McK Nuggets

Michigan

2011-10-15T06:04:00.001-07:00

Michigan is like my home away from home. Sounds odd, but when we start driving around the familiar neighborhoods, there is something comforting about it. I grew up coming here several times every year and spending weeks with family and friends, making it feel like home.

Michigan in the fall is BEAUTIFUL! Yes, it may be a bit "gloomier" than a Utah fall with more clouds and more rain, but Michigan also has more trees and lakes which make up for it. The leaves turning here are picture perfect (I would photograph them, but it's raining currently). Lake life in itself makes up for just about anything. How beautiful to have a constant view through yellow and red leaves at a peaceful lake - truly, there's nothing like it.

My family and I are here this weekend for a close family friend's wedding. It's like a mirror of last year when we came for another October Michigan wedding. Who doesn't love a fall wedding? Since I was a little girl, old enough to actually think about my own wedding, I decided I too wanted a fall wedding. I was asked if next October it would be my turn? I said.... probably not. Sweet Tony will pick the timeline :)

Last night we had the rehearsal dinner and it was SO MUCH FUN! The bride and her mom own a catering company and so the food was fabulous. We spent a lot of time catching up and eating, then after the family announcements and stories, the group broke up into "game time". Really it was a riot. They had a separate room full of tables for games as well as a pre-bracketed euchre tournament! What Michigan family wasn't thrilled?

Truly, nothing beats weekends filed with family, friends, excitement and LOVE.

I'll post pics eventually!

Do You Have a Routine?

2011-10-07T22:56:00.000-07:00

I love a good routine. As much as it's been excellent for me to step away, take a deep breath, and actually sleep a little, I am excited to get back into my routine. I like to wake up at 5:05 am for a 5:30 work out, then walk into work before most people are awake. I like to prep my dinners and have my Tuesday meetings, Wednesday bible studies, Saturday life group and Sunday church. It's amazing how much the little things add up to make for a splendid routine.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE it in Hawaii and am not complaining or anxious to leave. It's actually been very timely and needed for me to step away and catch a breath of fresh ocean air. I haven't taken a real vacation for over a year and a half. This coming from someone who travels like crazy! I'm so thrilled to have a week of relaxation under my belt as pressures are ever-building. But, if you're anything like me, you know the comfort in having a great routine.

Pick Your Battles

2011-10-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

I, like most people (I think), tend to believe I'm always right. Actually, that's not necessarily true. I'm pretty good at knowing when I'm right, and admitting when I'm wrong. I do however, think that my way of doing things is probably always the best way. This is the real root of most of my problems. I'm probably more efficient and organized than some people, but that doesn't always mean I'm "right". Needless to say, I don't always have this perspective when I am watching other people go about their way. I am a type A - OCD personality. I just am. Blessing or curse, God made me this way.

Tonight, as I sat in a beautiful home in beautiful Hawaii, I quickly became agitated at the inefficient, chaotic way my dad began to organize dinner. When I cook dinner, I like to time everything to come off oven/grill/stove precisely at the exact time that everything can be served hot. Does it always work out? No. Usually? Yes. This is a skill of the hyper-organized person. My dad's method was not lining up quite as well.

Friendly reminder: I am an only child, and a daddy's girl. It's truly a deadly combination. (Sorry, Tony - you have your work cut out for you.)

Rather than taking over and orchestrating the grill and oven in perfect symphony as is my natural tendency to do, I asked if there was anything I could do to help. Sounds like a nice, non-bulldozing solution. I failed. My assigned task was not going to lead to my desired outcome. Like a child, I rolled my eyes, completed my task, and retreated to my room until dinner was completed so I wouldn't have to watch potential chaos ensue. Does chaos actually happen when I'm not in control of dinner? Generally NOT.

I called my sweet Tony to vent. Not only does he empathize with a controlling only child, he loves me so he'll listen and set me straight much more gently than my mother or any other bystander.

Set me straight he did.... The lesson of the night is gained only by having perspective (or a sweet Tony of your own). My instructions? Pick your battles. "Babe, you are in Hawaii, with a family that loves you. Of course things are going to happen.. You need to just pick your battles."

And how right he is... again.

Thinking that I know the best way to do something generally leads me into multiple battles to win the war of dinner, packing, planning, etc. Why should I spend so much time fighting these battles to get my way? It's unnecessary and harmful to the relationships I value so much.

I will never be able to control every situation or fix everything I see as a potential problem or ineffective way of doing something. And in all honesty, that's probably for the better. However, some things will be worth fighting for. For these I will fight. Thanks to simple words of wisdom from the right mouth at the right time, I will simply pick my battles. With that perspective, a grilled fish dinner in Hawaii looks noting like a battlefield to me.

Hawaii!!

2011-10-04T21:14:00.000-07:00

One reason I get to blog again is I am currently on my first real vacation in a year and a half. I finally took more than one day off of work and flew to Hawaii for a family vacation! It's a miracle... Though I stress far more than I should, work is still getting done and I'm stepping away from the blackberry.

