Thankful Thursday | and a Vitamix giveaway note
First, a note about the Vitamix giveaway!
When I said, "One comment per household", I was thinking of instances where people go to the work of leaving different comments with different names and email addresses. In such cases, I can tell that they are actually from the same person because the IP addresses are the same.
I know that sometimes people accidentally leave duplicate comments and I also know that some of you are experiencing a glitch where your comment initially appears multiple times. That is completely fine; I can see the difference on my end!
Basically, if you are not nefariously trying to game the system, you're good. 🙂
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This week, I am thankful:
that Mr. FG was able to join me for a cat shift last night
His evening plans got cancelled so he was able to lend a hand, which is helpful when we have a lot of kittens.
There's a reason there's a saying, "It's like herding cats." Ha.
for Facetime calls from Lisey
Texting is good too, of course, but I feel like I get a good catch-up on what's happening in her life when I get to Facetime with her.
And it makes me happy that she wants to call me.
that there are several girls in Lisey's class
She had aviation school orientation this last week, and in a class of 30, there are several other girls besides her.
Obviously, the class is still skewed heavily towards the male end of things, but it's not as skewed as she expected.
It's more of a 70/30 split than a 95/5 split.
for all the rain we've gotten this past week
It has been super dry here for the last month or so (as in, even the weeds were dying), but we've had multiple rainstorms in the last week.
for interesting books to read
I cannot imagine a life without books.
Their ability to expand my view into the world is really phenomenal; through books, I can meet more people and learn about more things than I'd ever be able to without the written word.
that I grew up in a book-rich home
I just now saw this article on my homepage, all about the benefits of growing up surrounded by books.
When I was a kid, my mom took us to the library almost every single week, and each time, we lugged out a crate or two full of books.
This seemed very normal to me, but looking back, I remember visitors to our house expressing surprise at the bins of books in our living room!
I was a voracious reader as a kid, so I am thankful that I had all this access to books.
that summer humidity does not last forever here
The description for each and every day in my forecast includes "humid" or, "uncomfortably humid" until the absolute end of August.
However, I know that we are getting toward the end of the super humid season here and that knowledge is buoying my spirits.
This is why I think I should never live somewhere like South Florida; without a not-so-humid time of year to look forward to, I might become rather deflated.
that we do not have to switch health insurance
There was some concern that Mr. FG would have to switch employers mid-year, but it looks like the switch-up will not happen until the end of the year.
I am very happy about this because we met our health insurance deductible for the year, and I'd like to ride that train until December 31!
for people who offer parenting encouragement
Those of you who are parents know full-well how discouraging parenting can be; there are so many hard decisions to make, big and small, day-in and day-out, and it can be very easy to feel like you are failing.
So, I'm really thankful for a couple of people who know me in real life and who have offered encouragement to me recently.
for the way that our extended family members show love to our kids
I'm thankful for the way their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and great-aunts, and great-uncles care for them, by helping them, talking to them, praying for them, and inviting them into their homes.
Isn't it so true that one of the best ways to love a parent is to show love to that parent's children?
My undergraduate engineering class was about 80/20 male to female ratio. (There seemed to be more women in my graduate classes.) But I really didn’t mind having all male study and work groups. They all took care of me and walked me to my car after late night study groups. And I made cookies every so often to keep people happy. I found there was less drama with guys. 🙂
I’ve never done this before, but I love the practice:
1. A week of rain showers. It has been so hot & humid in NE TN.
2. Yoga & pickle ball. New to the latter, but I love it!
3. One more month of my daughter’s company- she’s been here since Covid started & I will miss her when she returns to NYC. Enjoying everyday.
4. I am with you on the books- I have 4 going & 1 on Libby. Much better for my head & soul than the news or social media
5. My 12 yr old rescue pit/lab mix. He’s finally on a good mix of vitamins/supplements & his mobility is much improved. He is my heart!
@Diane,
I’m in NE TN too!!
I love my smoothies!
I love Thankful Thursdays. I don't always have 5 things to be thankful for, but I love and look forward to reading what everyone else is thankful for.
Thankful for my husband and his relationship with his nieces and nephews. He has quite a few, but there are some that are very special. It's nice to see him talk to them on facetime.
Thankful that we have been eating at home all week. My husband is semi-retired, and he has off on Sunday thru Wednesday, so he does most of the cooking, which is really nice. I help, but I don't have to do the whole thing, which is really nice.
Thankful that we have the money so that I can buy a new bicycle that is more of a touring bike. And that my husband found an exercise that we both can enjoy together and pushes me to ride. We are starting to plan multi-day riding vacations and it's a lot of fun. The next step -- next year -- will be do ride and camp and finish a rail trail from start to finish rather than doing just parts of it.
Thankful that this week's paycheck will have the LAST 401K loan payment taken out. We've been saving to make the final payment next week. Next up is to start a family vacation fund so we aren't taking money from our regular savings.
