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. 

Averagely Average

Sometimes it takes all my energy just to be average...

Some days being average isn't enough...

Other days being average is all I could ever need...

It's okay to be average. 

You just have to own your own average.

-Linds 

Whistler Weekend

Last weekend we headed to Whistler for the TFC annual Mountain Madness volleyball Tournaments.  

Unfortunately I was not feeling great during the week but after taking an evening off work and getting some much needed rest, we made our way up the mountain and we're ready to play in the early morning. 

(Drive up to Whistler)

Saturday was R2s and Sunday was R4s. 

Saturday we did OK. We definitely played better in the morning but then as soon as the gusty wind rolled in, we struggled hard. Oh well, overall it was better than last year when I had my broken foot!  

(Mark & I on Saturday for the R2s tourney)

In the evenings we wandered through the village, ate some food, and hit up a free concert in the Plaza area! 

(Top left: Vanessa and I taking in the outdoor concert from afar, Top right: Vanessa and I after dinner walking through the village, Bottom: Mark and I at the Olympic rings during the outdoor concert)

Sundays tournament was a whole other story in comparison to Saturday. Even though it was equally as windy, playing 4s we did really well! We actually came in 2nd place OVERALL! It was a bit of a bummer that we didn't get the 1st place victory however, we had some satisfaction knowing we knocked out not only last year's champions, but a few other really strong, favored teams! 

(From left to right: Vanessa, Me, Mark & Steve - R4s tourney on Sunday)

All in all it was a great weekend! Although exhausting and I ended up more sick after (excessive sun and exertion for two days straight will do that, plus working a night shift immediately after), it was still so totally worth it! 

(Misc photos and Mark and I throughout the two days at the tourney)

(Group shot of a the vball people we spent a ton of time with at the tourneys!)

I cannot wait again for next years tourney!

What did you get up to August long weekend? 
-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

Feeling It

I feel good today. Simple as that.

I woke up groggy so I decided to stay in bed and sleep a little longer. 

I went for a walk with Captain in the rain, it was super cleansing and refreshing.

I tidied the house, which brings me a sense of calm and order. 

I worked out, covered in sweat and shaky muscles, edorphins pumping.

I showered, feeling relaxation come over me.

I lounged on the couch...simplicity. 

I feel good today. I made choices that made my day satisfying. I like the way my body works hard for me yet relaxes when the opportunity arises, and no one can tell me that what I did wasn't enough. 

How are you feeling today? Are you feeling it?
-Linds

Monthly Mayhem: June 2016

Here is how I spent my month:

Travel:
-Nothing

Volleyball:
-PFAC Co-ed Grass Reverse 4s Tournament at Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School June 5, 2016 - 2nd place in C pool - 9th out of 16 total

-Finished Indoor Co-ed Reverse 4s Aldergrove Volleyball league - 1st place!!
-Top Gun Womens/Mens 2s Grass Tournament run by Cambie Sports June 12, 2016 - came in 3rd place in the AA\A+ pool

-Finished Co-ed 6s POCO Volleyball league -3rd place!

Events\Activities:
-Into The Thao Friday June 3, 2016 (a friend of ours from volleyball, Bryce "Wonderbread" Koebel, performed in it) - AWESOME!

-Dad & Sister's birthday Dinner get together, Saturday June 4, 2016 
-Niece, Ryan's 3rd Birthday - June 11, 2016
-Go-Karting for Father's day at Fast Track Indoor Karting -June 18, 2016

Fitness:
-Finished FBFlex and FBBooty Round 2
-Started FBabs (again + adding in some "extra credit" impromptu workouts)

Food:
-Did some muffin baking again but haven't tried any new recipes

Ink:
-Still working through the French version of "This Lullaby" by Sarah Dessen (about 95 pages in)

How was your June?
-Linds

To The Greatest...

...Country on this planet: Happy Canada Day!

Spent the day at Cambie Sports SalmonFest volleyball tournament and had a blast! Captain enjoyed cheering us on too!

How did you celebrate Canada Day?
-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 

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

Monthly Mayhem: May 2016

Travel:
-none...but after April's travel adventure I am already itching to go somewhere!
-We bought our plane tickets to Edmonton for a wedding coming up this summer

Volleyball:
-Still in the middle of Co-ed 6s POCO league, and almost finished Co-ed R4s Aldergrove league
-Beach volleyball at LEC May 7, 2016

-Beach volleyball at Semiahmoo May 29, 2016

Events\Activities:
-Saw the "Jungle Book" in theatre May 1, 2016 - Loved it!
-Shopping Friday May 6, 2016 (Plenty - I have since purchased a dress that I tried on there)

-Roller Derby May 7, 2017
-Mother's Day dinner Sunday May 8, 2016
-Mark got a tooth pulled Friday May 13, 2016
-Bought glasses
-Sister, Christina's 32nd Birthday!

Fitness:
-Finished FBFit Round 2 (Physical Fit Test Results + progress photos)
-Started FBFlex & FBBooty Round 2
-Bought a workout bench for $5.00 at a garage sale

-Ran minimum 3km once per week
-Went to bootcamp at the Rec Centre with my girlfriend, Vanessa

Food:
-Salmon

-Banana Oatmeal Blueberry Blender Muffins
-Raspberry Yogurt Muffins
-Blueberry Bakery Muffins - recipe to come

Ink:
-Working through the French version of "This Lullaby" by Sarah Dessen (about 80 pages in)

How did you enjoy your May?
-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

Happy Mother's Day

To the strongest, most beautiful mother ever!

