When you

When you:

challenge me

I rise to the occasion.

hurt me

I shut down.

forgive me

I breathe a sigh of relief.

ignore me

I doubt you.

love me

I feel it.

support me

I embrace it.

cry

I lose control.

hurt

I hurt.

-Linds

Outside My Window

The trees sway in a rhythmic choas. The sun glistens high in the evening spring sky. The light bounces sharp off of the newly acquired, but still not hooked up, gas barbeque. The pollen looks heavy, yet floats swiftly through the breeze. I notice a faint film built up on the sliding screen door. Normally I'd be inclined to go clean it, but today, not even the slightest urge comes over me. I rest quietly on the couch, legs intertwined with my husband. He's focused on the tv, and I find my gaze shifting to his face. He barely flinches, and yet he has so many subtle reactions to every passing moment. Eventually he turns and catches me starring. I don't look away. His lips curve, and his dimple shows deeper than ever. He kisses me through the air and turns back to the tv. This man, he is the best thing about me. 

30 before 30: Get a couples massage

Since I haven't yet turned 30, I decided it's still okay for me to continue with my 30 before 30 endeavor where I left off. And, it turns out, before I ditched the whole blogging thing for the last almost year, I actually did check off one of my items. 

In 2016 while Mark and I were in Mexico for the 2nd time ever, we decided to spoil ourselves with a couples massage from the spa at the resort we stayed at.

IT WAS GLORIOUS! 

I still cannot believe we waited as long as we did to have a couples massage, let alone our first massage ever. It was so calming, relaxing, and therapeutic. 

I thought the nudity, and being touched by a stranger was totally going to erk me, but to be honest I didn't even think about those things. The most displeasing thing about the whole experience was that I was a wee chilly in the room from time to time, but I think that's is just a "me" thing -  I'm always cold. 

Anyway, happy to say I checked off another item from my 30 before 30 list, and can't wait for my next massage. 
-Linds

Charming

This is just one of the many reasons why I love my husband: 

(Mark snuck this on to my grocery list)

For us, it's always been the simple things, the little gestures - they go a long way to maintaining the love, respect, and sillyness in our marriage! 
-Linds

No Marriage Is All Sunshine

"No marriage is all sunshine, but two people can share one umbrella and survive the storms together."

If you don't already know, Mark and I got married November 30, 2013, outdoors in the absolute pouring rain, with nothing but umbrellas to help keep us dry. We had the above quote incorporated into the very minimal wedding decorations we had. 

(Our wedding ceremony at Redwood Park, Surrey - November 30, 2013)

I chose this quote because it is something that I think holds true for us, but I suspect just about every other relationship (marriage, friendship, etc.) as well.

Deciding to spend the rest of your life with someone, you have to expect that you are not going to get along with each other 100% of the time. As individuals, and as couples, we have bad and good days, and sometimes you can even go for a stretch where things just feel a bit off. Also, life's circumstances are so unpredictable and frequently stressful, that it's only natural for it to sometimes feel like you have a dark grey stormy cloud hanging over you. But, what is most important, is that you remember you are both hanging on under that umbrella together. 

Every storm is beautiful in good company...

Happy three year wedding anniversary to my most special man!

-Linds

The Hubby Playing Ball!

Any chance to talk about my hubby and of course I get excited!

So here is, I guess, a semi-romantic, semi-volleyball related post.

I only ever actually remember noticing my now husband, at drop in volleyball mostly because of his serve. He used to do (and sometimes still does) this really silly toe drag as he contacted the ball, and well, it got my attention. 

(You can kind of see the toe drag here)

Mark has not been playing ball for nearly as many years as I have been, but watching the way he plays, you would never know. Mark moves so fast, gets a touch on pretty much every play, can play in basically any position, and is just an overall hard working player. Yes, his technical skills are a little bit lacking (he never had much proper coaching), but what he lacks in proper technique, he makes up for in his passion and commitment for the game. 

It's very important to me that Mark and I share this volleyball passion. I've had previous relationships where the guy had no interest in volleyball, and well to be honest, it just didn't work. They were always mad that I was busy playing, and I was always mad that they never wanted to watch me play. 

With Mark, this anger/resentment doesn't exist. We both love the sport endlessly, and we both love getting to watch the other person play so we both fully understand each others need/love of the game. 