Thankful that my immediate family and extended family are all healthy and well. I am in the humid capital of the US (South Florida Kristen!) and the news is rather sad -- to me anyway -- about Covid and people and politics. I try to stay away from the news, but it is so in your face, that it is really hard. I do mask up when I go out.
Stay safe everyone and have a great Thankful week ahead!
I’m happy that you are able to speak with Lisey often and that she is settling in. She is embarking on a wonderful adventure.
I am thankful that I have had a quiet week. After 3 months of being constantly on the move. I have been able to slow down, take a breath and do a few things around my home that needed my attention. My newly organized pantry is making me happy!!!!!
I am grateful that my daughter is healing well from her surgery and has had only moderate discomfort. I am hopeful that this procedure will provide an end to the health problems that have plagued her for the last 3 years. (Prayers please)
I am thankful that my son has finally asked his lovely sweetheart to marry him. He is engaged!!!! I helped him pick out the ring over 3 months ago and was trying very hard not to let it slip. We will have a busy year ahead.
I am thankful for the few minutes that I had at the kitchen window yesterday watching two young cardinals learn to fly. Few things are as sweet as those found in nature.
I am thankful that I was able to spend Sunday afternoon on the beach. It was a beautiful day. The sound of the ocean, a cool breeze and warm sunshine are so relaxing. It always helps me to adjusted my attitude.
Yay for a new daughter-in-law for you guys!
@Bee, she'll be so fortunate to have you as her mother-in-law! Congratulations to your son and his future bride!
Hey Kristen! Just a point of information should you ever have to change insurances mid year. You are actually able to request your new insurance carry over the deductible you’ve already paid to your previous insurance. Now if the new deductible is higher you would have to make up the difference but at least you wouldn’t have to start from zero. It is basically a gentleman’s agreement so they don’t HAVE to honor it but most of them do. You have to do it in writing and provide the fulfillment info from your previous EOB’s. I had to do that last year and it saved me from a double deductible and I was very grateful. They don’t broadcast this information. Hope this helps!
Oooh, that is good to know. Thank you!
I'm thankful for my job in elder care and the wonderful lady I care for.
For my garden producing abundantly.
For my functional Dr who listens to me.
For God's promises to me.
Thankful that my husband just earned a raise, he has a strong work ethic and despite not loving the job 100% (who does?) his effort has been rewarded!
Thankful that my daughter recognized her roommate needed some support and has invited her to a getaway at our home for the weekend, she is such an empathetic person.
Thankful that I can get my hair colored after so long, it is still just a quick process and no blow-dry, but every little step is a step!
Thankful that my colleague has reached out for my input on the tough situation we are facing. We've set a date to go over some strategies that may work this fall, there are no certainties but together we will help each other through.
Thankful for coffee, of course.
Karen
@Karen, congrats to your husband! It's a great feeling when hard work is recognised.
In no particular order....
1. I am thankful that my husband is employed and has been getting a slew of overtime lately. It is hard for him to be gone so much but I prefer to look at the silver lining of this - overtime means extra income & the blessing of employment.
2. I am thankful that our lawn mower malfunction is something that we can fix instead of having to buy a completely new mower.
3. It seems that the rain will finally give enough pause for me to be able to plant our fall garden seeds. I am hoping and praying that I can get these into the ground so we can enjoy homegrown veggies throughout the fall & winter seasons.
4. For the ability to stock our pantry and prepare healthy meals for my family. It is a blessing to have what we need on hand so that I don't have to run to the store for ingredients to prepare a meal.
5. For my faith and the calling on my life of wife & mother. Not always easy but so very cherished.
I often do not participate in this exercise, but I am trying to cultivate more gratitude. I love that you already do this weekly!
I am so thankful for:
1. The hoopla app: I borrow ebooks and audio books each month through my local library. Hours of quality entertainment.
2. Free (and wonderful) Yoga videos on YouTube. I particularly love Floating Yoga School.
3. Nike Runners Club app: it is an excellent and free app that tracks outdoor running.
4. Instant Pot: I am not particularly fond of kitchen gadgets. But a friend gave me a used Instant Pot and I simply love it! I have made rice, steel cut oats, chicken, taco meat, lentils, salmon.
5. My son’s summer camp: Not frugal, but I do love that he thoroughly has fun at camp.
@Jennifer Y., I was really skeptical of the Instant Pot when it came out. My husband got me one a few years later because he thought it'd be worth it, and was he ever right! It has has saved us from eating out more times than I can count. We've used ours daily for 80-90% of our cooking the last 2 weeks because our stove is dead and we the new one isn't going to be installed for another week.
@Kaitlin,
Do you have any recommendations for Instant Pot recipes? I've had one for over a year and have only used it a couple of times. I don't love it, but I don't think I've given it a fair try.
