Thankful Thursday | one test left
This week, I am thankful:
that I am SERIOUSLY almost done with school
Alrighty, guys...LAST UPDATE:
Exam 4ATI pharmacology examATI comprehensive examRemediation bullet points for both ATI exams642 days of clinicalA concept map presentation on renal diseaseFinish my SDoH project,participate in an online discussion about it, and have a debriefing session about it at school- Cumulative final exam
The cumulative final is literally all that's standing between me and being done with nursing school. Woohoo!!
that I got a 30/30 on my SDoH project
This Social Determinants of Health project has been going on all semester, and it has had a crazy number of parts to complete.
I have put so many hours into it, and I was overjoyed to get a 30/30 grade in yesterday. What a relief that my hard work paid off.
Also, the two people who graded my project left such nice notes all over the rubric, and that made me smile. 🙂
Since that's my last graded project, I was able to figure out what I need on the final, so I am thankful...
that I only need a 40/60 on the final to keep my A
Obviously, I will aim to get more than a 40/60, but I am delighted that even a score that low will give me an A in the class.
I have never gotten an exam grade close to a 40/60, even in this very hard semester. So I feel really confident that I can pull this off.
I know, I know, I know that keeping my 4.0 is not important and that it won't matter in the end. But it would feel good to me to keep it.
for Chiquita's cat tree
It continues to be a very good place to redirect her when she tries to SIT ON MY KEYBOARD.
that I never have to wear my clinical uniform again
I never have to wear my uncomfortable shoes.
I never have to wear my ugly shirt, or my not-very-attractive scrub pants.
The pants are not too objectionable from the front.
But guys, this elasticized section does no favors to anyone's back view. Or side view.
On to a life with better scrubs!
that my teaching experience is coming in handy
By the end of this week, I will have had at least six sessions of helping classmates study, and I keep feeling thankful that I have lots of practice helping people learn.
Twenty years of piano teaching plus 19 years of homeschooling is a handy background for this!
And it makes me off-the-charts happy when I am able to help someone really understand a concept. Then I know they'll be able to think through an exam question vs. just memorizing things.
for some lovely weather
Yesterday was so beautiful! I took a walk downtown after the gym, and then when I got home, I walked to school for a study session with friends. It was a perfect day for being outside.
You look so happy, I can tell the weight is being lifted from your shoulders. Now for the final haul Kristen - we are looking forward to celebrating with you very very soon now!
I do hope you have some R&R planned, after the festivities?
Oh your post makes me so happy! Huge congrats on maintaining that 4.0! It pays to bring some life wisdom to an education experience. I know your fellow students must appreciate it!
I am thankful for this post! I can just feel the joy radiating from your pictures and writing. I'm also thankful for:
- A productive discussion about a phobia that I have been stumped to address.
- To be reading a fiction book I really enjoy (The Teahouse Fire).
- Silk pillowcases that keep my face from breaking out.
- My foot has gotten better after about a year of plantar fasciitis.
- The tiny woman who works at the sushi restaurant nearby. She is always so bubbly and seems so genuinely happy.
@Marissa, yay for the discussion about your phobia!!! That’s wonderful.
Congratulations & great job on your project. 🙂 I'm glad that your instructors left such positive feedback & acknowledged all the effort you put into it. Great job!
Thankful that you (Kristen) had shared your journey with us. Even the not so pleasant parts, but especially the truthful parts. You have shown everyone that even when life changes it is possible to go into the unknown & come out on the other side feeling so good about how your journey has made you this incredible person who inspires & helps others despite your own challenges along the way. You truly are an amazing person. Thank you for being such a positive inspiration to look to.
Thankful that my dad's medical team was about to listen to him & make adjustments that helped to relieve the pain. The balloon that they are using for his radiation was too big & causing extreme pain that was causing other pressure on other organs/areas around the cancer. A smaller balloon seems to be helping & no pain now! 🙂
Thankful to be donating blood today. It has been many years since I donated & I am looking forward to doing it again. Hoping that they have good people that listen & know how to put needle in without problems. I have difficult veins & need a butterfly needle which many professionals (including hospitals) have not done well with. Needless to I don't handle to pain & discomfort along with bruising from not getting the needle on properly. Which is unfortunate because I have much needed blood type & like to donate blood. My life was saved as a teen when I need a blood transfusion during surgery from a bad accident. I've always been grateful & want to make same impact for someone else.
Thankful we got teen graduation announcements. The calligraphy is so pretty, but the front looks more British (family crest type). The change is much different from when oldest graduated 15 years ago (from same school).
Thankful for teen, always. Teen has been so positive about last weeks of school. Enjoying hanging out with friends, doing Senior year activities & wrapping up college stuff before graduation. Only few more things to get done before graduation.
Thankful getting rescue dogs yearly shots done this weekend. Pet Vet (at Family Farm Store, TSC) offers shots for cheaper price from certified vet & staff with no office visit charges.
Thankful always for Kristen & her blog where we can learn & share with each other.
Happy Mother's day to all mom's & Have a great weekend. <3
Aww, your comment made me tear up. Thank you for your encouragement!!
@Regina,
I second your comments about Kristen.
Also, thank you for giving blood! (Or attempting to...) My dad's life was extended for maybe 7 or 8 years after he was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and it was all due to the blood transfusions he got. Same thing happened with his sister. Donors make it possible! I was a regular donor until I was diagnosed with cancer, and IMO one of the saddest things about my diagnosis is that I can't give blood for five years post op/cancer free with the kind of cancer I got. Three more years to go, if all goes well. But thank you and all other folks for trying to donate blood! As you know, you make a life-saving difference!
@Regina, Thank you for being a donor. I have recently had several transfusions and I am so very grateful for the people who took the time and trouble to donate.
@Regina, my dad is a "tough" one for blood draws too. There is some instrument that helps pick-a-vein as one as one other trick one phlebotomist had (heat maybe)? He only allows a person two tries, after that find someone else. It was one of the few things my mother did not forget until the later stages of dementia/Alzheimer's. But her wanting to stand dang near on top of the phlebotomist was not helpful.
