Make It A Memorable May

Hello, May! The flowers are blooming, the days are brighter, and your calendar is practically begging to be filled with fun. Longer days, warmer sunshine, and a fresh sense of energy make it the perfect time to step out of routine and create moments that stick with you. This list of activities is here to help you make the most of May and turn it into a month you’ll actually remember.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Take care of yourself by incorporating one self-care habit into your day.  A short meditation, prayer, gratitude journaling, or simple breath work can help relieve stress and improve your sense of wellbeing. 

Kentucky Derby Day is May 2.  Put on a big hat, your favorite summer dress, make a batch of mint julips or lemonade and watch the race.

May the Fourth be with you! Watch your favorite Star Wars movie(s) or binge them all in chronological order for a mega movie marathon. 

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Tuesday this year. (As if we needed an excuse to enjoy some tacos and margaritas)

Reset your morning routine. If your mornings are feeling stressful or stagnant, May is a good time to shake things up and create a new morning routine that works with the season of life you're living now.

Celebrate the mothers (or motherly-like) people in your life. Mother's Day in the US and Canada is Sunday, May 10th. 

Enjoy longer evening hours of sunlight and warmer temperatures with a Backyard Happy Hour.  Grab a glass of rosé, a summer cocktail or mocktail, or some iced tea and unwind after a long day.

Visit a Zoo or Petting Farm. May means baby animals, and who doesn't love seeing all cute little fuzzy creatures? 

Go berry picking!  Many areas have local "pick your own" berry farms. Select your own berries for snacking or a delicious Spring dessert 

Refresh your skincare routine. Summer heat, humidity, air quality, and UV levels can leave our skin with some very different needs than rhe winter months we just left behind. Stock up on sunscreen, consider swapping out your moisturizer for something lighter, and/or adding a vitamin C serum for a boost of antioxidants.

Create a summer bucket list or vision board.

Like Yoda talk you must on May 21. (Talk like Yoda Day)

Revisit your childhood by Catching Fireflies.  It's like having some magic little fairy lights in a jar. Just be sure to release them after a short time and before going to bed. (How many of us made that mistake as kids?)

And speaking of revisiting childhood... why not make (and enjoy) some popsicles! 

Host, or attend, a Memorial Day cookout or picnic.

As you move through May, I hope you give yourself permission to slow down, try something new, and enjoy the moments that feel good to you. Just a few intentional choices can make this month feel special.

Wrapping Up This Midlife May

As May draws to a close, I find myself looking back on a month filled with blooming flowers, longer days, and making plans for the summer months ahead. I reflect on the days I've enjoyed and the lessons May has taught me. It's a perfect moment to look back on the memories we've created in May and look forward to the coming season.

The most popular post on the blog in May (by a huge margin) was when I shared my April Empties.  I also told you about the Five Things I Would Tell My Younger Self.  And we talked about the real meaning of Memorial Day. 

In May we celebrated Mother's Day.  My family outdid themselves this year. I was showered with some lovely gifts and a great breakfast. My daughter planned a day trip for the two of us with coffee, pastries, crystals, and books.  It was a wonderful weekend. 

Of course, we had the long Memorial Day weekend.  Ours involved working on our home renovation project, some yard work, and delicious ribs cooked on the grill by my amazing husband.  

May has been ending on a celebratory note for 27 years now. Ever since the birth of our son. I couldn't think of a nicer way to say goodbye to the month. 

During May, I read "Weyward" by Emilia Hart, "The Light In Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron, and "Two Old Women" by Velma Wallis.  Our read for book club was "The Marsh King's Daughter " by Karen Dionne. My husband and I have been reading Stephen King's  "The Institute" to each other just before we go to bed each night. And I am currently reading "Garden Spells" by Sarah Addison Allen.  I have also been listening to another Sarah Addison Allen book - "The Girl Who Chased the Moon."

Some of my favorites and finds for May include:

Laura Geller Jelly Balm Hydrating Lip Color: The wear is incredibly comfortable. It lasts surprisingly well for a balm. My favorite shade is "In The Buff," a lovely neutral pink. 

