Thursday, December 31, 2015

How To Start The New Year

My best advice on how to start off the new year on a good note....finish the previous year on a great note! 

Today, December 31, 2015 went something like this:

I slept in late - relaxing! 
(Snuggled in bed with Captain)

I took Captain for a 30 minute adventure walk -refreshing!
(Walk with Captain)

I did a 30 minute Fitness Blender workout (day 22 of my 8 week program) - accomplished

I took Captain for a 6km jog - energized!
(Had to get bundled up for my jog in -1°C weather)

I did another 25 minute Fitness Blender workout -workout complete!

I had a long hot shower - perfection!

...and now just waiting to officially ring in the new year!

Happy New Year!
-Linds

Saturday, December 26, 2015

How To Survive The Holidays!

Regardless of all the shopping hoopla, the family chaos, and social obligations, as long as you take a moment to spend some time during the holidays with those that are most important to you, I promise you will survive! 
(Mark, Captain & myself just hanging out!)
A simple moment like this with my hubby and my pup is all it takes for me to be able to survive all the other craziness during the holiday festivities (which really are not my favorite). 

Oh, plus, it never hurts to sneak in a workout or two to keep those endorphins pumping! 
(Captain trying to join me for a workout)
What gets you through the Christmas season? 
-Linds

Friday, December 25, 2015

Thursday, December 24, 2015

How Did I Do? 2015 Resolutions

So people, are you as eager as I am to find out how I did on my 2015 resolutions

Here we go:

Stop Biting Nails
Nope, not even close. I maybe did well for a week or two at a time, but regardless, I still have the ugly short, yucky nails. Maybe 2016? 

Workout On My Days Off
I'm saying CHECK! to this one. I may not workout on my days off exactly , but my workout regime improved immensely. I started off the year a bit rocky, but found Fitness Blender in March and was working out about 3 times per week. By late May, early June, I was using Fitness Blender 3-5 times per week. Sadly at the end of June I broke my foot and re-broke it again right before August long weekend so those injuries totally limited my workout ability/consistency. However, since late September I have been working out minimum 5 times per week, and am showing no signs of slowing down! 

Spend Minimum 1hr Outdoors Everyday 
CHECK! As I expected this one was pretty easy. Walking the dog, going for runs, playing at the dog park, lounging at the field, etc. were all activities I usually do anyway so I just extended my times slightly longer. Sure there were the odd days where I didn't quite succeed, but overall,  the year as a whole, I did really well! 

Pay Off Debt
Semi-check! The student loan (almost $25,000.00 including interest) is completely paid off, and the credit card is completely paid off, however I hate admitting that we still have about $8000 on the Line of Credit to pay off (we had a couple small set backs this year that slowed the process - car repairs, pet expenses, car insurance due all at the same time, trip to Alberta, trip to Sechelt, etc.)

Knit 
Major fail! I didn't even try....enough said. 

Blog (Read, Write, Photography)
CHECK! I have kept the blogging up all year (with only a couple weekly hiatus'), I read almost 1 book per month this year (I was reading tons when I was working nights, but not as much lately), and I do my best to take tons of pics to help improve my blog posts. I am still hoping to get a laptop and a camera (or better cellphone camera) sometime in 2016 so hopefully that will continue to inspire my slightly creative side, and keep up with all three of these things! 

Eat Out Less 
CHECK! We spent approximately $1500 less on eating out this year compared to 2014. I know that really only averages out to about $125 per month of savings, but I'm happy with our progress and I have even higher hopes for 2016.

Coach Volleyball
Unfortunately this did not happen. I was offered the opportunity to coach back in spring-ish time which I was thrilled about, but due to lack of sleep, my crummy night schedule, and my nervousness about being a head coach instead of starting off just helping out, I passed on the opportunity and am still regretting it. Hopefully another opportunity will come in 2016 and I will have the guts to say yes!

Stop Swearing
Better but still not great. 

