Thankful Thursday | post-exam
Hello everyone!
I'm writing my list kinda late today; school has had me snowed under (my school + helping Zoe with her end-of-semester stuff).
I took my last regular exam today, though, and I got my final assignment finished yesterday. So now all I have to do is study for the cumulative final exam, which is on Tuesday.
(studying for a cumulative final IS sort of a big job, but at least all the other stuff is out of the way!)
And once the final is done, then I can finally really work on getting settled in here and also on finishing up my furniture projects.
So. I'll write a thankful list and then go get busy studying. 😉
This week, I am thankful:
for places to walk near my rental
I've only managed to get out and walk one morning, but there are nice neighborhood roads and even some trails in the woods, so, yay!
for friendly neighbors
A kid across the street came over to say hi, and some other neighbors came by last night with a pan of lasagna. So kind!
And this has reminded me that next time someone new moves in near me, I could bless them this way.
for family members who helped me move
I am so thankful! Moving is a lot of work, and having many hands to help makes it so much easier.
that my brother got my internet working
For some reason, I ran into a snag when I was setting it up (it appeared not-activated), but he got me all fixed up. Yay!
That is a much more pleasant solution than getting on the phone with Verizon. 😉
that I was able to take some furniture from my house
I am so happy to have some things like my couches...they make my rental house feel more familiar and homey.
that I was able to rent a house, not an apartment
I am really happy to have some green outdoor space of my own. The other morning I ate my breakfast out in the sunshine, and listened to the breeze blowing my wind chimes and rustling the tree leaves, and I felt very thankful.
It's also really nice to not share walls with anyone else. And I have a driveway and parking pad, rather than a parking lot with limited spaces.
Plus, houses almost always have more windows than apartments do and WE KNOW how I feel about windows. 😉
for the birds nest in my carport
The previous renters left this lantern when they moved because it had a mama bird and her babies in it. So fun to see!
for a full-size washer and dryer
That's another reason to be grateful for a house; apartments sometimes have those small washer and dryers.
for my minivan
As you know, my hope is to buy my dream car (a Civic! with a sunroof!) after I finish nursing school.
But for right now, I am super grateful to have my minivan; it's been so helpful for moving stuff and picking up furniture.
that Lisey is going to be here for a few months
She'll be here with me for June, July, and part of August, and then she'll go back to school. It'll be lovely to have a summer Lisey-fix. 🙂
that we were able to get our cat
I'm pleased to report that she is adjusting nicely to the new house, and she and Zoe have been inseparable.
I love our cat, but I do not like to sleep with her at night...she is too annoying of a bedmate. 😉 So, it works out great for me that the cat likes to be in Zoe's bed.
You know, I don't think I know your cat's name!! Have you said it and I just don't remember? Or is it a secret name?? 😉
Haha, well, Lisey did initially name her Shelley, but we usually just call her by any of around eleventy-thousand nicknames. She pretty much only gets called Shelley at the vet. 😉
@Kristen, our elder cat also has several nicknames. He actually responds to one of them -- Captain Awesome -- just like he does to his real name. It's pretty funny!
@Kristen, My cats have always had tons of nicknames. We had a cat that came with the name Sara, and she was called Sara-bear-a, Squeak, and the Siren (because of how she meowed). And a cat named Marie ended up getting called "Weenie Marie" because she startled easily sometimes. But she responded to Weenie Marie better than to just Marie!
@Kristen, I have a cat like that. His shelter name was Jack when we adopted him but around the house he is always just Big Kitten.
@Kristen, We've never been able to agree to a name for ours, so she's just kitty.
@Rachel, I'm firmly convinced that cats name themselves but allow us humans to have the illusion that we have named them. My cat's name is Max but he thinks of himself as Your Majesty.
@Karen, as a cat owner named Marie, I hear you on your Sara and your Marie. Our Betty (official American Alley Cat Club name: Betty Crocker's Butterscotch Pudding) goes by Betty, Bettykins, Pudd'n, and "Oh, @#$%!!, get out of here" (when she starts asking for breakfast at 4 am!).
@Carolyn,
Ha! My daughters cat is "Tiny Cat"
I am very happy to hear that Zoe and Shelley Cat are back together. I've been thinking about her (Shelley Cat) and wondering if she felt rather bewildered with all of the changes in your previous home. Your list in general feels so wonderful to me today. I'm glad for you!
@Kim S., Amen to this! You are so correct!
