The Missionary Bucket List

The other day I was talking to some friends and they asked me.. "What is your list of things to do before you leave on you mission?" I looked at them.. and said, (feeling kinda silly) "Well I don't really have anything planned.." Then as you can probably imagine, that conversation was pretty much over. haha So not wanting to look like a complete loser I decided to make a list! For me, but also so that I don't seem quite so lame. haha

Feel free to suggest more things that I should do!!

List of things I absolutely must do before I leave for Brasil!
-Learn how to play racquetball just enough so that I can hold my own in a match
-Go to a hockey game
-Go hot tubbing and/or swimming at least one or two times
-Read 3 or 4 really good books
-Finish the Lord of the Rings series (only seen #1)
-Watch the new James Bond movie
-Eat ice cream at least once a week :D
-Eat all of my favorite home-cooked meals
-Play every board game we have as a family
-Have an old fashioned super smash brothers competition with the family
-Have a dance party/dance revolution extravaganza
-Successfully create the "sock bun"
-Attend Moses Lake Drill Team State Competition!!
-Listen to every song on my itunes (plus some pandora radio) and sing along with each and every one
-Have Cassidy or Jordan teach me a song on the guitar
-Go eat enchiladas and tater tots at the Taco Shop
-Eat an entire Chicos Pizza! (ok maybe not the whole thing)
-Watch Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs at least 2 times
-Skype all my good friends in Provo and elsewhere that I won't be able to see before I leave

And that's all I can think of as of now! Let me know if you have any other ideas!! :D

Like looking in a mirror

4 year old(looking up at me innocently): McKayla, when is your birthday?
Me: When do you think my birthday is? Can ya guess?
4 year old: Uh... ummmm It is either March... February. Or Christmas! (big smile on Christmas)
Me: haha Well my birthday is actually in September!
4 year old: No, no it isn't (flashes me a winning smile and walks away)
hahahah

This perfectly describes one of the little kiddos I have the privilege of babysitting on Monday and Tuesdays every week. Her name is Kallee and she is one of the spunkiest, most opinionated little girls I have ever met. Even though she can sorta wear me out sometimes I absolutely adore her personality. I think the main reason I relate to her so well is that I see myself in her big brown eyes. I was that girl just a couple years ago. That bossy older sister with my own agenda and big plans. She has a little brother named Noah. Little Noah is 1 year old and is probably the most adorable little boy I have ever met. The way Kallee totes him around and takes care of him (even though he doesn't really need it) is like watching those old home videos from back in the day with me and my little Jordy. He just goes along with it happy to have someone to play with him.

I can't help but remember my childhood when I watch these little cuties every week. The fact is even though Jordan is now over 6ft he will always be my little brother. He will always be the kid that was forced in to tea parties and dancing.(yes, always in costume) haha.. He will be that kid who always suckered me into playing Nintendo 64 with him even though we both knew he was going to beat me every time. He will always be that kid who loved Pokemon and sang the theme song with me every time. Yes, he will always hold a special little pocket in my heart and I can only hope that my bossy, annoying, older sister tendencies at times are brushed aside. That throughout all of our car arguments and silly quarrels he found something that means something to him.

He doesn't admit it very often, but I know he cares about me a little. At least a little. :) I honestly can't imagine growing up without him by my side. Even though I am older in years I have learned so much from him and his way of doing things. He is brilliant, a living guitar hero, he has a wonderful singing voice, and makes me laugh everyday.

Jordy, you are an awesome brother! :) Never forget that I am here for you and that I love ya. People come and go, but you are stuck with me for a veeerrrry long time. :) Better get use to it.

The battle

"It seems as though the other things I do in the day are merely attempts of distracting myself until it is time to eat again." Funny? Yes. Why? It is probably the most truthful statement about food of all time. 

Now that all I really do anymore is work and eat it quickly has come to my attention that working out is quite important especially when (like me) you realize you love food more than any guy within a 4000000 ft radius. Yes it is a little pathetic to admit it, but being honest here the best dates always involve some sort of food. Yes, the guy does have an impact on the date, but even the worst dates can be made better with some good food. Correct? Of course!

The saying "you can't buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream." comes to mind. It really is happiness don't you think?

The only downside to eating is that in order to balance life, working out is essential. So after coming to this conclusion I decided to weigh my options. After ruling out practically everything (running) haha I decided to entertain myself by doing one of those old workout videos. The ones were everyone is wearing sweat bands and leotards. Haha. I thought it would at least be entertaining even if it didn't do anything. 

I picked up the video titled "Bun Battle," giggled to myself and knew this was going to be good. What I didn't know was how right I was... 

The video consisted of squats and silly little movements that really didn't put any strain on my body. I was feeling great! Thinking, " I am not that out of shape after all  This is awesome!" When it was over I felt a little tired and sweaty, but not even nearly as tired or sweaty as I expected so what did I do? I did the workout again!! BAD IDEA

The next day 

My

Bum

Was

So

Sore

It 

Was 

Ridiculous!!

I couldn't sit, I couldn't stand. haha Any movement at all felt like daggers in my rump. Gee whiz! For days I hobbled around trying not to wince so I wouldn't have to explain to everyone that the reason I was in pain was a result of some old workout video called the "Bun Battle" hah 

Long story short.. My love for food will always be there so the battle to stay fit has begun. The bum battle got the best of me, but soon I will get the best of it! Literally, I will be lookin' my best. :) 

So don't disregard those old videos. They work! and they are muuuch better than running. :) They have everything from Cardio to Flexibility and back. You don't have to do everything, just do something. Being active not only allows you to eat it makes you feel better! It affects every aspect of your life! So join the battle because its the best thing you can do for you. :)

opposite day

 

Day 1 everything is smooth sailing.. Day 2 I seem to trip over air and leave things on the top of the car that fly off when I drive off (not that I have experienced this)

 

Day 3 it seems like I have so much to do Ill never get it done, and Day 4 I find myself willingly doing dishes. (I know, I know =the first sign of crazy)

Day 5 I have so many parties that I have to respectfully decline a bunch, then Day 6-15 pass and my parents are questioning if I have any friends... 

or how about this one...

A couple months ago I had so much to post but no time.. and now I have all the time I ever wanted, but nothing to post..... haha

But hey, tomorrow will be better. Right?