Since I found some of that time that I had so sadly lost (due to school), I decided this subject was important enough to me to write about (even though it's not Sunday he he).

I am pretty upset right now, guys. As I sit here watching the new episode of "Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders - Making the Team", I am absolutely disgusted. At who? Well...... these two below.

I'm disgusted, not at Kelli Finglass and Judy Trammell as people, but at their actions. During this particular episode, they let go of 3 amazing, beautiful, talented, healthy, muscular, fit women. Why? Oh ya know..... because they had gained "so and so" pounds since the last time they were on the team, and they "didn't fill out the uniform in the right way". I tell ya people..... I just wanted to throw my t.v. out the window and over the balcony right then. 

One of the most puzzling part of this episode was when Kelli and Judy told this girl (who had gained 13 pounds since the previous year) that most girls who are 5 ft. 3 inches (which is what she was) on their team weighed around 104 pounds.........

This really put things into perspective for me because about a little over one year ago, I myself, also 5 ft. 3 inches,  weighed 104 pounds. To say the least, I was NOT healthy. I still don't really believe that some of those girls weigh that much less, because on t.v. they look so much healthier than I did at 104 (in my opinion); they look muscular and fit. However, maybe they are, and maybe they ARE healthy. 

Okay, I don't want to get off track here. Okay take a look see at these girls below....

Each one of these girls has different bodies. They are all beautiful. They are all fit. They are all amazing dancers. Yet..... a girl may get kicked off just because she gained a few pounds while on break.... it's just sad. For some most of these girls, this is their dream. They have wanted to be a Cowboy's cheerleader ever since they were little, and unfortunately their dreams get crushed because they don't "fill out a uniform" in the "right" way. I would never in a million years crush someone's dream just because their body isn't proportioned a certain way (especially if that person is STILL an amazing dancer!). I understand that this team has standards, but really..... crush a woman's dream because she doesn't have a long torso & has a bit more skin on her hips?

Every little girl, young lady, woman is beautiful. Period. Never ever ever ever let anyone make you feel like you are less than you really are. Follow your dreams, and never give up. Show the world that you are more than a body. You. Are. So. Much. More.

Sunday Post #1

Oh my goodness, words cannot describe how good it feels to be back! Ever since I decided to only post on Sundays (due to lack of time throughout the week from school), I find myself daydreaming during class about a million different things I want to write about; do any other bloggers out there do this while at work, school, or elsewhere? #bloggerprobs

I have been trying to figure out how I want to go about these #sundayposts, and honestly, am still not quite settled on anything. Basically, today's post is my guinea pig; it might be a little random, but I promise it will be filled with lots of interesting and delightful "stuff".

Say Yes to New Adventures

 TOP LEFT: See that lady cheering? That's because the Uintah Utes (my hometown's high school football team) made an awesome play at there first home game (they ended up winning as well). After class this last Friday I raced home (3 hours) to watch my little sister, a member of the Uintah High U'ettes, perform at her first high school football game. Upon arrival I realized I had made a mistake in wearing cute, yellow shorts. Why? It looked like I was in Seattle, Washington; rain was on the way. After making it to the game, I watched in excitement as the score board time neared the half-time mark. 8 minutes....... 6 minutes.... 3 minutes.... 30 seconds.... 2 seconds left!!!..... THEN.... Rain. Everywhere... Teams running off the field.... parents, siblings, and students clearing the stands... umbrellas going up.... and here I am thinking, "SERIOUSLY!?!?! You couldn't have waited like..... 5 more minutes?" Long story short, they ended up finishing the game; however, the U'ette's did NOT get to perform. Sad. Day. Although I didn't get to see my sis perform during halftime, I did get to see her do some shorter, side-line routines before the rain came, which was just as great. She is a rock star. As I watched her dance and sit in the student section, I became quiet, and couldn't quite grasp the fact that she is now in high school, my little sis. It's bittersweet watching her grow up (I'm even getting choked up now), but more sweet than bitter. #proudoldersis

TOP RIGHT: For those of you who didn't see this earlier in the week, this is my FAVORITE snack/breakfast/side in the world! There are three reasons for that: there's peanut butter, there's honey, and there's bananas. That combination right there equals LOVE. It's also very filling, so if you are ever in need of a quick fix that keeps you full, try this out. Whatever you do though.... DO NOT forget to sprinkle cinnamon on top... you won't get the full, delicious effect!

