Since yesterday’s WIAW was more about what I didn’t manage to do (such as be in a good mood), I’m taking today to focus on my accomplishments. Because even the little victories count.
1. I opened this jar of garlic.
What’s the big deal, you ask? The fact that this sucker has been in my fridge for over a month. I take it out every few days, strain and twist with no luck, get frustrated, throw it back in the fridge, and decide I didn’t really want garlic anyway. But last night? Success. I am woman, hear me roar…after opening stubborn tiny jars of garlic.
2. I followed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson on Twitter.
Deal with it. Okay, so maybe I’m still a little punchy today.
3. I read a book.
And not just any book (I read a lot of those). The best book I’ve read in a long time. As I summarized in my Goodreads review, “If every book I read could be just like this, I would be one very happy (and very disturbed) young lady.”
4. I made a really good stir-fry.
Green beans fresh from my own garden with TSP chunks, soy sauce, garlic, ginger and almonds. Delicious perfection.
5. I ate an entire meal with chopsticks and didn’t spill/drop anything on myself. Or the floor.
(Please reference #4)
6. I finished week 3 of my new training program.
And this is the first week it’s felt like it’s coming together. I actually dropped weight on a lot of exercises this week, which was disheartening at first–but it’s allowed me to pay attention to pacing and doing each move fully, and I’ve definitely felt the difference in how much I can push myself.
I’ll admit week one and two were shaky for me, as I had my doubts about what I was doing/if I was getting anywhere/if this was any different than what I was doing in the gym anyway–but this week? I’ve killed it. And it’s felt so good. And I got a compliment on my biceps from a bicep-endowed dude at the gym. I can totally reach my figure-competitor-body goal. Three more weeks of this program–I can’t wait to see where I am at the end of it!
What big/little things have you accomplished?
Good for you! I’ve never been able to open garlic jars or eat with chopsticks.
Yay
Glad you had that training breakthrough. Most people go through a rough week or two before they really get the hang of it. Please email me any time you’re not sure about something though – I’d rather you tell me and I fix it, then you be unhappy with your program 
Thanks Tara! I’m putting together a week 3 recap email for you–I can’t believe I’m already half way through. Half way through the beginning step, that is
Can you promise me that if you DO compete, you’ll skip the tan, says your anti-cancer friend?
You do realize they all mega-fake tan? No way to get that orange naturally
Haha I bet your stir fry was even more satisfying since it was made with THE garlic
I give you credit, chopsticks are no joke!
Moving was my biggest accomplishment although I am anxiously waiting to get it done so I can accomplish more things! I am excited to see your before and after keep it up!!! Love and shine CourtStar
Well done! I have something called a jar key for the stubborn bottles
I’m so excited for you!!! Way to stick with it and keep making gains. I bet it was all those muscles that forced open that jar.
Way to go on all your victories today, Allie…big or small they all count!! Love the look of that stir fry! My victory for the day: setting out to run 2 miles and ended up doing 4.5…not too shabby
Isn’t it funny how you can go from a super crappy day to a day full of victory?
Random sidenote about The Rock: My BFF in high school took a cardboard cut out of him to Homecoming. Not even kidding.
Y’know all this gym success means you can finally make ridiculous jokes about ‘the gun show.’ Videos please!
I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling mostly better!
Woo I love this post! It made me feel so positive to read
Well done you for all of your accomplishments! I particularly liked the jar opening one 
I now want to read that book and eat that stir fry – delicious! Congrats on the training program progress, I am still amazed at your ability and dedication!
Oh that stir fry looks delicious! I want some right now
Yea!! You opened that garlic!! My grip strength is terrible but I have a little textured circular material to help me with lids/jars … Or I just smash things off of the counters
Jarred garlic is heinous. Throw it away! You seem rad, your tastebuds deserve fresh cloves of garlic. As they are delicious.
Wow, you deserve to be proud. That’s awesome – all of it!
Good luck w/ the rest of training, and happy Friday!
Your meal with green beans from your garden sounds very tasty! I loved reading point 5! Well done! Congrats too on finishing your week of training too!
Yeah!
Jealous about the chopstick thing
I am sooo not that coordinated!