Thankful Thursday | Well, first of all...
This week, I am thankful:
that I finally got to donate blood!!
I barely qualified...like, if my hemoglobin was one-tenth lower, I would have gotten kicked out again. But good enough is good enough, so I got to donate.
Good thing I've been taking those iron supplements, or I definitely would not have qualified!
So, now I know what I need to do when another few months go by and I'm eligible again: more iron pills for me.
Mr. FG always qualifies with exactly zero extra effort on his part; one of the perks of being a dude.
that Mr. FG was nearby when I locked myself out of my van
Zoe and I needed to run into CVS for some hair dye, and when I got out of the car, I thought, "I'll just grab my wallet; I don't need my whole purse."
And that was my fatal mistake...part of my routine is to put my keys in my purse, grab the purse, and then lock my van.
I realized my error about two steps away from the van door.
But mercifully, it was a day when Mr. FG was working from home, and he'd run out to do an errand on his lunch break, so he was close by and was able to come to unlock my van for me.
that Mr. FG was able to replace Sonia's battery
She tried to come home from work the other day, and her car wouldn't start.
So, I went to pick her up and tried to jump her car, but you need jumper cables with smaller ends to fit into the battery area of a Mini Cooper, so I was unsuccessful.
Mr. FG and I went over there that night and jumped the car with his smaller cables, so we were able to get the car home.
But then the next morning, the battery was so dead, we couldn't even jump-start it. Time for a new one.
Mr. FG ran out on his lunch break, picked one up, and installed it, and now Sonia is back in business.
The Mini Cooper is 10 years old, and it looks like this battery is possibly the original one. If that's the case, well, it's long overdue for replacement!
that I was able to help Zoe get some deals on her shopping
We give her (and Sonia) a clothing budget that they can choose to spend however they wish, mainly to give them practice in managing some spending.
I have observed how this has given them an appreciation for how much things cost, and it definitely makes them more appreciative of my deal-hunting abilities! I had some credits at Sixth Continent*, so I used them to get a discounted gift card for Zoe, plus I helped her get free shipping, and we used TopCashback.
*I am a little annoyed at Sixth Continent because their site was down for a number of days, and also they do not carry Gift of Choice, RewardLink, or Amazon anymore, and those were far and away their best offerings. But at least I was able to redeem some credits for a card that helped Zoe out.
that Zoe has a brace removal date
At the end of December, she should graduate to a nighttime retainer, and she's going to be so glad about that. I can imagine how good it must feel to have bare teeth again after a year or two of having a metal mouth.
that I can laugh at laughable criticism
There was a Twitter thread yesterday where content creators were sharing some of the not-so-gracious comments they've received, and I was reminded of the time that someone told me I was a "self-righteous, condescending *&@#$#", and followed it up with an, "At least I'm not self-righteous like you" comment.
At the beginning of my time as a blogger, I would probably have been pretty devastated by this, but by the time this popped up on my screen, I'd developed a thicker skin and I just thought it was hilarious.
Like, the utter lack of self-awareness it requires to say, "At least I'm not self-righteous" is really, really funny.
for snuggly kittens
Sometimes the rescue kittens are just crazy balls of energy and they are not at all interested in snuggling. But every now and again you get one that likes to cuddle, and it is just the best.
that my grandma's mum* survived
*as in, chrysanthemum. Not as in, "my grandma's mom".
My aunt drove this mum out last year, all the way from South Dakota, and I am very pleased that I did not kill it.
As I understand it, this is a mum that used to belong to my grandma, the one who said, "Soap is cheap".
So, it means more to me than a random mum would.
Last year I was too scared to cut it back (would it die??), but I definitely need to trim it back this fall because it got really tall and leggy.
that I feel better today
I was super wiped out yesterday after my blood donation yesterday, but I feel much, much better today.
And even when I felt so tired yesterday, I knew that the people who needed my blood were probably feeling much, much worse than me! A little tiredness is worth it to help out someone who is suffering.
The blood donation is inspiring, I haven’t tried in years because I kept getting rejected due to the iron issue and just gave up but maybe time to try again!
This week I’m thankful for online resources. Inspired by you and some commenters here, I’ve lately been even more focused on sustainability and zero waste and how to practice it more in my life. There’s so much helpful information and encouraging advice available online, it really helps make it seem more manageable. I’m taking small steps (this week, I moved rags into an easy to reach spot in the kitchen so I’d use those rather than paper towels)
I’m grateful for my parents, I had lunch with just the two of them earlier this week, which is rare because usually if I’m seeing them, it’s with my kids too so I feel I haven’t seen them on my own since I had kids! It was nice just getting to sit and talk to them and really made me appreciate how lucky I am to have them.
