Thankful Thursday | one more week!
This week, I am thankful:
that I have one more week left until part-time life
Today is my third shift for the week; next week I have three, and after that, I'm down to two shifts a week.
Woohoo!
I'm very hopeful that this will be the sweet spot, especially while I am still in school.
that I got approval to do the CLEP test
To take credits outside of my BSN school, I have to secure prior approval. And yesterday, the approval came through for the Spanish CLEP test. Yay!
Now I just have to get really good at Spanish. 😉
that I finished all of my assignments
My class isn't officially over until August 23rd, but I have submitted all of my assignments! The only things left are three replies to classmates' discussion posts, but I can't do that yet because no one else has posted in the final discussion board.
Sooo, I feel slightly like I am on a brief school break, and I am grateful for a tiny reprieve.
that my advocacy paper went so well
We had an assignment to choose a nursing topic for an advocacy paper, and I chose sexual harassment of nurses. In addition to the paper, we had to actually DO something to advocate for our topic, so I wrote a letter to the director of my nursing residency program, sharing relevant data and suggesting that the hospital add a residency session on addressing sexual harassment.
(The studies I read reported that 91% of nurses are sexually harassed during their careers, but at the same time, less than 17% of them have received education about how to stop it/deal with it. This is a pretty big oversight, so no wonder this harassment goes unreported (and thus does not get handled properly).
My professor really liked my paper, and she is going to share it with the director of residency at her hospital as well. Yay! Now maybe two residency programs will consider adding some material on this topic.
that September is less than three weeks away
In three weeks, it'll be September 3rd, actually. Yay! I'm hanging onto hope that the weather will get a little bit better because I am sick to death of sticky air. Gross.
that part-time starts near the end of summer
I have spent a lot of these steamy summer days inside the hospital, which is actually kind of perfect. On days that I work, I am barely outside at all.
So, the sticky air is fairly irrelevant for me.
But part-time life will coincide with the change of seasons, and that is also perfect! 🙂
that my shoulder is still feeling good
Last summer, my rotator cuff was really bothering me! But now that I've been through PT, I'm doing well, and I am back to doing everything at the gym.
I used to get into accidentally painful positions while sleeping too, and now that doesn't happen.
Yay for PT! And yay for not needing surgery.
As with driving a car, you need to keep an eye on the road further away to steer steadily. You've done that throughout and now you are at -1 week from part time work. I hope you will bask in the prospect of more time to yourself!
Your advocacy paper shows appaling figures. But change starts with awareness, well done for bringing this to attention.
This week's thankfuls:
For meeting up with youngest in a nearby city, for dinner;
For the luxury of a hobby room where I can leave unfinished projects lying around;
For eldest cheerfully helping us on diy that requires younger muscles;
For having comfortable hot weather office clothes, I definitely had my wear of them this summer;
For the wildlife we see around the swimming pond;
For the fun of doing puzzles;
For the gift of learning languages easily;
For my siblings and cousins.
I agree about how appalling those numbers are, JNL. I work with some younger dietitians at the hospital where I work, and they have shared stories of patients commenting on their appearance, asking for their phone number, etc. (they are, as I mentioned, young, and pretty, and possibly perceived as being naive or vulnerable. I do realize people of all ages, sizes, shapes, professional experience, etc., are subject to sexual harassment). These young women were able to say a quick "bye-eee" and leave the patient's room, fortunately - not like a nurse who's caring for them for 12 hours. Brava to Kristen to bringing this topic to nursing management!
I am very aware of finding things to be thankful for of late, as I received a terrible diagnosis of TNBC recently and will be starting chemotherapy soon. Nevertheless, I have many things to be thankful for in my life.
* My extremely helpful, supportive husband. There isn’t a thing he won’t do for me and I can’t imagine my life without him.
* For the 2 weeks I have had with my daughter and her family in Germany. I’m nearing the end of my visit and I have had so much fun with my grandsons here.
* For health insurance. My health care would bankrupt us without it.
* For a comfortable, reliable vehicle that is good on gas and will get me to my destination without worry.
* For my many friends who have already come forward with offers of help. We were a bunch of retired nurses who worked together for decades and have helped each other through so many big life events. Their support is so appreciated and heartfelt.
* For my sisters, brother who provide humor and a safe space to sound off. So lucky I am to have them.
* My children, always my children. It was so hard to share bad news with them but they always rise to the occasion with help and encouragement. I’m blessed to have them!
So sorry for your difficult news, and so grateful with you for all that support!