Peonies:  I was so fortunate to have inherited a patch of pink peonies when we bought our house. All these years later they are still thriving and put on a beautiful show every spring. 

HIXX Smart Bird Feeder with Camera: This was a Mother’s Day gift from my husband.  I am not exaggerating when I say that I am obsessed!  I should probably be a little embarrassed by how much of my day I spend on my phone watching the birds at my feeder.

How are you celebrating the closing chapter of this beautiful month and preparing for the summer days to come?

Until Next May...

May is wrapping up and preparing to disappear for another year.  We're heading into the summer months now. Hot days. Long evenings.  And the relentless humidity. (At least where I live)

The Man of the House and I started May with a trip to Folly Island, just outside of Charleston, SC. It was just for a long weekend.  But a couple of days just relaxing on the beach was exactly what I needed.  Sitting in the sand with a good book, listening to the waves is so soothing to my soul.

I was able to have a short visit with my aunt, Lisa, and her husband.  She stopped by my dad's house on her way back to Canada.  I wish it could have been a longer visit, but I am glad I got to see them while they we're here.

May's weather was a mixed bag. There were days when the weather was unseasonably warm, causing concern for what the summer holds in store. And days that were cool enough to make me wonder if I had somehow slipped back to March. And of course, there were some "Goldilocks" days. You know - the ones when it's just right. 

I finished both the cross-body bag and the vest I was crocheting this month. I'm so pleased with how both turned out.  I admit that sometimes I miss the little bit of income my Etsy shop brought in.  But it is so nice to be able to work on what I want, when I want, instead of always creating things for other people.

I was a bit over 50/50 on meeting my goals for the month.  Like I said, I completed the vest I was crocheting.  And I did get the pantry cleaned out and reorganized.  I meditated a few times this month, but not the three times a week I was aiming for. The plan to walk three times a week didn't happen either.  I would blame it on all the rain we had this month, but that doesn't excuse mot getting on my treadmill. It's still better than I did on my April goals, so I'm calling it a win and moving on. There's always next month.

How was your May?

Nurture

2024 has continued to bring challenges and stressors.  After a while, even the little things just start to feel like a LOT.  I finally reached a point where I realized I needed have to force myself to withdraw, slow down, and focus on myself and tending to the things that truly matter the most. 

That's why my word for May is "Nurture". 

I started by looking at the definitions of the word "Nurture".  A few of my favorites were:

• to care for and protect someone or something while they are growing and developing

• to help somebody/something to develop and be successful

• to supply with nourishment

I feel as if my health has taken a hit lately.  I continue to struggle with stomach issues.  I'm still on medication and I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy in July.  I have had to change my diet quite a bit.  I'm focusing on healthy foods that nourish my body and help to soothe my stomach and nurture my gut health.

I closed my Etsy shop over six months ago.  As the days and months go by, I have found myself feeling a little unmoored.  I'm trying to figure out what my next season of life is going to look like and I am at completely at a loss.  I'm lacking direction.  I need to start nurturing my dreams and develop some new goals for myself.

After all the stress, hurt feelings, frustration, and anxiety of the past couple of months, indeed to nurture my mental health as well. This means limiting or eliminating exposure to situations and people that don't make me feel like my best self. It also means seeking out activities and situations that nurture my sense of well-being.

The Man of the House and I started the month with a weekend on the beach near Charleston, SC.  It was nice to have time away together as a couple. A few days away from the routines and demands of daily life is a good way to nurture our relationship.

The time away was also definitely nurturing to my soul. Spending time on the beach, just listening to the waves crashing against the sand, feeling the rhythm of the tides, and watching the movement of the water is always soothing for me.  

I am trying to make a point of doing something everyday that nurtures who I am.  One day that may be writing in my journal. The next it may be listening to music I enjoy, The day after that it might look like curling up with a cup of tea and some crochet or a book. It it may be as simple as standing outside for a few minutes and feeling the sun shining on my face.

