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Personal volleyball bests at the OVA Provincials

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Lauren has been playing rep volleyball for the last 2 years. The first year started during the fall of 2020 when the pandemic was still fairly new.  Their team was their cohort and they practiced and practiced. Many times they stopped because restrictions changed. It was a strange season with no games against other teams.

Fortunately, beach volleyball is outdoors and the summer of 2021 was filled with lots of volleyball. Lauren’s skills continued to grow and develop. She worked so hard at the court and at our local park… getting her overhand serve was her biggest challenge.  She worked so hard. 

Tryouts arrived. She went. She tried hard and stayed so positive!  And she made the team!

Practices were twice a week, exhibition games with other club teams, league games with other clubs, and the pièce de ré·sis·tance… OVA Provincials!

Day 1

The day started out great!  Lauren surprised us all… in 8 months Lauren went from barely getting an overhand server over the new to jump serves!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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They won the first match in 2 sets — 25-11, 25-12!  And the 2nd match was just as successful — 27-25 and 25-20!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The third game was more of a fight… won 1st set 28-16, lost 2nd set 22-25, and came back to win the 3rd set… 15-10!

Day 2

The girls went into day 2 with a lot of confidence and excitement!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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First match was a tough fight which ended in a loss (Set 1 – loss 20-25, Set 2 – win 25-11, Set 3 – loss 15-13)

The girls were pretty down. Coach Shayne was great! He gave the girls time to be sad and then built them back up!

The 2nd match was so much better!  The girls won both sets — 25-12, 25-20! It was so amazing to watch them play! It was great volleyball.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The third match of the day was going to be a challenge. The team they were playing had 4 wins and 1 loss… just like them.  The girls were ready!

They won both sets — 25-15, 25-23 !!

During the 2nd set, Lauren had a 6 server run… all jump servers… with one of the serves being an ACE!  I was the proudest mom in the whole place.

She has worked so hard to improve and be a better volleyball player and at that moment she was a shining star!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Day 3 – Playoffs

The girls were excited. The girls were nervous.  Playoffs was going to be tough… one loss and you’re out!

The team had their ups and downs during their last game.  They were playing a team that they beat on the first day, but that other team must have found their grove and by day 3 they came into their own.

We lost in 3 sets — 25-19, 13-25, 10-15.

There were a lot of tears.  

But I made sure to remind Lauren of how far she has come. Personally, Lauren was a winner. The photo below is a pretty cool example of what she can do!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A huge thanks to Coach Shayne for his amazing leadership. The way that he was able to work with a group of girls with varying strengths, encourage the girls when they were down, and have a lot of fun is really appreciated from the view of a parent. I am very happy that Lauren was able to learn as much as she did from him.

Shayne is setting out to make his own personal best… he’s on the path to being a police officer! And he’s going to be a very good one!

The end

The provincial championship is the end of the season. Some of the division 1 teams are headed off to nationals in Calgary and we will cheer loudly from Ontario.

The club will have an end-of-the-year banquet at the outdoor courts so that should be a lot of fun! 

Congrats Lauren on your amazing season! Dad, Rach and I are so proud of how hard you worked and you should be proud of all you achieved!

The 5 Top Reasons Why You Need a Rental Storage Unit

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Storage

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

“I don’t need extra space in my house”, said no one ever. There always comes a point in life where we all start feeling the need for more space in our homes. From our clothes to furniture, to small appliances and old books, there are always things that you don’t have the space for, but at the same time, you need and don’t want to get rid of.

This is when the rental storage facilities come into play. Rental storage units are paid for spaces, garages, or other portable containers to store additional stuff. You might especially need one if you’re in one of the following situations:

1. You Travel a Lot

Whether it is a business trip or you’re traveling for leisure, if you’re one of those people who travel a lot, renting a storage facility/space is a blessing for you. Rental storage units will store your stuff, save you house rent costs, and keep your luggage secure and free of damage.

It is impossible for one to bring along many of the house items, if your job calls for changing cities often, so make the most out of this facility while you can.

2. You’re a Student

We can totally relate to how you’re always on a budget during your entire student life. So why not prioritize your expenses? Since most of you are probably living in a shared apartment, you will only have so much space to place your things.

Instead of cluttering your space with unwanted stuff, you can rent a storage unit to keep important stuff safe and secure. That in no way means you have any less access to your luggage than you would if it were right there. Rental storage units have flexible packages that allow you to access your belongings a certain number of times.

3. You Want to Cut Accommodation Costs

If you’re looking for a smaller apartment and are worried about managing your household stuff, then you’ve got one concern shrugged off.