I didn’t even think about I didn’t know her name lol! Kristin, I am so glad to see you starting to get you a new “spot” and settled. I have thought of you a lot and worried about you too, even if I don’t know you in Real Life. I want you all to be happy and safe and it makes my heart so happy to see a sparkle coming back to your writing. I can almost hear a smile of contentment and hope coming back.
Thankful for: hope on the rental front.
Good friends who have helped me when I need it.
It's spring. Theoretically. The weather here on LI has been underwhelming so far, though.
Watching my kitten, named Gus but often called DinGus, attempt to kill bugs.
The opportunity to help other people. Donating piles of stuff to local church rummage sale, food to the pantry, etc, it makes me feel good to help.
This opportunity to reflect on my many blessings every week.
@Rose, That is possibly the best cat name/nickname I've ever heard.
@Karen, he's loving and beautiful but I don't know he's ever going to be on Jeopardy Tournament of Champions, all I'm saying.
@Rose, is he orange? Tell me he's orange. (Or, if he is: Tell me you have an orange cat without telling me you have an orange cat.) Orange cats can be such dorks!
@Elizabeth B, Ha, no! Long haired seal point. Though I feed five feral oranges a day. I love them.
@Rose, I have a special place in my heart for ginger cats. Five years ago one appeared in my back yard and took a nap on our swing. He started coming around more and clearly wanted in the house. After checking with a number of neighbors we decided he had been abandoned..........so he moved in with us and has brought us so much joy.
@Rose, We had a cat like that. Wonderful, loving animal but would regularly walk into sliding glass doors, having forgotten they were, you know, solid.
How wonderful that the cat has now moved in with you. Your description of your rental house sounds really very promising, and what with the help and support and friendly reception you have been given I am happy for you all!
This week I met with many more colleagues in person and I was surprised at how happy I felt about that.
I am also thankful that my husband and I heard back from some companies we had contacted for jobs around the house. Good workers are very busy these days.
One of our sources of joy these days are the nestling birds around our house. We are feeding them seeds and grains in abundance and they clearly appreciate that. It is entrancing to find the empty eggshells around our house and see the chicks being fed by their zealous mum and dad. Fortunately our cats are too old to go hunting for them. They sit on the windowsill whining longingly.
The temperature of our outdoor swimming pond is now nearly 15c and beyond glorious. I can hardly find the words to describe how happy the morning swim makes me, with nature budding around me.
I just have a sec but wanted to say congrats on getting into your new home and wishing many wonderful times there!
@Molly F.C.,
I second the congratulations! May God bless you, your home, your daughters, your family members, and your cat!
"Having somewhere to go is home, having someone to love is family, having both is blessing." —Unknown
Congratulations on finding what looks like a peaceful space to process this next stage. It looks ideal for you and your girls.
So glad the move is nearly done and you're all settling in nicely, Kristen. And, I repeat, don't worry if you need to skip a few days of blogging here and there. We all understand.
Now, my TT:
(1) Hoist the flag, sound the drums: Victory over Verizon is Mission Accomplished!! I FINALLY got the phone disconnected--and the final bill from Verizon indicates that the company owes me $4.59. I may never actually see the money, but I'm considering framing the bill. (And given her trouble with Verizon Internet connection, Kristen may appreciate this one.)
(2) DH's handy friend just came by to bail me out of a few more minor jams. Bless him, again.
(3) And, most importantly, DH's ward has no active COVID cases as of yesterday, and I'm cleared to visit him this afternoon. It's been a month, and I'm not sure how I'll find him; his ward supervisor says that the COVID has left him weaker than before. But however I find him, I'll be delighted to see my Gentle Giant.
@A. Marie,
Lots to cheer about there! What great news on all fronts!
@A. Marie, so happy for you getting to visit again. It truly is glorious.
Awww, I am so pleased that you get to see your husband today. YAYYYYY!!
@A. Marie, oh wonderful news that you get to see him. I am sure he will be happy to see you. Take good care!
@A. Marie, that is wonderful that you'll finally get to see him again.
@A. Marie, So happy you are going to be able to visit your Gentle Giant today.
@A. Marie,
Oh yay!! I hope your time together today is sweet.
@A. Marie, oh, congrats on your victory with Verizon!
So glad you get to see your husband again. ❤️
@A. Marie,
Soo happy to hear about seeing your DH again! Thankful for this. Please let us know how he is doing and how the visit went.
Congrats on moving in and kitty time!
