's in essence a straight pass/fail with no wiggle room. Yikes.
@Elisabeth, the practice of medicine can be like that - live or die with no wiggle room.
@WilliamB, Yep, in my college all the other disciplines have the grade scale so that an 80 percent is about a B...that's a C in the nursing school. And you need to keep at least a C average, so 80 percent, to advance in the nursing program. It's rigorous for a reason.
Your snow pictures are so pretty!!
This week I'm thankful:
* for a friend that's willing to have my kids over so I can go to work today. This is our second 'snow day Thursday' in a row and Thursday is the day I go to my gig that pays. She knows her kids will squabble less with friends over, I can go to work, and everybody wins.
* for how my oldest is growing. She turned 11 this week and she has chosen kind friends and she's a good kid.
* for hot coffee.
* for friends that we've watched the Super Bowl with year after year. I saw a picture of our kids from 8 years ago and they were so little! I'm thankful for the longevity of friendships.
@Ruth T, I love everything on your list, but what especially jumped out at me was your daughter choosing kind friends. That's such a relief as a parent, I know. Yay for her.
@Ruth T, “longevity of friendships”, yes indeed. We have lost a few friends due to moving, drugs, suicide, and those long-term friendships become more precious each year.
-I share Kristen's thankfulness for the snow this week!
-That the ice storm that was supposed to happen on top of the almost foot of snow was mostly just rain. The ice would have equaled some power outages for sure.
-That my husband was able to shovel a path out of our long, steep driveway.
-For the school librarian and her reading challenge. It pushes me to read more instead of wasting time on my phone, and has been fun to connect with colleagues chatting about the books we're reading.
-For frozen fruit! Kristen mentioned fresh produce in yesterday's post and I generally agree wholeheartedly. But frozen fruit works so well in my morning oatmeal, is affordable and quick, doesn't spoil like fresh, and my husband doesn't eat all the frozen blueberries in one day like he does with fresh hahaha.
@Heather Mar, Agreed, i prefer frozen fruit (especially raspberries, which are so expensive fresh) in my oatmeal! Cools down the oatmeal, too.
1. I too am thankful for pretty snow. We're up here visiting family in the north.
2. For this special time with family.
3. For a nice meal out with a cousin I rarely get to see.
Yay for healthy hearts! And if your nursing program is anything like mine, an over 80% grade is just fine. I realize yours is a very rigorous program, but an 86% sounds great for a very challenging exam.
And yes to getting any and all points in a class. They all add up!
My thankfuls:
That DH can still take leave on days like today, when I have class and the youngest has a dentist appointment.
That it looks like DH's organization will not (hopefully) be affected by all the turbulence going on in government employment.
That even if something did happen, we have plenty saved and have faith that all will be as it should.
For how worried Clark is about me getting out of bed. We've realized that he gets concerned when my blood pressure is very low (I have chronic low blood pressure, and sometimes it tanks). When that happens, he starts bumping against me and nibbling to "wake me up." I know there are some animals that can sense low blood sugar, but I wonder if he's sensing my blood pressure somehow? He also gets anxious if I'm in a hot bath (also lowers blood pressure). Animals are wonderful.
@Karen A.,
There was a hospice program in a town where I was a newspaper reporter. They had a resident cat. Any time he'd jump in bed with a patient, they knew to call the patient's family in. Somehow that cat sensed when death was imminent, and usually his jumping in bed meant the patient was going to die within a few hours. Very strange how that worked.
A friend of mine had a rescue dog she took in. The dog was on the brink of death, but she nursed it back to health. She saved its life and the pooch returned the favor: one day she was lounging on her sofa and the dog jumped up and began frantically scratching at her chest. When she reached up to stop him, she felt a lump. Yes, it was the beginning of breast cancer! The funny thing is that she'd just gotten her mammogram a couple of months before, and they found nothing. But the dog detected it! The doctors said they were able to remove all the cancer and it was the size of a grain of rice. So they got it super early thanks to her puppy dog. Like I said, he saved her life!
@Fru-gal Lisa, WOW to both!!!
@Fru-gal Lisa, the nursing home my Papa and Grandma went to had a cat that also did that.
I know this is negative but I'm thankful that the snow we got will not be here forever. I am already craving springtime.
Very thankful that by next week that we will be gaining something like three minutes of daylight per day. We are at around 10 and a half hours per day now which is nice.
For my local library. We are a book owning family but we don't want to own *every* book so it's nice to be able to just borrow some. Also, my wife and daughter got a movie that they wanted to see and will most likely watch it this weekend. It's not my cup of tea so I will pass on that. 😛
For still having a job and seeming to be considered to be good at what I do. We lost some people at work and it has the rest of us on edge even though it wasn't a layoff (since they will be replaced) but knowing that anyone can be replaced, ya know.
1. Two work problems got resolved that were stressing me out.
2. My kids joined me for the Superbowl
3. The pets having fun in our bit of snow
4. An impromptu meet up with a group of friends on Monday
5. Positive update on my brother's health
There's of course other things but these were top of mind
Thankfuls:
--For a real day off from school yesterday thanks to nasty icy fog and power outages. Because of the power issues, we didn't even have to do virtual school. YAY.
--That we're okay in power outages thanks to our woodstove, propane cookstove, and generator if we need it. Also, we have lots of windows in our kitchen/dining room, which is also where the woodstove is, so everyone just moves into that one area for the heat, food, and light to read.
--That my children don't actually care if there's no electricity. They are not very into electronics, so it doesn't cause a problem for them. I know some kids from school who would not be okay without their constant electronic entertainment, and that would be hard to deal with.