I’m grateful that my husband recommends new shows to me that he thinks I might like and he’s usually right about 95% of the time! He recommended Midnight Mass and I’m only two episodes in but really enjoying it so far.
1. For our landlord who is so good about keeping things repaired in our home when we need them. I know lots of people who have not had the same experience when renting and it is not lost on me the gift of renting from people that treat me and my family well and actually care about our well being. It makes me feel good about taking care of this home and being good stewards of what is entrusted to us even if it is only for a season.
2. For hot coffee this morning, snuggles with my little guy, and fresh doughnuts.
3. For the pot roast that I cooked yesterday. Since we don't have water in our kitchen sink it is nice that I already have a meal prepared which saves us from getting takeout tonight - hooray!
4. For good sleep last night. I suffer from some insomnia and it has become worse over the last 18 months so a good night's sleep is something that I am really grateful for and notice even more nowadays.
5. For fresh mustard greens form our garden, dahlias & gardenias in a vase in my bathroom, lovely orange roses from my husband, the exterminator coming to our home today, & an upcoming fieldtrip for my son to a pumpkin patch. Ordinary stuff but such good stuff!
6. A bonus this week out of order for sure but for my husband's good report from the doctor this week. His A1C is down, he has gained a bit of weight that the doctor wanted him to, and he is healing remarkably well from his recent surgery. This wife is doing the Praise the Lord dance over here!
So glad for good news from the doctor!
@Angie, OMG, mustard greens are my very favorite!! I'm originally from SC so my daddy would grow them in our garden every year. They can be a little more bitter than collards or turnips, but I loved them. I haven't had any in years.
@Angie, Awesome for your husband -- not easy to do!
I have permanent anemia (due to an autoimmune disease) that is not addressed by taking supplements, so I commend you for doing what it takes to donate blood. Really wish it was an option for me, as I used to donate regularly!
1) On the health note, very thankful that my autoimmune disease is well managed, for the time being. It's easy to get into a lull & to stop being appreciative for everything my body does for me.
2) Grateful for a step challenge at work. I've nearly doubled my miles this month & the weather has been gorgeous. In addition to the nice fitness benefits, I've just enjoyed the time to myself, thinking about things, mulling over problems, and listening to music. It's a great reminder that I need to carve out more time like this in the future.
3) For freezer leftovers. There are days when getting dinner together is beyond my capability, but pulling something out of the freezer is an option. It's so nice to have backup options.
4) For apple season! We've gotten apples from three friends, and I've made applesauce, applesauce muffins, & apple crisp. We shared the crisp with friends, because I definitely would have eaten it all otherwise!
5) That my kids adjust to what life throws them. That means riding their bikes to school every day, wearing a mask in school, high school, whatever. Both of them are pretty good at getting through things & carrying on. More so than most adults, I think.
In the past I often was rejected due to low hemoglobin, I tried supplements and not drinking coffee but a nurse made a suggestion that has helped ever since. Take the Flintstone Vitamins with Iron (in the red box), just 1 a day. I have no idea why but it worked significantly better than any iron supplement, no side effects and my numbers are better than they've been in years. I check the sales and usually wait for coupons and BOGO offers and it costs less than most supplements as well.
I donate as often as possible, have for many years. Blood donors save lives, mine included when I hemorrhaged massively during my last child's birth. We need donors now more than ever!
Oh wow, that's so funny that the Flintstones one works better!
And yeah, the staff yesterday were saying that shortages are so bad that every blood type is in high demand right now, even less useful blood, like AB+.
@Kristen, on the blood types: I read that the blood group distribution's the same among donors and recipients (at least here in Germany), hence all blood types are equally needed (there may be temporary shortages for certain blood types though). However, universal donors (type 0 negative) are of course a bit more sought after than the rest of us :-).
Yes, and also the Red Cross here says that O+ is one of the types they love to have a lot of. Lucky Mr. FG is O+!
My dad is O- and he donated regularly until he reached the age where they no longer allow people to donate.
@Kristen, I think Red Cross districts must have different rules for different locations. My husband's great-aunt was at our blood drive Tuesday and she is well into her 90s.
Congratulations on being able to donate blood! And good for you for trying so many times. I used to struggle with low hemoglobin and always hated being turned away. Just FYI, you may need to wait a little longer than the minimum time before you try to donate again. I was never able to donate at the minimum time when I had lower hemoglobin. If you don’t mind me asking, what blood type are you? I’ve read several articles about how people with different blood types are possibly more prone to certain things and how people with type O tend to clot less and have lower hemoglobin. I’m type O, and at least some of it seems to be true for me. I think it’s fascinating how different blood types may be related to so many different things.