May is about focusing on the things that nurture my body, mind, and spirit. What things do you do to nurture yourself?

Hello, May!

Here we go again.  Another new month stretches out ahead of us, full of hope and promise.  May feels like a month for fresh starts and new beginnings. 

May is always a joyful month for me. It is the month we celebrate the birthday of my second born and only son. He may be turning 26 this year,  but to me he'll always be my baby boy.  (I'm sure he would love to see me saying that.  Haha)

The Man of the House and I have a short getaway planned to the beach this month.  A long weekend just outside of Charleston,  South Carolina.  And it can't come soon enough.  I need some time by the ocean to calm my spirit. 

My reading list for May includes: The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez,  finishing Normal Women by Philippa Gregory,  and The Gunseller by Hugh Laurie.  Yes, that Hugh Laurie.  That last one is the selection for book club.  It's not one I probably ever would have picked up for myself,  so I'm very curious to see what I think of it.

I'm in the last stages of crocheting a granny square sweater vest for myself.  It feels as if this ribbed edging is going to take forever. But when it's done I will have another fun item to wear that I made with my own hands.  I am also about to begin a cute crossbody bag for my daughter.  I knew I wanted to make it,  and it seemed like a perfect accessory for her style.

My word for the month of May is "Nurture". It's a great word,  one I need so very much right now. But we'll talk more about that soon.

If you read yesterday's post,  you know that April completely threw me off my goal completion game.  Because of that,  most of May's goals are things I didn't accomplish in April.  

May Goals:

• Clean out and reorganize pantry 
• Finish sweater vest 
• Meditate for fifteen minutes at least three days per week 
• Walk three days per week 

What are your plans and goals for the month of May?

May 2023

 May Day! May Day!

That works both ways for me today.  

Obviously, it's  the first day of May - aka May Day (or Beltane).  

But it is also a distress signal.  And since I've been feeling a little overwhelmed, scatter-brained, and out of sorts for the past couple of weeks and didn't get far on most of my April goals I could probably use a little help!

Hopefully May will be a little slower paced and more relaxed than April was.  it wasn't necessarily busy in a bad way. There was just a lot going on.  And (like I mentioned before), I had a lot of trouble staying on task and accomplishing goals. 

So far, it's looking good. There's not a lot on the calendar this month. We'll be celebrating Mother's Day weekend.  And our son turns 25 at the end of the month.  (25!? How in the world did that happen?)

I'm hoping to get in one or two weekend day trips with the Man of the House. Last weekend we spent Saturday exploring a couple of nearby Revolutionary War battle fields. We learned a few things about local history and got in some fresh air and exercise!

The "cleaning out and reorganizing my home office" saga continues.  I'm still making progress.  Slow, slow progress.  But progress, nonetheless.

The one thing I did manage to rock in April was my reading list.  I completed the entire April to list along with a couple of extras. My May reading list is short and sweet:  Immortality: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz, How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix, and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.

My goals for May are:

• Finish clearing out and organizing main area of office
• Declutter and organize shoes
• Journal everyday
• Meditate 3 times per week
• Exercise of some sort each day

What are your plans for May?

Currently - May 2022

Hooray for May!  

It's a brand new month and I am hoping and praying that things quiet down a little and give me a chance to catch my breath. But, if I'm being honest with myself, I think it's going to be another crazy and busy one. 

Working On:  I have been busy working on new items to build up the ready-to-ship stock in my Etsy shop. Lots of new cotton washcloths and dish cloths will be added in May!

I am also still working to purge my wardrobe and get it reorganized. Last month I completed the closet and this month I am on to the dresser.

Celebrating: The usual May happenings - Mother's Day and Memorial Day. Maybe a little Cinco deal Mayo, because any excuse to eat tacos works for me. And May the Fourth because my family are a bunch of Star Wars nerds. One of my nephews has a birthday this week. And my own "baby" turns 24 at the end of the month.