@Danielle Zecher, my instant pot doubles as my slow cooker, so I got rid of the slow cooker and use the instant pot without the rubber seal for my slow-cooking. I do all of my rice cooking in the instant pot and making beans from dried beans. Whenever I've forgotten to pull meat from the freezer and we're in a rush at dinner, I use the instant pot to cook the meat quickly and add potatoes or something. I don't cook with recipes a whole lot, so I don't know if I can point you to any specific websites. Refried beans I've made in the Instant Pot that turned out better than any other I'd made, and I made a breakfast casserole with hashbrowns, eggs, pepper, cheese, bacon and milk that was really good.
@Kaitlin, and others- I just don't get it about the Instant Pot and similar devices. What makes it so much better than regular cooking? The speed? It saved you from eating out, but why? When you have a working stove, why not use that? I'm just curious and don't know anyone who has one.
I would love to have a blender, especially a nice one!
Thankful that prayers were answered that my heart valve surgery (TAVR) went so smoothly.
Thankful I only had to stay overnight in hospital.
Thankful that the Sentinel device used during surgery worked to catch some debris when new valve put into place preventing a stroke or strokes, a devastating surgery complication.
I’m thankful for a complication free postop week.
I’m thankful for living, I’m thankful each day!
@Nan, I am so happy that you are healing from your surgery. You are so right - every single day is a gift.
@Nan, Wow! Yours is a big gratitude situation. It gives me goosebumps to think of what could have happened to you. I had a vaguely similar experience years ago and it didn't hit me until later that I was close to dying, basically, and didn't even realize it. (I thank God for science and people who know how to care for the human body- doctors, other medical staff, pharmacists, etc., etc.) It's just been pretty recently that I'm thinking deeply about what happened, why it did, why I survived when many don't, what my family's lives might have been like if I hadn't had the miracle I did. I've needed to do a lot of work with coping with death of loved ones, and I believe that I am comfortable with death, including my own. That doesn't mean I'm not thankful for every day of my life on earth!
So, today, I frugally and coincidentially finished making my own "final arrangements" at the funeral home, so that my family who survives me won't have to make hard decisions, and basically, I paid in today's dollars for what potentially could be lots more in the future. I had the money now because I am frugal enough to save and budget for stuff.
Be wary of studies that associate growing up amid books with positive life outcomes, unless they account for group differences, particularly income. Several studies in the US that showed better life outcomes amid books, were later reanalyzed for additional factors. They all showed that the baseline factor was income not books - more books is associated with greater income but income proved to be source of the difference.
@WilliamB, good point!
This reminds me of that old study showing classical music had all these benefits for little kids, but if I recall correctly, it actually turned out that it was correlation; rich parents were playing the classical tunes!
I remember hearing an education "expert" say that reading aloud to your kids would help them stay out of jail, and I thought, hmmm, no, I'm guessing there are other socio-economic factors at play there. I think reading aloud to kids is great! I'm just not sure it's a great tool to keep them out of jail.
Another thought that I had while writing about Unorthodox and Educated: in both of those life stories, access to books and education were both key to those women escaping the cult-like lives they were born into. So I suppose for some people, the books themselves do make a difference, despite a bunch of other terrible life factors.
Anyway! Regardless of the benefits or lack thereof, my childhood library trips made my own childhood richer, and I'm really grateful I lived in an area with a great library system and that my mom took the time to make sure I always had a steady supply of books.
@Kristen, I think reading to kids is a marker for positive parental engagement, which is likely the difference maker for the incarceration example. Probably could achieve similar results with gardening or crafting together, cooking together, taking chatty walks. But reading together is a very nice thing to do, and has benefits for language skills.
@Kristen, I'm 100% with you about access to books, for everyone.
@Kristen, The author James Michener, who is from the town where I live, grew up so poor they were evicted from several homes. He said he never had a Christmas present, ever. But his mother took him to the library and they checked out books. Eventually, he received a scholarship to Swarthmore College and the rest is history. The library in town was remembered in his will where he recounted the story of his mother reading to him and his brother daily.
@Erika JS, I grew up one of the towns next to yours! Beautiful area.
@Kristen, I guess my wife and I are rich parents. Culturally rich LOL! 🙂
@WilliamB,
I am sure there is a direct correlation between book ownership and family income level. I would also venture to say that book ownership and parental education levels are also directly correlated. As you have said, some studies do not control for these factors.
Household income is often considered the single greatest determinate of a child’s success. But thankfully, I do not believe it’s the only one. Having raised 3 children of my own, I believe that love encouragement, education, and pure grit (or some combination there of) can change one’s life trajectory.
There are many who have overcome abject poverty and ignorance to lead exceptional lives.