I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm so glad that you have such a rich network of family and friends to help you through it!
I am very sorry to hear this, Brenda. I'm glad you have support.
That is terrible. I hope that your chemo will go well! and am glad that the people around you are supporting you.
This is a lot for you to go through Brenda. So glad that you have such a large network to support you <3
This is a lot for you to go through Brenda. So glad that you have such a large network to support you <3
Brenda, I add my sympathy and best wishes. And it sounds as if you have a large and dedicated Team Brenda!
Ditto to what A. Marie said. And please add your Commentariate pals to the team. Hang in there, Brenda, you've got this! We'll all say a prayer for you.
I'm glad you have a good support system with this situation. I hope you respond to treatment quickly!
So sorry about the difficult news! Wishing you strength as you face treatments. And thankful to hear that you have such a great support network around you!
Prayers for you and your family as you go through this.
I am so sorry for very difficult news. I am sending love, light, prayers and positive healing energy to you and your family. So much love to your wonderful support system.
I'm so sorry to hear the news of your diagnosis. I am so thankful you have such a wonderful support system.
What a great topic for your advocacy paper. I hope it leads to needed education on the topic.
This week I'm most thankful for rain! With more in the forecast. We are still in severe drought, but every drop helps, and the rain has cooled things off.
For fresh veggies from the garden.
I caught my foot on a curb and fell hard this week and came away with only slightly skinned knees. I'm really thankful I didn't break anything.
For the turkeys who have been visiting our yard several times a week -- two hens and half a dozen poults. I love watching them.
That is heavy news to receive. I'm glad you have a strong support network and I'm offering prayers for you and your family.
Brenda, I’m sorry to hear of this diagnosis and send my good wishes for successful treatment. So glad you have a wonderful crew to see you through.
Adding my prayers, and also my admiration for your robust list of Thankfuls
I am so sorry for your diagnosis. I will put you on my list. So glad for your trip to Germany. Take care, Brenda.
Hi Brenda,
I’m sending my well wishes from the other side of treatments. You will get through this and be stronger for the experience! Feel free to reach out through Kristen if you have any really specific questions.
All my love,
Becca
Brenda, I'm sorry you're on the receiving end of this terrible news. Sending you and your medical team all my best thoughts.
You are in my prayers, for a victorious journey.
Brenda,
Adding my best wishes to you as you start chemo. I'm so sorry you got this bad news, but glad you have so much support. Even just having somewhere to vent is so very important! Please know I'll be thinking about you, and sending good health vibes your way.
Hugs and support to you!
Great work on your advocacy paper. An important topic.
I'm thankful
- That even though our power is out this morning, I can figure out how to get myself fed and get to work ok enough.
- For a good first day with students yesterday.
- For frozen meals when they are needed.
- That my car is fixed and paid for.
- For the ability/opportunity to learn, grow, and improve my mindset.
You are doing so well, Kristen! Congrats on the CLEP test!
Thankfuls:
1. I went to the beach to see the solar eclipse last night. I wasn't able to find a pair of glasses but someone kindly lent me a spare pair. I went for an eclipse swim in the sea afterwards!
2. I enjoyed a cinema trip with a friend. I had mixed feelings about the film (Disclosure Day) but it was fun to go and see it, especially as I hadn't seen my friend in a while.
3. I enjoyed going to a writing group a few days ago and got a lot of writing done.
4. Our new manager has been flexible about us working from home, and this was not the case in the past.
5. I got a lot of things I needed from a charity shop the other day, including a blouse. They forgot to take off the security tag and I foolishly didn't take a receipt, but I went back the next day and explained and they removed the tag. I also got a brand new cooking pot which I was hoping to find, as my current one is starting to get scratched.
An eclipse swim! I do envy you.
What do you like to write about Sophie (applying the way questions can be phrased, as per yesterday's post 😀 ) ?
I like writing fiction! 😀 I took a creative writing module a few years ago and wrote a portfolio of short stories, but my current piece is longer (or will be, hopefully!).
- Also, the writing is usually inspired by things which have happened in my life and/or things I've observed. So, realist fiction!
Ooh, Sophie, it is said that writing from your own life is the mark of successful results. Can’t wait to hear of something of yours being printed and published!
Thank you, Erika! 😀
I am cheering you on Sophie. Apart from writing skill it also takes a lot of perseverance!
Thanks JNL! It means a lot!
How was the eclipse viewing? Clear skies?
Fortunately yes! The skies were clear and there was a wonderful view. I remember the eclipse in 1999 but the skies were cloudy.
