Thankful Thursday | upstairs, downstairs
Hey friends!
This week, I am thankful:
for our cats, even though they always sit on my schoolwork
Upstairs cat getting in the way:
Downstairs cat getting in the way:
Random but: did I tell you Zoe and I used my stethoscope to listen to cat purrs? They're SO loud through a stethoscope, and it's super cute to listen to.
for raindrops
I love it when it rains overnight and then there are lovely water droplets hanging around for my morning walk.
that my math practice exam score was wrong
I did a practice exam and initially, the system said I got 80%. For the actual test, that would be a failing grade because you have to get a 90% or better.
Soooo, I didn't feel too good about that. A fail on this test means you gotta sit out the rest of the semester and start over in January, and I was starting to envision having to do that because I could NOT figure out for the life of me how I got an 80%.
Happily, though, my actual grade was more than passing. Apparently, some of the questions just had to be manually graded. WHEW.
So now I feel less nervous about the upcoming math test.
for a good study session with my friend
One of my pals has to get at least an 80% on an exam this Friday, or she's gonna be sitting out the rest of the semester. She's so nervous about the exam (understandable!), so she and I got together and studied/made flashcards.
I think she feels better, and I do too! Talking about the concepts with other students definitely helps to solidify them in my brain.
that reader Talia is ok
You may remember that reader Talia lives in Israel with her husband and children; we have been wondering how she is faring, and yesterday she left a comment letting us know that she is ok, although there is terrible loss all around her.
(Please note: I am not gonna be able to stay on top of a discussion about the war and who's ultimately to blame and how we think it should be solved, so if you leave a comment along those lines, I'm not going to publish it. There are lots of other places on the internet for such discussions; here, we can just agree that human suffering is a heart-breaking reality, and we can hope for resolution in a way that preserves as much human life and dignity as possible. Thank you for understanding!)
for some days with sunny skies
This is always good for my mood.
for my base of biology and anatomy and physiology
I know I say this all the time, but my goodness, I use that knowledge almost every day in my nursing classes. I am thankful for every bit of pre-req knowledge that is still rolling around in my brain!
for general good health
I'm not very far into nursing school, but thus far, it's making me really thankful for all the things that aren't wrong with my body.
Because a lot of the interventions we do are not that pleasant for the patient!
for a strong stomach
Being not-easily grossed out is such a boon for me as a student. This week we've been studying urinary and bowel elimination, so I spent lots of time listening to chapters on those topics while cooking dinner and eating meals, and it didn't bother me in the slightest.
And I actually watched some lab videos on enemas and stoma care while eating my dinner the other night.
A strong stomach is good for studying efficiency. Heh.
that my semester is already half done!
Or at least, it will be at the end of this week. And then once this semester is done, I'm 25% of the way through nursing school. Woohoo!
In the midst of another hard week, I can only say that I am thankful I can do hard things.
@Becca, SAME!
@Becca, Amen!
In a frustrating week, I am thankful for cool weather, warm blankets, and students who showed up to take their tests. Helpful teens and funny 4th graders add to the fun.
You're making great progress, Kristen! So proud of you!
Talia, if you can read this, pls. know we are praying for you, your family/friends/neighbors -- and all the innocent folks having to endure this war and all its tragedies.
1. For some more precious time with my furry "baby": My 15 y.o. dog has cancer. Yesterday morning I got up and a half-hour later, noticed she still wasn't in the kitchen, as per her usual habit. I ran down the hall to my bedroom where she sleeps. Thankfully, she was just "sleeping in" and was a bit late waking up. But she woke up OK, if a bit groggy, and was happy to munch on an extra ration of "cookies" (dog biscuits) from her frantic human mother. She can still chomp her cookies, despite the growing tumor on her chin.
2. For the cool, autumn-like weather and pleasant temperatures and sunny afternoons that were not too hot. I actually got to eat lunch on the patio, and was out there reading for a while.
3. For fuzzy-lined bedroom slippers and soft flannel nightgowns.
4. For the cold medicine I am taking that clears up my sinuses, allowing me to nose breathe, and for being able to rest while recovering from whatever virus I caught.
5. For a job (substitute teaching) that allows me to cancel assignments without being penalized and stay home when I need to. Three days off, but I'm on the mend. (Of course, I don't get paid when I don't go work, but that's another matter.) Oh, and for my pensions (from my former career) which give me income each and every month.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Glad you got to spend more time with your fur baby.
@Fru-gal Lisa, hope this isn't too intrusive, but I am curious as to what your former career was.
@Fru-gal Lisa, Thank you ! Feeling the love
This year has been the year of catching up on healthcare appointments and such. I'm not thrilled about having all the appointments, but I'm thankful that I have access to medical care and that I can afford it. I'm also thankful for a dental staff that was amazing and kind and gentle this week. Love them!
The cold front down here has brought relief and a respite from high heat and humidity, and I've been enjoying it. I even had to wear a knit hat yesterday on my morning walk, which is so unusual for October. (Not thrilled about the ongoing climate trends, but I'll take the positive when I can get it.)
I'm so thankful that I just crossed a major hurdle in my father's estate. There are some things out of my control that have been excruciating (namely other people), but I'm optimistic that I'm past the worst of it. I have to wait until early next year to file a tax return for the estate, but as soon as I can do that, the estate can close. Phew!
My husband cut my hair last weekend - like 6 inches! - and I'm so thankful that he was willing to give it a try. He was nervous it would get messed up - it didn't - and that I would be upset - I wasn't. It feels amazing to have my hair short again, so much lighter!
@Brooke, when i was in high school, I came home from a date and for whatever reason, decided my mama needed to cut my hair right then. I suggested she put a piece of tape across the bottom as a guide and whack away. My daddy kept saying "this is not a good idea. Somebody's gonna end up crying!" My mama agreed but I was quite insistent so she complied. Both of us ended up crying. Luckily she got me into a hairdresser the next day to repair the damage! Funny memory. Glad yours turned out better. The one time my husband attempted to put my hair in some sort of ponytail after a shoulder injury ended with him saying all boys should be taught that skill early in life.
