Thankful Thursday | only one more before Christmas
I just looked at the calendar and realized how close Christmas is. College semesters always make Christmas seem like it pops up fast because I don't have much time to think about it until after finals and then it IS really close.
This week, I am thankful:
that I had saved a bag that was perfect for shipping Snoopy
You know those thin plastic shipping bags that clothes often come in? Well, I'd saved one that was perfect for shipping the viral Snoopy I sold on eBay!
Those bags aren't good for shipping things that are breakable or bendable, but for a Snoopy, the bag was just fine.
that the drop-bin at my post office got fixed
Pretty much ever since I moved here, the thingy (?) where you drop your packages has been functioning at a level one could only describe as "iffy".
But when I went in to ship the Snoopy, it was working correctly!
for cat cuddles
Shelley snuggled up in between Zoe and me the other night while we were watching a movie.
And yesterday Chiquita climbed up into my lap and settled in for a nice snuggle. She's usually too busy for a long cuddle session, so this was a nice treat.
that Chiquita is continuing her streak of not bothering the Christmas tree
It's been over a week and she hasn't bothered the test ornaments we put up. Soooo, I think we will go ahead and finish adding ornaments.
that I got a schedule for next semester
At yesterday's orientation, we got a print-out draft of our schedule for next semester, and I'm so glad to have that! I've been curious for a while what my life is gonna look like next semester, and now I can take a peek at it.
that we get to do OB next semester!
I am SO excited for the women's health/OB that we get to do next semester. I am very interested in possibly being a labor/delivery/postpartum nurse, and also, since I have had four babies, I think that's gonna make this part of the curriculum easier for me.
I have to buy a textbook book about women's and children's health and I am actually excited about buying this one!
I probably will start listening to it on my walks over break. 🙂
that I have schedule flexibility
Clinical assignments are given out based on people's schedules and locations, and you can put in requests, but they are not guaranteed to be honored.
My flexible schedule may get me dumped into weekend clinicals every semester, which is not super duper ideal.
But I DO feel grateful that my schedule is very flexible; a blogging job is very easy to work around whatever clinical schedule I get assigned. I don't have to feel anxious that I might have to choose between a job and clinicals.
What are you thankful for this week?
P.S. Thank YOU for all your kind comments on yesterday's post! I appreciate your encouragement.
Yes, Christmas is really round the corner now. Preparing for the last things before we can unwind.
I am thankful for an office day, where I will meet many colleagues I normally work with online.
Thankful I got up in time and did not sleep through the alarm clock. It is a nearly 4 hours to get there.
Thankful I managed to get a lot of work done this week and am all set for a two week break.
Thankful we will see our kids a lot over Christmas.
Long time reader who has never contributed to a Thankful Thursday before so here goes:
- grateful to have a friend who is happy to walk with me at 6am twice a week (despite the fact that it is both dark and cold at this time in Ontario)
- grateful to be seeing my son, sister and extended family when we fly to BC for Christmas (will you be seeing Lisey over the holidays, Kristen?)
- grateful for work as a high school librarian that is meaningful and never boring
- grateful for our health care system as I support my husband who is navigating his way through cognitive testing
Off to walk! xo
I am thankful for some sun this week. This time of year it is not unusual to have gray days but the sun has shone off and on this week.
I am thankful for a warm house. I wear layers to be environmentally responsible but thank goodness for modern heating, hot water for the shower, and warm clothes.
I am thankful for the ability to own and drive a motor vehicle. I often choose to walk places that are not too far from our house but that is a choice not a necessity. I am grateful I do not have to rely on public transportation or others to get places.
I am thankful a long time friendship that was languishing is back on track. My friend had a lot of things going on the past few years but her life is more on an even keel lately and we have been spending more time together lately. We were never estranged but the closeness was missing for a while.
I am thankful for general good health.
Given your past pregnancy travails, and desire to go into the nursing side of that to help others, you might want to take a look at this article regarding what's looking like it might be the trigger for morning sickness (in general) and hyperemesis (in specific).
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/dec/13/pregnancy-morning-sickness-breakthrough-raises-hopes-of-possible-cure
I'm thankful for a work opportunity my husband has. It's a big deal and would mean major changes for us (which doesn't seem unusual, actually), but there would also be huge benefits. We're holding this lightly, in open hands, knowing that it might not work out. But we're also excited for the possibility that it just might work out.
I'm thankful that Christmas gifts for my in-laws (parents and siblings) have already been purchased, wrapped, and shipped. Phew, that feels good. I have just a couple things to make and wrap to prepare for Christmas, and I'm sure I will make it.
I'm thankful that this year, for the first time in several years, I'm getting into Christmas movies and music and such. When I went through several years of losing parents and dealing with estates, I just couldn't bear to see anything Christmas on TV or listen to festive music. I just couldn't. So it's really amazing that I'm on the other side now.