Sophie in Denmark,
I saw a video of the eclipse taken in Spain! Granted, the people watching weren't also swimming. 🙂 But it was very cool!
Good Morning! Kristen, it's wonderful that you have created your own school break! Enjoy!
Thankfuls:
For everyone's comments to me yesterday about the overnight oats, protein powder, and Sophico lids. I always appreciate and enjoy hearing from you all!
For a fun weekend visit in NYC with my son. He's been living there for almost a year, and is an excellent tour guide. We logged in over 24,000 steps on Saturday!
Last night my husband came home from work and spontaneously suggested we have an easy dinner and go play bocce. Our church has two bocce courts that seem to go largely unused. We take advantage of that when we can. It was a fun time!
For mine and my family's health. And health insurance. My adult son recently experienced sudden, unexplained hearing loss. Thankfully after only a few days he went to urgent care and they very quickly referred him to an ENT. Basically he had a neurosensory episode, was treated with prednisone, and his hearing loss has been/will continue to be restored over the next few weeks. If he and the medical team had not acted so quickly, this could have been permanent. Also, he had am MRI to rule out a brain tumor, which thankfully there wasn't one.
That Fall is around the bend. I'm team Kristen on this subject lol. Have a good day everyone!
This week I am thankful for:
1) a difficult situation is going more smoothly than anticipated;
2) my wonderful, fun friends;
3) my mother's birthday yesterday - I am very fortunate to be in my 50s and still have my mom around. She's in pretty good shape for 81!
Fellow Spanish learner here: after that much Duolingo, I would think you'd be able to pass a basic Spanish exam. I've been using Pimsleur to strengthen my speaking/conversation skills.
I agree about the Spanish clep exam! Kristen, have you had a chance to look at practice questions or a sample test? I bet you could pass it without much additional practice if you're that far in Duolingo!
Thankful for the novena I just finished for a friend. A novena is a Catholic devotion of prayer for nine days for a specific intention. I did a rosary-based one specifically for the intercession of Our Lady Undoer of Knots, which is one of Mary's titles. That was because it was a very complicated and confusing situation and I wasn't sure what to pray for anyway, so I figured praying for the untangling of it was a good option.
I don't typically pray the rosary regularly, and I had never prayed a novena, so I was surprised by how affecting it was. It caused a lot of introspection as I was focused on this for twenty minutes every day, and I found that there were some things in my own experience that were causing me to be overly worried and involved in a situation that isn't really mine to deal with. So I had some of my own knots to undo there. 🙂
In general, I'm very thankful for my faith and for the Catholic church in particular that has such a wealth of history, tradition, and spiritual practices to draw on.
I appreciate your post so much! I am going to learn about this novena and pray for the untangling of some knots in my life. I had a small prayer card that I referred to often, but I passed it on last year. I need Mary’s help. Thank you, Kristin.
You're welcome. I used the one from Ascension Press (it's online), but there are others that don't involve a full rosary every day. They all seem to have the same daily meditations and intercessory prayer, though. I hope it's helpful for you!
Our Lady, the Undoer of Knots? I haven't heard that one before! Needless to say I am Protestant. But that title made me smile. (No offense intended.) Thanks for sharing, and I hope your knotty situation resolves itself.
Mary has so many titles, I love them. Just like I love all the stories of saints. St. Lawrence's story (his feast day was this past week) is one of my favorites: He was martyred by essentially being grilled. The story is that after suffering for some time, he said, "It is well done. Turn me over!" He's the patron saint of cooks and comedians. 🙂
My dad grew up Catholic and I always ask St Anthony to help me find things!
OMG!
For real?
*I wss responding to the St Lawrence post, not St Anthony. *
Yup. There are a lot of crazy saint stories. Some are a mix of fact and legend that involve some suspension of disbelief and faith, but many of them are just factual stories that are supported by civil documents.
I really appreciate this post, Kristin, and your depth of information.
I had never heard of a novena, but I am glad it has helped you get clarity in a complicated situation.
The image of Mary as an untier of knots is striking and comforting.
This week I am thankful:
* for time with friends yesterday. One of my two best friends moved away last fall, but the two best friends and I plus all of our kids gathered at the zoo yesterday. We've been going to the zoo together for years, so it made my heart all kinds of happy to be together again.
* that my kids have been getting along really well this week. I'm kind of amazed at this considering what point in the summer we're in. It's been great!
