Thankful Thursday | out the door again
This is gonna be a little short because I'm running behind; I have my monthly new grad class this morning from 8-12.
This month I think we are having a session on how much individual supplies cost (like catheters or butterfly needles) and I think this is actually gonna be very interesting for me, since my brain does like to think about money. 😉
This week, I am thankful:
to be back on days
I just finished three day shifts and MAN, that's so much better than working at night.
The manager of my floor stopped to see me on Monday to ask how I was, and I said, "I am literally the happiest employee on the unit right now, because I'm here and it's daylight. Nothing can ruin my day."
Heh.
that my first BSN class is all done
I've still got lots of these in front of me, but I'm grateful one is done!
I think the next ones will be a little easier because now I am already used to the way this school has things set up.
I also got much faster at APA formatting and finding sources, so I will be a speedier student in my next classes.
(And you know I like to be fast!)
that I stayed on my unit
I continue to be wildly grateful that I decided to be a new grad nurse on the same unit where I was a tech. This has made things easier for me in a multitude of ways.
I know one day I will probably end up moving to other units at other hospitals, but this has been a nice gentle way to transition into being a new nurse and I have zero regrets.
that the people who manage my unit are so lovely
I have heard that sometimes new nurses have a very hard fresh-outta-school experience on the job, and it has made me so very grateful for the people who run my unit.
They are all so kind and supportive, they welcome questions, they cheer us new grads on, and honestly, this behavior from them sets up a whole culture of supportiveness on the unit.
I am so so so thankful!
that the weather is cooling down
I will be delighted to not wear shorts and tank tops again for a while. 😉
that we got Zoe's car jump-started
It died in a very convenient location (at home!) so when I got home from work, I was able to easily jump-start her.
And today we will get her battery tested to see if this was a fluke, or if the battery is really on its last legs.
for online jump-starting instructions
I do jump-starting so infrequently, I always need to double-check the cable order. And as I was googling this last night on my phone, I thought about how very convenient it is to have such a wealth of info at my fingertips!
_______________
Ok, I gotta go fry my eggs, make my coffee, and run out the door. 🙂
Thankfuls:
--That I don't have to do ANYTHING at night except sleep. I was unhappy enough about having to stay up until 11 p.m. to pick my son up after an FFA trip. No way do I want to have to actually work through a night. I don't even have babies/toddlers to keep me up anymore. 🙂
--That I can take a nap during the day if I need to, now that I'm not working at the school. I still have occasional and random nights of insomnia. That was much more of a problem when I had to be at work all day the next day. I still have to get up every morning to get everyone to school, but I don't go myself, so if I've only gotten four hours of sleep the night before, I can take an afternoon nap.
--That my son's church confirmation class--a two-year class--has changed this year from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It had been before school because all the students were playing sports after school, but one of them had something else conflicting with the morning time (I really can't conceive of what that kid could possibly have to do every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., but okay) and so the priest moved it to after football practice. SO happy to not have to wake my always-tired kid up in the dark to go to class before school.
--Non-sleep related . . . That my youngest son and my daughter play so well together. They're almost three years apart, but son is sort of young for his age and daughter is mature for hers, so it works out well. As the older two boys have aged out of playing much, youngest boy plays more with his sister.
--For a stable family. Not just the one I formed with my husband, but our own childhood families are not dysfunctional and still support each other. The more I learn about other families, the more I see that this is for sure not something to take for granted.
--This one is sort of hard to put into words, but . . . I was considering the other day that my own challenges in the past few years have opened me up to a much greater empathy with people who are going through hard things. Sort of like how the Grinch's heart grew three sizes, I feel like mine has grown in tandem with my own suffering. It can feel overwhelming at times, but is overall a good thing.
@kristin @ going country,
The last one is so true for me too. Suffering softens the heart so it can expand to embrace more.
@kristin @ going country,
6:30 am seems so early to do anything. When I swam competitively, I had 6 am practice. I did not appreciate how hard this was on parents until my daughter had early-morning practice for cross-country too.
@kristin @ going country, I think just getting older you are going to experience life events and that opens you up to empathy. For example my parents died and then my brother. So I can share other people's grief when a loved one dies because I have been through it and understand.
@mbmom11, and @kristin @ going country,
I once had a plaque that read, "Troubles are the tools by which God fashions us for bigger things." (It got misplaced in a move; wish I still had it.) I think that is very true.
Agreed on that last one for sure. No one wants to suffer, but going through hard things can definitely expand our empathy!
@kristin @ going country,
100% agree with sleep, every single word. 🙂
@kristin @ going country, hockey, figure skating, and swimming practice come to mind re: oh-dark-thirty hours. Even some basketball practice if shortage of gym space.