I'm thankful that I sometimes dream vivid dreams about my mother (even if they aren't always realistic). I'm thankful for the beautiful approaching sunrise this morning. I'm thankful for my baby girl who is eager to go to my therapy appointment with me today; she's been waiting for this mommy-daughter date for a few months. I'm thankful that she's also starting to reading beginner chapter books independently. I'm thankful college boy did well in his first debate tournament. I'm thankful that another two sons were able to help some friends with a move (and earn quite a bit of money in the process). I'm thankful my father's knee keeps improving. I'm thankful for toast made from homemade bread, and for the smell of granola baking in the oven. I'm thankful for a friend who gets it. I'm thankful for my husband's warmth in bed next to me. I'm thankful for that hymn we sang in church on Sunday. I'm thankful for kind encouragement.
@Jody S., I love this. Thank you for sharing so matter of fact.
I am thankful for a warm bed, with flannel sheets and an additional blanket, now that it is chilly out.
I am thankful DD lives close to use. This week she is sick with a cold and it was easy for me to bring her boxes of tissues last night.
I am thankful for modern vaccines. Yesterday I completed my trifecta of fall vaccines: Covid booster, 65+ flu shot, and now pneumonia. I am thankful our health insurance covers all them.
I am thankful for historical fiction. It adds such an interesting element to books and makes me appreciate the life I live today while learning about life in the past.
I am thankful there are a lot of things to be thankful for if you just don't let the news drag you down. If I can't control it I let it go.
@K D, do you have any good historical fiction books to recommend? I’d love to know your favorites — thanks!
@LolaGranola, I too read historical fiction. Current era of focus is WWII. My mom gave me a big bag of books last year and another this year. I haven’t read a bad one yet. I will also provide a list if interested in this timeframe.
Thankfuls:
--For the one high school student I tutor online in English who always shows up to his meetings, keeps up with his work, is unfailingly polite, and is also funny. Most of the kids I'm trying to help make it hard. He does not, and I appreciate it. (I told his mom what a good kid he is, because I know I like to hear positive things about my own kids.)
--That our teachers are willing to do things like take our entire school to the Broadway performance of "The Lion King" in Albuquerque today. Transporting 50 kids more than 400 miles (roundtrip) in one day, with all the feeding and bathroom stops and everything else that that entails, is no easy task, but they do these things because they think it's important that our students have opportunities like this, despite our remote location. I can't go because I have to be here with my eldest son on crutches, but my other three kids are really looking forward to it, despite the very long drive.
--For Wasa sourdough crispbread. This is my alternative to bread. I do bake with sourdough regularly and I could technically make sourdough crackers, but I don't want to. I appreciate that I can order them online, too, because they are not typically available at the stores we go to.
--For my wild, untrimmed tomato plants that were so bushy the bottom layers survived our light frosts last weekend. I was too distracted (kid surgery, other kids sick, out-of-town guest) to do anything about covering plants, but there are still lots of tomatoes in the understory, so to speak, that were protected from the frost and will ripen during this warm week with no frost.
--For the continued improvement of my eldest son's foot. He's feeling more like himself every day and is very much looking forward to getting the stitches out and getting some kind of more manageable walking boot next week. We're just not thinking about the second surgery for the other foot yet . . .
@kristin @ going country, Great to hear your son's healing well! One foot at a time, one foot at a time.
@kristin @ going country, That's awesome that your school system is taking the students to "Lion King". It's such an amazing show!
Thankful that my daughter's family made it through another bout of covid. My son in law is a nurse and this is his third time getting it and my daughter's second. My granddaughter tested positive, but has absolutely no symptoms and is driving everyone crazy staying home. It spurred us to get our vaccines.
So I am thankful that hubs and I went and got 3 of our vaccines and survived. We got the flu, covid and the first shingles shot. Boy we both felt it on Monday with tiredness and headaches. When we go back for the second shingles shot, we'll decide if we want any additional vaccines.
I am extremely bored at work (not much to do and repetitive work) but I also work at home and the company supplies me with all the equipment I need. So after 32 years (21 at home) I am thankful that I am still here and that I have a great boss. Hopefully I can last 3-4 more years and so can my boss.
Thankful that we have eaten all our meals at home this week. Tonight I am making a ham so I can make some soup with the leftovers. Looking forward to having soup on hand so we can just pull it out of the freezer for dinner on cold and nasty days like this weekend!
Thankful that my husband finished moving all the wood off the driveway and closer to the house (he had the day off on Tuesday). And that he gets up early and starts the woodstove so the house starts getting warm by the time I wake up.
@Maureen, Wow, getting a shingles shot anywhere near in timing with other shots too - you're a powerhouse! Shingles vax really knocked us out, even my husband who never feels aftereffects from vaccinations..
@Suz, we don't know which vaccine it was, but it was kinda awful. But when you have a granddaughter who picks up everything in school because she is constantly putting her hands in her mouth no matter how much handwashing she does, you get as many as you can at one time. They wanted to give us the RSV one too, but we said 3 is enough for now. So maybe when we go back in December for the second shingles we'll see if we want to add the RSV and pneumonia ones. Seems they have vaccines for everything now.
@Suz, Shingles VAX sent me to the ER with severe tachycardia - BOTH doses! And a year later I am still on an RX and dealing with this.
I believe in Science and the miracle of medicine - but no more vaccines for me. I cant risk it.
@Maureen, the second shingles shot by itself knocked me on my rear end. But I do have a hyperactive immune system that mounts an army at every threat. My husband is never bothered by shots.