From Ben Carson, who was a world renowned neurosurgeon before he entered politics … to Dolly Parton who requires no introduction, grew up in poverty with uneducated parents. What do these two seemingly different people have in common? Both are proponents of reading and each in their own way has made efforts to encourage access to books. So maybe that tells us more than any study could.
I was thinking too, that book ownership is not the only path to a life surrounded by books. My parents did own a number of books, but the vast majority of what I read came from the library.
Of course, you do still have to have access to a library (be in the right location, have transportation or live close enough to walk), but a library definitely lowers some of the economic barriers to a book-filled life.
When my own children were all younger, the library was such a life-saver. There's no way I could have afforded the thousands of books we've checked out over the course of my parenting years!
@Bee, Indeed, thankfully family wealth is not the only factor! Let's hope it stays that way.
@Kaitlin, Oh how lovely-where? The area around Doylestown PA is indeed beautiful and as you probably know, a big draw for artists.
@Erika JS, oh, I never knew that backstory about Michener, and it sure touches my heart. I don't have any studies, and only anecdotal evidence, but I truly believe that for at least some kids, avid reading is a life-saver. I sure has been for me, and I give my parents so much credit!
1. That we were spared any major damage from the storms/flooding this week. Our area got hit hard, but we came through alright.
2. That my friend is not one of the 35 people missing in her county. They had horrible flooding, and at last count 35 people are missing. Cellphone service was out for a while, but I got to talk to her last night, and she's okay.
3. For my sister's negative COVID test. She was exposed at work, but has tested negative twice now.
I am thankful for my family. My hubby is my rock as are our two sons. They are both hardworking and thriving with supportive wives.
I’m thankful for a sweet granddaughter and for FaceTime to see her more since they live in another state.
Thankful for access to healthy food especially as we age.
Thankful for this exercise, which has made me do it each night in my prayers. And for this caring community that reinforces how many great people there are in a world that often seems filled with vitriol.
I'm thankful that I do not live in Haiti...
I'm thankful that I do not live in Afghanistan...
I'm thankful that I do not live closer the Dixie Fire in CA, though I can smell it...
I'm thankful that I have received two Covid vaccines...
I'm thankful that my state and local governments support masking...
I am thankful that I know how to pray and can remember all those who are struggling with Very Big Things in my prayers. Not being able to do so would just be too discouraging.
@Dicey, This is so well said. Truly sad about those who live in such dire straits. Super glad to have two vaccines and a third in the way, and for masks.
I'm having a little trouble being thankful this morning. My parents' deteriorating health is swamping the things to be thankful for.
I'm trying to be thankful for two things. The first is a group with which I can share being unthankful. The second is the progress on tasks that have taken me months or years to find people to do: last month it was the new roof - aided by a friend who taught herself about new roofs so she could teach me; this week it's the bathroom fans and ceiling lights; this week was also finding someone to do a psychological assessment for someone close to me, who is probably depressed. Right now focusing on the house things feels shallow.
Yes, I think it's so important to be able to share your struggles with people who can empathize. Big hugs to you; the two things that are weighing you down are big and heavy, and I think it's good and healthy to acknowledge that.
@WilliamB, I'm sorry you're having a rough week. Being close to someone who is depressed is really hard; I'm there right now. Hugs to you.
William, the struggle with aging parents is so hard. I'm sorry you are going through this. Keep us posted on how you are doing.
@WilliamB, I feel that you are a strong person who looks for resources and therefore finds them. Nevertheless, you are in my thoughts and prayers this week for these extra burdens.
I grew up poor but I always had books available - my parents allowed us to buy them with my birthday money from relatives, but my main source was the stately old Andrew Carnegie library built in 1915 down near the riverfront. I spent many an afternoon there and checked out so many books.
1. I'm feeling thankful because I got a new computer at work, replacing the laptop+separate monitor+separate keyboard set up I was working on. I was also granted my wish of a full-sized second monitor. It is much better than using one regular monitor plus that tiny laptop monitor as my two monitors.
2. Of course, with a computer change comes a lot of other changes. I'm thankful that the printer rep. came out the same morning that I reached out to him, to help me re-set up some specialty print settings I have to use in my job.
3. I'm thankful that I was able to buy two more Christmas gifts from one place with a $10 off coupon and using the $1.50 in my Paypal account that I had earned as payment for a survey, to reduce my cost a good bit.
4. I'm thankful that a family member wants a piece of furniture that I'm not getting any use out of anymore, and has even offered to pay me. Clutter on its way out!
5. And finally, I'm thankful for the 14 long years with my fluffy tuxedo cat, who was put down Tuesday after we discovered his recent problem was a hidden case of advanced cancer. Our dog is puzzled as to where he went, and we are sad. For the first time in over 40 years, we don't have any cats at all. Our pets bring us a lot of work, but also a lot of joy.
@JD, so sorry about your #5. I've had to do this five times in my adult life, and it has been the absolute pits every single time.
