Thankful Thursday | to see is a gift
This week, I am thankful:
for the gift of sight
This week, I was sitting at my desk, looking out at the grass and trees, under the sunny sky, and I thought about what a gift it is to see.
So often I take it for granted, but how amazing is it that our eyes can take in a scene and then our brains can translate it into something meaningful??
Isn't it also amazing how quickly all of this happens? And how our eyes adjust to different levels of light without us doing a thing?
What a gift it is to have eyes that work.
(Even if they DO need serious correction, like mine. Ha.)
that my car uses so little gas
Everytime I fill up, I'm like, "ohhhhhh, yeah." This was a good time to buy a hybrid. 😉
that my meeting outcome seems promising
I met with my CNO (chief nursing officer) to discuss the once-a-year availability of BSN raises, and she understood my points. Yay!
She's promised to work to make raises available both in January and in June (to catch December and May graduates), and I'm crossing my fingers this will happen before I graduate next May.
(My nursing buddy Brittany is also graduating then, so we are both crossing fingers!)
I felt heard and acknowledged, and I feel hopeful that this will actually change. Time will tell.
But I also feel proud of myself for taking this step to advocate both for myself and for my peers; if this change goes through, it will help many nurses throughout the hospital.
that I see growth in my "speak-up!" muscle
I spoke up about the BSN policy at work this week, of course, but also, there have been multiple things wrong in my current BSN program (wrong dates, missing assignment links, missing instructions, etc.) and I have been taking the initiative to let the instructors know so they can fix it.
Also, we were all leaving questions on the Course Q&A board (which says the professor will read every 24 hours), and no one was responding. So, I emailed the professor, and apparently she didn't even know this board existed.
I notice that it seems like everyone thinks, "Someone else will probably report that/take care of it." but often, that is not actually true. And I know this because when I address the issue, it becomes clear that no one else has even brought it up.
I have not always been bold enough to speak up about things (it's not my natural tendency!), so I am happy and grateful to see some growth in this area. I am finding my voice. 🙂
for Chiquita's funny short legs
Chiquita is built kind of like a Corgi, which is honestly part of why she is so cute.
Every time I look at this picture, I giggle a little.
for some insanely gorgeous weather
After a string of wet and muggy days, we have been blessed with a streak of low-humidity, cool, sunny days, and I am in HEAVEN.
I would like to order weather such as this every day all year, please and thank you.
for some days off during the nice weather
I did spend some of these nice days at the hospital, admiring the sunshine through the windows, but I also had several days off.
I even got to visit my sunset park, and it was chilly enough to require a sweatshirt. I was thrilled. 😉
for the way that most patients are respectful and appreciative
Sometimes, this is not the case, but honestly, most of the time my patients are responsive to the care I give them, and they are generally appreciative. Also, most people are respectful.
I had an exception the other day, and it reminded me how grateful I am that it is an exception and not the rule.
I give proper care to everyone, of course, but it is a whole lot more fun to do that when the patient is being respectful and appropriate. 🙂
Looking at the picture, I can almost smell the honeysuckle. Taking deep breaths just looking.
So good for you on the CNO talk - silently applauding you!
I am at work and it is very very busy. I am taking a 5 minute break to consider my thankfuls, and later I will read all the responses. For now, my main thankfuls are predominantly that a I am sufficiently talented and experienced to be useful to and valued by my employer and colleagues. And b, that life has also taught me to speak up, take initiative and say a firm No if needed. Although I rather say "let me assess the impact on my other commitments, so we can plan the distribution of responsibilities in a controlled way" and this is not only accepted but also respected.
Now back to work, good day all!
I agree that this feeling at work is so fulfulling! I have changed careers and roles a couple times. Each time that I need to rebuild my relationships and skills is a healthy challenge, but it's also nice once I'm working somewhere for a few years and have this type of environment where I've have built that working relationship with the team and more understanding of the many aspects of each position. I'm 3 years into my current position so I'm getting there. Keep up the great work!