I also tend to use internet for how-to's and instructables! So useful-
Thankful for cat play,
For meeting my husband at the coffee machine in our home office during breaks,
For being able to vote again soon,
For golden autumn leaves,
For the migratory birds
There are bags for jump cables that have the instructions printed on the outside. Very convenient.
Thankful - and a little smug - that I made a number of correct decisions that made travel a little easier. I have 4 non-vacation trips in just over a month so anything easier is welcome.
Thankful that my father finished his bio. I read it last night and it’s a lot of fun. I laughed out loud three times, about which my airplane seatmate was quite understanding.
Thankful that the a spot of surgery I need should be no big deal, modulo the usual risks. Modern techniques and technology are amazing. A generation ago it would have required a one-week hospital stay; for me it’ll be outpatient. That I have an entree to the best hospital for the surgery and the head of the relevant surgical unit as my surgeon. That I have not one but two friends willing to have an expenses paid trip to be my helper while I recover.
@WilliamB,
Best of luck with your surgery and hoping for a speedy recovery!
@WilliamB, I hope all goes well and smooth with your surgery and you have a speedy recovery.
@WilliamB,
Yes, I have to agree that modern medicine is amazing. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
@WilliamB, Wishing you well with your upcoming surgery. My DH recently had a surgical procedure that just a few years ago would have been a week's stay in the hospital but was just overnight, still considered outpatient. Modern medicine and its advances are magical.
@WilliamB, anything to make travel easier is great in my book.
Good luck with surgery. And it's great you will have helpers when you recover. Please keep us posted!
@WilliamB,
*raises glass* here's to your recovery and it is doubly special to have good friends to care for you. Great plan!
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, I join you in raising a glass to @WilliamB, his friends, and a full recovery!
@WilliamB,
Yay for easier travel. Sending you healing vibes for after your surgery. My total knee replacement almost 2 years ago was done as an outpatient, when years ago, it would have required a hospital stay. Modern medicine is indeed amazing!
@WilliamB, Good luck with your surgery! May your recovery be swift and complication-free.
Best wishes for a smooth surgery!
@WilliamB, All the best!!
@WilliamB,
Wishing no pain, fast healing, happy times with friends who are there to help!
@JD, thanks everyone! Right now it's not scheduled yet; I think maybe Jan/Feb.
@WilliamB, Good luck with the surgery!
I'm back from the JASNA Annual General Meeting. First, of course, I'm very thankful I went. Details to follow over the next several days, but I had the usual blast.
And I'm very thankful to be safely home again. The trip to Baltimore and back was the longest solo drive I've ever made (in a rental car, yet), and I'm relieved to have done it with no mishaps.
Finally, I'm thankful to the Bestest Neighbors and to Betty's new cat-sitter for doing such a good job on the home front.
@A. Marie, glad you're back safely. I missed you!
Yay that you are back home safely!
@A. Marie,
Kudos on that drive!
@A. Marie, if s/he scoops the box twice a day, s/he is a keeper. One of my kiddos did cat sitting one time. People told her she just needed to scoop once a day. I told kiddo it is easier to scoop the box than clean up a mess outside a box. A person for whom I used to cat sit was persnickety about the box - if not to cat's standards, go right outside the box.
My thankful list sounds so basic!
*I am thankful for my accumulated PTO at work which has afforded me the last two Mondays off, and several more to look forward to this year. I can use those days for whatever I want and still get paid and that feels amazing.
*The mornings are cool here and I am able to open the back door in the mornings and just let fresh air seep in - lovely.
*Thankful for a co-worker who is also a friend that wants to meet up for happy hour this afternoon. Equally thankful for a therapist appt today. Two women to talk to about life!
*My home is clean, my fridge is full, and its payday. When I feel down or achy I remind myself daily that this is the life I wanted so badly all those years ago. I have the means necessary to turns my days around. (:
It's such a blessing to have colleagues who make your work life pleasant.
This week I am thankful for:
1. The humidity is fading and it is much cooler as well. It was great sleeping weather last night.
2. My upcoming vacation. It was a very busy summer and I need a break longer than just and extra day on a weekend.
3. The delicious pear butter I bought at the apple orchard. So good on toast!
4. A great deal on a new winter coat for my husband. He has lost quite a bit of weight and his old one made him look like a little kid wearing his dad's coat.
5. I'll have time to finally tend to my houseplants. Some are in desperate need of trimming and repotting. Fortunately they are the kind that will do well even if this is done in autumn.
Red, red, black ,dead for hooking up jumper cables! But even mycar repair guy ( husband) looks at the directions before starting.
Thankful that:
* in a hard situation, my husband and I and the other people involved agree on what to do for now.
