Love That Crazy Life

new favorite...

2011-08-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

http://youtu.be/zwFS69nA-1w

This is my new favorite band...please enjoy.

So sweet...

Thank Heavens for Twilight Tuesday.

Leadership Conference

2011-01-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had an amazing leadership conference. Grant it that it was six hours long, I learned a lot of really cool things.

I am the kind of person who really loves quotes. They are the simple motivation that I need sometimes. There is always a quote that applies to my life and that will help me to become better. Our presenter yesterday was the same kind of person. He handed out a card to everyone towards the end of the presentation and we had to switch it with someone else whom we weren't too familiar with at least twice. All of the cards were different, and none were the alike. This card was supposed to be "meant for us" at this time in our life. It was really interesting and I really enjoyed it.

My card read: "The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is giving your gift away." -David Viscott

I really enjoyed this quote. I felt like it really did apply to my life, and when we went around the table and everyone shared their cards they all felt like it applied to their lives as well.

Some other quotes that I loved from our conference were:

"The world is our friend or foe, depending upon how we view it." -Paul Wesselmann

"What lies before us is daunting, what lies within us is astounding." -Paul Wesselmann

"We advance toward our destiny when we encourage others to reach theirs." -Paul Wesselman

"When we risk going too far, we discover how incredibly far we can go." -Paul Wesselman

I really enjoy the chance that I have to go to these kind of leadership conferences. I am so grateful for my scholarship and the chance it has given me to learn many new leadership skills and help me to grow as a person.

School has started again, and I am in a photography class this semester. I am loving it so far, and I can't wait to start taking pictures next week. Perhaps I will post some of my pictures. Feedback would be great if any of you would like to comment, it would be really nice to improve on my not so great picture taking skills.

Have a great and safe weekend everyone!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I wish you the happiest of holidays!

Utah Girl Am I!!

2010-11-29T14:08:00.000-08:00

This was the greatest, most heart stopping game I have ever been to! Thank you for not breaking my heart and loosing to BYU. 17-16! GO UTES!!!

Crazy Kids...

2010-11-19T13:19:00.000-08:00

...and this is what makes me happy. We are quite the catch eh?

Sin City Weekend!

2010-10-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

Vegas. It could possibly be one of the most crazy cities on this Earth, and quite honestly I am not very fond of it. What I am fond of though is Ragnar, and Ragnar just happened to be in Vegas this time. This race was 195 miles long. That is seven miles longer than the last race I raced. Hm. No biggie right? Right. My first leg was 8.8 miles long and consisted of hills and the boring landscape that Nevada is blessed to have. My second leg was 3.2 which is simply a 5k through a town right outside of Vegas. And my last leg was 6.1 miles up a hill, the whole time, on a trail. If any of you know me well enough, I hate hills and I hate trail running more than anything. It was probably the hardest leg, but well worth it once I got to the finish line where I earned my Saints and Sinners medal for running the Vegas Ragnar and the Wasatch Back.

Once we had finished running from the Valley of Fire to the Red Rock Hotel in Vegas, we enjoyed our beautiful (free) hotel room in the Venetian right off of the strip. We had planned to go and tour the strip that night, but once we checked into our hotel room at midnight we all had zero energy left. We all crashed, but we had decided to go to the strip the next morning moments before the unconsciousness that no sleep for 36 hours had came over us.

The strip was not my favorite place. It could be that I was limping like an old geezer everywhere and I hurt super bad, or because it is the most disgusting place on this planet. Either way we made it to the m&m factory and that's all that I cared about.

The Ragnar series is addicting though. I hate it, but love it all at the same time. While driving home we decided to make our own team permanently. I guess means that this won't be even close to being my last Ragnar. I suppose I will have to start training for these things...

I Love Fall!

2010-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

OK, so maybe corn mazes are a little cheesy but I honestly love them. And although they are cheesy and all, Daniel was a super good sport and took me. I was super excited. Little did I know that Daniel wanted to go into the haunted maze. Hm, I HATE being scared and the idea of getting lost in a haunted corn maze and maybe not being able to find out way out was the most nerve racking. I gave in. I went. I had my eyes closed for the majority of the time, thinking how did I end up here. Daniel, on the other hand was pretty amused with me freaking out over every creepy person jumping out at me. I guess I'll have to get a little bit better about it though seeing as I promised a trip to Frightmare on 13th this year. Oh boy.