@Ruby, Me too! The second shingles shot was intense! It's still better than getting shingles, however. I had shingles once, and it was so painful!
@Cheryl, Oh no, I'm so sorry that happened to you.
@Maureen, I got the RSV due to having small grandchildren! I don’t recall more than a slightly sore arm with the pneumonia vaccine. Good for you for getting vaccinated!
@Cheryl, oh, that’s hard! I was so ignorant about shingles, and then my neighbor (67) got it, she never had vaccines. It had really wrecked the poor lady. She partially lost hearing, and many more bad had happened.
I was terrified! I never knew about this disease at all. It’s a shame you got the severe reaction, but you at least got vaccinated!
I see your cats and it makes me miss mine. But I am a long ways from being ready for a pet right now. I'll just have to enjoy looking at everyone else's! This week I am thankful for:
*the money to put new tires on my son's car so he can safely commute to his last college class - plus this will help us sell said vehicle if we decide to
*being done with the POA duties for my mother and taking all of these files to her attorney's office which means my craft room/office belongs 100% to me now
*cooler weather here in Central Texas means open windows which I love!
*the tile guy finished one bathroom and fully prepped the other one (this project is going on 4 months)
*friends who lift me up during these last couple of sad months
I'm trying to take the news in small doses now...doesn't mean I'm not aware, but there's only so much I can psychically absorb...
@Gina from The Cannary Family, I'm with on the news. I check it once a day online and that's it. I get overwhelmed if I watch it on TV.
I was saying to a friend the other day that it's such an individual choice; some people can handle more exposure than others, and we each have to know ourselves and our limits.
What is it about cats wanting to sit on reading material or body block our books/iPads? They have a special innate talent in that regard.
I am thankful for this blog and all the commenters. I learn so much, am often inspired and feel empathy (and comradeship) for all who are navigating challenging or sad chapters. I silently cheer for everyone, hold you in my thoughts (and occasional prayers) and welcome your triumphs…….even if that simply manifests as perseverance and showing up to participate in this community. (I especially appreciate those who check in even while in the midst of unthinkable pain and sadness)
I am thankful for the beauty of autumn, the last of our garden veggies (roasted tomatoes make wonderful sauce/soup), old friends who surface occasionally, a bumper crop of beautiful dahlias that have filled my vases, more personal time now that our summer of caregiving is over, my family and the realization that in time, people and situations can and often do improve.
I’m super thankful that Talia is okay. Praying that you and your loved ones stay safe.
Today kids don’t have school and I am so thankful to have slept in an extra two hours. And thankful tomorrow is another day off for sleeping in and getting caught up on all things school.
Thankful for the staff at my school. Big Stuff happened yesterday and the staff response towards the Big Stuff and people affected by it was encouraging.
Thankful for a power chair that’s now been ordered for my son!
Thankful for the make believe world that my kids have created. I think I get more joy from watching them play in their beautiful world than I did playing as a kid.
Thank you for posting the update from Talia. She and her family have been on my mind as the situation in Israel weighs on my heart.
- I'm thankful for DH's wonderful neurologist. Not only did he sign paperwork stating that DH needs to work at home to improve his quality of life, but he also gave DH a diagnosis of dysautonomia whereas all the other specialists have been stumped. Sometimes just knowing what's wrong can give you peace of mind.
- Thankful that DH is finally starting to feel a little better. The last six months have been very rough for both of us.
- Thankful to have great health insurance.
- Thankful that both DD and DS live close by and we get to see them regularly.
- Thankful for the beautiful drive to work. The rising sun was behind the clouds giving off a gorgeous glow and was such a nice start to the day.
In regards to your strong stomach comment. My daughter who is now a surgical tech in a cardio-vascular group, said she started watching medical shows on TV before her classes started so she could get use to blood & guts. Now it doesn't phase her one bit, lol.
Thankful that I live a quiet life surrounded by friendly folks: my excellent neighbors, my JASNA tribe, and the Frugal Commentariat on both this blog and the NCA. I'm grateful not only not to be living in any of the world's war zones right now, but to be at personal peace (or at least as much peace as possible without DH). And I try to be mindful of all those who don't have those privileges.
Thankful for the number of neighbors and friends who have offered to help after my cataract surgeries. And even more thankful that a high proportion of those can be counted on to follow through on their offers.
More mundanely, thankful that my alarm company just accomplished an upgrade of my home's Antiques Roadshow alarm system to 5G in record time and at little expense. I'm likely only to get charged for the tech's labor, and he was here for less than an hour. (And Betty is thankful that the process is over. Some of the noises involved had her trying to squeeze her plump self under the sofa.)
@A. Marie, I also have a scared kitty. Few of my friends have ever seen her. Her favorite hiding place is under my bed.
@Bee, Betty is ordinarily a friendly and social cat--but she does NOT like loud noises of any kind: fireworks, thunderstorms, or (as I now know) alarm system testing!
I'm thankful Talia is okay!
Those are lovely photos of flowers and sky.
1. I'm thankful that my sister and her husband just sold their car so that they now have just their truck. It's a good move financially and even more because her husband should no longer be driving, so she needs to control vehicle access. That's easier to do with one vehicle.
2. I'm thankful that it's only a week away for the Greek Food Festival! Our office has been attending lunch at the festival for a few years now, and it's always delicious.
3. I'm thankful that when the dogs killed a mole in my backyard, they didn't bring it inside. They have brought one in before.
4. Speaking of vaccines, I'm thankful that my husband, who has COPD, can tolerate the pneumonia vaccine quite well. I took it just once, and I very obviously do not tolerate it. My doctor agrees that I should skip that one.
5. I'm thankful for the cooler days and nights. Florida summers always wear me out. Now I can start digging new planting beds, transplanting, and pruning. Fall and late winter/early spring are my times to work in the yard.
