On Facebook the month of November is notorious for two very obnoxious themes. #1 women complaining about the significant men in their lives growing beards and mustaches for Noshember, Moshember, No shave November, or whatever else you choose to call it. Who really cares though? Facial hair is downright manly and super sexy if you ask me (as long as it's not all year round of course)!
Then there's the 30 days of thankfulness that oh so many women participate in. I'd be lying if I told you I loved these posts-or even if I told you I liked them at all. But I don't. I actually kind of hate them and I'm not really sure why because I truly am glad everyone has so many reasons to be thankful. Maybe it's because from my perspective most people use Facebook as a place to complain about their everyday lives ALL THE TIME until November comes around where they spend one solid month stating the positives before becoming Negative Nellies all over again.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying I'm a model citizen for positivity. HA! A lot of times I'm so far from it's ridiculous but I'm working on balancing that out just a smidgen. Actually a big smidgen, and today is the day I have decided to vomit my thankfulness all over my blog :)
First off- I have a crazy family that keeps on growing. Family drama? Oh we have plenty of that. Death? Divorce? Breakups? Ours has our share of all that too. On the up side though-we are still adding to our family. Melissa brought home her boyfriend Mitch for the first time, our little nephew Ben celebrated his first thanksgiving and met his second cousin Parker. Then there was Derek's side of Thanksgiving. So many little ones running around playing with Derek and his brothers' old toys! We ate SO much great food, played cards, told stories, and laughed. And family and laughter, my friends, is the best reason to be thankful any and EVERY day of the year!
Next chapter for thankfulness --have you noticed it's getting a little chilly outside? 'Tis the season to be thankful for a roof over your head, and walls, and warm clothes, and most of all HEAT! I personally HATE being cold so I say a little prayer of thanks that I am not homeless (especially this time of year).
Did I mention my friends? Most of my friends and I are so busy with our own lives, work, and other agendas that we don't always keep up with each other that well outside of social media. It goes without saying though that they are amazing. Sooo much comedy and just generally great people. Always there for me when I need them. They may not be the best (who is right?), but the best that I could ever ask for :)
I will complain until I am blue in the face about not wanting to go to work, or about a terribly rude/mean/crazy patient, or getting yelled at by doctors, patients, or family members. A lot of times I feel so over worked and under appreciated-crap this week I was so overwhelmed at work I literally went into the bathroom and cried midmorning! Regardless, this job makes me over-the-moon thankful. For my health (and that of my family's), a career that I am able to support/provide for myself and others, and for my coworkers. I may not always like being one, but nurses make THE BEST coworkers!! When you are overwhelmed they are right there to pick up your slack when you get behind, to give you words of encouragement during difficult times, offer a hug when you are deeply affected by a patient's death or anything else that brings you to tears, and allow you to vent your anger that comes from a patient or doctor's words or decisions. For all this I am truly thankful.
On that note-I'm also SO so SO thankful for the patients that come along and touch my heart. The patients that are fiercely fighting for their health as well as their life. These patients seem to be the ones that are thankful, understanding, and extremely appreciative of everything you are capable of doing for them. One came along just this week and I can guarantee I will take her memory with me for years to come.
I'll end my "thankful" gab-fest with Derek. I'm thankful that he has chosen to spend forever with me and continues to put up with my crazy antics. He's supportive of any idea I come up with (and I do come up with a lot!), he listens as I vent about my day, he encourages me when I did something well, and he even joins in on my kitchen dance parties! Gosh I love him and am SO so SO thankful:)