Oh, JD! I am so sorry about your cat. I remember seeing him in your interview post.
@JD, How awful about your cat! It is so very hard and so amazing that such small creatures can leave such a large hole in your heart.
I am thankful for my youngest’s return to in person school today for her senior year. Masked and vaxxed and hopeful for the normal senior milestones.
Thankful not to be making a 2nd 18 hour round trip to TN for kid apt move in. She found help getting stuff from her storage unit so did not need our big SUV after all.
Thankful for my sister who has done a ton of caretaking for my elderly mother in the last 18 mos.
Thankful I don’t live in TX or FL. My state has lots of issues but at least my governor is following science on Covid and is trying to do what he can to protect the medically vulnerable.
Thankful I have a vacation day tomorrow to recharge!
@Susan,
I don't want to start anything political and this is not criticism, but I feel I must point out that 12 states have rejected or banned mask mandates, not just those two. No Floridian is prohibited from wearing masks if they choose. The vast majority of our many vulnerable elderly are vaccinated -- according to the NYT, some of the over 60 age-brackets in Florida are 100% vaccinated. I can't speak for Texans or even all Floridians, but the science is a continuingly moving target, and we Floridians are doing the best we can. I would never downplay anyone's concerns about Covid; I am vaccinated as is most of my family, and vaccines are strongly urged here in the state capital where I work.
Kristen, if you choose not to post this, I understand entirely!!!
I can't wait until the boosters are available in my area! I also can't wait for the CDC camps for the unvaccinated to be open and functioning, I think they are called green camps? At least they will be segregated and we won't have to worry about things like requiring masks anymore, most outside of those places will wear them happily.
I would love to receive this !
I'm thankful for books too. And I'm thankful there was availability in our grandson's area for him to be eligible for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Each child that's eligible receives a free book every month, ages 0-5 years. That's a lot of books! Here's the link if anyone is interested. https://imaginationlibrary.com/
I'm also thankful that I don't live in Haiti, but as my daughter says, "God, give us the courage to not look away."
If this next bit isn't allowed, Kristen please remove it. But if it is allowed-Anyone who wants to give to relief efforts in Haiti, World Relief has a permanent office there, staffed by Haitians or people from other developing countries. I have personal knowledge of the workings for World Relief and they are top notch. They are uniquely placed to provide immediate and relevant aid to people in Haiti TODAY! https://worldrelief.org/
I'm really thankful for access to ebooks. While I'd rather read a hard copy, I love being able to pick out a book after the kids have gone to bed and the library is closed without having to wait.
My thankful things:
1. My friend is state-side, and not terribly far from me. I even get to talk to her this weekend, after nearly 5 years without being able to.
2. Special time with my middle son while we do school together at home. This was not the plan for this year, but I realized this is the first time in his life I get extended alone time with him while he is healthy.
3. Friends who offer perspective when I'm having a hard time finding it.
4. A cool August. I wore longsleeves this morning!!!
5. A new structure at home allowing me to take a post-graduate class this semester and work (a whopping 3 hours a week, but it's such a cool job!).
Y'all, we are on Day 69 of hotel living for Dh and me and it is so difficult to find things to to be thankful for at times, but its not all bad. We are looking for a rental home and there is either nothing available or there is something seriously wrong with those that are. Prayers for a home would be appreciated.
Our son who is 23 and just graduated college has met a girl who he "has really fallen for" and we are happy for them. You pray for the people your kids meet to be good people and a blessing to them and God has heard those prayers.
Our younger son goes back to college this weekend as a Junior and is happy to get back. He has been living in a room smaller than a dorm room and never complained about it.
Dh and I remain healthy amidst the COVID/variants that seem to dominate the news. We both have a multitude of issues that put us in a higher risk category, but we are smart about things.
Thankful for this site and all of Kristen's posts. The continuity of opening up my Kindle and knowing that Tuesday is Five Frugal Things,, Thursday is Thankful Thursday and Friday is WIS, WIA. With everything going on, this has been so important to me..
BOOKS!!!! I have been a reader since I was 4 and almost 50 years later, that hasn't changed. I have my Kindle in the hotel room and I have gone exclusively to ebooks, almost all through my local library. My vision is bad and I can't afford new glasses right now so I adjust the font to my vision. I read 3 - 5 books a week and have the occasional week where I can go through one a day. I can only put 6 on hold at a time, but I have 275 on my wishlist and right now, over 60 are available so I'm never without a choice.
Oh my, that's such a long time in a hotel. I hope something more permanent opens up for you guys soon; it's such a rough time to be looking for housing.
1.I am thankful that my daughter, who currently resides in Australia, is getting vaccinated next week! And I, too, am thankful for Facetime.