I am thankful for
1. Sunshine
2. Bright flowers to plant
3. Neighborhoods to walk
4. Bikes to ride
5. Recovering from illness
Love the birds' nest in the lantern! Those kinds of details make a house memorably a home, and are harder to find in apartment buildings.
Today I am thankful that I have time to search out bargains, (especially clearance greens at the grocery store!), because if I was on a tight schedule, I suspect I wouldn't get them.
I am thankful for the lily of the valley scent that wafts (such a great word) through the front yard, as the lilacs are close to done. The previous owners left a patch that I have left to expand.
@Heidi Louise,
We also have a lilies of the valley patch from previous owners! It’s by our kitchen door so we have the scent wafting (yes, nice word) each time we walk in or out. I look forward to it every year.
I am so very happy for you that your new home is coming together. It looks so nice! You deserve nice. Good luck with the final!
This week I am thankful as always for my sweet husband: we celebrated our 36th anniversary Tuesday. Wow, where does time go? Also thankful for my lovely boss, who is moving to a new job and is graciously spending his last week, which is otherwise pretty leisurely for him, helping me finish dejunking our rather large office space. We have taken a lot of nice stuff to Goodwill this past week. Because our office is big, it tends to be a catch-all for everyone's junk and I've been on a tear to get it cleaned out.
Always thankful for sunny mornings -- makes my brain happy -- and our herd of rescue dogs and cats. My lap is never empty and our hearts are always full.
This week is my last week of semi-normalcy before I go to Sacramento for my new job training. After that I will be living part time in Mammoth (where my base is located) and then at home the rest of the month. Needless to say, it has been super anxiety inducing.
That being said, I am thankful for:
1. 2 day shipping and many close malls. I am required to have "business casual" clothes for my training, and as a nurse these are things that I lack.
2. A flexible part time job that allows me to be gone for weeks at a time, training/working for another job
3. The quiet mornings I get at my house, where it just me and a cup of tea.
4. That my tomato plants are really starting to flower and it looks like it will be a great crop this year. My husband has promised to not let them die when I am gone
5. Adderall. Getting diagnosed with ADHD and getting on medication in the last year has been life changing. I could not imagine how disorganized, intrusive and anxiety tinged my thoughts would be right now without medication. Better living through chemistry.
@Heather,
Good luck on your new job. Is this the one where you will be an on-call nurse for certain flights? Sounds fascinating and fun!
@Heather,
Fellow adhd-er here, also diagnosed last year and on adderall for almost a year now. I hear you on how life changing this is!
@st,
The job is being a flight nurse for med-evac situations or transferring pts to a higher level of care. It's unlike anything I have ever done, so between that and the crazy new schedule I am a bit all over the place.
@Heather,
Given that you are in Mammoth, I was wondering if you are doing back country evac? I have seen this done, these medics are fearless.
Your place looks very nice, I’m sure it’s nice to be moving forward.
I’m thankful for bulk trash pick up. I cleaned a shed that was filled with mostly trash. I found one item that I sold for $5, not much but at least someone can use it. I also donated several full and twin sized sheets along with 3 quilts. These went to a church run thrift store that helps people with bills and such.
Thankful I can pay my utilities and bills.
I’m thankful for a full freezer and pantry as everything on “sale” seems anything but.
One more thing, is seeing stuff I set aside to bring home from my parents house. It’s taken me so long to clean that lots of these items are moving on. I now know there is very little I need. Taking time has cleared out the emotions and showed me what I really want. It’s just stuff that belonged to them.
@cc, thank YOU for sharing your realization that taking time has helped the emotional charge to dissipate around some of the things you are putting aside. I have been doing a lot of emotional healing, and am learning that I absolutely MUST give myself time to process. Rushing the release of stuff only reduces me to tears. Taking time has meant that there might be tears yet they are gentle memory tears, rather than great gasping abandonment. Oh, yes, they are things --- it is the memories around the things that we are wise to make space for.
@Ecoteri, I’m trying to be thankful for this extra time instead of aggravated. I can’t control a lot of what is happening, which is overwhelming at times. But I can listen to a audiobook and sort items and make decisions about them.
Kristen, how great it is that you are so close to ending the semester so you can have a break and start settling into your new home. It's also great that you have some of your living room furniture and the cat with you again.
We've nicknamed every animal we've owned with several nicknames. It just seems natural to do so; the pets learn all of them and carry on.