I agree with the sentiments already stated - your post is glowing!!! And so glad you can help fellow students. Maybe becoming a teacher of nursing is your path?!?!?!?!
I am thankful that my husband went to one follow up visit from his hospital stay last week. Turns out he had a slight (small) heart attack. Yikes. We will be making a lot of changes around here. But he still has to take it easy. And if anyone was in doubt about a large purchase, those Apple watches are great. It was able to catch his heart rate going very high and very low during all this. I highly recommend!
I am also thankful that my husband is taking his health very serious now and starting to watch everything. I know he is not going to want to go to a nutritionist, but if insurance pays for it, he will be going.
Thankful that the dog came back after running away the other night. We spent over an hour looking for him before he finally came back and darted out again. Luckily he went over to his favorite visiting spot and came right to my husband to play "catch me". He didn't realize that my husband is just as fast as a tired dog.
@Maureen, so glad your husband is doing well and was able to get the care he needs. We have the Garmin watches and love them! They also keep track of heart rate, etc and have been a game changer for us. It’s just another option for those that may be looking to invest in a fitness watch. I have the Lily 2
@Maureen,
I hope your husband is back to 100% soon. Technology is amazing!
@Maureen, How scary! Sending all good wishes for his recovery and ease of changing what is necessary.
@Maureen,
Hoping your husband has an uneventful recovery! Heart stuff is scary. I'm glad he's taking it seriously. And a shameless plug for my profession: if you are in the US, make sure he sees a Registered Dietitian (we have "RD" or "RDN" after our names. Some have additional "letters" as well, for example, Registered Dietitians in my state (Ohio) also have to be state licensed, so you will see "RD, LD" or similar after our names). In the US, literally *anyone* can call themselves a "nutritionist", whether they have any education in nutrition or not.
WOOHOO for You! You are almost there... Where the Sidewalk(of this phase of schooling) ends!
No Doubt that your decades of teaching others has led you here.. While it is an extra responsibility helping others figure it out it absolutely just strengthens your knowledge 100%.. That is why YOU have GOT this! Cheering you on from NE Ohio!
Today I am grateful for the end of semester sigh of relief for my 2 in college! Her spring quarters were SO intensive and having to manage them with her Spring Track season. Grateful for the PR scores she attained last week at 3 days on competition among 3 final exams... His school is not as intensive but I know he just doesn't love it.. ends to a mean. I am grateful he is sticking to it.. I assured him one he is past gen ed reqs it will be more captivating ! lol (fingers crossed)
So excited you're nearing the end!
My thankful five:
- Having fun at my new weekly volunteer shift, some lovely people
- There were no family dramas/arguments at my uncle's funeral, my mum in particular was getting stressed about certain things in the run up
- Modern medicine, will forever be grateful my mum is getting the cancer treatment she needs
- My SiL having a smooth transition back to work after long term sick
- Rain! Lots of dry days in north England but there's a bit of rain about today
Kristen, I am so happy for you that you are on the cusp of being. You have rocked nursing school and your employer and patients are going to be very fortunate to have you.
I am thankful that my friend was allowed to come to the US for the birth of her second grandchild. She has the misfortune of being Iranian at a time when the government has not allowed her to be here. She has lived in Canada the past several years and missed both her daughter's wedding and the birth of her first grandchild. Before 2017 she was allowed to spend many months in the US. She is here now and I will get to see her in person today.
I am happy that I was able to get to know more Meals on Wheels volunteers while filling in for the site coordinator that has been out on leave. My fellow volunteers are a great group of people.
Oh, I love that you volunteer with that program. I was researching it as part of my SDoH project and some of what I read is that this service is valuable because it provides some human contact to people who might otherwise be very lonely and shut away. Thank you for serving your community this way!
@Kristen,
My elderly uncle was able to delay going to a nursing home for 2 or 3 years thanks to Meals on Wheels....and my cousin's coming every weekend (from out of town, a 2 hour drive) to take care of him and his house.
I’m thrilled for you for all of your hard work and that the end is so so close! I know you’ve said you plan to continue your education but what you’ve accomplished so far is so amazing and so worth being proud of.
So appropriate that the bunny on your t-shirt today is literally on top of the world, as I'm sure that's how you'll feel when you finish this exam. I bet I'll be able to feel your shoulders drop from here. 🙂 Git 'er done, friend.
Oh I hadn't even thought of that but you are right. Miffy the bunny is me. 🙂
So exciting!! Thanks for bringing us all along with you on this journey. You're amazing and such an inspiration! And of course will be a most excellent nurse!
Congratulations!! Have you thought about being a nursing instructor at some point? It sounds like you'd be well suited to it.
I have definitely considered it. It makes me so happy to help other people understand concepts in ways that make the ideas stick in their brains, so I think I might enjoy teaching nursing students.
But first I gotta get my bachelor's degree, because you need at least that to be an adjunct professor. And I might get my master's down the road if I want to really pursue the teaching.
@Kristen, as others have already said, when I was reading your post today, I immediately thought that you’d be the kind of nursing professor I’d want to have! So happy for you as you are almost an RN!!!
You've got this, Kristen! You've been such an inspiration for me--I just finished my chem and chem lab exams, and will end up with an A in both. It's a small step, but watching you get near the finish line gives me hope that I, too, can become a nurse after a homeschooling career. 😉 And I recognized the ADPIE acronym!
I'm thankful for a very supportive husband and family--although Clark was visibly disturbed during my last study session; perhaps sensing my anxiety, he took it upon himself to steal my pen, thinking if I didn't have my pen, I wouldn't study and be so anxious!
Thankful for gorgeous weather and a new, still very undeveloped park near us--we call it a wild park, and the fact that it has no "amenities" is perfect, because it means fewer people frequent it, which is lovely for long explores.
I'm still very thankful for DS#1's new job, which he starts next week; his employer sent him a 'swag box' to welcome him aboard--I've never seen those before, but he was pleased to get a stainless steel water cup, a cordless phone charger, and a notebook; he was saying he should get a notebook for writing things down on his first day, and now he has one. As he put it, "it's the little things in life you treasure." 😀
Ok, well, I am SO PROUD of you!! I know what a feeling of accomplishment that is as a returning student. Yay you!
