I just looked at the calendar and realized how close Christmas is. College semesters always make Christmas seem like it pops up fast because I don’t have much time to think about it until after finals and then it IS really close.
This week, I am thankful:
that I had saved a bag that was perfect for shipping Snoopy
You know those thin plastic shipping bags that clothes often come in? Well, I’d saved one that was perfect for shipping the viral Snoopy I sold on eBay!
Those bags aren’t good for shipping things that are breakable or bendable, but for a Snoopy, the bag was just fine.
that the drop-bin at my post office got fixed
Pretty much ever since I moved here, the thingy (?) where you drop your packages has been functioning at a level one could only describe as “iffy”.
But when I went in to ship the Snoopy, it was working correctly!
for cat cuddles
Shelley snuggled up in between Zoe and me the other night while we were watching a movie.
And yesterday Chiquita climbed up into my lap and settled in for a nice snuggle. She’s usually too busy for a long cuddle session, so this was a nice treat.
that Chiquita is continuing her streak of not bothering the Christmas tree
It’s been over a week and she hasn’t bothered the test ornaments we put up. Soooo, I think we will go ahead and finish adding ornaments.
The bottom string of lights burnt out. I replaced them after this picture!
that I got a schedule for next semester
At yesterday’s orientation, we got a print-out draft of our schedule for next semester, and I’m so glad to have that! I’ve been curious for a while what my life is gonna look like next semester, and now I can take a peek at it.
that we get to do OB next semester!
I am SO excited for the women’s health/OB that we get to do next semester. I am very interested in possibly being a labor/delivery/postpartum nurse, and also, since I have had four babies, I think that’s gonna make this part of the curriculum easier for me.
One of my own babies 🙂
I have to buy a textbook book about women’s and children’s health and I am actually excited about buying this one!
I probably will start listening to it on my walks over break. 🙂
that I have schedule flexibility
Clinical assignments are given out based on people’s schedules and locations, and you can put in requests, but they are not guaranteed to be honored.
My flexible schedule may get me dumped into weekend clinicals every semester, which is not super duper ideal.
But I DO feel grateful that my schedule is very flexible; a blogging job is very easy to work around whatever clinical schedule I get assigned. I don’t have to feel anxious that I might have to choose between a job and clinicals.
What are you thankful for this week?
P.S. Thank YOU for all your kind comments on yesterday’s post! I appreciate your encouragement.
Martha O.
Monday 18th of December 2023
Not sure why I’m not receiving your posts in my email lately. I really miss reading them… I feel bad that I can’t comment in a timely manner because of it. Here’s my belated thankful list. Even though it probably won’t be read, it still helps me to list some things. I’m thankful for good health, good medical teams and fresh ways to serve others especially at this time of year. I’ve been discouraged about many things this month and serving others helps me to not become too inwardly focused. I’m thankful my husband and I have been able to dance again as his knee injury is healing. I’m thankful our son, daughter-in-law and grandson will be coming for a visit Christmas Eve morning ( which is also our daughter’s birthday). I’m thankful we had a backup coffee maker. For some reason, our current coffeemaker stopped working. I’m especially thankful for specific ways I see God’s blessing in some situations and for His faithful guidance in how to respond to some of life’s challenges.
Liz B.
Thursday 14th of December 2023
Kristen, I love that both kitties snuggled with you! Have a wonderful school break. You deserve it!
I am thankful for.... -medical advances that include joint replacements, including my new knee. I am in awe, thinking of the person (or persons) who dreamed it up in the first place, as well as the technological advances that have taken place since then. - that I had a really good PT session today, after Tuesday's less than stellar one. Today's therapist is bright, kind, and compassionate, yet gently pushed me to do my best. - for my son and DH, who have helped and encouraged me through my recovery. - that our holiday season is very low key. We did minimal decorating, but our house looks cozy. - for a warm, comfortable home, with heat, running water, plenty of food, and everything I need. -for this friendly community you have created, Kristen.
Happy holidays to all!
Kaitlin
Thursday 14th of December 2023
This week has been a doozy. But there are whispers/glimmers of good that are keeping me going:
-The joy of my daughter being our st. Lucia this year and the snuggles that happened post-breakfast in bed. -Students getting really into a very simple game we played. -a brief warm snap that made it easier to get up in the morning (and the sun that accompanied the warm snap) -singing “Abide With Me” at our evening Advent service with harmonies. -Warm new mittens that fit me perfectly and are pretty. -Bubly. On the couch after a loooooong day at work.
Jody S.
Friday 15th of December 2023
@Kaitlin, I love "Abide With Me." How many verses does your hymnal have? Also, my college tenor boy is home, so we will now be hearing the tenor part in our church's liturgy and hymns, I imagine. Not many in our church know how to sing the parts (I wish I did). I'll bet your service was beautiful.
Kim from Philadelphia
Thursday 14th of December 2023
I would think the people with less flexible schedules would get the weekend clinical assignments? Like people who have weekday jobs ? Hmmmm
Kristen
Friday 15th of December 2023
I too thought that people would want weekend assignments, but from what I hear, in each semester, they're the slots no one wants.
Ginger
Thursday 14th of December 2023
I'm thankful for realizing I have 2 more days of work before an extended break! I'm also thankful that my in-laws are visiting next week (I'm a very lucky girl: I like my in-laws!). I'm thankful we finally got our dining room painted! (but I'm not thankful for the level of cleaning it's going to take to get the house back together... ha!) I'm thankful for giggles and that my son (2.5 years) asked me to read books instead of just watching PJ masks (though he did that too, while we were reading the books lol)