BOTTOM LEFT: I mentioned on this picture that I would be putting the recipe up on the blog Sunday, and what-do-ya-know, it's Sunday! This (Strawberry Protein Oatmeal Pancakes) is one of my favorite breakfast meals. Not only does it fill me up, it provides for and fuels my body during the day. Here it is:

Ingredients

1 egg
2 egg whites
1/4 - 1/2 scoop strawberry protein powder
1/2 cup quick oats
splash almond milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Sprinkle cinnamon
Banana slices
Honey
Granola

Directions

Mix all ingredients together (in the above order). Pour entire mix into medium size fry pan for one large pancake. Top with banana slices, honey, granola, and/or peanut butter. Eat plain, drizzled with yogurt, or dipped in low-cal maple syrup. Enjoy :)

BOTTOM RIGHT: This right here is another one of my favorite snacks/pre-workout snacks! It's just a caramel corn rice cake with Jiff's whipped peanut butter, honey, banana slices, and cinnamon. Delicious. Nutritious. Low-cal. Filling. Yum!

Blogs to Follow:

The Daily Tay

Logan Can

Rivers & Roads

Oak and Oat's

East &


Random Links:

11 Thing I Wish I Knew Before Going To College

Teen Who Survived 2 Plane Crashes Achieves Basketball Dream

Why You Should Make New Years Resolutions In The Fall 

18 Healthy Sandwich Choices That Make Lunchtime Special

You'll Flip For These Pumpkin Pancakes


Stuff I Want to Tell You:

Yesterday........ I GOT A CAMERA!!!! I have been wanting a nicer, more professional camera for awhile now (mainly to improve my blog). After we went and got the camera (a Nikon D60) that my cousin sold to me (thanks Misty!), my sweet mom took the time to help me understand the camera before I went back to school.  I kept telling her that in a way I felt guilty for allowing her to help me, seeing as she has worked for over 4 years researching and reading to get to the place she's at today. Of course I still have a massive amount to do myself, but....basically I just feel super blessed to have such a humble mother. I also told her that she has a way with teaching, and should think about giving photography lessons; anyone who knows my mama probably agrees! Here is the link to her site if you want to check out her photos: Janece Kenney Photography.

To wrap up this weekend post, I'm going to share a few more photos that I took this morning, just because I'm tickled pink with how they turned out! :P I hope that you all have a wonderful week. Manage your time wisely so that you can lessen stress. Eat healthy. Eat treats, too. Exercise. Spend time with your family. Get enough sleep. Have goals to accomplish each day. Tell the ones dear to your heart that you love them. Make a new friend. Reach out to someone. And lastly, spoil yourself a little! :) I will talk with you all in one week! In the meantime.... follow my adventures on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest. Lots of love -- McKenna <3

Having it all means....

Have you ever thought about what is most important to you in your life? What would "having it all" consist of for you?

"In my dreams" list: Having it all would mean...

1. Being able to eat as much Texas Chocolate Cake as I want with zero guilt
2. Having enough money to buy new clothes, shoes, and accessories whenever I wanted
3. Being able to maintain a rockin' body without working out
4. Owning a personal jet to fly to wherever my heart desired
5. Owning everything in Victoria Secret
6. Owning everything in Forever 21
7. Not having to re-dye my hair
8. Being able to get a mani, pedi, and massage every week
9. Being reunited with my dad
10. Having the power to eliminate the cancer in all those who have it
11. Having the power to take away my grandparents achy bones
12. Being able to eat all the bread that I wanted without guilt
13. Being able to travel back in time
14. Being able to eat Pretzel Maker pretzel bites on an hourly-basis with zero guilt
15. Living in a world absent of divorce

The above list is things in which I probably will never have or be able to do; however, I think that's a blessing in disguise. Of course I would love to eat all of the food that I wanted without feeling a hint of guilt, BUT that wouldn't teach me anything. I would love to have all the money and clothes in the world, but then.... how would I learn the value of items? I would love to be able to travel back in time, but then I wouldn't treasure the time I had with the people I love, in the present, as much. I would love to have a gazillion mani, pedi, and massages; however, I wouldn't appreciate them as much if they were a weekly ritual. I am glad I don't have all the money in the world. I'm glad I can't travel back in time. I'm glad I have to watch what I eat and work towards my fitness goals. I'm glad I've only gotten one manicure my entire life. Why? Because now I know the meaning of value. I know what it feels like to meet a goal and feel proud. I know what it feels like to have it all.