This week I’m thankful:
That we bought a window a/c unit for our kitchen. We have central air, but our house doesn’t have the best airflow and holds heat like an oven (which is great during the winter but horrible during the warmer weather), so the central air never keeps the kitchen comfortable. The window unit does! It’s so nice not to feel like I’m being cooked along with dinner now.
That we hopefully only have one or two more times of cutting the grass this season. I’m so over cutting the grass!
That there’s finally a new season of The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. I love that show, and it’s nice to look forward to a new episode every week.
That sinking feeling when you realize you locked your keys in the car: the worst! The last time, luckily my husband was also nearby. But I had to borrow someone's phone because my phone was in my purse...in the car. Now before I shut the car door, I'm very conscious about where my keys are. I actually mutter to myself like a crazy lady, "My keys are in my hand" or "My keys are in my pocket."
It really makes you feel dumb when you do it!
I guess I should be thankful that I at least had my phone with me...that made it easy to alert Mr. FG to my need.
@Kristen, We did the same thing a few weeks ago and we have roadside protection on our insurance and they will come and unlock it free of charge. Adds a few bucks to each months premium, but a locksmith can be upwards of $100. Now, dh hands me the keys before we get out.
I somehow think that garden yellow mums are some of the most hardy ones. May your plant continue to thrive!
Today, I am thankful I live in an area without drought or wildfires.
I am thankful for the scientists and engineers and environmentalists who study the physical world, note the changes in it, and try to think of solutions to human-made problems we are causing with our earth. I am thankful for the donors who are making these issues a priority in their giving to charities and research.
I am thankful that, if I read the map correctly, some of the droughts in the U.S. are lessening.
And I enjoyed the small bottle of chocolate milk I bought on clearance yesterday.
Yay! for giving blood. Regarding the Flintstones vitamins, some forms of iron are absorbed better, and that's probably what's in the Flintstones. They are what were prescribed for people who got gastric bypass surgery several decades ago because the components absorbed so well.
I am thankful for being a stubborn old girl because it's useful in getting stuff accomplished with my job. Also thankful for the existence of online consignment stores because I did my son's winter clothes shopping that way last night, after giving consideration to how unpleasant it is to go shopping. Our old kitty is feeling much better after some medical treatment and is back to being his silly, loving self, so that's a big joy. And I am glad to see the first hints of fall color in the trees.
You inspire me! I am like should I try to donate blood again. Apparently I have bad veins so I have been told I should not donate but I have no idea if that is actually true or not.
@Emily, as someone who was told that in the past, I highly recommend lots and lots of hydration before donating. Like hydrating very well over several days before, not just in the hour before the appt when I tend to think about it. More water = plumper veins.
On the iron thing - my iron was consistently low, so I take an iron supplement every day. I feel much better with a higher iron level than I can get from food alone. And the level never gets to the higher end of the range, so I just keep taking it.
I do love having not only O- blood, but also CMV negative blood. CMV is a random virus whose antibodies are dangerous for babies to receive in blood, so O- CMV- blood is truly universal, and can be used in emergencies for any baby. It just gobsmacks me that in my childhood filled with allergies, colds, and bronchitis, I never happened on this one particular virus. As someone without children, I love feeling like I am contributing to the world by giving blood so other folks' children can be healthy.
Give if you can!! So many people can't, so those of us who do, really make a difference.
Mr. FG and I were wondering yesterday if he is CMV negative! I don't know if it something that they routinely test blood for when you donate, but we could ask next time he goes in.
I used to donate blood but when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, they told me no more. My grandfather had required several transfusions at one point, and a friend's husband who was in a bad wreck required 32 pints while on the operating table! Donating is so important; I'm sorry I can no longer do it. Good going, Kristen!
On being thankful today:
1. First, I'm so thankful for all the kind comments, prayers and wishes that I received yesterday after saying my husband was going into assisted living. It was really so sweet.
I was at work, so if I didn't get to answer every single one, know that I read each one and really, really appreciated them all. I got a little misty eyed.
2. I'm thankful for a weather forecast that keeps saying the weather really is going to get cooler. The temperature before 7 this morning was 71. That's too warm.
3. I'm thankful for the way my grandkids brighten my day. Just thinking about them lifts my mood.
4. I'm thankful for the dedicated group at my church who is working to raise awareness of human trafficking, is educating others on how to recognize and report it, working with police and lawyers on best methods to curtail it, and supporting local organizations that provide refuge and a way out for trafficked women and girls - and boys. I'm grateful that I am now able to be a new member of that group. By the way, parents of kids in school, ask your schools if they teach the kids (in an age appropriate manner) about trafficking and how to recognize it.