My Thursday Thanksgivings:
1. I guess I should start with the biggest - today is the 43rd anniversary of my marriage to DH. It's going to be an odd anniversary, our first one with us living permanently apart. I'm going to visit him today and bring him some low-carb ice cream. Being a gifter and not a giftee has become my standard on our special days these last five or so years. We never did very much for our anniversaries as a rule, but I miss those dark chocolate bars and funny cards he used to bring me when he was able-bodied.
2. I'm really thankful for the nice Mother's Day my kids and grandkids gave me.
3. I'm thankful for the cool-ish nights we are having right now.
4. I'm thankful for getting to watch my 16 year old granddaughter get inducted into the National Honor Society. Several of her sweet lifelong friends as well as her nice boyfriend were also inducted. After the last couple of years these kids have had, keeping up their grades was no small feat.
5. I'm thankful that the pollen count must be down, judging by my lessened symptoms.
Happy Anniversary, JD and DH. And hugs to you because I know that days like these can feel very bittersweet. I hope that your heart can find room for some good memories in the midst of the current difficulties. <3
@JD, my 43rd anniversary with my DH will be coming up in October. I understand about the lonely, one-sided feeling. But happy anniversary to you both, ice cream and all.
@JD, I always do something nice for myself on our anniversary. Or former anniversary, or whatever it is when you and your marriage are discarded. If I sound bitter, it's because I am. Sorry.
Seriously--treat yourself to something nice. For me, that's always a massage.
@JD, Happy Anniversary to you both. While I know it's not the same as him bringing it to you, it might still be nice to have some nice dark chocolate to celebrate your lives together so maybe you can get yourself something you like. Sometimes when the party doesn't come to you, you have to BE the party because you are worth the celebration!
@CrunchyCake,
I agree. Buy yourself a chocolate bar and a card. Then have him sign the card and give it to you. (Or better yet, have a nurse get him to sign it.) My mother always did this for my grandfather when she and my dad were his caretakers. It's not the same, of course, but it will give him the sense of being a gift giver and sometimes that sinks in.
@Kristen,
Thanks Kristen, A. Marie, Rose and Crunchy Cake! I'll admit this is the first time I've felt down about this anniversary, although we haven't been able to celebrate for a few years now. Maybe I will take that suggestion and go get some dark chocolate for myself.
This is such a nice group here!
@JD, happy anniversary!
@JD, Happy Anniversary!!! Sr ding you lots of love.
@JD, I had the very same thought…you need some dark chocolate!!
So happy you have your couches and your cat. My burning question, though, is were you able to get the Vitamix?? 🙂
I am thankful for the income from my job, even though I don't always love my job. I am thankful for dear friends and good doctors and trees and internet service.
@Beth, I really hope she has her vitamix! That and the allclad cookware. Daily stuff that adds sparkle to life (and kinda makes you feel like a low-key baller).
I'm really happy that you're able to rent a house instead of an apartment! Such a blessing!
I'm thankful for all of the beauty of spring! How kind of God to make beautiful, colorful blossoms on so many trees before their leaves come out! Everything's in full bloom here and it's an amazing sight.
I'm thankful for a supportive community around us. After 2.5 months of back and forth with our health insurance and being told repeatedly that once we did such and such that my child's care would be covered, they've denied it. It was shocking, disappointing, discouraging, and hard to not freak out. But our care provider is appealing a second time, our HR rep is doing what she can to go to bat for us, and my friend who has lots of experience with insurance with her 2 special needs kids has given me information about another place I can go that may be able to provide some assistance so we don't have to stop care. I'm also thankful that our HSA was in a good place prior to starting treatment and can handle taking a hit. But man, the support from those around us has been SO encouraging! What a gift to feel cared about and not feel like we have to fight this alone.
Sounds like things are going well. Am so glad. Good luck with the schoolwork.
I'm so glad to hear you were able to rescue your cat and that she's settling in well!
It was plain from scratch marks on the walls and window sills (which I didn't sand out, because pet spirits are always welcome) that our new-to-us house had several guardians before ours. Our vet suggested Feliway pheromone diffusers to help ease our feline trio into their new environment, especially since they were all shelter cats to start with and very touchy about change. (Two of the three were adopted but returned several times because people are... argh. We're the first owners of the scarred-up former street cat, whom we find dashing precisely because of the stories in his face. All three are seriously amazing, so what the what?!) I plugged it in a week before our boys arrived, and they were instantly calm after a VERY vocal car ride. Everyone has been perfectly happy and playful since. On the off-chance your cat has any issues, I would definitely recommend the diffusers!
@N, are these also good for female cats?