* My son got to go to Chicago for four days with kids from his high school and the German exchange students. They're having fun, and I don't have to go into a big city.
*Cute cats, hot showers, colleagues that listen.
* Getting and extra hour and a half of sleep after being up for hours in the night. And I got the garbage cans out on time anyways!
*Warm toast and chocolate chip cookies. ( Yes. I have been comfort eating lately, due to #1. I decided if I'm going to get fat from stress eating, I might as well enjoy it.)
This week has been tough for no particular reason, but mainly due to the onset of S.A.D with the day becoming shorter and my inability to get a good night’s sleep! As my husband says, I am rubbish at sleeping. Reading some of the comments it seems to have been a week for bad sleep!!
I have had to think long and hard for this week’s Thankful Thursday, but this week I am thankful
- that I can work from home and do not have to go into an office every day. It has been a struggle some mornings to get out of bed and down the stairs
- that when I had to, I could haul myself out of the house early enough to arrive in plenty of time for a meeting at one of our hospitals
- a wonderful evening spent with some dear friends which gave me the opportunity to cook something different to our usual meals. Trying two new to me recipes/processes that turned out fabulous (even if I do say so myself). Slow cooked beef shin pithivier for mains followed by tarte tatin. There were no left overs of the main or dessert which is a win in my book
- that my husband was able to acknowledge to me without prompting that he isn’t quite himself at the moment. His mood is a bit low and he doesn’t seem to be getting much joy out of life. He has already taken steps to research counselling options to help him.
- a fun night at my W.I. meeting with my sister. Making new friends and enjoying a quiz night that our table managed to win.
- and as always, family, friends and fur babies who make life interesting
This week I'm thankful:
-That I'm not going into the office every day. I went once this week, and it's really tricky to balance with my very early morning starts (typically 6:30 am), thanks to London calls)
-My office is currently providing free lunches for those that do come in, and I appreciated that, since I forgot to pack a lunch
-The huge project I've been working on for months is going to be finished tomorrow. Or, at least reviewed & hopefully accepted to proceed.
-I've not been feeling great (sore throat, a little tired), I feel super lucky that it hasn't turned into anything else. And, that I'm working from home & can save my PTO for vacations.
Was Chiquita contemplating a shower in that photo? My grumpy calico always tried to get in the shower with any person taking a shower. No surprise, then, that she also enjoyed taking baths.
1. I'm thankful that my daughter arrived safely in DC. Yes, I just recently said I was thankful she was back safely from Salt Lake City, and before that, Norway, and before that, Boston, and.... She really racks up the flier miles.
2. I'm thankful for moderately cooler weather and less humidity, although at the same time, we really need some rain.
3. I'm thankful for the birthday of one of my sisters. Although we grew up very close, she has distanced herself from the rest of us over perceived "slights", but we still text like sisters on occasions. I'm still hopeful that there can be full reconciliation.
4. I'm also grateful for the memory of my two grandfathers, both born in October of 1890. They were incredibly different from each other - complete opposites, in fact - and I kind of liked it that way. They were already 66 when I was born, so I'm glad I was able to have one in my life for 18 years, and the other for 24 years.
5. I'm thankful that I have five and one half months to go till retirement!
Nooo, Chiquita's worst nightmare is getting wet. lol
@Kristen, I had a cat who loved lying outside in the rain! Then she would run inside and get mud all over my bed...she was crazy and I miss her!
- Thankful for the lovely fall weather
- Thankful for my husband who is always willing to jump in and help me.
- Thankful that hubby and I got to go to a glass ornament blowing class last week. It's nice that after being married 38 years we can still have fun doing things together.
- Thankful for our grandson. I love that we live close to them and get to see him often since he is growing so fast. Love him to the moon and back, even if he still calls me Papa!
- Thankful that I was able to move offices at work. I now have a nice view of the lake from my office window.
• I am thankful that it is finally cooling off a bit. High temperatures are only in the 70s. The whole family including Rescue Pup are much happier and productive.
• I am thankful for the golden light of autumn. After the equinox, the days are getting shorter; the sun is not as hot; and the sunsets are more colorful. It is beautiful.
• I am thankful that my trip to the Tax Collector's Office was a pleasant experience despite the 90- minute wait. As I was staring into space because my phone had died, the woman next to me struck-up a conversation. She near my age and was lovely. The time passed quickly. When it was my turn, the clerk was friendly and helpful. A dreaded chore became a nice few hours.
• I am thankful that I finally am crossing things off my to-do list after a crazy busy three-month period. As I do this, I feel my stress level coming down.
Wishing you all peace, good health and prosperity.