Overall I am most pleased with my fitness progress and debt repayment for 2015! How did your 2015 resolutions turnout? 
-Linds 

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Sunday Fashion Fun-Day: Workout Edition

Not much of a fashion post today simply because, as of late, I've been wearing nothing but scrubs at work and workout clothes at home, but I thought I'd share anyway!

You'd think I'd have some cozy, winterwonderland look that I've been rocking lately, but I haven't been out socially much this month, so there hasn't been much opportunity to get bundled up. 

Anyway, as far as the "fashion" is concerned, here are some examples of the workout outfits I've been living in:


(August 7, November 16, November 21, & December 9, 2015)

(October 30, November 24, November 25, & December 8, 2015) 

I wear a variety of brands (a lot of my finds are sale items at Winners) but I definitely feel that some are way more comfortable than others depending on the particular activity I'm doing. 

I'd also like to take a moment to relish in the fact that this post also kind of serves as a fitness progress update!  At the end of June 2015 I broke my foot, and then broke it again July 31, 2015. I wasn't allowed to get active again until September 25, 2015, and now here I am, two and a half months of hard work after recovering from a broken foot, and I am really starting to love and appreciate what my body is capable of. 

What's your go-to attire these days?
-Linds 

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Snowfall is Upon Us

Yesterday we had the first snowfall of the season. It didn't last very long but it was still totally worth going out in! 

Mr. Capt'n was very confused, yet quite intrigued (which is a little surprising considering he is 1/4 desert dog -Rhodesian ridgeback). I thought he was going to be cowering in fear the moment I took him out but he didn't seem to mind the cold one bit (he's boxer and ridgeback so both breeds give him a very short coat). He was happy to run, and jump, and chase sticks as if it were any other beautiful sunny day! I, on the other hand, was bundled tight in lots of layers: a scarf, gloves, and toque, plus many many sweaters! 

(Captain playing in the first snowfall of the season) 

How do you and your pets handle the cold? 
-Linds 


Grateful!

My women's 6s Volleyball League (the one I took over running this year) wrapped up last week and I couldn't have been more thrilled to hear all the positive feedback! It was intimidating to take on a new project but it was totally worth it to give everyone a chance to play, and everyone seemed more than happy with the flow of the season.
(Me making sure the schedule is running on time)

It also didn't hurt that my own team ended up coming in 1st place! 
(1st place winners: It's Big)
From left to right: Vanessa, me, Sarah, Barb, Jill, & Tanis)

We had a record of over 20 games won and only 1 loss! The ladies played amazing all season long, and better than that, we all had just a good fun time hanging out together every week! We had a bit of a scramble getting our full team together last minute, but I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to end up with! :) 

I can hardly wait for the new year when we start up again!
-Linds

Thursday, December 17, 2015

My First...

First kiss...

First love...nope, those are all waaay to obvious. ;)

Today I'm talking about how I purchased and tried my first protein powder. I decided to go with Vega based on the review from Samsamcherie's blog as well as from recommendations from my #FBfamily. I chose the all-in-one nutritional option, vanilla flavored. 

The more I've been working out, the more I've also become aware of my nutritional health, or lack thereof. Sure, I've impoved my portion awareness and I've also cut out a lot of processed foods, but I still haven't been getting my full fledged well rounded intake. By adding this protein powder to my daily consumption I'm finally getting my body the nutrients it's been craving for so long. 
(Vega One Nutritional Shake - please excuse my post workout sweaty face/hair) 
After my first taste here is the verdict:
I don't love it yet, but I definitely don't hate it either! I don't love the slight "chalky" texture (according to the hubby that's normal) , but the flavor is good so I think the texture will be well disguised if I blend it up in a smoothie, instead of just shaken with water. 

Do you have a favorite protein powder? 
-Linds. 

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Work Days

Like most average human beings, some days I looooove my job, while other days it irritates me to no end. Today, I spent about 6 out of 8hrs of my shift in the OR (pacemakers,  urology, & ortho repairs).