@Karen A., I suspect Clark stole your pen to steal your attention. Just a guess....
@Karen A.,
I'm so proud of both of you!
And I think I would have to make a pie, and write "AD" on it in whipped cream, or something. 🙂
(Kristen, I know you're not a pie lover, but you could enjoy the fun of it.:))
My grad school countdown
-paper
-culminating project
I am thankful for this. And in 4 days it will be done. Woohoo! You can do it Kristen!
Little brag because of overwhelm: I did grad school in a year, while working full time and single parenting and working through a divorce. 2 brief years ago I was afraid to speak my opinion on much of anything due to retribution and now I’m doing all the things I want to do and need to do for many family and me. This is healing. And the healing has happened in community (doesn’t it always?)—a crowd of people that I didn’t know two years ago and now count my good friends. How wonderful is that?
@Kaitlin, congratulations! You made it thru a hell of a year. You should feel proud of yourself.
@Kaitlin, three hearty huzzahs apiece for you and Kristen!!!
@Kaitlin,
Right you are to look yourself straight in the face and say: I did this well! Congratulations!
Kaitlin, I am so proud of you, I could burst. I relate so so much to what you wrote and I am thoroughly delighted that you too are experiencing this empowering freedom.
@Kaitlin, "Wonderful" doesn't begin to describe it. Or you!
@Kaitlin,
Congratulations on all that you have accomplished. I wish you the best on the next leg of your journey.
@Kaitlin, and Kristen - you are both AWESOME! Such wonderful role models, keep up the great work!
@Kaitlin, kudos on everything!
@Kaitlin,
Are you sure you're not Wonder Woman? Grad school+ a FT job+ being a mom+ legal matters = one super successful gal who can handle just about anything! You go, girl! Good for you! Big celebration in 4 more days? I hope so! You deserve it, and I hope your kids know how tremendous you are!
@Kaitlin, I remember when you first showed up here and said you had just left your marriage. It was sad and scary. Now look at you!!! Fantastical!
@Fru-gal Lisa, I know right! Kaitlin has found her power & wasted no time using it! Kaitlin, you are an amazing woman! I'm so happy for you. <3
@Kaitlin, That’s a mountain of achievements to conquer and Wow! I have goosebumps just imagining it. Three cheers for you.
@Kaitlin, I add my hearty congrats to those posted by all the others here. The academic achievements are wonderful, but to find your own voice tops everything in my book.
@Kaitlin,
You are ROCKING IT!! I can't even imagine working full time AND doing grad school at the same time, much less all the other additional things. Go you!
@Central Calif. Artist Jana,
Same! I was so heartbroken for Kaitlin....now she's got a great life on her terms!
@Kaitlin, I almost skipped reading comments today because it's just so busy right now. But I am so glad I didn't because this update makes me really happy.
@Kaitlin, Wonderful doesn't begin to cover it! Congratulations!
@Kaitlin, congratulations! You are very inspiring
Congratulations! Kristen! I am sitting here wondering what it would look like if imaginary balloons (imaginary ones are eco-friendly and don't kill livestock) went up across the nation and world at the time you graduate. Pretty spectacular!
I am still thankful for my new to me laptop. It is so incredible to touch the on button and not have it take five minutes to warm up. It has been a learning curve not to need the minutes in between issues to make tea or toast or do something else.
I'm thankful for being able to hit the day running with yard work. I'm waiting until everyone goes to work and school to mow and give my neighbors the shock factor. I love my lush yard, but the consistent rain and cool weather has made the perennials, grass, etc. grow like gangbusters. Plus I have spied some perennials that can be potted for our plant sale next weekend. Some parts of my yard, I have not even checked on!
I am thankful that both of my "briar" roses look healthy and they and the knock-outs will bloom soon. The rose I bought last summer did not live, so I'm thinking of a replacement for that spot.
I am thankful for Molly. She can be very cuddly at times. I appreciate her quiet demeanor even though I can't eat a whole sandwich by myself.
I know, right? I am probably the most broadly-supported student in my cohort. I have people cheering me on from around the globe!
@Chrissy, we have our garden club plant exchange next week. It's always fun and I love to give the volunteers a good home.
@Kristen, just think of the loud whoop you'd receive if we were all at your graduation ceremony!
@MB in MN, they might hear that whoop in outer space!
Kristen, there may be no better way to solidify knowledge than to teach it to someone else.
I have made a new friend, I think. I have an exacting definition of friend, as opposed to buddy or pal or someone I know, so making a new one doesn't happen often.
For the possible resolution of a long-standing relationship problem. The solution lay in reframing the situation rather than changing anything, which is a lesson in itself.
That my father is rational and easy to talk with about his aging. It was about driving, which is usually a fraught subject because that's about independence. And you know what? He'd already decided to make a change.
@WilliamB,
Each of these is a Very Big thankful in itself - in a list, that makes for as good a week as they come in my opinion
Yep. Helping my classmates all week is helping me too, I know. It's a win-win.
@WilliamB,
Reframing a situation is awesome. I learned from one of my residents who was very stubborn that I want to be teachable until I die.
And your Dad's change of heart about driving is a big deal!
@WilliamB,
It is wonderful that your father is rational about the aging process. It must be a relief for you that he has accepted that it may no longer be safe for him to drive.
My MIL had macular degeneration. Her eyesight was seriously diminished by the disease. I tried everything to get her to hang up the keys. At age 92, she failed the eye exam and had her license taken away. However, she petitioned the state and they returned her license to her. I was livid. I am truly thankful that she never caused an accident. It was truly a miracle.
@Bee, the state returned your MIL's license even though she had a diagnosis of macular degeneration?? That was seriously nuts.
And I hope to be able to surrender the keys when my time comes with as much grace as @WilliamB's father has done and my own DH did. The day DH couldn't find our longtime dentist's office on his own and had to be piloted home, he handed me the keys and said, "You've got to drive from now on. I can't do it any more." We both then shed tears, but we both knew it was the right thing to do.