--That our chickens have started laying again. We only have five hens at the moment, but we're back to getting 3 or 4 eggs a day from them, which is good timing given how much eggs cost at the store right now. I still think home eggs cost more in feed than store eggs do, but then, I don't have to drive anywhere to get these eggs, either.
--Relatedly, for the meat from our sheep flock. Again, the cost of hay negates a lot of the cost savings of raising our own meat, but the cost of meat is going way up, too, so it's nice to have it there on the hoof, so to speak. We had two ram lambs born last week that will go in our freezer next fall, and our ram is going to his freezer reward probably this weekend. (We periodically buy in a new ram to avoid inbreeding, and also to have a younger one that isn't as aggressive as the older ones always end up being.)
--For my dryer. I used it day before yesterday when we were in the middle of a frozen cloud, and it was nice not to have draped clothing drying all over my kitchen. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, Yes about the eggs. We haven't figured out the cost for feed, but I am certain that having chickens is becoming a better deal for us than it used to be.
@Jody S., I have found the price of feeding chickens to be very low. I have garden and kitchen scraps. I also get stuff like old bread and old vegetables for free from here and there. 20% of their diet is grains, I buy broken mais, barley and wheat. They do well and are healthy.
I’m thankful that I have space for a garden and well water. These will help me out if the economy tanks.
I’m thankful that I won’t have to drive in the icy weather today, and I’m looking forward to lounging in front of the fire with a good book and a kitty on my lap.
If you’re reading this, then I’m thankful that I managed to post without accidentally clicking one of these silly pop-up ads! I can’t believe Cadillac is advertising in a frugal blog. Ha!
@Ann on the farm, maybe Cadillac is hoping to snag a reader who wants to buy quality that lasts. Or maybe the robots just see anything that relates to wealth and then attach ads. I haven’t thought of Cadillac for years. . . Lexus or Acura come to my mind for luxury cars.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, I guess the ads are all over the place. Now they suggest that my hair might be thinning and perhaps I need to deodorize some nether regions!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, so strange - I've never seen an ad on this site. The browser's ad blocker must be doing its job (and sorry @Kristen if that cuts into your revenue).
As someone who first had atrial fibrillation at age 55, I never take a boring EkG for granted!
I was very symptomatic, even on meds, and I ended up having an ablation procedure which, thankfully, worked.
(My only risk factor for afib was that I’m female- nothing else- so even doing everything “right “ I still had it.
Here’s to many more years of “boring EKG’s “ for you, Kristen!
This is a hard one to write. But I've shared things fairly freely with the FG Commentariat over the past several years, so I'll share this one too.
I'm thankful for the life, the loyalty, and the good heart of DH's best friend from high school, who was one of only two of DH's old friends to keep up periodically with him and me throughout DH's Alzheimer's process (as I think I've described before).
I discovered earlier this week (after he never answered an email I wrote about two weeks ago, and I Googled him) that this friend died Dec. 26--six weeks after his wife's death from a fast-moving form of cancer. From the two conversations I had with him between his wife's passing and his own, I know that he was despondent over her loss. And although his online obituary was terse and uninformative, I fear for various reasons that his death may have been a suicide.
Unfortunately, I'll probably never know. The couple had no children, and I didn't know any of their other family. But I'm grateful to have known them--and brokenhearted at their loss.
@A. Marie, I'm so sorry for your pain. I wish you gentle passage through this difficult time.
@A. Marie,
I'm so sorry to read this! I echo kristin@goingcountry on her wishes for you. This is a hard thing for you.
@A. Marie, I’m sorry. I recently lost a male friend in his 60s. The family published a very honest obituary, where it was stated that he’d chosen to end his own life. I feel terrible about it, but at least I know. I’ve since “checked in” with other single male friends, because I’ve heard that suicide is too common among lonely older men.
@A. Marie, I'm so sorry; what a hard loss. I have also been bushwacked this year by unexpected obituaries and it's such a numbing feeling. May your memories of his loyalty and kindness shine brightly.
@A. Marie, I am so sorry for your loss. If your friend didn't have kids, that alone could explain the terse obit.
May his memory be a blessing.
@A. Marie, I am so sorry. (((Hugs)))
@A. Marie, I too, am so sorry for your loss. I remember you mentioning this friend and his wife and the comfort from having them in your life.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear about this new loss. I'm sending you lots of love.
@A. Marie, I am so sorry to read this, I hope your warm memories will carry you through.
@A. Marie, I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss.
@A. Marie, truly devastating.
@A. Marie, sending loving thoughts your way on the loss of this important connection in your life.
I'm seeing more and more terse or short obituaries in the newspaper for financial reasons. I've instructed my family to publish a short obit in the paper and include the general URL for the funeral home. Interested parties can then click that link and search the funeral home's Obituaries page where they have posted my lengthy obit (it's already written) and will leave it on their site permanently. This option is particularly useful in the Twin Cities as we have both a Saint Paul and a Minneapolis newspaper. We published my parents' full obituaries in both papers and it was expensive. Of course, some families go with a short obit for whatever reason no matter where it's posted.
@A. Marie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know from our virtual interactions and your comments that you care deeply for your friends and community. Please take care of yourself.
@A. Marie,
May your memories bring you comfort. I am saddened to hear of your loss of a good friend. Sending you lots of hugs and praying for all the lonely people out there. Our church has a prayer during its service that asks God to bless our family, friends and neighbors..."and those who are alone." Valentine's Day may be a particularly difficult day for the latter group. Sending love to everyone!
