Krista Bailey

Exercising

2010-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

*Where are my balloons and my party for my two week mark?

As you know, I quit drinking soda on July 20th. I am not sure how long it had been since I last had a soda, so I will just say the 20th. That is the day I decided I would stop drinking soda. That means today it has been two weeks since I officially stopped drinking soda. What I love, is that it was easy, like it always is. I just truthfully and honestly love the taste of Mountain Dew and that is what had me wanting more. Luckily, I never went through the "withdraws". Does this mean I wasn't addicted? Haha

I went to the gym yesterday and worked out for almost an hour. I need to remember to get my running in before I am so tired from walking (fast of course). I only ran for a couple of minutes, but the rest of the time, I was speed walking and working up quite a sweat.

Today, I am planning on doing a lot more running. I am not a runner and honestly, I don't really like running. But, I will do it for a healthier me. I go to the Bubble (that will be what I always call it...aka: the Rec Center). It is not my favorite gym, but it is close and has the necessary equipment to help me on my journey. My little sister and I went to a gym that we both loved. The secret to getting us Bailey's to a gym is a TV! No joke! I know the Rec Center has TV's too, but the other gyms TV's were awesome. Plus, they had a theater room. It was in the dark and played a great movie every day. That is where Heather and I spent most of our time. Doing exercise while watching a great movie makes the time go by super fast. It doesn't seem like an hour or two. It was heaven. There was seriously no motivation needed to go because we could also be "lazy" there (meaning: still being able to watch TV...haha).

At any rate, this journey has only begun. I have already been eating a lot better for a little more than two weeks, plus now I am exercising and being more active. I cant wait to see start seeing the results.

Krista

Mountain Dew it's up to you! It's like no other when you discover it!!!

2010-07-26T10:18:00.001-07:00

Ill write in green today to sponsor Mountain Dew... hmm...yummy!!!

My name is Krista Bailey and it has been seven days since my last soda...
aka: Mountain Dew!

A couple weeks ago, I blogged about my love for Mountain Dew. And as with many things we love, sometimes we just have to let things go. Mountain Dew would be one of these things for me.

It has been an entire week without any Mountain Dew, or any soda for that matter. If I am being totally honest, I dont feel a "healthier"difference yet. But what I have noticed is I feel a lot more tired. I am not sure if this really correlates with not drinking Mountain Dew or if it is just a coincidence since this past week I havent fallen asleep before midnight...haha. At any rate, I am drinking more water. I am getting between 48-62 oz every day.

How am I doing it:
For one thing, I told people that I am not drinking Mountain Dew, or any soda for that matter, anymore. I fully acknowledge when we go into a restaurant that I will not drink soda and that I will have a "cold glass of water." I do this when I am at home as well. I know it does sound funny, but it does help. Plus, when I really do want a Mountain Dew, my friends are around. This helps me be accountable for my own actions- knowing they might "judge" (term said loosely and more for entertainment) me.

Another thing that helps me is I carry around my Camel back water bottle. My little sister and her husband got these water bottles a couple of years ago and since then, it has become a little fad within my little group of friends, as well within my family. The camel back is just so convenient. We love our camel backs!!

So HORRAY for me!!! Let's hope I can go another week without any of that deliciousness I call Mountain Dew...

Until next time,

Krista

Meatloaf

2010-07-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

*I will try to remember to take pictures when I cook these yummy meals.

Last night we had some delicious meatloaf. When I was younger, well, really pre-mission, I did NOT like meatloaf. My mom would make it all the time, and I don't think anyone ever ate it but her. I never understood why she kept making it. Luckily, my mission helped me like a lot more variety of food. I am really grateful for that too because now I really like to try all sorts of new foods.

I don't have the exact recipe with me, but I am pretty sure I can remember it:
1 lb ground beef (we substitute that for ground turkey)
I egg
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp dry mustard (we used regular mustard)
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
4 slices of bread (we used gluten free bread, but I am sure a similar amt of oatmeal would work)
1 tsp sage (we didn't use because we don't have sage)

First beat the egg, then add milk, salt, pepper, dry mustard and mix. Add meat and bread (make into bread crumbs). Mix all ingredients together. (I mix in a large mixing bowl and just use my hands). Place meatloaf in bread pan and cook for 1 1/2 hours at 350. Approximately, 10-15 minutes before meatloaf is finished, I mixed ketchup and a little bit of mustard together and put on top of the meatloaf. It makes a jelly like topping and it is delicious!