Once we (Daniel) found our way out of the haunted maze, we went to the normal maze and found every station in the maze. Who would have known he was so good with directions and maps? We won not one, but two free appetizers from Texas Roadhouse. MM, delicious!

Although, I was scared out of my mind I had the best time. I wouldn't have traded it for anything, and there is no one else I would have rather gone with. Yay for cheesy corn mazes!!

My Trip to Lake Powell

2010-10-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago Daniel and Kaitlin invited me to go to Lake Powell with them. Their family LOVES Lake Powell and I was really hoping that I could go. But as it turns out I worked that whole weekend. I was super bummed, but they are amazing. They drew a picture of me and everywhere they went they took a picture with it. And then as a present, they printed off the pictures and made me a photo album of my trip to Lake Powell with them. I loved it so much! I am so grateful that I have such amazing friends and boyfriend who are so nice and good to me! If life had a number one fan, it would be me. :)

Unusual Doings...

2010-07-02T21:27:00.000-07:00

So I have been up to something very unusual
from that of my "norm"...

Now for those of you who know me, you know that crafts are NOT my thing. I have always disliked them, but I had no choice this past week. My friend is getting married in a couple of weeks and for her bridal shower the theme for the gifts was their "firsts." For example mine was their first holiday, and the next big holiday after they get married is, well you can guess Halloween. Honestly where do you find Halloween decorations at the end of June? You hunt for them with your creatively gifted mom. We found a metal tin and made a treat bucket at a craft store, and I know my mother will be embarrassed for me to say but the rest were found at the local DI. I painted the wire basket black and made it into a cute candle holder. I sanded and painted the pumpkin boxes. And my mom's favorite were the glass bottles. We found some really cool old vanilla extract bottles at the DI and I scrubbed them up and my mom found these amazing pieces of Halloween art from marthastewart.com (crafty like Martha eh!). They turned out great! I was so proud of myself for achieving the final result. I loved them and yes it was much harder for me to give them away than I thought it would be.

Next, I know you all know what this is a picture of, welcome to my newest toy. I finally bought myself a guitar, and for a pretty awesome price too! (Thank you ksl classifieds!) I found this beauty today online today after going around from store to store on my search, and even though I have only had it for a grand total of four hours now I LOVE it! I will for sure need some help in learning to play it (anyone know a good teacher?!), but it was so fun to strum all tonight. I guess this means that the rest of my summer will be spent learning how to play my new baby. I am crazy excited! Please wish me luck, I'll for sure need it. :)

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!!

Well Wishes With Love

2010-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

We had another one of our residents pass away this past Saturday night and I had to stop and think about how I have changed again. Before I started working on the floor, death was one of the most horrible things I could ever think of happening to someone. I refused to go to funerals, and I hated thinking about death at all. I am really starting to surprise myself though. It is strange how much you can learn and how fast. It's crazy to think that I can start to see and recognize signs of someone who is starting to go. While it may be a bit uneasy to say that, it really helps me prepare. It gives you time to realize how to make them comfortable and how to help their family. While I walked past her room many times this weekend the atmosphere went from crazy and hectic to a sort of peace and reverence. I admire her sweet daughter who not only came and stayed all day and night by her side when she started to go, but how she came and helped her mom eat and brushed her hair daily. She had her whole family by her side all weekend, some of whom even came from out of state. I am grateful that they were all there for her.

It kind of reminds me of the time when my great grandpa was passing and I went with my mom to go and see him. I still remember that she told him that he had better hurry up and go and get his cereal before it got cold and Grams got mad at him. I still remember her telling him that we would all be ok when he was trying so hard to hold on. It's crazy that memories from my own life come back at times like that, and that it makes it that much easier for me to help others.

I remember asking this lady one day while getting her ready for dinner where she met her husband. They met in High School and they were leads in the High School play called "The Romantic Young Lady." She was the Romantic young lady and was to fall in love with him in the play, but I suppose she played her part too well. She told me about waiting for him while he went on a mission to Denmark and about all the letters they wrote to each other, many of them about how his companions thought she was quite the girl and he agreed that she was amazing. She told me all about her children and how being a mother was. She loved listening to books on tape and listening to the choir sing on Sunday. She loved cranberry juice and always finished her dessert. I'm glad that she finally gets to be with her husband again and pain free.

