Progress! (y02w06)

Two weeks ago, I mentioned that I was dealing with some hip issues that were starting to get me down. I was trying to be optimistic, but I really haven’t been able to train or lift pain-free for weeks.

I finally saw a physical therapist and spoke with an athletic trainer who lifts at my gym, and I am happy to report that progress has been made!

Apparently, I was catching cleans all twisted, which was putting a lot of stress on my left SI joint. After doing some of the mobility and strengthening exercises I learned today, things started to correct themselves. Today was the first day I lifted 100% pain-free in over a month!

This weekend I’m competing in a local weightlifting meet, and I was kind of dreading it. Now at least I’ll be able to have fun. I don’t think I’ll be pushing the weight too much, but I’m definitely feeling more optimistic.

In other news, this past weekend was my husband’s and my 31st dating anniversary! We celebrated at our favorite little sandwich and wine shop.

I can’t get over the fact that our relationship is a full-grown ass adult. It blows my mind.

Anyway, I’m just popping in to update my goals. So, here goes…

2026 Goal Tracking

Cooking/Food

#SaladTime

Goal: Once a Week ✅ 

Just posted one today and it was delicious!

• A deconstructed fried rice #saladtime

I’m up to 39 #SaladTime videos! I am trying to keep them all in a YouTube playlist so I can keep track.

Weekly Soup

Goal: Once a Week ✅

This week’s soup was beef stew-inspired.

Beef, potatoes, and carrots in a savory broth flavored with tomatoes and rosemary.

Sourdough

Goal: Once a Week ⚠️

Kind of hit this one, but not really. I’m currently fermenting some dough for a loaf I’m baking on Friday.

Homemade Pasta

Goal: Once a Month

• January 1/9 ✅

Not yet this February, but maybe this weekend. 🙂

Evan in the Kitchen

Goal: Once a Week ✅

Finally, success! I had him pick a meal this weekend, and he chose seared tuna. So that’s what we (he) made!

I’m going to try to get him to pick one thing a week to make, but his tastes are so bland. Just look at that plate: plain tuna, plain rice, plain broccoli.

I mean, listen… I’m not complaining. He eats healthy! But boring. lol The kid could literally live off canned chickpeas and avocados and never cook anything. It’s frustrating, but really only because I’m a foodie.

Fitness/Weightlifting

Oly Training

See above. Baltimore Open this weekend! Hopefully, I will be lifting pain-free!

Handstand Progress/Pull Ups/Jump Rope

Nope. Preoccupied with my lifting and physical therapy at the moment.

Daily Walks

I got out there yesterday and plan to go again once I post. Sidewalks are still a mess, but I can manage.

Hikes

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/3, 1/15, 1/23 ✅

Hot Yoga

• Goal: Twice a month
  • January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18  ✅ 
  • February 2/1

Still love it. Especially in this weather!

Pickleball

Waiting for our league to start on February 10!

Creative/Other Pursuits

Music

I have practiced every night again this week! I don’t have time to update my scores, but I PR’d again! I’ll post all the scores next week. I may move them to a Google Sheet so I can see the trends visually.

Painting

I finished my first-ever LEGO set and painted it this week!

Acting Class

No progress!

Spanish

Keeping up with Duolingo… no other progress.

Alcohol Reduction

• Goal: No more than two days of drinking a month.
  • January 1/1, 1/31 ✅
  • February 2/1

Drank two days in a row this past weekend. First was a dinner party, and then some wine to celebrate our anniversary.

Looking Ahead

Honestly, I’m flying by the seat of my pants at the moment. I have two more days of classes, then the weightlifting competition, so I’m a bit preoccupied.

I hope you are having a good week.