Who are you?

How can I attempt to answer this question at 1:30 in the morning?! I am Mackenzie of Clan Noot of Driffield Rd. Eldest child of two fantastic individuals, Tim and Theresa, both of whom instilled solid values and nurtured a love of life and adventure in their offspring. I’m a sister, a daughter, a granddaughter, and an auntie of two little munchkins. I’m an advocate for healthy living, I’m a westcoast girl, a gumboot wearing deckhand on the Titanium, and a surgical nurse. I am a collector of the world’s greatest friends. Although I have no “special” talent, I can easily be convinced that I’m the next lead singer in Aerosmith or a backup dancer for Britney. Some may say that I have courage to a fault. Those people are merely disillusioned 😉 Overall, I’m a small town gal of Merville, a somewhat charasmatic nerd with really cool friends and family.

What do you do for fun?

Well I’d have to list eating (especially seafood), sleeping and laughing as my top three fave hobbies. Although I also like anything to do with the ocean – aside from sports fishing – too boring. My major passion is getting out and about in the world experiencing new people and places. This year I spend 3.5 months “having fun” travelling. And, my secret fave thing to do is deep chest compressions on a patient. This may sound morbid, but there’s nothing more satisfying than doing everything you possibly can to bring someone back to life – including breaking ribs. Work is fun for me.

What is your favourite community? Why?

My fave community would be hands down that of Rennie Road. Nowhere else have I encountered neighbours and friends who lend out anything from baking essentials to automobiles to skill sets to hugs. If you need a hand tackling pigs to building garages to putting on a wedding, we’re on it. Y2K no big deal on Rennie Rd … we practiced baking over woodstoves for months before New Years and would have monthly neighbourhood potlucks to celebrate. Growing up there, you always had extra parents and a herd of playmates – those off all whom remain good friends and second families. The support, kindness, friendship, and love of those that live in this small community is something to be cherished and is, I fear, quite uncommon.

What is your superpower?

I honestly wish I could say flying. However, I’ll settle on a super human ability to connect with those around me? Yep, I suppose that’d be it.

How do I use it to build community?

Well, the super human power of connecting with others is key in bringing my community together. If thats just a social meeting of friends, or workmates or neighbours … people tend to meet, greet and be merry. Which in the end makes me happy. Although a superhuman flying ability would be cooler.

My Three Favourite Things About Mackenzie Are…

1. She comes from good stock. Mackenzie’s family is all about kindness, hardwork, being local, and, you guessed it, family. I love the Noots’ big hearts, their athleticism, their sense of adventure, their entrepreneurial spirit, and the fact that the Noot Clan’s senses of humour truly run the gamut of sensation; from slapstick to wordplay to funny-hat-prop-comedy. Oh, and she – and the rest of her family – all proudly sport gumboots, too.

2. Hilarity and Adventure become her. One need only befriend Mackenzie on Facebook to get a sense of her, um, sense of adventure. She’s traveled to many continents. She’s inspired and been inspired by many people and places. And she made it on many news programs on April 29, 2011 because her and some friends wore fancy hats to the Royal Wedding and know a thing or two about self-promotion. Positive, laugh-inspiring energy like Mackenzie’s hits your community like a train and, in my opinion, it’s in your best interest to hop on board and enjoy the ride!

3. Connectivity. A few months ago my sister got married and Mackenzie was one of the guests – well, she was much more than that. Truly, Mackenzie was one of the connectors at the event. She helped out, played games, pulled people on to the dance floor, cleaned-up, engaged introverted strangers, and definitely left a positive impact on the weekend. This was a window, I think, into how Mackenzie just plain connects with people.