After many visits to Maui and Kauai, this is my first visit to "The Big Island" of Hawaii. We are staying in Kona during the week of the famous Ironman Triathlon. There are athletes everywhere!! The Ironman is a race that consists of swimming 2.4 miles in the wavy ocean, then biking 112 miles on windy lava, and if that's not enough, after that little bike ride, run a marathon! The competition is clearly fierce as I watch the most fit people I've ever seen running, biking, and swimming this week to prepare for the competition this Saturday. It's been fun to see so many people and hopefully we'll get to watch a little of the race. On the main highway, there are signs to watch out for bikers as they keep themselves ready for the 112 miles later this week...

Yesterday, we drove to the top of the volcano that erupted back in 2008. It's still active today as you can see below. There is no lava flowing currently but the steam/smoke is still coming up in several places. We hiked from one rim of the crater, down into the crater, across the crater, and up the other rim. It was a surreal experience watching the landscape change so much as we changed elevation and proximity to the crater's mouth.

The highlight of my hiking experience was around mile 5. We passed a couple wearing Mackinac Island t-shirts so naturally, I asked if they were from Michigan. They were not... They were actually from Wisconsin. This was not the highlight of the hike. The departing comment of the husband, as we were walking away, left me feeling particularly fit. After 5 miles of hiking, Mr. Mackinac asked ME if I was here "to compete in the Ironman". No.. No sir.. Never in one million years could I successfully complete even ONE leg of the triathlon. However, THANK YOU for asking. I'm flattered. Boot camp must be paying off...

Other than hiking volcanoes and training for our own triathlon of eating, drinking, and playing cards, we've been spending time shopping, cooking, and snorkeling. The views are great and the sea turtles are EVERYWHERE. It's fabulous. I can't thank God enough for being so inspired to make a little dollop of land here in the middle of the Pacific with such wonders. We're definitely enjoying ourselves.

Too Long Again

2011-10-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

It seems it's always too long between blogs for me... I suppose it's easy to get distracted with the thousands of other things I seem to be doing all the time.. But when I sit down to talk about what I've been doing, it turns out... I haven't been doing anything...

Okay that's not necessarily true. I've had a busy and wonderful few months since my last post. I also am truly going to make an effort to post more.

The highlights of the last few months honestly revolve around work and my amazing Life Group. Work has been time-consuming as always but I love what I do, who I work with, and am SO blessed to have a job in these times.

My Life Group is incredible. We are so different and so similar at the same time. I love what I learn from journeying with my amazing friends. Over the summer we had the joy of being a part of Ben and Nicole's Wedding. They did a fantastic job with a GIANT 40's themed wedding. I know everyone had a blast and the details were SO THEM! Every little bit screamed Ben and Nicole - from the style, to Ben writing and performing a song, to their vows... How fabulous. Thanks for letting us be part of such a special day.

A Second (and Indian) Christmas!

2011-02-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, (early January.. because I'm so bad a updating my blog) Tony and I were lucky enough to spend a weekend with his family in Ames. We had a second Christmas (because one just isn't enough these days!)

Anyway, it's only natural when you get all the Bal Indians together that a wonderful and entertaining time is had. And naturally when celebrating, pictures will be taken. The family decided this year they wanted to take a family photo. When this group requires organization no one should worry, there will not be any problems or challenges, everyone is a take-charge leader.... However, this in itself can be the challenge....

Picture prep:
Angleing to get ahead of any potential confusion or mishaps the day before the photos, Jyoti made a complete list of every picture that needed to be taken. "Grandpa and Biji. All grandkids. All of the family. All of the family with girlfriends. Just the girlfriends. Just the boys. Just the girls. Just the boys with girlfriends. All the couples. All parents with their kids. All the parents with their kids and grandpa and biji. All the middle kids. All the young kids. Etc." This gave us all significant reassurance things would run smoothy the day of the photos.

The other piece of prep work was finding sari's for all the girls. Biji, Tony's grandmother, had seemingly thousands of colors and patterns of saris to choose from since she is also the former queen of India (if you didn't know, she is the beautiful woman after whom the Taj Mahal was designed and built.... Wait... No that's..Bina Rai... Wait no, she is from the original Taj Mahal Bollywood movie -which of course we watched after opening Christmas presents and ham dinner... Naturally...

Anyway! Finding the saris was entertaining as well. Luckily for everyone, Jyoti knows colors very well and let us know who was an "autumn" and who is "winter" thus the beautiful dark green Sari was stunning on Carol and would have made me look like burned spinach soup. Ciera and I, the token white, blonde girlfriends, just observed and held colors up to our faces for the selection process. Before this day, a "sari" for us was a form of apology. Eventually after an explosion of the Indian color palate, we all had a traditional dress for the next day.

The day was almost glitch-free.... almost.. but the pictures turned out well and we all had a LOT of fun :) Enjoy!

And the best for last....

Happy Harvest Halloween

2010-10-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

Fall is definitely my favorite season. The leaves turning, crisp air, good food, and football - what more could you ask for?! Ah yes pumpkins.. I love them. I love to paint them, look at them, and cook with them - pumpkin waffles, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin soup, pumpkin cake.. the list goes on.. but what I haven't done for so long is carve a pumpkin. This year I tried again!