When we first started dating, we were playing probably minimum five times a week together. We've toned it down a bit now, and we also sometimes play separate from the other (we have to have some independence from each other to keep our sanity), but all in all it definitely is a huge foundation for our relationship. 

(This is a photo from one of the first tournaments we played in together - May 2009)

Now don't get me wrong, Mark and I have had our moments where we are pretty hard on each other. We used to be a lot worse, and would bicker on the court like an old married couple (before we were even close to an old married couple), but over the years, we have learned how to handle ourselves a whole lot better. All in all, as long as we focus on the fact that we are team mates (both on and off the court), we can concur anything :)

With all this focus on our relationship being based on volleyball it does sometimes make me worry. I hate saying this out loud, but it makes me cringe to think, what would happen if one, or both, of us could no longer play. Sure we've had our share of bumps and bruises, injured ankles, thumbs, etc, where we've taken a few days off here and there, but we've both always been able to play. Hopefully we will never have to face that, but if we do, would our relationship be the same? 

I don't know if we're unique in the way our relationship is so strongly focused on this one shared passion, or if that's a common thing with other couples (yes, of course we have other shared interests as well), but I am hopeful that because a team sport is our foundations for our relationship, that we will have no problem being each others best team mates for plenty of years to come no matter what the circumstances. 

-Linds

On The Dance Floor

This is me in my element....

(Mark and I at Keith and Jody's Wedding July 23, 2016 at Old Timers Cabin, Edmonton, Alberta)

...dancing on the dance floor! 

-Linds 

5 Thoughts

No matter how my day goes, good or bad, no matter what my schedule is, work or not, here are five thoughts I have every day (in no particular order, or attitude):

I love him.

Finally.

I don't know. 

This is my life.

I can control this.

Some days any of those thoughts can be a negative, and other days there are completely positive. It's funny how routine our lives become, not just down to our schedules, but our personalities/mindset too. 

Slowly I am trying to take more control over my life, more simply, my attitude. I know I cannot control what the future holds for me, nor can I prepare for every possibility, but I know that I am the kind of person who loves a dark and gloomy day, even in the middle of summer. I am the kind of person who loves to watch the twisted fairy tale movies because of the heavy negativity. I am a person who is not always upbeat or social, or outgoing but, I am also a person who gets up early every morning, loves the outdoors and fresh air, loves spontaneity...when it's convenient, and who gives her all no matter the endeavor. 

I am in control of who I am, and some days I am a better person than other days but all in all, I am happy with who I am, mostly because I am loved by those that I love dearly. 

I have too many thoughts running through my head most of the time, so sometimes it helps to slow down and take a good hard look at them. Which are the ones that really matter? Which are the ones that define me? Which are the ones that I want? Which are the ones that I need? 

What are the kind of things that run through your mind?

-Linds

Monthly Mayhem: July 2016

Travel:
-Edmonton, Alberta for Keith's wedding (July 21-24, 2016)

-Whistler for two volleyball tournaments (July 30-31, 2016)

Volleyball:
-SalmonFest grass co-ed R4s volleyball tournament -July 1, 2016

-Subbed for a couple leagues (Beach 4s in POCO, and grass 2s in Vancouver)
-TFC Whistler co-ed grass R2s volleyball tournament - July 30, 2016

-TFC Whistler co-ed grass R4s volleyball tournament - July 31, 2016

Events\Activities:
-Josh & Ashley's wedding - July 2, 2016
-Mark's boss' bday BBQ - July 9, 2016
-Cousins graduation BBQ - July 10, 2016
-Mark's co-worker, Ryan's, bday BBQ - July 16, 2016
-Keith & Jody's wedding - July 23, 2016

-Met up with friends Cory and Kalene (who we met in Mexico), while we were visiting in Edmonton 

Fitness:
-Finished FBabs
-Started FB30 round 2

Food:
-Quinoa/Sweet Potato patties

Ink:
-Still working through the French version of "This Lullaby" by Sarah Dessen (onto Chapter 5)

How did you spend your July?
-Linds

Weekend Refresh

After spending Saturday working, then staying up way to late at a 40th birthday party BBQ, and then running errands all day Sunday to prep for our upcoming trip, as well as checking out some open houses, by Sunday evening we were pooped. But, thankfully we summoned up some energy and headed down the trails across the street from our house.