Today, I love my job! 
(Me in the OR at work)

What do you enjoy about your work days?
-Linds

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Sunshine Coast!

Two weekends ago the hubby and I visited the Sunshine Coast, B.C. We rented a house through VRBO and stayed about half way between Sechelt and Halfmoon Bay. We went along with two other couples-it's kind of becoming tradition that the six of us all go away together. Last year we did Tofino, this year Sechelt, and next year who knows. We also aim to do it around November 30 (our anniversary) as a little mini getaway! 

Friday Dec 4/15:
-hit the road at 7am
-caught the 920am ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale
-arrived at the house around 1130am (after stopping for snacks and booze, of course) 
-settled in
-enjoyed the view 
-ate out dinner at Smittys (an oyster bar)
-played endless boardgames 
-soaked in the hot tub 
(Travelling)
(The view)
(Settlers of Catan, small town city lights, a little too relaxed, oysters from Smittys) 

Saturday Dec 5/15:
-woke up early and did two FB workouts with a stormy but breathtaking view
-ate a hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and mimosas
-did a mucky hike down to the beach 
-checked out the itty bitty Halfmoon Bay 
-made pasta dinner with salad and garlic bread
-endless board games again 
(Workout and hearty breakfast)
(Hike to the beach)
(Halfmoon Bay)
(Zombies boardgames,  and pasta dinner)

Sunday Dec 6/15:
-ate another hearty breakfast 
-packed up our things
-hit the road at 1030 am
-caught the 1120am ferry from Langdale to Horseshoe Bay
-made it home by 230pm
(Heading home)
The Sunshine Coast is an absolutely beautiful place! I can't wait to check it out maybe in the summer time! Have you traveled to any new destinations lately, near or far?
-Linds

Monday, December 14, 2015

Cup-K Volleyball Tourney

From left to right: Brendan, Sarah, Tyler, Me, Steve, & Mark 

Three weekends ago the hubby and I put a team together and entered the Cup-K Volleyball Tournament. It was hosted by Karl, who was organizing it as his 2nd fundraiser for the Phillipines national volleyball team. 

Our team ended up coming in 1st place in the B Pool (three pools total) so we were super pleased! 


1st place in B pool

Unfortunately I didn't grab the name of the guy who was going around taking photos, but he managed to do a great job and captured these for our team:







I can never get enough volleyball, plus supporting a good cause, doesn't get much better than that! 
(Mark & I)
Have you supported any good causes lately?
-Linds

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Book #8 completed in 2015: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen. This is the 12th book by Sarah Dessen I have read to date! Needless to say, I can't get enough of her writing! 



Summary:
This novel is about a teenage girl feeling lost in the shadow of her older, reckless brother. After her brother, Peyton, is sent to jail, Sydney decides to switch schools and is left to her own devices to rediscover herself. She makes new friends (Layla and Mac), finds new interests, and slowly discovers what it's like to finally be seen. 

Review:
10 out of 10! Sure, I'm probably a little biased because I've loved so many of her novels before,  but this one, I think, takes the cake! The internal emotional/mental battles that Dessen describes are so well thought out that you can't help but relate to some degree. She describes so well, how we struggle due to others' choices and how we have to find our own voice in all matters, of the heart, or otherwise. 

Quotable Moments:
"My brother stood up. Beside me, my mom tensed, sucking in a breath. Like the way they tell you to inhale before an X-ray so they can see more, get it all." pg. 1

"-and we'd all go back down the rabbit hole of charges, lawyers, court, and sentences." pg. 10-11

"If I hated the crowds but also my own company, where did that leave me? It was the saddest I'd felt in a long time." pg. 26

"I'd done the right thing. I always did. It just would have been nice if someone had noticed." pg. 61

"With shame, like horseshoes, proximity counts." pg. 76

"I met her eyes, saying nothing but wishing she would. That somehow, in the midst of all her grief and distraction, she might be able to finally see me, if not hear the words I couldn't speak aloud." pg. 93

"'He doesn't notice much of anything when it comes to me.'
I'd never though this before, actually, but as soon as I said it, I realized it was true." pg. 107

"Finally, I was alone, just like I'd wanted. It felt so awful. Like it was just what I deserved." pg. 160

"There's no shame in trying to make stuff work, is how I see it. It's better than just accepting the broken." pg. 244

"I would have loved to know how it felt, just once, to have something fall apart and see options instead of endings." pg. 244-245

"You know, to be acknowledged without feeling targeted." pg. 248

"It's something about seeing all these people in their separate places. Like little snapshots of the whole world as it's happening, simultaneously." pg. 250

"No longer if, just when." pg. 254

"Again, I was surprised. How much else did we see differently?" pg. 260

"There, in the woods, on a late fall Thursday afternoon, it was perfect." pg. 293

"Again, she'd hit it dead-on. How the guilt felt so heavy on me, like ten of those drapes they put on you at the dentist before they take X-rays." pg. 300

"Relationships evolve, just like people do. Just because you know someone doesn't mean you know everything about them." pg. 351

"It was easier to just be mad at my mom; sympathy and empathy are complicated things." pg. 352

"You get used to people being a certain way; you depend on it. And when they surprise you, for better or worse, it can shake you to your core." pg. 407

Another amazing novel by Sarah Dessen.  I hope you take the time to read it!
-Linds 



Monday, December 7, 2015

Super Power

If I could have a super power I would choose time travel. 

Sure, immense strength, invisibility, the ability to fly, x-ray vision, etc. would all be well and dandy, but even still, I would choose time travel. 

I am a person who likes to be prepared...all the time. I know some people say that knowing (good or bad) fills you with anticipation and dread but for me, regardless, NOT knowing is ALWAYS worse! 

Not knowing fills me with a severe intensity that can sometimes be debilitating. I am a worse case scenario thinker so until I know the outcome, my mind is racing unforgivingly!  

However, along with the satisfaction in preparedness that time travel would bring, better yet, I could go back and reminisce and relive all the best, happiest, butterflies-in-my-tummy moments of my life.

What super power would you choose?
-Linds

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Just A Glimpse!

Just a glimpse of my weekend away on the Sunshine Coast, B.C.:

(Car rides, beach life & board games)

More photos/details to come :) 
-Linds

Friday, November 20, 2015

Ladies Night Fashion Show

Yesterday was my beautiful mom's birthday!!

To celebrate we went to Get Dressed (a little boutique my sister, Dianna, used to work at in North Van), where my mom and Dianna got to be part of a mini fashion show.

The store was having a promotional event with various gift bag giveaways (by donation) as well as 20% off the entire store. The event was to support mental illness awareness. 

Surprisingly, even with all our busy schedules, myself, all three of my sisters, my mom, and one of my aunts were all free on the same night and able to go to the event. It was a night filled with gossip, chaos, glamour, accessories, and of course spending some $ on fashion! 

As a present for my mom, we let her pick out a couple items from the store (after the fashion show chaos was over) and we bought them for her. But honestly it was just nice to spend quality time with all the gals. Of course checking out all the name brand fashion doesn't hurt though either!

The store carries some pretty high fashion name brands: Wildfox, Sandwich, James Perse, etc. (all of which are brands I had never heard of until my sister introduced me to them). I did my best to resist all the beautiful, extremely high priced, temptation (I'm on a very strict budget right now) so I only ended up purchasing one item: the red wine/rust color graphic long sleeve t-shirt (see below). Its good hYOUman - $69 (after the 20% discount).

Top: All of us with our goodies, from left to right - Christina, me, Mom, Leigh, Nandi, Dianna
Left: From front to back - Leigh, Nandi, Christina
Right: The store was completely packed!

Top Left: The outfit I chose to wear to the event
Bottom Left: The new "good hYOUman" shirt I bought
Right: From front to back - Me, Leigh, Nandi, Christina

After the long evening of shopping we finally grabbed a bite to eat at the Two Lions pub across the way. Again, it was filled with good food, easy conversation, and lots of laughter! I don't think anyone could have asked for a better way to spend my mom's birthday!

-Linds



Friday, November 13, 2015

Clean Eating & Fitness Blender

I've been active all my life. I was a dancer from ages 5-12, basketball player from ages 10-17, volleyball player from ages 11-26. I've also always loved to run through out these years, it's one of my favorite ways to get some mental clarity. 

Because of all this "active living" though, I have never been much inclined to workout at the gym, lift weights, follow a workout program, or practice anything resembling a diet. This never mattered much when I was young and had a super fast metabolism, but after 2 years of being in post-secondary school and struggling with bad eating/exercising habits all of a sudden I noticed I was sinking.  After another year and a half out of school trying to recover my previous body but finding no success with the limited fitness knowledge I had, I finally turned to Fitness Blender. I know I've mentioned it briefly a few times before so sorry if I sound like a broken record, but it has honestly changed my life so much I can't help but want to keep talking about it! 

Simply put: It's a website with an assortment of free workout videos or workout programs and meal plans that you can purchase. 

The website allows you to select the area of body you want to work on, the amount of time you want to spend, the assortment of equipment (or lack there of) that you have available to use, etc. And, if you download the app, you'll find there is an entire community of support which truly is great for the ego!  

After a couple months of using the free workout videos on top of my usual running and volleyball, although I was seeing progress, I definitely noticed I was starting to slip from day to day. So finally I decided to purchase a workout program. 

Last week I finished FB30 (just the two week trial) and then this week I started FBbooty and FBabs (both four weeks). In six months of working out with Fitness Blender I've only spent $20.00 and I have seen more progress in my body than ever before. Not only have I seen shapely progress but I am now ALWAYS eager to want to workout! As soon as I finish one video, I want to start another one. Everyday I am eager to see what the next day workout is.  

Also, somehow during all of this (I think mostly thanks to the insanely supportive and creative app community) I have also started to get excited about clean eating, or in other words #eatrealfood. I'm buying way more fresh veggies/
produce instead of boxed/packaged basics when I go grocery shopping. I've also learned to do "generic meal prep." I chop up all my veggies ahead of time so when I go to make a meal,  everything is already ready to go. Yes, you lose some nutritional value chopping early, but not more than letting everything go bad instead because you're too lazy to prep when meal time comes. 

Anyway, I know I'm starting to ramble but I really just wanted to stress what a good website this is because of how much it has improved my lifestyle! No matter what your level of fitness (brand new or seasoned veteran) I highly recommend you check it out and I'd love to hear what you think! 

(Post workout photo-so sweaty, #eatrealfood dinner, power walk with the pup) 

How do you feel about fitness? Are you stuck in a rut like I was? 
-Linds 






Saturday, November 7, 2015

Furry Trainer!

My furry trainer, Mr. Capt'n, likes to try to get involved during my workouts. Mark caught him "spotting" me while I was doing my headstand practice today! 


I love this little bugger! 
-Linds 

Friday, November 6, 2015

Steel Panther!

Fun fact about myself: I have only ever attended two concerts in my life time, one of which took place only two weeks ago.

That's right, about ten years ago the guy I was interested in at the time took me to I think it was GM Place (now Rogers Arena) to see....to be honest, I can't even remember the name of the band. I do remember however that we went to Olive Garden for dinner before hand, and he laughed at me for my outfit of jeans, t-shirt, and cardigan, meanwhile he was wearing skin tight leather pants. We had seats way high up and off to the side, could barely see anything, and I basically just stood there while he sung along to pretty much every single song. Needless to say, not the greatest concert going experience, but it also wasn't the worst either. I just knew nothing about the band, so it was kind of tough to get captivated.

Ever since then I've never been much inclined to go to other concerts. It's always seemed like a lot of money for a very loud, crowded, impersonal experience.

Two weeks ago though I had a much more pleasant concert-going experience. Mark's co-workers invited us to the Steel Panther concert at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam. Mark had seen them once previously when they were here in Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics and of course loooooooves their music so at the very least I knew a bit about them as a band. To be honest, I was hesitant about going in the first place (I just wasn't sure it was going to be my thing), and it didn't help that Mark and I happened to get in a fight earlier that morning, but it ended up being a totally fun night!

If you don't know anything about Steel Panther, let me give you a brief rundown. They are a "glam-rock" band, that basically plays up the whole idea of the "rock n roll" lifestyle. Their lyrics are incredibly vulgar and yet incredible hilarious!

I loved that the venue was small (we were standing right on the main floor) because it seemed like a much more intimate/personal experience. And, as much as I hate to admit this, I knew lots of the lyrics to plenty of the songs (thanks to Mark for originally introducing me to them back in 2010) so I was able to sing along and even "bop along" with them and the crowd!

As vulgar and profane as the lyrics are, the band has full entertainment value, especially their lead guitarist, Satchel! They all play up their personas so much and totally feed into and off of the crowd! I would highly recommend going to see them, that is, if you're not easily offended by profane language and topics!

Here are a couple photos from the night (sorry for the poor quality):
(My outfit: Jean's,  grey t-shirt, leather jacket, and I paired it with black leather boots)
STEEL PANTHER
(Mark and I at the Hard Rock Casino watching Steel Panther)

As well as a couple short video clips:

Yes, you heard correctly: "show me your boobies", and "my cock is community property"!

Anyway, after seeing Steel Panther in a small, intimate venue, I am much more inclined to find other local concerts to attend!

What concerts have you seen?
-Linds

P.s.: I just remembered the name of the band I saw first: Velvet Revolver. I think they were popular at the time, I just knew nothing about them. 

Friday, October 30, 2015

Me Being Me Is Exactly As Insane As You Being You

Book #7 completed in 2015 (that's right, I'm only averaging about 3/4 of a book per month...need to step up my game!):

Me Being Me Is Exactly As Insane As You Being You by Todd Hasak-Lowy
"a novel in lists"

Summary:
This novel is about teenage Darren trying to come into his own after dealing with the following life challenges:
-his parents getting a divorce
-his brother, Nate, moving off to college
-trying to get a paid gig in his band
-falling in love
-his dad being gay
-his mom wanting to move away for her career
-"being with a girl" without really being sure as to why.

Review:
I absolutely loved the way this novel was written. I was a little skeptical by the idea of a novel written in only lists, but it was much more fun to read than I anticipated. Some chapters were super short and sweet, and others were complex and thorough. The read was easy, but because of the unique style, I couldn't put this book down. I thought the overall content of the book was on the amateur-ish side, but the writing style brought it to a new level, and really made the characters emotions seem authentic and raw. I would highly recommend this for any high-school student or young adult looking for something a little quirky.

Quotable Moments:
"He's pretty sure he hasn't thought about kissing any guys, but he wouldn't swear on it, because these kinds of thoughts just sort of pop up whether you want them to or not." pg. 2

"...he never really thought much about the cats most of the time, though he did sort of like how Dell used to greet him at the front door whenever he came home." pg. 27

"...I know I barely talk and pretty much act like I'm not even here, but I'm totally here and have a million things to say, and me being me is exactly as insane as you being you." pg. 65

"2. This much (hands held apart at around shoulder width)" pg. 117

"1. Holding hands with her and walking quietly down a tree-lined city street. Preferably in the fall." pg. 133

"Either you're going to jump or you're not. And if you're going to jump, then just jump. Jump and get out of the way, you know? Get out of your own way." pg. 245

"It's one of those morning-dew, forest-after-the-rain scents that he loves for some reason. Dammit." pg. 405

"Life what if you don't have to be alone in your whale? Like what if that's the point? To find the right person to sit there in the whale with you." pg. 415

"4. Get out of the car at the edge of a massive, silent field.
5. Stand under the stars with her.
6. Realize that this planet isn't so bad after all." pg. 646

What do you think of lists?
-Linds



Thursday, October 29, 2015

Headstand Split

Major progress on my headstand:


Committment is key! I wanted to give up so many times when I first started practicing. My head always hurt, my abs were exhausted and my shoulders worn down. Now, instead, I can't wait for the next challenge to try! 

Don't give up!
-Linds

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Running Empty

Way to often I am guilty of letting my fridge run empty for days, sometimes even weeks, at a time. Of course I use the obvious excuses, I'm too busy to cook, too tired to go shopping, etc. etc. But the reality is undeniable. What my fridge looks like on the inside reflects both how I look and feel inside and out. 
(Running on empty)
After going the past few days on frozen meals, left overs, and eating out, I finally mustered up the energy today to do a thorough grocery shop. 

I stocked up on all the fixings and am going to make a full well-rounded meal for the first time in too long. I also went ahead and did a bunch of meal prep as well for the next few days. Nothing too extreme, just some chopping and dividing portions.  

(Stocked up strong)
Its amazing how the way my fridge looks on the inside is going to thoroughly improve my next few days. Being well prepared and properly fueled is the best way to keep me on the right track to stay motivated and energized for whatever the day throws on my plate...pun intended! 

Whats stocked up in your fridge?
-Linds 



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Confidence vs. Arrogance

I am not well educated when it comes to this topic, but that doesn't mean I don't struggle with it all the time.

I want to be someone who exudes confidence. Someone who can walk in to a room and not hesitate because of what people might think about me. Sadly, this is a very rare occasion for me. The closest I get to walking in a room with my head held high is when I go to volleyball, since it's something that is basically a part of me now. However, sometimes I find myself going a little overboard in the volleyball world. My intent is never viscous. I never mean to make others doubt themselves or feel bad about their skill level, I am simply trying to get myself feeling pumped up and confident, but I know for a fact that it has, from time to time, come across as arrogant.

Recently I've noticed that I'm not the only one who falls victim to this over excessive ego boost that can actually end up causing some bruising. The other day I caught my husband being equally as guilty. He made the following comment: "I am on a whole other level compared to him."

Now Mark wasn't saying this within earshot of the person he was talking about, but I couldn't help but think, what if the other guy had heard? I can only assume that it probably would have hurt his feelings. Granted, I know that Mark's sole intention was simply to state that Mark was an excellent player, an ego boost for himself, but heard by the wrong ears at the wrong time, this can easily be interpreted as full blown arrogance.

I'm not sure why all of a sudden this simple comment, something I normally wouldn't have even thought twice about, rubbed me the wrong way on that particular day, especially since it's something I've been guilty of multiple times....maybe I'm maturing?

Regardless of the reason, I felt like I needed to address it within. Sure Mark and I have been playing volleyball for several years, and we've both been complimented dozens of times on our skill/level of play (especially considering neither of played in college or university), but what right does any of that give us to talk like we're better than anyone else. We all started somewhere, we're all just at different parts of our journey.

So I find myself asking, how do I make sure I don't go overboard trying to exude confidence. How do I keep myself from plummeting down that pathway of negativity towards others, in order to build myself up.

How do you keep yourself from tipping past the border of confidence into arrogance?
-Linds

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Staying Motivated

A huge problem I face every day is finding a way to stay motivated. For instance, the other night I was all over the internet looking up places to try out a yoga class. I found a place that offered a session for the following night. I was super pumped, and feeling super motivated that I was going to just dive into something new and fitness related (I'm getting a little nervous about the upcoming holidays and all the binge eating that goes along with them). I had my day all planned: work until 345pm, home by 430pm. A quick walk with the pup, a snuggle with the hubby, and then I'd be off to check out a 645pm yoga class. 