When people ask my why I want to be a nurse, I wish they could be there with me at times like these, then they would know why without question.

2010-06-22T12:27:00.000-07:00

A preview for last weekend.....188 miles....1000 teams....12000 runners.

Rowdy Rednecks...

2010-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here is some things I learned about Country Concerts for you guys...

A 16oz. cup of Utah's watered down beer is $8.

Being drunk causes you to not care that the beer is $8 a glass, even when you keep dropping it.

Drunk people drop their beer because they are dancing and oh boy they do know how to move.

People should maybe brush their teeth more, because there were a lot of people missing their poor teeth.

You shouldn't give your husband a lap dance at a concert, even IF you are WAY gone. Um...sick.
Jack Ingram should always perform drunk. He is a MUCH better entertainer that way.

You now know why you don't drink, and never will.
You question if you can get a hangover from being around so many drunk people. That headache still won't go away...

You should bring your cousins from Idaho, because while you are running around trying to find a free t-shirt they will keep your purse from getting stolen.

Paying extra for a whole section closer than you were to Jason Aldean was worth it.

That it IS OK to flirt your way down to the front of the stage while Eric Church is performing, because after all he is the reason you waited all day in the rain. :)

The the security at USANA might just be the worst security ever if you can flirt you way down to the front of the stage, but you're glad they are.

Eric Church is just as good on my Ipod as he is singing right in front of me.
That you kind of miss your best friend who is in Iowa, but took plenty of pictures to send him and to post on your blog.

It was a great weekend, minus the rain and 43 degrees for the high. Thank you country music and drunk spectators!

The Ragnar Map and Throwdown Preview!

2010-06-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a map for you Grandpa! It is kind of small so here is the link that you can hopefully click on (if not copy and paste up where web addresses go) to go and see it on the official website. :)

http://www.ragnarrelay.com/wasatchback/coursemaps

On Saturday I will be spending the WHOLE day listening to some of my most favorite country artists. Thank heavens for cousins who love country music too, or else I would have had to go solo! Three tickets, Section 201, Row B, Seats 1 2 & 3. Bring on the good looking cowboys, dancing with drunk spectators, and most of all Eric Church!

It has been awhile...

2010-06-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

I love the message behind this song. Sometimes I need a reminder and this week while at my brother's sixth grade graduation (congrats little bro!!) this song came on. Sometimes I forget that it is ok to have big dreams. It is ok to have them, but it is up to me to make them true. It is up to me to make my rainy days turn into sunny days. It has been one year since graduation and it is finally setting in that the rest of my life isn't up to anyone but me. I can go where I want to go, be what I want to be, and do what I want to do. I have amazing friends and one of them told me this last week that I don't have to do anything but make my life for me. I don't have to settle for anything less than what makes me happy. Right now it is my time to enjoy life and live it to the fullest. I have nothing holding me back. Thank you Tori!! I am so glad that I have you in my life!

Other big changes that have happened? Yes. Andrew is now Elder Andrew Scott Kimber. Congratulations to him!! He will be serving the people of Iowa for the next two years. I laughed when he said Iowa a few months ago, but I have a feeling he will fit in pretty dang good. Having him leave was bittersweet, it feels more bitter than sweet right now but I am positive that it will be much sweeter before long. I just can't wait to hear stories about Iowa and the people he is serving. I received my first letter today and it was good just hearing from him. I don't think we have ever gone ten days without talking before. Ha ha, it will be good to have mail to look forward to other than the usual junk mail though. He is where he needs to be and I am so happy and proud that he made that choice.

Next Saturday is the Country Throw down Concert! It is a full day concert filled with performances by some great country bands and singers. The one I am looking forward to the most is Eric Church. He is actually kind of the reason that I bought the tickets to the concert anyways. I am going with my cousin Cade and one Andrew's and mine redneck friends Mitch. It will be tons of fun and one BIG party!