@Bee,
Wait, 70's? We are running mid to upper 80's here; what's up with that? Good for you, though - I can't begrudge you your weather. Enjoy!
@JD, I live in a beach town located between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway. If there's is a seabreeze, temperatures can be 5+ lower than they are inland. I hope the 70s reach you soon.
I had a lot of errands to run yesterday and I was so thankful everything went smoothly. I quickly found every item on my list. Some days these kind of things are exercises in frustration but everything went so smoothly yesterday.
That I'm starting physical therapy today for the neck and arm pain that has plagued me for the past 10 months!
For the glorious fall weather we've been having. The colors this year are spectacular.
For free library books -- always.
For fresh apples. I bought two boxes from a local orchard yesterday and they are so delicious (they keep for months in our garage refrigerator.)
Thankful for the delightful vacation we had earlier this month, for my daughter returning home for her midterm break today, for funny cats, for good coworkers, and for an absolutely gorgeous autumn day.
Kristen, I was glad you opted to stay on the same unit. Smart move. And I bet that they are glad that you stayed there, too!
i am thankful for a great week of almost-fall weather! and no bad allergy symptoms!
So great to see that you're doing so well, Nurse Kristen! I'm very happy for you!
(Can that qualify as a thankful item -- thankful that we're reading a happy ending to your story of having to start over again and your journey through nursing school? Except it's not really an ending, it's a fantastic new beginning!)
1. The church event I chaired, the Blessing of the Animals, went well. Only one snarly incident: when a pit bull growled at another dog, but the two were quickly separated and there was no dog fight. (Whew!) Even at 10 p.m. the night before, a rescue group's chairwoman called and asked if it'd "be too late to register". There was no registration, just people saying they'd be there, and of course I told her to come on, we'd love to have her. We had about half a dozen vendors, and they were all happy to give out literature and pet treats and were supportive of one another. We had 15-20 families and their fur babies show up, and a good time was had by all. Lots of children, and the pastor's two little girls quickly showed them to the playground where they all played together and had fun while the parents held the doggies on the leashes and visited with everyone. It was only for 2 hours so it was cool and pleasant for the first hour and a half, and that was enough time for everyone to enjoy it all. Afterwards, our pastor said he thought it was a big success. (Another Whew!) No pun intended, but at the tail end of things, I was dog tired! Also: The church's new secretary and I are becoming really good friends, having worked together on the Blessing project.
2. Needed to make sure I had enough $ for my car payment, and when I checked the credit union balance, it was more in that account than I'd thought. So I went to the credit union and asked if this check and that check and the other check had gone through yet....and they all had cleared, and I still had that much $$. And it was the day before my Social Security check comes through. Looks like I'll be able to make the roof payments and still be able to pay off the car early.
3. Social Security payments are still being made on time, despite government shut down.
4. The local fair and rodeo has ended so no more late-night noise. (Fairgrounds are within a mile of my house). So I can easily get to sleep again!
5. Mornings are cool enough that I can sit out on the patio, drink my coffee and read books. Until lunch time!
Gratitudes:
1. My PBS station is now including Poitot and Marple as a Passport benefit. I happily support my PBS station, but to have these available is making my month. I found Agatha Christie later in life, so am totally enjoying binge watching the mysteries.
2. Free lunch and a chance to win prizes at work today. I'll also get to see and talk to people I haven't seen in a minute.
3. Contentment. I haven't felt the need to shop aimlessly because I'm feeling like I have more than enough and am content with what I have.
4. Rest. I donated blood last week and for the first time in 4 years of regular donating, I was whipped. Exhausted. For a week. Maybe I should give myself an extra 4 weeks before scheduling the next donation, instead of returning in 8 weeks. I'm happily starting to feel like emptying the dishwasher isn't a major chore.
5. Fall weather! I love, love, love fall weather and pumpkin spice everything. Less humidity, beautiful trees, I can cook in the house again, exercising outside, sweatshirt weather, football games!
@Angel, Agatha Christie mysteries are so cozy. I read through them all when the pandemic started!
I thought of you yesterday while I was getting my infusion. My nurse was a preceptee 🙂 I was impressed that the hospital I was at had her as a preceptee b/c I assumed it was only a recent grad situation. She was young, but she'd already worked at Sloan Kettering for a few years after graduating. Yet, the hospital I was at still had her with a preceptor. She and her preceptor were lovely and they made a great team! And, since this comment is on Thankful Thursday...I'm grateful for the wonderful team that's taking care of me 🙂
Aww, I'm so glad your experience was good.
I am thankful for visiting family and getting back safely. And that my sister from another state was also able to come visit. We had a great time and laughed a lot -- so good for mental health.