* for the chance last week to check off the sole item on my bucket list: visiting the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I didn't know if we'd make it there while we still had kids at home, so I'm really thankful that we were able to do it as a family. Bonus was that my parents got to join! We were camping 3 hours apart the same week in MI's Upper Peninsula, but Pictured Rocks was near the halfway point and they met up with us there.
* that I'm not moving this summer. I've been thinking often about how much for fun and enjoyable and relaxing this summer is compared to last summer when we were moving.
I am sorry that you are going through this, Brenda, and send all good thoughts and prayers your way. I have had three different cancer diagnoses in the past seven years (apparently I like whack a mole) and will live with at least one of them and the treatment effects for the rest of my life. You will have good days and challenging days. Normal becomes different, but not impossible and you don't have to be strong every moment.
Let people help you, even when it is hard to do so. For me, as someone who has always been fiercely independent and a caregiver (a nurse and NP for many years) that had probably been the hardest part.
And keep a good sense of humor. Cancer can actually be pretty funny sometimes. (Why do people always tell you that you look good when you have cancer, but never say it before - I must have looked quite awful when I was healthier. When I had my SCT, a guy at the transplant house had the best shirt that said "cremation is my last chance for a smoking hot body.")
It is hard to watch the people around you go through this.
I am also grateful to have had access to great health insurance and health care through all of this as well as some disability insurance through my employer. Check with the oncology social worker as, especially for breast cancer as that group has done a lot of successful fund raising, there are frequently patient assistance funds (gas cards, meals, lodging, etc) that are not tied to income or assets.
As a nurse, you can go to NCCN and register as a professional giving you access to the standards/protocols for all types of cancer. It is good and reliable information, sometimes overwhelming.
On a positive note, all of this has brought some of the best people into my life and, I think, made me stronger and more resilient and appreciate what I have been given in my life. I always tell myself to "cowgirl up" and make it work.
Sorry to go on and on, but know that I am pulling for you.
Colleen, thank you for sharing this comforting and helpful information - and I don't even have cancer (yet).
I am thankful for a short trip to a cousin’s funeral/celebration of life. The trip was complicated by airline cancellations and delays but I made it there and back. It was a wonderful celebration of a joyful, kind and accomplished person who made so many people’s lives richer by his presence in this world. It was so nice to be with extended family and have meaningful conversations and time to relax after a day that was both sad and uplifting.
I am grateful for the longterm friendship of a former work colleague whose celebration of life I will attend this afternoon. This person was a unique combination of fun, intelligence, quirkiness and authenticity. She will be deeply missed.
I am grateful that although July was fraught with unexpected losses (see above) it spurred me to get my end of life/personal finance affairs in better order in case I too should disappear from this world or become incapacitated.
I am grateful that the summer heat is soon to be behind us and for the recent badly needed rain.
I am grateful for the people in my life and volunteer organizations who show up and do the heavy lifting. Now that I have a reprieve from caregiving I gave been trying my best to be one of them.
I am grateful for this blog and all I learn from it and the commentariat.
I always read your 5 thankful things and love them, but have never sat down and tried to come up with mine. I've been feeling sad lately, so maybe this will help with that.
1. I was able to travel with my brothers to a family reunion out of state. I don't often get one on one time with them, so its a great time to catch up and laugh like only siblings can.
2. I got to see a great aunt who is 96 years young. Though her body is slowing down she still has the same kind eyes and smile.
3. My eldest recently got an ADHD diagnosis, in and of itself may not be a thankful thing, but I'm hoping this is the first step in helping him achieve his highest potential. He is so bright and kind, I want him to excel at life and be the first human on Mars (his dream not mine, lol)
4. My garden has produced a bounty this summer. I've already made 20qts of pickles that I've been able to share with family and friends. And at least a few jars of tomato sauce we can enjoy when the weather gets cooler.
5. A family member is lending us her beach house this weekend to celebrate my birthday and we're able to bring some good friends along with us. It will be nice to get away, and the ocean almost always heals what ails me.
I hope making your thankful list made you feel less sad today.
I want to give you some hope and encouragement about dealing with your son’s AD/HD diagnosis.
There are many successful people who have AD/HD. If you use meds (our son couldn’t tolerate them) remember you have plenty of other tricks, techniques and behavioral tools to also help him succeed.
Talk to the teacher before every school year. Make sure she/he knows you want to partner with them to help your son have a successful year. In any way you can, make their job easier when teaching your son.
