Thankful Thursday | sun and rain
First, I want to share this picture of Chiquita because it makes me giggle when I look at it.
This week, I am thankful:
that there was beautiful sunshine on my birthday
We've been having some much-needed rain, but the day of my birthday was filled with sunshine. Yay!
for the rain
It has been dry here recently, so I am grateful for all the recent rain!
And on a similar note, I'm grateful for the green.
that my class is almost done
My work for week six is done, so I only have two more weeks to go!
This doesn't mean I get a break, because the next class starts right after this one finishes.
But I'm still grateful to be nearly done with this class because every finished class means I am one class closer to graduation.
that I have been able to use my Spanish at work
I am not certified to do any medical stuff in Spanish (I have to get our in-person or virtual interpreter services for that), but I am allowed to do basic conversations in Spanish.
I am definitely a little less nervous about doing this than I used to be, and that makes me happy. I'm nowhere near fluent, but hey, basic conversation is better than nothing.
This is the whole reason I started learning Spanish in the first place; to be able to talk to my patients!
for our in-person Spanish interpreter
I am always so grateful for her! She serves our whole hospital, but she is frequently available when I need her to help me; we do have electronic options, but there's nothing like in-person services, especially when a patient is hard of hearing.
It is such a relief to have her come help me!
that my breakfasts and lunches are prepped
Such a good feeling!
for the way that my job is so challenging
I suppose with enough experience, it would be possible to become bored on my unit. But I am nowhere near being bored; although I try my best every day, and I think I am doing a good job, there are always things I am learning and noticing that I could do better next shift.
So, each day feels like a fresh new challenge, a chance to try again, to give even better care, to be more on top of things, to anticipate more things, to advocate more, and so on.
I like this; that even though I'm getting better every day, there are always more things to work on.
Speaking of....I'm off to work now. 🙂
I love Chiquita!!!!! She reminds me of my Mow Mow, who passed away a few months ago! Is she snuggly, or a little more stand offish?? I always wonder LOL!n Happy Thursday!
Today I am thankful:
*that my head isn't hurting like it has been for the last two days with this crazy sinus/cold thing. I foresee fewer hours in bed today, and that's good. That the younger kids are mostly over this sickness. I'm praying my daughter doesn't come down with it until after she takes the SAT on Saturday.
*for a free concert locally that has some performers I have been wanting to see. AND it is conveniently timed near my daughter's birthday, and she will like it. AND her bestie lives nearby, so I'm hoping they can meet up with us.
*that my friend's wrist surgery went well.
*that my graduating college boy has a few job possibilities. That I'll soon see both of my college boys.
*for the sunshine this morning. Also, for the needed rain. For the pretty green outside. (I think I'm copying somebody here.)
*for the chance to enjoy literature with my children.
Jody S., Praying your daughter remains healthy, has a happy birthday and does very well on her test!
I love that picture of Chiquita!
Thankfuls:
1. I did the 5k park run on Saturday. I hadn't run it for a while, it was super windy, and I was very tempted to stop and walk...but I persevered and ran without any walking breaks. I was a minute slower than last time, but I'm still super happy! I went for a very enjoyable swim afterwards as well 🙂
2. I'm thankful that a book I ordered a while ago finally arrived!
3. I enjoyed talking to my sister who made me feel better about a recent disappointment.
4. Last night there was a plumbing problem and I was kept awake all night by the sound of non-stop running water in the toilet (my apartment is small!). I am not thankful for that, but I am thankful that the landlord was able to show up as soon as I made a call and turn it off. A plumber should be coming over tomorrow to fix it properly!
5. I went for a walk in the sunshine the other afternoon and ate an ice cream whilst sitting on a pier, looking out to sea. I felt thankful for the beautiful weather, being so close to the water, and our community. I was saddened by the news of Lindsey passing, and I hope she's resting well. It was a peaceful afternoon on a sad day.
I am thankful that my faraway son has come for a long visit, and we are getting so much quality time together.
I am thankful that my other son got a nice promotion at work, and that in the past few years he has finally been recognized as a valuable employee after a long dry spell.
I am thankful that I got to visit my brother this week, and that we had such a nice get-together with his kids, and with the son of my late brother as well.
I am thankful that my ex and I are getting along while my son is in town, making things much easier!
I am thankful, as always, for my sweet little condo, where I can peacefully relax and restore after a hubbub of activities.
This week I am truly thankful for all the love and help I'm receiving after my fall, especially when my husband is gone for work. A neighbor said the nicest thing to me: "Everyone needs a 3:00 a.m. friend, someone they can call anytime for anything. I want to be that friend for you." I apologize if I've already shared that story as my brain is a bit jumbled lately. When that happens, I joke that I must have hit my head, too (which I didn't).
So true. i am glad you have that person now. wishing you a speedy recovery.
MB in MN,6
No, I don't think you said that before. But I am happy you have a 3 a.m. friend and hope you get well real soon.
Chiquita’s eyes are so pretty! She always looks like she knows something we don’t!
Plaidkaren,
She's a cat. She probably does.
Chiquita's pose in that photo is exactly like Betty's "Human slave! Dinner is LATE!" pose.