Pack away all the stuff that you will not be needing on an immediate basis and save yourself some space and lots of money. Getting a smaller apartment is no more an issue with the rental storage units that allow you to freely access your belongings at all times.

See for yourself after you do a cost-benefit analysis of the apartment rent versus storage unit affordability.

4. You Need Additional Storage Space

Almost half of our belongings are comprised of items that we won’t be using in the near future, but occupy the lion’s share of space. If you’re a shopaholic, you can totally relate to the need for additional space at all times.

One tip to fix this is packing away seasonal things and renting a storage unit for the time being. This way, you have nothing to worry about and can simply do the same for the next season too. Whether it’s the wooden furniture you purchased in 2002 or mattresses you’ve kept for when guests come over, store anything and everything in these units without giving a care in the world.

5. You Are Renovating Your House

While some renovations may take up a few days, others may last months. Depending upon the time span of your house renovation, get a rental storage unit plan that suits you best.

Instead of moving everything to one or two rooms, which is almost impossible, you can pack the furniture up and store it in a rental storage facility for as long as you desire.

No space? No worries. Find a storage facility close to your house and pack away your stuff alongside your worries.

The Benefits of a Cardio Workout

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When it comes to staying healthy and fit, most people think of lifting weights and doing strength training. While strength training is definitely important, another key element of a well-rounded workout routine is cardio. This blog post will discuss the many benefits of a cardio workout.


Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

1) Cardio strengthens the heart and lungs

When you do cardio exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate increase, this helps to strengthen the muscles in your heart and lungs, making them more efficient at pumping blood and oxygenating our cells. A strong cardiovascular system reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Additionally, regular cardio workouts can help to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels in the blood. This further reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

2) Cardio helps to burn calories and lose weight

Cardio workouts are great for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. When you do cardio, you burn calories both during and after the workout. Of course, the number of calories burned depends on the intensity of the workout, but even moderate-intensity cardio can help to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.

HIIT (high-intensity interval training) is a type of cardio that alternates between periods of intense activity and periods of rest. HIIT workouts are very effective at burning calories and have been shown to be more effective than traditional aerobic exercise at promoting fat loss.

3) Cardio improves mental health

Regular cardio exercise can help to improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Cardio also helps to increase energy levels and enhance the quality of sleep. All of these factors can lead to improved mental well-being.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your overall health and fitness, consider going to a premium online bike store and adding some cardio to your workout routine. There are many different types of cardio exercises that you can do, so there’s sure to be something that fits your preferences and needs. And, best of all, you’ll reap the many benefits that come with a regular cardio workout!

4) Cardio increases energy levels

In addition to improving mental health, regular cardio exercise can also lead to increased energy levels. This is due to the improved cardiovascular function and increased endorphin production that comes with exercise. So if you’re feeling sluggish and low on energy, a quick workout may be just what you need to get your energy levels up.

There are many different ways to incorporate cardio into your workout routine. Some people prefer to do steady-state cardio, such as walking or jogging, while others prefer HIIT workouts or other types of interval training. No matter what type of cardio you choose, you’ll be sure to reap the many benefits that come with it!

So next time you’re planning your workout routine, don’t forget to include some cardio. Your body (and mind) will thank you for it!

 

Ingredients Everyone Should Have In Their Kitchen

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Image by Matej Madar from Pixabay

Are you busy rolling your hours between your job, school, and family? Then trust me you need this list that can ease out your daily meal preparation? Below mentioned are the most essential ingredients that can easily lift your regular cooking game.

Eggs

Eggs can be a go-to snack – whether boiled, omelette, fried, or scrambled. It’s always good to choose eggs for your little hunger pains. They also meet-up your protein requirements, which makes them a perfect option for Breakfast. Our family loves deviled eggs.

Good Quality Bread

Bread is such a staple that we always have it in our kitchen. Good quality bread can be a base ingredient for many meals, be it a sandwich, bread with an omelette, bread and butter, garlic bread, a bread pizza, and a whole lot more.

Canned Beans

Apart from having a good shelf life, canned beans can also be added to many dishes for some extra protein and flavour. Canned beans can add substance to your tacos, pasta, and salads.

Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Honey

Honey is one of the best natural sweeteners, and adding it to your diet can result in amazing health benefits. Add it to your tea, use it has a dip for pretzels, or use it in glazes for meat or poultry.

Dried Pasta

Families with kids will know what a saviour pasta can be. When your little ones demand some quick snacking, all you need to do is boil some pasta, and when ready, add some tomato sauce. The pasta is then ready for them to devour. For a health kick, add in some vegetables to the sauce.

Tortillas

These thin, crispy bites are an amazing go-to snack. You can pair them with some cheesy dip or some marinara sauce and enjoy a quick meal.