@Anne, Feliway is good for any cats but beware the ones that plug in get really hot. The last one I had plugged in almost started a fire after just an hour plugged in (it was brand new) - it was literally burnt black in spots so I won't use them anymore. There is however feliway sprays or collars that do the same thing <3
I'm so glad the cat is back with you! Pets can be such help during difficult times.
this week I'm thankful that
1) both kids were available to come over for dinner this week
2) we found a vacation rental for Memorial day weekend that accepts pets and has a private pool. We all just want to float our troubles away
3) my tooth extraction site is finally feeling somewhat normal
4) this week has been full of sunshine and warm temperatures
5) I found someone to mow at Mother's properties until the estate settles. It's a 45 minute drive from us and we don't have a trailer to haul our mower out there to do the job
I'm thankful that you and your girls have found a safe place to land. Now that you have a home base, the work of healing can properly begin. I wish you peace and comfort through the process, wherever it may take you.
For myself, I am thankful that whatever is causing my debilitating migraine, it does not seem to be COVID again. So hopefully, I can go back to normal faster after my headache finally dissipates completely. I am also thankful that it is relatively easy to take sick leave at work. I have plenty of leave, and my coworkers and boss are supportive. And, since I am now a specialist instead of a classroom teacher, I don't have to be as worried when no sub shows up because they never do these days. Sick days are the only time I really appreciate being somewhat superfluous.
Finally, I am thankful for my family. They are not used to me being home during the day, and they are being very gracious about keeping the noise level down and helping to do some of the tasks that I normally do to keep the family functioning.
I am thankful that my parents were able to visit this weekend.
I am thankful for the many ways Dad helped around the house. My favorite chore he did was removing the gross seal around the tub, cleaning the area and re-sealing the tub. (I had been really grossed out by the black rotting seal on the tub.)
I am thankful for a housewarming gift that will allow us to buy a couch/loveseat this year.
I am thankful that the weather will warm up this weekend. (Our heater still isn't fixed and it is 62 in my office.)
I'm thankful that there are good things in your life despite the difficult and bad.
I'm thankful for nice spring weather this week. It's been perfect for being outside.
I'm thankful I was given a beautiful flower arrangement after attending a work related dinner with my husband. It was used to decorate for the event. It's gorgeous, an amazing array of colors and flower types.
I'm thankful our neighbors seem to have finally ironed out a workable solution for living arrangements. She has severe dementia and is headed to an appropriate living situation and he will live near her.
I'm thankful for Freecycle. I used it again this week to dispose of items we no longer need.
I'm thankful for the thoughtfulness my kids showed for mother's day and my mom, who threw down her reverse card and made me dinner for mother's day.
That my garden isn't dead yet. I'm trying to be good and water it!
For the beautiful sunny day today.
That my kiddo hasn't gotten COVID from the breakout in her 3rd grade class.
That despite the rising cost of darn near everything and the financial market declines, we can still afford our home and food and what we need. Granted things are tighter and we're having to stretch our dollars more but we have what we need.
Thankful my husband has good financial sense in a lot of ways. We don't always see things the same way but he listens to me and we work well together.
Gold stars all the way around, Kristen.
Many things here are very good. Coffee. Sunshine. Greening in the country. Graciousness in acquaintances, and love and grace in family.
In the wise words of my grandma: We are all OK.
I am thankful for so much today.
That I get to be a professor. Like any line of work it has its ups and downs, but I find it so fulfilling.
For my daily bike rides. I am so lucky that I have the time and physical ability to bike, a safe place to ride, and an operable bike.
That my family is healthy. I had a health scare recently, and it reminded me how blessed we are to have every day together.
For the cool weather this week. I am ready for summer days, but I know how miserable the 98 degree days ahead of me will be. So I'll wrap up in a blanket on 60 degree days and be glad I don't have to run the AC.
Thankful for:
1. A visit to the cardiologist found that my heart ejection fraction has improved. This is huge deal since we thought it was all going to be downhill by this point in my life.
2. Some new books from several of my favorite authors, which means many hours of pleasure to come.
3. I received chocolate covered strawberries for Mother's Day and they were in perfect condition---not always a guarantee in Alaska, which is the end of the chain in terms of getting good produce.
4. A new groomer. Our pound hound is a pretty perfect dog but once he goes to a groomer, he memorizes the place and if we try to bring him back there, he lies down in the parking lot and refuses to move. We have no idea what happened to him in his previous life, although he has scars from abuse, so we don't know why grooming sets him off. We tried doing it ourselves but that failed, too. So a friend's adult child opened a new dog grooming place and pound hound is there right now. Now we will have another four months to find a new place he will not recognize.
