Day 25-26-27-28-29-30

Rats!  I did it again....I do so well until Thanksgiving and I fall off the old Gratitude Wagon.
And it isn't like I've switched gears and gone all into "Merry Christmas" zone.
(that's only because I honored my husband's request that we wait until at least December 1st before going full on Holiday madness in terms decking halls and such.

So, where was I...

Day 25:   Ok, so maybe a wee bit of decorating happened this weekend.  Thing Two has been asking for years to please put up some outdoor lights.  Hubby and I have not been big fans of the outdoor decorations ever since we were victims of vandals and thefts of our decorations back at the old house.  But, Thing Two   is  finally tall enough to tackle this task pretty much on his own.  Hubby assisted with some of the ladder moving, but Thing Two did a fair amount of the actual work.  I'm thankful that not only is Thing Two at this stage of being able to help, I'm thankful that Hubby recognized this was something the kid really wanted to do...so he agreed to putting up lights.    The jury is still out on whether this was the start of an annual father-son bonding tradition or a successful love-n-logic moment (as the kid's initial remarks were "wow,that was a lot of work".

Tracey's clinic

  a couple of us moms decorated her office for her first day of work this past summer

Day 26:  I"m thankful that my good friend, Tracey is hanging in there with the school nursing stuff.   I'm so thankful  to have a good neighbor friend that does pretty much the same job I do,with the same employer. Just at a different school.    Tracey is getting ready for her first evaluation of her own clinic (last year, she had a slightly different assignment as a school nurse) so I dropped by  her office and helped her get ready.  Truth of the matter is, she's more than ready, but it's always good to have that validation and reassurance from a friend who knows and understands the challenges of your work.  I'm thankful I was able to be that source of support for her as she enters into the worry-zone.

 
Day 27:   am thankful for Hulu Plus.   Yep, as cheesy as it sounds, I enjoy spending a lazy evening catching up on shows I didn't get to watch earlier in the week.

Day 28:  I'm the nurse in charge of 2400 kids.  But I'm most thankful for the 10 or so students that are considered "severely impacted" or "medically fragile".   For they remind me, with their unconditional love and determination what it really means to be a school nurse.

 My feelings were hurt about being left out of some recent conversations. A situation that I should have been involved in, but nobody thought to include me in the discussions.   I found myself questioning how does my administration view my role in this setting?   Am I really part of the team or just the lady that passes out the tampons and the bandaids?  

 But the truth of the matter, the administration can view me however they choose.  I can't change that.  What I can do is be thankful that regardless of the role others perceive me as playing, what really matters is the role I do play.  The fella standing in the doorway?  Every day, one of his rewards for good behavior is getting to come see me and we play a quick round of hide-and-seek.

 Hello?  These kids give me so many reasons to  be grateful and today.....they grounded me and brought me back to reality!

Day 29:  Oh my, I almost forgot to give thanks for my new concrete porch.  What?  You didn't know that the 17th anniversary traditional gift is concrete?  Ok, so maybe it really isn't concrete, but our front porch was so badly cracked that it was posing a threat to the foundation and causing our brick column to lean.  This month, we finally had it replaced and while in the process, they expanded the size and made it look a little less like everyone else's.  When you live in suburbia, those little touches that separate you from all the others are something to give thanks for.

 Day 30:  Ta-da....the month is over. 30 days of giving Thanks.  It's quite the challenge to complete.  But again, I am grateful I do it.  And now I must shift gears and work on the Family Christmas letter.  Wish me luck?!  I fear I used all my good stuff being thankful! 

Thankful for Day 24

I'm running a day late right now....but today I'm pausing to give Thanks for the gift that comes with having a big sister.  She has always been there for me....whether it is helping with the chores back in the day, or  planning a picnic for 40+ family and friends.

So yes, I may  smile because she's stuck with me.....but I am thankful that there is nothing she can do about that!  

Thankful for Day 23

today proved too bright of a day for pictures to turn out.

this photo was taken on a previous trip to this beautiful park just a short distance from our house.

For some, the day-after Thanksgiving is all about scoring a great deal at an over-crowded shopping mall.
For me, I'm thankful that my boys are now old enough to stay home alone, and I joined Hubby on a short ride to Red Rocks.