And extremely thankful that my sister's health is stable -- she has MS and (knock wood) has not had any episodes in a while. She does fall in the house due to weakness in her legs, so now has a walker. And outside, she is always holding on to someone and has a cane, so she was good getting around. We all just moved slower to accommodate her. We even went to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuqueque and she rented a scooter. It's great that they accommodate everyone. And another item crossed off a bucket list. But way, way, way too many people for our liking. WOW!
Unfortunately, my sister from the other state was part of the Federal (illegal) firings on Friday, so that put a little damper on the trip. Hopefully things will turn around for her. We are all praying.
And no more vacation days for me except for a long weekend here and there. I can save some money now!
@Maureen,
Please let both your sisters know we're joining you in prayer for them. And please tell the federal worker-sister that I (and I'm sure countless others) appreciate her contribution to our government and society. Lots of these employees could've had jobs in the private sector that paid oodles more, yet they chose to serve the United States. That should be commended, not condemned! This morning on the radio news, I heard that a federal judge blocked some firings, so hopefully she can get her job back. What happened to her (and the other federal employees) is so unfair!
This week I am thankful for ….
• The fall colors in our backyard. The woods behind our house have been turning all week and I find myself just staring out the windows frequently.
• Oddly, ChatGPT. I put in all the ingredients from the freezer and a request to make two weeks’ worth of dinners (knowing I wouldn’t want to make everything suggested) and suddenly I have a meal plan without the effort.
• Actually looking forward to going into the office. I only have to go in two days a week, but I enjoy my coworkers so much that I look forward to it.
• Future plans with friends and family.
• Good books.
• Puppy snuggles.
• Car conversations with my son. He’s in driver’s ed right now so I know our time to chitchat in the car is limited. I feel that we have some of our best chats in the car so I’m soaking it in right now.
1. I have a few days off work so I've gone on a small holiday. I'm Sophie in Sweden right now and am enjoying some beautiful nature! In general I'm thankful for a break.
2. I went to see a friend for a coffee and it was really fun. She also gave me advice on sharing some creative writing.
3. I managed to lose my swimsuit a few days ago (I have no idea how lol) but was able to replace it in time for going away.
4. I managed to get some cleaning done and go to a yoga class before my trip.
5. I'm thankful that I feel fitter physically this year. At the weekend I went for a four mile run, went swimming afterwards and then did some yoga but I didn't feel tired at all!
Enjoy Sweden!
@Kristen, Thank you! It's lovely so far.
Im glad your first experience in the hospital has been good. I have worked in a variety of jobs (MANY) both hospital and clinic and in nursing and nurse practitioner roles. Its definitely varied on the group culture as far as support goes and while i've had great jobs, and i've also had the opposite. I wish more people would understand the importance of supporting the new person, and that when they succeed, the whole group succeeds. I've tried to take this and be the person I wish i had when i can't fix the environment.
Yes, I feel the same! It's why I will be very nice to nursing students when they are assigned to shadow me; I know how much in the way you can feel during clinicals and I'll try to help them feel welcome.
Wood stove fire to chase away the brisk morning.
A clean barn!
Happy chickens still giving their best.
An awesome community near me is thinking outside the box. Their athletic facilities are woefully old, like over 70 yrs. They are trying for a T-Mobile contest for revamping. They are currently in second place. Anyone can vote until Oct 24th.
Lebanon-high-school.lebanon.k12.or.us front page has a link to the contest. A local paint contractor donated paint & to paint the stadium magenta.
Rather than pass another bond onto a struggling farming community, they are working every angle to improve their school.
@Blue Gate Farmgirl,
I just now cast my vote for Lebanon High. I hope that helps!
It says we can vote every day until Oct. 24, so I will write myself a note to vote tomorrow. (I used the first link on BGF's post, Lebanon-high-school.lebanon.k12. -- and it took me right to the place to vote.)
Like the old big city political machines supposedly did in days of yore, we can all vote early and often, LOL. Let's all help BGF's kids and community!
@Fru-gal Lisa, same!
@Blue Gate Farmgirl, South Kitsap High School here. I think we are in 5th or 6th place. Good luck to Lebanon! We have had years of failed levies. It would be nice to win this but the competition is stiff.
This week I am thankful--
--for good attitudes about our "staycation." We haven't had the best circumstances lately for things to work out, but we're making the best of it.
--that the museum we visited yesterday was even better than expected. It checked boxes for each kid in the family.
--for good conversation with a daughter on our drive to the dentist office today.
--that my other daughter is so good at organizing. This helps in the basement cleaning up.
--that my dad was able to have a broken tooth (in his dentures) fixed quickly.
