Notes from May

This essay originally appeared in the Monday morning newsletter on 6/6/22.

As one of the items on my 22 in 2022 list, I’m writing a quick recap at the end of each month with 10 things I want to remember. I’m really enjoying the ritual of taking a moment to pause, remember the little things, and think about what I’m excited for next month. 

If you are looking for an activity to pep up your Monday, give this a try. Scroll through your photos or reference your calendar from the past couple weeks and make a quick list of memories and ordinary moments. A lot can happen in four weeks! 

Hope you have a great Monday. 🙂 

May’s 10 Things: 

1. I started consistently working from the office a few days a week in May. My current rhythm includes being in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays and working from home the rest of the days. I’m really enjoying this change in routine. 
2. We had our first 80-degree day of the year in May and the change in weather has been glorious. Besides just the warmer temps, I’m also thankful for the extra hours of daylight. Love it being light so early in the morning until late into the evening. Yay! 
3. With the weather turning a corner, I knew I wanted to find more outdoor activities in May. So, I was really excited when my boyfriend discovered a volunteer opportunity that entailed gardening on some Saturday mornings in the park near us. We did it twice in May and it was a win-win-win situation. Win 1: spend time outside. Win 2: give back in a small way to the park we love and use so much. And Win 3: have fun! 
4. In other “firsts” for the month of May, I finally saw a Broadway play in Chicago! My friend and I saw Moulin Rouge and it was so fun. Why have I waited so long to see a play here?! I love musicals. Next up on my wish list is SIX (a newer one – has anyone seen?) and Wicked (coming to Chicago at the end of the year & I am PUMPED). 
5. I also went to Indianapolis and the Indy 500 for the first time. What a great time!! Perfect way to kick off summer and thoroughly enjoyed seeing another Midwest city. Big highlight of May for sure. 
6. On the reading front, not a lot to report for May… Most of the month was consumed with finishing Cloud Cuckoo Land (great story, just a little too long of a book for me) and reading Black Cake (I am loving it!! Check it out if you like family sagas). Hoping to read a few more books next month. 
7. On a Friday night in May, my friends and I ate pizza, drank wine and watched the live recording of Harry Styles’ ‘One Night Only in New York’ concert. It was so fun! Plus, seeing him perform his new songs made me like them even more. Have you listened to his new album? 
8. Some summer skincare/makeup products I kept reaching for last month: Glossier’s Futuredew, Tula’s Filter Primer (I love the shade “Sunrise”) and Versed’s Glow Drops. Perfect for the summer, no-makeup look (+ sunscreen of course!). 
9. I love when my family visits Chicago. Earlier in the month, I got to see my uncle and at the end of the month, my mom was here. Both of them were in town for business and I’m happy I was able to squeeze in a quick visit. There’s nothing like catching up in person. 
10. Ending with something fun: I bought a bottle of hot honey sauce from Trader Joe’s last month and am loving adding it to various dishes. So far, my favorite things to use it on include this frozen pizza (thank you to my friend Pat for the rec) and avocado toast + scrambled eggs (and a thank you to my friend Perri for that rec). 

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