I'm thankful for a couple of close friends. One is going through things similar to what I experienced with my parents, and I'm thankful that I can understand, appreciate, and really sympathize with her. I hope that this will make me a better friend to her. And I'm thankful that despite distances, we've kept in touch.
I've been really thankful lately for having a comfortable and safe place to live, enough food to eat, enough money to pay for food, and all our physical needs met.
I'm thankful that there are still online places, like this, that are still safe, that are kind, and that tell the truth. 🙂
I am thankful for the professional day I had yesterday because I just ploughed through my to-do list.
I am also thankful to be basically done with Christmas shopping. I might get some more candy from our local health food store, but I think I can consider it optional.
I am thankful that there are only seven more school days before Christmas break!
Thankful for:
I got to see a friend , whom I haven't seen for ages, when I was running errands yesterday. Not a long chat, but nice.
I wrapped the presents for the gifts I'm giving to the church's Mercy tree, and they fit in the gift bags I bought. I am not good at wrapping, so the gift bags hide all of my sins!
My semester is over and only have to grade. However, it's amazing how many little tasks I can do instead of grading. Such as...
I fixed a broken toilet- imperative as we have kids coming home for the holidays, and bathroom space is at a premium. I wasn't sure if I could manage it, but youtube assured me it was easy, and it was!
I'm thankful that it's so easy to give one of our adopted cats his daily medicine. He was a street cat before he ended up at the shelter; his scarred left eye requires medicated drops twice a day for lubrication and cleaning. He not only SITS STILL for this but will even raise his head to make it easier once you show him the dropper. Having had cats that required both my husband and I to administer medication, I will never not be thankful for this! Even those few times he "struggles," our boy merely turns his head away so that you have to gently raise it with your hand. How he made it as a street cat, we've yet to figure out--he's such a teddy bear.
@N, He's loving, kind, but accepts no $h!t from anyone.
@N, Wow, that is something to be thankful for! Our new cat loves to be petted and held but is not sure about being brushed, even. I'm wondering how good he'll be about having his claws trimmed when that needs be done...
Super quick thankfuls today before I leave for face therapy! I'm thankful:
*for face therapy!
*that my college boy is in the airport waiting to fly home today!!!!!!
*for soup and homemade bread.
*for good Christmas music.
*that I haven't gained weight. I can be happy with maintaining.
*for kids who know how to help with chores-- or do them all by themself.
*that our failing roof will soon be replaced; the shingles are in piles on the roof as of yesterday.
*for a fun (and not frightening) Sunday drive with my learning son.
Enjoy your winter break! I thought I was really going to love OB too... And I didn't dislike it, but what I loved was taking care of the babies rather than the hormonal moms, haha. Hence my going into pediatrics! That is the great thing about rotating to different areas, getting a sense of what you enjoy.
Thankfuls...
Beautiful winter sunrises and sunsets
Being involved in my kids Christmas program at school and hearing their sweet voices
For good doggy clients and kind owners to deal with
That my 6yr old daughter wanted me to promise to give her a hug when I help at the program rehearsal today
For church leaders that recognize they are not infallible, and ask for accountability and prayer
Thankful for our break week and 1/2. We have been so busy my brain hurts.
For all those who send us food gifts at work, keep 'em coming!
For clouds not forming over our great mitten state. I appreciate the sun.
That we get invited every year to the parks light show. Every year they add more lights and it is super pretty, while cold, the wind wasn't blowing so it made for a good walk. We walked with a random guy we met who was walking his lab.
That my pupper who was diagnosed with cancer so far has been doing well. So very thankful for that.
And for more energy, it has been a long road to recovering energy after getting C in April. I feel good enough to host my families lunch for Christmas. I am making sure easy dishes and that should help.
@Mar, i am "from" the Great Mitten State (Traverse City) and feel you thoroughly on the thankful for SUN this time of year. Living in South Georgia now and grateful for the many sunny days here even in December!
Yes! Knowing that sunny days are not super common in Michigan winters makes me more thankful for each one we get!
It is difficult to think about anything but school the last two weeks of the semester. Then suddenly it’s over and Christmas is here.
This week has been a bit strange. I have done so much that I can’t believe it is just Thursday.
• Although I still have a lot on my to-do list, I have an obligation-free day to do it in. No appointments or must-dos. For this, I’m grateful.
• I am thankful that I found my car key. Somehow my key ended up 1/2 way under the dishwasher. I must have missed the hook when I came into the kitchen with my arms full and it slid that way. It is one of those keys that cost several hundred dollars to replace. Whew!
• I’m blessed by the sound of doggie snores and kitty purrs.