I am thankful you have a really nice,professional supportive preceptor and unit manager! When I was a brand new Nurse it was the “nurses eat their young” era.Who knew????I as 30 at the time of my graduation and had never held a job in the “real world.”I was stunned!!
My preceptor was a “Nurse Ratchett” and left me hanging at every turn.I could usually not even find her.I recall having 7, yes SEVEN med surg. patients to take care of one day and I freaked.. but I made it through.she was no where to be found.
Luckily,I survived, and thrived.. and made my way To OB/GYN. Labor and Delivery nursing quickly.I think my whole new nurse experience gave me a really bad taste of med surg nursing.But then,I knew I wanted OB right from the start.
Looking back,I am mostly grateful for all the WONDERFUL nursing's experiences I had AFTER that!
You have so much fun learning and satisfaction up ahead. Not to mention some nice paychecks! We all appreciate the ability to pay our bills and have some left over,right?!
Is it still a mnemonic if you use a letter sound in the middle of the word? For jump starting, making the connection is red first, black last, and the a sounds the same in black and last, so they go together. Then unhooking is reverse, like undo on a keyboard, but no handy letter sounds for that. 😉
Thankful that:
1. Even though my husband was laid off from his job, we're going to be ok. We have options in the near and long term. This might be the catalyst we needed to jump start some changes!
2. My middle schooler likes her school. It was a downright awful time for me and I'm so relieved that my girls haven't had the same experience.
3. My husband hopped on some health issues earlier this year. If we had to deal with that on top of everything else, it would be overwhelming.
4. We don't use the microwave all that much. Out of absolutely nowhere, on Sunday we heard a big boom and then crackle, crackle, crackle. We couldn't figure out what it was at first but the glass on the microwave door had shattered. We weren't using it, no one had slammed the door...apparently this happens to microwaves over time but it's never happened to us before. I think it's the original microwave installed in this house so ~22 years old. Unfortunately the replacement we want is backordered until December. We're trying to find a different model but maybe we'll just wait it out because for now, we're doing ok without it.
5. I am, for the most part, good in a time of crisis. Look at me, being able to recognize and verbalize a positive trait in myself. Took almost 50 years but I'm getting there!
@CrunchyCake,
Glad no one was hurt by the microwave explosion! But having an appliance still working for 22 years? I'd say you got your money's worth!
@Fru-gal Lisa, Me too, on both counts! It was so bizarre.
Just got home from visiting my son & he & his wife are pregnant!! I was 30 when he was born & he is now 30 & about to have his first. The passage of time is so weird!!
I missed hitting a big buck by the slimmest of margins. That really would have harshed my zen
That my daughter kept my younger dog so that I only needed to bring my Velcro pup!
The mountains & the amazing colors- so beautiful
A really lovely tour of Monticello with a fun lunch at an outdoor cafe
Yay for a new grandbaby!
Thankfuls:
=That my studying paid off and I got a better grade on my second lab exam than my first! These are 25 question exams, each question worth 4 points, so less wiggle room than the lecture exams that are 50 questions each. Also sometimes the slides confound me!
=For the fellowship in my A&P class; there are two other students who were in my A&P 1 course, and we've formed a group complete with a group text chat, and as somebody with leftover social anxiety from middle school and high school, I am amazed at how friendly the other students are and how easy it is to chat with them. I think a lot of that is because we are all there for the same purpose, to get our degrees, and it's silly to care about the sort of things we cared about in high school! I'm about 20 years older than most of the older students, and we still get along just fine.
=For the beautiful weather, the funny white squirrel and the little monarch butterfly I saw on my commute today.
=For Commodore Fluffington. He had a bad moment yesterday when I was trying to brush a mat out of his tummy. At the best of times I have to bribe him to let me groom him, and the tummy is, as all cats will attest, THE WORST place to be brushed. So he lost his composure and I got nibbled very hard (no skin was broken, but ouch), after which he scuttled off to his carrier cabin for some solitude. I left him alone and ten minutes later he was bumping my legs and mewing to be forgiven and be told he is a good cat and a pretty cat. Cats are the loveliest little creatures.
I also was a good 20 years older than many of my classmates, and they didn't seem to mind either! The more, the merrier. 🙂
@Kristen, I hear you on that one. For *the* longest time, I was always the youngest person on my team. No more - I know one, if not both, of the recent hires for my team are younger than my kiddos. I'd guess I'm 30 years older than both of them.
At a minimum, at least half my job is just "mom" stuff. Remember the time change is coming soon. Remember the problem we had installing the new release into one test system (after a bit of detail, an "oh yea" moment).