We used a lot of incentives with our son. Nothing fancy but we gave them frequently. One of our most successful (for older elementary school and beyond) : The Early Bird Club. If our son got his assignment/project finished the night before the night before it was due, he got more TV time the night before the assignment was due. We reminded him he got to relax and have extra fun because he was so organized.
We also set goals realistic for a child (or adult) with AD/HD. For example: We told him he got one “freebie” a year in terms of lost library books - he didn’t have to pay for the first lost one. All others would be his responsibility. Kids (and adults) with AD/HD have a harder time remembering things; it’s not a character flaw. I think that helped his self esteem.
We helped him find a way to channel his personality in productive ways. For instance, since the time he was in preschool, our son constantly challenged us and argued with us. Discipline didn’t really help. As soon as he reached high school, we enthusiastically promoted the debate club. He did extremely well.
Fast forward: our exasperating, hyperactive argumental child grew into a man who went to a top law school and graduated with honors, then clerked for two judges. He’s moving to Washington DC in a few weeks, to work for a good law firm.
And, he still argues and forgets various items.😎
This week I am thankful:
* for our adult kids and grandson. I love that we all live within 5 miles of each other and get to see each other often.
* that our 2-year-old grandson loves to come visit Nana and Papa. Yesterday he wanted to come to our house instead of going to daycare. Our daughter told him that Nana had to work and he responded "Nana no work". 🙂
* that I am off on Fridays. Going part time has been such a blessing.
* for air conditioning. Our forecast next week is for high 90s every day.
* that we have excellent health insurance through my company
Wow, Kristen, just when I think that you couldn’t do more for your profession you come up with an advocacy paper that is so impressive aaaand carry it out in your hospital (and one more, so far) for meaningful change. I’m not surprised but again impressed with your dedication.
Seconded!
Thirded!
Thirded!
Fourthed!
Aww, thank you, everyone. It is, unfortunately, a topic inspired by plenteous personal experience, and like many nurses in the studies I read, I was not adequately prepared for it! I hope that my paper helps some future cohorts of new grads. 🙂
For my daughter being home, for a great hike Saturday, for our upcoming vacation, for time with friends, I am thankful!
Kristen, one of the good things about starting a new career later in life is that you can be more focused and organized. I think you've hit that mark! Good luck on your CLEP, that's one of the best ways to get free education credit.
Brenda I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. Mine own was some time ago, but I still remember the many lessons that came from my experience. Amazing people who helped me that I barely knew, the connections I made with medical staff, the expressions on my family's faces during this whole experience, I knew they loved me but I didn't know that much! You too will have many experiences you didn't expect and are grateful for.
So I guess I'm grateful for my family. Had lunch with my brother yesterday and even though we look older I still feel like we're teenagers! Still bickering like siblings too.
I'm glad that my long-term trap neuter and replace project is coming to an end, at least this location. It's been so difficult. This isn't my full time occupation but I try to help when I see a need.
I'm so glad for the torrential rain yesterday. In the South it used to rain gently every afternoon. Now we have long periods of drought with huge onslaughts of rain only
occasionally. Makes life hard but I'm grateful for any moisture other than humidity!
I'm grateful to love my home and car so much. I do my best to pay them back with good and frequent maintenance.
Everyone have a wonderful weekend!
Oddly enough, I'm thankful today for insomnia, since it meant that I could watch a few "falling stars" from the Perseid meteor shower in the predawn hours!
And, as always during these past few years, I'm thankful for NDN1's CF. Everything the estate sale people wanted is either now already out of NDN1's house or clearly marked to go, and we're going to make one last pass through the house ourselves this afternoon before the junk removal people come in next week. (After fortifying ourselves with the buffet lunch at our favorite Indian restaurant, of course!) I feel very lucky to have made two good friends as late in life as I have: JASNA BFF (whom I met when we were in our mid-50s) and CF (we are both 70).
The weathers been a bit better, making exercise walks a bit more pleasant.
Public library continues to come thru.
My friend introduced me to her new friend, whom I think may become my friend as well.
My bedroom ceiling fan is highly effective. I no longer need to swap out sheets and blankets seasonally.
This week I am thankful for…
• Sleep! Our older dog has received a dementia diagnosis and he has been wandering the house at night. We don’t get a lot of sleep most nights as he’s adjusting to his new meds but he slept last night which means we all slept!
• I went on a girl’s day trip last weekend with my college friends. We visited a lavender farm, a pizza farm, and an apple orchard. It was a fun relaxing day with a bonus sunflower field.