And while the sun was out, it was still a little brisk....thankfully, hubby had me covered with a heated blanket.  Sit on said blanket and VOILA:  bun warmers!

Thankful for Day 22

Last night, I was indeed thankful for Tums!

Too much of a good thing...was indeed a very good thing!

Thankful Day 21

Tonight....I'm thankful that I'm not cooking tomorrow!

Donna...thank you for including us in your plans

and for helping us 

create new traditions!  

Thankful day 20

Beef....it is what was for dinner.  Should have taken a picture as the steaks turned out perfect and of course, having weather that is warm enough to grill in November is indeed something to give thanks for.

I'm also thankful that Hubby and I are financially secure enough that we can enjoy steak even when it is isn't on sale.  I mentioned this at dinner, and both Hubby and Thing Two gasped "You bought something NOT on sale?"

No, silly guys...it was still on sale.
But even if it wasn't, and I was in the mood for steak, we could have enjoyed it for dinner.

Being able to feed my family:   it is something I take for granted, but really should pause and give thanks that we are able to meet this most basic need without even a hint of worry.

Thankful for Day 19

Then....

Now...

I've never minded wearing a uniform.  It makes the decision of "what to wear" to work a no-brainer. 

  That top picture, while not me, was what I wore pretty much every day for the first 5 years of my nursing career. 

Ironed and  starched?  Check.  (and for those that know me, you know how hard it was to meet this particular requirement.  Neatness and attention to detail is more typically associated with that OTHER Martha)

white stockings?  Check

White shoes polished?  Check.

Cold?  Then grab your military issue black sweater but don't even think of going outside with your sweater still on (it was for indoor use only, just like your cover, aka hat, was for outdoor use only).

These days I'm thankful that I still get to enjoy the the simplicity that comes with wearing a uniform but I get to pick out what I wear (and yes, I do own this particular set, it is one of my favorites).  

And trust me, nothing beats the comfort that comes with wearing scrubs.

It makes a Monday...almost bearable!  

Thankful for Day 18

Giving thanks for a good book.   I've been experiencing quite the book-drought (FYI:  don't bother with Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or Bad Mother.  Well, unless you are looking for validation that yes, you too could become a published author if what these two wrote passes as worthy of publication).

My friend-co-worker Susan mentioned this author and so I went in search for anything that the library might have for immediate down load.  And I too am reminded what makes her work good.  It's quick, easy, not a lot of thinking required, with likable characters.  I haven't finished it, so I can't vouch for the ending, but the first half seems to be pointing in the direction of an end to my book reading drought!  

Any other suggestions for good books?  Please include them in the comments.

Thankful for Day 17

This evening, I am giving thanks for friends that follow through.  

Earlier this Fall, I mentioned to some friends how I thought it would be fun to go see this one woman (or man,as Dixie is really a man) performance.  The show had been in Denver before and when I finally got around to looking into tickets, it was all sold out.

Much to my great surprise,  the ladies took the simple mention I made and ran with it.  Two women suggested dates, a third coordinated with the "large group" ticket sales office to see about getting a discount.  And next thing I know, 10 of us were making plans for attending this show.

I'm usually the one organizing and planning.  I am so thankful that this time,  all I found myself doing was sending my check in and deciding what to wear.

And for the record, it was indeed a fabulous show.  It was an actual  Tupperware show with all the laughter, snark, and fun that comes with this cultural phenomena called a "home party sales".     And yes, Dixie had me even putting a few things on my wish list!

  This Martha?  Always welcomes a chance to step down from the leader position and just follow!  Thank A,  K and Miss MB for making it all happen!

Thankful for Day 16

Thankful that nobody in our house is that into Twinkies?

All kidding aside, yesterday, I was simply thankful that I have good friends who will serve as my sounding board.  It was a rocky end to the day and a parent left me questioning my skills as a nurse.  It was so good to be able to phone a couple friends, and hear the validation that how I handled the situation was exactly how I was supposed to.    

Thank-you Tracey and Susan for always being there to listen to my rants, raves, and not just nod in agreement, but help me see the situation more clearly.    

Thankful for Day 15

..