5. And this is a silly one, but: I'm thankful that my toenail that got smacked and fell off, finally grew back.
@JD, best wishes to you and your DH as you and he go through the transition to assisted living...from one member of TFG's caregiver subgroup to another.
@A. Marie,
It's the sub-group we don't want to be in! Thanks, you are always encouraging to me. Best wishes to you and your husband, too, as I know his condition is progressive.
@JD, My mom is in assisted and it's such a mixed blessing. I wish she could be with me but I know she is safer where she is and has activities and people to talk to who know her and I can't offer her what she needs. I'm wishing you all the best during this tough time.
Love that you can donate again! and LOL to the self-righteous comment 😀
1. I'm thankful for my parents' poodle. He's been staying with us while my parents are visiting my uncle, and he's just... a really nice dog. 3 years old, loves to walk, but not crazy-high-energy. Loves other people and other dogs, and his fur is SO SOFT. He's a big snugglebug, despite being tall enough that his head is at my hip and he weighs 78lb!
2. That both my parents are alive and in pretty good shape. I'm just so grateful to continue to have them in my life.
3. For rain! We've had such a dry summer, and while rain in October is definitely not my favorite, I'm glad to see we're getting some more water to help replenish natural water sources.
4. The ability to work from home. My parents' dog is used to having people around all day. While he doesn't have separation anxiety, and would probably be fine if I just left him kenneled while I was at work, it's really nice to be able to take him out for walking in the middle of the day and have him snuggle on the couch with me when I take a break.
5. "We Can Do Hard Things" podcast. It's really been making me think, in a very good way, and I just really appreciate Kendra's openness and honesty.
It's been a few years since the "self-righteous" comment happened, and I hadn't thought about it until yesterday's Twitter thread. And even all these years later, it still makes me chuckle.
Like, how do you not see that that very statement is full of self-righteousness? So hilarious.
Off to check out the podcast you mentioned!
My husband and I are not allowed to give blood as we lived in England for a year (we're American citizens) in the 1980s during mad cow disease. We were totally shocked when we were told that.
Vitamin C helps iron to absorb. Excess calcium, as well as coffee and tea, inhibit absorption. Just sharing in case it helps - I used to be a nutrition counselor 🙂
I'm thankful for:
1- an app called stoic. that prompts me with morning and evening check ins, including gratefulness.
2 - For my health
3 - That someone interacted with me nicely today who hasn't been previously
4 - For turnip greens - I have really been loving them!
5 - For my solid coworkers.
Yes, I've been trying to take my iron supplement whenever I eat something with vitamin C. I've heard people recommend taking it with OJ too.
I'm actually laughing at that criticism you got. I know I don't "know" you in person but based on what you've shared over the years I can't say that I would find you self-righteous.
I'm thankful for:
* Ten Years(!!) this week with my wonderful and long suffering wife. Over the years she's been there so many times when I've needed her and I just can't picture life without her. As a child I never understood the concept of "one flesh" but now I can say that I do and it reminds me daily how blessed I am.
* That my daughter not only enjoys school but that she enjoys learning. She's an avid book reader and just enjoys learning new things. She's also really enjoying the social aspect of school (something I never did well with.)
* That I have some nice things to look forward to.
I mean, I think every human has some degree of self-righteousness, so I suppose in a sense, I agree with her assessment. lol But anytime you start a sentence with, "at least I'm not....", then you FOR SURE are dealing with some self-righteousness.
Such big congratulations on ten years of marriage! I remember when you were still a single dude back in the early years of my blog, and I am just delighted for you that you have a happy marriage.
@Battra92, What a lovely thing to say about your wife!
@Battra92, happy anniversary to you and your wife. Everything you say about your wife, I would say about my DH, even now.
@Battra92,
What wonderful words about your wife!
@Battra92,
Congratulations to you and your wife!! Reading this made me happy
That I remembered something in the night to counteract the fear I was feeling over the finances of our upcoming move (not a move by choice).
That it’s little granddaughters day! (It’s every Thursday, and makes the list every time!)
That in our new home my teaching studio will be on the floor where you walk in, with living quarters upstairs. For the first time in 30 years we won’t have the public tramping through our home every day! (Except during the lockdown when we were online, and that was a feature of the lockdown that I really enjoyed.)