@A. Marie,
What a wise man your DH was! Very few elders voluntarily surrender the keys. We had to take the distributor cap, I think it was, out of my dad's van so he wouldn't sneak out and drive off somewhere.
@WilliamB, your father is remarkable. My mom hasn’t driven in 1-1/2 years and she won’t admit that the end of her driving has passed. Sigh.
@Fru-gal Lisa, The things we go through to protect someone! My FIL was a terrific guy but would not give up driving. However, he had a hard and fast rule about never driving after having even one drink. All the reasoning, begging, threatening to report him to the authorities for driving did not work. He mostly drove to go out to eat or visit his sons so each of them started offering him a drink during the meal or visit, so then he would let them do the driving and would wait a few days to pick up the vehicle from whatever restaurant they had all been to (A widower, one of his chief pleasures was to eat at this tiny family owned Mexican restaurant where the owners really did treat him like family. They always gave him a table near the kitchen and as they went in and out the servers and owners would chat or make a joke. By the end they were in collusion with the sons, offering him a drink and then calling a son to come pick him up. Thank God it took only one drink for him not to drive, and not a snout full.)
@A. Marie, some doctors are just as bad. Despite the fact my grandmother would just black out, doctor would not report her to the state. NOR help my grandpa and dad do so. We knew she had keys hidden all over their HUGE house so uncle disabled her car. Grandpa played dumb as to knowing what was wrong. Even if he didn't know what uncle, he'd have figured it out. Grandpa told dad he was done driving. He could walk in the small town and dad drove him when need be.
Congratulations to Kristen! I am a forever reader, and I am so proud of you!
WOW! YAY ! ALMOST DONE! You deserve that A and you’re gonna get it!
I am thankful for:
Exquisitely lovely weather here in Phoenix this past week,some breezes, even a sprinkle of rain there and there. Great patio sitting weather,esp. early mornings with coffee.
I am enjoying a good recovery from my hip surgery and walking mostly unassisted,will be back to hiking and real life very soon!!
Found a book club that actually READS THE BOOK and meets regularly,close to home, and it is a DATIME EVENT.. WOO HOO! SOO thankful!!
Grateful for my son’s birthday today and the fact he is almost completely healed from a serious reaction from the covid “jab”.. he was unlucky and got so very sick for 2 years.. with neuro and heart issues.. it’s all wearing off now and healing is almost complete.he is back to exercising, and having a normal life once again. Makes this Mom’s heart sing!
@Madeline, what a freaky book club you discovered! They are almost always a jab-fest. I’ve wondered if there is any way for a bookclub to choose books that everyone will read. Never joined a book club because I want to choose my own books.
That’s great news about your son! I’ve only heard about vaccine injuries, never about recovery from them.
Kristen, you’ve got this! Your journey is inspiring to all of us. The world needs more nurses (and people!)like you.
Woo-hoo for you! Odds are your score will be very close to a 60/60, the way you're going! So much of nursing is teaching patients about their condition and teaching them to take care of themselves, and you've got that part down pat. I'm really excited for you. As I tell my students, "Good luck on the test -- and you know what Thomas Jefferson said about (good) luck. He said the harder he works, the more he has of it." You've worked extremely hard and you are going to do extremely well. So go out and buy yourself a fantastic scrub suit to celebrate your graduation and new job! For once, you can splurge a little on yourself!
My thankful items this week:
1. Snuggles the Rottweiler has come to live with me, and he immediately adjusted to his new home. He is just precious! And he's already got me well trained: he sits in front of me, and looks up at me so cute and my heart just melts and he gets a cookie. We've gone through most of the first bag of dog biscuits, and through at least half of the Aldi box of dog biscuits, and I bought 2 more bags at our store since he likes those the best. He snuggles with me a lot so he's happy I'm his human mama.
2. I had a good work shift last night at the drugstore. No drama.
3. I was able to drive home in the last two heavy storms without going on a flooded street. So far, no more issues with the car.
4. I took 2 days off from substitute teaching; was able to rest and get a lot of errands run. Guess I was tired: yesterday morning, I slept until noon!
5. No roof leaks despite heavy rains and a few missing shingles. Pray I can find a roofer who doesn't charge an arm and a leg.
Yes yes about the teaching and nursing; I already end up doing some of that even when I work as a tech and a student nurse. The job always involves explaining things in easy-to-understand ways, and that's a lot of what teaching entails.
I am still so happy for you about your pup. 🙂
@Fru-gal Lisa, so happy for you and your big lovebug pup. It sounds like he's a perfect match.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Lucky dog!
So excited for you Kristen! You have done an amazing job throughout your journey through nursing school.
- I'm thankful I have flexibility at work so I could take off early to pick up grandson at daycare when it closed early yesterday.
- I'm thankful that we got to spend the afternoon with our grandson and our daughter stayed to have dinner with us.
- I'm thankful we get to see our grandson grow and learn. Yesterday he called my husband "Papa" for the first time. He said it repeatedly while pointing at my husband. This Nana is a little jealous though that he said "Papa" before saying "Nana". 😉
- I'm thankful that our son got a B in his college ceramics course. He was very concerned he was going to make a bad grade and that had his anxiety going off the charts.
- I'm thankful our very active rescue dog is actually very chill with our grandson. In fact, he is the only person that she willingly drops her ball for.
I had a wonderful birthday celebration with friends this weekend. I wrote them all thank you cards after, which made me feel even more gratitude. Love my girls!
I join everyone else in saying what a great accomplishment. You have really shown what can be done and overcome. You look like you are glowing in those pictures.
Hooray for almost there! You are thiiiiiis close!
My thanksgivings:
1. I'm thankful for a fun weekend last weekend with two of the grandkids, and even more thankful that the oldest has outgrown her inexplicable fear of dogs. She never had a bad experience of any kind with dogs, but she was quite afraid of all dogs as a toddler, changing to nervousness with them as she grew. She was fine this weekend, and willingly interacted with the dogs.
2. I'm thankful that this same grandchild, who was found deficient in growth hormone and has been taking the hormone for a while, is finally taller than her 2-year younger sister, and delighted to be back within the normal height ranges.