Sides:
Squash- cut into slices and boiled. Can add a little butter and salt for flavor.
Red Potato- microwaved for approx. 5 minutes. Put a little butter, salt, and some cottage cheese on top.

This was a delicious meal. It does take a little time to cook, so prepare for that time. I was able to be productive during that time and I cleaned the house, the kitchen and family room, which helped with the exercising part.

Once again, share your healthy recipes please. I would love to have a healthy recipe book someday!!!

Krista

[Side note: We also went and saw Despicable Me last night. It was a freakin hilarious movie!!! "It's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!!!!!" Haha... classic! It is a definite must see!]

Thanks to Jamee!!!!

2010-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

One of my really healthy friends, Jamee, came over to our house last night to give us the run-down on what we need to do to be more healthy. I really learned a lot and was reminded of a lot of different exercises and food tips.

Jamee gave us some healthy recipes to foods everyone already eats anyway. As we try them out, I will share them with you. We are going to try out the meatloaf tonight. One thing Jamee kept saying was, "look at all the ingredients- they aren't bad for you." That stuck out to us a lot. Jetta and I, on our own, have been trying to eliminate or substitute certain foods. One thing we have done is stop using sour cream. We have found a delicious substitute- cottage cheese. I know it sounds nasty, but it is actually really good, and most of the time, we cant even tell a difference. We put cottage cheese on potatoes (red), nachos, taco soup- really just anything we would have normally put sour cream on. It adds a healthy protein to our diet. Ive also heard to use honey instead of sugar, and applesauce instead of oil/ butter. We all need to remember diets DO NOT work. If you want to lose weight, you need to make it a LIFE change. You cant just exercise and lose 50 lbs and then expect the weight to stay off if you never exercise again or stop eating healthy. We all need to make healthier changes in our lives. We need to make a life change!

( Please feel free to share some healthy meals that you have tried as well. We all could use more healthy recipes!)

Jamee and I also talked about MOUNTAIN DEW! This drink is literally killing my body slowly. I am really not a muncher of foods, I am a drinker of my Mountain Dew. I am really trying to be better and drink water. I can honestly say, I do not like drinking water. I feel it does nothing for me (I know, right! haha). But today, I have already drank 48 oz of water. Do I feel better? No, but in time, I know I will. I think it will be a slow, but ever evolving change. Drinking water is one step closer for me to be living a more healthy lifestyle.

A funny, yet ironic thing- I actually do like to exercise. I LOVE feeling the burn and the aches after a nice workout. I like to even feel the pain the next day. If I don't feel pain, I get a little upset with myself. The questions is then, "Why am I chubby?" One answer is, I am super lazy. I work an 8-5 job. When I get home, I am already tired, and I just want to relax and do nothing. Sometimes I like to read, watch TV, or even clean (only when our house is so nuts it kills me not too...haha). In those things I like to do, I need to add exercising. One thing I am going to try to do better is bring my gym clothes with me to work. If I do that, I can change into my gym clothes at work and then head straight to the gym after work. This will eliminate me already being home and settling in to other things- not pertaining to exercising. Jamee also said, when I am being lazy and watching TV, that I could and should do some simple exercises.

Honestly, Jamee coming over last night was super amazing. It is getting me closer and closer to the path of me being a healthier person. I am grateful that I have people who are rooting me on and who are also on the same healthy path that I am trying to get on. Thanks for the continued comments and support. This journey is going to be long and life changing, and I am glad I can share it with you!

Thanks again, Jamee!!! I really appreciated it!

KR-ista

Am I still on thr right path???

2010-07-09T12:49:00.000-07:00

So, as for writing each week...Sorry about not doing that.

On the up and up...

I have been doing a whole lot better. I haven't lost any weight, but I think I am on the right path. I started to stop drinking soda, but for some reason, I always end up drinking it again. I really REALLY like my soda. I know I need to stop drinking it, but I just really love the way it tastes. Is there anything anybody has tried to help them not drink it or to slowly get weened off of it? Suggestions are greatly appreciated here!