• I’m thankful for old and new friends.
• I’m grateful that all of my children will be home for Christmas.
Wishing everyone peace, good health and prosperity!
First, Kristen, enjoy your well-deserved holiday break! And I love Chiquita's innocent pose as she assumes the meatloaf position next to the tree: "Thinking about climbing the tree? Moi??"
Now, my thankfuls:
Very thankful indeed that my next-door neighbor's (NDN's) other close friend (CF) and I have **finally** had a conference call with NDN's nephew (the one blood relative of NDN's who may be able to help with her situation). He listened attentively to our concerns, and he thinks he should be able to get here in the course of a business trip later this winter--an excellent pretext for a visit that won't unduly alarm NDN or make her suspicious. (There was never any estrangement, but NDN and the nephew had not been in close touch in recent years.)
Thankful that I'm not having as difficult a time with the holiday season thus far as I did the last two years, when DH was in the nursing home and didn't know what day it was (let alone that the holidays were nigh) or who I was. Now he's at peace, and, to an increasing extent, so am I. There will always be a DH-sized hole in my life--and those who remember his nickname "The Gentle Giant" will appreciate that this is a large gap!--but I'm feeling more and more able to move on with living.
Thankful that I've got not one but two holiday parties to attend tomorrow evening (Dr. Bestest Neighbor's annual latke party, and the annual carol party given by former neighbors), and am looking forward to both!
@A. Marie, HUGS re: the holidays and everything you do for your neighbors. That is all. Just HUGS.
Yes, you're a pretty special person, A.M.
i may co-opt the phrase "a ------ shaped hole in my life." It was just my other BFF's birthday three days ago. She died six years ago at the age of 50. Yes, I know: to lose one BFF may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.
You too deserve the title of "bestest neighbor". <3
@A. Marie,
The holidays, and especially our anniversary, are so difficult for me right now. I suspect I will also experience what you are experiencing now, should I outlive DH.
Peace be with you!
@JD, peace be with you in return--and with Rose, Kristen, N, and each and every one of the FG Commentariat.
@A. Marie, I marvel at your ability to remain so engaged and able to cope with the changes you have experienced/endured these past few years. I am not a hugger, but hugs to you.
@A. Marie,
I, too, marvel at the way you have moved forward with life following the loss of your dearest DH. I *am* a hugger, so sending you even more hugs.
@Rose,
I count it as a double misfortune that you have lost both of your BFFs. While I know you're not looking for pity, I'm sorry. 50 is way, way too young, and you should have had many more years together. Wishing you whatever peace you can find.
Thankful that I am starting to feel normal again after my sickness right after Thanksgiving. Still coughing, but I am getting better. I will be masking it while I travel during Christmas as my sister does not need to get sick.
Thankful that we drove over the weekend to a roast/fundraiser for an old friend that we were in an organization with. It was a big success, especially for him. And we got to see a lot of our old, old friends. We arrived home safely even though it was raining all day Sunday and there was an accident about 100 yards in front of us that shut the highway down.
Thankful that the gifts for Christmas have been purchased, wrapped and shipped as well. I heard that everything should be shipped by the 15th in order to get there for Christmas. I have a few more to purchase and ship, but I can do that tonight and tomorrow.
Thankful for all the wood we purchased and moved into the woodshed this fall. It is keeping our house nice and warm.
Thankful for this nice community of people. I love reading all your responses as the day goes on as a pick-me-up when the day seems to be long. Thank you everyone!
Thankful that I mostly have just some buttoning up of things for the rest of the year at work. Nothing major is happening and that's good because I can't really handle much now.
Thankful that Christmas shopping is just about done. I found something nice for my wife and outside of her, my daughter and my niece and nephews I am not buying anything for anyone.
I'm not really looking forward toward Christmas and I'm just kind of existing right now but existing is still existing. So there's that.
@Battra92, Many people don't realize that there's as much sadness during the holiday season as there is happiness. So many reasons for emotional upheaval this time of year, so much pressure to be happy, celebrate and spend money. It probably doesn't help to hear this, but you're far from alone in your feelings.
@Battra92, and Bobi, and anyone else having a tough time at Christmas,
The year my parents died, I was alone at Christmas. I got through it by telling myself "this is probably going to be the worst Christmas of my life and next year will be a bit better." I also concentrated on the religious aspects of the season and got active in my church. I asked for help from my gal pals at church, inviting them over to help me trim the tree, and I admitted to them I dreaded having to do that by myself. They all came over, we had a lovely evening where I didn't feel lonely. One gal I barely knew stayed over, talked past midnight, and we became BFFs right then and there.
