The BIG city

My name is Elinor Stringer. I have just finished my 4 year degree at Camosun College in Victoria B.C. As a requirement to actually graduate, we had to complete an "Internship". Which is how I ended up here, at Victory Volleyball. My College was a great place to go. The classes were small enough that the teacher ACTUALLY knew my name and wanted to see me succeed. Best four years I could have asked for with possibly the weirdest group of people.

Now, as I said I am from Victoria BC. I live on an Island surrounded by farms and sheep. The largest our highways get is about eight (8) lanes across; the tallest our buildings get is about 18 stories high (actually 17, because there are never a 13th floor). Victoria is such a beautiful place with the ocean only a stones throw away no matter where you are, gorgeous hiking trails and possibly the nicest homeless people around.

Now I never really thought of myself as a 'small town' girl until I went downtown Toronto...not really what I call a fun place to be. Terrifyingly tall buildings (seriously 68 floors, is that really necessary?), un-necessarily eerie subway stations, and bumper-to-bumper traffic through 20 lanes of highway. OK, I've been to Toronto many time before for family gatherings, but that was never more than for 2 weeks, so I was able to return to happy place called Victoria. Now before anyone comes 'lynching' to my house, Toronto has some nice qualities, such as seeing T.V shows 3 hours before my friends do back home, toughening up my skin for when I return, and even the people I've met are pretty darn nice. Back in Victoria, I always hear scary stories about "don't trust anyone" or even "you'll be killed on the subway alone". I would like to point out that I took the subway by-myself (granted I had a subway map and written directions for exactly what I have to do) BUT I did not die, nor was my life threatened! I would like to call that success, and de-bunk those rumors.

So hopefully over my 4 months here, I will find my way around and learn how to drive the streets of Toronto without killing anyone! Here I come BIG city...watch out!

~Elinor~

SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

It’s the middle of May and the sun is shining! What better time than to talk about some of the upcoming summer sports! Of course the first sport that pops into my mind is beach volleyball but for the willing adventurer there are hundreds of fun sports and activities that allow you to enjoy the sun.

Sorry, the sun is getting me all excited... let me introduce myself. I’m Darryl, one of the two new interns here at Victory Volleyball. I’ve spent the last 3 years in Sudbury working on my Sports Administration degree (SPAD for short) and after this summer I only have 4 months of school left!!! For those of you that have not been to Sudbury, here is a Coles notes version of the city. Sudbury sits in a giant crater (scientist actually believe the crater is from the meteorite that killed the dinosaurs) and its nick named the nickel city because of a MASSIVE nickel mine. To help with pollution the mine has the "SuperStack" which is a big smoke stack that isn’t much smaller than the CN tower! The city has its ups and downs just like any city, but to be honest I’m glad to be back home in Mississauga.

Getting back on topic, I want to briefly talk about some of the alternative sports and activities that may be worth looking into in the next couple months. One of my passions is Motocross/Dirt Biking. I have 2 bikes, and try to get out every weekend. Similar to ATVs and Snowmobiles, trail ridding on Dirt bikes allow you to get to places that few people have been before. You get a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the some peaceful alone time. I can’t count how many deer, foxes or other wildlife I’ve seen while out on the trail. From peaceful trail ridding to Motocross, Dirt Bikes are very versatile. load up the bikes and take them to a track you get a whole different kind of fun and experience. Ridding full speed going of jumps that send you 30 feet into the air is an experience that cannot be compared to anything else. Plus, you may not think about it, but Dirt Biking is a GREAT workout. Imagine doing squats and push ups at the same time on a vibrating platform while going 50 km/h, sound fun or exciting?

Some other great sports are water sports. Skiing, barefooting, slaloming, wakeboarding, knee boarding, and tubing (just to name a few) are some of the best things to do in the summer. I mean, how can you go wrong if your out on the water, with friends having a blast – I can’t wait! Again, like Dirt Biking water sports can be a great work out. Slalom skiing for example, you fight against the pull of the boat as you whip across the wake at upwards of 80 km/h, you don’t feel it at the time but afterwards your arms are on fire. Wakeboarding can be classified as an extreme sport after enough practice and bravery. The trick library is endless, and almost anyone can learn and have fun right from the start. Tubing is another sport that anyone can learn and have fun, it’s a true all ages activity. The boat driver has complete control and the tube rider has none. Kids get a mild ride, where as teenagers and dare devils get a wild ride that gets the adrenalin flowing.

On a more relaxed level, hiking, or climbing are social sports that get you outside enjoying the sun and great summer weather. Bring your dog with you into the forest and he/she will be waging his/her tails for days! Make your own trail and eat lunch somewhere where no human has ever stepped before. I can’t think of a better way to relax after a long work week, and a fun exciting Saturday Volleyball tournament.

Summer Volleyball leagues and tournaments are starting up now, why not plan out a weekend with your friends and family and get outside, play some volleyball, and try out some of the alternative sports this summer!

Hope to see you on the trails,

Darryl

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Victory Volleyball

Here is a quick video from my program!!

MexiCAN Lasagna!

I finally made this dish I’ve been meaning to make forever, and thought I’d share it with you guys. It’s really easy to make, the prep takes a bit of time but the outcome is well worth it.

It’s a Mexican take on lasagna. Tortillas instead of noodles, plus rice and beans and some other stuff = deliciousness! My two favourites types of food; Mexican and Italian, together at last! How can you go wrong?!

I got the recipe from someone I follow on twitter, who has a food blog, but the recipe originally came from here.

I will say I had some difficulty finding all the ingredients- so when you are shopping,  go to a big grocery store with a Mexican section to find things like Enchilada sauce and Verde Salsa (I got my ingredients at Loblaws & No Frills).

I also learned a few things:

• “Verde” means “green” aka GREEN SALSA! It’s (delicious and) a little spicier than regular salsa.
• YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN TACO SEASONING! All you need is chili powder, paprika, and cumin.
• This recipes makes a HUGE amount (full casserole dish) so you can half it, or freeze some after it's done if you have a lot leftover. (Orrr you can eat it every day for the next week, like I did.)

Below are some photos of the process :)

The rice cooking and the veggies and "taco seasoning" sautéing.

        The veggies & seasoning all mixed together.

 The rice, beans & veggie mixture all combined.

Starting the layering lasagna process w/ tortillas and enchilada sauce.

Almost finished...

  Ready to go in the oven w/ the cheese and cayenne pepper on top!

Cookin'.

All done!

Again, you can find the recipe on Pioneer Woman. Good luck! Let me know how it turns out and if you guys have any recipes you want to share, feel free to post them in the comments!

Enjoy!

-Meghan