3. I'm so thankful to hear the soft splashing and trickling of the fountain again, after so long of trying in vain to make the old pump function. The birds are also happy and I know the goldfish are! It often surprises people to find out we put goldfish in our little pond/pool. Some of the fish have graceful fan tails, some are gold and white, some deep red-orange, and all are much, much cheaper than koi. Some of our fish are almost 9" long now and have raised babies more than once.
4. We got some slow, soaking rains, thankfully. It was so hot and dry for a while.
5. I am thankful that although I didn't trim back the Boysenberries as I should - the instructional videos never seem to line up with how my vines grow - I have an abundance of new berries on the vines, starting to ripen.
So happy for you! What a big achievement.
-The weather is mild. I can walk outside comfortably; I love it! Southern Ontario weather is rarely comfortable, so the few weeks in the shoulder seasons are worth enjoying to the fullest amount possible.
-Our realtor is nice and reassuring. In our city it's typical to use a realtor to find rentals, and I am uncharacteristically overwhelmed and anxious about the whole thing. She gets it, and she's helpful.
-My new rotation is much closer to my home than my old one (30 minutes instead of 80!)
-I submitted a bunch of vacation requests to use up my allotment before the year ends (June 30, for us) and they all got approved, so I'm looking forward to a lot of random days off where I can be in the apartment ALONE!
-I love the way my 3.5 year-old says Playmobil, "Mommy, do you want to play Toy-mo-mobil with me?" Delightful.
@Meira (meirathebear.wordpress.com), I love "Toy-mo-mobil"!
I always found that one of the best ways of learning -- and remembering! -- things was to teach it to someone else. You really have to understand something to teach it.
Congrats!!! You're ALMOST THERE!
I'm thankful for:
- Encouraging ways I'm seeing my kids grow
- Morning coffee...and afternoon coffee.
- My new doctor (crazy story, she lived in the same region, in the same country as me in Africa!!) And I had no idea, until I was in the appointment with her.
- Cucumber flowers!
- my house
- rain
- Encouragement from the book of James
Your joy comes through in your post. Congratulations on all you have achieved. And I know your fellow students really appreciate how you have helped them.
Today I'm thankful that the pain in my back I've been struggling with is starting to ease.
For a 'date night' getaway with my husband -- a quick overnight in Denver.
For the friends who are keeping our dogs while we're gone.
For the first asparagus from my garden.
For bluebirds nesting in our birdhouses.
So happy for you! You've got this!
Congrats!!
You are doing AH. MAZ. ING!!
I kind feel like *I* am getting a nursing degree right along with you--even though I could NEVER do the math and science, which is why I have an English/Professional Writing degree. Congratulations, nurse Kristen! To say this is hard earned and well deserved seems a bit of an understatement, but it's true. We celebrate with you!
Yay!
Yay! Congratulations on a job well done!
In just a few day you will have a diploma in hand and your pin.
I am thankful for yesterday's heavy rain. It has been a dry spring and temperatures are already in the mid-80s. The downpour was such a relief. My flowers are so happy!
I am thankful for the green space that still exists in my little corner of Florida.
I have seen birds, bunnies, turtles, deer, snakes, otters, and an alligator. The birders among the commentariat might be interested yo know that I saw a bald eagle, barred owl, and a pileated woodpecker this week.
After a very busy spring, I am thankful that I finally have time to putter around my house and work on little household projects. It is weirdly satisfying to clean out old files and shred three bags of papers.
Wishing everyone the blessings of peace, good health, and prosperity.
@Bee, I rejoice with you on all your natural visitors except the alligator. I just read that news story about the woman who was killed by an alligator on Lake Kissimmee. But then, I hope you haven't gone canoeing over any alligators.
All your hard work is paying off. Congrats on almost being finished with school!
This week I am very thankful for my 48yo body. Not something I say enough!
- I’ve been doing a lot of physical work in my garden this spring. Just this week, I’ve been pulling out old metal fence posts and trellising to make repairs, hammering metal posts into the ground, hauling heavy buckets of soil, and shoveling and sifting compost.
- My blood test results were mostly good. My cholesterol has gone down from 206 to 161, glucose numbers are good, etc. My blood sodium levels are a little low (probably due to fasting and only being able to have water) and my HDL is a little high. Still waiting for the official response from the doctor.
- Last night, I was listening to a meditation that started with showing appreciation for your feet and all the places they’ve taken you. I realized, that yes, I am grateful for my feet!
I'm thankful, as everyone else here is, that Kristen is so close to finishing nursing school (with a highly probable 4.0). And everyone here appreciates what an achievement this has been. Yay for our fearless leader!!!
I'm thankful for this week's rain, up to a certain point. We've had quite enough by now, but at least the gardens are flourishing. (Unfortunately, so are the weeds.)
And I'm thankful for pbs.org streaming, which is enabling me to watch the first episode of Miss Austen at my own pace so I can take notes. My local JASNA region's May meeting will be a discussion of the first two episodes, and I plan to be prepared--especially since I'm well known for being obsessive about Austen family history. 😀
(And, BTW, please, please support your local PBS and NPR stations. They need it more now than ever.)
@A. Marie,
I could not find Miss Austen on Passport last week. I will look again maybe I was looking before it was available.
@A. Marie, He Who Shall Not Be Named better keep his teeny tiny hands off PBS and NPR. RIP Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
@A. Marie, the first thing I thought when I saw the series advertised was: does it have the A.Marie stamp of approval? So please, do share so we know if it's worth a watch...
So, so very proud of you!! Working in the health care world I know how valuable great nurses are, and your patients are so lucky to have you. Congratulations Kristen!! Well done!!
Applause from Georgia! Your journey has been an inspiration.
I know your goal is nursing, but the way you talked about teaching makes me think you would be a wonderful nursing instructor! Maybe after you get a few years of nursing experience under your belt….
• At this very moment I’m thankful to have the opportunity to work from home. My son woke up with a fever but I am already working from home today so no juggling of anything and I can just focus on getting him comfortable.
• We have such an easy going puppy! I took him to my son’s game this week and he happily sat on the sidelines.
• The weather has been so lovely and the trees are all turning green!