Also I LOVE your script 🙂 I keep noticing how many people walk around with so much chaos in their lives and brains, with no time in between commitments or stressors - even positive commitments can become too much. A few firm NOs could do a world of good! I'm like A. Marie and really value the white space in my calendar.
First, Kristen, good job on the talk with the CNO. I'm glad it went well.
Second, I'm profoundly thankful on this day for the life and love of my DH, who died three years ago today. I don't need to add anything about him to what I've said in my original Meet a Reader and the update--except that he remains the best man I've ever known, and I am a better woman for having been married to him. Somewhere, somehow, my darling, we'll meet again.
So many hugs to you, A. Marie.
Sending love. I hope DH is resting well until you meet.
Sharing in your gratitude and sending a big hug <3
Hugs, A. Marie!
Thank you for your example of turning hard parts of your journey into bright lights for your neighbors and others - yet another beautiful piece of the A.Marie/DH story
This is beautiful. ❤️
May your husband’s memory continue to be a blessing and a comfort, until you meet again.
So beautiful and inspiring A. Marie. Thank you for sharing!
Beautifully said.
A. Marie,
Sending you a great big (virtual) hug and (virtual) flowers.
@ A.Marie, beautifully said, as always. I hope you have a day of lovely memories today!
A. Marie, Thinking of you at this time as you think of your dear DH (yes, double dear).
A. Marie,
This must be a difficult day for you....sending hugs across the miles. I am thankful for all of the stories you've shared over the years about your DH.
Sending a hug to you!
A. Marie, sending you a big hug from the heartland. Your DH was a gem.
Hugs to you as you remember your beloved, A. Marie!
So very sorry for your loss, A. Marie. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. You continue to inspire me with all the care you show for others.
I am so proud of you for speaking up!
Thankfuls:
1. I went to an amusement park with a friend and had never been on a rollercoaster before, except for a very tame one in a fairground years ago. I was nervous but decided to brave it and it was SO much fun! Granted, it wasn't the big one with loop-the-loops (that one was closed) but I'm still proud of myself for going on the other one. We actually rode it twice! I also went on a ride called the Star Flyer which takes you 80 meters into the sky. I'm a little nervous of heights but ended up really enjoying it - the ride moved quite slowly and there was a wonderful view of the city. My friend and I took a break for some cake and coffee and it was just a wonderful day out. When I got back I realised it was the same evening as my book club - I was tempted not to go but knew it would probably be worth it if I went, and it was.
2. I jumped off the five meter swimming platform again. Thankful that I landed less awkwardly this time and thankful to the lady who told me I'm brave as I got out of the water.
3. I'm thankful for progression in strength training. I'm almost ready to move up to 10kg (22 lb) dumbbells now 🙂
4. I'm thankful that my rent is being reduced!
5. I'm thankful that I motivated myself to go running on a humid day. I managed to run 3.5 miles and finished by running up a hill. I felt so strong!
@Sophie -- WOW on yours! Upping to 22lb weights is HUGE.....and running uphill, diving off platforms-- you are a real Wonder Woman!!
Aw, thanks! I was anxious about these things as a kid and was also told I was 'unathletic' (I fitted the bookish kid stereotype), so I'm trying to make up for it as an adult!
*I should add that I jumped rather than dove. I haven't mastered the art of diving - at least, not yet!
This whole post makes me so happy. Look at you go!
I'm thankful:
- For my dad. Kristen's mention of a speaking-up muscle made me remember how my dad cultivated mine. One time in a high school class I got the worst possible grade in "behavior." I chatted some, but nothing that warranted this harsh of an evaluation. I was crying, saying I didn't know what went wrong, and my dad encouraged/MADE me approach the teacher to respectfully follow up. I was scared, but did it. Turns out she just made an error in the system and everyone got that grade. Simple conversation and mine was resolved. This was before the days of emailing a teacher, so after school there was a line of parents waiting to talk to her about their kids' grades! I'm so grateful for this and many aspects of my life that my dad helped me to approach thoughtfully and bravely when needed.