• ESPN Jeopardy – my son asks us to watch/play each night after dinner. When my teenage son ASKS to spend time with me I’m always thankful.
• My husband made me dinner on Friday for “stay in date night.” He’s a great cook and it was so thoughtful.
I hear you on the dog/sleep issue! Our little dog has since passed away, but there were shifting challenges her last few years with dementia. At night we had random yips and howls, then later, wandering (in ways that weren't safe)... We created a small enclosed area where she had a cozy crate, separate pillow bed, pee pad area, and water, so she had options at night, and that seemed to satisfy her.
That nighttime phase did stop on its own, for her, so I hope your dog's wanderings stop on their own if the meds don't entirely manage it. Definite cheers for a night of sleep!
Pizza farm? Do they have pizza pies sprouting up from the ground? If so, I want to go pick some! Lol!
Hello Kristen--I'm happy for you that you're reducing your workload. I work four 12's every 2 weeks at my hospital and it's just perfect!! 🙂
Pam in Minnesota
Awesome job on the paper you wrote. I’ve heard/seen it first hand with ladies in my own field of work and that includes the nurses. It was not fun! I had some instances, but not as many as others. I do hope this brings awareness to your hospital.
First of all, I'd like to add my support to Brenda, and my hope that her treatment will be successful. And also my admiration for Kristen, for tackling an important topic that has been ignored for far too long. Bravo!
My thankfuls:
That I like to cook! I just put some strawberry bread pudding in the oven. I shudder to think what my dear friend, who refuses to cook, is having for breakfast. But then, she loves yard work and I hate it, so there you go!
That my son is staying optimistic in his job search, exploring new avenues and possibilities, and not giving up.
That my rotator cuff problem, also, is much better!
That I got a $200+ refund from my auto insurance company. That was a nice surprise.
That I get to see my friend this weekend, for lunch at the halfway city, and a birthday celebration for me! Yay! Something fun to look forward to.
6 months and 13 days until I retire.
Will probably get a release from 8 hour days the first part of next week. My hand is 97% healed, hardly any pain, I can make a fist and flex the fingers without pain. There will always be a scar though.
Have tentatively lined up several friends for the furniture moving.
This week I am thankful for my excellent doctors and for feeling like I am in a good, healthy position to start out a fresh school year.
Becca, I am thankful for your thankful!
Good job on your project! And well done advocating for your fellow nurses. 🙂
Today I am thankful:
That despite the torrential storms we had the last couple of days, we did not lose power. And that my drive downtown for my nursing school orientation did not end in an accident. It was scary out there!
For DS#3's improving kidney numbers! We saw the nephrologist and he was pleased with his progress, but also said he wants to do some genetic testing because a young man "should not have all this going on," and I agree.
For DS#3's nicely-healing incision. He had a nearly 12-inch incision along his elbow to clean out a nasty septic arthritis condition caused by staph. We've been carefully dressing it with xylitol (antibacterial and it helps build collagen) and it looks so good. He's reporting no pain and just that it doesn't extend quite as much as his other arm, but he's pretty functional. He's also feeling so much better--especially now that he's off the four weeks of IV antibiotics. Yay to not carrying around a pump with a PICC line!
That DH secured a part time adjunct teaching job (at the community college where DS#2 and I are attending) shortly after he hit the button on his retirement from his government job! He's excited to start a new chapter--he'll be the homeschooling parent with a part time job while I go back to school full time in January.
That’s wonderful news about your son and his continued health improvements, Karen! I hope he continues to get nothing but good news from here on out!
Karen, woot-woot for good health and job news for your family!
Brava, Kristen for submitting such a thoughtful advocacy topic. I have heard awful stories.
This is a backwards grateful, after I get my mom settled in bed, I go outside and watch the stars. The Perseid had a good show Tuesday but I was relieved for cloud coverage as I got much needed sleep.
I have 10 gallons of acv working, my cousin brought me a small stainless vat, strainer and bottler so I no longer will have 10 gallon jars sitting around. He is going to set me up and as barter I will give him my oldest tractor. Win!
Cooler weather.
I got my solar powered chandelier put together and installed on a pulley. Love it!
Sweet tomatoes, sprinkle of salt. Eat like an apple. Drip, drip, drip. Slurp.
Solar powered chandelier on a pulley - this is one of the many times that I wish I could see a picture from the Commentariat!
"Your advocacy paper shows appalling figures. But change starts with awareness, well done for bringing this to attention. "
Good for you, this training is essential.
First thing is "Simply Notice"
Sending good thoughts to you, Brenda.