@MB in MN, And keep a printed copy with the family records. I was dismayed to learn that the funeral home that ran the digital obit for my mother-in-law deletes all obits after two years.
@A. Marie, I'm sorry for this loss. 🙁
@A. Marie, oh i am so sorry for your loss. a double whammy. may his memory be for a blessing. my hubby lost a dear friend. he kept in touch with her quite often. when he didn't hear back, he called the police. they called him back and let him know she had passed a month prior. hubby contacted a rabbi who was able to put hubby in touch with his friend's brother. again, i am so sorry for your loss.
@A. Marie, I am thankful for the positive way you affirm the lives of those who are precious to you. You are a very loving person and I too am sorry for this loss.
@A. Marie, Oh, Dear One. Thank you for sharing this news as tough as it is. I'm offering a virtual hug as you go through this heartwrenching loss. Love to you.
@A. Marie,
How sad for you and their families. Sending you warm hugs at this difficult to bear time.
A. Marie---Me, too. How very painful!!!
@A. Marie,
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. He and his wife sound like caring people, and I'm thankful they were there for you when you and your DH were dealing with his Alzheimers. Sending you hugs.
@Kristina, good to know! I will add a note that my family should confirm with the funeral home that their policy is still to retain the obit permanently.
@A. Marie, I am so sorry that more grief has come into your life.
@A. Marie, Oh how sad about the loss of your DH friend. Hoping that he is in a better place. Sorry for your loss.
@A. Marie, sorry to hear this. He was a true friend, there thru thick and thin. From my personal point of view, please don't feel any fear that his death was a suicide. While he may have been despondent over her loss, there may have been one or more issues in his life - ones that may have been a road block to living, not just being alive.
It sucks, no doubt. Take heart that YOU kept in touch with him after his wife's death and may have been only one or two people that did so.
@A. Marie,
Om gosh, I'm so sorry to hear that you found out about the death of your husband's death like that.
I had a similar experience with an old friend a few years ago. We knew each other 40+ years after being in military training together when we were both 18. We kept in touch a few times a year and he always called me on my birthday. I didn't hear from him one year. I lived on the other side of the country and his phone had been turned off and his FN page had no recent activity. It took me some time to track down his sister in yet another state who told me he had died. He'd been battling cancer on and off and I always felt awful that I didn't know he'd taken a turn for the worse. We never got a chance to say goodbye.
@A. Marie,
Ah, this is tough for various reasons. Wishing you strength -
Thankful that I had my last PT appointment yesterday. I have a recheck with my surgeon in 2 weeks and she may order more PT but at least I'm done for now.
Thankful for my BFF who ordered a birthday present from Sam's for our grandson for me. She has a Sam's membership and I don't. Also, thankful it arrived before the birthday party.
Thankful that our replacement dishwasher is scheduled to be installed on Monday. We do not love handwashing dishes!
Thankful that I can work from home tomorrow and will have a short day.
Thankful that DH and I are both off Monday for President's Day.
A normal EKG is definitely something to be excited about. I clearly remember the one that showed I have a left bundle branch block as it got the technician very excited in a bad way lol. I’ve lived with knowing that for about 30 years and it is fine.
So, I’m thankful my heart defect is not a problem for my health!
I’ve probably said this before, but I am continually thankful that my sons, DILs and granddaughters want to spend time with us. Their love and care is very life enhancing.
I’m thankful for our dog who we hesitated to adopt due to our age. Both sons & DILs said they would give him a home if we became unable to care for him so we got a great puppy who is now 3. He is very social and a very fun companion.
I am very thankful that we can afford to heat our house and pay for the upcoming insulation improvements.
@Juhli, we made the same offer to my FIL and my grandpa. My grandpa had pets from the time he was very young (grew up on a farm) and I don't think he wanted to outlive another pet. My dad adopted two (now very spoiled) cats after my mom died - we have a plan in place for the cats. Dad does not want them to go back to the no-kill shelter.
First time commenting on a Thankful Thursday post but after a hard start to the year I feel it's needed:
1) For my wonderful nephew, who has brought joy to our hearts after the recent death of his father, my brother.
2) For modern medicine, such that my mum's cancer is treatable and we will soon be able to celebrate her being back to full health.
3) For my husband's new job, he will be starting in a few weeks after having had a dreadful time in his current role.
4) For a healthy daughter, she is full of cold at the minute but otherwise she is happy and healthy and wonderful.
5) For savings, such that we don't have to worry too much that our (14 year old) car now needs replacing.
I am SO glad you joined us!
@Jen, when life has that many difficult, painful, and frightening things, it can be hard to find the thankfuls. Your list is impressive for many reasons. Nice job!
Congrats on the test!
1. Re: your EKG, my paternal grandmother died at 43 from a congenital heart condition, my maternal grandmother had angina, my mother and both of her brothers had arrhythmia and my dad had a heart murmur. I'm really thankful for my so-far completely normal heart function, too!
2. I'm thankful that my daughter had a safe flight to Finland. She will be at meetings in both Finland and Sweden all this week.
3. This may sound odd, but I'm thankful that DH and I never really did anything for St. Valentine's Day. It means tomorrow won't make me sad. I do plan to treat myself with some chocolate, however, because I'm a chocoholic and the chocolate seen everywhere for St. Valentine's Day is calling my name.
4. I'm thankful that most of my yard's plants seem to be recovering from hurricanes and ice storms and flooding and what have you. I'm concerned about the loquat tree, but I'm going to give it some time. I'm watching the new buds starting to sprout and relieved to see so many of them. Now if we just won't get a cold snap that kills a bunch of the bloom buds!