Needing/Wanting: I have a beautiful handcrafted iron hook rack that my father made for me several years ago when he took a blacksmithing course.  It hangs in my kitchen/dining area and right now it has a few aprons hanging from it.  Recently, I have been looking at it and thinking that I would like to do something a little more styled and polished with it. Make it a little more decorative. I have been scouring Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration and have a few thoughts. If you have any suggestions, be sure to share them in the comments!

Eating:  One if my favorite things about the warmer months is all the fresh fruits. I am eagerly awaiting watermelon, peaches, and nectarines. Until then, I have been enjoying fresh strawberries like they're candy.

Loving: Plants.  My spring flowers - daffodils, tulips, azalea, and lilacs have done especially well this year. And after taking a break because of being transplanted, the peonies have buds and I look forward to them blossoming this month. My houseplants are also doing well and showing signs of growth!

May Goals:

• Rearrange and Spring clean living room
• Paint wall in stairwell
• Purge and reorganize dresser
• Write 3 blog posts per week
• Read 3 books
• List 15 new items in Etsy shop

What are your plans for May?

Currently... May 2021

 Oh, May... what a bright and beautiful month!  Usually not too cold, or too hot.  Usually. I recall a few years when it froze us and others when it was as if we were walking on the sun.  But typically, May is the baby bear of months - just right!

I did pretty well with my challenges for April.  I'm still working on my home office, but I'm making progress.  Eventually, I will have it exactly how I want it to look. I ordered some cute honeycomb print curtains that I will put up as a reward to myself when I get there. 

 I can't claim that I have been taking daily walks.  But, I did take more walks in the evenings with the Man of the House and the dogs.  It's nice, but I can honestly say that no one loves it more than the dogs.  They enjoy exploring the neighborhood - especially when we let them get in the creek! I also cleaned off my hand weights and have been incorporating a little strength exercise into my days.  So... that's good.  

The thing I am most proud of is that I achieved the next weight loss goal I had set for myself.  And I am VERY pleased about that! Looking forward to meeting the new one I have planned!

And now... looking at the month ahead...

Working On:  Well, obviously I am still working on cleaning and organizing my home office.  And getting my cholesterol and blood sugar back to acceptable levels is at the top of the priority list. 

I'm also working on getting the doggies trained.  The Covid pandemic hit just about the time Max became fully vaccinated and was able to start training, which meant there were no lessons available.  And we got Ziggy in the middle of the pandemic.  So I have declared this "The Summer of Training".  I have a feeling this isn't going to be easy because Max especially is one stubborn little pup.

Celebrating:  This year Mother's Day should look a lot different from last year.  We might even be able to have our moms over for dinner or something since everyone will be "fully vaccinated" by then!  Much nicer than last year when we couldn't visit each other.  

My oldest nephew celebrates his birthday on Cinco de Mayo.  The month ends with the celebration of the Male Offspring's 23rd birthday.  

Wanting/Needing: Other than about four or five more hours in the day?  And sleep?  Hmmm... ideas for new blog posts.  Cute and comfortable sandals that don't break the bank.  And some good salad recipes.  (more on that last one in just a minute)

Reading: I completed The Lost Village by Camilla Sten.  I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first. Was it a psychological thriller?  A mystery?  A ghost story?  I'm still not completely sure.  It certainly wasn't the best of any of those genres that I've ever read.  But it did get to a point in the story where I stayed up far too late reading because I wanted to see what was going to happen next.  And for that, it got an extra star.  

I'm now reading Stardust by Neil Gaiman.  Because I always enjoy a little Neil Gaiman.  I also plan to read one of the books on my 5 To Do Before 52 list this month.  Probably The Count of Monte Cristo.

Loving:  Salads.  Not your basic lettuce-tomato-cucumber-dressing salad (although I enjoy those too).  I'm talking about an interesting salad.  With some protein added, such as chicken breast or fish.  One of my favorites is a salad of spring mix with some shredded carrot, sliced cucumber, a seared tuna filet, and a sesame ginger dressing.  Yum!!  Or a salad of greens, cubed apple, walnuts, and sliced chicken with a balsamic vinaigrette.  Or greens, strawberries, cucumber, pecans, and chicken with poppyseed dressing.  Or... well, you get the point.  I'm very into salads.  What's your favorite salad?  