1) Thankful that we can afford to help support DS19's transition/move back to college for his second year, without struggling with money. I know it's a challenge for many parents. We are also going to be helping his roommate from last year as well, which I know is appreciated, as his parents won't be there.
2) Got off the wait-list for a great workout last night, which I needed. A full body strength training class. I prefer cardio, but I know I need more strength training, particularly as I age.
3) That DH & I had a chance to catch up at dinner
4) Enjoying the last few days with DS19, before he heads back home. He's a very social creature & our house is chaotic with him home (lots of guests, friends, dinners, etc), but we love it & will miss him & the teen energy when he's gone.
5) I received a $2k match to my 529 from my employer unexpectedly, which will be very useful - just paid college tuition & housing this week!
and yay for health insurance for PT.
I am thankful for our friends aunt and uncle letting us use their pool once a week during the summer! It is such a fun time for the kiddos to get together and just okay all day in the water.
I am thankful for my garden bringing so many birds, butterflies, and bumblebees to our yard. A whole flock of goldfinches were just sitting on our cup plants munching away at the seeds and they are delightful to watch.
I am thankful to my husband for planning our vacation to northern. Wisconsin. He is a very organized accountant and I am grateful for his abilities for things like this!!!
I am thankful to our neighbors for giving us a bunch of free rocks for their yard to use for the area around our fire pit. It will save me so much time and money sourcing them from Facebook marketplace!
I am thankful for garden tomatoes and green beans. They just taste better than the store boughten ones.
Thankful...
-that my summer grad class wrapped up yesterday. Looking forward to the brief break before the fall class starts. One class at a time... 40% done!
-that last week's travel adventures went smoothly for everyone (our immediate family of five was all spread out over various states). The last one returns home tonight!
-that we are generally healthy. I also thought I was headed toward shoulder surgery two years ago, but have managed to avoid it thanks to PT and strength training. Really thankful, considering volleyball is a major mental health boost for me! Someday I will have to give it up, but not yet.
-that last week's travel brought some opportunities to meet cool strangers. I enjoy hearing people's life stories, which is consistent with my enjoyment of reading memoirs & comments from the FG commentariat.
-that our kidults are growing in their independence and maturity. Sometimes it's a bumpy road, but they are moving in the right direction! 🙂
Thankful for a/c in my house and my car. Almost every time I go outside, I say "gross." Thankful for a book club that I am trying tonight, and that I have pretty much enjoyed the book. Thankful for gluten free Cheez-its! Thankful for shows I am enjoying through PBS Passport. Thankful that although things are tight, I am able to pay my bills...9 more months until Social Security! Thankful that I have been approved at a non-profit medical clinic for $10 a visit, since I don't have health insurance.
Thankful that Ted Lasso is back, and that I have a one year free subscription to Apple TV through my mom's credit card. Thankful for all of you!
@Kristen
Was your shoulder injury an inflamed rotator cuff? I'm about to start month 3 of PT for mine. I go twice a week and it's a challenge with working. I'm hoping after this month I can go to once a week. How did your experience go?
I'm thankful it's improving but ready to be finished with PT 🙂 I still can't sleep on it or reach my bra strap to unhook.
Cindy
Mine was a small tear, actually! But the PT helped so much. It did take several months, though! And I still try to keep up with some of the exercises and stretches at home.
We are having a cool weather "teaser" with temps in the 70's after a pretty miserable heat wave two weeks ago. The heatwave was only in the upper 90's--we've had heat waves up to 115F and probably will be over 100 a few times before the weather really cools off in mid-October. With no AC at home, it gets pretty miserable in the high 90's and above. But I love cool days like this.
I should not be complaining, we live on the West Coast above San Francisco, and most of the time our weather is very temperate winter and summer. But often when we have heat waves in the summer there are nearby wildfires--that happened 2 weeks ago, so we couldn't open the windows at night because of much smoke in the air--something I know the northern midwest and eastern states are experiencing now. I long for AC on those days especially.
Hubby has terrible allergies in air conditioning, and it would be so expensive to run an AC. I tell myself I'd only run it at night to cool off the room before bed, but I know it would be too tempting on hot days.
- dermatology visit with no biopsies
- reconnecting with dear old friends in person
- driving my twins to colleges away from home (next week and the following) ... and they are engaged in the preparation and pleasant to be around. I will miss them so much, but I am such a proud mama.
