Pain is Good...I think.

Thursday Night Volleyball. A way to keep in shape, socialize with friends, increase sporting ability, make yourself look like a fool in front of pro Samoans, and realize how much you're out of shape.

I used to go to our stakes' volleyball night religiously (ha), and then I quit for a couple months with life being too busy. We started it up again this past month and tonight was the first night the Samoans returned.

Oy.

Don't get me wrong, I love playing against these guys. After all I'm related to one now, thus making me related to every Samoan in Utah. They're amazingly fast, powerful and just plain volleyball superheroes. I love the rush when I save one of their spikes, or get one of their jump serves (which includes watching my life flash before my eyes before impact). You can't imagine the rush of blocking a hit up close by the net in which I decide in a split second if I value my vision and/or face more than the victory of blocking a 100/mph hit from a guy who can jump 5 ft in the air without trying.

Playing against these pro's only improves me each time and I wouldn't have it any other way. Not to be humble, but I'm quite the decent volleyball player after having years of coaching from a vollyball superstar sister, so it's not like I'm some novice playing against pros. I know what I'm doing, but these guys are just SO GOOD.

I swear they have iron arms with supersonic fast reflexes, and endless muscle power. (Vampires perhaps? Nah, just reading too much twilight I think)

The result in my relentless blocking of hits and serves after not playing for two weeks, is the picture below.

No, I don't have fat forearms with patches of fat here and there, They are swollen, have blood spots under the skin as well as a bunch of small bruises and one big one. I think when the Samoans get going, I get going and we push eachother to the point of exhaustion. (Or maybe it's just me, and I'm kidding myself)

I have to admit though, I over did it tonight. I'm now nursing my ever bad left knee (which I won't be able to walk on tomorrow or the next day), arms so tender and swollen I can't wear a long sleeve shirt because touching them hurts so bad, a large headache from overexertion, one blister on my foot, and calves and thighs so sore I can't exactly walk upstairs or downstairs. Just straight forward (I like to dive for stray hits, what can I say?)

After taking two very large Extra strength Tylenol, and Icing my knee, I'm off to bed to dream about a sport I have a love/hate relationship with. Over time my arms will toughen up again and I'll be used to the 2hr game of death minus headache and killer knee.

So this is a good thing. I have to get right back on the horse and keep going.

Can someone bring me a ladder though? My leg won't lift that high on it's own right now.

Massive Picture post!

I found my ever disappearing camera cord today. Thought I would update via picture post. So here goes:

Oh wait, here is a video of our lame singing for Michelle's birthday. I didn't sing because then all you would hear is me. :D


Saturday we celebrated Michelle's 26th B-day after conference. It's a tradition to get her grapefruit because she's nuts over them. Optional juicy glasses if you prefer.
Can't have a Hodgson birthday without the essential angel food cake, fresh strawberries and whip cream. Optional overdose of cream if you like. Don't worry, it was "light".

Lema tired. Can't see why, he slept through most of conference. (who cares if I did too)
Michael was sleepy as well. I think he just woke after conference. Yes, he is a self proclaimed vampire.
Randy leerves whip cream.
Michelle got her scrapbooking book by Becky Higgins. I. want. it.

So I found this cake online. yes, it's a cake. I think I want to make it.
Old Volleyball team pic after we won region. Woot.
Is this not the coolest thing ever? No need for an ugly flat screen mounted to the wall. I pull MINE out of a shelf. Get with the times people!
Michelle 8 months along. She's about to pop!
The cookies I made for the WesTech baby shower. took FOREVER, but I loved how they turned out and got lots of compliments. This is the favor for the family shower on saturday.

Closeup of my amazing goodness.
Michelle and her loot from the Westech party. She got SO much stuff she doesn't really need the family shower now! Such nice people at WesTech!
Ace in his pool. It was clear water about 30 minutes before the video, but he loves to roll in the dirt. End result, very muddy water and filthy dog

Joey the fatcat in her window. This is how she always sleeps. Randy decided his phone would make her look more entertaining.

I only took three photo's at MIchelle's B-day dinner. I am terrible at taking one of everyone. Sorry Joe and Tony!

Bekah and her messy face. So adorable!
Michelle mid-blow.

We like-a chinese food. Chinatown wok to be exact. YUM!!!!

Rachel prefers wood.

Well people's, hope you enjoyed the pictures & videos. Must be off to bed!

Bec