Personal Challenges for May:

• Complete home office cleaning/organization project
• Weight is down another 5 lbs
• Walk at least 3 times per week
• Meal prep breakfasts/lunches for the week each Sunday
• Journal every day
• Teach dogs 2 new commands

What are your personal plans and goals for May?

Currently... May 2020

Y'all.  … I can't figure out whether April went by very quickly or if it was the longest month ever. I take that back.  It has definitely been the longest.  That is possibly because I had no idea what day it was most of the time.  I'd be rolling along, thinking a day was Thursday - when it was actually a Wednesday or a Friday.  In fact, I am pretty sure it has been about 130 days since April 1st

They announced last week that the schools in our state will continue remote learning for the remainder of the year.  Which means lots more tine with the grand kid for the next several months. I'm also finally working on a couple of projects that I have in mind for quite awhile.  Which goes to proved that there's definitely a silver lining to all of this quarantine/shutdown stuff.

Reading:  I'm just finishing City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert and ready to begin Under Occupation by Alan Furst.  My non-fiction book of the moment is Intentional Living by John C Maxwell.  Later this month I plan to read another one of the five classics that I challenged myself to finish this year. 

Working On:  For a long time now I wanted to find or create some prints to hang over the coffee station in my dining room.  I finally found exactly what I want to do and I have the time to do it.  

Loving:   Delivery and curbside pick up options.  Some are better than others, but the ones that are good are making me very happy, and my life easier, right now.  

Celebrating:  May brings Mother's Day. We usually have our mothers and the Female Offspring over for dinner on the day before to celebrate them.  I guess that will look a little different this year.  We also have my nephew's birthday on Cinco de Mayo and  the Male Offspring's birthday at the end of the month.  I can't believe my "baby" is going to be 22 this year!

Wanting/Needing:  Like most of us, I need a haircut. I actually needed a trim about two months ago, but decided to put it off a little longer.  Now, my layers are shaggy and out of shape and my hair is too long to do much of anything with it.  I did break out the scissors that came with the hair clippers we have to give my bangs a trim and I'm feeling pretty good about how that turned out. But I'm not feeling confident enough to attempt cutting the rest of it by myself.  

Dreaming About:  As I mentioned in my post earlier this week, I am doing a lot of day dreaming about all the things I want to do once this virus is only a memory. 

May Goals:

• Read The Count of Monte Cristo
• Frame new coffee prints and hang over coffee station
• Hang prints in laundry room
• Select 3 Christmas designs to start creating for shop
• Write at least 3 future blog posts for shop
• Write and schedule at least 3 blog posts for June

Currently... May 2019

Happy May, y'all!!  I can't speak for the rest of the country, but it has finally started to feel like spring around here.  And except for some crazy rains which let to a lot of flooding on Easter weekend, the weather has been absolutely perfect.  This is the best time of year. As I mentioned last month, I love this weather when it's sunny and warm, but it's not too hot yet.  Like the baby bear's porridge - it's not too hot, not too cold.  Just right.

Reading:  I'm close to finishing Becoming Mrs Lewis by Patti Callahan.  (Because apparently, I have developed a fondness for fictional stories about the wives of famous men)  As soon as I wrap this one up, I'll be starting Where All Light Tends to Go by David Joy.  (Because I also have a fondness for books by local authors and/or are set in local places)  My nonfiction, self-improvement type book right now is Genius Foods by Max Lugavere.

Celebrating:  The month starts with my nephew's birthday and ends with the Male Offspring's birthday. I can't believe my baby is going to be 21 this month!  In between the two, we celebrate Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

Working on:  Cutting added sugars out of my diet.  I did this a while back, but the typical back sliding happened and now I am back to full-on sugar junkie.

Enjoying:   The final season of Game of Thrones.