With some handy tortillas, you can prepare some quick tacos. All you need is some ground beef, salsa, lettuce, and grated cheese, and your fulfilling wholesome meal is ready.

The best part about tortillas is that they can be stored for 3-4 weeks if you pack them up properly in an airtight Xiplock bag.

Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese

Cheese is a must ingredient in our kitchen. Whether it’s bread or pasta, pizza or salads, cheese can add an abundance of taste to almost all meals.

We all know cheese for its amazing and mushy taste, but little do you know, it’s a great source of Vitamin D as well.

Image by iSAW Company from Pixabay

Salsa or Hot Sauce

Are you someone who loves spicy flavour in your food? Then stocking up on some salsa and hot chilli sauces should be on your list. You can add them to season up your pasta, sandwiches, or add it to your tacos or nachos. And the best part – these store-bought sauces can last for months in your kitchen.

Rolled Oats

Are you planning on having a healthy and nutritious start to your day? Then what’s better than some nutrition-packed rolled oats. Oats are a great source of antioxidants – natural fibres that maintain a healthy gut, and keep your muscles healthy.

Manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium, potassium, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), and vitamin B3 (niacin).

With all of that, rolled oats is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can consume.

Spices

Garnishing your meal with spices can immediately make it flavourful and amazing. Spices also have a longer shelf life and are easy to store, so it’s a great idea to stock up some common ones like black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, salt, cinnamon powder, rosemary, thyme, paprika, and chilli flakes. Craig and I love to use different spices when we cook to enhance the flavour of our dishes.

Breaking up (with friends) is hard to do

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friendship
Image by Anemone123 from Pixabay

Some people will tell you that having toddlers are harder than having babies and that teenagers are harder than toddlers. I have always said that each stage is different and comes with different challenges. 

Eventually, you get to the stage where you start to step back and guide your kids as they start to tackle these challenges on their own. You can’t do everything for them forever, and they won’t grow as a human if you solve all of their problems for them. 

And when life throws you curveballs, like a pandemic, you need to be even more patient in your guidance because you’re faced with challenges no one ever expected — lockdowns, physical distancing, and virtual school.

Maintaining friendships wasn’t something that could happen every day at school. A conscious effort was made to keep the kids connected with their friends in any way they could. We went from trying to limit their time on their phones to allowing them more time so they could Facetime, call, Discord, anything which helped them be social.

After 18 months of virtual school and a disjointed connection with their friends, the girls went back to school in September. We talked with the kids to prepare them for the potential changes that may become more apparent. But I’m not sure Craig and I were prepared for what actually did happen.

One of our girls had a core group of friends and for the first few months, everything seemed to be going fairly well. Some of the kids had become closer to some than others, but, hey, that happens with adults too.

At the end of October, we noticed that things with the friend group were starting to change. New people were being included and others were stepping away. The ebb and flow of friendships.

Some of the changes weren’t all that great. By February, the dam burst.

One of the closest friends, through a text chat, accused our daughter of manipulating them and other hurtful accusations. Our daughter got manipulated by this teen so badly in this chat that she apologized for things that were not her fault and that she did not need to apologize for. And at the end of the chat, the other person said…

“I don’t think we should be friends anymore.” 

Her confidence was shattered. There were so many tears. We were so upset. I was shocked when I read the text message thread. How could one teenager be so hurtful?

My heart broke.

Over the next few days, my daughter told us that she was eating alone in the library because she didn’t want to be with a group of friends due to that one person. I wanted to scream. This manipulative kid gets all the friends and tramples on my kid’s emotions.

This is where I could have stepped in and called the other kid’s parents to let them know what was going on, but I didn’t. Having parents jump in a try to force a friendship back together wasn’t going to be good for anyone.

Then we spent the next few months trying to build our kid’s confidence back up. We encouraged her to reach out to other friends, and join groups or clubs. We made sure that she stayed connected with the rest of the friend group outside of school so she didn’t feel like she lost everything.

Thankfully, after March Break, more activities at school started back up. Now it’s April and there are a few new friends to have lunch with, clubs and choir at lunch, and band after school. 

We are so proud of how she handled this whole thing. Not once did she say anything bad about this other person. Not once did she try to turn the other friends away from this person. She took the high road and walked away. 

One of the things that I am thankful for is that my kid was willing to talk to us. Our family communication is amazing. She knew that she could share this with us and that we would love and support her. I think that this may have helped our family communication become even better. Every day we check in with each other to see how each other’s day was and we celebrate the good and support the not-so-good.

She knows that she did the right thing, even though it wasn’t the easiest. The things that she has learned about herself through all of this are some of the most important things she will carry through life.