@JD, I share your #1 thankfulness. I know it can be a real struggle getting folks with dementia of any kind to give up the car keys, although fortunately my DH realized himself when it was time.
And I share your enthusiasm for the Greek Food Festival. DH's late sister, who married into a Greek family and was determined to become the Greekest of them all, could make the best spanakopita this side of Santorini.
@A. Marie,
OOOh, spanakopita! All I've learned to make so far is the kourabiedes, the wedding cookies, using the recipe from the women of the local Greek Orthodox church, and let's be honest, they aren't all that hard.
My B-I-L still thinks he can drive. Fortunately, he so far follows his doctor's orders not to drive, but no one is sure how long he will be willing to listen.
Thankful for prayer this week as it seems all I can do in the many heartbreaking situations we face today. Sometimes I can't even utter words and simply sit before the Lord and weep but I believe he counts every tear and knows my heart.
For my two snuggly boxers who sit at my feet and cuddle up with me on cool fall nights. Love those two fur babies so much.
For good friends to make food for while they are sick. Never take for granted the folks that call or text to check and see how you are doing. They have done that for us and it is a delight to do so for them.
For the lovely fall colors and cool weather. Sweatshirts and jeans and leggings feel positively blissful and the change is a welcome one.
For tent camping with my son & husband last weekend. For all of the hiking I was able to do, lifting, playing, keeping up and feeling good while doing it. For anyone on the journey to get healthy, don't give up! You can do hard things and every step you take, no matter how small, is bringing you to a place that is more wonderful than you can imagine.
Thank you for the update on Talia! So glad to know she is ok.
Sounds like your week was very productive:) Have a great weekend!
Check out those toe beans!
@PBE, say what??
@PBE,
Bones?
@J NL, toe beans = cat paws
@Lana Popejoy,
😀
Thankful my son loves to cook. When they visited he cooked so I could play with the kids.
That it was dry for most of the day yesterday and the sun was out for a bit.
Thankful the rain has not been the frozen variety.
That I carved out some time to clean out a couple of kitchen cupboards. Gone are the days of needing multiple bowls for cooking and baking. They are headed to Goodwill.
I concentrated on what I did get done and not what I did not get done.
1) When the world is on fire as it is now, I am thankful for the kind and loving people who touch my life each day.
2) I thankful for cooler weather. Last summer was the hottest summer I ever remember.
3) I’m thankful for the change in seasons. Although these changes are subtle here in Florida, they do occur. The light is softer and more golden. The air in lighter and drier. The breeze is cooler.
4) I’m thankful that even though I just celebrated a big birthday, I’m still strong and healthy.
5) I’m thankful for good coffee, sunshine, birdsong, and the companionship of my dear Rescue Pup and Calico Kitty.
Wishing you all good health and prosperity, and ‘praying for peace.
@Bee,
Liar, Liar, The World's on Fire! Your comment made me remember that recent song! I LOVE it, and although it is not that "happy," it cheers me up somehow. It reminds me that, like Kristen said, we can try to heal the great divide by at least doing the best we can, through love.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLIGxNZeW78
@st,
It is a fun song…
I would like to think love will grow outward from its point of origin in ripples… like when a rock is dropped in a pond.
Lots to be grateful for, the first is the 17th birthday of my older boy. We had a fun dinner at a Japanese BBQ restaurant. I know that sounds simple but we struggle raising him and a genuine nice dinner with all of us enjoying ourselves is rare.
I’m also grateful for modern medicine as I am currently getting a transfusion to keep my MS in check.
My job and good health insurance. The health insurance allows me to get the infusion monthly for a minimum copay. My students constantly stretch my mind and touch my heart.
My younger boy who is such a sweet boy with a good heart and a constant sense of fun-he keeps my heart light.
My husband-my rock.
And finally my friends. They are the funniest wisest people who I love so much!!!
I'm thankful that my Jewish friend is doing well, she's a keeper, the kind you can count on being there for you.
I'm thankful my Muslim friend who moved to Palestine is doing as well as can be.
I'm deeply moved and thankful to the Jewish community for the # NOTINOURNAME movement and who showed up at the Capitol. It takes indomitable courage to do so.
I love you can watch those videos and eat at the same time. My brother is a retired paramedic and deputy coroner. Yup, I have heard share of the Ultimate Gross. Some at meals.
I am thankful that through a routine CT angiogram that was double checking after I had a concussion, an aneurysm was found. Not thankful for the aneurysm at all, but being that my dad had one that burst when he was 2 years younger than me, I am thankful it has been found.
Thankful for great insurance that means it can be treated with no additional financial stress or anxiety during all of this.
Thankful for a family that jumps in to pet sit or do whatever is needed during what seems like the 20+ doctor appointments I've had in the past 2 months.
Thankful so much that we moved this year and live near our adult children. I spent the whole day with my older son yesterday just running errands and having lunch. It's such a gift.
Thankful that I have a job that I mainly work from home, and my husband does also. We go into the office routinely, but they are very considerate in saying if we need to just stay home the next few weeks for work that we can do that (and not have to use our vacation or sick time for that).
And I'm so thankful for my pets. They bring a lot of joy to my life (even though my cat is sooooo bad! He's 3 years old now and I thought he would get better, but he just loves to pester!).
@Marlena,
I wouldn't say I'd be thankful for the concussion, but at least because of your concussion, the aneurysm was found.
Thankful for the cool, foggy mornings to bring in cut & split wood.
That the summer garden is almost done.
For funny puppy antics. She is always smiling and making us laugh.
For the cloud break allowing us to watch the Annular eclipse. So cool.
It is almost quilting time and I am so ready for it!
Wishing Talia and all involved strength in this ordeal -
This week I am thankful for
A quiet evening and board games with my husband
A quiet evening with youngest coming for dinner
The smooth texture and feel of my knitting yarn. It is always a pleasure if your yarn "knits well"
Finding a seat on the train home - for unknown reasons they are using less carriages at the moment
New and presentable orthopedic shoes
Three interesting books on hold from the library
@J NL, oooh, did someone say "yarn"? 😎 What are you knitting with?