Anticipating:  Summer fruits.  I get so excited when the weather starts warming up because I know that means fresh fruit season is starting.  Strawberries. Blueberries.  Blackberries.  Cherries.  Peaches and nectarines.  Watermelon.  Mmmm…  I can't wait!

Needing:  Well, since I never got around to it last month - I'm going to have to say that I still need to declutter and organize my closet and dresser.

Wanting:  To find healthy snacks.  I get such a craving for sugar in the middle of the afternoon, no matter what I have for lunch.  I want to find an alternative that is healthier, but still yummy and satisfying.

Making:  Dietary changes.  The Man of the House and I started intermittent fasting last month.  We've been doing the 8/16 method for him and the 10/14 method for me.  (meaning he consumes all his calories in an 8 hour period and then "fasts" for the other 16 hours each day, I eat for 10 and fast for 14)  This has been easier than we expected - mostly since we're asleep for a large portion of the fasting period.  The problem now is that we are eating needs to improve.  This month we're focusing on cutting back on processed foods and added sugars.

Feeling:  A little tired.  I'm definitely not getting enough sleep these days.

Favorite Things:  

1.  Going for walks and hikes with The Man of the House
2.  Having the windows open
3.  DevaCurl Low-poo cleanser and One Condition Delight

Currently... May 2018

Happy May y'all!

So far, this has been one of those Springs that keeps us guessing.  Winter hasn't wanted to give up its grip on the weather, which just makes us appreciate those warm seasonal days that much more.  Now that May is here, we will hopefully have many more of the sunny, warn (but not hot) days to enjoy.

One of the things I like about the changing of the months is that it's a fresh new start. It's a good time to take a look at what's currently going on in your life.  I enjoy sitting down with my calendar to set goals and make plans for the month.

Reading:  Because I can't seem to get enough of anything related to the British or Russian royals, I am reading  The Romanovs: The Final Chapter  by Robert K. Massie.  It's an interesting account of discovering and identifying the remains of the last Tsar and his family, as well as how DNA comparisons managed to confirm or deny the claims of those who said they were members of the family rescued from the execution.

I am also still working my way through The One Thing by Gary Keller.  I got distracted and didn't make much progress through it during April.  

Enjoying:  Having the Man of the House back home.  He was in Japan for an entire week at the end of last month and I missed him very much. It's good to have him back where he belongs.  

Working On:  My plan for May is to try some new recipes - especially some that are outside my usual comfort zones.  Sunday night I made beef bourguignon, which was delicious!  In fact, I'm eating the leftovers as I write this and it's just as yummy reheated.  I also found a recipe for a vegetarian version made with mushrooms instead of the beef and I can't wait to try that also.  The Man of the House was also talking about trying some Ramen recipes. Real Ramen, not the super cheap packets of stuff so many of us survived on during our college days.  

Anticipating:  Summer vacation!  We are taking the grand kid for his first ever Disney vacation later this summer and I am SO excited to share that experience with him!

Wanting:  To lose a little weight before that vacation.  

Needing:  Enough time to complete orders for my customers and still work on some new product ideas and items to build up my stock of ready-to-ship items.

Feeling:  A little yucky.  The Male Offspring and I ate MUCH too much junk food while the Man of the House was out of town and it has certainly caught up with me.  I have felt bloated and just "bleh" for several days now.  I think I should probably live on nothing but fruits, veggies, and maybe some nuts for the next week or two just to give my poor digestive system a chance to recover.  

What are you currently up to as we move into May?

 With Love,

Currently... May 2017

May is looking to be a busy month around here!  It kicks off this weekend with the Spring guitar concert for the Male Offspring and ends it with his birthday.  In between we may or may not have a graduation to attend, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and a whole load of projects to work on.  And here I thought I might have the chance to slow down, relax, and just enjoy time passing this month.  Not this time, busy lady... not this time.

But before things get too busy, let's remember to take a brief moment to see where things stand as this busy month of May begins...