5. I'm thankful for the birthday yesterday of my oldest sibling, and that so many of her family and friends are celebrating with her all this week, here on her first birthday since she was widowed. I'll be with her myself next week!
@JD, the only thing my DH and I ever did for Valentine's (which we always regarded as a Hallmark-generated holiday) was to nip out for half-price chocolates on Feb. 15. Weather permitting, I may do the same this year. And, like you, I'm glad that Valentine's won't bum me out.
Also, please give my regards to your sister when you visit next week. You've said so much about her here that I view her as an auxiliary member of the Commentariat.
I also will be buying myself marked-down chocolate the day after. Heh.
@A. Marie,
Deepest sympathy for your loss.
@A. Marie,
The stores here have gotten so quick on yanking the candy out on the holiday itself or even the day before, that I can't count on it the day after! I'm already seeing Easter displays pushing out Valentine's displays!
I will tell my sister hi! I've repeated some of the kind comments and advice here for her, and she is amazed at what a nice group of virtual friends there are here. She isn't into computers, so she won't be joining us, but I keep her posted.
@JD, how funny to have meetings scheduled during winter in those cold countries.
Husband and I have always viewed Valentine’s Day as Hallmark Day. I believe any day is a good day for chocolate, always 70% or darker.
I have sister-visit-envy. Mine are too far for frequent visits. So glad you get to be with yours again!
@A. Marie, I will be joining in the half price chocolate purchases! As I do after every holiday! I do not care what color wrapper my Hershey kisses are in !
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
She goes to Norway on the 23rd of this month! My Florida girl has accumulated quite the collection of long coats, sweaters, thermal underwear, boots, gloves, scarves and hats.
@JD, The Finn remarks this winter has been exceptionally mild in Scandinavia. Your daughter will be fine!
@A. Marie, is dark, and I do mean dark, chocolate ever on sale after Valentine's Day?
I was super thankful yesterday that the weather wasn’t nearly as bad as expected. It was supposed to hit hard in the afternoon and evening, which would mean driving across town on ice and snow to pick up my son, plus my daughter potentially missing her last skate class.
I’m happy my daughter loved her skating classes! With just four classes, she went from frequently falling down to very confident with good balance and faster speed. The last class they even learned the beginnings of turning on the spot and skating backwards!
Right now, it’s super cold outside, but I’m enjoying a fire in the fireplace and a sleeping dog nearby. The only thing missing is a good book.
My husband got ahead of the winter weather and made it safely to his parents’ house. That is always something to be thankful for.
@JenRR, i hope you find a good book soon. i loved ina garten's memoir so much i couldn't put it down. i had never seen any of her shows or tried any of her recipess. but that will change. my 13 year old son and i are going to try her brownies. noah is a whiz in the kichen. i am a dud.
@Anita Isaac,
I read her autobiography not too long ago, and loved it! I haven't tried any of her recipes, yet, but I will be.
Your walk reminds me of a book “Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening” - a poem by Robert Frost that is beautifully illustrated.
Snow is beautiful everywhere, but most especially in the woods!
@Theresa, that’s one of a very small handful of poems I can remember. I’m thankful for my 4th grade teacher who had us memorize it.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
"Whose woods these are I think I know..." will be on replay in my head for the rest of the day. I too remember my teacher who taught this to us. Mrs. Belford was the best teacher ever!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana, when i was in 4th grade i had to memorize a part of julius caesar. i hate shakespeare and when i was in england i never got out of the bus to see his house. and i don't even regret it.
This week I am especially grateful for the wonderful, hard-working, conscientious and polite crew that painted almost every room of our house, including the walls, a few doors, some of the trim, and bathroom cabinetry. Most walls needed three coats of paint to cover what had been there when we moved in, and there was a lot of sanding and patching that needed to be done. There were tall ceilings and a tall stairwell, too. It was a big job that they finished in just over three days. Even if my husband and I could have tackled it ourselves, we would not have finished within our lifetimes.
What a smart use of money! It must feel great to have that all done.
@Kristen, thank you! It does feel really great.
I need this today. I'm feeling very winter blah-y.
1. For a reliable 4x4 vehicle. It's been snowy and slippery here and I know that, for the most part, I will be able to get where I need to go.
2. For the knowledge of how to be frugal. 2024 and the start of 2025 have been expensive, but I know the tips and tricks to get me through.
3. For this blog, which encourages me and gives me more tips on how to do the above. Thank you Kristen for having this space!
4. That each day is a new day to start fresh.
5. For streaming shows. I am old enough to remember that if you missed a show - you missed it. Mayyyybbeee you would be luckily enough to catch a rerun in the future, but don't count on it. Now, I can yoga when I want to yoga; rewatch Wayne's World if I want to; and watch Antiques Roadshow on my schedule.
Thankful this week for a lovely lunch with my best friends and for the rain that is finally making up for our very dry 2024. And for the sunshine this morning, which makes everything better.
I’m thankingful social security is ok for now!!! Not thankingful that Medicaid that serves 72 million from low income families is on the chopping block.
Thanks for applesauce ALDIs! And those little cornichons so crunchalicious and good.
And for the songs in my head and dancing.
@Tiana, I’d be in sad shape without the songs in my head!
WTG on the EKG!
I have abnormal T-waves,discovered 46 years ago,my cardiologists are fine with them and they don't bother me,so we're good.
