Knock on Wood: May Favorites

These monthly favorite posts are quickly becoming something I look forward to. This month there was lots going on. I tried to keep it short, but I don't think I succeeded. There were so many great sharable things that I just couldn't leave out! However, if you only read one thing from this list, make it this post from Love the Here and Now: The Cardinal Rule of Blogging.

Things I Accomplished

+ I made it through my term papers and finals, and passed my classes this past session. These classes were rough, but they definitely inspired some new ways of thinking. I've already start sharing some of my thoughts about the topics we discussed in these classes (with this post), and I've got a few more in mind to share.

+ In other school news, I've decided to take the summer off. Two reasons: I need a break and there isn't anything offered that I need.

+ One blog design installed, one in the making, and one waiting in the queue. My summer is open! Get yourself in line! Knock on Wood Designs.

+ I watched the entire series of Downton Abbey... twice. Because I love it. I also watched Fortitude, Mr. Selfridge, and am now in season 2 of Vikings. I'm totally counting this as an accomplishment.

Blog Posts

+ You're Life's Story - Ember Grey

Be the heroine/hero of your own life.

+ How to Let Go of Guilt - One Salty Kiss

No. It's not easy. But it's still possible.

+ Shiny Object Syndrome - Love the Here and Now

The struggle is real, folks. REAL.

+ On Having Depression AND Being a Mom - A Hundred Tiny Wishes

I can relate. I have depression. I'm not a mom, but I want to be. One of my biggest fears is that I won't be able to mentally and emotionally handle being a parent due to my depression and anxiety.

+ 10 Life Hacks - Christine Everyday

Cause we all can use life hacks.

+ Cleaning Schedule for Busy People - All the Joys

I need to do this. You probably do too. amiright?

Blog Related Things

+ Lifestyle Blogger's Guide to the Perfect Insta Shot - Hey Kerri Blog

+ How to Support Your Favorite Bloggers - Classy, Sassy, & A Bit Smartassy

+ How to Pick the Perfect Name for Your Blog - Christine Everyday

+ A Look Inside a a Wordpress Post - Love the Here and Now

Things Found on Facebook

+ So far the only reports of craziness I've seen in the Target bathrooms (or any public bathroom for that matter) have been "normal" and "straight" women acting a fool and making others in the bathroom uncomfortable with their phobic attitudes. Like this story of a women who was peeped on by another woman while she was mid pee. And this story of a women who was accused of being Transgender even though she clearly is not, but even if she were, it shouldn't matter.

+ I saw this article and laughed so hard. Marriage isn't always easy, and you don't always like each other every second of every day. So, the statements about marriage in the article ring true for a lot of people whether you care to admit it or not.

+ I probably could have written this post myself. Even though we've just announced publicly that we are in the process of trying to have a baby, and that I am struggling with infertility, doesn't mean our families and the close friends we have told haven't been guilty of any of the things the author talks about. With about 1.5 million women in the U.S. suffering from infertility, odds are that you know someone who is or has been a warrior in that battle. So, read the article, and don't be that person.

+ Children these days are getting shafted on life experience by helicopter parenting fueled by guilt trips from fear mongers and participation trophies. There I said it. I know I don't have any children (yet), but that doesn't mean I don't get an opinion on how I'd like to raise my child when I have one. This post articulates my feelings exactly (only I was born in the mid 80s and can still remember trick or treating by myself at age 7).