During a Christmas where I was without a job, having been swept up in a massive layoff at work, my slogan was "have yourself a merry LITTLE Christmas." I had a nice roommate at the time (not the ex-roommate I often complain about) and she and I figured out inexpensive ways to celebrate. I had a coupon for two to dine at a Red Lobster restaurant, so we did that; we scrounged for gifts that didn't break the bank, such as the samples of Mary Kay cosmetics she'd accumulated as a saleslady for them. But we deliberately sought to have a simple, minimalist holiday and it turned out to be one of my best ones ever, post-family.
Another thing I do is to limit Christmas to the last couple of weeks in December. My grandmother's theory was that people get the blues if the holiday is stretched out for many weeks. So I listen to my favorite non-holiday songs and don't get caught up in the Yuletide frenzy until about Dec. 18 (the last day of exams at my college when we all went home) or so. That way, I'm not thinking about the fact that I'm the sole survivor of my family.
I don't know if any of this would help someone else, but by keeping the holiday short and simple and focusing on the birth of Christ instead of trying to out-Santa Claus the jolly old elf himself, it helped me get through it all.
@Fru-gal Lisa, all of that sounds wise, prudent, mature, and so very sensible. I commend you on your application of wisdom, and thank you for sharing it! I do many of the same things, as we have no children and no longer have any family in the area.
@Fru-gal Lisa,
You have given very good advice. It is true. The longer the holiday season the harder it is to endure. Love comes in many forms, but it is difficult to lose family especially one’s parents and siblings. My heart goes out to you. I had wonderful parents and 4 beautiful sisters. I only have 1 sister left now. There will always be a hole in my life, because we all loved each other so.
For me, I try to embrace the memories that I have of my family, to carry on our traditions and to move forward as they would want me to do. I have accepted that love and loss are part of life, but it still stinks sometimes.
This week I am thankful for:
*The sense of peace I've had recently. I've been worried about this holiday season, but so far it's going fine.
*Warmth, still. mmmm.
*How helpful my children have been.
*Plenty of fun things with friends to look forward to.
*Hope for the future.
*IT'S CHRISTMAAAAAAAAS! I love Christmas.
We are busy with a lot to do as we're about to go Stateside for a few months. Plus there's just been a lot of heavy things with family and friends, but I have so much to be thankful for:
- My wonderful mattress and good nights sleep.
- Kids good attitudes in schoolwork
- My friend F.
- Encouraging verses, especially in the Psalms.
- Warm days and cool nights.
- I'm looking forward to flying, I love air travel!
I worked a lot of different areas in my 45 years as a nurse, but OB/GYN was never a draw for me. Couldn't take the "whiney-gynies", and L&D was so stressful with the potential for heartbreak. I salute those who find their niche there!
This week I am thankful for:
1) My church family. This is the most welcoming, caring church I have ever attended, and on my toughest days, I know I can count on at least a couple of hugs.
2) That our Medicare Advantage Plan gives reward points for preventative health activities. Just going to an eye appointments, getting a mammogram, going for walks, etc. can be turned into gift cards at the end of the year. With the Home Depot card from last year, and the ones we ordered this year, we'll be able to finance half the cost of an awning to go over the back door/porch. And THAT will give a bit of protection from the snow, rain, and summer sun when we go to let the dog out.
3) For our rescue squad. I think I've mentioned this before, but our volunteers are the best. Hubby had 4 falls in Nov, with one resulting in an ER visit for a concussion, and each time they are so good with him, almost like they are just stopping by for a friendly visit, and "Oh, hey, let me give you a hand getting up off the floor there, buddy" manner about them, while still being professional and capable.
4) Naps. And no job requirements that prohibit me from taking them.
5) Days with no appointments or errands. While I oftentimes end up doing piles of laundry, or cleaning bathrooms, it's just good to have nothing that requires co-ordinating, planning, or vital decision-making.
6) A sewing/craft room where I can just close the door to whatever I'm working on, leaving it spread out everywhere, without having to put it away every time.
@StephanieLD, I have had some visits from our local EMTs and, like your experience, they have all acted like it was no big deal to pick me up from the floor. I am so thankful for them!
I love that pic of Chiquita just minding her own with her eyes closed...just waiting for more ornaments/toys to appear on the tree! Ha! I think knowing your schedule in advance is great - you can really plan life and get used to a routine in advance. Also, I will tell you...I thought the same thing about being a pediatric x-ray tech, after having kids myself. It does not translate. It does not guarantee you will have expertise, only that you have the drive to learn, based on your life experience. Some of the best pedi imaging techs and pediatric ICU nurses I know do not have children. So, its not a measure for success. I learn something new about kids every time I work, and I also raised four humans. BUT, that being said, I know that you have the grit and the hope and the general mind-set of someone who genuinely wants to help others and I think that will serve you very well!