Jetta and I have been really good about making a food preparation list for the week. We have a planned schedule of what we are going to eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack times. This has helped us know how many calories we are truly eating in a day. I realize one of my key problems is, I actually dont get enough calories in a day. I was eating about 1100, if not sometimes less. Yikes. To help us with knowing how many calories we need to eat a day, we go to livestrong.com. (Jamee- if you know of a more accurate way to figure out how many calories I need to eat per day, please let me know. As well as how many calories I would need to burn. I figure you would know because you are such a health/ nutrition person.) Jetta and I have also been making specific grocery lists from our food preparation list. This helps cut out "binging" grocery shopping. It helps us cut out a lot of crap we used to buy.

** If you have fun snack suggestions or craving helpers, we would LOVE to know. I think it is tough to lose weight and be healthy because we are limited to our own knowledge. This is where are educational systems are lacking greatly. This lack of information on how to be and stay healthy is ruining our country. We need to be taught how to be healthy people better- not only from our teachers, but from our doctors too.

Along with my soda addiction, I do have a tough time going to the gym everyday. I started off going string, but surely enough, it seems like we are never going to the gym. I know it is hard to go to the gym, so I was thinking I need to stay active throughout the entire day, and this would also help me lose some weight and get on track to a healthier me. I do have an office at my work with a door. So I was thinking I needed to bring some exercise equipment here so I could do some exercise during my breaks and on lunch. I was thinking about bringing the ball in to sit on, instead of using my chair. I hear this helps build some of the upper body. I was also going to start doing sit-ups, lunges, and lift some arm weights. **Again, if you have suggestions on what else I could be doing, dont hesitate to inform me! I am wanting to know!!!

Other then drinking my soda and not going to the gym... haha... I think I am on a better path to getting healthier then a couple weeks ago! And I am excited to continually share my thoughts and my internal and external changes with you all.

Till next time...

Krista

PS... This summer, so far, has been full of a lot of fun. I went boating 4 weeks in a row. My body is in continual recovery of all the damage from tubing and wake boarding and from the really nasty sunburns.

I also have a new job, and I am really like it! It has been a great opportunity to learn new things and to meet new people.

Good Idea...

2010-06-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

I saw one of my friends blog about losing weight. She writes on her blog weekly about what she has done that week that has helped her lose the weight. I was thinking, what a great idea. I dont have a lot of blog followers...if there are any still out there who read my blog, since it has almost been a year since I have last blogged.

My goal is to write on my blog, at least once a week, and share what I have done the past week to help me lose some weight. This is also a good way for me to be accountable to something. I figure, it wont hurt anything. At the least, I will have one random blog post about this... who knows.

My goal:
I wont say how much I weigh, because let's be honest, that would just be embarrassing. My goal is to be a more healthier me by the beginning of 2011... That gives me a little more than six months. I would be ok with losing 50lbs., but I am almost thinking 60. We shall see. I dont want to be super skinny... I just want to feel and look more healthy. I honestly dont think it will take me six months to reach my goal, but I need an end point if I would like to reach my goal.

So for now:
I am going to slowly, but surely, stop drinking soda.
I am going to plan my meals- especially lunch for work. I seem to eat out a lot because I forget my lunch. Oopsie!!
I am going to exercise for, at least, an hour five times a week- doing cardio everyday and switch strength training between upper and lower body.
I am also going to drink the amount of water I am suppose to be drinking... YIKES!!!
I am also going to limit calories to max: 1500 and min: 1200.

If you guys have things that help you lose weight and stay healthy, please let me know.

Get excited... because I am!!!

K to the Rista!

Pearl's Car accident... with me in it...

2009-08-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well... Pearl, my Honda Accord, is an "ABSOLUTE" total loss. I feel so bad that she is totaled, but am super happy that she saved my life.

The story...
I was driving home from work last Wednesday, August 12, 2009. There is construction Northbound and Southbound in the North Salt Lake area. If you drive that everyday, or even every so often, you know traffic quickly slows down. I knew this and I was slowing down. I was actually thinking, "I should have taken Legacy Hwy because this is going to take forever to drive home (Layton)." I was practically at the 2300 North exit when BOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!!! I had no idea what was happening. I didnt know what I was doing or why my car wasnt driving... I couldnt see out my windows. I just couldnt comprehend what was happening. I felt as if I were in a dream or watching a movie. It was a really weird feeling that I cant explain. When my car came to a stop, it was then that I realized I had just been in a car accident. Davis, the guy who hit my car, came to my passenger window to see if I was ok. I was freakin out, if you can imagine. I rolled the window down and said, "What just happened?" He looked at me and said, "I hit you..." I then called my mom, bawling of course. I told her I was in a car accident but that I was ok. I was dripping wet, because Michelle left her coke in my car and it was now everywhere...all over me and Pearl.