One of the family stories told throughout the years was how my Grandpa Norman insisted that my name should be "Enuf".   As I was the 8th grandchild, I guess he figured he had plenty.    And as luck would have it, I did indeed end up being the last and thus proving that I guess 8 really was Enough.

Today, I'm grateful that I have enough...I have enough of the material stuff:  a house that provides shelter for me and my family, a reliable car that gets us where we need to go, money in the bank to pay the bills when they come true.

Thankful for....Day 14

Today I am again thankful for my short commute.  Oh yeah, I'm sure I've been thankful for this in year's past.  We're talking less than 1.5 miles, a handful of stop signs, a stop light or two and BOOM I'm at work.

Today's gratitude also tied into a little "love-and-logic" in action.  Older Thing was being well...a teenager.  He didn't want to get out of the cozy bed.
Ok, fine, you can walk!

I issued this consequence knowing that the commute is short enough that makes the walk reasonable and the weather, while crisp, was not unbearably cold.

And guess what?  It worked.  He showed up in my office with a sincere apology.

And that made it the perfect way to start my day (with your teenager saying "I'm really sorry Mom!")

Thankful for Day 13

Having just spent the better part of the evening helping oldest Thing work on a project for school, I am ever so thankful for the gift that is google!  

Oh my...how else would we find facts about Brazil when they don't issue a textbook?  And the book he was using in the library was for "reference" only.

With just the right search features, we found an abundance of information and sigh of relief from the child "thanks Mom!".  No, Thanks Google...as I have no clue what the answers are to the assorted facts you had to research.

Thankful for Day 12

17 years ago...we both said I DO!

I'm thankful for the marriage I have.  In my job, I have a front row seat to see some of the challenges kids face when mom and dad are no longer a happily married couple.   I value the marriage I have. No it isn't always easy, rough spots along the way, but there is nobody else I'd rather take on this journey than my loving hubby.   I can honestly say I love him more today than the day we exchanged our vows.   We are indeed well on our way to growing old together for that I give thanks!  

And just in case you think I'm going all Hallmark sappy...guess what we got each other for our anniversary?  A new front porch and a repaired driveway.  What?  You didn't know that the traditional 17th gift is concrete?   Well, in the Dom-and-Martha practical gift giving guide it is...

Thankful for day 11

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.  C. Ozick

Thank you to the veterans...for those who have served and to those who are serving.  It is indeed an honor and a privileged to have served my nation and I give thanks for those who continue to protect and serve our nation.  

Thankful for Day 10

Cloud cover kept the sun  in hiding for most of the day today.  As a result, I found myself weary and out of sorts.  I'm thankful that these gray cloudy days are few and far between and  most of the time, we enjoy lots and lots of sunshine here in Colorado.  

Thankful for Day 9

Thankful for Fridays....as simple as that.  It marks the end of the work week.  It holds so much potential for what the weekend will look like.  What's not to like.

 In my years as a hospital nurse, Fridays were frustrating.  When you work shift work, your work week looks different than the rest of the work world.  Oh sure, when your stretch of shifts ends on a Monday, there is still that sense of joy, but it doesn't convey the same feeling as working where everyone has the next two days off.  

In my years as a stay-at-home-mom, Fridays were ok.  A relief of having to supervise homework and enforcing bedtimes.  But they still lacked that sense of pure joy that I enjoy now that I'm working a Monday-Friday gig.

At work, Fridays take on a relaxed and happy attitude.  We're supposed to wear school spirit wear:  which is fine by me...jeans, tshirt and tennis shoes?  Talk about comfie clothing.  I participate in a "Friday snack club".  On a rotating basis, we bring in treats to share and spend the better part of Fridays grazing on the delights brought in by others.  Overall, we see fewer kids and those kids we see bring less drama to their visit than earlier in the week.

Thankful for Day 8

Last night, Thing Two had an orchestra concert.  7th grade, first concert of the year. Suffice to say,  it's still a challenging performance to sit through.  The kids are at various levels and still sorting out how to play together as a group.  I don't mind going as many of the other parents are neighbors and friends. It's a social evening for me as much as a chance to be a supportive parent.   After a long day spent sorting through conference calls, Dom was weary and not interested in being social nor was the music expected to be top notch.  I suggested he stay home and I'd go to support the kid.