- That for 3 days in a row I've woken up and looked forward to the day! My mind is becoming untangled from the school year and the exhaustion is beginning to lift.
- That some unresolved things with school are in the hands of appropriate admins who I trust instead of sitting on my shoulders and in my brain. I wish we could have left them settled at the end of the school year, but many aspects were out of my control.
- That my mom is back to being self-sufficient and living a balanced and fulfulled retired life. A couple years ago I wasn't sure if this was possible, and with time her situation has continued to improve after breaking one hip then the other, complications with medications, living with us for a while, etc. I'm happy for her and proud of her.
- For this week's weather! I agree! A recent day was 76F outside, sunny, windows open, 72 inside, very low humidity, comfy in shorts or long pants, short or long sleeves, ahhhh! I declared it as my official favorite weather to my friend 🙂 It's amazing to be warm but not sweaty lol.
RE: Speaking up, especially in an online class--My son has had several online classes through the community college, and oh! the mistakes! Quiz questions on terms not in the chapter, questions on the video that are unanswerable from the video, etc. I've wondered if being the one to always speak up will cause the professor to hate him?!
This week I am thankful:
*that my eldest is, as I type, on his way home. I should see him tomorrow!
*that a pilot's license is in sight for my airplane boy. He has the go-ahead to schedule his checkride.
*that my girls really stepped in to help make cookies for the graduation party this week because I have a cold!
*for the 4 hatched chicks-- so cute!
*that my morning stretch routine has really made my body feel better.
*for good weather, honky-tonk music, pretty flowers outside, bread rising already, my father (he had another birthday this week), good friends at church, church folks who take care of our home, my husband's friends, and the hand that is currently rubbing my back.
I am a professor and LOVE it when students catch things on the course website. People have no idea how infuriating online course shells are to maintain and design. One little box unchecked that you thought you checked can wreak mayhem. Making things worse is the fact that I don’t see what the students see - even, in some cases, in “student view”. So much time goes into this that I would rather spend engaging with my students’ work.
That's what I figure; that they would want to know so they can fix it!
This morning I am thankful that my road trip to North Carolina overall went well. One glitch -- a double charge on a hotel room -- I hope will be resolved soon.
I am thankful that my building managers have decided to upgrade the electrical system. Yes, it is going to mean a special assessment which will hurt my pocket, but I recognize the need and I'm glad it's being addressed.
I am thankful for the nice weather that is continuing to be so mild that air conditioning is not needed. My units are not even installed yet!
I am thankful that I had a good visit with my sister and that I was able to help her settle into her new home in a senior living center.
I am thankful that my freezer is full of edible food, and that I can stretch my budget by concentrating on eating it!
Man, I’m so impressed with your initiative, which shows such leadership.
Today I’m thankful for the long and lovely life of our DS1’s dear pup who passed away yesterday. We share his grief as we shared his pup, who stayed with us whenever they were away. Attie was with our son during many life changes and there was never a more loyal, loving buddy. He was the same way with us. It has been hard to say good-bye.
Sorry for the loss of dear pup. So hard to lose them. I am someone who truly believes we will see our pets over the Rainbow Bridge.
I’d like to think that, too, thank you.
Sorry for the loss of your son's friend. The companionship of our pets is so important for our wellbeing.
Such true words. Attie knew how to make your day.
Very sorry to hear about the loss of Attie. I hope we get to see our pets again when we pass away.
Another of the things I told DH on his last morning was that the five cats and two dogs we said goodbye to over the course of our marriage would be bounding out to greet him. I'm not interested in any afterlife that doesn't include our departed dear ones, of all species.
