It’s Survivor day, so I and squishing this in while making dinner!
The Husband and I have been waiting for this all damn winter. We love having something to look forward to watching together midweek… and now we have pickleball, too!
Our league is Tuesday nights, and we are having an absolute blast.
I’m so glad we made a goal to do something active together this year. When you’re in a 31-year relationship, it’s easy to fall into ruts, doing the same things over and over. For us, that usually means movie watching or going out to dinner, and that’s pretty much it. Now we have an active date on the calendar every week for the next month or so, and it’s great.
I snapped a selfie of us yesterday before we got started.
Speaking of goals… it’s been two weeks since I revisited them, so I’m doing a goal check because I need to refocus. Work has been kicking my ass lately.
2026 Goal Tracking
Cooking/Food
#SaladTime
Goal: Once a Week ❌
I wish I had more energy for these, but while I’m actively teaching seven classes, it’s just too much. The last one I did was February 16:
I’m up to 41 #SaladTime videos! You can see them all here in a YouTube playlist.
I may need to let this goal go for now and pick it back up when classes end. We’ll see. Sometimes I get a burst of energy or a really fun idea I want to share, but otherwise the goal feels forced right now, so this is on pause for the time being.
HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean I want to let up on eating more greens. So, if I find myself slipping, I may sneak in a video to motivate myself.
Weekly Soup
Goal: Once a Week ✅
I’ve actually kept this up! If you count chili as soup, which I am going to do because I added homemade stock.
This may be the best chili I’ve ever made. I roasted four poblanos, two bell peppers, and three jalapeños, and they added incredible flavor. Not to mention, there are two pints of mushrooms and two cans of kidney beans in there. I’ve been eating it all week, and it’s delicious.
Last week, I made butternut squash soup with quinoa and white beans. Making a soup (or I guess stew) each week is one of the best things I’m doing for myself. It gives me lunch all week, and I get to share some with friends and family, which I enjoy.
Sourdough
Goal: Once a Week ✅
Surprisingly, I’ve been hitting this goal!
Last week I made this beauty that I’m still enjoying.
And this week… my first-ever loaf of deli rye!
Mom requested it, so I gave it a try and, OMG, I am in love.
Homemade Pasta
Goal: Once a Month
- January 1/9 ✅
- February 2/15 ✅
I made homemade vermicelli last Sunday for our chicken parm day.
I’m also considering making homemade linguini for Sunday dinner this week. Ry requested shrimp scampi pasta, and I think it would be fun to make it completely from scratch.
Evan in the Kitchen
Goal: Once a Week ❌
He helps in so many other ways around the house, but I simply do not have the energy at the end of the day to wrangle him into the kitchen with me.
Writing about it is reminding me that I need a new plan of attack. Maybe Saturday lunch cooking sessions? My gears are turning now. 🙂
Fitness/Weightlifting
Olympic Lifting Training
Training is going well! I’m progressing in my lifts and have reduced my lower back pain significantly over the last few weeks.
I’ll be traveling to Columbus next week for the Arnold. I don’t feel ready, but I’m going to go, do my best, and have fun.
Honestly, I need a little break from my routine right now too. I think it will do me good.
Handstands/Pull Ups/Jump Rope
These are all at the bottom of my list. Once this competition is behind me, I’m going to refocus on these goals.
Daily Walks
Hit or miss lately, but the weather is finally cooperating and we’ve been getting back out there.
Hikes
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/3, 1/15, 1/23 ✅
- February
This month has been a bust so far. The cold, snow, and ice have kept me off the trails. 🙁
Hot Yoga
- Goal: Twice a month
- January 1/4, 1/11, 1/18 ✅
- February 2/1
Hoping to get there this Sunday to reach this goal!
Pickleball
We are three weeks into the league and getting better every week. I can totally see us sticking with this.
Creative/Other Pursuits
Music
I haven’t let more than one day go by without guitar practice, even if it’s only five minutes, and I’m really starting to enjoy it!
I’m not joining a band anytime soon, but playing is actually relaxing now.
Painting
I’ve been slacking here. I just haven’t been motivated to pull the paints out lately.
Acting Class/Drum Lessons
No progress — yet! I researched both and have very loose plans for this summer.
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, 2/21
So far so good! I’m done drinking for this month.
Looking Ahead
I am going to keep treading water and reminding myself that this too shall pass… all I can do is what I can, when I can!
It’s amazing how just reminding myself of that makes everything feel a little more doable.
One reply on “ Surviving! (y02w09)”
Great idea to roast the peppers. I am going to try that.