It was the perfect nature refresh we needed. 

We stopped at a couple benches, looked out to the ocean, sauntered through the trees along the trails and of course held hands tight. 

Even on the busy days life is beautiful!
-Linds

Weekends

Since I work shift work, and Mark works office hours, it's not very often that we get full weekends off together (especially without any pre-scheduled priorities), and sadly it's going to be even less frequent starting next month due to a new position I took at work. 

This weekend however, was one of the few rare occasions where we didn't have any pre-booked plans (ie weddings, volleyball, bbqs, etc.), and we had both Saturday and Sunday off together. 

These pictures and video basically sum up our weekend: 

Coffee, outdoors, puppy...in other words: perfection! 

It's these simple weekends that remind me how in love I am with the life I am lucky enough to have.  Sure, not everything is perfect all the time (life gets busy, expensive, overwhelming), but there's more than enough on any given day to make me happy and really that's all I'll ever need! 

Let yourself fall in love with the life you already have, instead of stressing about the life that it hasn't yet become. 
-Linds 

I Believe

I believe in happiness...

and this is my happiness.

What is your happiness?
-Linds 

Top Gun 2016

Last weekend was Cambie Sports "Top Gun" Mens/Womens 2s outdoor grass volleyball tournament.

I partnered up with my friend Vanessa, and Mark played with his friend Steve.

Vanessa and I registered for the A pool, and after a 2-2 record in the round robin, we got seeded in the AA\A+ pool for the double knockout playoffs.

After winning our first playoff match in 2 sets, we then lost our next one which put us to the back door bracket. We won our first backdoor match, and then lost the match following that, which put us finishing in 3rd place in the AA\A+ pool.

Outdoor volleyball is definitely not my strong suit, but partnering up with Ms. laid back Vanessa was probably the most fun I have had in the 6+ years I've been playing in this tournament! 

Also, since the weather was a bit cooler this year, Mark and I decided to bring along Captain. He literally spent the whole day just chilling at the tent with us (we had him on a long tether). He loved all the people coming to say hey to him, and he was so content to just bask in the sunshine I think he enjoyed the day just as much as we did. 

I can hardly wait for the next tourny! 
-Linds

Going To Bed Alone

Currently my position at work has me working unusually early hours, and therefore I am attempting to fall asleep at night at exceptionally early hours ie. before 9 pm. This is very challenging, especially in the bright sunshine that we've been having lately, but more so because, I miss the company of my husband in bed. Sure once in a while I loooooove having the bed to myself so that I can sprawl out and hog all the covers, but most of the time, I would much prefer the hubby's arms around me.

I don't know about you guys but I thrive on the closeness you get from knowing that no matter how my day goes, I get to fall asleep with my hubby every night. I take comfort in knowing that no matter how independent we are during the days, we always can always come together at night. Sadly though, because of this new shift schedule at work, I feel myself yearning for that closeness. Sure we still sleep in bed together, but he comes to bed much later, usually once I'm already asleep, and so that intimate cuddle time, being nestled tightly in his arms, just doesn't happen.

I know my hubby isn't intentionally neglecting me by not coming to bed with me. It would be silly for him to be going to bed before 9pm when he doesn't need to be up for work until way later than me the following day, but it's hard not to want him to come snuggle with me anyway. But then, the funny thing is, the odd time, when he does come to bed with me, I do notice I have a harder time falling asleep because I feel like we're crammed in the bed together. I don't want to get used to going to bed solo, like I said before, it's a nice treat once in a while, but I don't want to get in the habit of it, because that time together is so important. 

Do you have a preference on going to bed solo or not?
-Linds

5 x Jealousy

I constantly find myself rationally, but also often irrationally, jealous of other people. Here are just five of the reasons why (trust me, there are plenty more):

Bodies
I believe anyone that has a somewhat "fit" body, automatically has a better body than me. I feel severe urges of jealousy when I see people with toned arms, flat tummys, slender legs, or more capable muscles (i.e. they can do something I cannot). I wish I had the mental and physical discipline that they do in order to gain and maintain their physique. 