2.I am thankful that I am able to take care of my grandson while both his parents are working. (They had a glitch in their day care plans so I will be Grandma at their house for 2 months) It's a lot of work taking care of a 3 month old - don't let anyone tell you differently - but I am safe, warm and dry - and bonding with the little cutie pie.
3.I am thankful for my husband's paycheck for a few more months and then his retirement at the end of the year. Thirty-five years is a long time to work, and he enjoyed his job, but it's time for him to enjoy life a little more.
4. I am thankful for good neighbors who are looking after our house while we are away - I'm states away taking care of my grandbaby while my husband travels for work.
5. I am thankful for 3 happy, healthy grown children who are contributing to society in various ways and one daughter-in-law who is smart, funny and easy to get along with.
My Computer Science classes were something like 75:25 males to females and dropped to around 85:15 by graduation. The joke one of the CS girls made was how it made it easy for her to get dates. 🙂
Let's see what I'm thankful for:
That my boss backed me up when another manager was trying to schedule my time when I had a million other things to do.
That I have two paid off cars, an almost paid off house and zero consumer debt. I had to work hard and give up on a lot to reach that but I am sure happy that I did it. It's been paying dividends in terms of piece of mind.
That my brother is selling some things on eBay (via my account) which is giving him some money but also it's been boosting his spirits (he has some issues to put it nice and vaguely)
I am thankful for my family, shade, air conditioning and the joy my cats bring me. I know that sounds very random but I am truly thankful for all of these. Oh and also for giveaways! I appreciate this very much. Please know that two of our adult children are living with us again and I encouraged them to enter your giveaway too. Someday they will (hopefully) be out on their own again and a nice blender would come in handy I’m sure.
It sounds like your childhood library experience is similar to our library life with our kids. I was thinking earlier this week about how thankful I am that my 7yo is starting to turn to books more and more on her own. There's no summer reading program going on right now, but she's already made it through 2 chapter books this week. She's starting to turn to books as a way to decompress sometimes, which is a healthier choice than some other ways.
And I love what you said here: "Isn’t it so true that one of the best ways to love a parent is to show love to that parent’s children?" YES.
The rest of my thankful list:
* My in-laws are now in the USA!! Their flight got in last night. They have moved back from Hong Kong and are staying with some family while they figure out what's next. I'm so thankful they didn't have any hiccups with getting back to the States and that we will get to see them in about 2 weeks!
* I'm thankful for the opportunity for my son to go to speech therapy. We've only been a couple of times so far, but I'm so impressed with his speech therapist's knowledge and how she's been able to help him so far. I know that her work will make a big difference in my child's everyday life and I really appreciate it.
* School starts in 4 days! Summer was awesome, but we're all ready for the school year.
* I'm thankful for my husband and how he takes care of us. We had a bat in the house and he took care of it while I cowered in another room. He cares for our yard. He fixes things. He gives grace when we need it. He cares for our hearts. He's intentional. I'm thankful I get to do life alongside him.
Oh, what a good update on your in-laws. Yay!!
@Ruth T, What a lovely phrase: "He cares for our hearts." Thank you for sharing that.
Thankfulness Thursday, new job placement edition.
Today I am thankful that my new job placement will provide more money, more schedule flexibility and a much more supportive environment that is in alignment with my personal values.
My immediate family is healthy and coping with the changes reasonably well, and my children are at more independent ages so I will be able to spend longer times away from home if needed to figure out my new role.
I have the money to address some things I had let slide and the motivation to follow through. Looking at you cracked windshield on the car that has just sat in the driveway for six months now...
I have made lots of supportive work friendships over the years, and even though this move will mean saying goodbye to most of them, I know I have the skill set to make new connections and I can stay in touch through email with former colleagues since I've mainly been doing that anyway over the past year and a half.
I will be teaching slightly older students, who although still age ineligible for vaccinations, will be hopefully better able to implement non-pharmaceutical interventions like mask wearing and physical distancing. I'm hoping I will feel slightly less worried for their safety than I would be if I were still teaching 3 and 4-year-olds.
My new school is right next to a park that I am hoping I can use to eat my lunch outside and my new job will actually afford me a lunch break since I shouldn't be required to eat with my students like at my old job.
I will get to start at this school in person instead of virtually, which I know I can do if we go back, but I'm glad I'll be able to meet people in person first since I'm starting from scratch.
Happy last gasp of summer to other teachers out there, and know that there are people who see your efforts and appreciate you even if sometimes it's only other teachers!
The weather here in Kansas has been very hot, but the good thing is that my herb garden doesn't mind a bit. Basil thrives in the heat, so I already have plenty of pesto in the freezer, and have given lots away!
I am thankful for air conditioning, because I grew up without it. Every time I step into my nice cool house, I breathe a sigh of relief.
I am also thankful for libraries--what a fabulous shared resource! We have a great public library system, use it constantly, and support it financially now that we can.
