Is It Over Yet?

I am so completely over all this holiday/new year hoopla. I have been mildly sick since December 5, 2016, severely sick since December 24, 2016, and only just now on the mend...it's now January 3, 2017. I did not enjoy Christmas (although I don't usually), work is becoming busier and busier every night which is exhausting, and I did not make any New Year resolutions, and no, I don't feel like talking about it!

That is all....oh, and here are some puppy photos from the last couple weeks because, well, why not.

-Linds 

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 

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

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 

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

Sum-ing it up

This picture basically sums up my life: 

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

-Linds

Nothing Compares...

...to Sunday morning snuggles 

...or a leisurely stroll in nature with my boys

-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

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 

Our Big Baby

(Mark & I with Captain Axel - approx. 2 yrs old & 80lbs) 

Mark and I discussed and agreed long ago that we don't want kids of our own. It's funny though because having a puppy can be eerily similar to a baby, or so I'm told - I will never really know for sure. 

One similarity that I do feel pretty certain about though is the unconditional love we share. The bond between us is so strong that I can't even comprehend a life without him. Although challenging at times (especially in the initial few months), he has brightened our life in such a way that Mark and I have become stronger both individually as well as as husband and wife. 

Having a puppy has changed us for the better and here are just a few of the reasons why: 
-he's a sucker for routine, but relishes in spontaneity 
-he knows how to appreciate the simple things in life 
-he will show/make you feel a wide complexity of emotions 
-he trusts instinctively 
-he never says no to a walk, no matter how long or short 
-he knows how to get what he wants (ie more space/blankets in bed, or extra treats) however, he will always let you have what you need first

There are a million more reason why having a fur baby is one of the best decisions Mark and I have ever made and I plan to share more and more with you in the future. 
Do you have a fur baby? I'd love it if you shared at least one reason why you love them!
-Linds

Feeling Unwell

We've all been feeling pretty under the weather the last few days in this household. We're spending our days lounging on the couch, stuck in our pjs, basically lifeless. But, we're still keeping smiles on our faces because, although we feel crummy, we have excellent company! :)

(Spending sick days with my two favorite boys)

How do you guys survive when you're under the weather? 
-Linds 

Monthly Mayhem: January 2016

Travel:
-none

Volleyball:
-Play For a Cause Fundraiser Tournament - January 16/16

-Started winter season of my Women's 6s Volleyball League

Events/Activities:
-Grandparents anniversary dinner - January 1/16
-Niece's 1st Birthday dinner - January 10/16 (actual bday January 13/16)
-Vance Joy Concert - Wednesday January 13, 2016
-Captain's 2nd Birthday - January 15/16

-Sunday Volleyball League wind-up dinner - January 17/16


Fitness:
-Completed FB reach (PFT)

-Started working on handstand and chin-up goal
-Completed FB30 (1 week early! - I doubled up on some workouts)
-Started FBFit

Food:
-Still making smoothies and shakes everyday!

Ink:
-Finished We Are Pirates by Daniel Handler
-Still working on the French version of the 1st Harry Potter novel (about 100 pages left).

How was your January?
-Linds

Happy Birthday!

Happy birthday to my sweet Mr. Captain Axel! 

(Presents for Captain!) 

He is two years old today! 
-Linds 

#FurryTrainer

This is a hash tag that is very popular on my Fitness Blender app. There is a very large community of people who benefit from their pets helping them stay motivated to stay active. So, I just wanted to take a moment to appreciate all those furry trainers out there.

Here is me and my furry trainer, Mr. Captain Axel:

On my days off from work we go from being lazy bums in bed together, to long walks in the neighbourhood,  to following Fitness Blender workouts. Captain is always by my side to support me and always rearing to go to get me energized.
Do you have a furry trainer? 
-Linds 

2016 Resolutions

As most bloggers are probably doing, I am also starting the new year off with my list of resolutions for 2016!

In no particular order here they are:

Complete FBfit (the old one plus the new one that is coming out next week!)
-I've already done FBreach, FB30 (2 week trial), FBbooty, FBabs, and am currently working on FB30 (8 week program). The FBfit programs have longer videos and include a bit more weight lifting so I'm excited for a challenge! 

(FBfit 8 week program)

Complete two French novels
-Last year I received the 1st Harry Potter novel in french and I'm three quarters of the way through. I plan to finish it, plus read the two Sarah Dessen novels I received for x-mas in French before the end of this year...which means I should probably pick up the pace! 

(My two French Sarah Dessen novels)

Grow my nails 
-This one goes on my list every year, and this one I fail at every year. 2016 is going to finally be the year of nice...well, let's be realistic, decent nails!  

(Here is day 1)

Do a controlled handstand
-Last year I made a 30 before 30 list which included doing a controlled headstand. Since it only took me a month or two for success, I plan to up the stakes this year and aim to accomplish a full handstand. 

Go camping
-Every year Mark and I say we're going to camp in the summer, and every year the summer comes, flies by, and next thing we know winter is upon us. This year I am so determined to finally go camping! 

Teach Captain a new trick
-I always find myself forgetting how important it is to keep Captain mentally stimulated. Teaching new tricks is a great way to keep him active (even if hes not running around outside). I've already started teaching Captain to "up" so I plan on getting him confident at that plus maybe a "spin" or something a little more challenging. 

(Teaching Captain "up/dance")

Complete 7 chin-ups 
-I decided I wanted a really tough fitness goal this year so Mark came up with this for me: "Do as many chin-ups as I can do today" he said. So today Mark did as many chin-ups as he could (clean form). The result: 7. So, now I have to do 7 complete chin-ups. This is going to be a huuuuuge challenge for me since I've been known as "noodle arms", but I'm excited to let my body surprise me!  

And, speaking of Mark, I also have to include his resolution because this is the first year since we have been together (over 6.5 years) that he is actually making one and I could not be more thrilled! 
Marks resolution is to read a book. This is huuuuuge because a) he hates anything academic, b) I think he's going to love it way more than he expects, and c) it'll give us something else in common! Oh, plus, he's going to let me help him choose the book! If anyone has any suggestions for a book for the man who is discouraged by reading, please let me know! 

What are your New Years Resolutions for 2016?
-Linds 

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

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