@Gina from The Cannary Family, My good friend who is a pretty well known pediatrician (when it comes to autism) is childless.
Ohh, I was thinking more that my life experience was gonna help me with the lecture/exam part of women's health/labor and delivery. Like...way easier for me than for the single dudes in my class who have no children! I am more familiar with the processes of menstruation, conception, pregnancy, delivery, breastfeeding, and so on.
--For a day home today. We had rain that changed to a nasty mix of snow and sleet and will continue today, so we're having a virtual day. I am not pleased about dealing with my children and Zoom school, but I am very happy that it's 6:42 a.m. and I haven't had to wake anyone up. And I myself actually slept until 6:30 this morning, which is basically unheard of. I guess I needed it.
--Actually, I know I needed it, because I got home from work yesterday, fed everyone, dealt with some Big Emotions from my children, and then collapsed into my bed with the heated mattresss pad on high. I stayed there for over an hour, dozing, while my husband handled the children and did the dishes. Thankful for him. And my heated mattress pad. I was bone-chilled after a day of going in and out of the almost-freezing fog and drizzle.
--For the rain, sleet, and snow. We are still in the midst of terrible drought, and any way that precipitation wants to come is welcome.
--I know this one has been on here before, but . . . for our new priest. He is a very learned man who is very passionate about his calling and the church. He is also athletic, personable, and fairly young. I feel like he's a wonderful example for my children--especially my three boys--of what living a joyful life of faith can look like.
--For our woodstove, my husband who cut the wood, and the neighbors who let us cut their dead trees and old fenceposts.
@kristin @ going country,
Fog + drizzle = fizzle
@kristin @ going country, My first thankful was going to be for the rain that has been falling all night and this morning but had NOT turned to snow, meaning the temp was still above freezing. But now it HAS turned to snow, and is so overcast I can't see the mountains. But I'm still thankful for the moisture, and that I finally got all the spring blooming bulbs in the ground last week.
Life . . . I am thankful for life; even though sadness and cares abound.
Thank God for life, and HOPE that He gives each moment meaning.
Even if I don't understand so much.
These sure are the crazy times ... but they are all in His times.
And I LOVE your musings, pix, and "news."
I'm thankful that we had a nice dinner with our son last night.
I'm thankful that my Christmas shopping is done except for stock stuffers.
I'm thankful that our daughter has officially entered her third trimester and that she and the baby are both doing great.
I'm thankful that my coworkers and I decorated our end of the hallway. It is positively glowing with Christmas lights, and it makes me happy to see it when I come into the office and when other people stop by to admire it.
I'm thankful that DH has a virtual consultation today with Mayo clinic. We're hoping they can diagnose of his malady since none of his other doctors have been able to do so.
@Beverly, I hope they can. It's so frustrating and awful to know that something is wrong but they can't figure out what it is.
@Beverly,
Fingers crossed for your DH. Mayo Clinic is top notch. Here in Ohio, we have the Cleveland Clinic for unusual or hard to treat or diagnose medical issues. So thankful for these medical resources here in the US.
Kristen, I love your snowflake tree shirt. Need to buy one but could not find anything I liked or not exspensive.
Thankful for----
●that we are in recovery stages of sickness/covid now & feeling more human.
●that rescue dogs did not destroy the rooms while we were sick--we usually kennel at night after taking outside/potty & let out in morning & go outside potty. Since we were not able to take outside regularly I left rescue dogs out & put down few more/larger area potty pads. One uses well, other not so much. But they did great job not making messes & liked sleeping in fluffy dog bed in living room.
●that I had Kleenex, drinks & meds at home already & didn't run out while sick. Though need to buy more Kleenex next sale at Sam's club.
●That I had gotten dishes done & taken care of before getting sick. So nice not worrying that need to do dishes while ill.
●that I was able to return my unfrugal impulse buy. I did donate 1 to toy drive but was able to get refund.
●for the bright sunshine outside the windows. 🙂 Even though is Cold the sun makes it more bearable.
Stay safe out shopping! May you all stay healthy.
Chiquita is giving you her Christmas present - a cat-free tree.
1. I'm thankful my daughter made it back from a quick trip to D.C. Plane travel can be iffy right now, what with weather, holidays, etc.
2. I'm thankful, like some others here, that my Christmas shopping is basically done. I have one easy gift - a bottle of liquor - to pick up tomorrow and two donations to make in the name of others, which I can do online.
3. I'm thankful that only once have I heard a radio station play "The Christmas Shoes," so far. I really dislike that song. I apologize if anyone here likes it.
4. I'm thankful that even though Christmas can have it's down moments these last few years, I have good memories of many Christmases, starting from childhood. I know some people don't have good memories of the holiday, so I'm thankful that I do!