Tony and I decided to carve pumpkins on a beautiful fall afternoon. He is such an artist and SO detail oriented, his pumpkin turned out AMAZING! Mine... is simple.. and took about half the time of his.

Gutting the pumpkin was definitely the worst part of the endeavor. It was extremely slimy, stringy, and overall rather revolting. For some reason, I decided it would be a good idea to separate the seeds and try roasting them. That changed my slimy hands and arms to slimy hands, arms, and fingernails.... gross. The seeds did turn out well though and you can find the recipe for them on my g-free blog.

Enjoy a few pictures of the day :) Happy Halloween!

Thank you.

2010-05-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

To the friends, family, strangers, professors, advisors, library workers, study abroad councilors, administration, residents, politicians, and U of U bookstore patrons; to the ones I have known for my entire life, to those who are a fairly recent addition to it...

To the Student Alumni Board, the specialized team of doctors from one year ago, the Utah athletics department, to The Children's HopeChest in Swaziland, puffins cereal, extra shot of espresso, the elves, and to Utah ski resorts...

To the Service Learning Scholars, Dr. Robert Forbis, my sweet grandparents, and Mazza...

To Capital Church, LNCO, wsj.com, and LEAP...

To Sage Point 812, Utenited, UPC, RHA, and otter pops, to my wild mother and schmeenie father...

To the book of Romans, American Express, and Washington DC

To the people who figured out how to make almond milk, Cami my dog, and Apple inc.,

To the friends from before and the friends just now, the Ucard office, my E pass, and dark chocolate...

To everyone in between...

thank you.

You have supported me and pushed me and inspired me. You have pulled me back up when I fell, wiped away a tear from my face, encouraged me to apply. Apply for the board, apply for the committee, apply for the honors, apply myself. You have never left my side, even when I thought you did. For the past four years, thank you.

When I look at the things I've been able to do in the past four years I usually take a deep breath and smile. The smile is because I loved every minute of it. The deep breath is because I could easily get stressed and raise my blood pressure instantly just thinking about it. So I breathe. I breathe in the struggles, accomplishments, triumphs, and tragedies that have accompanied the past four years, and I smile.

Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you.

But we did it!!! We made it to this day with medals and ribbons around our necks, we rocked the cap and gown and marched towards our "little piece of paper" we've anguished over during many finals weeks. We made it!

So now what? Some of us will go travel the world tomorrow, some will begin a new job. Some are off to grad school next fall and some will wait a few years. Some of us have extremely pointed dreams, and others will take in each day as it comes, each of us living life as well as we know how.

It's off to work, to play, to see. It's off to be what we will be....

And oh, the places we will go!

To The Class of 2010:

2010-05-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

Finishing my last final and realizing graduation is just one week away, I write this to you.

Making the decision four years ago to come to the University of Utah is the best decision I have ever made. Choosing a college is the first life-changing decision many will make and I feel lucky to have become a Ute. The next decisions we must all make will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of our lives; having kids, choosing a career, getting married… Perhaps not in that order. All of these will mark turning points in our journeys and our futures. So to the proud class of 2010 I’d challenge you to turn your decisions into those that will make in an imprint.

I have been fortunate to be involved during my time at the University of Utah and I can truly say it has changed my college experience dramatically. It has instilled ambition and goals for my future that admittedly I fear I will fall short of. I want to change the world. No really. I have an immense passion for international service; I want to improve the quality of life for people in developing nations and markets. While I may not entirely shape the world with my own life, I, just like you, have been given the tools, the knowledge, and the unmatched opportunity, to make an imprint.

Without a doubt, I assert that education confers not only knowledge and skills, but also a responsibility to use those skills for the betterment of society; to make an imprint. Six out of ten high school graduates enroll in college. Only four of those six will make it to graduation. The fact that you have made it to this day sets you apart from the ones who didn’t get the opportunity and even farther from those who didn’t take it.

We have made it over the hurdles and barriers. And we now have the greater challenge to put ourselves to use. Here is where I would ask you what you feel this piece of paper we receive is worth. Or where I would challenge you to be grateful for what you have earned. What I ask you instead is this: have you underestimated your potential to make an imprint?

I have to tell you, when thinking about this I was torn between making an imprint and leaving an imprint. This is a transition time for us all. Many of us will be moving on to various other things and we will think of the legacy we will leave behind. However, to make an imprint is much more active. It is intentional, conscious. I want to MAKE an imprint, not just LEAVE one when I go.

We will often leave an imprint unintentionally. Some of us will leave in our wake the shrapnel of broken relationships, or a dust that doesn’t quite settle, but if we can MAKE an imprint INTENTIONALLY we can use the rest of our lives to make a difference. It’s risky this way. There can be conflict and danger. We see it as this big moment, when we do something and suddenly we’re on the news and being interviewed by Oprah, with our name up in lights, but in reality, we will see that the most significant moments of our lives will be the times when we had a significant impact on one other human being.

And in that moment, we make an imprint.