Style (clothing, hair, and sometimes makeup)
My favorite look is the "look how cute you look, and you didn't even have to try!" however, this is something that I am next to never able to achieve, because even if I end up with a look that is complementary, it is never effortless. It usually takes hours of tossing clothes in and out of my closet, multiple attempts at doing and re-doing my hair until it falls just so, and as far as makeup goes, although I much prefer a subtle, simple look (mascara, tiny bit of blush, and lip-gloss), sometimes I can't even manage to get that right on the first try.

Confidence
I don't believe I will ever get to point where I can go an entire day without doubting myself at least once at some point throughout an entire day. I believe people with the right amount of confidence (not arrogance), are the most beautiful.

Home
I feel so envious of people that can somehow manage to afford to purchase their own home in today's market, simple as that. I want to own a small, basic home, with a decent size yard, but I know it is just so far away right now.

Travel Experience
I have been to the following places: Vanderhoof, San Francisco, Merrit, Osoyoos, Kamloops, Oahu Hawaii, Oregon, Washington State, Tofino, Sunshine Coast, San Jose Del Cabo Mexico. I believe most people have been to more places than I and I am jealous that they have seen and experienced more things than me. I want the relaxation and adventure that comes along with travelling to new places. 

Jealousy can be a tricky thing. Although most times it has negative connotations associated with it (see all irrationality above), I also do strongly believe that it can be a positive motivating tool --> if used carefully. Focus on letting the jealousy give you ideas and innovation on where you want to go, or how to improve your life instead of letting it control or consume you.

(Captain's jealous face when the cat is getting pet instead of him)

-Linds

Check Out Our Specs

It has been about 5 years since I got my eye prescription renewed, and therefore equally as long since I purchased a new pair of glasses.

If I've never mentioned it before, I haaaaaaate glasses shopping (yes, even sunglasses shopping), because there is no fun in it for me, it is strictly a struggle. I chalk it up to the fact that I have a unique shaped head (the last pair of seeing eye glasses I purchased were kids glasses, and I can even sometimes wear kids size hats).

Anyway...

Mark and I went a couple months ago to renew our prescriptions and we tried on some different glasses styles while we were finishing up at the store. Of course, pretty much every pair Mark picked up looked good on him, and he chose a pair to buy with no fuss.

I, on the other hand, tried one pair after the next, after the next, with no such luck.  After quite some time, and frustration building, we decided to leave, and try again another day with fresh energy.

Well, of course, life got in the way and days turned into weeks, weeks into months, etc...you know how it goes.

Finally, this past weekend I got up the courage and we ventured out to try to find a pair again. We stopped at Crystal Vision in Semiahmoo Mall, and I cannot even begin to describe what an awesome experience I had.

The girls there were so friendly, listened to exactly what I had to say, weren't pushy at all, and had excellent product info. I promise, no one is sponsoring this post, I really, truly just had an amazing experience and hope that by sharing, others will too!

Here are the glasses I ended up with (they were actually the 1st pair that the worker recommended to me based on all the critiques and requirements I mentioned).

Also, because of a promo they were having I even ended up getting a free pair of polarized sunglasses too!

I paid $364 total for the two pairs of frames (each marked at over $200), lenses, a year long warranty, as well as a lifetime glasses cleaner.

If anyone struggles as much as I do with finding glasses, I highly recommend at least checking out Crystal Vision, because they really turned the whole thing into a positive, and dare I say, fun, experience!

So, what do you guys think of our new specs? 
-Linds

Sum-ing it up

This picture basically sums up my life: 

(Captain posing during our visit at Mark's work)

-Linds

How I met my Mark-y

(Mark in Cabo - April 2016)

I met my husband, Mark, playing in one of the first drop-in volleyball scrimmages I ever joined. He isn't the tallest of volleyball players by any means, but man did he get my attention anyway. He may only be 5'8" but he has hops for days, hits like a beast, and I will never ever forget the way he dragged his toe during his serves. 

(Harry Jerome Tournament - November 2015)

Each week after the sessions would end, most of the group would go out for food and drinks (I was only just 19, not a big drinker, very timid, and yes, I was still with my high school boyfriend at the time) so I always made an excuse not to go. Obviously the more I played volleyball, the less and less time I had for my boyfriend, and he seemed to love to point out the fact that I enjoyed spending so much time "with the guys" at volleyball. Granted yes, there were plenty more guy players wherever I went, but there were other girls there too, and honestly I just loved the pace of the game with guys - still do.
 