If those waves have been serving you for 46 years, you are probably just fine. 😉
This is a tough week for me, which means I really need to do this exercise, so here goes.
Thankful that, while I got norovirus and 24 hours later also came down with a really hard chest cold, that my husband was sweet and supportive, that I can heal at home (I'm not sick enough to need to be hospitalized), and that my cats are keeping my spirits up. Also thankful for the spontaneous visit last night from some of the girls in my young adult group--they dropped off a valentine for me. It was a real day brightener. Lastly, I'm thankful for a reliable God in a very unreliable world.
@Kris,
Being "thankful for a reliable God in a very unreliable world" is a good one. Amen to that! Thanks for sharing, and I hope you feel better real soon.
@Fru-gal Lisa, thank you!
I read your comment below. As someone who was "older" (almost 36) when I got married, I got my share of "why aren't you married yet?" comments (I tried to take the viewpoint that they were kindly meant, but it came across like something was wrong with me). I'm sorry you have to deal with that. You would think that there are enough romantic "fails" out there for people to realize that singleness is not a bad thing.
• I’m reading a book that takes place during the Great Depression/Dust Bowl. I am thankful to be living when we are and not during that era. I am also thankful for the number of conversations that this book has sparked!
• We got just enough snow where everything is pretty again. I know I’m in the minority, but if it’s going to be this cold (currently negative 10) I want to have snow on the ground!
• I started my next step in my swollen foot saga. I began physical therapy this week and I have high hopes that it will work.
• I would like to keep my errands to a minimum this weekend if possible (cold temps, physical therapy related reasons) so I am thankful that it looks like our pantry will allow me to avoid the grocery store for about a week. I’ll get a little creative, but if we need anything I can have it delivered/my husband can pick it up.
• My husband and I already celebrated Valentine’s Day so we won’t have to battle the crowds at dinner tomorrow night. My son has the day off of school so I will take him to his favorite arepas restaurant for lunch, and then I’ll probably make homemade mac and cheese for dinner.
@Geneva, what’s the title of the book? I’m looking for ideas, and I love books set in that era.
Well,I am thankful you finally posted your test results! I knew you would be fine.I had my heart set on being an all A student when I was in nursing school but by my 4th semester,things were also harder and I took some B’s, thankfully! Funny thing, no one ever asked about my test grades,later in my actual career.But I get it.We have to have standards for yourselves and mine are high too.GOOD FOR YOU!! KEEP ON!!!! The finish line is very close! SOO glad your clinicals are close, also!!!!!
I woke up just very thankful in general this morning.Thankful for the morning light pouring in my living room windows, for a beautiful sunrise, for quiet time in house before everyone else is awake.I am grateful to reconnect with my rosary making group of friends at church this morning, we were on a little break and I miss the gals and the activity. Thankful for my breakfast for this roof over my head.That I can STILl afford eggs. That,with all the scary news out there, I am my family are basically safe and sound.I feel a need to give back now.. will be working at food bank next week.
Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
I thankful for …
1) Warmth through outer wear, fleece blankets, but especially heating in our home. It’s been negative degree weather here.
2) The kind ladies who are good company and cook us lunch at church every Wednesdays when I volunteer.
3) The love, patience, kindness and understanding that God gives me to help me through the really
tough relationships.
4) A kind and loving husband who doesn’t give up on us. He keeps treaking along.
5) A God who hears ours prayers and doesn’t mind spending time with us even when we’re at our lowest.
First one is a little weird: I’m thankful that my friend’s suffering husband finally died. It was a seemingly endless time for her, just horrific.
Now, the less weird ones:
• Rain!! (Yea, didn’t have to meet my walking partner at 6 this morning. . . any excuse will do, but rain is an especially good one.)
• Found a great recipe for making glass cleaner (on Mary Hunt’s Everyday Cheapskate blog) and IT WORKED! My studio windows are streak free (now splattered with rain but no complaints)
• Frugal living has allowed for spending money on important luxuries—just got my 40+ year old Bible recovered/resewn/repaired. Love the leather instead of the broken hard-cover. . . so beautiful and comfortable to hold.
• The most difficult pencil drawing I’ve had in years (decades?) is progressing well. It is a relief to know that years of experience are paying off.
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
I completely understand your first "weird" thankful. My mother in law passed away a little over 5 years ago, after suffering with vascular dementia for the past year of her life. Seeing this strong, capable, loving woman dwindle away to a mere shell was heartbreaking for everyone who loved her. While we were all sad when she passed, and grieved our loss, there was also a sense of relief because she wasn't suffering anymore, and (somewhat selfishly) a weight had also been lifted off of all of our shoulders. (My DH, myself, and two of our nieces were diligent about visiting her - at least one of us every day).
1. Thankful to be on the healing side of the flu. My energy levels are still pretty low and I have a lingering cough but the raging high fevers are gone and I am doing a little more each day.
2. Thankful for an upcoming break from caretaking. I have actually scheduled a respite for myself for the first time since we started this whole journey more then 4 years ago. Caring for someone with dementia is no joke and my soul is looking forward to this break.
3. Thankful for my husband who managed everyone while I was sick, kept folks separated so that we didn't end up with a whole household full of sick folks.
4. Thankful for modern conveniences like grocery delivery and door dash so that I could help and make things a bit easier while I was sick. These are things that I don't usually utilize but they are very helpful when you really need them.
5. Thankful for the opportunity to learn new things, for the fact that Spring is so close, for the task of planning a vegetable garden, planting flowers....I love Spring and Summer so much!!!
@Angie, I'm so glad you're taking the break you describe in your #2. Believe me, I get it.