Davis is from out of town and didnt realize that traffic could go from 60 mph to 0 in just a couple of seconds. He looked down to change the channel, and when he looked up... bang!!! His car is totaled, my car is totaled, and the Passat in front of me, which I ended up hitting, got a little banged up trunk. My car amazingly hooked me up and seriously protected me from what I SHOULD'VE been through. Davis was going at least 60 mph when his car hit my car. It was definitely a scary experience that I HOPE to never be involved in again.

Surprisingly, I am actually ok. I have a measly cut on my leg and a couple of nasty bruises, some whiplash and sore upper body. But seriously, if you see Pearl, I am totally LUCKY to even be alive.

However strange this may seem or sound... I know that Heavenly Father was watching out for me that day. The Sunday before, I had made God a promise and I had been keeping that promise. He preserved my life for something- something I cant even pretend to know or describe how I feel about it. I am grateful for the protection in which He instilled upon me that day. I am grateful for the knowledge the scriptures have given me and continue to strengthen my testimony. I am grateful for the power of prayer and the knowledge of how much I truly need pray in my life. It had now been a week since my car accident, and I still havent broken my promise to Heavenly Father.

Heavenly Father loves us. He is definitely mindful of us specifically. He knows us so well-- He knows when we will read our scriptures... He knows when we will stop and start up again- the day you start reading your scriptures again... He places a specific scripture in your reading to prove to you that HE truly knows you... and cares about you.

If there ever was a doubt that God didnt know who I was, this car accident has whipped that fear/ thought away.

The Church is true... and I love you... and I am a Child of God NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Krista

Getting together a darn resume

2009-07-21T08:44:00.000-07:00

Resume's are a lot harder than expected. I dont mess with my resume a lot... because I havent had to have a resume...hum...ever. Now that I am almost done with school...this resume thing is in my face. I have to have one...and I have to have a good one. It is stressful. It is a good thing I have peeps that will hook me up!!! Love you guys!!!!

I am also almost done with school...woot woot.

KR...Krista Light

whEn thE lIghts gO dIm prAy UntO HIM...

2009-07-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well... I am updating this post after a couple of months...

First and foremost, school is officially over in 28 days-- I am totally counting down too!! I have been in school way too long NOT to be excited about graduating. No- I don't know what I am doing afterwords except for getting some of my old hobbies back. I loveD to read... Lately, it has just been about text books and random educational articles...but I am ready to move back to the reading I have longed for for years now. I have more than 20 books I have in my bookshelf that have never been opened...well I am sure they have been opened, but never read. I LOVE getting books for Christmas, birthdays, and just when I hear about a new book...I like to go and buy them. So I am going to get back to my roots and start reading the enjoyable things in life again... this also means reading the "GOOD" books on a regular...ok..DAILY basis again.

Another thing I am going to get back into my life is scrap booking. It is seriously a JOKE that I have yet to finish my mission scrapbook. It is PATHETIC considering my mom did ALL of it and all I had to do was insert the freakin pictures. It has been three years (well on the 14th) and I only have maybe five pages done. It is super lame.

The last hobby I am getting back is exercising- I know, I know... you wouldn't think I would like to do something such as exercising... and I get how you would perceive that...considering the OBVIOUS!! But in all actuality, I really do like to get on the treadmill and run... I really do like to go lift weight...I really do like those cheesy exercising videos... I have just been SO dog gone busy that life has flown me and kicked me all over the place... Heather and I already have gym memberships and we are doing really good at going. The thing we LOVE the MOST about our gym is their is a media center. YEP- we can watch a movie while exercising...who wouldn't want to run/ walk on a treadmill when you could watch a movie...HELLO- they knew how to get our butt's into that gym...

...........................

This last month has been a strange one for me. My dear sweet grandpa passed away on Father's Day... it was such a great tribute to him to pass on the greatest day for Fathers. It has been super hard dealing with his loss. My grandma has dementia and doesn't remember her husband of 61 years has passed away. It is sad!! To be honest, I don't like to go and visit her anymore because it is hard to have to keep reminder her that my grandpa has passed. You would think it would get a little easier to say someone has passed away... but for me, it doesn't.