ErikaJS,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your DS's pup. Having recently lost one of our cats, I know all too well how painful that loss is. I, too, like to think we are reunited with our furry family members at the Rainbow Bridge.
ErikaJS, I'm so sorry for your pain of losing a loyal and loving pup.
I live in the South but was grew up in New England. In the summer, nothing thrills me more than cool mornings and evenings. They are a rarity here.
We've had a week of what I consider to be "perfect" weather--sunny, low-humidity, mid-70s (cooling into the upper 40s and 50s at night) and I am right there with Kristen. I've been trying to get outside as much as possible. I can stay indoors when the humidity kicks in.
My biggest thankful is that I am now a mother-in-law. My son married a wonderful woman on Memorial Day, and I look forward to many years of growing closer as a family. Along with that, the couple spent last weekend with us, and we enjoyed a nice weekend together, including going to visit my daughter in a neighboring town.
I am grateful for my flexible work schedule. I work on a resource team (prn, sorta) at a hospital, and I can do things like sign up for a half-day of work in order to get out at lunch and hang out with a friend the rest of the day (this was my day yesterday). I've been working professionally for 38 years, and am enjoying the opportunity to still do meaningful work while also scheduling in a little fun.
I am grateful that a second appeal allowed my 91 year old mother to stay in skilled nursing another week. The day after we won the second appeal, Untied Healthcare exited her again starting this Saturday. Sigh . . .
So I am grateful that I taught advanced composition because the second appeal carries a family letter. I will write it again this week in hope for another reprieve.
I am grateful that three of my five siblings are working to support both aging parents ( Dad is 95 and 5 hours away.) We were children of chaotic alcoholism and untreated mental health. My brothers will not speak to each other but one brother will work with the my sisters and me, one will work with me, and one will text me to check in. It is enough to keep my parents safe.
I am grateful that I worked through my childhood with much support - community, medical and friendships, that my history is like watching an old movie. It is often sad but does not carry a weight of resentment. I truly love my mother and father and do all I can for them.
Hugs Mary Ann for all you are doing and for how you are viewing the reel of your life.
I second JNL's comment.
I third that.
Mary Ann,
I once worked in a call center for United Health Care's Medicare Advantage. You would not believe the mean and rotten things that they did to all those old people. It happened every day. One day, a 92 y.o. woman (IIRC) called and asked for a ride to the doctor, as was in her plan. She explained that she had mobility issues and needed to have the car come to her front door, not the entrance to the gated community which was up the hill from her and where she'd have to wait in the hot sun, no place to sit down and no shade. She said she was physically unable to do that. One ride share company would come to the front door, but the other one wouldn't, and would I please make sure they send Company #1. I called the local place and they said they only used Company #2 and the old lady would have to suck it up and go down and wait. It upset me so much that I hung up my headphones and walked out and quit my job. But that's exactly how rotten United Health Care is!
Wow! It is a company with huge gaps, to say the least. I will say the appeals line has been quite humane but I think it is are a third party that United Healthcare was forced to create as a patient advocacy forum.
The larger question is "What if my mom did not have an advocate like me?
All of the nurses tell me to get Mom out of it and into regular Medicare with a supplement.
I'm not so sure traditional Medicare and a supplement would be any better. The bottom line is the bottom line no matter what company.
Hi, regarding her appeal, make sure you are notifying the insurance it is unsafe for her to be released. If you are aware, sorry for the duplicate advice. Once you say ‘ unsafe to discharge’ , the hospital has to respond to reduce their liability if something happens to patient at home. I’m sure Kristen could explain as a RN better but those are the words to use.
I am so glad most of your patients are cooperative and respectful. I have heard some horror stories! I really admire medical professionals.
Also, I love Chiquita's short little legs. I had never noticed that before!
I am grateful my hands have fully healed. I had trigger finger surgery on my right hand in March and my left hand in May. It's such a minor surgery but still inconvenient not to have fully functional hands for a bit!