This week I am thankful:
-For the brilliant orange of the tree outside my trunk room window. We have lived here fifteen years, and I never cease to be absolutely delighted with it.
-For being one week past my last terrible chemo treatment. I'm through the worst. My energy is coming back. My nausea is not so hellish. And I am done. The next 12 rounds are supposed to be significantly easier. And it is working, most importantly.
-For a good report from my husband's doctor yesterday. After my cancer diagnosis, it has been hard to do anything but expect the worst. Thank God he is well.
-For good friends. A friend came over last night and watched the kids through dinner and played with them until bedtime, so my husband and I could get away. We went over to our office and watched TV for an hour while we ate our homemade dinner. Super simple and easy. Such a treat.
Thankful for:
1. . . . finally having the good sense to withdraw my proposal to paint 3 murals for a place that has been unable to make a decision and been jerking me around for 13 months.
2. . . . that I don't need work badly enough to work for such a difficult client.
3. . . . for a tremendous optometrist who fit me in to deal with an eye infection.
4. . . . for the technology that makes contact lenses which give me much better vision than any glasses can.
5. . . . for a peaceful existence in a world at war.
So good to see Shelley. My cat sits all over any papers or books that I have open, too. Cats are such "helpful" creatures.
Nursing school is only 4 semesters? You're going to be finished in no time.
I used to watch a documentary-style show called "The Operation" which showed complete operations of many different kinds while I would eat dinner. Those kinds of things don't bother me at all. Hair in my food, or even thinking about hair in my food, will make me gag (or worse) every time.
I am thankful for:
- having more than enough fall and winter clothes to not need to buy anything
- currently being on 2 weeks off from work allowing time to get some decluttering and other home matters taken care of
- being in a good financial position that makes the current rate of inflation manageable
- receiving a lower power bill this month due to the cooler weather alleviating the need to have the AC running 24/7 (it's all relative though as, as the colder weather comes, the gas bill will increase due to the heat being on 24/7)
Yep, the actual program is four semesters, but of course, I've done four semesters of prereqs too. Sooo, it's not exactly a two year program.
1. I just want to offer a solution to your longing for sunny skies. Move to inland So Cal. It's still 100 degrees..... every....day.
2. We're retired, so our laptops are always on our, well, laps. One of our cats insists on lots of petting sessions and when he jumps up we either have to hurriedly move our laptops or he will just walk on them and sit down. We always aquiesce because he has occasionally stepped on random keys and sent us so far off into cyber space that it took us a long time (and possibly a curse word or two) to find our way back.
Thank you for sharing the update on Talia!
This week I am thankful:
* that my dad's heart procedure last week went so very well. I'm also thankful for the number of friends that asked about him and prayed for him.
* for a great speech therapist for my son this year. We had a great speech therapy situation before he started school and over summer break, but last year's one through the ISD was, uh, not a great situation. I'm glad we stuck it out and waited for a different one this year. The one we have is exactly the kind that we want! We reviewed his plan and she was able to tell me exactly the kind of information I wanted last year and didn't get and welcomed us with the gracious and welcoming heart that we hoped for but didn't get last time. Oh my goodness, it was so encouraging to meet with her! My son is in good hands.
* for the beautiful fall colors all around us. We're nearing peak color and it's so pretty.
* for a less-full day today. My body is tired and I'm optimistic that I'll get to rest a little this afternoon.
* for podcasts and audiobooks.
* for hot drinks and heating pads.
I am thankful for my daughter, Harvest Joy, who was born a couple of weeks ago. I am also thankful for the team of doctors and nurses who cared for us after the urgent C-section.
I am thankful that my husband was able to take two weeks off work to be home with us. I'm struggling with baby blues and it has been so helpful to talk things through with him.
I am thankful for that we live in the "small town" corner of our city. We are able to walk to some great little shops and yesterday I was able to introduce our daughter to my friend who owns the used bookstore.
I am thankful for our friends who are providing us with meals.
I am thankful for my morning cup of coffee.
Ohhhh, yay for a newly arrived baby! I'm so delighted for you guys.
And I'm glad you have support for the baby blues. Those hormones are no joke.
@Rebekah in SoCal, Oh yay, you had your baby - congratulations! I'm sorry it was an urgent situation. Glad that you have some help and that you're able to get out and about; that often helps with blues. Beautiful name!
@Rebekah in SoCal,
Congratulations on the new baby - may she grow up cheerfully and healthily
@Rebekah in SoCal, What a lovely name you gave your baby!
@Rebekah in SoCal, congratulations! What a beautiful name for your daughter. So glad that you're staying on top of the baby blues. So important.
@Rebekah in SoCal, congratulations on the wee one, and what a lovely name! The hormones can be a beast, so be kind to yourself, and reach out to your physician if you need them. I love that you can get outside, and be around others; that will help you, and her as well.
Thankful for
●Teen classes going really well. 🙂 Dual enrollment working out great! Teen has meeting to sign up for dual enrollment classes (again) for next semester (January). Hard to believe how fast year is going.
● Vehicle repaired (not happy with $260/hour costs) though need to take back for alignment that not straight.
● Possibility of temporary (10 days) work while still looking for good full tome employment.
● mailed out package to Aunt (in Florida that contains Halloween wreath/card, Birthday ornament, Christmas gift, outside water spicket insulated covers & replacement solar gutter lights. The price of shipping is crazy exspensive. This was medium flat rate box (which is not even close to big) & $20-- non flat rate was only $2 less. Thank God for free shipping where available for my purchases. 🙂
● For our service workers. Instead of Christmas, I usually do thankful November small gifts for service workers. I happen to be done early this year, so starting to give to service workers now (on Thankful Thursdays) while weather not too bad to have package left outside for worker to get.