Something that really skyrocketed my Spanish learning journey was the early episodes of the Coffee Break Spanish podcast. They did a great job of breaking down conjugations. Also, if there is a listening component in your exam, the Duolingo Spanish Podcast is phenomenal for intermediate learners. I really was bummed when they stopped making episodes.
This week I am thankful:
- My spouse made a small grocery run last night, which I think saved my stomach from eating something junkier
- For my friend's consistency and persistence in setting up friend dates
- I have so many intelligent friends
- My parents are willing to go to the moon and back for me
- The dachshund next door was brought outside in her little pink raincoat yesterday
I am thankful for slightly cooler weather -- and still being sort of on the ball, workwise. I was sick for a week, then just stalled for another -- which should have stopped things. Fortunately, I'd built in some extra time for these current jobs.
Dare I ask? Have you been sexually harassed during your nursing career? I would guess yes, based on your interest in the subject...
Oh for SURE. Over and over. The stories I could tell you...
That's such a shame, and I feel awful that you (and others) have had to endure it. Those patients should have to sit down and watch those yearly employee training videos on sexual harassment. In my school system, that one used to be about a half-hour in length, and now it's around two hours.
Holy cow, I had no idea it was that prevalent in your field. So disgusting and disappointing.
1.Thankful for AC. I live in SW Missouri and our summer has been 90’s-low to high!
2. Thankful for my job. I love what I do, my schedule and the people I work beside.
3. Thankful for delicious food that I don’t need to cook or clean up and the people that make that happen.
4. Thankful for my wonderful teen son.
5. Thankful for my silly dog that makes me laugh with his antics. He is the best snuggler.
I love the topic for you advocacy paper!
My daughter is a new graduate nurse and she has got some horror stories of what she’s had to face from patients. Her tip is that for the patients who are making ridiculous requests for utterly unneeded “personal care” is to send the male RN on the unit in to help. It’s amazing how quickly they decide that they can take care of themselves when they’re faced with the assistance coming from a middle aged man as opposed to a young woman. Though the fact that she even has to do that is appalling.
Her biggest fear is more of physical assault by patients though. On one of her shifts last week, just in her unit, one nurse needed her head sutured, and another was hit so hard in the chest by a patient that she needed surgery to reattach her cardiac pacemaker.
On the thankful front though, I’m thankful that I’m on a two week break from my new chemotherapy, and that all the side effects have stopped. But I’m also thankful that while I’m not being scanned again until the end of my next cycle, my oncologist is confident that it’s doing what it’s supposed to. Basically because of the fact that the pressure in my side that was present due to the growth of my liver Mets has disappeared again, which is strongly suggestive of tumour shrinkage. And that given that the side effects I had were a result of the stated mechanism of the drug, it therefore stands to reason that the drug is doing the same things to my tumour as it was doing to the rest of me.
YES! We have some male nurses and techs on our unit, and some of them take special delight in showing up for these types of requests. 😉
also. YAY For chemo success!
Hello beautiful, strong Lady ,I haven't seen you for a while ,and I am glad I saw you on my E- mail ❤️ So happy for you getting your RN and working yourself up the ladder ! You need to be proud of yourself your children are probably grown by now !!! Well ,keep up with send me information on my yahoo Mail, for myself just so ,so ,chronic pain osteoarthritis , 2 hip replacement and so on , glad I still get around and drive , plus my senior rescue Chi. Leave in a 55 community park ,so sometimes we have Events or play games .Yes the sticky weather, to hot and lots of humidity I dont care for ,juck ,I reside in Florida. Take care , Christine Rush is my name !!
I agree, yay for PT! I have been three times in the last three years for little naggy pains that all stemmed from cancer treatments. Oh, the magic of a physical therapist!
This week I am thankful . . .
-That I have several job prospects going right now. An interview on Monday went well, and I have another this coming week.
-That even if I don't get one of the jobs I am working toward now, we will be okay. And I really love the couple of part time jobs I do have.
-For a really wonderful day today going to see my sister-in-law and swimming in her neighborhood pool. All four kids are such good swimmers, which eases my anxiety about water safety (although I still wouldn't drop my guard for a second). And my husband's sister and her husband are such good people. It was a lovely day.
-For my family too. When we got back home we were greeted by my mom with my niece and nephew. I love spending our weekends on a dead-end dirt road around family and neighbors who are like family.
-For the night sounds that surrounded us as night fell during our evening walk. The sliver of the moon peaking out from the trees. The handsome man beside me who is the best husband in the world.
It is SUCH a relief when all your kids can swim, right? You still watch, but it is much less stressful to be around water!