I am thankful my cat can tell me when she needs medicine for her chronic gastritis. I tried training her with buttons, but she wasn't interested. But she has a certain set of behaviors (eating paper, chewing on my fingers in a very specific way) and physical indications (rough looking fur, a tight tummy) that tell me she needs meds.
I am thankful for the Hinge Health App. 10-15 minutes of stretches every days make my knees move and feel soooo much better. And I like the way the app mixes things up so you are not doing the exact same exercises every day.
I agree with you on the gift of sight, it is somewhat miraculous how it all works, and ditto on needing serious correction, hello eyeglasses! (Though I do have a lot of "floaters" but they are not dangerous, just annoying).
Thankful for the Canadian medical system: Tuesday HB had his 3 monthly bloodwork done, he has to have his glucose checked regularly. It went well. This coming Monday I am having my 2 yearly mammogram. And on Tuesday HB sees his Haematologist regarding his CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), he has been at a stage Zero for years, so hoping for the same results. This is all taken care of by our medical system.
Yesterday HB had his eyes checked ("Lin, my eyeglasses aren't too clear anymore", they are readers; "yes HB they are from 2018 so there you go!"). I love our optometrist, he is extremely thorough. Though HB had to pay because he is only covered once a year as a senior, and this was inbetween. We went to SpecSavers and got him 2 pairs of eyeglasses; it was cheaper to buy 2 pairs than to get one pair. They have an amazing selection of frames. (Eyeglasses not covered by the medical system). (As an aside, I am extremely happy with my eyeglasses that I got from them earlier this year).
HB is seeing 2 of his long time friends today, for which I am very happy! Yes for him; but also for me!!!, it gets him out of my hair for a day, so to speak.
My friend in MN is retiring tomorrow, I'm very happy for her. She has a very stressful job, and is on call a lot (corporate sector).
For our lovely backyard: HB has an extremely green thumb and just loves to take care of the garden ("it's a lot of work Lin") lol. It is my oasis to sit out back in the calm and beauty of it all.
I have a strong "speak-up!" muscle - thank you for describing it in such a positive light.
I have much to be thankful for this week, including:
-- good results from both a mammogram and a skin biopsy
-- a gentle, unexpected and much-needed rain
-- my sister who drives me to my various appointments
-- my husband who is pulling double duty during my recuperation
-- friends and family who continue to visit and check in
-- ability to go to Book Club, the first social event outside my home in six weeks.
I too have a strong "speak-up!" muscle. Growing up I was told that I was too aggressive or bossy but a man with the same traits was considered to be confident and a leader. I'm glad those perceptions have changed over the last 50 years.
Your note about patients reminded me of a moment before DS#1 was going in for an outpatient surgery (he needed a partial closure on his wound). We were in the pre-op area and he was chatting with the nurses, answering pre-op questions, and such, and one of them turned to another nurse and said, "It's such a pleasure to have a polite patient!" I guess they had had some difficulty earlier and DS was a palate cleanser. 😉
Today I am thankful that DS#3 had a good day yesterday. We take things one day at a time here.
I'm thankful that we found a fantastic phlebotomist (at the Walgreens Labcorp, of all places). She is so good at finding a vein on DS#3, and today she found it in one try, and said to him, "Looks like you've found your home!" 🙂 She told us she found her passion for phlebotomy after watching her brother suffer in the hospital at the hands of many a needle, and she truly has found her calling.
I'm thankful that DS#3 is willing to eat beef now, to help with his iron and hemoglobin issues.
I'm thankful for the Commodore, who also, like Chiquita, has adorable little legs (but his are a bit longer, they just look shorter due to his floof). Even if this morning he did knock my eyeglasses off the nightstand in an effort to get me out of bed to feed him (This seems to be a tuxedo cat thing; I had a tuxedo cat years ago who had the same little trick), he is a sweet cat and every day somebody in the family says "I'm so glad we found Clark."