I can't believe they only award one measly point for an entire college paper! Good grief! But I'm glad you passed. Before long, you are going to be a bonafide nurse, and I am so proud of you!
My thankfuls this week:
1. My pastor was kind enough to reach out to me about a problem I'm having and we discussed it over coffee. Bonus: I discovered a quaint little coffee shop near my home that I had not known about before.
2. My friend at church is fostering a dog and thought of me. She offered to let me adopt him for free. (Sadly, the very sweet boy is HUGE, and I'm not sure I'd be doing him a favor taking him in. What if I have to go to senior living some day? I'd have to rehome this baby yet again!) I've discovered that most shelters and individuals here want "rehoming fees" that often are $100 or more, so free was wonderful!
3. My job at the drug store. I know most of the regular customers by sight, if not by name, so it's always nice to chat with them if it's a slow day and no one else is in line. Who knew a lowly cashier's job would be a sure cure for loneliness?
4. I'm about to get my front room redone with new flooring so I can use it again!
5. School will be out Friday, which happens to be Valentine's Day, and I'm also not scheduled at the store. I can stay at home and chill! So no having to deal with nosy questions about "why aren't you married?" In some cases, I think the asker is implying that I'm gay. (Which is why I don't like going to weddings. They ask me why I'm not married, as old as I am, in a snide tone that signals they think I'm some kind of walking abnormality. Dana Carvey's old SNL church lady routine is not far off the mark around here.) Being unlucky in love is not necessarily being LGBQT or however those letters go together. (Please know I'm not trying to criticize anyone's sexuality, it's just that this line of questioning gets really old really fast.)
Anyway, Happy Valentine's (or Galentine's) Day to everyone. And to those of you who have lost the love of your life, I'm sending a great big special hug.
@Fru-gal Lisa, your story reminds me of the time, when I was 29, one of the church ladies at work asked me, “Why did you never marry?” I guess they’d written me off when I was still in my 20s? Yikes!
I don’t think I’d ask that question of a 99-year-old, much less a 29-year-old! Do people need to have a reason? No!
@Fru-gal Lisa, I remember the discussions a lot of us had about the "Why don't you have kids?" question in the comments on my Meet a Reader post several years ago. To my mind, "Why aren't you married?" falls into the same category: In brief, it's nobody else's @#$%!! business. And happy half-price chocolates to all of us who can find them on 2/15.
@Fru-gal Lisa,
When I was in my mid-20s or early 30s, an "older woman" patient of mine (probably in her 60s, where I am now, lol), asked me "why aren't you married?". I said something like "oh, I haven't met the right person yet". She responded with "do you like men?". :-0
Ummmm, yes, but as I just mentioned, I hadn't found *the right one* for me. Sheesh! (Plus, one's preferences when it comes to romantic partners is really no one's business, unless you make it their business!).
1. I’m thankful for a rainy day.
2. I’m thankful for my son and his job. He’s going through a rough patch but I’m so grateful that at 16 he was able to get a part time job at in n out. He looks forward to it every day and it makes him feel valuable and productive. I’m really grateful.
3. I’m grateful that although doors close, not all close at once.
4. I’m grateful for kind friends.
5. I’m grateful for my hardworking husband. He is an insurance agent in Pasadena and man is he earning his living now. He comes home with some gut wrenching stories and he deals with some stressed out people. The last month has been so. Hard. I’m grateful for him! I’m also grateful we don’t live near his work. That’s the first time I’ve been grateful for that.
5. I’m grateful for this blog, I lurk daily but the positivity and community keeps me smiling 🙂 love to you all!
@Caitlie, I can only begin to imagine how hard it is on your husband to bear witness to the suffering of those fire victims. Here’s hoping he finds ways to care for himself while taking care of them.
@Juhli, thank so much!
1. I'm grateful for you folks! I had another dentist appointment this week, that went weirdly as it always does. Your cheerful comments perked me up when I was recovering.
2. I'm grateful for the internet in general, I picked up so many interesting hacks this week (cupcake decorating, the pet lint remover Kristen posted, a chicken recipe for dinner tonight, my local Buy Nothing group, etc. etc!)
3. I'm grateful for my book club, and that is falls on Galentine's Day this year!
4. Thankful for heated blankets in the winter.
5. I'm grateful for goofy times with my husband. We have fun together. 🙂
@Andrea G / Midwest Andrea, there are some great parts about the internet! I hope your dental work heals quickly!
Kristen, You have so many thankfuls that relate to the huge efforts you have been putting in, at work first and foremost, but also at home, and most of all, your personal health. Considering the past few years you’ve gone through, that’s no small thing. A great paradigm for those forced to make big changes. You never caved in, always moved forward despite what must have been many tears and pity sessions.
Congratulations on your heart report, and on doing so well in your studies! You are going to be a wonderful nurse.
I am thankful to be retired, and for the flexible time. I could rest this week when iI needed to.
For the new free watercolor class I joined. All materials are included!
For our new furnace, which is working great.
For DH’s faithful care of the formerly feral cat we adopted. He takes care of the litter box 100%!
For the interim pastor at church. His sermons are powerful invitations to be kinder, more loving and also more supportive friends. With humor!
This week I'm thankful:
*that we made it to Minnesota and back safely. Ice storm. Snow storm. Not fun. But we had safe travels, the college boy has his car, and we saw him in the play. It was good.
*that we have a few extra vehicles. I have internally bemoaned this when the insurance bills arrive, but we currently have 2 vehicles with issues. Having extra means that we have the means to go the places we need to go.