5. I'm thankful for missing the tornados this past weekend ( I wish everyone had!). Also, that a friend's gift which I had ordered and had delivered to him and which was blown off his porch by the storm and buried under a pile of downed leaves and twigs, was found after I informed him of the delivery notice. He had to dig for it, but it was unharmed.
@JD, Do not apologize for not liking that song. Some of my children are quite vocal in their own dislike of it too. The rest of us just turn off the radio for a minute or two.
--I'm very, very thankful for the support I've gotten from this group, esp. when I revealed my frugal fails this Tuesday. I learn a lot from you all, and also benefit from hearing of your victories and challenges; this is like mental health therapy for me! Thank you all for your sage advice re: my situation. It's still there but I'm feeling better about it.
--Thankful for friends and friendly surprises: our former mail carrier, who sees me at the store a lot, left a package of doggie treats for my elderly dog. She would bark at him through the door every day when he delivered our letters, but he was always friendly toward her. Also for a friend at church, who left a gift bag for me at the store along with a sweet card asking to go to lunch someday.
--For a "full dance card" re: substitute teaching from now until the Christmas holiday begins, and also several gigs for next semester. Also am getting more hours at the retail job in the wake of several workers quitting.
--That I have a lot of clothes to mix and match and turn into new outfits. I don't have to buy anything new for this entire season. Most of my stuff came secondhand and cheap, or from Walmart on clearance, but I'm still getting complimented for what I'm wearing.
--Not being nearsighted any more thanks to my cataract surgery last summer.
• My company brought in adoptable puppies yesterday (they do this a few times a year) and I had 15 minutes of snuggle time with a sleeping puppy. Pure bliss.
• My own dogs are excellent snugglers and are very loving. They are so excited every time any human comes home.
• Our upcoming move has really helped us be ruthless in our purging which in return has helped us be more generous in our giving to others. I’ve dug deeper for our donations and gifted bigger than we normally would have and it feels amazing.
• Because of our upcoming move I haven’t gone all out on the holiday decorations which means the few that I have chosen to bring out feel even more special.
• I missed one of my son’s concerts because I was out of town (the mom guilt was hitting hard) but I was able to attend his second concert this week. It’s so fun to see how proud he is after a performance.
• I’m so thankful that my husband prioritizes time for us to just sit together and connect at the end of each day no matter how late he gets home. His days are long this month and I know he’s exhausted but he still makes sure that we have some time together.
L&D was a super fun semester. It is also the first semester (depending on your program) where you really get the chance to practice your skills. I remember doing IV's and catheter insertions like crazy. And I promise that even though your hands will shake on first one, it will get easier.
This week I am thankful for:
1. A good Christmas schedule. I am off from the 20th to the 29th. I am just thankful I am home for Christmas this year and I have nice little break before having to go back up.
2. Homemade gifts. I once heard Ina Gartenn say that gifts should disappear (either consumable or event based). Even though I don't completely adhere to that, it is nice to give people something you made. This year it is personalized candles, bath salts, vanilla extract and candy.
3. Old fashioned recipes. Nothing beats a good shortbread or caramel candy. I have my citrus peels bubbling away as we speak.
4. Christmas decorations. I will never stop being a kindergartener in awe of the twinkly lights.
5. Early mornings. I have been getting up even earlier than normal at home and I love it. I love the quiet, watching the sun come up with my tea and I get so much done.
I am thankful for:
1) a safe and reliable car, especially on slick roads.
2) that both of my kids will be able to come home for Christmas.
3) for being able to take the week off between Christmas and New Year's.
4) for my parents who are still in relatively good health.
5) for a job I love.
6) for having our needs met, and enough left over to help others.
7) for this community of kindness.
8) friends who have become family.
9) that tomorrow is Friday! 🙂
Thankfuls:
1. My giving list is very small (going to town and dealing with traffic, lack of or ignorant employees, ordering things and hoping they are good, guessing people's likes, overwhelm with "stuff" —ugh)
2. My husband's ongoing wood gathering, splitting, organizing, and stacking, so that building a fire in the wood stove is very easy.
3. For a local grocery store so we can easily resupply produce (yes, expensive, but driving weekly 37 miles to a real grocery store is way more expensive).
4. Rain is predicted for a few days away, percentage growing
5. The US postal service: our local employees are phenomenal, and it still astounds me that I can put some paper in a box at the end of our driveway, and for 66¢ it arrives across the country in a few days.
*Thankful for overnight rain (now turning to snow).
*Thankful my healthcare provider is back up and running after a nationwide cyber attack that took down its entire system, and that my specialist appointment got rescheduled after only a 2 week delay and an outpatient procedure got scheduled before the end of the year. Whew!