I'm thankful this week for the life, work, kindness, humor, and utter honesty of Linden Staciokas, aka our dear Lindsey in Alaska. No need to add much to what I said on Tuesday, but she will be missed in every area of her life--not least here and on the NCA.
On a more cheerful note, I'm thankful for three good days of work in the gardens, and for a good rain last night and this morning to water in all the perennials I've divided and/or moved around.
I'm also thankful for Bailey dog's human mom, dad, and sister, who brought me a nice load of 2-year-old horse manure last Sunday (Bailey's sister lives out in the country and has two horses) and will be bringing me more this weekend. So I won't have to buy any bagged manure this year.
And though I wasn't too grateful for all this winter's snow in most respects, I'm thankful that it did a good job of protecting my perennials. I should only have to buy one or two replacements.
thankful for you, that my zozo is on track to graduate with her class jun 22. that my son will be able to attend. he thought he had to take a regents exam but he doesn't even have school that day. that my son got into a financial literacy class at his school next semester. couldn't get zozo into the one at her school but they sent me the paperwork to teach her myself. that my m-i-l is still around although i know she is suffering. and i don't want her to suffer. she had no maintenance meds until her cancer 3 years ago. me i had maintenance meds since my early 20's. i can't believe i am still here but ever so grateful.
This week I'm thankful:
- It has been very dry here recently so I'm thankful for the rain the last two days. It's nice to not have to water the flowers and garden today.
- The weather is cooler today so our evening at the baseball game should be quite pleasant.
- Our son finished his semester strong and without a lot of stress and anxiety. That is a massive improvement from past semesters.
- Our dog has been acting out of character so I've very glad her vet exam and bloodwork all came back fine. I've been very worried about her.
- I have been given the opportunity at work to build a team on a new project. I'm looking forward to the challenge, and it feels good knowing that management has faith that I can do a good job and grow the team.
I too am thankful for the cheery sunshine right now, for the rain yesterday, and the bright green leaves on the trees.
*Money in our savings accounts to cover emergencies. For many, many years, there was never enough at the end of the month to put aside for a rainy day. So, panic ensued whenever an appliance broke but last night's refrigerator incident means we go shopping today. We will however check out the local secondhand appliance store first.
*This blog! There used to be so many interesting blogs to check every day and now there are so few. Thank you, Kristin, for keeping the conversations going,
*Tea. period.
*Puttering in my flower beds as the plants are emerging. This time last year I was in a mad scramble to get 40 hours of volunteering to complete the Master Gardener program. So, my own yard got no attention at all until the weeds had taken over and it was too late to move things that needed a different spot.
*Online friends. Lindsay's passing has made me think a lot about appreciating and learning from people I've never met face to face.
Glad you love your job so much! It's always nice to get a nurse who loves her job!
I'm thankful for:
- my first tomato flower in the garden!
- cool weather
- Bruno our dog
- good nights sleep
Chiquita knows things! Look at that face!
Thankful for my coworkers/bosses throwing me a lovely 25 year work anniversary party last week. They are an awesome bunch of people.
For my daughter's symphonic concert the other night--they played well, she had a flawless solo, and we got to meet up with her friends after the concert.
That the crazy flooding rains have decreased and we've had some sun.
That the grass is green, and the trees are budding.
That my son's job interview went well.
Thankful for the rain that's breaking our drought and for the lovely people in the community here.
This week I am thankful for…
• A successful work trip! I’ve been working on this project for months and members of my team have been working on it for longer. Not every job lets you see the fruits of your labor but I got to see it and it was wonderful!
• Being home! The trip was great but I’m happy to be home and with my family again.
• So much green! Spring is finally here and it has been fun watching the green haze turn to green leaves.
• My husband – he greeted me home with a bouquet of flowers, a delicious dinner, and a freezer or precooked meals so I could have a relaxing weekend. I found a good one!
I am thankful that my mother is doing much better health-wise. In March, I was getting ready to say goodbye to her, but she seems to have rallied and might even recover.
I am thankful that my son is doing well in his studies. It's a long time coming and he's had to pass some hurdles (not academically!), but he is on a good path.
I am thankful that my twins are turning 16 today. It was so close that something could have happened when they were born and were newborn, and also as toddlers later with some health issues.
I am thankful to have been able to change my running routine from after work to before work before the summer heat sets in, as it's much cooler to run in the mornings. I am not a morning person at all and was afraid to exercise in the mornings, but I have been able to adjust my body to the new schedule.
I am also very thankful for all the greenery around us, it feels like a miracle every year.
Thankful that we navigated a tricky situation with the home care nurse the other day. Being an advocate for an adult child in a medical crisis is tough but worth it.
Thankful that DS#3's hemoglobin went up to 12 points today!!! For reference, it was 4.7 when he went to the ER the beginning of this month.
I am thankful:
1. That our area did not have any tornadoes or bad storms this week;
2. however, we got lots of rain,
3. so I didn't have to put the sprinklers on.