• I have an upcoming date night with my husband – I’m always thankful to have something to look forward to!
Congratulations on being so close and the excellent comments on your project!
I'm thankful that I've made a handful of eBay sales this week, to bring in a little extra cash after we paid our property taxes which keep increasing though services in the community seem to be retracting. (Our library system, however, is superb.)
Also thankful that one of our cats, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer seems to have been just going through an extended infection that she was fighting off because the latest bloodwork results show much improvement. Thankful to the point of crying!
Thankful my husband is able and willing to do car repairs and maintenance as there are a few issues he's planning to tackle that will save us considerably.
Thankful that my library had a copy of a book I was interested in, about Winston Churchill - Taking London. I only had to wait a few weeks and voila - now enjoying the audiobook version while doing chores, cooking and running errands. It certainly makes any inconvenience seem absolutely minor in comparison to WWII London.
Happy Nurses Week!! So proud of all of your hard work -you are going to be an EXCELLENT Nurse!!
I have tons to be thankful for but would rather jabber all my responses to your post.
This is the biggest happiness I have ever seen on your consistently happy face (now that the divorce is behind you)!
You live in a gorgeous part of the country—all that water.
Maybe after a few years of working as a nurse, you will end up teaching at the nursing school. Or maybe you will develop another “side hustle” of tutoring nursing students. You are obviously gifted in this area.
Those horrible scrubs are perfect to wear when you paint furniture.
Has anyone ever gotten 60 out of 60 on the final? If anyone could, it would be you!
I agree with everyone that you look so happy and joyous. I was thinking of how you remind me so much of my friend Shannon who, in her 40's, decided to pursue a degree in counseling. Prior to that, she was a piano teacher. She did it while dealing, not with divorce, but with two very very challenging adopted children (many hospitalizations and placements). But she has been working as a counselor for a few years now, and she has such joy and such a sense of helping others that you can feel when you are with her. I know you will help many people too.
You set your goal and didn't let anything stop you. Congratulations!
omg. mazel tov. you did it. was there ever any doubt? i hope your huge family will celebrate with you.
Thanks for sharing your nursing school experience with us I always had 2 careers in mind nursing or teaching I had a very happy 30 yrs in the teaching profession .Could you then go on to nurse education seeing as you are already helping your class mates, It has been very interesting following your studies. Good lick in your final exams.
Congratulations! Best of luck on your cumulative final!
Admiring your accomplishments and work ethic! You’ve done well! Kudos!!
Congratulations on being almost done! We're all so happy for you!
I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU KRISTEN!! (HUGS) CONGRADUATIONS !! WISHING YOU A GREAT SUMMER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.
So happy to see this! Congratulations on your success.
Congratulations! As a professor, I can assure you that those are OUTSTANDING comments. I guarantee that most students did not receive such glowing praise. You're a model student, the kind we instructors wish we could clone!
Congratulations on having only one more item to cross off! As hard as you worked, I can’t imagine that you won’t earn your A!!! Amazing work & your patients will be so lucky to have you! Plus having a full time paycheck will be amazing!!!!! When you select your benefits, you typically only have one opportunity (i. e. at the initial signup) to select life insurance & disability without going through underwriting).
I am so thankful that the severe weather passed us by! We got lots of rain and my yards and trees are loving all of the cooler temps and sunshine. Out of nowhere my sprinkler system roared back to life. I think it was the temporary loss of power at my house. I guess I'm thankful for that, too! Lastly, for an old friend who got a job at my new hospital, earning me a referral bonus and a trustworthy co-worker. (: P.S. None of my scrubs are "flattering". I just need them to be easy care and comfy! Yours look totally normal and like what I see every day at work. Good Luck on your final!
Well done,Kristen! I’m sure you’ll ace the final exam. I’m very proud of you for your diligence and perseverance.
Great job on your project!
This week, I'm thankful ...
- That spring is in the air and our trees are budding, especially our flowering ones out front. Those are the ones I look forward to the most.
- For my morning walks. It's nice get outside, get some exercise and feel the sun on my face. Best natural alarm clock to wake up to.
- For my most patient, understanding and loving husband who had to deal with my emotional period outbursts.
- For my girls who don't hold grudges against me. Kids are so forgiving and forgetful. I wish I was more like them.
- For an improved relationship with my mother and sister in law. God is good and prayer is powerful.
Great job on the project, and no doubt the test will go great! Helping so many study also gives you so much review...you'll do great.
Thankful this week:
Younger son has healed well after surgery, been home on his own for a few days, and returned to work this morning.
We've had rain off and on and my new lawn is loving that. We mowed it for the first time Sunday, and it looks so much better than I could have imagined.
My mom seems to be better than she has been in a year. She had some issues after getting a pace maker and has been fatigued since then. She also got pneumonia in February. Seems like she coughed from Dec-March. But these past 2 or 3 weeks she seems to have turned a corner and is back to herself. Cleaning windows and mowing the lawn, moving couches to sweep under them, and quilting all through the day. She and my dad even went out for supper twice this week with friends.
So thankful for the peace this house has brought to our daily lives. It is so peaceful outside. I am out there for hours a day and just soak up the quiet. I need that in life.
Thankful for all the beautiful flowers and trees that are blooming. They bring such beauty to the world.
Great job, Kristen! Ice the champagne! This is a really wonderful accomplishment.
My own thanks this week are way less spectacular:
* My fellow volunteers at the soup kitchen, good company and a happy sounding board for all of us. We eat the broken cookies!
** My patient piano teacher, who always finds music that is challenging and interesting and playable at my humble level.
*** My husband, giving me such a good example of minding his health--meds, exercise, and planning.
**** My wonderful sewing machine, making my work look better with every project, and the ingenious people who invented zipper feet and edgestitch feet.
***** The uplifting beauty of the blooming fruit trees in central Ohio--apples, cherries, pears, plum, and more, absolutely beautiful in spite of recent heavy rains. And buds on our peach tree!
I'm so thankful for this blog, the commentariat, and most of our our faithful leader who is rocking nursing school and almost a nurse!!