So how do we make this come to life? I said I wanted to change the world, obviously a massive undertaking. I can’t tell you I have a set plan or strategy for this, but I know there is value in small steps and leaving fingerprints on the lives we touch. To the architectural planning major who thinks fitting this into your career isn’t applicable or a possibility, or to the mechanical engineer, even the opera major, I challenge you all to find one relationship, one passion, or one event. Start there and MAKE YOUR imprint.

Erwin McMannis said that “everyone makes an imprint, some make it in the wind, which no one will see, some in the water, which cannot be affected. So nothing is there. How can you leverage your time, energy and resources to make an impact?”

Many of you are leaving behind an incredible imprint here at the University of Utah as you end this chapter; and you will go on to touch countless communities. To those that think you haven’t: you have had the tools given to you here. You have had the opportunity to develop the desire here. If one of you reads this and remembers something about making or leaving an imprint and decides, consciously decides, to put forth the effort to MAKE an imprint on one community, one relationship, or one life; that goal of mine, to change the world, will have begun.

You know what they say: “You don’t have to change the world to change a life; if you change a life, you change the world.”

The legacy of a Ute is one that outlasts YOU. Make sure you are making a difference. Just as each of us has our own fingerprint, each of us will make our own imprint somewhere, but each will be shaped by our time here, and the opportunity we were lucky enough to have taken.

Find that one life, that one person, or that close community and make your imprint.

Graduation is Coming!!

2010-04-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

It's true... May 7th... Graduation is Coming!!! It totally has me excited/freaking out/wow...

Yep..

It also has me quite nostalgic so I'm pretty sure my next post will reflect that.. Watch for it!

Hoppy Easter!!!

2010-04-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!!! What a fantastic day to celebrate :) I completely overdosed on chocolate.. it was totally worth it!

At my internship with FUEL Marketing we had a festive day in the office. This is my friend Mallory and I rockin the bunny ears. I wore mine pretty much all day and forgot I had them on.. I wondered why people seemed a little odd when they came to my desk to ask me something..

The Woes of a Blogger

2010-03-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

A blog should not have the ability to make you feel guilty.. However, I have been such a slacker!!! I feel guilty for not posting here for literally MONTHS!

Life has been busy and exciting. SO much has happened and changed since my last post (in September.. hence the guilt!). I promise I will be back to blogging soon. In the meantime, I have school work, job hunting/graduate school decisions to pre-occupy myself ;)

Thanks for your patience blogger..

I remember..

2009-09-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

It has been over three months since I was in Swaziland, Africa and I can't believe how fast time has flown.

I remember my heart before the trip. I longed for Africa.. I wanted to be there and serve and learn more than I had wanted anything.. It was almost tangible.. I could taste my desire to be there.

The summer before, I was able to study abroad in Tours, France and travel through much of Western Europe over the course of three months. I remember this distinct moment one night in Nice; we had just taken the train from Paris and it was dark but lively as we set out to explore the town. There was live music and the culture was drastically different from the streets of Paris, just a train ride away.

The farther South you go in France, the more immigrants from Africa you'll find and the culture has been influenced accordingly. From music to cuisine - it's fantastic. We kept walking in the direction we figured the beach must be and passed groups of teens playing music and dancing in the street when we finally came to a set of concrete stairs leading down to the smooth-rocked beach. White/grey rocks led to smooth white sand. We took off our shoes.

Tip-toeing toward the waters edge, looking out across the black Mediterranean Sea, I cautiously waited for a wave to make its way to my feet. Cold water rushed between my toes and around my ankles. I had one thought..

Africa. Right on the other side of this water. Africa. It waits. It calls for me. I have to be there..

One year later, I answered that call (just a little farther South..) I spent some amazing time in Swaziland and will never forget my first Africa experience. I loved, loved, loved it!

I have been thinking about Africa a lot recently and know that I need to go back.. It's just a matter of when and for what purpose. I have a heart for that blessed land (ya i know.. sounds corny.. but I said it!).

Africa, Africa, Africa. I remember you.

The REDvolution!

2009-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

It's Homecoming Week 2009!! Yes!

This week is so fun! Yesterday was house decorating, Saturday was Legacy of Lowell service day, tonight is Songfest and the Pep Rally, Friday is the Scholarship Scramble Golf Tournament, followed by the Homecoming Dance at The Depot, and Saturday is the 5K and Homecoming game against Louisville!

This year is particularly fun because I get to be part of the 2009 Homecoming Royalty - I am the first attendant! YAY! I am so honored to hold this position and have already had a blast this week and there is so much more to come! A good friend of mine, Erica Sellers is the queen and together, we always have a good time. It couldn't be better :)

I'll post more about how this fun week turns out soon - for now.. GO UTES!!!

This photo is from the Legacy of Lowell service day.

GO UTES!!!

Home away from home..

2009-09-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

As I may have mentioned, last April I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It has not been the easiest thing to deal with... but I have been feeling better and transitioning as well as I can.

We are still running all sorts of crazy tests almost weekly. There's clearly more going on in my body than just the gluten-intolerance but we have yet to discover exactly what it is..

I have however developed a new home away from home... LDS Hospital.. Weird? I know.