So.... what would having it all REALLY mean to me? It would mean living my life in a way that would make my family, friends, co-workers, peers, and myself proud. Living my life with purpose. Treasuring the time I have with my loved ones. Being grateful for all the opportunities I've been given. Appreciating the little things in life. Lastly, working to better myself each and every day. That is how I believe I can "have it all."

 

How would you answer this question?



--All my love, McKenna :)

How I went from being "skinny" to being "healthy".

To many people, I have always been the girl who could "eat whatever I wanted and still look 'skinny'". This may have been true when I was 12 or 13; however, as I grew older that wasn't necessarily the case. Yes, I've never really been "overweight", but I have definitely been "underweight".

 

I started to become more conscious of my body appearance when I entered junior high. I was at the age where I could start dating, so of course, I became more involved in my physical appearance. I remember being self conscious of my forehead (which is why I had bangs), my "oval-shaped" face (with not very defineable cheekbones), my "bigger feet" (Size 8 1/2 - 9), my "no thigh gap" legs, and my "flatter chest". Don't get me wrong, I wasn't a depressed adolescent. I was full of life, and was a happy girl even with all of those insecurities.

As I entered high school as a sophomore, I still had most of the same insecurities that I had in junior high. I liked my legs a little more, liked my curves a little more, liked my oval-shaped face a little more, but still didn't feel comfortable with my forehead and foot size (I kept my bangs, and started to try and fit into size 8 1/2 shoes). As a sophomore I dated mostly guys who were seniors, which caused those insecurities to be even greater. I was always comparing my physical appearance to those "senior" girls who had a larger chest, tinier waist, smaller feet, and more defined cheekbones (because I felt like that was what the older, senior guys liked). Once again, I was NOT depressed or unhappy. I was still a happy adolescent who was involved in sports, got good grades, and had amazing friends; but, I still had insecurities that ate at me day in and day out. 

As I started my junior year of high school, I started losing some of those insecurities that I carried with me since junior high. I started to like my physical appearance more, partly because I enjoyed people telling me how "strong" I looked. I was a member of the softball team, so being strong and muscle-y was a good thing. I ended up competing in my school's "Miss Uintah Body Building Competition"; I didn't win, but I was proud of myself for being confident enough to be in front of a large audience in only spandex and a bikini top! Keep in mind.. I still had the bangs that covered my forehead at that time, so unfortunately, all insecurities weren't gone. 

As I started my senior year, I became a member on a state championship drill team (dance team). It took a lot of hard work, dedication, and commitment (physically & emotionally). We practiced and conditioned all throughout the summer (with a 2 week break), then started getting ready for competition season, practicing six days a week, 3 hours each day (longer some days, and had a couple 2-a-day practices). It was constant exercise. My body started changing. My legs were stronger, but also thinner. My waist shrunk. My arms, shoulder, and chest became toned, but I lost mass. My face finally had cheekbones that were noticeable. I was "skinny". I also stopped having my period. At the time I was happy with how my body was changing; however, I was blind to the fact that I was becoming, not just "skinny", but unhealthy as well. 

All throughout my senior year I had my coach, my parents, my siblings, and some extended family comment on my "skinniness". I was forced to go to several doctor appointments to see if I was unhealthy. But of course, they don't know anything, right? I was happy, I was finally getting that "thigh gap", those cheekbones, that tiny waist, that "desirable look by senior boys." Boy...... if I could just go back in time and slap myself I would! Looking back now I know that my family was only looking out for me; they were worried. Looking back now I know that I lost too much weight, and that I had the wrong perception of what "beautiful" and "healthy" is. On a side note, drill team taught me how to love my face again. Being a dancer, your hair is always slicked up into a tight bun, which forced me to show off my naked face. I'm so grateful for that now! 

