Ten Things of Thankful #30

I swear that this is neither a sponsored post nor one that includes affiliate links.

That’s not intended as a critique of bloggers who use either strategy for making money. More power to you, I say. But I did want to let you know that I’m not making any money in this post. It just so happens that several businesses have made my life easier this past week. I thought I would acknowledge them as part of this Ten Things of Thankful post.

1. I’m thankful for the CVS/pharmacy loyalty program. When I had to fill two different prescriptions for Philip, pick up some over-the-counter medicine and stock up on milk when Philip was sick, having coupons for $14 off was a big help. I was able to combine that with a twenty-five percent off coupon, and then, after buying what I needed, I ended up with another five dollars off to use next time. And did I mention they emailed me a twenty-percent off coupon this week? Every little bit helps.

2. I’m thankful that, not only has Philip recovered from his illness and allergic reaction, we also got good news from his recent blood draw: his lead levels have continued to decrease. Woohoo!

3. I’m thankful that we finally organized the garage. It’s nice to arrive home and not see clutter before I even make it into the house.

4. I’m thankful for my slow cooker. There’s nothing better than coming home to both an organized garage and supper already made with leftovers for later in the week.

4. I’m thankful that I found where I put my scarves just in time for subzero temps. Note: I did not find them while organizing the garage, but that helped narrow their location down.

5. I’m thankful that there was a delayed start at work on Tuesday. The icy, frigid drive home on Monday night was slow-going and nerve-wracking (which was all the more reason to be happy that I had a scarf to wear, that the garage looked tidy, and that supper was ready).

6. I’m thankful that Subway is running its “JanuANY” promotion where any foot long sandwich is $5. I can use one sub for two meals and have a tasty way to sneak veggies into my diet. Sure, I could have packed the leftover pot roast that I had made in the crock pot, but it’s nice to have a bit of variety without all the grease and fat of other fast food options. Plus, there wouldn’t have been leftovers to have for supper two other nights this week.

7. I’m thankful for free shipping from Walmart.com. Our new home is farther away from the store, so it’s a big help to get items we need shipped right to the house.  From diapers to cereal to coffee to soap, I save time and fuel.

8. I’m thankful for the MyPoints online shopping rewards program that lets me earn points per dollar spent every time I order from Walmart.com and other retailers. I exchange the points for gift cards. That’s how we did all our Christmas shopping this year.

9. I’m thankful that one of my coworkers, after reading my post about feeling obligated to boycott Home Depot, gave me several of the wooden project kits for kids from Lowe’s. Having read my complaints about the Lowe’s kids workshops being too far away, not as welcoming as the ones at Home Depot, and having projects that were a bit complicated, she thought it would be easier for us to do them at home. A big thank you to her husband who works at Lowe’s and provided the kits. And in case you were worried, I promise there will be photos on the blog of all the completed kits.

10. And finally, I’m thankful for the employee at a local business that took this picture on Monday morning and posted it on the company’s Facebook page:

I’m thankful for the picture because I wasn’t sure anyone would believe me when I told them I had passed somebody on a recumbent bicycle when I drove to work that morning. It was only twelve degrees with a wind chill of minus six. I was cold in my car.

Also, I’m thankful I wasn’t that person on the bike because either this was his/her only form of transportation or else s/he has no common sense.