● our rescue dogs continuing to bring love & smiles to us. Even when make mess because refuse to go out in cold/rain, I remember they are learning new training in our home. The dogs are really settling into being with us.
● The sun, which was out yesterday but will be less visible & soon to be MIA for the season. It really does help with mood/mental health & sense of goodness.
● Resources to get through less than ideal times of uncertainty. We are blessed to know of many resources available for free (no income limitations) that we contribute to & use sometimes. And sharing the wealth/information with others.
@Regina, the idea of Thankful November gifts is going to adopted here. I always feel like many of the folks that are tipped probably could use the monetary gifts earlier so that it’s available for the Holidays in December. Thank you for this simple, but not previously thought of, idea.
@J, agreed! Never thought about this, but that also helps spread out the expenses.
Your comment about eating and gross nursing stuff made me laugh. We often went out to dinner after clinicals or to breakfast after long shifts once I was working and would catch ourselves grossing out people around us that did not care to hear about nursing woes! You will find the one thing that turns your stomach though and will avoid it like the plague. For me it’s phlegm, I would do just about any unpleasant talk for my colleagues to avoid trach care.
If an easily-grossed out person tried to be a nurse, I have to imagine they'd be miserable most of the time!
I have been thankful but had a hard time putting much into words lately, what with personal losses and the stunning tragedies in the world. But there are some things:
Our oldest dog, who struggled valiantly with early onset blindness and arthritis, developed two forms of cancer in quick succession and we did the hard, kind thing for her a few weeks ago. Today we adopt a new dog to keep our sweet remaining dog company, as she has greatly missed having a sister.
I have met so many kind, helpful people as I work through executing my late brother's estate. The poor soul was very organized in his professional life and a complete disaster otherwise. A lot of people have gone above and beyond to help me deal with the fallout of his death last month.
For the cats, who are curious and awesome; for DH, who is my sounding board; and my sweet Aspie son who shared a rare hug when we were both grieving.
Aww, I'm so sorry for the loss of your pup!
@Ruby, sending my deepest sympathy on the loss of your dog. Also sending my congratulations on the new one!
Talia, I am so glad that you are ok. We are thinking of you and your family.
Thankful for:
My sister in law being out of the hospital and home resting. She was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that does not have a good prognosis. However, she is 30 years younger than the average age of diagnosis and the doctors believe that will help her tremendously. She starts chemo soon.
Disposable income. My son had a field trip and they stopped at a bookstore. I am thankful we were able to send money with him to purchase books. We never had extra money for anything like that growing up.
Dental insurance and finally finding a dentist that isn't too bad. Quick and efficient and doesn't try to make small talk.
Toddler cuddles.
I usually don't participate in this type of thread, but I'm going to try to get better and respond....
1. Thankful for each and every day above ground
2. Last week my husband and I reached 25 years of marriage. I realize how blessed we are and how blessed I am to have him. He's a hard working man and truly works at making me happy and vice versa.
3. My daughters....they are so different in many ways, but i love their uniqueness and their thoughtful ways they help people in every day life. It warms my heart that I raised thoughtful individuals.
4. Yesterday evening I took my goddaughter shopping for her birthday (early as her birthday is 10/25/23). We enjoyed our time together and we also enjoyed dinner together. I've done this the past few years and we each look forward to our time together.
5. Thankful that my neighbor lady is doing well after her fall a few weeks ago. We had seen it happen and were able to take her to the ER for treatment. She ended up with a hairline fracture in her left humorous bone and she's in a sling for a few weeks. I got an update from her yesterday in my driveway and I was delighted with her news. She's 84 and very active, but I'm glad we were able to help her in a time of need.
@Gina, hospital health workers can also take opportunities to observe operations to further their understanding. For example, an occupational therapist( Yay, me) benefits from seeing how intricate a shoulder replacement is.
Is it true that you have to watch an autopsy being done before you’re finished with nursing school?
Hmm, I have not heard of that! I feel like if that was true at my school, I'd have heard it mentioned by now. lol
@Kelley O, my nursing friends did not need to do this to graduate 30 years ago. It may be different now, I don’t know. Funny story… we in the various medical fields have a desire to keep learning. When one of my friends started working at a hospital, she and her current beau made a date to watch an autopsy and had an enjoyable time. Not a typical date, but hey they learned a lot!
Thankful that our church's Harvest Festival last night was well-attended, that I met a mom who wants to start coming to our church with her high school son, that the weather was fantastic for the event.
Ongoing thankfulness for my family and for my crazy kittens.
Thankful for this group, always.
Thankful for my Molly, who, at times seems to have less limp. She has jumped from the bed a couple of times striking fear in me, but has not collapsed into a puddle like she has previously. I try to maintain my alpha role, but she is in command when I get home from work and madly barks at me. I wouldn't mind but it is rather shrill into my hearing aids.
October's Bright Blue Weather. We have been getting little drizzles that don't amount to much with the dry weather we've had. We are getting minimal color change in the leaves, but the sky is clearer blue.
Thankful for my favorite auto repair and roadside assistance. Got in the car to a dead battery Saturday evening. Neighbor brought over two different charging systems that probably would have worked if the grounding clamp had been put in the right place (I learned this when the RSA guy came). But in the end my niece took me to work which also cleared some sad air between us. She also took me to work Sunday night so I could just wait and mess with the car on Tuesday (did not work Monday, needed to sleep). RSA Brandon started the car with a charge and determined it was not the alternator (whew). I drove it to the shop and got a new battery. Thankful to be going into the winter with that settled. Cars pull so much juice these days and batteries are quite a bit pricier. But thankful it has a lifetime warranty.
That is a wonderful thankful list!