5. the existence of hospice. A friend of ours nursed his first wife through ovarian cancer and now his second wife is in the final stages of cancer. He is older now and was finding it very hard to handle the physical aspects of caring for someone who is bedridden. His wife was finally approved for hospice care and has been moved there for what they think will be only a few more weeks of life. I cannot imagine the pain of losing not one but two wives this way and, on top of that, feeling guilty that you can no longer care for your spouse.
@Lindsey, my sympathies to your friend in #5. I can't imagine going through all that, either.
So happy that you are moved in and that you found a house! Praying for your exam (which you are going to rock!!) and for settling in!
I am thankful for you and for this blog and for all the wonderful followers!
So glad you found a new place!
Funny, I have a 2010 Civic right now (love it!), but my dream car is a minivan for the next stage of life with carpooling my kids around 🙂 I don’t have a sunroof (wish I did!), but truly love my car ❤️ I could afford a much “nicer” car in theory, but a Civic really is a great car - fun to drive, very reliable, and a great value!
@Sara, I drove a Toyota Sienna, which is I think what Kristen has?, from 1999 to 2013. Bought it new, put 200,000 miles on her, drove it until it died, and what a great car. Almost no issues whatsoever and I could fit a full-size couch if I removed the second and third row of seats. Could accept a number of my son's hockey teammates and their gear, etc. Minivans are really great for suburban parent types.
Now I have a Camry. I think I will drive Toyotas until I die, with a side project of the 60s Mustang dream car I will get one of these days.
@Rose, I agree with the toyota till I die plan. Other than a decade in a Ford van, I have been toyotas all the way. Currently have a red Tacoma - a bit of a flash buy for me 6 years ago, however it has turned out to be a total dream truck, so useful for moving hay and dirt and stuff. I had a sienna before that, and the seat removal options meant that it had a lot of hauling before I sold to a friend. I also own a small gas sipping stick shift Red Toyota Echo - which my daughter drives and I keep it on my name because the insurance is about $500 less per year. AND I have a Red toyota Matrix stick shift that is new to us - to use for around town and to share with my son who currently is without a car as he had a black ice experience that totalled his. Three red toyotas... and I don't even think I am crazy! LOL
Thankful that the storms that keep blowing through our state have not caused any severe damage. Lots of rain and thunder and lightning and half inch hail. More storms expected tonight, so that would be at least our 5th storm in the last 4 days. We needed the rain but it has been so much and so fast, that it has flooded the back yard every time. Ugh!
I get what you say about shared walls. Before we moved to our old house, we owned a townhouse. We were in the center with 3 shared walls. The sides weren't too bad but the stairs were along the back walls and some people go up and down stairs like a heard of elephants. We are very happy we made the move to sell and buy our house about 5 years ago, now.
Cat names can be fun. People who don't understand cats think they do not know their names. Ours definitely do and there are some crazy nicknames too. Claire is the Monkey for obvious reasons and she knows both names, 2 abandoned kittens found in 2018 were named Jupiter (for the planet stripes) as he's a ginger but he is also called Buddy and Jumping Jack Flash, for obvious reasons. The calico is called Maizie for her colors that remind me of maize or Indian corn and we call her Maizie Daisy and Chunky Monkey, for obvious reasons. (she is on a diet and has developed very sharp food theft maneuvers, as a result) Claire is a black cat and her sister, adopted at the same time, is also black. They had a special adoption event the day we went to see if we could find a cat to bring home and due to the success of the event, there were only black cats left, which is not uncommon. Black cats are often not popular for adoption but I hope that improves. Prior to Jupiter and Maizie, all of our cats were black cats. There's something special and different about black cats and I have been blessed with 3 others who were the sweetest cats with individual personalities that people just loved. One was a male, named Maverick. A long hair named Shadow and a short hair named Ebony but was called Beezer for Ebeneezer Wheezer Beezer. I know - I'm crazy. Our other black cat is Rylee, which I would have seen as a dog name, but it suits her. She is also called the queen and the matriarch of the furry family and oh, yes, she has the life of Rylee.
Good luck with your last exams. So glad you have gotten this far and also was delighted to hear you were able to get a few pieces of furniture from your other house. I think it will look great when you are done as you are very gifted in this way. Ranee (MN)
@Ranee, we Minnesotans have endured a lot of crazy weather in the last week, heck the last month. The hail beat us up but our house is still standing so I'm thankful for that. I don't even like wind anymore; it's just too much. Good luck to you in the next round of storms!
