May flew by. The best thing we did was go see “Sinners.” It was fantastic.

Money

It was a “return to physical media” month. I bought some DVDs at the library warehouse sale (including “Young Frankenstein” for a single dollar, wow) and seasons one and two of “Hellier” on Blu-Ray. I also bought both the score and the soundtrack from the movie “Sinners” (these were digital), as well as a few candles and magical rocks from the woo shop.

I spent $6.00 on my regular sewing subscription and $14.06 on a secondhand garment from eBay. As expected, I spent $81.54 on books, which was substantially less than the last couple of months.

We kept our spending slightly under our grocery budget, but we will likely need to change this target if costs continue to increase (and they probably will, let’s be real).

Writing

I wrote thirty flash fiction stories in May! This project was an absolute blast. I learned a lot and rekindled my enthusiasm for writing this month.

Goals

I listed eight goals for May. (Some of my 2025 goals will change from month to month, and some will remain the same.)

Writing
+ Write short story
+ Participate in 30 Days of Flash Fiction
+ Send newsletter

I didn’t send a newsletter this month, but I wrote my monthly short story and participated in the flash fiction challenge every single day.

Household
+ Rearrange upper kitchen cabinets
+ Try one new recipe

My upper kitchen cabinets had a lot of wasted space! I only got rid of two small gadgets (and a handful of Lennox’s expired ramen packets in one cabinet), but I managed to find room for two large items that had been floating around without a permanent “home.” I also tried two recipes in May: BBQ Beans and Greens (we’ll eat this again) and Lentil and Riced Cauliflower Tacos, which were so good that we’ve already repeated them.

Money
+ Complete three modules for certification training

I only finished one module, but at least I made some progress.

Personal
+ Finish therapist-recommended workbook
+ Sew one project

I had a low energy month, and underestimated the time investment needed for my flash fiction project, so I didn’t finish any sewing projects. (I did alter a couple of sewing patterns and cut out a new tank top.) I’m taking the workbook off the goal list for now. It’s a great book, and I want to be able to focus on the exercises without rushing to meet a deadline.

Goals for June

Writing
+ Write short story
+ Send newsletter

Household
+ Finish hemming linen towels
+ Try one new recipe

Money
+ Complete two modules for certification training
+ Do mid-year analysis on household and personal budgets

Personal
+ Send a set of postcards
+ Sew two summer garments

Everything Else

• They just repaired and completely refinished our condo complex’s swimming pool and I can’t wait for it to re-open! I swim at least once a week all summer, and I’m chomping at the bit.
• I only read (or listened to) 13 books in May. However, I spent over 50 hours writing this month, so I’m not too surprised.
• I broke down and subscribed to Apple TV to watch the new “Murderbot” adaptation (it’s pretty good, though the books are way better), but “Severance” has unexpectedly obsessed me. Who wants to talk about the goats??

And that was May.