Respect goes both ways. I yelled at a nurse during my last hospitalization because no one was listening to me. Later I apologized and explained my frustration. I would not have yelled at you because you are always respectful.
Oh yes, I have high standards for how I expect myself to behave at work, even when someone is rude with me. Patients should not have to deal with unkindness from staff.
I'm grateful for kind nurses! I still think about the nurses who were so good to me when I've had hospital stays. And my son, too. They made a huge difference during very difficult times.
I was thinking this week how grateful I am for modern medicine. We've been treating some poison ivy at home and I got a really gnarly patch between my fingers. I'm so grateful that if it was getting worse I could just pop in to urgent care. How amazing to have help like that when for most of history that hasn't been the case!
I'm grateful for my boys. When things go sideways they are gracious and flexible (usually - they're still young). So is my handsome husband. Still amazed that he's mine.
And, as I'm gluten free this month to see if that helps the post viral fatigue, I'm so grateful for such an abundance of food! So many options, it's amazing. Especially compared to what my grandparents had.
Hee hee...Chiquita has precious little legs! So proud of you, Kristen, for taking the reins and speaking up for you and fellow nurses. 🥰
That honeysuckle bough you photographed reminds me of the honeysuckle growing on our family's chain link fence when I was small. I loved going and plucking the end of a bloom to get that drop of sweet nectar out. It tasted so good! It was one of those simple things in childhood that brought so much joy.
And I am reminded of the top of the fence. Usually, chain link fences have the wires sticking up on top. Knowing that a small child could get injured on those sharp ends of the wires, possibly cutting their fingers or hands, my daddy went around and bent them all down. Each and every wire, all along the perimeter of our back yard. I guess there were hundreds of those wires. It must have taken him hours! And those wires are very strong so it was no small task; I imagine his hands must have hurt while he did all that with the pliers. I don't know of any other fences that were childproofed like ours was. I am thankful to have such thoughtful, loving parents.
My current thankfuls:
1. Cool weather -- I'm getting to sit out on the patio a lot this year.
2. Rain -- haven't had to water the lawn hardly at all all year. Which also means cheaper water bills!
3. The nice customers at our store. Our regulars, especially, make working there fun.
4. Medication that makes you feel better. And Medicare to pay for it.
5. Shade trees. It's so much cooler in the shade.
- I'm thankful that hubby has taken such good care of me while I've been sick the last 2 weeks. He's taken on most the cooking and grocery shopping.
- I'm thankful that I have a lot of vacation time built up so I was able to miss 2 days of work without worrying. I'm also thankful that my job is flexible and allows me to take off when needed.
- I'm thankful hubby shipped my sister's 70th birthday gifts for me so they will arrive by her birthday. I had hoped to make the 4 hour drive to visit and celebrate but being sick threw a wrench in those plans.
- I'm thankful that our daughter and SIL found a house to buy that they love. Although I'm not looking forward to helping them move during the hottest part of the summer. Maybe pregnant daughter and I will just stay in the air conditioning to pack and unpack boxes. 😉
- I'm thankful our meetings with the financial advisor have made me feel more comfortable about retiring in a few years. His forecast is that we have enough money saved to last until I'm 92! Next steps are to try to fix the tax problem we'll have in retirement because 90% of our money is in 401k that were contributed pre-tax, so we'll have to pay tax on all distributions.
Baby boy arrived safely on Monday, when I was 41+3 and ENTIRELY ready to meet him!
The nursing staff at the hospital were so capable and attentive, and really great to work with. My OB was also great and very kind.
I did some self-advocacy on pain management, since I'm one of those unfortunate people that doesn't get great effects from most pain meds, and I had a much more comfortable delivery and post-partum experience.
I LOVE not being pregnant. I try to emphasize how grateful I am to be able to conceive and carry a child, since I know so many people have trouble--and I had some trouble too--but man, I deeply do not enjoy being pregnant. Even four days post-partum and sleep deprived, I feel better than I did before!