*Thankful that my friends and I will be getting together for our monthly dinner and annual Christmas/Hannukah celebration, including the friend who would normally be in Arizona this time of year but decided she would rather spend the holidays here with us.
*Thankful for adult nieces who are (cheerfully!) stepping up to help care for my sister/their mother.
*Thankful for two dear friends whose late December birthdays fall the day after mine. Birthdays that fall between Christmas and New Year tend to fall between the cracks/get overlooked or forgotten, so it’s become a tradition for the three of us to have our own celebration. And I let my family off the hook until Groundhog Day, which has become my “substitute birthday” (and coincidentally my favorite movie) when we celebrate together after the craziness that December can be.
*Thankful for Kristen and this lovely, diverse, thoughtful and funny community she has built, and thankful she will be getting a much needed and well-deserved break for a few weeks. Fingers crossed for a trip to Hawaii and a visit with Lisey!
@JDinNM, My brother's birthday is December 5; my mother's is today. My husband's is tomorrow. My youngest son's is on December 18, and mine is on December 27. So much celebrating to do.And so much for me to remember. 🙂 December is my Marathon Month for sure.
@kristin @ going country, Me on December 28 (Feast of the Holy Innocents) and my friends on December 29. December is jam packed for sure.
What cute kitties!
I am thankful to have received a closing date next week for the sale of my late brother's property, which will be a huge obligation off me as the executor of his estate. Also thankful that our busy bee of a new rescue pup is settling in so well with the family, and that both my DH's doctors gave him counseling and medication adjustments regarding his weight.
I'm thankful my son had a great birthday--he was very excited to get the car he's going to be learning to drive on (and share with me until we sign it over to him in a year or two). Also thankful we were able to purchase it without borrowing!
I'm thankful for good weather (not raining or snowing) on grocery shopping days. Obviously it wouldn't stop us, but it's nice to not have the groceries get wet!
Continuing to be thankful for our goofy new cat, Clark. He is absolutely the smartest, sweetest cat we've ever had. And thankful for the revolutionary Purina LiveClear (#notsponsored) food that reduces the allergen level in cats, making it possible for us to have an indoor cat once again. So far, so good!
This week I'm thankful:
* for my sweet neighbors. Saturday was nice here and we went outside and painted ornaments together and they made a "Neighbor Tree" in their backyard that they decorated and light just for us and them. I smile every time I look at it.
* that yesterday was my last very-full Wednesday for a few weeks!
* for the sweetness of my kids' ages. They're 5, 7, and 9 and it's not all great, but there are so many things to love about this stage! I'm trying to soak it all in.
* ... well, I'm not thankful that my husband is sick enough to stay home from work, but I'm thankful that it means I can do things this afternoon like take a long walk with my dog and go to the store by myself while he stays home with our 5yo.
* for coffee.
I am thankful that we got a daycare spot this morning. (There were enough sick teachers that spots were limited and first-come, first-served.)
That I am recovering from my chest cold.
That our daughter has not gotten sick . . . so far. 🙂
I am thankful for vaccines. When our daughter got her 2-month shots, I realized that some of those diseases are in older books but you rarely hear about babies getting those diseases these days.
I am thankful that I found another babysitter and that she is willing to work during her Christmas break.
1. I went to a bootcamp workout last night and I could do ALL of the running! I know this is silly, but this week marks one year since I began regularly working out and the results are just magnificent. I feel all around so much better than I did 12 months ago. If anyone is on the fence to getting healthy, I encourage you to just start. It is life changing.
2. Hot coffee in the morning prepared by my husband. There is nothing like it and it is, to me, one of the ultimate acts of love.
3. Clear sunshine and cold days. Love this winter weather.
4. My son. What a gift to see Christmas through his eyes.
5. My dogs. The way they look at me, read my moods, play, and just fit so well into our family.
Whew. I got my gifts wrapped today. So thankful that's done! Also, the sun is shining, my son comes home from college, my kittens haven’t destroyed the Christmas tree, and we have funds to pay for all the stuff that keeps falling apart.
Always thankful for this resting spot.
Weird thankful: was able to get worked into the very busy foot doctor this morning to have a toenail removed as my efforts at trimming the ingrown part were less than stellar. Thankful for numbing medicine that makes it pain free and the nurse in me found it cool to see the resulting work. Thankful for antibiotics that take care of any possible infection. Thankful for an understanding boss that recognizes I should not be up on my feet during the night. And force my heavily bandaged toe into a shoe. It takes a lot for me to miss work.
Thankful that Tuesday I had the energy to accomplish the household chores on my to do list. It was quite gratifying to mark them off and also bask in the results. Had hoped on Wednesday to begin my annual marathon cookie/candy spree. Was able to get remaining ingredients I needed but was fatigued from finishing the prior days chores and retiring at a late hour. Related little thankful. Found an easy recipe for gumdrop nougats. Brachs does not seem to make them any longer. At least I haven't found them.