Thing One enjoys his first Christmas (circa 1997)

Tonight, Thing One needs to study for his Spanish test that is tomorrow.  He's catching on to the language but needs to study for this class more than he'd like.  He's used to relying on his incredibly strong memory to get by.     I've reached my quota of listening to whining teens (the down side of working in a high school I suppose).   I simply can't muster much energy in the supportive parent role.  But Hubby?  He's fluent in Spanish and Thing One isn't as  quick to whine when he's with his dad.  So, Hubby has offered to serve as the homework police.

Getting ready to enjoy the show...Blues Clues Live! (circa 2002)

I'm grateful that, in my husband, I have the perfect parenting partner.  We recognize each other's strengths and can identify when the other one needs to opt out.   Can you imagine doing it solo as a parent?  I sure can't....it really does take two!

Thankful for Day 7

Today?  I'm thankful that it wasn't MY kid that smoked weed this morning instead of eating breakfast.  Weed is apparently not well tolerated on an empty stomach and this young lady ended up passing out in English class.   Nurse Chang arrived and it didn't take a genius to identify THAT particular odor and note the clear signs of "neurologically impaired".  

Sometimes it is good to be able to say not MY kid.  

Giving new meaning to the Mile HIGH city...

With the passing of a certain amendment here in Colorado last night, who knows...some day it could be my kid....but until that day arrives (and oh how I hope and pray it never does).....I just grateful to say NOT my kid!

Thankful for...Day 6

 There is only one person in this world that I would be willing to paint an Obama rock for...

 My Judy!  

A year ago today, we helped her ROCK her 50th birthday.  Today, I pause to give thanks for the gift of her friendship.  I miss her so much.  So many times I have had something that HAD to be shared with Judy, only to catch myself and remember....

She's no longer here....

So, in the spirit of Judy:  get out and ROCK the vote...

It's our right, it's our responsibility and well...

Thankful for Day 5

It goes without saying, that I am thankful for my Things.  While there are moments when having two teenagers is overwhelming, overall they are good boys and fill my heart with pride and joy.

Today, I was thankful that Thing Two is a reliable and responsible kid.   He had a 3 p.m. orthodontist appointment.  And I had a situation unfolding at work that would keep me from getting him there at that point in the afternoon.   What to do, what to do....

Guess what?  he got himself there!   I signed him out from school, called the orthodontist and said he was on his way. Sure enough, he made it there, got himself signed in  and bonus points for remembering to call me and let me know he was finished and headed home.   (OK, so it is possible the ladies in the office prompted him to make that call, but I'll go ahead and give him the credit).  

Sure it helps, that the weather was cooperative and the distance involved was less than 1.5 miles.   Just the same, it really helped that he was willing and able to take on this task all on his own.    Parents may groan and grumble that being a parent to teens is miserable...but today?  the silver lining was indeed that desire to be more independent and willing to take care of things on their own.

Thankful for Day 4

 Time:  we can measure it in hours, days or year....today I am thankful for it all!

An extra hour?    Last night, I enjoyed an extra hour of sleep.  Well, actually, I woke up at my usual time but because of that extra hour, I was  able to make it to early church without the usual rush.  Usually the full impact of "falling back" is not appreciated until we all have to get up and out the door for school on Monday.  


Extra days?  This past week I enjoyed a week of free time.   Officially it is called Fall Break but I just consider it the gift of time.   A week off with no where to go and all day to get there.  A chance to catch your breath after the chaos of starting a new school year.  A chance to reboot after a rocky start to a school year.   I found myself with the extra time to craft, take a walk,  to pray and reflect and savor a cup of coffee (or two) with friends.  I had the time to read a book or two (more on that later), the time to sit and watch silly movies with my guys.  The time to talk to family that lives far away.

Extra years?   At 47,   I'd like to believe that I have many great years ahead of me.   But this week, I found myself thinking about my age and what does that really mean.  My mom was just 47  when she was given a terminal diagnosis.  My cousin Cindy (pictured above in the USA t-shirt) was just 42 when she passed away last weekend.  My mom had years to adjust to her diagnosis. My cousin?  We're not sure, but we believe things all happened over a matter of days.  An infection took over her body that resulted in organ failure.  Was her system weak  and compromised even before infection struck? We don't know and in the end, it really doesn't matter. What matters is,  she leaves behind three boys, 15, 13, and 10.  So very close in age to my own things.