4. The local HMO is going to continue offering my Medicare Advantage plan, same as always, although it announced it is dropping Medicaid services. I was afraid that this change would affect me, but it won't. (Although I feel sorry for those who will have to find other providers. )
5. Flannel nighties (nightgowns, aka granny gowns) to wear on cold nights. Had to get mine out again this week.
That’s awesome that you’ve continued with your Spanish lessons and it’s come in handy.
Our church has a Hispanic congregation and I’ve been meaning to do the same.
This week, I’m thankful for/that …
• We’re able bodied and can walk. I’m reminded of this when my oldest tried on her like new sandals and her 2 younger sisters wore their’s together with her.
• Our church’s children director and all her love, energy and time she has poured into us all. She’s done a wonderful job but feels it’s time for her to step down and have another person take over.
• The many adult art/ creative classes at the library and the chance to use my artistic talent God has blessed me with. I did a recycled art collage there just yesterday and had so much fun!
• Sandwich hugs and words of encouragement from my husband and youngest. Also, the small ways my girls show they care like giving me a craft they made, cooking a meal for me, sharing a treat and helping out at home. I’m feeling loved.
• For my quiet time. I love sitting on my favorite part of the couch, reading, thinking, feeling the warm sunshine, and under the warmth of my blanket on a chilly day.
I'm so grateful for:
My brother, who spent Monday morning taking me to a hospital more than a few towns over to have a TEE test, a type of endoscopy.
My Dad, who took me to our local hospital to have an A Fib Ablation on Tuesday.
My cardiologists, who take such good care of me.
The incredible nurses at both hospitals. Their kindness, skills and knowledge is incredible!
Most of all, I'm thankful to live in a state with such good health care!
1. I am thankful that all of my nails are long-ish and mostly the same length! It’s the silly little things
2. I am thankful for a supportive co-teacher. Yesterday was hard but she was available to me on her day off to help with a hard email.
3. I am thankful for my son’s girlfriend, she is very sweet and the dynamic they have is healthy.
4. I am thankful for beautiful weather! It was 75 degrees yesterday and will be today.
5. I am thankful that I am feeling settled in my Presxhool position. There’s always some new thing to learn or that is thrown my way but I am feeling more settled and confident in my role. The kids are so sweet and Make me smile.
A big thankful that my spring Master's class is basically done, pending a final presentation which I'm not too worried about. Our massive final team project was submitted this morning. The class was intense, but it went really well. That class combined with a heavier than usual job work load made my spring semester extra busy, but I'm glad to be almost done! Work is still heavy through June, but I'll have a short breather between this class and the upcoming summer class (starts late May). Kristen already knows that she was influential in my decision to pursue this degree/program later in life. So far so good!
Thankful for supportive friends and family through life's ups and downs.
Thankful to read our FG friend Lindsey's writings- would have been fun to meet her in person! Wishing her sweet husband comfort, as I'm sure he's missing her dearly.
Thankful for a working body and mind, not to be taken for granted (Lindsey's writings are a good reminder of this).
Thankful for human hugs and dog snuggles. So therapeutic when life is crazy 🙂
Hope you had a great birthday. You have a lovely place to walk Best wished
Thankful for dearest cat, snuggling and keeping us company even more now eldest has moved out.
Thankful for a replacement physician when ours was on holiday.
Thankful that the Dahlias I am growing from seed look very promising. But - snails? I daren't plant them outdoors yet.
Thinking of Linden passing and wishing her husband, family and friends comfort and strength. She will be greatly missed.
I had a new observation of the elderly lately I thought you might like to read. The woman was dying but they kept treating her symptoms against her wishes. Finally she said, "God is calling me to him but you are keeping me from going."
Thanks for your always-helpful perspectives and honesty! Great approach to work challenges. And super cheers for using the Spanish you can. The ONLY way to truly grow your proficiency is by communicating. Navigating literally any conversation helps. Also so glad you have a helpful, competent, in-person interpreter. She is worth gold! (Language lines are necessary, but wow are suboptimal and sometimes quite problematic). Not to mention, you are listening as the interpreter communicates to patients which can also help proficiency as you begin to recognize to understand more and more.
This week I am thankful . . .
That I am under consideration for two jobs I would really enjoy. Will I get either? I don't know, and the not-knowing is driving me crazy. But I am really grateful that I have two options.
For hospice options for my dad. My dad has been in memory care for over a year, and he started going down even faster this winter. I am so grateful for his facility that takes good care of him. They walked my mom and me through hospice options this morning, and I am so thankful that he will get an even higher level of care for the time he has left.
For how my current project is shaping up. My last two (huge--like years long) projects resulted in ho-hum feedback in 2025. It is demoralizing to work so hard so long and get a meh in response. But I am very excited about this current project. Everyone else might hate this as well, but I am really proud of where it is heading.
For my mom who is healthy as an ox while everyone and everything seems to be falling apart around me. I'm so incredibly blessed to have one of those sing-about-her-in-country-songs moms. I hope we have many decades ahead together.
Three cheers for birthday sunshine, how wonderful! And I am also thankful for some rain (and today, snow!) here in Denver as we are in a bit of drought and the moisture is much-needed. LOVE your photo of sweet Chiquita - she is so round and fluffy and adorable and I wish I could cuddle her!!