Frustrated but Optimistic (y02W04)

It has been a week!

Work is in full gear as I get ready for the start of the Spring semester, while I help my Winter session students wrap up their quick semester.

They are calling for a massive snowstorm this weekend, so the first day, if not the first week of classes, is going to be interesting, to say the least.

The title of my post refers to my frustration with my weightlifting training. Actually, it’s more about my body than my training.

My hips are a disaster right now. I’m catching cleans in a twisted position, and it’s causing pain in my lower back on the left side. I’ve been working with my coach on it for a few weeks, but it’s been persistent. Oddly, it’s also inconsistent.

It’s frustrating because I feel amazing otherwise, and I really want to push the weight a little.

This weekend I was supposed to compete in the Baltimore Open, but they postponed it due to the incoming storm. So, I’m optimistic because I have two more weeks to work on this issue.

Let’s get into these goals because, honestly, the week is a blur, and this will help.

2026 Goal Tracking

Cooking/Food

#SaladTime

Goal: Once a Week ✅ 

I snuck one in today!

• Slipped with the oregano, still a good #saladtime!

I did eat a salad nearly every day, but I just didn’t have time to record the crazy concoctions I came up with.

One day, I just enjoyed spring greens, chicken, kiwi, spicy cheese, and balsamic. It was delicious!

I’m so proud of my for upping my greens (an overall veg) consumption. The #SaladTime videos definitely helped me start the habit, but I’m pretty much on autopilot now.

Weekly Soup

Goal: Once a Week ✅

This week’s soup was another complete experiment, and I’m happy to say it worked out… again!

I’m calling it Three Bean and Quinoa with Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Green Chilies.

I used black, kidney, and pinto beans, plus a can of fire-roasted tomatoes and a can of green chilies. A dash of cumin, a diced aging red bell pepper, and a couple of onions for flavoring. Oh! Plus a dash or two of Chipotle hit sauce.

It’s been my lunch all week, and I gave some to friends.

Sourdough

Goal: Once a Week ✅

Again, snuck this in today, but I made the dough on Monday.

I was inspired to try a higher-hydration loaf after my Ciabatta success last week, and it totally worked out!

Homemade Pasta

Goal: Once a Month ✅

• January 1/9

I already hit this goal this month. However, I was considering making homemade spaghetti on Sunday because Ry made chicken parmesan, but I just didn’t have it in me. We went with store-bought linguine.

I should have taken a photo of the chicken parm because it was perfect. He’s getting really good at making it!

Evan in the Kitchen

Goal: Once a Week ✅

Snuck this in today too! I had him help me try to recreate hibachi fried rice, and we were pretty successful!

Fitness/Weightlifting

Oly Training

See above. I haven’t been progressing, just trying to solve this hop issue I’m having. 🙁

Handstand Progress

I got up there a few times. No crazy progress, but I am feeling more stable!

Pull Ups

Again, no progress… BUT I asked my coach if he would put a little program together for me. I hope to start something formal in the next few weeks.

Jump Rope

I was able to get some jump roping in this week! I did 4 rounds of 250 single unders and raced my coach in the last round. I won! lol

Daily Walks

Walked every day this week! I need to head out after I post this. It’s a cold one, too, so I’ll be bundling up.

Hikes

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/3, 1/15 ✅

It was frigid, but I got out there!

Marsh appreciated it.

Hot Yoga

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18  ✅ 

I can’t lie… I’m a little addicted to Sunday mornings. I just feel SO good afterwards.

Pickleball

Waiting for our league to start on February 10!

Creative/Other Pursuits

Music

Okay, this whole idea I had last week to minimally play the chord switching came on the phone app I have is a game-changer!

I played every day this week, and more often than not, I ended up practicing longer than I expected. Here are my high scores so far.

• 1/12 – 28
• 1/13 – 32
• 1/14 – 29
• 1/15 – 38
• 1/16 – 32
• 1/17 – 38
• 1/18 – 38
• 1/19 – 41 PR!
• 1/20 – 29

I usually play right before bed, so I don’t have a score for today yet. But I’m already looking forward to seeing if I can beat my current best!

Painting

I got one session this week and just painted a fun abstract.

It’s such a fun way to shut my brain up and just be. 🙂

Acting Class

I looked at the offerings. There’s one that starts in March, but I’m not sure it’s the best time period while I’m actively teaching.

Spanish

I ordered a Spanish workbook that came with a series of YouTube classes. I’m hoping to set some time away this weekend to dive in.

Alcohol Reduction

• Goal: No more than two days of drinking a month.
  • January 1/1

Looking Ahead

I’m proud of myself this week. Despite a lot going on at work and this stupid back pain, I’m still making time for the things that bring me joy.

Hope you are well!