Senior Year of Prom - I was pretty "skinny", and had less muscle

Things didn't start changing (in a good way) for me until I left for college. I was so surprised when I went to the gym, and saw so many girls/women lifting weights. I had always been against that because I didn't want to become "bulky". But when I saw these girls, they weren't bulky; these girls were muscle-y, toned, fit, strong, beautiful, healthy, and I could see it on their face that they were happy. I look back now and laugh because I was.... this "skinny" girl walking into a room full of "strong" girls to go run on the treadmill... with my only concern being to keeping the weight off. So, I decided to start going to one of the boot camp classes, which became a blessing in disguise. By going to bootcamp, I met Kaitie (who became my best friend, lifting partner, and sister), and Molly (who became my motivation, bootcamp instructor, and friend). After starting bootcamp, Kaitie and I started lifting together three days a week, attending boot camp two times a week, and eating more healthy-like. I became stronger, muscle-y-er, more confident, and more knowledgeable about "health". I didn't care anymore about being "skinny". I wanted to be strong and healthy. 

Christmas 2013 - When I loved being "healthy" so much that I asked for new Nike's and workout attire :)

Today, I am more happy than I ever was when I was just "skinny". I love my curves, my booty (thank you squats), my face (thank you drill), my strong legs, my strong core, and yes.... even my big feet ;) I feel beautiful even when I make poor eating choices on a certain day, or skip a workout. What's more important is enjoying life, enjoying your treats, and enjoying being a complete couch potato all day. This life we live is short, and it shouldn't be wasted worrying about that brownie you ate yesterday, or that workout you skipped earlier this week because you were tired. Love your body. Don't focus on being "skinny"; strive to be "healthy".

All my love, 


McKenna

My Bucketlist - 15 things to accomplish someday, somehow!

Whats on your bucket list? Do you wish to soak in the sun on the island of Fiji? Attend a lavish ball (and I'm talking about the "whole nine yards" ball with big Cinderella gowns, prince-like tuxedos, expensive food, and orchestral performances)? Go bungee jumping? Skydiving? Write your own book? The list of things to do in this life are endless, and I definitely have a few things on my bucket list I hope to do someday. As I was thinking about mine last night, I came to realize that I have way to many to cram into one post (you would be reading for hours..... and really..... ain't nobody got time for dat!). However, I thought it would be fun to tell you about a few of them! Sit back, grab some popcorn (maybe even a box of cookies... if you end up eating a whole box... I won't tell), grab a glass of water/pop/coffee/tea/wine (whatever floats your boat), and get inspired to create your own bucket list!

1.) Attend Rachael Ray's show in NYC

Rach and Sunny Anderson! I just love when Sunny is on the show; she is so funny! 

 





2.) Watch the ball drop in Times Square, NYC 

Thousands upon thousands of people, bright lights, live music, take me there!!

3.) Explore Europe

Venice.... Gondolas....

 

4.) Ride a Train - Like the ones in Harry Potter

All aboard!!!! Chooo choooo!!!

5.) Learn how to make homemade bread

Oh you fancy, huh? ;)

6.) Own my own dog

Preferably a Golden Retriever :) 

7.) Start my own business

Marketing/Communications/PR/Event Planning.. Love it all :)

8.) Eat a Chicago Dog in Chicago

That...sizzling...bundle of goodness :P Nom Nom Nom

9.) Join a book club

If you don't love getting lost in a book, just slap yourself right now!

10.) Eat at a 5-star restaurant 

How cool is this restaurant!? It's in Bangkok, Thailand!! Named "The Most Stunning Rooftop Bar You'll Ever See" by The New York Times :)

11.) Watch a Las Vegas Show

Cirque Du Soleil - Verekai

12.) Grow my own garden

I'd love to grow my own cucumbers & tomatoes :)

13.) Spend an entire day at a resort/spa

Conrad Hotels and Resorts

14.) Eat a real, southern meal in a southern state

Two of my favorites...chicken....and waffles <3

15.) Run a marathon

Dicks Sporting Goods Marathon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania