Better in... May
Everything that made me better in May 2025
Usually my goal every month is to become better. This month I was struggling so much that it was a miracle that I didn’t totally fall apart. Between being sick, craziness at work, and other small issues that completely threw me off my game, I have to say that this month was ROUGH. Still, as I have promised to deliver honesty in my newsletters, here I am to give you the good, the bad, and the unmotivated.
Goal Tracking
This is going to be the saddest goal tracking section you will probably ever read. The headline here is that I really didn’t accomplish anything this month. As much as that makes me feel disappointed in myself, it’s also a reminder that I am not a machine and that taking a break and recharging has to happen from time to time. If you are in a similar boat please be kind to yourself and just try again next month.
Read 50 Books - This month I read…
Nothing. I didn’t finish one book and though I am in the middle of four books I have honestly been in a slump where nothing I have read has been especially interesting and I am having a really hard time staying motivated to finish these books. I try not to DNF but perhaps that’s something I should consider if I plan to hit my goals this quarter.
Get More In Touch with Slavic/Ukrainian/Russian Culture - This might feel a little silly to talk about but I recently re-activated my personal Instagram and I have been getting so much Russian language content suggested to me which has made me really happy. As someone who is chronically online, it’s been really interesting to see the meme and short form content aimed at people my age who speak Russian. I’ve been really enjoying taking part in the Russian-speaking online culture and if I find a meme extra funny, I’ll repost it for the 10 people that follow me that speak the language. It’s the tiniest step in me reclaiming my identity but it means a lot to me and I’m having fun with it.
Send Out Two Newsletters a Month - I was really disappointed in myself for not sending out my usual newsletter on the 15th but the truth is that given all that was going on this month, I really struggled finding something worthwhile to say. I truly put my all into my longer posts so saying something just to meet a deadline didn’t feel authentic or a good use of my readers time. In this particular case we were going for quality over quantity. I’m hoping next month I am able to bring you guys something special and worthwhile.
Things that Made Me Happy in May
Girls’ Weekend - While my husband was winning “Son of the Year” and taking his mom on a trip to Paris, I got to host two girlfriends for a weekend of pedicures, food, shopping, and couch rotting. When it comes to friendship, I could not be more grateful for friends that will drive all the way to Austin from Houston to mostly lay around and watch tv. It was so nice to reconnect with my friends without the pressure of making the perfect plans. Getting an opportunity to just chill and talk and laugh did more for me than a year of therapy. Friendship in your 30s is about effort and appreciating the quiet moments as much as the big events and I could not be more grateful to Haley and Alexis for our many years of friendship.
Surprise Engagement Party - Nothing makes me happier than when a couple I adore gets engaged. I love love and seeing so many of my friends in happy and healthy relationships is really one of my favorite things about growing up. This time around a friend I have known since middle school finally proposed to his amazing girlfriend of five years. To keep the happy engagement vibes going all weekend, my friend Diego also planned an amazing engagement party to surprise his bride-to-be with. In this day and age it’s rare to pull off a surprise (hello Find My Friends) but he really got the job done! It was a night full of love and some high school reunions. There were also lots of speeches which I personally love. What can I say, I’m a sucker for love!
Farmers Cheese at Whole Foods - If you grew up in a Slavic household chances are tvorog was a staple in your diet. Tvorog (or farmers cheese) is a fermented cheese that kind of like a tangier cottage cheese with a more gritty texture. It’s usually served mixed with sour cream and sugar and though I know it sounds super weird to anyone that didn’t grow up eating this, I promise it’s delicious. For years the only place where I could get tvorog was at specialty stores that sold Eastern European food which meant I almost never bought it. However this month I learned that Whole Foods now carries Farmers Cheese so I was able to snag some (for a cheaper price than at a specialty store) and enjoy it on a random Wednesday. My Slavic heart could not be happier. If you want to try some, it’s located in the same fridge as the ricotta.
Friendship (the movie) - It’s been a minute since I’ve seen a movie at the theatre but Alex really wanted to go see this so I decided to join him. I went in completely blind, not even watching the trailer, but expecting a prolonged I Think You Should Leave sketch. Though the movie ended up being less uncomfortable than a typical Tim Robinson sketch, it was still plenty cringe (but also hilarious). I laughed out loud, I hid my face in my shirt, I thought about male loneliness. Overall I really enjoyed this film and also enjoyed the nachos I ate while watching it.
A good experience at the social security office - This is a PSA more than anything: if you are a naturalized US citizen, there is a good chance your SSN does not reflect your immigration status change. I’ve been a citizen since 2016, yet my SSN still showed me as a green card holder. Given the current political climate I wouldn’t leave anything up to chance and would highly encourage anyone in this position to get an appointment with their local Social Security Office ASAP. I dreaded making the appointment, thinking it would be as painful as going to the DMV but I have to give these people props: they run a tight ship. Though getting an actual appointment was a little hard initially (they will tell you that you can schedule online: you can’t) once I actually got to the office they had me in and out in 10 minutes. Do not put this sort of task off!
May 2025 Empties
Inn Beauty Project Mineral Sun Glow SPF - I have shouted this product out before and I will continue to sing its praises. This is an amazing mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast and doesn’t sting my sensitive little eyes. It’s not super expensive so you literally have no excuse not to buy this if you’re looking for a facial sunscreen. Protect your face this summer (and every day of the year).
Clinique Take The Day Off™ Cleansing Balm - This is one of the OG cleansing balms and a product I go back to time and time again for removing makeup. Though in general I tend to prefer a cleansing oil, this balm is especially great for travel because it won’t spill and a little bit of this balm warmed up in your hands goes a very long way. Sometimes a product is a classic for a reason and that’s definitely the case here.
Prequel Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum - I loved using this product by layering it on a hydrating essence or toner and following it up with a moisturizer to get a nice hydrated juicy glow going. This formula does not feel super complex but I would say that’s actually a good thing when it comes to hydrating serums. I really enjoyed using it and was planning a purchasing a backup but the brand was actually kind enough to gift me a new bottle which I’ll be digging into shortly!
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Hope June is an even better month! Keep being the rockstar you are :)