Congratulations Meira!!! I was wondering how you were doing and if the baby had arrived!
Congratulations on your new baby boy! Glad you are doing well.
Oh, how wonderful! Congratulations! May he be a joy every day!
YAYYYYYY!!! Congratulations!!!
Congratulations!
How exciting! Thanks for updating us, and congratulations!
O this is wonderful news! Wishing you all joy on the birth of Baby Boy (and you on not being pregnant any more after 41plus weeks). May he grow up healthily and happily.
Congratulations, Meira! Thank you for sharing your happy news!
A great big Mazel Tov to you and the whole Bear family, Meira! I'm so glad for you!
Huge congratulations on this sweet addition to your family. It is a most joyful occasion. His sister must also be thrilled to have a real baby doll haha.
Woohoo!!!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful news!
Count me in on the not loving to be pregnant. I looked forward to labor of which both were short and sweet for me. Congrats on baby boy.
You are so awesome for asking on behalf of so many others! You might follow up with a suggestion to make the raises effective whenever the person submits proof of graduation. I work on an MSN program that has 3 terms a year so they can graduate in May, August, or December.
great news about your cno meeting. i am grateful for you, that my zozo is on track to graduate high school june 22. her prom is tomorrow. that noah likes school now and has great friends.
not on topic but i wonder if any of the commentariat can help. i live in a large apt building. there have been 3 pkgs in the lobby for 3 weeks. 2 don't have apt numbers on them and one has an apt number that does not exist. tues i took all 3 pks to the post office 2 blocks from my apt. i told the clerk they are undeliverable and had been sittin gin the lobby. she asked me how i knew they were undeliverable and she said maybe they were on vacation. i just looked at her astounded. she was not friendly or helpful. she left her window, did not say where she was going, and appeared at my side to take the pkgs. the next day all 3 pkgs were in my lobby. i tried various usps numbers on the web but i get lost in voicemail. it is horrific.
Anita, that is frustrating. Is there an apartment management team that you can contact?
You don't say, but do the packages have names on them that they are addressed to? Any way you could Google the names and find out if they live in your bldg.?
Can you just write return to sender on them and drop them back at another post office? Does your bldg have a manager who would do something about this?
I'm a Corgi mom! She has such a bossy personality. When she channels it for good and teams up with my Border Collie, they are The Dynamic Duo for rounding up anything that walks.
I remember being a 4-Her showing my market steer and being frustrated with a judges comments. It was my high school aged mentor that took me aside and coached me on standing my ground in a respectful manner. She was awesome and is now a Circuit Court Judge!
I think with age, world understanding and a minor in psych, I'm pretty good at sticky situations. Add nurse and I feel I have Super Advocate powers, ha!
When I worked in ICU and often as CN, I would advocate care for the most critically wounded patients. When you are talking long term care, continuance of team for that patient was essential in positive healing outcomes.
I now take my super tools and volunteer as a CASA.
Today's thankfuls: awesome sunrise yoga session with 2 neighbors. Swarms of butterflies, fledging baby birds, super cute calves and lambs frolicking. Amen to good eyesight!
That short leg picture made me giggle too!
I'm thankful for a working break...kinda contradictory but I am at a conference this week where I sit in a booth talking to people, which is both nice and exhausting. But the real break was I stayed in a hotel room where I didn't cook or clean and just having the space to not worry about the day-to-day goings on of my household allowed me to work out, watch some mindless TV, and move way more than I do at my sedentary WFH usual routine.
For medication and continuous glucose monitors - between the two of these, I'm understanding how my body processes food and that is removing a lot of the stress I've been feeling.
For my husband for holding down the fort while I'm out. He's been stressed lately but still handled everything like a champ. He even took the kids and visited my parents.