I’m grateful for my Alexander technique courses and that my performance yesterday went well. I played half of a Chopin ballade. It is the first piece of senior level repertoire that I’ve been able to learn since a car accident in ‘02 and it felt SO GOOD. (We could do as much or as little as we wanted - WIP’s were perfectly acceptable.)
I’m thankful our new couch is arriving before our grandchildren sleep over this weekend. It’s a sectional that pulls out into a bed which we ordered for specifically that purpose.
I’m so grateful for the rain for our drought-thirsty land.
I’m thankful for a family forest walk on Thanksgiving weekend. What a fitting way to appreciate our beautiful world and my dear family.
Yay that you could play the Chopin! His ballades are so hard.
I love the strong stomach comments and how you are able to maximize your time. Had me cracking up!
Combining a head task with a body task works super well for me. Even if the body task is eating and the head task is listening to instructions about bowel evacuation. lol
This week I'm thankful for:
* Having another week off before having to go back to work.
* Having received a backpay from work for more than I was expecting. This is going straight to retirement savings
* a good relationship with both my daughters even tho they are now (almost?) teens at 11 and 13. They still want to spend time with mama ❤
* Not being in school anymore. Often I miss it, then I think about studying, exams and group projects (the worst!) and, yeah, I'm good!
* Diet going really well
Thankful...
That my husband can go hunting and camping for a few days with his dad, uncle, and several cousins. He needed a break from work.
For the sunshine and beautiful fall leaves
For a warm house, full fridge, and peaceful setting around my home
That the dog we're watching this week has settled in nicely
For an organized basement after my son and husband cleared a bunch of things out last weekend
I'm thankful for a cozy, warm bed and that my husband was able to relocate the squirrels from our attic.
When I fell the last week of our Last Hurrah Tour, it seemed to be a run of the mill fall--you get up, you are sore, you get over it in a week or two. Well earlier this week I started to get up from our bed, had a gigantic spasm and found that now I could not move without agony. Ambulance ride, ER in the middle of the night, new diagnosis: compression fracture. Apparently it is possible to brake a bone in your back and keep walking, until you can't...So pretty much all of my gratitude this week concerns this latest round of medical care:
1. For the reception staff who insisted that my weeping self needed to be seen by one of the docs or nurses, and that the paperwork could wait. This has not always been the case with previous hospital or ER admissions.
2. For the nurse who did the initial screening/triage, who sped through the process so I could be taken to a room and seen immediately.
3. For the CT scan guys. Between my normal useless crippled up leg and this spinal fracture, I was pretty much unable to do anything but lie in the hospital bed and wish I were dead. They basically lifted me on to and off of the scanning bed, the entire time making little jokes and comforting me. When I thanked them for their kindness, one of them said, "I'd want someone to do the same thing for my grandmother." Last week someone addressed the husband as "Grandfather," so he and I have had a few laughs about how we need to buy some of that age defying make up.
4. For the non-triage nurse who took over my care and had the guts to track down the doctor to tell him that she thought I was being given the wrong pain medication. He obviously had not read the allergy part of my chart that said I have an extreme histamine reaction to morphine, and had prescribed morphine for the pain. (The doctor later came in and apologized for missing that allergy, apologies being unusual in my experience.)
5. As usual, I am thankful for the husband, who has had to help me out of bed, up from chairs and the toilet, and help me in the shower, always without a word of complaint. Without him, I would have had to go to a temporary convalescent care situation. He also fought with the doc to give me more than 3 days of pain meds, especially when the doc said I would be in pain for some weeks and that right now there is not much they can do but wait for the fracture to heal.
It has been a week since the ER visit and I am still miserable but feel lucky and extremely thankful for the medical care I received.
@Lindsey, Oh, I'm so sorry you turned out to have that fracture; my back hurts just thinking about it. It's so horrible to not be able to move or get up without immobilizing pain. As you said before, I'm so glad that at least you made it home from the Hurrah Tour.
@Lindsey, I'm sending you and the "grandfather" many good thoughts in this latest reversal of fortune. Here's hoping that you will overcome this one too, just as you have overcome so many. And give my love to Pound Hound as well
@Lindsey, Your journey has been inspiring to me in so many ways. The subtle humor with which you deal with major difficulties makes it all so readable and relatable. I am also a big fan of your champion, a DH worthy of the D (just like my own). Hope you heal much faster than the doc's prognosis.
Solid agreement with all of this!
@Lindsey, oh my goodness, so sorry to hear all of this. Here's to a swift and complete recovery.
Talia:
Thank you so much for the update. I am praying for you and your family, and that peace comes very soon.
I am supremely thankful that a good friend of mine, who had stopped talking to me for a bit, trusted me enough to tell me what the problem was and t give me a chance to redeem myself.
That's plenty to be thankful for in a week.
YAYYY!
Oh, Kristen, you made me laugh with your thankfulness for a strong stomach. As a special education professor (severe disabilities), I would remark when asked how my day was (once a term) … “really good! I got to talk about bowel and bladder control.” I was always thankful for my sense of humor to see me through some days. Special education isn’t funny at all! Sometimes, though, it was simply better to laugh.
This reminded me that my lecturing prof for bowel elimination said her grade-school kids think it's really funny when she says she's off to work to talk about poop. 🙂
I’m thankful for my new back door that was installed today! No more barring it to keep it closed and no more breeze through the crack.
I’m thankful for the extra time I got to spend with my family over fall break from school.
I'm thankful for...
1. Lovely, unusually warm fall weather. I wore shorts and sandals to work this week. Some years it's snowboots and winter coats already.
2. I successfully passed my First Aid Level 1 renewal course this week.
3. My students are such an enjoyable bunch.
4. Yummy food in my fridge to look forward to. I usually try to cook on the weekends for the week ahead, but for the last several weeks have not been able to, which resulted in a lot of sandwiches (which I love but can get old) and eggs meals. This week I had three different choices in the fridge, including multiply veggie options.
