Thankful On Thursday

Yes, I know it's not November, but I think I should take a day and be thankful for what I do have.  As many of you know, some Force out there has been throwing rotten lemons at me since February.  I've been out of Jack Daniels, so I can't even make rotten lemon whiskey sours, which would maybe put a fun spin on things.  This maybe tempting The Evil Force to take a great big crap in my living room, but I'm determined to be positive and thankful.  Fake it til I make it, or piss The Evil Force off so much it just obliterates me.

1.  I'm really thankful Duane survived the nasty illness and is here with me everyday.  Not a morning person, but seeing him when I wake up makes me smile for a minute.  Then I grumble about being awake and stumble off to the coffee pot.

2. I'm thankful for friends I've made along the way.  The friend that drove me back and forth everyday for three months, helped me get my certification for home care, and especially helped when our Dammit was so sick.  I think she is an angel, and tell her that.  Which she replies, "No, don't put me on that high of a pedestal."  Then I say, "You're the best friend, I've ever had."  Which she replies, "I doubt that is true, but thank you."  Except it is true.  I'm blessed to have found her.

This is a two part, because I'm thankful for all my internet friends that have helped and encouraged me even though we've never met in person.  You're all angels, to me as well.  I wouldn't have made it this far without you.  This includes you too, K, even though we have met.  I need to finish your yarn, so you can come down and have Mexican food.  Duane is looking forward to it.

3. I guess this is a back-handed thankful, but I'm thankful we still have this apartment, even with all it's leaks and annoyances.  It's better than a tent in an arroyo. Which would really suck right now during the monsoon season.

Monday, I splurged $4 and bought myself this miniature rose plant.  It's a pink peppermint stripe rose, my grandmother was very fond of.  I haven't splurged on myself since January.

I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a man I had seen walking around every once in awhile taking pictures.  I had just put the rose plant outside to get some sun, when he approached me.

Him: "Would you like to put more plants in your planter and take care of them?"

Me: "Yes, I have that planned when I get the money to do it."

Him: "You know you can have that whole planter around your patio."

Me: "Yes, I know. It's money to buy plants that's the issue.  But, I have it planned just as soon as I can." Then I told him about all my plant plans and the herb garden under the front window. How Duane loves to cook and I want an herb garden for him.  The pansies I had over the winter, but the hot Tucson sun burnt them in June.

Him: "How about I take $50.00 off Septembers rent?"

Me: "That would be really nice, however things are really iffy for us." By this time, I was aware he was from upper management of the apartment complex.  Then I told him the story of Duane's illness, how I'm trying hard to find a job, we're waiting for SSI/SSD to make a decision, and that Duane's case manager is coming this week and I might be cut off getting what little the state gives me.  I asked him, if he knew of any jobs to please think of me and what skills I have.

Him: "It's really hard to find a job in Tucson.  If I hear of anything I will certainly think of you.  You're wonderful tenants.  We'd like to keep you.  If all the tenants were like you, I'd be out of a job.  You're too easy."

Then he left.  I spoke to the manager today and he confirmed that is his boss.  He said, he's glad I told his boss our story, so he could put a face to the situation.  He would check on that offer about the money for plants.

4.  Duane's case manager came today.  I've been sick with worry that she would cut off my getting paid for caregiver, as Duane is doing so much better.  She said, that she had planned in advance to keep services as they are for another three months.  Whew.  Two hours a day isn't much money, but it's better than  nothing.  Glad that isn't cut off.

5.  All our furkids.  They continue to amuse and entertain daily.

6.  The Feds who provide foodstamps.  If it were up to our governor she would cut them out, as well.

Duane is able to cook wonderful meals like this on a shoe-string budget.  That is barbeque beef brisket on homemade jalapeno cheese bread, with roasted corn off the cob, and chili rellenos (stuffed with cream cheese and bacon crumbles).

Sometimes, he feels up to entertaining me with his guitar.

We might not have much, but I'm thankful for what we have.  Just need to get me a real job that pays and or his SSI/SSD so we can continue to maintain what we have.

I'm determined to break the curse of my late ex-MIL, that I can't ever relax and enjoy life, otherwise bad things will keep happening to make sure that I won't.

Thanks for stopping by spot on the internet.