I am thankful most of all for my husband, who has been a fabulous companion since we retired. Well, he has always been fabulous, but I appreciate being able to spend more time with him now. 😉 We are looking forward to more travel adventures once the COVID situation settles down.
This time of year is always a time of mixed feelings, as the college my husband and I worked at closed abruptly a few years ago. I greatly miss the community there and the sense of purpose from my career.
I am thankful for all the students and colleagues I learned with and from for many years. I believe there are more good people than bad in the world, and that our future is a hopeful place.
And, books.
I’m thankful when my kiddos make each other laugh and play together peacefully. ♥️
I'm late to the party as usual, but I gotta post these two big ones:
(1) Thankful for my Jane Austen NYC BFF's visit, in which we did indeed paint the town a discreet Wedgwood blue, and which has given both of us a tremendous boost. She's spent a lot of the last 1.5 years under virtual house arrest in her 12th-floor apartment, so she really appreciated the chance to run around town and go to Wegmans and thrift shops and so on like a regular human being. And because a trip without a tour or museum visit for her is like a week without sunshine, I arranged a tour of our newly restored downtown hotel through the local historical association, which we both enjoyed hugely. Last but really first, I am truly blessed to have her as a friend.
(2) Thankful that our long-term care insurance company has FINALLY come through with the reimbursement for DH's first 2 months of nursing home care. This has been delayed all this time through a series of blunders (1/3 mine, 1/3 the insurance company's, and 1/3 the nursing home's), but I am relieved at last of both anxiety about this and financial strain. (I've been drawing on the emergency fund to pay the bills up front, and I can now replenish it.)
Those ARE two big things. Wonderful on both counts!
@A. Marie, Wonderful to hear about the reimbursement coming through!
A. Marie, I’m thankful with you for both of these things, and your phrase “paint the town a discreet Wedgewood blue” was very clever!
@A. Marie, How relieved you must feel! And I am so very happy for you, having followed your story for quite a while.
Thankful for my working dishwasher! It broke about a year ago and a part had to be ordered which took months to arrive, it really dampened my interest in cooking and was a bit of a relationship test, ha. So when it broke again last week, we were prepared for a months long wait again but the repair person came out today and was able to fix it so yay!
Also thankful for my alone time in the morning. I love mornings alone, before everyone wakes up, to just drink coffee and think. My one year old was a very early riser though so I was finding it hard to wake up before her. She’s started sleeping in a bit though and I’ve been waking up earlier so now I get a nice 45 minutes to myself each morning, a really lovely start to each of my days!
@LB, I love both things on your list!
Thankful for:
1. Your reminder to do a thankful list. (Feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now.)
2. I'm also thankful for books to read. They are my escape every evening before I go to sleep.
3. Super thankful for my grandchildren that make me laugh and fill me with joy!
4. Thankful that I actually managed to have a meal plan this week and that always makes the dinner hour easier.
5. Thankful for online exercising sites that get me inspired and moving.
I’m thankful for …
- My husband 1st day off to rest after a long stretch of work days.
- Many playgrounds that my kids can play at that surround us.
- My children’s excitement and curiosity.
- Cuddles with my kids and even my husband.
- AC for the 100 degree weather we had a couple days this week.
Thankful that,
1. even though it was a stretch some months, we kept putting money into our emergency fund. This week we had to replace our driveway and we had the $12,000 in savings to pay for it ( a small recent earthquake somehow caused the concrete to heave up in spots so badly I could not use my wheelchair on it). Nothing else better breakdown for a few months, though.
2. my husband's friend asked him to go halibut fishing with him, many miles away but the guy had a motorhome so all we paid for was the gas and shared in the food costs. Husband came home with over 100 pounds of halibut, to join the many pounds of salmon in our freezer. If we manage to get some moose meat this fall, we will be set for protein all winter long.
3. the garden, which still is producing although slower now that it is in the 40s at night. We had a frost two days ago, but had covered the fragile plants with old sheets. Now it looks like we will have a few more weeks of mid 30s but no frosts.
4. my much younger friend who came to visit for the second time this year and spent a lot of the time working on home projects with my husband. It was during the Olympics and she, like the two of us, will watch even sports she usually doesn't care about when they feature all these earnest, disciplined young people. Meaning, it was not boring for her to stay home in the evening doing with us what she would have been doing at home anyway.
5. ice cream. We don't get it often so when we do we go to this expensive place where the ice cream is made by local folks and tastes so good. This week it has turned to fall, so the desire for ice cream drops, but we did indulge this summer.
6. the library, the husband, the dog (not in that order).
@Lindsey, I would have thought that homeowners' insurance would pay for stuff like that. I guess not?
I'm thankful for a glorious day at the beach today with a friend who I haven't seen in 2 years. The weather was perfect, we have kids that are old enough to (mostly) entertain themselves, which allowed us to have a good conversation.