*that college boy 2 has all information he needs to make his next college decision. He will transfer after one year at the community college. It looks like he'll be with the other boy far away, but I think it will be a good fit.
*for my kids and father. They held down the fort very well while we were traipsing about the country last week. For their sense of humor: we got a text with a picture of my father tied up. And the kids "threatened" with pictures of them holding vials of glitter which they would use in my bed if we didn't say they could play video games. Such silliness.
*for my son. (A different one) This morning when the car didn't start, he cleaned off the van quickly so that I could get a child to the dentist on time. No complaining.
*for my daughter. She helped her little sister make muffins last night so we could get an early start for breakfast today.
@Jody S., You've raised some really great kids!
@JDinNM, Well, I am biased. . . 🙂
Kristen, an 86% is nothing to sneeze at! I am thankful:
*As Marylanders, DH and I are really enjoying a visit with our son, his wife, and three grandkids in lovely Florida. The kids and our son are home on Valentines Day and at my daughter-in-law's request, I'll enlist the kids in making heart shaped oatmeal cookies.
*Retirement allowing us time to travel.
*Now I understand why old people like being snowbirds and I would migrate south every winter if DH were on board.
Question: What is the difference between a $20 steak and a $50 steak?
Answer: Valentines Day
@Book Club Elaine, I like your steak joke. In fact, you've inspired me to get a $2.30 or so/lb. steak out of the freezer for tomorrow night. (I haven't had a restaurant steak in years, in part because of my annual 1/4 steer and in part because no restaurant can make it the way I like it--i.e., broiled about 90 seconds on either side.)
@A. Marie, my daughter-in-law told me that joke when she was explaining why she and my son have celebrated Valentines Day for 15 years together without going out once. I offered to babysit and she turned me down flat.
One of my fellow unit secretaries was in an Echo Tech program and she offered to do an echocardiogram on anyone who would offer (for practice). I offered and, I must admit, I was a bit nervous in case she would find something. Nope. Very wonderful normal echo. and comments on my apparent exercise regimen. Yay me!! Also I do love all your pictures. <3
I am thankful that, while I was able to drive home from work in the blustery snow yesterday, it was the time of day that only one person was in a hurry. I am thankful I got a new windshield wiper blade for the back window of my Escape. I don't know what happened to it, It was just gone! But it was amazing to be able to see out the back window while driving home.
Once home, it was nice to be able to get some rest. I don't do particularly well in the frigid cold (it is 8 degrees at the moment), I have a cozy home and though I have drafty spots, I also have long johns and wool socks and sweatshirts. I have a full fridge, and pantry and am on the edge of making a pot of soup. I am thankful for the sturdy sourdough bread from Aldi, that makes good toast and goes great with a bowl of cheesy cauliflower soup.
I have backed off a little from Valentines, but I used to love to make frilly cards and send them to my family members. I also went full tilt making heart shaped sliced carrots, (notch the carrot lengthwise before slicing), buying and making heart shaped pasts, shaping biscuits, etc. I fixed dinner for my parents and my brother was in attendance and he looked at me and said, "You really like this don't you?" Why yes, yes I do.
1. Hey, everybody, it’s so pleasant to read all of your gratitude this morning with my coffee, rather than doom-scrolling the news. So I’m grateful for that.
2. Our grand dog Peanut is visiting us for five days while his parents go skiing, and he’s a goofy old dog. He has his share of accidents, but he can be very entertaining to have around.
3. I had my first date with my husband on Valentine’s Day so it’s always special to us for that reason. It was also the weekend that Gavin Newsom had declared gay marriage legal in San Francisco, so everywhere we turned there was incredible love everywhere in 2004.
4. I’m grateful that we have savings and a 401(k) because I’ve been having a lot of anxiety about politics and Social Security. I’ll say no more but it really upsets me. Grateful to have what we do.
5. I finally got my secondhand freezer this week and am looking forward to filling it up with my own produce and good sales.
6. We are partial to York peppermint patties and we don’t care if they come in a silver, pink, orange or green package. I just got three bags of Hershey’s minis that were near their expiration date, 50% off, and I am enjoying them greatly.
7. I’m grateful to Katy Wolk-Stanley over at the Non-consumer Advocate for turning me onto this blog.
I'm thankful that I've found the right clinic to take my daughter to. This past year has been a difficult one, and getting appointments and finding an official diagnosis were a struggle. This most recent doctor visit at a specialty clinic was the best we've had. I walked away with a good feeling that my daughter's care is on good hands.
Also, the medication they added seems to have had some positive effects already. Her teacher even emailed me about some bright spots and progress this week. After the year we've had, with all of the concerns and bad news, this week has been like a break in the clouds - dazzling sunshine after the storm. There's still a long way to go, but at least we have positive direction to go, rather than just watching things decline.
@mbmom11, landing at just the right place for a medical challenge is life changing. Congratulations! May your daughter continue to see those sunny days.
@mbmom11,
I am truly happy for your dad and you guys (TM) for finding the right special clinic. I’m cheering for her well being as a result. Kinda clued into these special medical places just now because I’ve been sent to a spine/hip clinic to help solve my gait issues.
I waited until the afternoon for my Thankful Thursday because I had my annual review around lunch time today. And I am extremely thankful that I am average and not being written up. I received a below average merit raise (not unusual), but I did receive a salary adjustment to bring me up to or close to my teammates, so the entire raise is pretty decent. And I received a decent bonus too. So I will be happily employed for another year - or 13 months to be exact! Unfortunately, the morale of the company on a whole isn't that great, so I do not go out of my way to do anything exceptional because they don't reward that even though they say they do. Another reason I'm ready to retire.