Both of my kiddos are organized, as are my better half and I. As you continue in your career, you'll soon figure out whose (usually) mothers made trips to school bring forgotten lunches, homework etc. I have actually told other workers at my company that "I am not your mom - you can look at the enterprise calendar yourself". Upside is due to my upbringing, I know when to speak up.
I’m so thankful for Autumn temps and leaves changing colors.
I’m thankful that my dear husband’s calf is almost back to normal after three weeks of swelling and pain. Also so glad the cause wasn’t a blood clot and that was ruled out early on at the ER.
So glad for various get- togethers with friends and family to celebrate my birthday ( which is Monday but celebrations started early… yay).
So thankful for times we can spend with our grandson. He is delightful and brings us so much joy!!
It might not be the battery, but the alternator, which is what charges the battery while you're driving!
So glad you're having a good experience easing into being a Real Nurse (RN) - LOL!
Hehe I guess "rn" is multipurpose. 🙂
I'm guessing it's the battery, as it's not having the symptoms of an alternator issue. Here's hoping a simple battery will be the fix!
@Kristen, if you have a Batteries Plus in your area, might be worth checking out. They have equipment that keeps all your settings (like radio, clock) while the battery is being changed. While we love our local mechanic, we don't think he has this option. And since I have to do 99% of the resetting, a trip there is worth it.
I am thankful the lab got me in quickly to do an A1c even though I didn't have an appointment. One lab won't take me without an appointment but, fortunately, another lab close to home will take me anyway even though they make it clear they'd rather I make an appointment. My veins often collapse so I have to go right now when I have a good one. It's not fun for me or the tech to try to get blood from a collapsed vein. But, this tech hit it the first try and my result was good--my number was back down so the doctor is pleased. I stopped eating bread, pasta, rice and most potatoes to get things under control again. I sure do miss sandwiches, though.
That one is so powerful, I can't even think of all the others even though there are many.
Yay for an improved A1c! Good job!
@Linda Sand, My husband and I have cut out those carbs, too, and I keep telling myself when I pass something over, "It's not the last time in my life I'll have a chance to eat that. I can have some of that later, if I really want it." And that helps me not miss it so much. (And once in a while.....not frequently....I do indulge.)
I am thankful I made it to my Nephrology Nurse Practitioner appt on time yesterday. It was in a town south of the town where I work. I woke up before the alarm and mistakenly laid back down, waking up again at the time I was supposed to leave. My kidney function has improved and she just wants to see me annually. My visits with her are so affirming and encouraging and the only thing she pushed a little on was retirement!
I am thankful I was able to stop on the return trip at my place of employment to submit vacation request for November as the "scheduler" wanted requests in by the fifteenth. And the holiday request list is also up. I cannot think that it is already time for that. I usually just hope for the best since I actually plan the holidays around my "set" schedule.
I am thankful for the memories that came into view because of the death of a high school mate. She and I were best friends through junior high and high school and only touched base a couple of times since graduating. She became an RN right out of the chute while I went to college to embark on an art teaching career. Ha!
I am thankful that I bought a chrysanthemum to put fall color on my porch. I have been faithfully watering it and am astounded at the number and variety of pollinators it has drawn. Fall mums are not known for long life or nourishment.
I am thankful to have gotten the apples cooked down to apple butter. It actually tastes very good. I was going to let using the immersion blender suffice to puree them, peels, core and all, but when I initially tasted it, I got a lot of the little cellulose core pieces that made me feel like I was eating plastic. I spent time straining it which yielded a much superior product. I will put it in jars and water bath can it today.
This week, I am thankful for/that …
- My oldest girl and the chance to celebrate her birthday together with her sisters. She’s growing up way too fast so any opportunity to spend time with her is very much appreciated.
- How my birthday girl can go with the flow and be so easy going even when plans change.
- Places in our community that we can bring our girls to for free and that are fun like our local library, many parks and play areas, and museums.
- The chance to continue past traditions and make new ones with my family each year.
- A husband who cares so much for our girls that he remembers to call my oldest on their birthday even though he’s in the middle of pursuing a bucket list goal.
-
Turning "gripes" into something that reminds me how lucky/blessed I am is something I have been trying, so here goes:
I had to clean my bathrooms. I am thankful I have 3 bathrooms when I grew up with only 1.
I had to do laundry. I am thankful that we have plenty of clothing and a washer and dryer in our house with which to maintain them.
I have to go to work. I am thankful to be able to work from home and not have to dress up every day!
I need to get groceries. I am thankful that we are able to afford nutritious food for our family.
I had to fill out paperwork for flu/covid shots. I am thankful that our insurance fully covers these, and especially thankful that our grocery store gives us 20 cents per flu shot per person discount on gas afterwards!
I will be super duper thankful once it finally freezes here and the beetles and biting gnats go away!