That we FOUND a home! We signed the lease on Saturday, waaaay too close to the wire for my security. There is a housing crisis here and it’s insane out there. I’m well aware that for my piece of luck after 2 months of searching, many people are less lucky. In fact, there are lots of folks in our city who, though they can afford a place, are living in their cars because there’s nothing available. And many, many more who can’t afford a place at all. We are going to rent one of our rooms in the new place to a university student to help with the financial end of things (new rent is close to three G’s per month) and also to do our bit in this crisis.
That my son came over for a couple of hours last weekend to help us pack, and my daughter is coming this weekend. Their dear faces and cheerful energy are just what we need!
@Jem, I also am so thankful for the help of children with a move! My husband and I are in our 80’s and recently decided to sell our house and move into an apartment. Our three girls were wonderful helps! One got her friend who is a realtor to sell the house, and line up all the workmen to do all the needed repairs and clean up the yard. Another took a week off work and helped pack. The third provided muscle from her boyfriend to haul away everything we needed to get rid of. We had help all along the way and will be ever thankful for all they did!
@Vivian,
That sounds like the most helpful combination possible!
Oh man, I'm glad you can laugh at that comment!
This week I'm thankful:
* that my kiddo is at the end of her quarantine and doesn't have COVID! So as long as nothing changes in the next 18 hours she'll be back at school tomorrow. COVID hasn't hit our house yet and I very much want to keep it that way!
* that we didn't find out about the need to quarantine until the end of our weekend vacation. I wouldn't have wanted her spreading it around if she had it, but since she doesn't I'm really thankful that we didn't have to worry about if we should leave early or cancel the trip or have it hanging over our heads the whole weekend. We got to enjoy our time away.
* that the quarantine time at home has been kind of awesome. We've had a lot of fun and gotten some stuff done around the house.
* for the cup of coffee I just brewed. My younger 2 kiddos tag-teamed waking me up during the night, so this wonderful cup of coffee is being thoroughly enjoyed.
Did you know that if you're a member, AAA will sell you a battery (at a good price, I checked) and change it for you? Best option is to tell them what kind of car you have when you call for the service, so they can tell you if they that battery or not.
I was very lucky to learn this on the fly. AAA came to jump my car, told me the battery was terminal, and said mine was one of the types he keeps in his car. I did a quick online check of the price and said "yes." The price was competitive and included delivery, labor, and disposal. Win!
I guess that's what I'm grateful for this week.
Oh wow, you had a dead battery this week too?
@WilliamB, If you can get your car to Walmart, they will swap the battery for you as well. It's not a hard job on most cars but some it is really a pain.
@Kristen, That experience was a few years ago. I'm glad it wasn't this week - too much to deal with already.
I meant to add that if I lived closer, I would be very tempted to adopt that kitten. She is so very adorable!
Congratulations on getting to donate at last! That must be so satisfying after so many attempts! Out of curiosity, do you get paid for your donations? I can't donate thanks to my blood pressure going through the floor every time I've tried, but friends who can have used the extra money for everything from groceries to charity to new furniture. A friend who was sick with COVID early on was paid *handsomely* for her antibody-rich donations, and she used the funds to replace the couch that her lovable dogs had destroyed by virtue of being giants. (Couch arms weren't meant to hold Great Danes! :P)
Speaking as someone who has locked myself out of my car while it was running and who also had to play the husband bail out card: If you don't already, keep a spare set of keys in your wallet. Plain key copies don't take up much room, and that way you're good if you take your wallet instead of your purse again. In addition to spare wallet keys, I also have another set of keys hidden on the car in a magnetic box AND a spare set of house keys (yup, locked myself out of there, too) hidden inside the car. Since my car is old and quirky, the magnetic box is hidden in an accessible but weird-you-have-to-know-the-car place, which means I can get into both the car and access the spare house keys (likewise hidden in a weird place inside) if I've been truly daft.
Thankful-wise, I'm grateful for our newly adopted pride. After saying goodbye to my fourteen-year-old soul cat earlier this fall, the empty house won, so my husband and I visited the local shelter after looking at their available cats online. In honor of my soul cat, who was a diamond-in-the-rough as a kitten, we were drawn to a rescued street cat with a scarred face. We went in to meet that *one* cat and came out with three—why yes, we are suckers! 😛 In our defense, they all shared a room at the no-kill shelter for over two years and were clearly brothers at heart. We couldn’t bear splitting them up and got along with everybody over several visits, so all three came home. They're all adults--ages 4 to 5.5--and so easy-going and lovey, we can't believe they were still there for us to find. The scarred boy that drew us in is the most zen of the three--except when he's playing and chasing his brothers through the house, like he is right now! 😛
Nope, no payment for blood donations. I don't know that you can get paid for that in my area, but I know people do sell plasma.