Thankful for simple Christmas decor. Some years I go all out. This is not one of those years. I enjoy how my home looks in its fancy attire, but this year I like the minimal approach. It is just me and my motley mutt Molly and neither of us require over the top to get into the spirit of the season. I only have one person I like to buy for, and treat trays go to work friends and neighbors. Because of work and prior commitments, I have and will miss out on the only two parties I attend. I still love the season.
It is 25 below as I write this and over the last two days we have had a ton of snow. This morning as I went to an appointment I saw a crowd of people waiting to get into the free breakfast place that will give them food and an hour of being warm and the ability to grab socks or gloves (sometimes even a coat that has been donated). Today I am especially thankful for those not so little things that it is easy for me to take for granted: a warm house, electricity, running water, food, heat, and an indoor toilet (I spent years in a place with only an outhouse and no running water).
As usual at this time, here is the link to the 5th graders in one of our tiny villages bringing you the Hallelujah Choras: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyviyF-N23A Much of it was filmed outdoors so you see a typical village on the coast (Alaska has more coastline than all of the other states combined).
@Lindsey,
That was adorable! What fun they seem to be having making that!
@Lindsey, Thank you so much for this always a favorite. I will watch several times. I love the creativity and love seeing a small area of our country.
@Lindsey, This has me beaming. Thanks!
(My favorites this year are the girls who twirl round and round, and especially whoever squoze themselves not just into a cabinet, but the top shelf of a cabinet, with their buddy on the shelf below.)
@Lindsey, that was AWESOME! They seem to be having fun doing it. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
@Lindsey, I don't know how I managed to miss seeing this video before, but it is priceless. Thanks so much for the link!
I'm thankful for realizing I have 2 more days of work before an extended break!
I'm also thankful that my in-laws are visiting next week (I'm a very lucky girl: I like my in-laws!).
I'm thankful we finally got our dining room painted! (but I'm not thankful for the level of cleaning it's going to take to get the house back together... ha!)
I'm thankful for giggles and that my son (2.5 years) asked me to read books instead of just watching PJ masks (though he did that too, while we were reading the books lol)
I would think the people with less flexible schedules would get the weekend clinical assignments?
Like people who have weekday jobs ?
Hmmmm
I too thought that people would want weekend assignments, but from what I hear, in each semester, they're the slots no one wants.
This week has been a doozy.
But there are whispers/glimmers of good that are keeping me going:
-The joy of my daughter being our st. Lucia this year and the snuggles that happened post-breakfast in bed.
-Students getting really into a very simple game we played.
-a brief warm snap that made it easier to get up in the morning (and the sun that accompanied the warm snap)
-singing “Abide With Me” at our evening Advent service with harmonies.
-Warm new mittens that fit me perfectly and are pretty.
-Bubly. On the couch after a loooooong day at work.
@Kaitlin, I love "Abide With Me." How many verses does your hymnal have? Also, my college tenor boy is home, so we will now be hearing the tenor part in our church's liturgy and hymns, I imagine. Not many in our church know how to sing the parts (I wish I did). I'll bet your service was beautiful.
Kristen, I love that both kitties snuggled with you! Have a wonderful school break. You deserve it!
I am thankful for....
-medical advances that include joint replacements, including my new knee. I am in awe, thinking of the person (or persons) who dreamed it up in the first place, as well as the technological advances that have taken place since then.
- that I had a really good PT session today, after Tuesday's less than stellar one. Today's therapist is bright, kind, and compassionate, yet gently pushed me to do my best.
- for my son and DH, who have helped and encouraged me through my recovery.
- that our holiday season is very low key. We did minimal decorating, but our house looks cozy.
- for a warm, comfortable home, with heat, running water, plenty of food, and everything I need.
-for this friendly community you have created, Kristen.
Happy holidays to all!
Not sure why I’m not receiving your posts in my email lately. I really miss reading them… I feel bad that I can’t comment in a timely manner because of it. Here’s my belated thankful list. Even though it probably won’t be read, it still helps me to list some things.
I’m thankful for good health, good medical teams and fresh ways to serve others especially at this time of year.
I’ve been discouraged about many things this month and serving others helps me to not become too inwardly focused.
I’m thankful my husband and I have been able to dance again as his knee injury is healing.
I’m thankful our son, daughter-in-law and grandson will be coming for a visit Christmas Eve morning ( which is also our daughter’s birthday).
I’m thankful we had a backup coffee maker. For some reason, our current coffeemaker stopped working.
I’m especially thankful for specific ways I see God’s blessing in some situations and for His faithful guidance in how to respond to some of life’s challenges.