The sickness of my grandpa has brought my siblings and cousin, Carson, closer together. We are getting together once a month to play Rummy and to have root beer floats. It is something we have been doing for years at reunions, but Stevon decided we need to be doing it more. We need to create memories for ourselves with our siblings.

................

A thought from yesterday...as I was talking to Jed...

A lot of people say "Heavenly Father wont give us anything we cannot handle..." (or similar versions... but I am sure you get the idea). I disagree with this statement... of course He would give us things we CANT handle... this is how we get closer to Him and our Savior...this is part of the Atonement... this is part of growing in FAITH... this is part of the plan- the refiners fire... Hard things are all throughout life and they will NOT be going away. When things get hard- we need to think instead of "Heavenly Father wont give us anything we cannot handle..." we need to say "Heavenly Father wont give us anything we cannot handle ALONE..." I think adding that one word...will bring to us more of an awareness of the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation. Life is hard...and sometimes we cannot handle the things thrown our way...but this is when we need to get our knees bruised up because we are constantly praying and seeking guidance and help for our Father in Heaven. He loves us so much and doesn't want our lives to be a constant train wreck... He wants to help us...He doesn't want us to deal with our trials alone.

When the Lights go Dim...pray unto HIM!!!

2009-04-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

So... this is the first time in awhile writing on this. I changed the way my blog looks, so maybe I will get on it more and more. Well, at least more than a couple times a year. I realize how useful blogs are, but I just never use it.

Life has definitely thrown me some curve balls this week. It so funny and crazy how the God works though. It amazes me how he truly knows me and knows what is happening and what is going to happen in my life. He is truly a life savor in more ways than I thought the Atonement worked. He truly knows and understands me and what I go through on a daily basis. He helps me daily fight the struggles of life. I know He knows who I am and what I need because of the specific things He has done for me this past week. He loves and cares for me so much.

I am excited for what Heavenly Father has in store for me. I hope I can try to continue to do what I know I should do and what He wants me to do.

I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a true church. I know that God is watching over me continually. I am grateful for his specific love He has for me!! I know the tender mercies of the Lord are a contious thing and they will never cease.

Krista

A New Perspective

2008-10-31T11:03:00.001-07:00

Well... I am just at work and was thinking about one of my father figures, Matt. There are no words that can ever express the gratitude I have for him. He taught me so many unforgettable things... the most important- Fathers really DO exist!!!

I got a phone call yesterday at work from Laura, one of my best friends. I have known Laura for years now... like 12ish. She told me her father had passed away. I was taken away in that instant. I never thought when I grew up, I would have friends face the same problems I had as a young child, when my dad passed away. Memories and the lack of memories I had with my dad. Knowing the lack of memories are going to affect my friend so much more than the memories she already has.

I have always wondered what life would be like with a father around all the time, with a father who would stay up late when I came home late, to dance with a father at my wedding, to have him give me blessings when I needed them... I have always wondered...

I am lucky though... since I never really knew my dad, it has never been too difficult not having him around. I have known nothing else. I would have nothing to compare my life to.

There is so my going on in my head right now. The only thing that keeps everything ok is the knowledge I have. The knowledge of the gospel seems so priceless at these times. At these moments we are able to apply what knowledge we have obtained to one of the most inevitable experiences of our lives.

I was thinking, on my way home from work last night, how I now understand how people can be mad at God at these times. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have- and because of that, I don't take out my frustrations on the Lord, instead I plead for Him.

I do know this is the true church of Jesus Christ. There is no doubt in my mind. He loves us! and He wants us to do all that we can so we may be able to return to Him someday.

I love you all!!!

2008-10-27T17:24:00.001-07:00

So school is going good... I think I am finally at the 1/2 way point. There is a lot to still be done in 8 weeks though. I cant believe it. Aaahhh!!!

That is really all. Bye!

Blah Blah Blah

2008-10-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

I never can think of an exciting title... so ya get that!!

Nothing is really TOO exciting in my life. I feel like my life is exactly the same everyday. Not fun. No, not at all. I am not joking either.
Wake up and get ready
Go to school- if Friday- I just go to work for approx. 12 hours. It's great!!
Listen to teachers talk... blah blah blah
Go to school
Think about doing homework
Watch House
Do some Homework...
And that is about it... Saturday isn't any fun either if that is what you are thinking. I work for approx another 12 hours. I LOVE my LIFE!!! (total sarcasm).