We got my son off to college Monday. I held it together till we got home and then the tears flowed--but I'm thankful he is pursuing a career path that interests him, and for the opportunity to broaden his horizons. I'm super grateful every time he texts now! 🙂
I am most thankful for the safe arrival of my new granddaughter. I now have two and I could not be more thankful.
I am thankful that my youngest daughter supported her sister through a long and difficult labour and birth.
The baby's daddy is besotted with his "girls". It is a joy to watch this 6'4" man snuggling his baby safe and close.
My son has not been able to obtain work close to home. He travelled out west to work on Wednesday and has arrived safely. He was working there a little while ago and he has been given the same room he felt at home.
More of my family have received their covid vaccine. Since the delta variant is causing horrible problems in the state next to us I am thankful.
Bonus my other grandchild loves her cousin. She cried when the baby could not go to preschool with her. Sad but sweet at the same time.
Today I am thankful for
...living in a safe neighborhood. It's not perfect, but I've realized that it could be so much worse.
...meeting my young niece.
...a new part-time job opportunity. (This is on top of my full-time job, but I'm grateful for the chance to practice my new bookkeeping skills.)
...a new butter curry recipe. It was so amazing that I skipped dessert.
...a rare cool day and a lovely walk.
Thankful that the first week of school is over . . .
and that my first week of work is over . . .
and that we have a four-day week, so it can be over on Thursday. 🙂
Yay for Friday!
Congratulations to Lisey and the other young women. That kind of comeraderie will help each other succeed.
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ha, your description of your family lugging crates of books out of the library every week made me laugh. It reminded me of the "Exiles" series of children's books by Hilary McKay - it's about four kooky sisters who love to read. I asked my mother to bring the books to our vacation a couple of weeks back and was in tears (from laughing) re-reading them.
I'm thankful for:
allergy meds. Due to our climate, it seems there is always SOMETHING in bloom in HK. I mostly love this, but the allergies never stop. Very thankful to have Zyrtec in my life!
friendships. I had a lot of trouble making friends for a while when I was younger. I'm so grateful that I have a great group of friends now.
getting older. when I was younger, I thought for sure I would hate getting older. So far I surprisingly love it! I am much more confident, calm and optimistic.
our new salad spinner. We finally "splurged" on a salad spinner. it's fun to use AND makes for a better salad. Very grateful that I can afford these little luxuries.
my great timing. Right after I finished my reduced 7 day quarantine after returning from my holiday, the government announced that they're changing the rules and now everyone has to quarantine for 21 days. There aren't enough hotel rooms for people to re-book their rooms to 21 days, so it has been mayhem. And of course, no one wants to quarantine for 21 days in a tiny room in the first place! I was so lucky to be one of the few to be able to do only 7 days (the 7 day rule was only in effect for about 4 weeks).
Thankful Thursday
I'm thankful that the job I do is almost back to precovid metrics. I want the business to grow of course, but last year was one stressful year for my line of work.
I'm thankful that I'm not work 12 hour days any longer. I may work 10 hours once in a while if I'm the only manager there.
I'm thankful for the last weekend. I had to work, but my mom invited my youngest and my brother's only sons (7 and 6) over for the weekend. The boys loved playing together and being spoiled by grandparents!
I'm thankful for getting half my teenage son's back to school shopping finished during this weekend. Good moods everywhere helped!
I am thankful for a friend. I was really struggling with something, and finally reached out. It sure helps to get perspective from someone not in my downward spiralling thoughts.
1. New washing machine 150.00 at thrift store. 2. Paid a man 85.00 to go get it. 3. Found a new thrift store in Atlanta called Lost and Found. All proceeds go to runaways. 4. Lots of rain...no need to water. 5
Started reading again
Yes! I too am thankful for those last two you mentioned!
It's been a challenging week on multiple fronts here, but I still have so much to be thankful for:
- Despite some health issues for each member of our family, it isn't anything more serious.
- Despite some expenses, we have money in the bank.
- Despite a lot of unknowns, God never changes. I'm clinging to this. All kinds of things in my life could change at any given moment, health, finances, plans change, and loss of loved ones, but one thing is secure...my future forever with my God and and my Savior. And that's more solid than anything else.
@Katy in Africa, I hope this isn't too forward of me to say, but I'd love it if you'd do a "meet a reader" interview.
Thankful for cooler weather at night, you can go out in the morning without being attacked by skeeters.
That we were able to plan an out of town vacation, can't wait to go.
That a lump on my pup which I almost did not even mention to my vet sent him a red flag and wants it removed to be safe. It was small, got big & now is small again.
That my other pup who I thought had lost weight because we won't eat put on a pound. So he is eating enough.
Thankful that I am coming to terms where I "know" in my heart that I need to leave my current job. The work overload is beyond tremendous.