@Maureen, my company does the annual reviews by mid-December but you don't find out the money part until like yesterday. Which is better than the one place I worked which did your review/money on the month/day you were hired.
We have to rate ourselves (which I just hate). For the only time since I've been at this job, I rated myself the top rating (my bosses usually rated me that despite my rating as competent). I'd busted my butt this past year, getting a lot out of more "newbie" staff. In part to as @Lindsey says - the husband (who is retired) - keeps me well fed and things sane around the house. Scored a raise a couple percentage points over the white slug's inflation rate and a hefty bonus. So I guess I'm grateful my company does a decent effort to walk the walk and/or my boss went to bat for me. But the big wigs still make too much f-ing money.
* We got close to a foot of snow last night (I do not enjoy snow, let me tell you!), so I am thankful the schools are closed, especially since one of my girl has to walk 20 minutes to get there (I can't drive her, I'm already at work at that time), and it would not have felt safe to do so today.
* Both my kids having friends. This had been challenging for them in the past, so I am VERY thankful for this. And they some to be good friends (good kids) too, for the majority.
* My husband.
* My health, despite having a cardiac condition myself, my DD having one, my mother having one, and my deceased father dying young of a heart attack. It scares me, of course (I mean, I'm realistic in the sense that this will probably be my ending too, but not too young I hope), but at least I'm aware and I am grateful for each and every year that I get to grow older (I know, it sounds very dramatic, sorry. It is not. I am just acutely aware of the privilege of getting older since my dad passed away at 46).
* Chocolates at work. This body NEEDS chocolate right now, all the chocolate! Lol
Thankful for:
- The opportunities/perks we get due to my husband's job
- The effects of music on my brain
- People who still remain my friends even if I get so caught up in life I haven't talked to them in months...or even years
- Fresh, healthy food that has sustained me through another stressful week
- The ability to run outside this week for the first time in months
I am thankful for all my crazy critters that keep me laughing.
I’m thankful for a full freezer and pantry.
I’m thankful for a warm house.
I’m thankful my only has a cold and not COVID
I'm fairly late to the comments, but today I'm thankful for:
An employer that sees my worth and has let me change jobs twice since hiring me. (Both times included a pay increase)
The coworker that I share a small office with now is fantastic! She is so woman positive and doesn't allow me to call myself "dumb dumb or dummie" as I'm learning my new position in the store.
My youngest has adapted to getting himself ready in the morning and is doing a great job being ready before the bus comes. This is a huge relief.
I'm thankful that spring weather will be here in a couple of months (MI is cold a long time).
I know a lot of folks don't celebrate Valentine's Day, for various reasons. I am of the school that makes a big deal out of holidays, all of which are made up. (It is not like Christ was born on December 25th.) It just makes life a little more fun. I am thankful that the husband is of the same mind, and even more so. Because of him, we have birthday weeks, Easter weeks, Christmas month; this week is Valentine's week. We don't spend a ton of cash, a lot of times it is doing someone's most hated chore one of the days. I do most of the cooking so at least two days we have had foods he loves that I hate (looking at you, roast beef hash and corn dogs, not on the same day). But it is fun to think of things to do for him and to receive gifts of service or foods (Someplace in the week I will get brie and another day chocolates).
I am also thankful for four other things this week:
2. My three times a week iron infusions are done.
3. I had to take 50,000U of vitamin D once a week for 12 weeks. They ended today. A lot of northern Alaskans are D deficient but apparently I was worse than normal.
4. Sumos had disappeared for a week but now are back. I bought 10!
5. The dimwitted Dane was supposed to go out the front door and jump into the van. Instead, he ran across the street and jumped into the postal van and refused to leave. My husband had to go get the treat container and set a trail of dog bones from the USPS van to our van. I am thankful we have had the same carrier for years and he just laughed. He is wonderful, even if he does wear a pith helmet year round.
@Lindsey, in today's world, wearing a pith helmet year round is nit. Whatever floats his boat. Someone who works at my employer (large one), posted -17 temps and hoping it was the end of the "cold". Honey, that ain't cold, that is brisk outside. Gotta get through invigorating to get to cold.
I have a congenital heart disorder, so when I was in school or working in a rehab hospital when they got new EKG equipment (one of the first electronic versions with simple electrodes instead of the goopy squeezy balls you may be too young to remember), it was fun to make me the Guinea pig.
I'm thankful that despite my congenital heart disorder and surgery at age 8, I'm living a full and happy life. I have two amazing children, a loving husband (we celebrate our 36th anniversary next week) two crazy dogs, and I'm my second fulfilling career. This heart has been good to me.
Thankful for
- garbage collection- such a mundane luxury
- a fruitful day at my aunt's apartment, general tidying and making it more ergonomic in anticipation of her return from the revalidation home (if ever - she is in doubt about that but then still has 4-5 weeks of therapy ahead of her)
- cheerful collaboration with another lady on this task. We made the chore as pleasant as we could and during breaks had interesting conversations on topics as getting older, the advantages of regular decluttering, and favourite holiday destinations
- weekend ahead of us!
We call those four hour shifts a "Princess Shift." Over before it's hardly begun!
Yes! So so easy compared to 12 hours.
So proud of you!!! You’re almost there!! You’re keeping me motivated while trying to finish up my Master’s in Elem Ed. I need this to get a pay raise and to help retirement in 100 years!!;)
I'm cheering you on too!