I am totally at a point in my life where I don't know where my life is going. I am finally feeling the incompleteness (new word if it isn't already). Yes, I am going to school. And yes, I have a job. But WHO THE FREAK CARES!! Not me! Is this all there is of me- school, work, school, work, school...you get the point. It just sucks. Not knowing what the future entails!!!

I am not trying to be a downer- but it is just life at this age, when you have nothing but stuff that doesnt matter. Stuff that doesnt have an eternal perspective.

Oh well... such is life as a teenage rockstar!!!

Rock On!!!!

Conference Weekend!!!

2008-10-05T17:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness... Conference was so amazing. TO be honest, this is the first one, since the mission, that I had watched the entire thing. I just watched the Sunday sessions before. I really feel the blessing from watching all of it.

I went to work yesterday and worked from 7am- 5pm. Thankfully, I streamed Conf from BYU TV... the only time BYU will ever appear in a search. I got so much out of the Sat Sessions. As I worked, I listened to the miraculous stories on faith, hope, word of wisdom, and of course the most exciting thing of Conference was knowing there will be a temple in "the greater Kansas City area."

I cannot believe we are going to be getting a temple in KS. My Kansans really deserve it. Right now, it is a full-day trip to the nearest temple. Most wards rent a bus and take everyone to their temple. They bring lunches, have babysitters, and have activities for those who are too young to go to the temple or for those who have to wait for the next session. I started to cry knowing at that moment how so many people from the Missouri Independence Mission are so super excited.
All during the 1st session of conference, I was receiving personal revelation on what I need to do to be a better person and a better Saint.

1. Elder Perry's talk struck me in more places than one: don't mock others, stay out of debt, and get spiritually fueled.
2. Sister Allred: I am responsible to share the gospel to others. This is part of my calling in life.

There is no greater work then Missionary work.
3. Elder Andersen: faith is not a feeling; it's a decision!
4. Elder Aidukaitis: I am who I am because of my faithful parents...well in my case...MOM!!! Go mom!!
5. Elder Oaks: GO TO CHURCH! The sacrament is the most sacred meeting. It is the only place where you can make the same covenant with your family- unity. There will always be despairs, but with the blessing of the Sacrament, they will be easier.
6. President Uchtdorf: Hope isn't a knowledge, it is trusting in the Lord. Faith, hope, and charity unite each other, without one you don't have anything. There is always reason to rejoice even with despair all around us.

So really... there was so much more than those, those are just my personal key notes. The next session took me to an entire different place. Revelation is a powerful thing, but the beautiful thing is, everyone can receive it!!!

Two of the most powerful Apostles for me are Elder Wirthlin and Elder Holland. I someday want to have some of their faith and wisdom. Elder Wirthlin, in his brittle state, still is one of the most powerful speakers and revelators I can think of. His talk on how we need not to get angry, but laugh at those situations became a direct answer to my problems with work and school. I know people aren't perfect, but I seem to expect it in certain situations and with certain people. I need not to get angry at myself when I am not doing what I am supposed to or getting the grades in school that I would like. All I can do is try my best, and if my best falls short, that is where my testimony of the Atonement comes in. The entire purpose of the Atonement is to help us when we fall short and are trying to be better. Everyone has hard times, everyone. We just need to move forward and remember the scripture "And this too shall pass."

Elder Hollands talk on angels was so heart felt. I have been thinking a lot about school and work and those both being full-time jobs right now. I think about my family and how I want to be there for them constantly, as well with my friends who need me or I NEED them. This was a comforting talk about how we are never left alone. We have ANGELS watching over us sometime mortal and sometimes immortal. Even if we are not being 100% obedient, angels are still sent to help us and try to encourage us. We fall short, in most cases, but as we pray and earnestly seek the Lord's help, there will come angels to minister to us, to help and protect us, to help guide others to help us. Heaven never seems closer when God manifests His angels here on earth. Those angels we love are our ancestors, close family members, and friends who have passed to the other side. They root for us every step of the way. Even when we are doing all that we can but think there is nothing else we can do, Angels are sent to us to boost us up and to help is make it through are troubled times.