You know you are there too much when you know everyone by first name, they know you before you even check in and get 'in the gown' - which is awesome. AND - you know where the warm blankets are and have permission to grab one whenever you feel like it. yep - I live the good life!

Hopefully they'll figure out what ever else is going on in my body apart from anemia and celiac disease and my new friends and I can maintain a more... long-distance relationship! Until then though - I'll like another warm blanket please!!

Swaziland, Africa

2009-07-14T16:48:00.000-07:00

I made it! Much to the delight and surprise of my worried mother, I made it back from Swaziland, Africa safely and healthy. What a blessing. My trip was a complete success; though I should confess it’s very likely I learned more about love from the children with whom I worked than I could have ever shown them. They have the most amazing hearts.

Working at the Mkhombokati care point was a truly humbling and breathtaking experience. I was able to work with over 100 children and pre-teens, (most of whom have lost one or both or their parents) every day. It was truly inspiring. We were able to host daily bible school lessons for the young children as well as teach them songs and games. We also held life skills classes in the afternoons for both the young ones as well as the older kids who would come to the care point from school.

We taught the group how to sew and mend their clothes, basic hygiene and health, as well as some carpentry. Through these classes each child left with a new outfit, a personal hygiene kit and the care point has new shelves in the classroom. We also planted a garden to supply the care point with lettuce, onions etc. for more complete meals. The ‘makehs’ sp? (MAH-KAYs) or mothers who volunteer their time every day at the care point will look after the garden and harvest all the growth. Currently the meals at the care point prepared daily by these makehs consist of cornmeal and rice. Just a glimpse at these children and the malnourishment is apparent. Luckily, we have the opportunity to change that.

I will no doubt be writing more about this amazing adventure soon. Thank you all for your love and support through this fantastic journey.

Diagnosis.

2009-05-18T14:00:00.000-07:00

Friends, family, readers...

I have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease. It's been confirmed and my lifestyle change is in progress!! This is definitely a life change, but a blessing as well. (To follow my gluten-free eating adventures click here) It's a relief to finally know what has been causing me pain and discomfort as well as illness over the past year and a half. Changing my eating and lifestyle will definitely be a challenge but one I'm willing to tackle with the support of my family and the necessity to avoid further health complications.

I am gluten-intolerant. Allergic to wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is in many more foods than anyone would think. Apart from breads and the obvious, gluten is hiding in foods like soy sauce, tortilla chips, candy, cold cuts, hot dogs, gravy, imitation fish, sauces, french fries, soup broths even cooking oil for grilling meat or spraying pans. Avoiding gluten is a tremendous challenge.

The past two weeks have been a nightmare. I've been scared to eat anything and starving all the time. However, there are so many resources out there, so many things I can eat, safely. I have been eating really well this week and am already feeling better.

While this will be difficult, it will be worth it! This disease is something I'll deal with for the rest of my life, as it has no cure, BUT! If you know me well, you know I have a sweet tooth that must be satisfied! As I search for great gluten-free food, you can follow my findings (if you are so inclined) at my new gluten-free blog:

http://glutenfree-me.blogspot.com

I'll still be blogging here, don't worry ;)

I have a feeling gluten-free food is going to get better and better!

I know I'm stressed when..

2009-05-07T11:08:00.001-07:00

Well.. Finals week is coming to an end. YAY!!

I know I'm stressed when:

1. I bite my fingernails. They're the first to go!

2. I feel like I'm in a serious relationship with the library. I give 'him' all my time and energy

3. I'm eating. Contstantly. Probably the worst of my stress habits. I either have chocolate or carrot sticks with me. All the time. I'm a snacker.

4. I spend more time at the library than at my apartment.

5. My hair AND make up isn't done AND I'm in sweats. I generally try to have only one of these going on at once.. When I'm stressed, it's all missing.

6. I always have my phone in my hand, open to my e-mail inbox, or calendar.

7. I forget to have real meals. I often 'double fist it' as well. Coffee in one hand, water in the other. It's important to stay hydrated! (AND to stay awake!)

8. I live out of my car.

9. I talk to my self about flashcards and assignments more than I talk to my family and friends.

10. I pray. A ton. At the end of the day, no matter how much I stress, it's so not in my control!

Thank goodness I took my last final today! I've finished my junior year of college. WILD!

Let the summer begin!

Africa!!!

2009-03-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! I have to post an Africa shout-out/call-out. I need YOUR help! This contains bits and pieces of my sponsorship letter. I don't however, have all of your addresses so here is all the info you would need:

As most of you know, I am addicted to service and have felt called to Africa for quite some time now. I have been doing extensive community service since my senior trip after hight school: building with Habitat for Humanity for a week in New Mexico. Well... I have upped- the-antie! I have recently made the exciting decision to go on a mission trip with members of my church and through an organization called Children's HopeChest (CHC) to do mission work and community service in Swaziland, Africa!!!