**I am thankful that my husband drives me to and from work every day even though he has now retired. It saves the stress of finding a parking spot and walking in the rain (of which we have had many days in a row-too many to remember).
**For my sisters and friends. We had a wonderful Mystery Dinner Theatre event last week where we laughed SOOO much and bunko last night.
**For our springer spaniel 2-year-old puppy. She keeps us laughing.
Simple Things
Is it deprivation when you prefer simplicity?
Cabbage-it’s about as low as you can go on the food chain. Cheap and readily available. I love it raw and cooked every which way.I will admit some of the names for cooked cabbage are pretty fancy though.
Pinto beans. I was at Chipotle with some folks and those bowls can get pretty expensive. I just wanted some beans and rice so I took the plunge and ordered just that. There was a lot of confusion but they finally figured out how to do such a simple thing and I ended up with a big bowl of pinto beans and rice for 3 dollars? It was delicious and I had leftovers.
Carrots, raw and cooked mmmmmm.
An apple. That crunch with juice running down your chin. And is there anything better than applesauce?
And water hot or cold. You can drink it, cook with it, bathe in it, wash and clean any and everything with it. Water is wonderful.
A white shirt of some kind and a simple skirt or pants. I could probably care less about the fit but not much. Not too tight and not falling off is good. At some point I realized nobody really notices or cares what you are wearing and are just happy you aren’t necked. Do you really have to be a billionaire to get away with a t-shirt and jeans? Nope. Everyone can do it.
My kids bought me an expensive pair of shoes so my feet won’t hurt. Naturally they hurt my feet. I wear them anyway because well thankful and all that. I love going barefoot but the modern world makes that nearly impossible.
There is probably an endless list of being simple which makes it not simple lol and word heavy. From the Alison Krauss song, “you say it best, when you say nothing at all”
I give all my thankfulness this week to you, Kristen, for the many journeys that this blog took us along on. Teaching and modeling for us how to navigate hard things while never losing your cool.
We get to cheer for you at every stage and, by extension, we learn to cheer for ourselves in overcoming what life throws at us. It’s a continuing joy to hear your stories. Like everyone else here, I look forward to your posts each day. As well as those of the whole Commentariat. So many delightful people sharing so much great stuff.
Can’t wait for the images!
So excited for you and just impressed with how you've taken on this big goal and conquered it!!! Cheering you on to the finish!
Huge congratulations and best wishes for your finals!
@KRISTEN I hear that Figs is having a 20% off sale on scrubs this week as it is Nurse's Week. You should definitely treat yourself!!!! So proud of all of your hard work in reaching this amazing milestone!!! You my friend are an inspiration and clearly walking in your God given gift. Rock that 4.0 - if anyone can do it you can 🙂
1. I am grateful that the root canal that had to be repaired today was able to be repaired so I won't need a tooth extraction or an implant. Also grateful for a highly skilled endodontist that was able to find a very well hidden root and get it all taken care of so I don't have this issue again. Doctors, dentists, nurses.....ya'll rock!
2. I have gotten back into my gym this week and even though I am sore, I am grateful for the mental, physical, and emotional rewards that it adds to my life. Raising a family is a privilege, being able to move my body is a privilege - there are so many that cannot do this. Weight loss and smaller pants sizes are great but the mental impact and health impact are priceless.
3. For classes in my church, friends & family in the faith, prayer, my pastors and my church at large that has been a huge part of my drawing close to the Lord over the last 4 years of caretaking. There have been so many days when I could only focus on taking one step at a time and my relationship with Jesus has never been stronger.
4. All of my ultrasounds have come back great and I am scheduled for IVF transfer on May 21st!!! We have been praying for a second child for the last 8 years and feel so blessed that we have this opportunity to grow our family.
5. Simple thanks for coffee and Alani, my Boxers who above all love to snuggle and make me laugh, my Mom who has been a great help to us the last 5 months, provision, and a relief in my caretaking journey as my aunt will move to a care home this weekend. I know some may think this is mean but I have done all I can and she is requiring more skilled care that I cannot provide. I am ever so thankful to be able to set the heaviness down and relax in knowing I have made the best decision for her.
Happy Mother's Day to all!!! I hope that you feel adored, seen and loved for all that you are to your families. This world would not be the same without Mamas who are putting in the hours raising generations to come.
@Angie, I of all people understand about your aunt in your #5. I had to make that move with my DH 4 years ago when I could no longer safely care for him at home (he was a large man, prone to falls and wandering). And anyone who's tempted to pass judgment on anyone else for placing a loved one in institutional care should walk a mile in our moccasins before doing so.
AGREED. Caregiving sometimes becomes impossible to maintain at home, and people who judge about that need to stay in their lane.
@Angie, Without your devoted care, your aunt likely would have ended up in a care home much earlier. She is a fortunate woman to have had you to help her put off the step of moving to a care home.
@Angie, moving a loved one to a skilled care facility is a loving kindness. Anyone who thinks otherwise isn't worthy of your attention.
@Angie, I hope and pray that all goes well for your IVF transfer.
Congratulations on the end of Nursing school for you!
I am sure you will do fantastic on the final exam. This was an amazing journey for you and thanks for taking us with you step by step!
Soon you will be celebrating your graduation woohoo!
I'm feeling so immensely grateful. So many weeks over the past couple of years I have used this post for perspective--how can I be grateful despite bad break after bad break. It feels like something has finally shifted. I don't know why. It's nothing I did differently. But I find myself just feeling deeply grateful that . . .
1) My husband and I met with our daughter's neuropsychologist on Tuesday. We feel like, finally, after seven years of specialists and therapies, we finally have a full picture of her disabilities and a strategy for helping her grow and develop to her full potential. She will most likely never be able to live independently of us, but that's fine. Just knowing what she needs feels like a major victory. And her seizures seem to be under control. Thank God.
2) I had a great interview on Monday for my dream job. I followed up with them by email on Wednesday with a plan of how I would address the major issue they shared with me during the interview. I don't know who else they are interviewing and what they bring, of course. But I am hopeful they will make an offer to me.