I’m thankful you reached out to your professor (and the CNO) now instead of mentioning this on a course evaluation. I worked very hard to let students know I could do a better job of fixing things the earlier I knew. Waiting until course evals didn’t do either of us any good!
We’re back from a recent trip to see family (HS graduation) and added in a bit of a road trip in our camper at the end. I’m thankful for a lovely family visit! I’m thankful that when, unfortunately, we had an engine malfunction, the fire department was prompt and caring. It was a bit of trauma/drama, but in the end we were safe, our vehicle is repairable, and we have the funds/insurance to deal with an emergency.
As always when I get home, I’m thankful for my own bed!
I’m thankful for the opportunity to gain insight and reflect on events that have happened in my life.
Today, I am so proud that my ADHD, autistic, high-anxiety grandson received a 90 on his state math exam. Also, he was admitted to the Math and Science Charter School for high school (even before these test results!). He has said since age 3 that he wants to be an engineer, and "Nana, want to know why I'll make a good engineer? Because of my autism, I think differently, which is good for an engineer." I had to keep myself from weeping when he said that last month (on his birthday of all days). I'm so glad that he is realizing that what some consider a liability, can be turned into a positive with the right mind set and a lot of hard work. School, especially middle school, has been a struggle for him in many respects. Not just because of his anxiety with the school work, but learning to make friends, learning how to read the room, trying to fit in - no wonder he comes home from school exhausted!
Needless to say, I am one very proud Nana, and so very, very grateful to the teachers who helped him achieve his potential this year.
WMassGirl, kudos to your special grandson! Thank you for sharing his story.
That’s good news that you were listened, heard and acknowledged!
This week, I’m feeling extra thankful for…
• A break in the weather: The recent cooler days have been a breath of fresh air after all that heat and humidity.
• The rain: Our yard and plants were desperate for a drink, and everything looks so much greener now.
• Our girls' bond: I love seeing them be each other’s best friends and playmates. Sure, they have their usual sibling squabbles, but watching them play together is a true joy.
• A new volunteering opportunity: I’ve transitioned from helping the Children’s Director organize and tidy up the kids' area to working in the Food Pantry. It’s been a wonderful, welcome change of pace!
• Free outside entertainment: We’ve been watching a mama robin who hatched her eggs right under our deck. Best free show in town!
As someone who is loathe to speak up and has started doing it lately: nicely done. The more I do this, the less of a big deal it is. I think a lot of life is like that (at least for an overthinker like myself).
Having lost a portion of my senses of taste and smell, I can say that while I do miss them, I cannot fathom a life without sight. We had a septic issue at one point and I blissfully couldn't tell, but I also couldn't smell when there was a smoke issue with our wood stove.
Yes! Thankful for that same streak of cooler, beautiful days; although not loving the high pollen, worsening air quality of the end of the week. Congrats on tackling the can-be-intimidating conversations that will help with work & school.
For a peaceful week on my own with my husband on a guys' trip.
And also thankful for his good friend who invited him to go surfing, and enjoy time away. And, of course, that they arrived safely and are having a great time!
That the school year is wrapping up and I'm retiring. So looking forward to it!
For excellent messages in my inbox from Kristen each morning that brighten my day knowing that all of us across the world are catching up together, sharing our thoughts, and carrying this bit of internet family with us through our lives. Thanks everyone! love you!!
I am thankful for you, Kristen, your beautiful photos and your posts, and all the lovely commenters here. I am also thankful, so thankful, for the gift of sight. I am thankful that my 86 year old mom is still here and that we can support each other (and that we have the funds to live separately, but close!). I am thankful for air conditioning, as I live in South Texas where it is really needed, but there are still folks who don't have it, so I try not to take it for granted. I am thankful for my two NC friends that I do Wordle with every single day. They have been a lifeline for me since I moved to Texas. I am very grateful that I have never had to go hungry-there are thousands of people who can't say that-another thing I try to never take for granted.