Children's HopeChest is a global leader and innovator in orphan care ministry. Since 1944, CHC has helped bring children out of the isolation of orphanhood and into the joy and warmth of family programs. CHC reaches thousands of orphans through its orphanage sponsorship program and other follow-up outreaches. My church, Capital Church, sponsors a Care Point in Swaziland, Africa called Mkhombokati. (Crazy word.. I know!) This Care Point provides, in some cases, the only food available to about 100 children, most of whom are orphans. This summer I want to join 14 other members of Capital and go to Mkhombokati to service the children and the community. Swaziland is a tin, land-locked country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique (see map!). It also has the auspicious title of having the highest AIDS infection per capita worldwide. The average Swazi will live to be 30 years old, the result of which is an entire generation of orphans. I feel this is where God is leading me to serve. I have an intense desire to help children and what better way to do so than to serve them on this mission!

My team will be based out of the Mkhombokati Care Point. I will be gone from June 25- July 7. Throughout the trip I will be busy ministering through spending time teaching and executing projects with the children as well as supporting the Discipleship Team, Field Missionaries and the few Swazi adults who take on the difficult task of providing basic needs for the children. The total cost of the trip is $3,500, which includes all expenses: airfare, accommodations, food and training.

I cannot accomplish this task alone, so please join me with your prayers and any financial support you can manage. Every little bit helps so whatever you can do is greatly appreciated!!!!! Even just a prayer will go a long way :)

The deadline for me to be fully funded is May 5. If you would like to make any size donation (even $.25!) and pay with a check, please make all checks payable to Capital Church. In order for you to receive a tax deduction foryour donation, do not write my name on the check and simply include a slip of paper that says "This is for McKenzie Newton's Swaziland Trip". Please mail all donations to Capital Church - 1010 East 700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102. If you have any questions PLEASE let me know!

Thank you so much for your consideration, support and prayers!!

Grand Cayman Part 2

2009-03-25T17:32:00.001-07:00

The rest of the trip was absolutely fantastic!! We continued to eat really great food, rode jet skis, went horseback riding on the beach and made the best sand castle ever!!

We had soooooooooo much fun!! We're all having Cayman withdrawals and missing the beach and sunshine desperately. So, in order to cope... we've decided to go back next year!! YAY!!

We Love The Grand Cayman!!

Living in a Post Card!

2009-03-18T17:11:00.001-07:00

Well I have been in the Grand Cayman four days now and it has been an absolute dream... So far the week has included an aromatherapy massage, snorkeling x3, jet skiing, a snorkeling-jet-skiing-SAFARI (yep, it's true), and swimming with sting rays!! (all apart from the great food of course!) It has been wild!

I've been trying to read my book, Jane Austin's "Emma", with little success. The waves keep calling and I keep answering. No wonder homework isn't beating out the Jane Austin novel if Jane Austin can't even hold a top spot! Look at that crystal clear water!! It's just too beautiful...

I'll be posting more pictures soon, but until then, here is a glimpse of paradise!

Join the MUSS!!

2009-03-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

Well! It's that time of year again! Football MUSS sign-ups!!!

After such a fantastic season how could you NOT want to sign up for the Football MUSS this year?! Sign-ups started last night at 9p.m. so if you haven't done so already REGISTER FOR THE MUSS!!

It's $30 per person (U Students only!) and $90 for a guest (not necessarily a U student). This includes SEASON TICKETS, an awesome t-shirt, and FREE FOOD at the MUSS tailgates before every game! Pretty sweet deal..

To sign up go to www.alumni.utah.edu/muss The Alumni Association is so good to us :)

GO UTES!!!!

The Year of Friday the 13ths...

2009-03-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia. Friday the 13th is when the thirteenth day in a month falls on a Friday, which superstition holds that is a day of good or bad luck. In the Gregorian Calendar this day occurs about once a year.

I think there are more Friday the 13ths this year than ever.. It just keeps happening!
There was one in February... One in March.. ok so maybe there have only been two.. There's one coming in November though!!

According to folklore, the "Friday the 13th" superstitions started in the 19th century. I think it started with some Italians who thought everything about 13 was unlucky.. maybe.. It's also possible the superstition came from the event of the arrest (on Friday the 13th) of the legendary Knights Templar.. dun dun dun!!!

There is also superstition that having 13 people eat at a dinner table will result in the death of one of the diners.. hmmm..

It is said that more accidents happen on Friday the 13ths than any other Friday.. but another report says that It is one of the safest because everyone is so careful and takes extra precautions to avoid any Friday the 13th bad luck. (Some people don't even leave their house!) All I know is Friday the 13th is coming!!! What will you do!?

Those Things To Do...

2009-02-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a list. Things they want to do before they die. Things to do before they're married. Things to do before they are 30. This is one of my lists.. with no particular time line.. If it's bold - I've done it! (A big thank you to Cassie Taylor for the base list)

1. Started a blog - Right here!

2. Slept under the stars - Freshman interim at Waterford - Desert group

3. Played in a band - Capital

4. Visited Hawaii - Many times, I LOVE it.. How could you not?

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland - Those tea cups killed me..

8. Climbed a mountain - I've actually climbed a few..

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo - WAY more than A solo.. many a times..

11. Bungee Jumped

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Had food poisoning - In Paris...