And finally congratulations to my little brudda! He made it through six years of elementary, what a nightmare. If I could give him advise and have him actually listen it would be something like this...Make sure you keep up on your homework. It is so important to start getting good grades and learning to study on your own. Push yourself to be the best you can be, no one is going to hold you back from improving anything you do be it school or sports. Get involved. Jr. High and High school are some of the hardest/best years you will have, and being involved and having a support group at school is so helpful. Tryout for anything you really want to do and don't be afraid. Rejection is only room for improvement and an excuse to prove them wrong the next time you go back. Keep good friends around you and have fun with them. Don't hang out with people who are going to bring you down, you may not realize it or think that they are but trust your mom and dad when they say that they are. Make friends. Never be afraid to be the person who stands up for others who are getting pushed around. Sit by those who are all alone at lunch during school, and invite your friends to too. If it was you I would want someone to do the very same thing for you. Most importantly, trust mom and dad. Family will always be here for you and we will never leave you. It is the biggest thing I have taken advantage of over the years, but try not to do the same. They will be your number one fan always. Mom will be there to cheer you on in your victories and give you a shoulder in your failures. Dad will be so supportive and ask you how you can improve and if they can help you in improving. As for me, I will be your sister. I will be the one who will embarrass you at times because I love you. I will be the sister who will demand a hug after you have achieved a goal. I will listen to you when you need an ear. I will be the one who will be just a phone call away if you ever get in trouble or need help. I love you brudda, and I wish you the best of luck in the next stage of public education and well just life itself. :)

Call Me Crazy...

2010-05-24T10:39:00.001-07:00

On June 18 and 19, I will be running the Wasatch Back with some of my friends who I ran with in High School! I am so excited. I am totally and completely out of shape so expect me to be out on the road constantly for the next couple of weeks! Right now I am thinking that this is QUITE the race to just jump back in again. It is a 170-mile relay race from Logan to Park City, Utah. You form teams so you pass off the different sections onto eachother, but that is sure a LOT of mileage for someone who hasn't run seriously since last spring. However...where is my Aunt Katie right now?! Katie, I think you would love this race. Maybe next year we will have to sign up as a family. :) I'll try to post the map soon so everyone can see the course. As for me, I think I should dust off my running shoes, hit the roads and enter the 5k next weekend in bountiful.

Internet Inspiration

2010-05-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today I thought I would pull up some quotes on "Google." I guess it kind of turned out to be just a good dose of always needed inspiration and a good five minutes of deep thinking.

"When I hear somebody sigh, "Life is hard", I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'
-Sydney J. Harris

I think we have all said that life is hard at one time or another. I enjoy the question at the end, "Compared to what?" Life is always rough for all of us. We all have our rough patches, but we all make it through. While going through a hard time, I think it is important to decide whether you want to make it out a better person or become sour and negative the rest of your life. I deal with people on a daily basis that have such a negative outlook on life. They could walk again, they could move their fingers and hand and arm again to scratch their face instead of depending on someone else all of the time, but the difference is that they don't. They don't get the help that they need to help themselves. I am not saying that I haven't been a negative Nancy before, because believe me I have, I am just saying that it is totally our choice on how to handle a situation. I think it is important to take a breather and realize how bad your life is right that second, but great your life has and will be.
I have always love the saying that says: If you were to throw every one's problems into a big pile. You would take yours back in a second. It is true. I look at those around me at work, school, and everywhere and think to myself that I have no idea what is going on in this person's life. I look at those patients at my hospital and see their families sometimes out in public and I wonder what I would see in them if I didn't have the opportunity to take care of their family member.
I always loved those kids in high school who went out of their way to sit with the disabled kids at lunch. You never knew what they were going through, or the troubles they were having. I wish I could have been like them. You could see the positive impact it had on not just the disabled kid, but the one who sat down to eat with them as well. Those are the people I look up to in life.
Life is great. Sure it's going to kick your butt sometimes, but who said you can't kick it's butt right back?

Summertime

2010-04-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Finals....I can't wait until your over.

Computer Crush

2010-04-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

So sometimes saving up for something is "oober" hard. We have all been there, well most of us right? Well this is the baby I have been going to work for everyday. I remind myself when I get frustrated and don't want to be there at all about this little guy....

Just keep working, working, working...

Late Night Learning

2010-03-25T10:28:00.000-07:00

So some advice I was told this week late at night while on the phone...

"Just be yourself McKell. No one can be a better you than you"

Enough said. I need to be reminded of that once in awhile.

Now where are those crazy friends of mine who went away to college?

