What I Loved in May
The New House
Some family friends accurately described our house as having a retreat feel. It’s spot on. While it cuts my commute in half, I believe the real reason I feel so much more relaxed is because it’s so peaceful here. We have a lot of trees, the garden is beautiful (the old owners did a fantastic job with it!), and it feels so homey.
Deciding to Remain at My Current School
I felt super stressed trying to find work closer to home. I know it’ll be good for me, but at this time my heart is with the kids at my current workplace. There’s a high teacher turnover rate, and the kids need the stability of knowing their teacher will be here next year. (I’m working in a low-income area that doesn’t have the best reputation. The kids constantly tell me to get out of here, and people cringe when they hear where I work.)
My Seniors Graduated
The feels.
Writing
Outside of the new house, this really saved me this month. I love creative writing; it was my whole childhood back when technology wasn’t as big as it is today and my brother and I had to find our own means of entertainment. (Books were my other go-to, but it wasn’t something we did together.)
Writing fell on the wayside when I started graduate school last year and then again this year with my outrageously long commute. I did start planning a novel during this commute, but I finally started writing it after the move. It’s helped that my family has been so gracious about giving me space and time to write and understanding that I won’t always be able to spend time with them. Plus, the new house came with a little office that’s become my writing space.
What I Learned in May
Listen in the Quiet
This year, so many people told me I needed to change workplaces, even change careers, because of the toll my commute and my job was taking on my health. Listening to all these voices, I felt trapped, and it made me even more desirous of finding a new workplace, if only to have it all settled.
After moving and having one less stressor, I learned to recognize that I needed to make this decision myself, stop listening to all the other voices, and start listening to where I need to be. That’s how I came to peace with my current work situation. I know it won’t be forever; my work place is still close to an hour away, but this is the right place for me in this season of life.
Wait
As much as I want to have an answer right away, sometimes it takes time for the answer to reveal itself. I’ve learned to be patient and let things run their course.
Do What You Love
As I mentioned earlier, writing has been really good for me. While it can be a headache to plan things out, it’s a wonderful creative outlet and a large part of who I am. I’ve enjoyed coming home to writing, and I’ll enjoy pouring more into it during summer vacation.
Books I Read in May
Links go to my review of the book or, if I have yet to review it, the Goodreads page.
- The Unicorn Anthology, edited by Peter S. Beagle // 1 star
- Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life by Terry Brooks // 5 stars
- The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2) by R.F. Kuang // 4 stars
- Alex Rider: Secret Weapon by Anthony Horowitz // 3 stars
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King // 5 stars
- Assassin’s Quest (Farseer Trilogy #2) by Robin Hobb // 5 stars
- The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black // 5 stars
- Fake It Till You Break It by Jenn P. Nguyen // 2 stars
- The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg // 2 stars
What I Watched
With the move, this was a sparse month for television and films.
- Bosch season 1 // I like how the episodes work together to tell a larger story; it was interesting to watch something outside of my normal preferences, but enough for me to continue with season 2
- John Wick // watched this mostly because my bro likes it; I like how the actors have clearly rehearsed the action scenes, but I prefer films with stronger storytelling
- Detective Pikachu // a bit weirded out by how some of the Pokรฉmon look in live action; but a cute story with a sweet ending
- Aquaman // finally watched this. The visuals are stunning, but it packed too much into one movie. I wish they had a separate origin story for when he discovers his abilities and separate movies for the two villains (Black Manta and Orm).
Things I’m Looking Forward to in June
- Summer vacation!
- Which means more reading and writing time ๐
- Morning walks with the puppy
Blog Posts
May was another sparse month for posts. This time because of moving craziness and because I’m trying to find a balance for reading, blogging, and writing.
Blog Posts
- Fairytale Reviews: Ogre Enchanted // A Curse So Dark and Lonely
- Teenage Spy Survival Guide: Based on Alex Rider: Secret Weapon
- MG Fantasy Reviews: Spark // Briar and Rose and Jack
Random Silliness
P.S. Camp NanoWriMo July Anyone?
I participated in Camp NanoWriMo in July last year and am looking to build a cabin again.
Mostly, I’m interested in holding each other accountable to daily goals and chatting about books. Maybe talk a little about writing (like sharing helpful books or what to do when hit with writer’s block).
I’m not looking to chat about my work or share excerpts. Talking about my work in the drafting process hasn’t worked for me in the past. It’s too tempting to start revisions or scrap everything when I need to be moving forward.
If you’d be interested in creating a cabin with me, please send me an email (see mail button in the top right corner)!
Danielle Hammelef says
I’m so happy for you–new home, closer to work, a cute pup, and a life attitude that is admirable. Happy summer vacation!
Crystal says
Thanks so much, Danielle. I hope you have a wonderful summer as well! ๐
Sophia Rose says
Glad you found peace and feel good about your decisions for the immediate future with teaching and writing. Writing is a de-stresser for me, too.
Nice stack of books you read and what a cute puppy! ๐
Have a good June, Crystal!
Crystal says
Thanks, Sophia! I hope you have a wonderful June as well.
My puppy is really sweet. I love her ๐
ShootingStarsMag says
I hope you have a lot more reading and writing time this month. I definitely need to get back into my own novel writing. Yay for a new house, and a slightly closer commute. And I think it’s nice you are sticking with the kids you have at your current place, but in the end, it’s definitely about listening to your own voice/heart and figuring out what you want.
-Lauren
Crystal says
Thanks so much, Lauren.
I hope your novel writing goes well ๐
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
Aww, your puppy is so cute! Iโm glad youโre finding peace with work and the new house. Have a great June!
Crystal says
Thanks so much, AJ. I hope you have a wonderful June as well!
Aleen @ Lampshade Reader says
Congrats on settling in the new house. Also glad that you find solace in writing. I used to be able to do that, but it’s been so long that I just don’t do it anymore.
My go to happy place is reading and playing video games. ๐
Puppy is adorable!
Crystal says
Thanks, Aleen. I had a rough time when first started writing again, and I still have my moments. I hadn’t realized how rusty I’d become!
I enjoy your blog posts on what you’ve read. It’d be fun to hear about the video games you play sometime. I spent a good bit of time this year with my school’s gaming club.
Love my puppy! She makes life so much better ๐
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
Glad you are settling in and enjoying your garden. I love the photo!
Crystal says
Thanks, Kimberly. I’ll share more photos once I get the chance to take my camera outside!