16. Adopted a child

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables - raccoons in my backyard ate them..

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France -it's smaller than you'd think.. She's a celeb though.. the flash photography around her was outrageous.

20. Slept in an overnight train -......

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked - never have, probably never will

23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill - ditto

24. Built a snow fort

25. Hugged a Goat

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or a sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. See Niagra Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - Germany.. LOVED it!

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Learned a new language - French, Spanish, and a little Japanese..

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied - Money does not satisfy

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person - I even did the touristy photo.. yep..

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo's David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa - Hopefully this summer!!!!

45. Had your portrait painted

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Walked on a beach by moonlight

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive in movie

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Serve at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies -I've bought Girl Scout Cookies.. and eaten them.. Does that count??

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma -I've tried many times.. Sometimes I don't weigh enough and sometimes my blood levels are not normal enough..

65. Eat Swiss chocolate in Switzerland

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check -another never have hopefully never will.

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy - PINKEY!!! My pink bear..

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job -and again.. never have, hopefully never will..

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a motorcycle - probably never again!

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - does catching and gutting a fish count? It was gross..

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone's life

90. Had your heart stop

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby - hopefully one day!

95. Swam in the Great Sale Lake - One day at crew, I decided to take of my shoes and jump out of the 8. The boat rocked and I was SUPER salty.. mmm

96. Seen the Alamo in person

97. Learned to windsurf

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Read an entire book in one day

Do you have a list?

Student Alumni Board

2009-02-13T08:24:00.000-08:00

As I believe I mentioned in an earlier blog, I LOVE THE STUDENT ALUMNI BOARD! It is probably my favorite thing I've gotten involved with on campus. We work hard and we have a ton of fun doing it. SAB was a major contributor to my love for the Utes. (Not just football and basketball) Because SAB does so much for the students of the University of Utah, I can't help but love them. I serve them and love them. It's great!

Anyway! This year I get to be a vice-president of the board. Woo!
Well, the executive committee had our pictures taken before the meeting this week. Sick. Like ew, gross sick. Not sick like cool sick. Sick! The picture looks good - of everyone except me. I know girls whine all the time "oh i look fat", "oh I just look so gross in that picture!" Usually that drives me nuts and I'm like - 'oh stop digging for compliments' and I really say - 'oh you look fine!'. I am not digging. WOW I really look gross! I think some make-up should have been in order. But you know what!? (Despite this photo being in the spring issue of Continuum Magazine) I'll live!

If you are on SAB and reading this blog, I highly recommend applying for next years executive committee. Applications were sent out by Brynn on Wednesday and I believe they are due next Friday. If you are not on the Student Alumni Board - greatest thing on campus -you should apply for next years board! Applications will be released later this month and I will post a link on my blog. (Here..- because this is my blog I'll post the link here.. on my blog..)

ya..

So SAB rocks. Photo's don't always.. not so much.. But ya!

GO UTES!!!!

Blogging.. To blog.. Verb?

2009-02-06T15:49:00.000-08:00

It's totally official. I am now a blogger.. I blog. Is it even a verb?

Well I am an addict. It's like my new facebook. What background should I have? Add a gadget?! What's that!? Cool! I like it...

I'm surprised so many of my friends are 'bloggers' too. (it's like cloggers but WAY cooler' - I can say that because I used to clog). I'm not a journaler so this is new. I actually did keep a journal during my summer in Europe -but I kept it all in French... I'm not sure if I could still read it.. I think so! (I hope...)

Well. I am now into blogging. You should be too! (You probably already are if you're reading this..) Blogspot - that's my spot!

Go blog..

My Alumni Association Girls

2009-02-03T14:39:00.000-08:00

I have a habit of killing a few hours every Tuesday at The Alumni House with Cassie. These of course are hours I have to spare..

We blog. We talk. We eat. oh and we play with Rubby.. Rubby is Cassie's rubber band ball. Only so much more.. Rubby is growing up so quickly - but I think he's reached a point where it's ok to buy him clothes because he won't be getting much bigger for a while.

* This is not actually rubby

Rubby is not this colorful. but we do love him very much (even though I think he steals Cassie's paperclips)

Today we are studying for my Mass Comm Law exam.. It's tomorrow.. and I'm blogging.. WOO!
We had chicken noodle soup and Dark Chocolate White Mint Ghiradelli Squares.. I think they are God's gift to chocolate and mint lovers (me).. Thank You!!! They are amazing.. (Not for the waist line though..) We also ate apples. That's healthy!

Anyway - the main point of this blog is that Tuesday's are great and YOU TOO CAN HAVE YOUR OWN RUBBY!! To order click here:http://www.officemax.com/omax/catalog/sku.jsp?skuId=20045443&searchString=rubber%20band&category_Id=null

Yay for Tuesday.

That 13-0 Season

2009-02-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

The football madness this weekend really made me miss the perfect season.. Those Utes..

I love the Utes. I really do! I didn't miss a single game this year (or last year..(or the year before)) I have found my favorite thing on campus - The Student Alumni Board. Nothing has made me love The University of Utah or Utah football more. I sat on row 2 this year and lost my voice after every game.. Good thing I wasn't singing the next morning.. (I planned that better this year).