3) Our new project manager is like a breathe of fresh air. She's just perfect in the way that she thinks and the way she manages. I was ready to shut our business down permanently in the fall. Now I am thinking we just needed the right person in place to actually realize our long term goals.
4) We have a really great summer ahead of us. The kids are in camps that they will love. We have a couple of cheap home exchanges planned. I have a clear and doable workplan for myself (which I am hoping will be exploded by me getting a new position that starts in August). We're going to float in the pool and read books and organize the house. It is going to be so much fun.
5) We are thisclose to finally paying off the medical debt and personal loans that have been hanging over our heads for a year. I know a lot of people struggle with a lot more debt for a lot longer, but it all felt like a big deal to me. As soon as we would pay down one medical bill we would be hit with another emergency room visit. We are within spittin' distance of paying off everything and rebuilding our emergency fund. And not because we stopped having medical issues--just because we paid the out of pocket max.
@Amanda in VA, these are wonderful "thankfuls"! Hoping you get the job offer!! Your summer plans sound awesome too!
@Amanda in VA, wow, all of these are grand! Your #1 made my eyes well up. Best wishes being sent your way!
You rock, Kristen. I wish you would become a travel nurse and come to northern Alaska so I could have you as a nurse!! But come in the winter, this 24 hours of daylight sucks.
1. Thankful for the chemo saving my husband's life. I do wish his hair would stop thinning, because whenever I trim it now, I want to weep (and often do) as the curls fall to the floor. There are fewer and fewer of them. And then, as I said on Katy's blog, I feel like a selfish bitch for focusing on that loss instead of on the good.
2. for the seedlings are all coming up and making my garage look like a nursery. We can't transplant until about June 1 because the soil is still so cold.
3. for the increased energy I feel since two blood transfusions. Still no idea where I am losing blood but at least I have the energy to get out of bed.
4. for Sumo oranges.
5. for the husband, always the husband.
Haha, and for me, it's the 24 hours of night that would be the deterrent!
I'm glad your blood transfusions helped you, and I'm so sorry about your husband's hair. It's ok to be sad about that. <3
@Lindsey,
I am sorry that your family is going through chemo. This may sound a bit bizarre, but I have lost my hair a few times from chemo. Rather than cutting it, I have found that going for a nice drive and throwing hair out the window can be quite rewarding - and freeing.
Best wishes,
CeeCee
@Lindsey, I'm happy to hear that your husband's chemo and your blood transfusions are working. Perfectly understandable to grieve his hair loss.
@Lindsey, am so glad that the transfusions have worked. What a difference energy makes! I have Hashimotos so totally understand not having energy to get out of bed.
Congratulations, Kristen!! You have worked so hard and you're almost there!! We're so proud of you and so excited about your graduation. Also, great comments from your project graders. I know that made you smile!
I am thankful
1) that you are almost done with this nursing program! You have given me a lot of insight into what it takes (a LOT) to become a nurse. Thanks for taking us along on your journey. So proud of you!!!
2) for fresh asparagus and rhubarb from our garden - plenty to share with friends too
3) running a successful meeting recently - a learning curve and preparation paid off
4) budding green leaves, flowering trees and sunshine
5) time spent with an almost octogenarian friend - a fun pleasant walk to lunch and making plans for a grazing table for her birthday celebration (any suggestions / hints are welcome - I want it to be amazing and have no experience doing one)
Congratulations! I have been following your blog for several years and am so happy for you. Treat yourself to FIGS scrubs as a graduation gift. They are expensive but such great quality and many flattering options
Congratulations Kristen!!! You are so close!
This week I am grateful for beautiful weather and swims in the sea 🙂
Oh, those smiles… beautiful to see and well deserved! You have got this!!
So happy for you, Kristen!
This week I am thankful:
*for my husband. He had some hard pastor stuff this week to deal with. I'm glad he is willing to do it because I think he has a lot of wisdom.
*that son #1 will be home in a couple of weeks.
*that son #2 finished his first year of college with a 4.0. He has some struggles, but he has done very well.
*that son #3 landed a job that seems like it might be tailor-made for him at this point in his life. It is his first regular part-time job. Also, that he came with me to face therapy yesterday because my vertigo kicked in while I was on the table. He was able to drive me home on a busy interstate with ease. I cannot imagine there has ever been such a capable "just got his driver's license" kid.
*for my face therapists. Really, they are wonderful and understanding.
*that my daughters are so able and willing to pitch in and help me when the older boys are busy.
*that my two youngest ones love audiobooks so much.
*for fun read-aloud books.
*that volunteer zinnias, marigolds, and sunflowers are popping up.
*that we might get some baby chicks this weekend! (As in....we have a broody whose time is nearly up.)
Congratulations!!! I get wanting to keep the 4.0 because it matters to you and is absolutely amazing!!! So very very excited for you. Anyone fortunate enough to get you as their nurse is blessed. They are in very capable, caring hands!!
Congratulations, Kristen! You will make a great nurse:)
Chiquita is so cute. 🙂
And way to go, Kristen!!! I'm so excited for you! Enjoy every sweet moment of what you have accomplished!
The final countdown! So happy for you.
Congratulations on almost being done ! I have enjoyed following along in your journey and I look forward to reading your blog each day.
Things I am thankful for this week:
My husbands business (that he started this year) is doing well !
My son will graduate with his associates degree tomorrow and he will head to Ohio State in the fall .
My daughter had a great time as stage manager with her high school drama club and performed in her percussion group...lots of long days and overlapping practices.
I work at my local library in Children's Services and we will have hosted grades pre-k thru 5th grade this week to get them excited about our summer reading program. It is a fun and exhausting week ! I also got a great review from my director, yay me !
Kristen,
I'm so happy you are finishing your program and about to begin your new career. I hope you have many years success and personal fulfillment. I think you'll be a spectacular nurse!
I am so excited for you that you are almost done. I can’t wait to see what is next for you. Congratulations on your accomplishments!!
Kristen, I've followed your journey and I'm just so incredibly happy for you!!!!
I wish I'd had someone like you to study with in nursing school! You're going to be a fabulous nurse, helping all sorts of people! Congratulations and well done on all your hard work achieving your goal!! You did it!!