I’m popping in real quick because I’m really trying to get back to my scheduled Wednesday post day. The end of the semester has really bogged me down over the last couple of weeks.
That said, IT’S THE LAST WEEK OF CLASSES!!
I’m sorry, did I share that a little too excitedly?
Listen, I love teaching, but man, students are a tough crowd these days. I pour my heart into it, and there are a few who notice, but they are easily outnumbered by apathetic, unengaged, indifferent students who don’t make much of an effort at all.
I refuse to harp on it, so let’s just say I’m looking forward to ending this semester and already planning for my summer and fall courses because if I’m anything, it’s optimistic.
On to the goals, and then off for a walk. 🙂
2026 Goal Tracking
Cooking/Food
#SaladTime
Goal: Once a Week ❌ On Hold Retiring
Revised Goal: 5 Big Salads a Week ✅
Dude. It hasn’t even been a full week, and here’s all the salad I’ve consumed so far.
I am SMASHING this goal, and I feel fantastic. There’s no doubt it’s benefiting my training too. I talked to my trainer yesterday and told him I feel like I’m progressing fast in my current cycle, and he said it has more to do with my recovery and diet than anything else. That made me feel really good.
Weekly Soup/Stew/Prep
Goal: Once a Week ✅
I made the roasted red pepper and sun-dried tomato soup and recorded a quick video for those who wanted the recipe!
Sourdough
Goal: Once a Week ✅
I made another loaf without measuring a damn thing!
These last two loaves have been some of my best.
I knew I would love sourdough for this reason… it’s more of a “feel” thing than a recipe thing, and that’s how I like to cook. I just need to trust myself.
Homemade Pasta
Goal: Once a Month
- January 1/9 ✅
- February 2/15 ✅
- March 3/1 ✅
- April 4/18 ✅
- May
I have to start thinking about what I want to make this month. I’m leaning towards a fun homemade ravioli!
Evan in the Kitchen
Goal: Once a Week ❌ Retired
He didn’t help me much this week, BUT he cooked his own dinner a few times. It may have only been boxed mac & cheese, but hey… progress!
Fitness/Weightlifting
Olympic Lifting Training
I cannot stress how much progress I’m making in my training right now. I’m not testing the full lifts yet, but I’m laying a foundation and have no doubt it will translate. I’m building week after week.
Handstands/Pull Ups/Jump Rope
I have slowly added all of these back into my weekly routine. Updates will come as I progress!
Daily Walks
It’s official. I’m removing this one from the list. I do it so routinely there’s no need for updates. It’s a habit I don’t think I will ever lose.
Hikes
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/3, 1/15, 1/23 ✅
- February ❌
- March 3/21, 3/28 ✅
- April 4/3, 4/12 ✅
- May
Going to try to get out there this weekend!
Hot Yoga
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18 ✅
- February 2/1 ❌
- March 3/1, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29 ✅
- April 4/12, 4/18, 4/25 ✅
- May
I skipped yoga last week for a true recovery day. Planning to go this Saturday.
Pickleball
Same as last week… We got our asses KICKED again! Still had a blast though. One week left in this league, and then we need to figure out what we’re doing because I want to keep playing!
Creative/Other Pursuits
Music
I got back to the guitar this week! I’m going back through a YouTube series I really liked, and I’m starting to research simplified chord options for some of my favorite songs.
A previous student who happened to be a guitar teacher once told me to keep up with it because it’s a great way to unwind, and I finally understand what he meant. It’s really relaxing, even though I’m not very good.
Painting
I painted this while watching Beef on Sunday morning, and it was a glorious way to relax.
Acting Class/Drum Lessons
Still in contact with a local acting coach and hoping to get a class scheduled with two of my friends in the next few weeks!
Drum lessons are next. That’s a summer goal for me. 🙂
Spanish
I have started a notebook and have been spending more time on Spanish, shooting for 15 minutes most days. My goal is to create one video and a new page of vocab in my notebook every session.
Alcohol Reduction
- Goal: No more than two days of drinking a month.
- January 1/1, 1/31 ✅
- February 2/1, 2/21 ✅
- March 3/21 ✅
- April 4/1, 4/2, 4/18 ❌
- May
No drinking yet!
Looking Ahead
As I wrap up the semester, I have a lot of projects and presentations to grade. I’m celebrating the end of the semester with a girls’ weekend up in Wilkes-Barre to see some old friends, and I’m really looking forward to it.
I could use a day or two of just existing.
4 replies on “It’s Almost Over! (y02w19)”
Your salads look so good! Thank you for the inspiration. So happy for you that you are in your last week of classes. You have such a thankless job and I hope you do get some glimmers of appreciation from a few students. I once sent a former English teacher of my child an email when my oldest daughter started college because she mentioned how much this high school teacher prepared her for her college classes. I had never done that before but felt a “nudge” to do it. Eight years later my youngest daughter was in this teacher’s classroom (just for one period to be supervised during testing, not actually taking a class with said teacher) and the teacher commented on my daughter’s last name and asked if she was related to my older daughter. She then pulled out the email (she must have printed it!) and showed her what I had sent in. I had no idea it would mean so much or that she would keep it. Now when my child has a great experience with a teacher I make sure to send in an email showing appreciation, especially when in the upper grades because there is so little positive engagement. I hope your summer and fall semesters go well 🙂
OMG that is an amazing story!
I also save cards and the small trinkets I’ve gotten over the years from students. I know I’ve made a positive impact on many and I need to remember that. I also go out of my way to connect with my son’s teachers every year.
You’re doing great! I love your salads. They all look so good! I hope your break gives you some peace and you come back recharged! My husband plays his guitar almost every night after work. It IS a great mental relief for him. I hope it continues to work for you too. 🙂
That’s my goal! Every evening for guitar. Right now I at about every other day but I never let more than two days go buy without picking it up. That’s my new personal goal.