Reading:  I am about half way through A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny. I am getting close to the top of the wait list on a couple of holds through the library.  If one comes up soon, that will be next.  If not, then I'll start the next in this series - The Cruelest Month

Eating:  I've gotten a little off track over the past week or two.  Especially this previous weekend, when I indulged a bit too much.  So it's back on track for May!  Breakfast will be either an egg with whole grain toast and fruit, or oatmeal with berries.  Lunch is planned as a veggie hummus sandwich or a salad.  And some healthy dinner options. 

Working On:  Getting back to some decluttering.  I didn't get much done during April between being out of town, having a couple of wholesale orders to complete, Easter, etc. 

I'm also working on a plan to be more consistent with my blog writing and publishing instead of posts coming in clusters.  It's like feast or famine around here. 

Enjoying:  Overindulging in some Angliophilia.  One of my favorite things to do when I'm staying up late nights working on orders is to watch shows, movies, and documentaries about all things English.  Thanks to Netflix and Amazon Prime - I have had more than enough material to fill my head with The Cousin's War, the Tudor and Victorian eras, the more recent Royals, and a plethora of English castles. 

Anticipating:  The summer growing season!  I am ready for some trips to the farmer's market for fresh fruits and veggies.

Feeling:  Inspired.  I'm not sure if it's the warmer weather or what - but my creative juices are flowing and I have all sorts of ideas and plans forming in my little ol' brain. Things I want to make.  Things I want to do.  Things I want to accomplish in my work.

What are you up to during May?

May Goals and Intentions

Can I be real with y'all for a minute? April felt like it should be categorized in the "total bust" column.  I accomplished very few of my goals for the month.  And the ones I managed to check off did not happen in the intended time frame. Cue the game show "fail" sound: wah,wah, waaaaah.

But!  Moving on.  It's a new month.  With fresh intentions and new goals!  Out with the old and in with the new.  Today is a new day.  Put the past behind you.  (  insert cheesy motivational cliché here  )

My intention for May is to be focused.  This was a big problem in April.  I let my focus wander and got off track and off schedule too many times.  It's difficult to get things accomplished when that is happening. Stay focused on the task at hand.  Stay focused on the goal.

Which brings us to my May Goals:

Go to bed and wake up earlier:  I have been staying up later than usual.  Which leads to sleeping until I have to get up to get the male offspring to school.  This cuts into my morning quiet time and somehow makes my entire day feel a little off.  This could be part of the reason I have had trouble keeping focused.

Read more:  Going to bed later is also cutting into my normal reading time.  I need to watch less television and read more this month.  I am aiming to finish the book I am currently reading and read 2 more.

Mail graduation announcements:  Self explanatory.  Although maybe I should add the words "without getting teary" to the end of that.  Oh, who am I kidding?  That's gonna happen!  Bittersweet times.

Make time for fun:  May is looking to be a very busy month.  I want to be intentional about enjoying time with my loved ones.

What are some of your goals for the month of May?

Currently, the Beginning of May

April has officially come and gone; and now we find ourselves in the first days of May.  I'm not gonna lie y'all - I am kinda freaking out about how quickly this year seems to be zooming by!

I Am Currently..

Reading:  I finished The Alchemist last week and started The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters.  It's slow going and so far I'm just finding it to be a mediocre read.  Not caring much or feeling any connection with the main character yet.  Maybe that will change soon.

Eating:  Ginormous strawberries!  The last few packs of strawberries I have picked up have been huge berries.  We even had one that was the size of a small apple!

Working on:  Making smarter food choices and getting back into a healthier eating routine.

Enjoying:  Making plans with the Man of the House for some Spring and Summer fun together.

Anticipating:  The male offspring turning 18 later this month and graduating from high school next month

Thinking:  How quickly time flies.  One day your struggling to parent two young children and then in the blink of an eye you have two young adults in your life and even a grand baby!

Feeling:  Tired.  Very very tired.  Been staying up too late trying to catch up on work.  It's catching up with me.

What are you currently doing?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups