Sharing a little life lately update on the first Friday of May 2023.
Life Lately: May 2023
This week has been a little different than usual and definitely didn’t end how I thought it would. While I would love to share uplifting sunshine-y news, we’ve all been feeling a bit like the weather: partly cloudy. Annabelle was supposed to have surgery on Thursday, but came home from school very sick at the beginning of the week. We blamed allergies at first, but ultimately learned she was positive for strep throat. I’m crossing my fingers for a germ-free summer because this school year has been filled with sickness!
Annabelle’s procedure is rescheduled for the Monday after Mother’s Day. She’s been incredibly nervous about the surgery and worried about the reasoning behind it. We are hoping to try to take her mind off of everything – which she asks me daily how to do just that – by keeping her very distracted for the next 10 days. Tonight we are going to her favorite Mexican restaurant, tomorrow is her cousin’s birthday party, and next week is our Church carnival. She said a kitten could help too – but Muffin wouldn’t like that at all. I know we will all be so happy when the surgery is finally over.
How can we celebrate May as Mental Health Awareness Month?
May is Mental Health Awareness month and I’m taking my own very seriously. Something in my life has to change… I have been experiencing poor mental health for months now and I’m ready to admit it. It’s partly due to life changes, but also due to my relationship with social media.
It’s scary how much time I spend on Instagram, so I deleted the app from my phone on Monday. While I have enjoyed not feeling obligated to share every hour of my day with the world and feeling a sense of freedom from an overload of content consumption – I have to download the app again soon. I have built a wonderful community through the platform I’m not ready to leave. Plus, I’ve committed to brand partnerships which require posts on Instagram. Ultimately I would like to find a better way to connect with YOU than Instagram – but I don’t know how just yet.
Speaking of social media – my daughter’s principal sent out an email about the dangers of social media exposure to her 3rd-5th grade peers. I didn’t know the recommended age for most apps until now! Tik Tok is 12 years old and Snapchat and Instagram is 13 years old. Speaking from personal experience, school is breeding grounds enough for bullying and exposure to inappropriate content. I don’t know how healthy social media could possibly be for any child or teen, but I would like to find ways to spread awareness of its’ dangers to the mental health of our youth and children.
What do you wear to a 20th High School Reunion?
While we are on the topic of school now – this month is my 20th high school reunion. I’m still baffled at how 20 years have gone by so quickly, but here we are. I joined a few former high school pals in planning the reunion and I’m excited my best friend is flying up from North Carolina for the party!
I’ve been on the hunt for an outfit. I have been cracking up at my Google search for reunion outfit inspiration. Apparently, nothing says “High School Reunion” like a chic business casual blazer and skirt.
Instead of wearing what sounds like a job interview outfit, I stepped out of my comfort zone of dresses and bought two things. This dramatic top and this classic bodysuit will also make great date night pieces. I have one week to choose one of them with my go-to black skinny jeans and these black heels.
What I’m Reading
- Crime Fiction – Ever since I finished “Blindsighted” by Karin Slaughter, I have been on a crime fiction kick. I’m currently reading “Pieces of Her” and listening to “Girl, Forgotten.”
- 31 Tips to Boost Your Mental Health
- Everything I can find about Matty Healy and Taylor Swift – I don’t think I have spoken much about my love for both musicians, but I am one of the few fans who would applaud their relationship. I’ve suspected they were dating ever since Taylor showed up on stage at The 1975 concert!
- This family dinner advice is what I’ve been saying for the last couple of years.
- Nothing like pulling out one of these yoga poses for a mid-day energy boost
What I’m Watching
If I’m not reading a Karin Slaughter novel then you can find me watching one of these shows:
- Yellowjackets – Season 2 is just as amazing as Season 1, but even more disturbing! I am 5 episodes in and may have finally figured out the darkness.
- Bridgerton: Queen Charlotte – I’ve seen the first two episodes and it is really amazing. I am enjoying the story behind Queen Charlotte and the cultural aspects are thought-invoking.
- Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – This is on my wish list. I remember reading the book in 5th grade and thinking it was THE book for girls.
- Prom Pact – What better way to gear up for a high school reunion than to take a mental trip back to prom season. I don’t think “promposals” were born in 2003, but the concept is hilarious. I also really like Milo Manheim (Zombies, School Spirit).
What’s Coming Up – May 2023
Maybe May will be the month I finally wallpaper our dining room?
We are going to Costco this morning to restock some of my favorite staples: eggs, fruit, protein bars, and toilet paper. I like to go to Costco once a month but the blackberries were SO good last week that I’m heading back again. Since I’m still following a dairy free diet, I like to stock up on all my dairy-free snacks too. I’ll share my picks from Costco here next week!
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