My wallet has a coin area in it that would hold a regular key very well...my keys all have those bulky plastic handles, but maybe I could get a plain one made.
Enjoy your kitties!
@N, I have always believed that cats choose their owners. You must be pretty special to be chosen by three cats. Enjoy!
@Bee, We purposefully went in looking for a hard-luck cat and found three! The first, scarred cat is so unbearably sweet and very handsome in his rough-and-tumble way; the second had been adopted out once before only for his owner to pass away unexpectedly, so he was brought back to the shelter; and the third allegedly hated/bit everyone until us. (He does NOT like people in his space without permission but is delighted to jump up and cuddle with you, so long as it’s HIS call.) We’re so fortunate to have found them—I hope they feel the same. <3
Yall, after the kind comments from my pity party last week, I am doing much better. It ebbs and flows, but such is life. Ds came home from college to stay a few weeks - all classes now have both in person and online options, so he's home for a while. He is my introvert, so he barely leaves his room, but just knowing my baby's back there is enough for me.
Dh will be receiving a decent COLA, along with anyone receiving SS and disability. We are dipping into savings each month, but this will lessen that a bit. Now, to combat rising food costs...
Dh is doing good. He has several medical issues that when choose to act up, can make things tough for both of us. Right now, things are good.
For the old man who came up to dh to ask if he could pray for dh's leg, which he wears an AFO, a type of brace that helps lift his foot to walk. Its such a blessing when realize there are strangers who care.
For this site. I learn so much and just enjoy everyone's comments and a peek into others goings on.
@Jennifer, How could I forget this?!? Dh and I both had yearly blood work done last week and every test - A1C, cholesterol, White blood/red blood cells, CPK for me, etc... came back normal. What a relief after the last 6 months!!
@Jennifer, I'm glad you're having a better week!
@Jennifer, that is awesome news!!
It’s wonderful that you give blood on a regular basis. It truly is the gift of life.
Today I am thankful that my eldest son is engaged to such a lovely young woman and that she is including me in the wedding planning. I was invited to go dress shopping with her and her mother, she chose a beautiful dress!
I’m grateful for the cool sea breeze on a warm day.
I thankful that my husband will be home this evening after traveling this week.
I am grateful for old and new fiends.
Wishing everyone many blessings!
Aww, I think you will be a fantastic mother-in-law. 🙂
@Bee, if your DIL-to-be included you on the dress-shopping trip, you're already in the MIL Hall of Fame. Congratulations to everyone!
@A. Marie and @ Kristen,
Thank you both. She is really a special person. I can see that she loves my son with her whole heart and he loves her. They are blissfully happy. What more can a MIL to be ask for?
Last time I gave blood, I had a horrible reaction, now I'm scared to go back! Thankful for all the folks who do donate, it is so vital!
Thankful for lovely students to teach and a wonderful, safe classroom-- it is a very different feeling from last year, so very happy I am teaching in person.
Thankful for my dear husband, who tried to dance with me on the way out the door, at first I was annoyed and then I just leaned into it, what a great moment I almost messed up!
Thankful for warm weather, even though it is Autumn, I'm just not ready for cold yet.
Thankful for coffee, as always.
Hi Kristin,
This is regarding iron supplements - my sister-in-law has been taking iron supplements and couldn't get her iron up. She talked to her pharmacist and he suggested taking the supplement with a little bit of orange juice. Something about the acid in the orange juice cuts the coating of the iron pill and it is easily absorbed. It worked wonders for my sister-in-law's iron level.
Don't know if it will work for you, but I thought I would pass it along.
As someone who receives blood on a semi-regular basis (yay auto-immune disease!) THANK YOU for donating blood. Blood donations have absolutely saved my life on more than one occasion so I sincerely appreciate anyone and everyone who even attempts to donate. I am thankful for you!
I am thankful for my dogs who keep me entertained. For my kitty who keeps my lap warm during these chilly fall days. For the library that provides me with endless free reading material. For my bed. Due to the aforementioned autoimmune disease, I rarely sleep well. Even if I'm horizontal for 10 hours I may only get 6 hours cumulative sleep. For this reason I am so grateful for my extra comfy bed. I have sheets that I love, plenty of pillows, extra blankets as needed. I may not get enough sleep but I can still rest in a super comfy bed and that is definitely something to be thankful for.
That's all I have for today. Hope you are all doing well and staying safe!
In Ireland you are not allowed to give blood if you're on iron tablets. Which I think makes zero sense. Seems like the extra iron could only be helpful for people who need blood.
I am O- so I try to give blood as often as possible but I get refused all the time for the most unexpected reasons.
I'm glad you were able to give blood it's such a nice feeling knowing you're probably saving someone's life.
I'm thankful that my day is so busy that I am just getting to this now. A year ago I was home a lot more.
I am thankful that I took a trip out of state to see family. It's the first time I've been to New England since before the pandemic.
I am thankful that having a new vehicle meant a comfortable ride and good gas mileage.
I am thankful that the shelves were stocked at the grocery store this morning. Only one item on my list was not there and it was not essential.
I am thankful for a beautiful weather day. I took a walk with a couple friends and it was perfect on the wooded trail.
I am thankful for having a stable life. So many people are experiencing so much suffering. Everyone suffers sometimes but I am very lucky that I have not had to experience a ton of it.
I'm thankful that it's been years since I've lived in a place where I have to lock my car or my house. 🙂
Thankful that my sister is on her way to my house from Florida. And thankful to have a sister who is so good about consistently coming to see us. No matter where we have lived, she has come every single year at least once, which means that my kids know who she is outside of cards and phone calls. Given how difficult travel has been for us having four kids in the last decade, I appreciate the visitors who make the effort to come to us.
Thankful that this house has enough bedrooms that we can accomodate guests without too much rearranging. Granted, guests do have to sleep in an 11-year-old boy's room, but it forces me (and him) to clean it really well at least once a year. Lord knows it needs it.
Thankful that we have a queen bed in there that we got for free from my parents a few years ago when they were planning on donating their old guest bedroom bed and we happened to be there with our giant van so we could just take it home.
Thankful to have a husband who goes through the enormous effort involved in doing things like hunting and camping with our children. How many 11-year-old boys get to go backpacking and hunting in the mountains for two days?
That is awesome that you got to donate blood! I am O negative and I really want to donate but I had a bad experience years ago when I tried it. I’m a nurse and don’t mind seeing other people’s blood but somehow seeing my own is too much for me and I pass out.
1. That I woke up today without a headache for the first time in over a week. Big thankful for this one.
2. That my daughter gets to do some typical high school things this year: football games, Homecoming dance (outside, under tents), Spirit Week. It’s nice after the craziness of the last year and a half that she gets to experience the things we took for granted before Covid and have a somewhat normal high school year.
3. Being able to see movies in theaters again. Seriously it’s one of my favorite things to do and I had missed it and now there are actually new releases again.
4. For cooler weather on the way.
5. For time spent with my son…studying for a spelling test or baking cookies together or picking out his Halloween costume. He’s 10 and I wish I could pause time but instead I will enjoy every little moment of him being little.
1. My friend was offered a job I told her about. She had been looking for full-time work that is not retail, cause at our age it's tough on the joints to stand all day. This will be an office job at a great place with decent pay and benefits. So happy for her!
2. I have vacation time coming up. Feeling very blessed and thankful to have it as I know not everyone is so lucky.
3. For the cute kitty pictures you post. They make me smile every time!
4. We were able to go apple picking this year. A lovely time was had by all and I have been enjoying an apple everyday since.
5. Friends who share books. I do like to buy books to support independent booksellers, but my budget only allows for so many a year. Free books are wonderful!
I'm thankful for my local community. Our library is having a screening of Speed this weekend and I'm glad to have community gathering places. (The library film "club" is doing a Southern California theme.)
I'm thankful that our pepper plant lived and we will have fresh Fresno peppers with dinner.
I'm thankful I survived the first month of my new side job. It should get easier now.
I'm thankful that I was able to virtually attend an art conference last weekend. It was so restorative and delightful.
I'm thankful for friends in my life who are providing a good example of faithfulness and grace in a very hard situation.
I am thankful you cheered me up -- laughed out loud at the "self-righteous comment" -- lack of self awareness, indeed 😉 I am trying not to be overly sensitive so kudos to you!
Yay for Zoe -- what a relief for her!
Okay I am thankful . . .
It is Thursday and the week is almost over. So very thankful.
My girl is coming to town for work and will extend to next week so she can stay with us and work remotely for a few days. Yay!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Tomorrow is Friday and TREAT DAY. Seriously, wait all week for this.
We are figuring out retirement for me at the end of this challenging year. While I have enjoyed my job, it's Time!
That frugality is often 2nd nature at this point -- like Kristen has said, it's no badge of honor, it is just how I am wired -- spending a lot of $$$ makes me very nervous. So if we are careful we should be able to avoid eating cat food. Unless we want to. This is the plan.
After this weekend, temps go back down in the southland.
And, Treat Day, precious, happy Treat Day.
And MY GIRL!!!
Tell me more about this Treat Day thing!
