New here? Thankful Thursday is something we’ve been doing in these COVID times; a (frugal and free) exercise to help us hunt for the good that is in our lives and in the world, even in the midst of a pandemic.
Today, I am thankful:
for the beautiful snow that fell yesterday
We don’t get tons of snow here, which means that I am primed to appreciate its beauty when it does fall.
I totally get that people who stare at it all winter grow weary of it, but for me, snow is a beautiful anomaly.
for our funny Christmas tree
And for Lisey, whose crazy idea this was. 🙂
for the cute and funny things Lisey loves
I love the way that Lisey embraces the things she loves regardless of how old she is or where she is.
Like, the way she wears Sesame Street socks to work at Valvoline.
Or the way she handed out colorful and cute bunny pens to her co-workers. Thanks to Lisey, there are cute bunny heads peeking out of the pockets of black auto-mechanic uniforms at two Valvoline locations.
I think some people might be a little afraid to let that side of themselves show, especially working in such a male-dominated environment.
But Lisey shows up with her work-hard-get-dirty side while also showing up with her “here’s a cute purple bunny pen” side.
that Sonia can register for biology now
She had to take a math test to qualify to take a science class, and she did that yesterday. So, now she can tackle a science class in the spring semester!
that my kitchen drawer isn’t squeaking anymore
A little spray of WD-40 on the one wheel took care of the problem.
Embarrassingly enough, I let it be squeaky for a good two weeks before I dug out the WD-40.
On the upside, after two weeks of hearing it squeak, the silence is now extremely blissful.
for the beautiful parts of my neighborhood
There are definitely some not-picturesque parts, but at the same time, there are a lot of beautiful parts too.
As with most things in life, it’s a mix.
The horses live in a beautiful field next to a house that has partially-finished siding and peeling Tyvek (it’s been that way for at least 15 years!) and the front yard houses around 12 vehiclesLi in various states of repair.
And the water view from the wooded path on our morning walk is lovely, but the cinder block wall by the water is pretty broken down and it has graffiti on it.
This is where I stood to take the river photo above
Anyway. I’m thankful for the beautiful parts!
for the fun our cat’s advent calendar is
We’ve been making her work for her treats by putting them into the various empty spots.
And now she has been sticking her nose into Lisey’s advent calendar as well, hoping to find some delicious salmon/sweet potato treats. 😉
for the bright sunshine today
Yesterday was pretty dark because of the snow/sleet/rain storm, so I’m especially thankful for the cheerful sunshine we have today.
Jem Horwood
Sunday 20th of December 2020
That is a wonderful picture of Lisey with the cat!
I'm thankful that our Christmas tree is decorated, and that my grandson and I got to put up our Christmas village together. I'm thankful my friend got her parcel from me for Christmas, even if I did have to pay double what was already a large amount in order to get it to her on time, because she lives alone and it's very important that she has gifts to open on the day, especially this year. I'm thankful to live in a country with universal health care as my spouse will be getting a hip replacement in the new year. I'm thankful for the richness and opportunities that facing my unconscious, internalized racism as a white, middle-class Canadian have brought. I'm very thankful for you Kristen, and your lovely blog with its beautiful online community!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!
Kristen
Monday 21st of December 2020
I am so glad this community is a blessing to you!
Jennifer
Saturday 19th of December 2020
1. My four kids- even though we are together alllll the time, I am so glad I get to spend this time with them. 2. Our church - and the ability to watch online. It’s been over 8 months since we’ve worshiped with them and thankful we are still able to be connected 3. Savings- my husband was laid off 2 weeks ago and we have savings to keep us afloat 4. A nice side walked neighborhood- all the stress from above has helped me remember that a good walk is cheap therapy. 5. Christmas gifts are bought and traditions are still fun even if we are worried about finances
Becca
Saturday 19th of December 2020
A bit late, but it's been a long, hard week, so I should do this.
-my 94 year old grandmother's case of covid seems to be mild and she hasn't needed to be hospitalized, just even more lonely than ever. -there's plenty of food in the house after starting two food delivery services. They weren't taking new customers in the spring, so we went awhile on pantry stashes and it's nice to have fresh food again. I'm still getting used to giving up the control of picking my own groceries, and sometimes getting errors and substitutions, but it's better than the anxiety of going to the grocery store. -all of my Christmas shopping is done even though some of it didn't ship in time for an early Christmas with my stepdaughter, so we will have to wait until New Years. With both of us doing virtual school, we wouldn't have had enough time anyway, but I was still so disappointed by that last late package that STILL hasn't arrived. BUT, I'm thankful that I can order everything online and have it shipped here even if there are delays. -gravity. I'm reading the books that the Expanse TV series is based on (I recommend both if you like science fiction), and I think I would find low g living very annoying. Who wants to drink coffee and wine in a "bulb?" And let's not even imagine using the bathroom. Thanks for your help, gravity! -my new drivers license came in the mail in only one week when they told me it could take 6 weeks, AND I didn't even hate my picture! Can't even see the mask marks! -the usual stuff: warm house, electricity, family, etc.
I do feel a little better. Thanks, Kristen!
Patricia
Saturday 19th of December 2020
I am. in awe of Lisey and her ability to be who she wants to be - even if it is contradictory to others. Even if it seems silly. I wish I had her courage.
Becca
Saturday 19th of December 2020
You probably do have all the courage you need! Go be your best you!
Suellen J Roley
Saturday 19th of December 2020
Thankful for a negative fast result Covid test, even though the circumstances surrounding it were very frustrating.
Thankful for some time off now even though I am sick and the time is unpaid. Sinus infections and ear infections are not conducive to a great work experience.
Very thankful for a warm house as our highs have been in the low 40's if that for a month.
Grateful for my Percy Cat who is almost 14 years old and crazy as a kitten.
Very grateful for a full freezer, refrigerator, and pantry while I deal with being sick.