5. The full-arch rainbow I saw yesterday.
*My 12-year old pup had some minor surgery yesterday and came through with flying colors. It was an ultrasound-assisted procedure and while in there, the doctor looked at all his major organs and he said they all looked great, plus the pre-op bloodwork showed he is in excellent shape. I'm very thankful he got such a good bill of health.
*The bill for the above was almost $800 -- which is a lot, but as it happened, I had deposited an extra $1000 in our emergency fund the day before. As painful as it was to take $800 of that right back out, I was so grateful to have the money in there.
*Our neighbor gave us two packages of elk meat. Delicious free meat is always welcome!
*We still haven't had a hard freeze, so my flowers are still blooming and looking beautiful.
*I have a cousin living in Israel and he and his family are safe.
I’m thankful for 69 years of life( today’s my birthday) and for God’s grace and goodness which have brought me to this point in time. I don’t take it for granted.
So thankful for wonderful family and friends. Especially grateful for my dear husband and our son and daughter.
Thankful for an opportunity to get away with my husband this weekend. Looking forward to a concert, some meals out and some dancing.
So thankful for our old vehicles that are still running well ( and thankful for our mechanic who fixes the cars when they’re occasionally not so reliable).
Happy happy birthday!!!
Wow 25% complete at the end of the semester; that is something to celebrate for sure!
This has been a HARD week, physically and emotionally, and I am glad to see it coming to an end! Even though the weekend is supposed to be 100% rainy, at least I will not be sitting in ERs, doctor offices or nursing homes. That said, I am thankful for
* My very helpful, understanding cousin. He has so much on his plate, yet he manages to be there when he’s needed.
* the local police department who have had our backs and helped us with a difficult situation.
* My wonderful sister in law, who helped me secure a nearly impossible to get appointment! Love her, she is kind and sweet, too.
*My brother, who lives with our mother, and keeps her safe, warm, and fed.
*That my drug reaction rash , which was a horrible, itchy and uncomfortable mess has mostly subsided, and for my son, who gave me a tube of the most wonderful cream that made my bumpy start to feel smooth again.
*For all the creature comforts in my life and my home. i am so blessed, really.
I hope everyone has a peaceful weekend
1. I am right there with Becca, glad I can do hard things. It has been a trying few days.
2. That I have grown children that listen when I vent, and even though it must be difficult for them, they give me advice which they know I probably don't want to hear.
3. For gardens that still need tending which helps me through the hard things.
4. The Stillwater Vet that came to our house to help our dog, Remi, over the rainbow bridge. That was difficult but easier than the rest of the week. If you can even imagine that. Crazy.
5. I am thankful that I took my sister's advice a couple of months ago and bought what she calls "a happiness journal". I wasn't keen on keeping a journal but this version has you just write 2 or 3 sentences about what happened that day. It is supposed to make people happier. I can't really tell if it has in my present state of mind but I think it helps to reflect and look back. It is a 5 year 'Happiness Project Once Sentence Journal.
Who knew that 2 years is a long time in hamster years. I thought they’d live longer than that. Interesting
You are killing it, Kristen! This week I am thankful for -
1. This blog - you are an inspiration to even this "notsoyounganymore" lady.
2. Sunny days. 'Nuff said.
3. The True Crime podcast that gets me through my workday like an old friend (or a fuzzy pair of socks). =)
4. That there are more truly good people in the world than it seems some days, and they deserve to be the headlines instead of the bad stuff.
5. That my Mama quickly recovered from being very sick from dropping blood pressure.
Kristen - doing you as only you can do it and please promise all of us in Neighborhood Frugal that you will not leave us when you gain your RN and are uber busy saving lives. We need you.
I will most likely keep blogging. I mean, if I can keep blogging during nursing school, while also dealing with a divorce on top of it, I'm pretty sure I can pump out some posts in between RN shifts. 🙂
I know I'm a bit late to the game, but I am no less thankful, and don't want to forget these things by next Thursday.
I have had sharp pains in my knee that almost made me fall on more than one occasion over the last couple of weeks, so went to the ER last Sat morning, worried that I had torn a ligament or something. Came home with a walker, prescription for Voltaren, and a referral to an orthopedist.
So I am grateful:
1. That husbands of my friends in our gifting group came over Sunday evening and moved my sofa from the den to the living room. It would have involved me trying to put a blanker under the sofa and manipulating it, dragging it down the hall, and it took them only 3 minutes.
2. That after hubby's lift chair broke, we decided to buy ourselves a reclining loveseat (I know, not frugal, but we only celebrated our Sept. anniversary with a $10 coconut cake and we decided to buy this for our combined anniversary and Christmas gifts to each other), and it was delivered Mon. morning. Now I can sit and elevate MY knee, also!
3. That the teenage girl next door has happily agreed to walk my recovering dog in the afternoons after she gets home from school--and refuses payment. So I'm going to find her a nice gift, instead!
4. That I was able to get a quick appt with the orthopedic office the morning after i contacted them.
5. That the diagnosis is not a torn ligament, but severe arthritis in that knee, which is not a "now" surgery.
6. That although I need a knee replacement (they don't know how I've walked on it for so long), I have some conservative stop-gap options to use until a more opportune time to do the surgery.
7. That the weather is so beautiful and I got my wind chimes up right after the pressure washing and before the knee thing< so I can sit on my porch, bundled up, watching neighborhood kids on their bikes and listening to lovely chimes during breezy days.
8. That my local grocery store has online ordering so I can just drive over and have them load the groceries into the car instead of making my way painfully down those aisles. I still have to get them into the house, and put away, but that can be done in stages, with resting as needed.
9. That my church has online services, so I can go back and watch what I've missed.
10. That my husband, being disabled for so many years, can understand my frustrations and gently remind me to prioritize and space out activities with rest periods.