  Both women passed before either had what I would consider enough years.  But clearly, a different plan was in mind for them.      I will be thankful for the years we enjoyed as cousins....gathering together for family celebrations.  Knowing that each year is indeed a gift to be thankful for.     And I will be hopeful that I will continue to be blessed with many more years to spend in the company of family and friends whenever opportunities present!

Thankful for Day 3

Today, I am thankful for my husband's mistress....or should I say mistresses?

I still recall some 6 years ago when Hubby announced he was thinking about getting a motorcycle.  My nurse brain initially though "you mean a DONOR cycle, right?".    Yet, instead of voicing disapproval,   I nodded my approval and he's been happily riding ever since.   

As a family, we have reaped the benefits of a head of household that is happiest after a day of riding. Oh sure, the bank account has taken a few hits along the way (the current harem, er stable, is housing 3 motorcycles and 3 have left our family to be hopefully enjoyed by others).  We've witnessed a few adult temper tantrums when a rig is off line for unknown mechanical issues or a much anticipated part was not delivered as promised.   I've even received a couple phone calls when the first words out of his mouth are "Don't worry, I'm ok" (which I wasn't worried until he told me to not worry).

None of this can compare to the family fun we've had all thanks to hubby having a motorcycle.    We've met new friends,taken some fun filled vacations and just this past week the guys plotted how to spread some Halloween cheer that involved Valencia.

Every wife should encourage their spouse to take on a mistress.....assuming by mistress they really mean a motorcycle.

Thankful for Day 2

Last weekend, we enjoyed having my dad stop over for a visit.  For those who have extended relatives living within driving distance, this may not be a big deal.  But for Hubby and I, all our relatives live at least 16 hrs away, so "stopping in" for a visit typically involves planning and usually a trip to the airport.    

I'm thankful that my dad makes the effort to come and spend some time with us.   In return, we try to visit him at his home.  But let's be honest, traveling solo is easier and less costly than traveling as a family of 4.  However, I know several people of the next generation who view it as the adult child's responsibility to visit the older parent.

I'm most thankful that my dad doesn't expect that of us.  His visits, as brief as they may be, are eagerly anticipated by both boys.    For Thing Two, it's a time to perfect his pie baking skills with the master pie baker guiding his efforts at creating the perfect crust.   This time, it also included a trip to see the Colorado Symphony perform downtown.  For the violist in the family, this was indeed something he looked forward to doing with Grandpa.

For the older Thing, not into pie or the symphony, Grandpa brings with him his belly.  Thing One loves to snuggle up against his grandfather's belly and together they catch a snooze (or two) on the couch.  I'm sure if my father ever decided to take on a weight loss program and the belly was reduced, he'd hear plenty of protests from his grandson.  It is also a time for bowling. Grandpa took both boys to the new bowling alley where they showed that well.....their skills in this sport are not improving much but they sure do have fun playing just the same.  

So, here's a shout of thanks to  Grandpa for spending a few days with us!  We hope you enjoy a sunny and healthy visit out in Sun City this winter!    We look forward to your layover in Colorado in April.  

Thankful for Day 1

Hello November.
Hello neglected blog
And Hello Thankful challenge, the 2012 edition.

5 years ago, I decided to challenge myself with blogging every day during November.  Yikes, for as infrequent as I have blogged lately, that alone will be a challenge to renew my acquaintance with blogger and all that goes into regular blogging.

Each day in November, I have shared or commented about something I'm grateful for. True, some years I've played catch up at the end.  And some years, the gratitude of the day is rather trivial in the grand scheme of things.  But each time I have managed to share something or someone that I am grateful for.

So today, I start out with being thankful for traditions. It is not a tradition I have practiced my entire life but only for the past five years.  Yet, a tradition has to get it's start somewhere, right?   What started as a personal challenge (can I really come up with that many things to be grateful for?) has now become part of my November routine.  

And as a result of this newly established tradition, I find myself appreciating and enjoying Thanksgiving more and more each year.  It is more than just turkey an a nice glass (or two) of wine.  It is about the tradition of giving thanks...

Let the fun begin!