This week, I am thankful:
that I got a better clinical assignment for semester 2
Last semester I asked for weekdays, daytime hours, and a location near to my house, and I received evenings and weekends, at the furthest location from my house.
NUTS.
But this semester, I’m not on weekends! I’m so super happy about that.
Also, I got into the hospital that is nearest to my house; it’s only a 10-minute drive.
I do have the 1:00-8:30 pm hours, which is not as good as the 7:00 am-3:30 pm hours, but that’s ok. I got 2/3 of the things I asked for!
There’s another time slot that ends at 11:30 pm and I am just grateful I didn’t end up in that one. I know sometimes as a nurse I will have to work odd hours, but whenever I don’t have to be up until 11:30 pm, I am appreciative.
that my mammogram is done for another year
I had my yearly mammogram yesterday and I am grateful it’s over, with a clear report.
I know a mammogram isn’t the worst medical procedure ever, but it is pretty uncomfortable, and I am always happy to have it in my rearview mirror.
for these lovely little pink flowers
I think this is a kind of sedum that I got from Aldi eons ago. It’s impossible to kill, so it did survive for years at my other house, where it lived in rather dark conditions.
But now that it’s here with me in my sunny front window, it’s been regularly blooming, and I love to see it!
for the wonderful things about walking in the cold
Ok, yes, the scenery IS better when things are green.
But there are lovely things about winter walking too.
Like:
- there are no spider webs to walk through
- it’s not hot and sticky and miserable out
- the paths are never overgrown
- more sunlight gets through to the woods
- there are no bugs to bite me
As I was walking yesterday in 30-degree weather, I was actually thinking about how much I prefer this over walking in July.
Mainly it’s because of this: you can never get undressed enough to compensate for July weather, but you CAN bundle up enough to compensate for January weather.
for 1,168 miles of walking in 2023
I came very, very close to averaging 100 miles/month, and I am endlessly grateful for a body healthy enough to get outside for all those miles.
for two snuggly cats
Even though our two cats are vastly different from each other, they do both like to cuddle.
This one just happens to get up to more mischief in between cuddle sessions.
Sometimes when Lisey calls here she says, “How many crimes has Chiquita committed today?”
And there is always something to report.
Something I’m looking forward to this year
Reader Rose suggested that this could be a fun thing to add to a Thankful Thursday post right about now, so here’s one from me….I’m looking forward to my clinical labor and delivery rotation. BABIES!!!
And I am also looking forward to wrapping up the getting-unmarried process this year.
Hawaii Planner
Saturday 6th of January 2024
Super thankful for a lovely ski trip that we made the best of, despite some unpredictability. Skiing is one of those strange sports that needs quite a bit of luck & good weather: good snow (but not too much, particularly when you're driving), clear skies but hopefully no ice, cold enough to not melt the snow, but not too cold. Anyway, Lake Tahoe didn't have nearly enough snow, and we'd planned to do ski in/out at Heavenly, but they are having a disastrously bad season, and their gondola isn't running. So, we made the best of it, and drove to a further out resort each day. It wasn't perfect, but endlessly grateful for time with the teens, doing something fun as a family. We capped off our three evenings with fun family dinners, and left early enough this morning (as planned) to avoid a big snow storm. They definitely need the snow, so glad it's coming, and we're home without having to drive through it!
For the year ahead, looking forward to being done with college applications & selections for one child, and also hoping to see my MIL again!
Linda
Friday 5th of January 2024
Getting unmarried. Here’s to hoping it doesn’t drag you down this coming semester and you get your equitable fair share. Also that with it comes the beginning of a new type of happiness in whatever form that may be.
Amanda in VA
Friday 5th of January 2024
I can feel your hopefulness in the coming year, and it is making me feel hopeful too! Thank you.
Today I am thankful:
-That most of my symptoms from the worst of my chemo are resolved. I no longer have days where it is hard to get out of bed all day. The nausea is finally gone. The overwhelm is lightening. The brain fog is lifting. My hair is even starting to grow back. I have two more rounds of the easier chemo, and I am counting down the days.
-For my providers. I've got a team of doctors and nurses that have been truly wonderful. I am very happy with my plan of care. I am also blown away by how many of these good folks have taken the time to get to know me and seem to genuinely care about me. It has given me a whole new appreciation for the medical profession.
-For access to medical leave. Despite my leave I signed up for a workshop that is taking place over this week and next. I just couldn't help myself. It's been great, but also feels like a lot. Navigating my doctor's appointments and chemo and getting to the sessions on time. My brain is in overdrive. I'm so glad that I am not usually balancing work and healing.
-For the winter weather. Chemo has thrown me into early menopause, and the hot flashes are like nothing I have ever experienced. We are trying different medicines to get me some relief. But sheesh. It is nothing like being able to step out into 40 degree weather when your body is suddenly an oven.
-For school starting back on Monday. I love my kids. I love being with my kids. But I also sure do love the quiet of the daytime while they are off doing their thing so that I can do my thing.
-For an email that might mean I am being considered for a dream job. It's still a long shot, but a long shot is still a shot.
This year I am looking forward to being cancer free and getting back to living life.
Sophie in Denmark
Friday 5th of January 2024
I'm thankful to have gone home for Christmas and had a good break from work. I started a new job last year and it's been good but intense, so I really appreciated having a holiday and seeing my family.
I'm looking forward to my trip to New York in a few weeks!
Brenda D
Friday 5th of January 2024
I am thankful that my husband is feeling better from some ungodly virus going around. I am not thankful that I am now coming down with it. I’m thankful for a warm toasty home with a pellet stove in the living room and a heat pump in the kitchen/dining room. We have used a minimal amount of heating oil, and that makes me happy! I’m thankful that my daughter and family are now settled into their new home. They have moved so many times in the last 4 years and I hope they get to stay where they are for a while. I’m thankful for hot tea and Ricola cough drops and Puffs ultra soft tissues. I will survive. Thankful to be retired now and I don’t have to go out when it’s snowing. Thankful for a nice long visit with a dear friend last Sunday. We both needed it, we live 15 miles apart but you would think we live on different continents! My goal for 2024 is to connect with friends! Near and far. It’s good for my heart.