Well, can you guess? I didn't end up going. I got home from work and all motivation from the previous night and even earlier in the day, vanished into thin air. 

I am frequently guilty of this. Plans for exercise, healthy life choices, and then I just do what feels comfy instead. Not to say that lounging around isn't healthy (let's face it, we all need those lazy days once in a while in order to keep our sanity), but I just wish I could be more consistent. I wish I knew why, as soon as I get home, I lose all motivation to want to head out and hit up the gym, or check out a class. Why is it so easy to succumb to staying in instead of just fitting in a quick 30 minute run, or 50 minute class?

Am I the only one that this happens to so frequently? How do you guys stay motivated??

-Linds

Friday, October 16, 2015

MIA...again!

It seems I went kind of MIA again. Hmm...how did that happen?

I haven't posted in about 3 weeks. The last time I went that long without posting was between June and July, shortly after I broke my foot.  Hopefully this doesn't become a regular occurrence, because I have to admit I've really grown fond of blogging. As much as I love all the other things I do in my life, sometimes it's really nice just to sit down and write.

So enough of that mushy stuff, what has kept me MIA the last few weeks you ask? Well here's an update:

Fashion:
Here is my favorite purchase from the summer: 

It's from Aritzia. Super easy to wear, can easily dress it up or down, and I look forward to pairing it with tights and boots in the winter. 

Work:
I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but I took a new temporary position at work so I am no longer doing my terrible night shifts. I now work a mostly day shift schedule, which has been great for my mental health, but honestly not so great for my physical health (I'm not working out nearly as consistently as I was before).

Fitness:
In the last month of being on orders for "no high impact" because of my broken foot, I gained a full 10lbs, yep, you heard me, 10lbs! About three weeks ago I got the okay to start back up with my usual routine, and so far I have shed about 5lbs. I still have another 5lbs to get back to what I was, and another 5lbs after that to get to my target, but honestly it just feels good to be sweating and jumping and running, etc.
(Looking sweaty after a workout)

Outdoors:
Summer is officially over here in Canada, however in the last week we have had a few beautiful sunshiny days so I'm just trying to soak the last little bit of it up by going for as many walks as possible on my days off, and by taking Capt'n out to the dog park.

Pets:
I know I didn't mention this when it first happened because, honestly, I was devastated. But, I think now I am ready to talk about it. Our 6ish year old cat, Bear, has passed away. It was an abrupt and scary situation. He got way to sick way to fast, and sadly, Mark and I made the tough decision to put him down instead of making him suffer. He is forever in our hearts and will be dearly missed. My heart aches for him everyday.

The other pets, Mouse and Capt'n, had a rough time trying to cope for the first few days after Bear passed, but I think it actually ended up bringing the two of them closer, because now from time to time I will find them sleeping side by side or rubbing up against each other - something that would have never happened before.
Oh, also, I think Capt'n is getting bigger.


And finally....
Volleyball:
My co-ed 6s league in Abbotsford started up, and so far we haven't moved up pools yet, but I'm optimistic about our team.
In even bigger news though, I made the brave move of taking over my Womens 6s Volleyball League. It's been a long time since I've been in charge of something (I had to get in touch with all the teams to ensure everyone was still playing, I had to contact a new school and coordinate timing, I had to collect payment and waivers from all players, write up the schedule, make sure we had balls, etc.), but honestly it was so much fun, and the ladies were so appreciative of what I had worked out so it felt great to get some credit for my time and hard work. As intimidating as it was, taking over a project like this really reminded me how much I enjoy being in the gym. I really do think I want to pursue some sort of endeavor where I run a gym/fitness/volleyball facility. Mark came to help me out last night (set up nets, record scores, etc.) and honestly it was a lot of fun to be working on a little project like that together. I'm excited for what the future holds for us!

Well, that's all for today. Just a little update on the life I've been leading lately.
-Linds