So thankful to hear that you have your cat and some of your things with you. And birds! And trees! So lovely.
I'm thankful for massage therapy and the massage I just had. It's helping a ton to work through some issues that sprung up over the last 2 years.
I'm thankful that my husband and I just signed a lease for an end-unit townhome in a great neighborhood and that we'll be moving to a town that will bring us joy. The lease itself was hard to swallow (like, gulp, we're responsible for what??), but we believe this is where we're supposed to be.
I'm thankful we'll only have one shared wall in our new rental. Kristen, I know exactly what you mean. We currently have multiple shared walls and neighbors that like to smoke in our shared area and drink and hoot and holler till late at night. Sigh.
I'm thankful I have a couple months to prepare for the move, and for our current flexible landlord.
I'm thankful for friends who have stayed in touch long-distance for 4 years. We will soon to get to see each other on a regular basis. Squeal!!
I am thankful for the big window in your rental. That's pretty.
My gratitude this week centers on an incident that happened on Tuesday. My eldest son (who just got his driver's license a couple of weeks ago) wanted to drive to the big town to take his brothers to see a movie (very rare thing in our household) and to buy a pot to put my Mother's Day gift (hibiscus) in. On the way home, our Suburban completely stopped 3 times on the interstate! So I'm thankful:
*that my son bought a cell phone and had it with him.
*that he was able to keep calm in a distressing situation and that he had the guts to keep going.
*that the boys made it to the local repair shop in one piece. Or is that 3 pieces? (3 boys)
*that the repair shop is fine with my husband finding less expensive parts to repair the vehicle.
*that my sons have that kind of experience under their belts.
Thankful that you are getting set up in your home and finishing your semester.
I'm thankful for:
-school being almost over. School is great, but I'm ready for the break.
-a long nap today when I should have been doing other things.
-funds to buy a new washer. Ours is 11+ years old and many things are wrong with it. And they can't all be fixed.
-my new linen pants. It's exactly the cut I've been looking for for years, and they are so very comfortable and lightweight and generally perfect for this time of year that is so hot (here anyway). It's such a silly thing to love my pants so much, but I do.
I am thankful...
- that we don't actually have to move out of our ministry-owned house for the summer but can stay put another couple of months!
- that there is only one more week of online teaching before summer starts
- that I have light cotton dresses to wear during this week's heatwave
- for new birds at the feeder: orioles, grosbeaks, hummingbirds, a mystery vireo today
- for a recently cleaned bathroom
- for meals cooked by other people
- for cough medicine that keeps me sleeping through the night lately
Your list is wonderful, I can hear the happiness in your post! I've been thinking quite a bit about you and your journey. It reminds me of my own journey years ago and makes me pause to think about how much happier I am now!
I'm thankful for:
- We're all on the mend and feeling better everyday after a not too serious wave of Covid that went through our house.
- I split a ZZ plant and potted a few rootings to created four new potted plants around the house
- I found a recipe for chocolate oatmeal, it has hit the spot when I'm craving brownies
- My son has decided that he loves the trumpet and wants to continue to play. We've been part of a rent to own program this year so in the end we will end up owning the trumpet instead of paying to rent it all year.
- Spring is finally here (with summer temps)! Everything is green and flowers are in bloom!
@Geneva, what’s a ZZ plant?
I’ve also been thinking of Kristen and her family and my own similar experiences in the 1990s. It was difficult and painful, but a great learning and strengthening time for me and my loved ones. My happy life now wouldn’t have happened if not for that, I realize now.
Kristen,
I’m thankful for good people like you in the world (and in my life!). Your kindness, the many ways you’ve helped people over the years, is being rewarded I am cheered by that.
Looking forward to images as the new house comes together and of the fun you will have with your girls.
I thought I recognized that furniture! Do you have a favorite end of the sofa for snuggling into? And hooray for the Return Of The Feline!
Thankful for sunshine (although we are unseasonably hot--went from unseasonably cold to hot in what felt like minutes so I'm struggling with the transition); being able to transport my daughter and her friends to a jazz band concert which they performed in a local independent living facility--seeing the energy of the young people and the toe-tapping happiness on the elderly residents was a double-dose of happiness; having my son home for the summer; that my friend's arm fracture is finally healing after months of problems; that our trees are finally greening up!
I think the best end of the couch all depends on the room that it's in!