-Linds

What's your thing?

It seems like out of everyone I meet these days, guys, girls, couples, etc., everyone seems to have a defining quality about them. There is something that sticks out so strongly that if anyone mentions their name, you immediately recognize them because of that particular thing. I'm not simply referring to physical qualities here, it could be something like a hobby or career they are known for too. 

So, that has me wondering...what is my thing, or do I even have one? Also, is it good to be known for just one defining quality....what's the saying: "jack of all trades, expert at none"?

I've always thought of myself as a relatively well rounded person but, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I am limited in the interests I pursue. I play volleyball, I jog, I workout, I read, I write, I play boardgames, I walk, I hike, I play with my dog... Although that list may seem like it has a lot of items, they are all very similar in the category under which they fall. On the other hand, I don't think I'm known particularly for just one of those items. I would love to be an expert at volleyball, or the most physically fit/toned as possible, or spend my days searching for new mountains to hike because I was running out, or be the champ at all boardgames however that just isn't the case. I simply do a little of a few things that all are very similar in their classification. 

How do you decide if this is a good or bad thing? Is it good to have a "defining quality?", and if so, how do you choose what you want that quality to be?
-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

Be Bold!

While on vacation in Cabo I decided to be daring and unafraid! I did my headstand in public! 

And you know what? It felt great! 

Sure I was nervous, especially being on the sand, in a bathing suit, and in the presence of multiple miscellaneous people, but I just went for it and totally nailed it! 

I'm so proud of myself for just winging it! 

I dare you to be bold! 
-Linds

Summer Is In The Air!

Although we've barely even entered into spring time, we've already reached up to about 23 degrees celsius so as far as I'm concerned Summer is basically here! 

Although I still haven't put away my rainboots yet, just in case, I definitely have brought out my bathing suits and flip flops! I've been going for tons of long leisurely walks with Mr. Captain enjoying the hot rays and today I finally decided to hit up the beach and just relax for a while! It was sooooo nice! My friend Vanessa came and joined me, we tossed a frisbee for a while, lounged, and just enjoyed some good ol' chit chat! It was perfection! 

(Vanessa & I at West Beach in White Rock, BC)

I'm so lucky it was such a beautiful day! What's the weather like in your area? 
-Linds

A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood

Although yesterday only hit a maximum of about 14 degrees celsius, the beautiful sun was shining which made it irresistible not to spend the day outdoors enjoying the fresh air. 

Mark was at work so Capt'n and I spent our morning sleeping in late and then when we finally crawled out of bed we headed outdoors. 

After doing a loop around the neighbourhood streets, we headed through the 15 minute trail down to the west part of White Rock beach. It was a bit windy but beautiful as always nonetheless. After lingering around for a bit letting Capt'n watch the waves crashing and the seagulls soaring,  we finally headed back. 

(Warm enough for shorts - excuse the pasty white legs)

(Trail walking)

(Capt'n clearly upset that I interrupted his sniffing to make him pose for the camera) 

(Top: Facing west, Bottom: Facing east)

(Heading back home)

I couldn't have asked for a better leisurely day off work. I truly am spoiled rotten when it comes to living on the west coast of beautiful British Columbia! 

What is your go-to sunny day relaxation activity? 
-Linds 

Monthly Mayhem: February 2016

My February went something like this:

Travel:
-none

Volleyball:
-about 3/4 of the way through both Wednesday POCO co-ed 6s league, and Thursday Aldergrove Womens 6s league

Events/Activities:
-Taboo Show February 6, 2016
-Family Birthday dinner February 7, 2016
-Birthday February 9, 2016
-High Tea February 12, 2016

-Mount Thom hike February 13, 2016

-Nona's surprise 80th birthday party February 21, 2016 (actual birthday February 24)
-Watched Deadpool in the theatre February 22, 2016

Fitness:
-Still working on FBfit (Mark joined me)

-Started practicing handstand - videos\pics to come

Food:
-Pineapple sausage skewer - potluck at LMH (recipe to come)
-Banana chocolate chip ice cream muffins
-Excessive use of my new Nutri-bullet that Mark bought me for my birthday!

Ink:
-50 pages left of my French Harry Potter novel

I also ended up getting sick last week. I felt crummy Tuesday and Wednesday, and by Thursday I was so congested and full of shivers all over, I felt like I could barely function. Thankfully by Saturday I was starting to feel a bit better, but to be honest I still have a lingering head/chest cold. Hopefully I can shake it off soon!
How was your February?
-Linds

Mount Thom Hike

Mark and I did the Mount Thom Hike in Chilliwack,  B.C. on Saturday, February 13, 2016. We did it as a little adventure to celebrate my birthday last week and Valentines Day on the weekend. I really didn't want to do the typical dinner out for either event so I decided this year to do something active and outdoorsy! We did approx. 6.5km (round trip) in 1hr 35 mins,  with an elevation gain of about 350m. 

Although the photos aren't the best quality, they still speak for themselves, because words definitely won't do the hike at Mount Thom justice!

I'd love to hear about some of your favorite hikes!
-Linds