I have no idea if it was several weeks or several months playing volleyball with Mark, but at some point, we started to talk a little bit more and more while at volleyball. Eventually, one night there was a few of us walking to our cars together (Mark included), and I distinctly remember having the thought: "If I was going to date one of these guys, I would definitely choose him." 

How terrible of me, I know. I was in a 3 year relationship at the time, and there I was considering who else I would choose for a boyfriend. 

Needless to say, after a few rough nights of fighting with the current boyfriend, and staying later and later after volleyball to chat with Mark about how to handle relationship situations when you don't know if you're happy, one thing lead to another and I took the plunge to end it with my high school boyfriend and take a chance elsewhere. I promise I did not cheat on my boyfriend. I ended things before pursuing an intimate relationship with Mark, but I will admit, emotionally I was checked out and ready to commit elsewhere. 
 
The next week Mark left a note on my truck which I desperately wish I had kept in my keepsake box, but I think I felt a little too guilty still. It read: "I like the way you play volleyball." So simple, but so direct - To this day those are still defining traits to Marks character. 

(White Rock - July 2013)

The week after that, when we were leaving volleyball and Mark said: "you're coming out too right?" I could no longer refuse.  I came out with the group, Mark and I held hands under the table (without even discussing whether we were boyfriend and girlfriend or not) and even texted each other back and forth, right at the table. I KNOW! How cheesy, lame, ridiculous, the list goes on. But, despite how ridiculous it was, it was absolute perfection at the time and neither of us could stop smiling. 
 
The attraction quickly became undeniable. He wasn't necessarily what I ever pictured myself to end up with, but that just made me love him even more. It wasn't long before we were saying those words to each other, talking and making plans for the future. We moved in after only 6 months, and the rest is history.  He would listen to me rant about work as a legal admin assistant, he supported me when I decided to go to BCIT to become an x-ray tech. We even had to do long distance for 4 months while I was in school, but he was always there to brighten my days. That is the thing about Mark, he truly makes me see, feel and think brighter. 

(1st trip to Whistler together - July 2009)

We have been together 7 years now (since May 2009), and married for 2 and a half of them, and I am forever grateful for that first volleyball league because without it, Mark never would have invited me out or left that note on my car, and those really are the moments that started it all! 

(Our Wedding Day - November 30, 2013)

What's your story?
-Linds

Monthly Mayhem: April 2016

Travel:
-Vacation at Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos Resort (April 16-23, 2016)

(Hanging out at the Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos Resort)

Volleyball:
-Co-ed 6s POCO Spring Volleyball League started up (April 6, 2016)

Events\Activities:
-Beach day with Vanessa (April 8, 2016)

(Vanessa & I at White Rock West Beach)

-Mark's Dad's birthday dinner (April 30, 2016, actual bday April 23, 2016)

Fitness:
-1 week left of FBFit round 2 (taking progress pics later this week)

Food:
-Oatmeal/egg white pancake

 Ink:
-Finished: The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin
-Started: The French version of "This Lullaby" by Sarah Dessen

How did you spend your April?
-Linds

Chess - A Strategic Art Form

One of the items on my 30 before 30 list is to: learn how to play chess, and actually remember the rules. Mark has been trying to teach me the entire 7 years we've been together, and I just can't seem to ever remember.

Lucky for him, while we were away in Cabo last week, the resort we were at had a "jumbo size" chess set. Since, we spent most of the 7 days there just lounging around doing as little as possible, Mark decided to take the opportunity to re-teach me (for the umpteenth time) all the rules to the game. 

(Jumbo size chess set in Cabo)

Now with all the free booze flowing through me, I was skeptical that I would even remember the names of all the pieces, let alone the specific moves that each piece can perform, however, after only three games, I was really starting to get the hang of it! So much so that, although I never beat Mark the whole trip, I was starting to give him a run for his money.

(Pouty face due to another loss to Mark)

By the end of the trip I was having so much fun playing, we decided to head to the nearest gift shop (where they sold very unique, hand carved chest sets), to attempt some haggling. Sadly, after a long, drawn out process, we couldn't get a price worth paying (they were trying to charge us $180 US), and we came out empty handed.

(Eager to keep playing)

All in all though, I am really proud of myself for having finally, finally, finally figured out this game of strategy, and I can't wait to pick up a chess set locally!

-Linds