The season opener at Michigan was tough for me.. My Michigan ties were pulling me towards the blue and yellow.. Luckily I bleed red and stayed true. Final score? 23-25 Utah. WOO! The season held some close calls and some exciting moments. The finale at New Orleans was absolutely breathtaking. I watched the game at Cameron's parents house with the whole gang and it was intense. The die-hard's (Me, Cam and A2B2), were all decked out in the Utah gear. I distinctly remember Cam saying "I had to wear my 2008 MUSS shirt! We've never lost when I've worn this shirt." And so it goes. (Almost a bit of Kurt Vonnegut but not..) There was some pacing, yelling, jumping and lots of hugging.. all in the first quarter. The following three quarters didn't let us down. Coach of the year? ... my..foot..

Football has been a deal breaker for my college life. I've been in the MUSS since year one (row 52 baby!) and wouldn't trade it for anything.

GO UTES!!!

The Office Goes Green!!!!

2009-01-29T20:57:00.001-08:00

This office will have a recycling program if it's the last thing I do for this company!!!

Today Gretchen, David, Ian and I were putting together some proposals and we went through A LOT of paper!!!!! I was given a VERY hard time by one Ward Figge and one Ian Grainger for caring about the impact we are having on the planet. You guys think you are so funny talking about littering and waste.. however, it DOES matter!!! I have the phone number for the waste company who picks up the dumpster at the office, and I am going to upgrade our current status to - EARTH SAVERS INC! well... not quite.. But we are going to do what we can!

GO GREEN!

Africa

2009-01-27T22:06:00.000-08:00

I am an Africa-hopeful.

God has put something on my heart that pulls me there. I want to serve. I want to learn. I want to have an impact.

Last night, I had my first meeting at Capital Church about the trip this summer to Swaziland. I must say it was a mixed boat. I am so excited about the opportunity of going.. However, I want to make this huge impact and have this great effect on the people there.. I don't want to be disappointed. As those of you who know me well have heard, it is very likely that one day I will start a non-profit. (Watch for the 501-C3 post... it will come I'm sure). I have this vision of Africa becoming self-sustainable. The countries have a major dependence on the outside help they receive from major organizations like The Chirldren's Hope Chest, and World Vision. While I feel these organizations are fantastic I don't know that spending two weeks building something is the best way to make a lasting difference.

Don't get me wrong! I think even the smallest things make a tremendous impact and can absolutely change the lives of these people, I just hope that someday we will reach a point where African countries have strong governments that allow the people to hold jobs and live in a place with a viable economy. I have this hope that high-quality education will one-day be available for everyone - and when I say education, I mean reading, writing, math etc., but also these people need to be educated on health, safety, trade, etc. Skills like these could absolutely change the direction of these countries. If someone knows how to sew and has access to proper materials and funding, they can create a small business!

The other MAJOR issue as we all know is HIV. While there are people who say that it is something that is just not talked about because the whole place is in denial, there are people who say men take advantage of women - believing that having sex with a virgin will cure their disease. (Don't even get me started on the need to empower women - Gretchen!) This is ALL a lack of education. These people need to be educated about safe sex, and abstinence, and the dangers of HIV. They also need to be tested! Many of them don't even get tested..

While I could ramble on about this for pages and pages I need to stop and remind myself of something VERY important. God loves these people and has a plan. He has a plan for me and my life of service and He has a plan for the beautiful people of Swaziland. I want to be a major part of the journey and His grace. I just need to let go of my anger and frustration and trust Him. . . . He must be up to something..

Plazafest

2009-01-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

So every year student groups from around campus get together and give away free stuff to try to recruit people and get more people involved. Seeing as how I'm involved in 500 things this is always chaos for me. I LOVE IT!! I've visited all the booths of my current student groups including the humanities college, UPC, ASUU and The Bennion Center. I've come to a halt at Utenited. It's pretty great. Utenited is the Christian group I found at home with here. We meet every Tuesday night at 8. It's quick and dirty (I just don't have time for another 2 hour meeting!). So it's actually not dirty but it's about 30 minutes of worship music and a little life message by David Figge.

So today at plazafest we're just hanging out in our cool shirts handing out some flyers.. It's neat! www.utenited.com SHOUT OUT! err.... ya..

"This is Utenited, and you are welcome here"

The College Life I Live

2009-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hello! Welcome to my college blog. I am currently a junior at The University of Utah! (our football team was ranked #2 in the AP poll after a 13-0 season.. you might have heard about it). I can't believe I'm more than half way done! After changing my major nearly seventeen times I think I MAY know what I'm doing with my life... I'm currently (always subject to change at a moment's notice) a Public Relations major with a minor in business. I am in year 3!!

At this point in time (again, always subject to change!) I am going to be taking the LSAT on June 8 (World Ocean Day in Brazil). That should be an adventure... The exam.. not the ocean.. but an ocean is an adventure too I suppose..

So again, welcome to the official log of my college years. I got started a bit late but here it is - The College Life I Live!