@Jen, your list is a great way to look at life!
@Jen, Thank you for the reminder. How we think drives our lives. Your examples were beautiful reminders of how much we do have to be thankful for! Blessings <3
Yeah for day shifts!
Most batteries are color coded for Positive & Negative so you just need to match colors on your battery to battery you need to jump start. And DO NOT TOUCH TOGETHER jumper cables.
Thankful teen & I got all leaves on the ground cleaned up early this week.
Thankful that neighbors dead tree that is by my house was finally taken safely down today!!! 🙂
This tree has been dead almost all year & limbs have been falling off this almost 4 story tree with giant canopy of limbs that were 2 stories in length. There were a few OMG! almost heart attack moments during take down, BUT 5 hours later it was completely safely down. The crane operator said that this was the biggest & most difficult three they've done. So grateful for their excellent work & awesome clean up. My yard looked like a downed forest.
Thankful for good neighbors allowing us to be flexible during the tree situation.
Thankful rescue dogs did really good today during the chaos. It was loud & we didn't want to stay in house during procedure just in case it didn't go as planned. And it was 39* this morning, so being outside was nippy.
Thankful teen vehicle doing good since new battery. And that gas price is going down. 🙂
Thankful daytime temps still warm enough to only turn on heat overnight.
Thankful got most outside stuff taken care of & packed away for winter. Hoping to be able to grill a few more times before end of month when need to have grill taken care of before the snow we know we get in November.
Thankful for Kristen and her blog where we can can all share & learn from each other. I love sharing new frugal things I earn from many of you with others.
Have a great weekend. 🙂
Oh yes, I remembered the color matching, but I always second-guess myself about the order of connection. So then I'm too scared to do it without googling first. Ha.
I would love a session on the prices of supplies! It would be interesting to see what hospital systems pay. Do they try to negotiate prices or look for the best deal? Or is the price fixed? I am a frugal ED nurse and when I am drawing blood from a line, I always wonder if it is cheaper to waste into an extra blood tube or a syringe. I also wonder about how much supplies cost that we have to throw out just for having been in a patient's room.
Also, kind managers are a blessing! It's worth staying in a job just for that.
I always think about these things too!
One interesting tidbit from today: a whole bag of saline was right about the same price as a saline flush. Isn't that wild??
I would love to see a whole price list of all our supplies. I wonder if there's a way to get one.
Thankful for:
- traveling to see family and friends, fills up the bucket when you live far away!
- having accrued sick time at work (caught a cold while traveling)
- coworkers who make it easy to take time off
- easy dinners (salad in a bag, veggies and hummus)
I agree with many other commenters that hard experiences make you stronger and more empathetic.
@Rachel, And it is Biblical! So, yes and Amen.
Thankfuls:
•For all my years driving a stick shift—YEA for roll-starts!
•For my mechanic of the past 42 years—genius, honest, reliable, and now a dear friend.
•For the good guy he is selling his business to (he used to be a nurse!)
•For money to buy my first really good wrist watch (boo to all those cheapos with either a back that won’t come off or that won’t go back on)
Thankful:
-For so much affirmation, especially professionally, in the past couple weeks.
-For spirit week at school and the fun of wearing comfy/wacky outfits.
-That tomorrow is Friday.
-For an awesome massage.
-For my best friend.
@Heather Mar, love your list!
Good management makes all the difference in the world!
Thankfuls:
--MEA weekend! It's minnesota's version of fall break which means a long weekend away from the classroom. A much needed break, especially since next week is going to a beast of a week (so was this one, but it was mercifully short).
--coffee from a mug. No thermos for me when I drink at home.
--flowers that I bought for myself. I don't frequently get flowers, and maybe because of that they have brought me big joy this week.
you deserve every blessing that you are are getting right now. may they keep coming. on netflix i discovered a new to me show nurse jackie. i love it. have always loved medical shows. ben casey, dr kildare, medical center, marcus welby etc. did not like house though.
we are slogging through college applications.amazing how complicated everything is now. i applied to 3 colleges and knew by october senior year that i was accepted at weslyan in macon. funny but i never wanted to be a medical professional. with my tremor and poor eyesight until cataract surgery it never would have happened. my dad spent quite a bit of my high school junior year in the hospital, and he wanted me to be a nurse. i must have been a disappointment to him. ah well.....
my friend the nurse whom i met at hospice hates all medical shows and novels. she was at my wedding and a lot of other functions and is currently ghosting me because i tried to prevent her from spending 20k on teeth implants. ah well i have been ghosted fefore and will be again i am sure. thanks for thinking of us during your busy days. and thanks for letting me kvetch. yiddish for complain. and thanks for the chiquita photos.