@Kristen,
I guess it's our date night? We try to eat healthfully and at home all week so Friday looms large as an opportunity to 1) eat someone else's cooking! and 2) eat whatever we like -- so pizza, Mexican, Thai, Arbys's -- whatever sounds good. I've actually extended it to work so we all bring something to share on Fridays. It's just one big gluttonous foodapalooza day. With ice cream, preferably full butter fat. By nightfall, I am over it and ready to get back to our normal routine. For some reason, this crazy plan works for us 😉
Sorry one more thing . . .
Thankful for this community that is so inspiring and kind -- I learn so much and get so many frugal ideas, but also wisdom and kindness. So precious these days, so thank you!
Something is in the air (my students tell me it is mercury in retrograde!): I locked all of my keys in my work apartment.
I am thankful [in this instance] that my apartment is so insecure that I could easily remove a screen and climb in through the window. (Nothing like a 50+-year-chick climbing through a window....).
Ohhh, no! I'm sorry to hear this happened to you too.
Good for you for finding a way in, though. Heh.
1. Only one more day of our 2 week workshops, then off to vacation a few days.
2. That we were able to come here for this trip, financially, paperwork, COVId tests and all worked out in the end.
3. My job, I have parts I struggle with, but generally speaking I feel purposeful in it.
4. Our pretty healthy family. Sickness has been going around, but we seem to have missed most of it.
5. Coworkers I love.
I'm glad the keys in car situation was resolved easily. I felt soooo stupid when I locked my keys in my car-- with the engine running! I haven't tried giving blood in so long because I'd been pregnant and/or nursing for so long. But it's been more than 5 years since the last baby. I've only ever been successful at donating blood once (many, many attempts), but I would like to try still.
I'm thankful:
*that you can laugh off that comment.
*that we had 3 perfect grades at the dentist today. Okay, I know they don't "grade" you, but 3 of us had no issues.
*that my sweet daughter helped outside today by digging up some bulbs that need moved-- without complaining.
*that I found both a birthday and Christmas gift for my husband today that I think he might like (his is so hard to shop for).
*that I found really yummy-looking beets to buy at the store today.
*that I've made a few friends over the last couple of years locally. It took quite a few years to meet anybody outside of our church, but I have a few ladies I really enjoy knowing now.
I used to get turned away from donating blood regularly for either low blood pressure or low hemoglobin. Then I accidentally gained 30 pounds and I haven't had an issue donating blood since. Silver lining, I suppose.
I'm thankful that I was able to help a deaf woman find her way to the right train home tonight. I got stuck at work late and had to catch a later train home, which put me in the right place at the right time to help. I always love
being able to make a small difference in someone's day.
I'm thankful that I was able to take my family on a long weekend getaway for some much needed enjoyment and relaxation.
I'm thankful for my husband. He's been a stay at home dad since our 14-year-old was born and has carried most of the family stress while also dealing with his own health needs. This week has been deeply challenging, and he hasn't missed a beat. He inspires me.
I'm thankful for my awesome colleagues who are super supportive.
I often get bogged down in the more stressful aspects of my job, but I'm grateful that my job offers me opportunities to be creative and advocate for causes I believe in.
Thankful for…
Home workouts
Bringing back to life a Monstera plant and Fiddle Fig tree
Free Flu Shots from our health care provider for us
Free e-audio books and e-magazines from the public library
Garage Sale that profited $75 for 3 hours and got rid of clutter
I am so thankful for every person who gives blood. Right now my dad is getting blood and platelet transfusions three times a week and that is what is keeping him alive (leukemia). Sometimes he goes in for an appointment but there are no platelets within 200 miles of the hospital, so he has to try again at the next appointment. I am thankful I got to have a nice visit with him earlier this month as we’ve had some long periods of estrangement. And I am very thankful for all that he taught me about so many things that have helped me in my life.
Aww, lots of wonderful in your comment. I love it!
I am thankful that my husband does the dishes and cleans up the kitchen every night. It was not always this way, but I do so appreciate it.
My husband and I are on permanent deferral when it comes to donating blood. He was stationed in Germany (late 70's) and we lived there during mad cow disease. Since the blood bank can't test for it, the fact we lived in Europe during the outbreak excludes us from ever donating.
It is wonderful to have "inherited" plants in your garden. Like having a piece of furniture that belonged to someone dear. We have a peony that came from my maternal grandparents. It blossoms when my brother has his birthday. We treasure it!
I am up for a brief fall break and I am very grateful for that. I am also thankful that I got to finish most of my tasks beforehand so less handover to my colleagues. My husband also has the week off and although we will not be travelling anywhere, it will be great to have more time together than just the regular weekend.