Last Night I Was A Converse Cowgirl!!

2010-03-20T08:56:00.001-07:00

JASON ALDEAN

WIDE OPEN TOUR: 2010

LOVE HIM!

Best view, and awesome seats!!
Jason's big entrance, and where I lost all control and screamed louder than I ever have before.
The opener for Jason, Luke Bryan. He was really fun to watch and got the "drunk girls (and McKell!!) screaming" for Jason Aldean.
The opener for the opener. I only caught his first name, Ash. He was so much better than I had expected.

I have been waiting all year for this concert. Three whole months, for three AMAZING hours with three AMAZING artists! It was worth every stinking penny to go. Jason Aldean put on the greatest concert that I have ever been to. There were hundreds, and hundreds of people there. And yes half of them were drunk and perhaps almost put on just of a great show as Jason Aldean did. They made Andrew and me stand up and dance half way through the show, but when I asked Andrew why we weren't dancing like them he looked at me and said, "McKell, you have to be drunk to move like that." Man, I was just singing all the words and loving ever single minute of it. I totally wished that it never had to end, but all good things come to an end. I will totally be on the look out for when he comes again, believe me!!

Oh and mom you know how you made fun of this "hick", well he sings a better Brian Adams than Brian Adams does. Just ask anyone who was there last night. Oh and you missed out on a little Metallica with Luke Bryan. We all ROCKED out to this amazing "hick". You could have, should have, and probably would have had you had a sampler.

BEST NIGHT EVER!!!

Tomorrow!!

2010-03-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

I have been waiting for months, and its tomorrow! I am so excited!!

Once Upon Two Years Ago...

2010-03-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

So I had an experience this weekend while I was working, and I wanted to share it with you guys. It kinda starts out a few years ago....

Once upon two years ago I went into South Davis Community Hospital for an interview for my first job. Now it was my first job so I was just excited to have the opportunity to have an interview and perhaps a paycheck. I clearly remember one of the questions she asked me during my interview, "Do you plan on continuing after this job to work in the medical field?" Now this job was for a Dietary Aide, and for those of you who aren't quite sure what that means it pretty much is a glorified name for a lunch lady/dishwasher in their kitchen. My answer to the question was, let's say somewhat of a lie to help impress this woman, so I answered, "Yes of course!" Well she hired me, and I was so happy to start out with my first job. I worked in the kitchen for one year working hard and learning what the definition of work was.

When summer rolled around, I decided that maybe the medical field would be pretty awesome. I had officially fallen in love with the patients and the idea of helping them. I start to look into a CNA class that was taught at Lakeview Hospital. After hearing great things about the teachers and the course I decided that there could be no harm in expanding my knowledge and experience. After completing my clinicals and passing the exam, I realized that this was exactly what I wanted to be doing right now with my life while I go to school.

Fast forward a few months and I am still an employee at SDCH, just as a CNA. There are some super hard and frustrating times. It took me at least a month to realize that no matter how hard I ran and how hard I tried, I would never be able to fully and completely make everyone happy. And although I realized this, I still am yet trying to achieve this goal of mine. I just think everyone deserves the opportunity to have as many happy days while in the hospital as possible.

Now for the whole reason I am telling you about all of this, last Friday I had the opportunity to hold a dying woman's hand. Many of you are probably a little weary of why I am telling you this, but there is a reason. Last Friday was not the first time I helped take care of someone who passed on, but being there and holding someones hand why they are trying to move on can really impact you. I must have sat there for a good while remember that white lie I happened to tell at my interview almost two years ago, and realizing that back then the idea of caring for a dying patient and feeling the love and remorse I did for someone I had only known and taken care of for a few months would have scared me to death. It's amazing to me how much I had changed. There are so many different things I could have done last Friday night, but being there in that room with her was one of the most peaceful and humbling experiences I have ever had.

So to her I would like to thank for all of the funny memories that she left with us all, I would like to thank her for the sweetest hugs and kisses I have ever received. I hope she is enjoying the freedom that she has regained from old age, and I wish the happiest of days for her to come. Quite simply put, I love you and thank you.