It is wonderful to hear that you have been blessed with a lovely new home and you and your children once again have your cat with you. These blessings must seem even sweeter after your difficult journey. I hope your new house will overflow with peace, love and laughter.
Long list of things to be thankful for Kristen!
For myself, I've been pretty down in the dumps and I'm digging deep to thank my way out of this! So it is important for me to remember to be thankful for:
**Spring weather and all the light and warmth that comes with it.
**Lovely students that are trying their best in difficult circumstances.
**Music, and all the beauty it gives to my life.
**All that my parents gave to me, gave up for me, faced everyday to keep us all safe.
**coffee and plenty of it!
Karen
Thankful for returning a new over the top lawnmower for a more practical model, saving about $2000. Thankful for battery powered string trimmers! No more sore arms from pulling starter cords. Thankful for my rescue Aussie who is making friends with the farm cats and she does not chase cows.
Glad that you have nice neighbors, sweet bird family and you are settling in! Sending you good vibes for finishing up courses and will be able to enjoy your new home.
Grateful for warm weather. It has been in the 80s and sunny all week and after the long winter it feels wonderful.
Thankful our asparagus we planted finally is ready to be picked. It has to sit and grow for 3 years before you can eat it so this is the first year we are getting some. It is very tasty.
Thankful for air conditioning. As much as the hot weather is enjoyable, at night when it is time to sleep to have a cool dry bedroom is amazing.
Thankful for a Starbucks pink drink date with my 3 year old today. We sat and enjoyed a drink before doing our Target shopping and it was delightful.
Also grateful for a cold leinenkeugels summer shandy on the deck today after my husband gets home from work. Relaxing on a hot day with a cold beverage and good company is one of the great pleasures of life.
@Becca, your pink drink date sounds so sweet and enjoyable.
I am thankful you are finally getting settled in your new place and it is a house.
Thankful for the nice warm weather we have had hear this week in Ohio.
Thankful for a granddaughter graduating in a few weeks and on to college.
Thankful for good health.
I'm so thankful you were able to get the cat!!
Also thankful this week for a job that allows so much freedom. We've been traveling in SW Colorado all week (also thankful for Colorado and mountains) and it's been lovely.
Thankful for less windy days!
Thankful for our sweet kitty sitter. What would we do without her?
I am thankful that my mother came to visit and we spent five days together. I'm thankful that the weather was beautiful and we were able to go out and explore. I'm thankful that all the parks and museum we went to were free to visit. I'm thankful for phonecalls with my sister.
Love your list, @Kristen. and the cat back! and the couches! and the sunshine!
Thankful that my family can pivot - mothersday was supposed to be at my eldest's place but he and his sweetie got COVID so it ended up at my place. Thankful they got COVID on Saturday rather than Sunday so they didn't pass it on to my 92 year old mom or me or their siblings. Thankful that my daughter picked up her Gran and drove the hour to my house, happily - and that my son who lives here made last minute waffles for our flexible changed day. Thankful that my mom is so easy going, she napped after the meal while I played hairdresser with the two adult children - their laughter was something she cherished hearing when she woke.
Although I am hating how cold and wet it is, and how very late our spring is, I am still thankful for the moisture. We had such a hot dry summer last year, every drop of rain that soaks into the ground makes my heart unclench a bit. We aren't like Winnipeg or Hay River where the flooding is terrible, so I am also thankful that we currently aren't suffering that catastrophe.
Thankful for 'wonder James' the young man who has come to work with and for me on my property this year. I continue to appreciate how much he can do in a day, and how the improvements are not just single-season, they will benefit us for years. Some of the projects were just dreams to me, and they are now completed, to my ever lasting joy.
Thankful for the 9 lovely chicks that are currently in a bin in my kitchen. I am not a very successful hatcher in my incubator although this time I discovered that at least some of the duds were unfertilzed eggs! The babies are growing and tonight got a bigger bin, not quite sure where I am going to put them in a week, as the usual space is full of other older chicks and it wouldn't be a great idea for them to share....
Thankful for my library and that they currently don't charge late fees! today I finally collected a bunch of errands and returned two bags of books. thankful that I am now able to release them back even if unread.
I am so happy you got the cat back. I don't know how you feel about dumpster diving but with college move out this is the time of year I score a ton of stuff. I don't know if the school you go to has dorms but if it does give it a try. I have gotten pots, pans, tons of clothes, towels, bedding, mini fridges, TVs, electronics, money and lots of unopened food. The amount of canned soup is crazy. Glad you are settling into your new home.