Confessions, Truths, and Well Nonsense

2010-02-22T19:29:00.000-08:00

I love the color lime green, don't know why, but I love it.
I love the fact that a chocolate cake from Costco can make a birthday even more happy.
I found my High School Sweetheart in Jr. High.
Running is my outlet, I get cranky when I don't make time for it.
My little brother is annoying but the best friend a sister could have.
I love my job, and yes mostly the older people I work with.
I love to hear stories, but I'm horrible at telling them.
I go to leadership conferences for school and I learn so much about life and what mine can be.
I realize that I may have accomplished great things before, but there are so many more things I can do!
I love people watch...people make me laugh sometimes.
That forgiving someone is sometimes the hardest thing that you have to do.
Change is my biggest fear and challenge in life.
Biology is the only thing that is keeping me from being a Nurse.
I am fond of Country music, I love Jason Aldean.
I wish that I could change one person's life for the better everyday.
Relationships are full of drama and fighting but in the end you become even better friends.
Sometimes you just have to swear, there are no other words.
Gas costs too much.
College text books make me fall asleep.
I believe that people come into your life for a reason when they do.
Some of the greatest teachers I had were my Track Coaches.
Moms are the best friend you love and have the authority you need.
I need, must start a bucket list....

Maybe next post...

A lot of catchin' up to do!

2009-12-02T14:30:00.001-08:00

Life has been so busy lately, but one of my patients at the hospital always tells me "busy hands are happy hands." I guess this is pretty true. There have been times when I have wanted a lazy day, but then I realize just how much time I wasted that I could have been finishing that eternity long of a paper for English. I find that since I have been spending more and more time at work and school, I have really missed being with my family. I never realized how much they mean to me and all that they do for me until I wasn't home very often. I catch myself sometimes at work talking about my crazy brother and all the things my mom and dad do for me. I also have a great extended family. I am so happy I got to spend all of Thanksgiving with them. We ran a 5k in the morning, ate some turkey, and then we just hung out for awhile. I am so glad we are a close family! :)

This semester is almost over. I cannot wait. There have been some classes that I have enjoyed, but with others, its time for a change. College is great! I have met so many new people and made so many new friends. Sometimes when it get stressful, I wish I could just work and earn money instead of spending it all on school. Then I remember how much I want to be a nurse and that I can't just drop out and let that go. I'm hoping next semester will be better in the Biology area. If there is one thing that may drive me insane it is Biology. It always helps to hear your patients tell you how good of a nurse you will be one day. It means a lot and it keeps that fire burning.

As for the social life, I have made some way fun friends. We went to every home football game for the University of Utah. GO UTES!! I enjoyed going to those games a lot. I find that it has been easier for me to make friends by just being me (no one wants a fake friend anyways). My weekends off sure do mean a lot more when you have some great friends to spend it with.

Hopefully you all had a great Thanksgiving and have happy holidays! Christmas is the happiest season of all. :)

A Little Pre-season Pride!

2009-10-17T11:40:00.000-07:00

This Thursday night we all went to the Jazz game. It was crazy fun. I actually remembered to take my camera so I could post some more pictures hopefully. (Uncle J....The game was SO awesome! I loved it. It was SO wonderful and SO amazing. :) )

Seth and Megan...what cheeseballs. :)

The Jazz!!

Megan and me...I am so happy she came home for the weekend!

Kyle was on the bench all night. What a downer.

GO JAZZ! They won by four points. I hope they can keep it going throughout the season.

My Wild Weekend

2009-09-12T19:43:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had such a great time. I got out and did different things with some friends. On Friday night me and Korri went to an improve show at Roger's Memorial Theater. It was so great. It was so funny and there were a lot of fun people there to hang out with. There were two shows one that starts at 8:30 and then one that starts at 10:30. After the first show we went to Yogurt Stop to grab a quick treat with some awesome friends and then decided to head back for the last show. It was great. I would totally recommend that to anyone who was wondering what is a good, cheap, and fun thing to do on a Friday night. Also next Friday night they are having a drive for the Utah Food Bank. If you bring two cans of food you get in for only two dollars for the shows and then if you bring three cans of food you get in totally free! It is the best of both worlds, helping out the community and good entertainment.

Saturday started out with some usual family chores at home. Then at 11, Andrew came to pick me up and we went to the Olympic Park in Park City to go Zip Lining. The park itself was so fun to go and check out. We walked around the visitor's center and looked at all of the cool displays they had. They had the medels on display, the different outfits used in the opening and closing cerimonies and some amazing pictures. When we had finished our tour we went outside and started walking to the zip lines. On the way they had some arial jumpers jumping into the pool of water that we stayed to watch. It was SO cool to see the whole process and everything that goes into it. After they had finished, it was on to the zip lines. We went to down three times and lets just say everytime got better and better. After our first decent my hands were shaking so bad, but don't think the nerves stopped me from running to the end of the line to get on again. After we had soared down the mountain, we went to grab some lunch. I had heard so much about The Pie Pizzaria in Salt Lake and wanted to go something else that was new to me. It was so great. Everything I had ever heard about it was so true! I would recommend it to anyone!

I had so much fun getting out and trying some new things this weekend. I regret not taking my camera into the park so that I could have taken some awesome pictures for the blog, but I will have to remember next time for sure. I think that if you haven't tried something new and totally out of your comfort zone in awhile, to just get out there and do it. My wild may not be that wild to you, but hey it was a stepping stone for me. Have a great rest of the weekend!

Finding McKell

2009-09-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had a wonderful wake up call from my parents (Thanks mom and dad) . I realized that there are people in your life that you want to just simply make them happy and you want the best for them, but what if in order to make them happy you have to change something about yourself and you forget about yourself? Learning the hard way, I realize that you shouldn't change yourself for someone no matter what. They should love you and accept you just the way you are. I don't need someone who brings me down all the time and makes me loose myself. Today I was driving home from school (30 minutes to think to myself) and I realized that slowly but surely I am starting to find myself again at school without them. I am starting to make more friends who enjoy me for me. I'm learning more and more about myself the more I am at school and at work. Simply put, I am McKell. Six letters that mean something more than just another face in the crowd.

Never, ever going out of style

2009-08-28T14:37:00.000-07:00

The 80's?....best time this world has ever seen! Nothing can quite make you totally and completely awesome other than gnarly blinding neon colored head bands, stretchy spandex, and yes of course, those luscious leg warmers. Once you're all decked out, go ahead, find those old Duran Druan, Culture Club, Corey Hart, and Wall of Voodoo tapes and that's right, stick them in that dusty old cassette player hidden in your closet for days just like these. Hold nothing back, turn up that bangin' music right up. Respect like the 80's and sing into that hairbrush of yours. Heck and if you are lookin' for more...I dare you to pull out those old workout VHS'. Sweat it up. Get out your headbands and leotard. Here's to the 80's and some wild friends who know how to party!! (Who says you can't be from the 90's and party like you were born in the 80's?)

College and me...really?

2009-08-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

This week I started College. I'm pretty sure that when you look up the word college in the dictionary, it should have a definition that goes something like this....college will be super hard and like nothing you have ever experienced. Your friends will move away and the contact you do have will be through the process of posting a wall comment on Facebook, texting, or the occasional phone call. And if you haven't realized it yet, college will make sure you know just what life is going to be like....crazy, insane, and lonely at times. But hey I'm sure not going to be a downer. It is great. There are just as many good things (I have yet to find some of them, but working on it) as there are bad things. There are so many different kinds of people out there. It sure is different from a high school where the majority are LDS and everyone knows everyone and what they do. It's like a challenge to meet as many diverse people as you can. Its like life throws all these different ideas and thoughts from many different people who come from different directions. I think that is what makes the world so good. If everyone thought the same and believed in the same thing, well we might as well not even think. My first week of college is an experience I won't forget ever...first week is always rough. At least I made it through a second day, this time without a unknown hole in the butt of my skirt. Great way to get noticed the first day of classes by the way. You get all kinds of weird looks from all kinds of people. Well you have to start a conversation somehow right? What's better than..."Excuse me, I think you might have a hole in the butt your skirt showing more than you probably want....but hey blue is my favorite color. What's your name?" Awesome...here is to hoping next week will be better.

2009-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

You know, they should probably give some instruction on how to begin your first post on your blog. I think it is hard to think of something to share at first, unless of course you have had something big happen to you lately. These are my favorite places around home. They are awesome places to think and after you just graduated High School, you need to think about things that are quite intimidating. I'm excited for life. New people, new places, more fun, and now school will be only about what I want it to be about. I'm just going to jump in and enjoy the new waves!