There is so much more of conference I loved, but I want to leave my testimony on these things I know to be true. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a true church. I know it helps people get closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior. I know Joseph Smith is a prophet called of God, who brought forth the record of the Nephites and Lamanites on the American continent. How great a work is the Book of Mormon. I know when I read, study and soak up the teachings and doctrines my life, even though hectic, is much better and less stressful. I know the Temple is the House of God where we can always receive personal revelation and feel is love for us. I know the Apostles and Prophets that spoke to us at Conference are true prophets of God and we should adhere to their teachings. This is the Church of our Savior.

May God continue to bless us as we strive to live the way we KNOW we should. Amen!

HATE ... is a strong word, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY dont like you...

2008-10-04T22:57:00.001-07:00

So HATE... it is a strong word, but I REALLY REALLY REALLY dont like work or school. I thought I was going to graduate in May 09, but now it seems it wont be until July 09. I know, I know...only a couple of months longer, but the fact is... I thought and was planning on being done in May. I got all sorts of excited for nothing. Plus, I was only going to take easy classes but found out that I have a lot more credits than I thought. So I have to take 13 credits each semester as well as work full-time. It super sucks!

Plus, work hates my guts. It is really hard working and going to school- especially when there is only 24 hours in a day. I am always tired, but always needing to do homework. I dont get why some teachers think there class is the only class I am taking or that has homework in... as well as think I dont have a life outside of their class... like I shouldnt have a job or friends or something crazy like that. Super messed up.

Besides all of that, I actually like my classes, it is just hard to focus and get awesome grades as well as work and do awesome at school... plus be this spiriutal/ good person that I know I should be, but justify not being so because I am JUST TOO DARN BUSY!!

Oh yeah... the greatest news of my life is there is going to be a temple built in the greater Kansas City area... I really want to know it is going to me on the KS or MO side... I wonder when we will be able to find out.

When I was serving in Olate, KS; there was a man that told me he sold his land to the Church. I know it was years ago, but apparently it takes time to get all the authorizations and permits. It would be so cool if it was on the KS side. It's just so cool that there will be one in the Missouri Independence Mission. I know those people have worked so hard to get a temple. They deserve it so much.

Conference was super awesome and of course, just what I needed to hear. I now, again, have personal goals I need/ get to work on. I cant wait for Conference tomorrow. I really love receiving this personal revelation.

The church is true! Just as the young Joseph Smith, we can receive the same great revelation he did. We can pray and receive our own revelation. We can know of the surety of the gospel and the blessings that will come to us if we are living righteously. I just LOVE the Christ and all that His plan has and will continue to do for me.

He Loves Us!!!

BACK IN THE GAME... MAYBE

2008-09-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well, a lot has been happening since May... since there is 3 months in bewtween then and now.

As Jetta won tickets to the American Idol show in California, I also won the American Idol tickets when they came to SLC. It was actually really cool. I was listening to 97.1, and they were having a competition. Whoever was the 9971 text message- won two tickets to the concert. I had barely turned on the radio- stremmed online, and started texting. I didnt think I won becauase nothing was said right then (around 4pm). I was on my way home when I got a phone call from AJ, saying I won the tickets. It was so freaking cool and I was so freaking excited!!

Jetta and I went to the concert! It was one of the best concerts I had ever been to... since I have been to so many- 4 of them are American Idol... and then only like 4 others... So what! I am an American Idol fan!! Holla!!!

I did go to summer school. I was a really fun summer and I accomplished nothing but school. I took a general COMM class and loved it. Of course, I got an A!! The other class I got a B+ in, but I am not complaining, since I did FAIL both the tests! Yeah, I am that good! Dont you think that is talent when someone fails two tests, and still gets a B+.

Heather also got engaged during the summer... so she accomplished more than I did. She gets married just right around the corner.

Now that summer is over, I am back in school. I only had 3 real weeks of summer...which included just work! Yeah- I know it is way lame!

I am taking some pretty hard classes... but I have told myself that it is okay if I dont get all A's... I am a full-time student and employee. And I really dont want to kill myself. I'll I can do is my best, and if my best isnt all A's... then who the freak cares?! Not me!

Well, that is all I got for today! Lets see if I will be better at this whole thing.

AMERICAN IDOL/ CALI TRIP

2008-05-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

ON THURSDAY NIGHT, MAY 15TH, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM MY DEAR, SWEET, FRIEND JETTA. SHE CALLED TO TELL ME SHE RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM AMERICAN IDOL AND SHE HAD VOUCHER TICKETS TO AMERICAN IDOL. AT THIS POINT, I THOUGHT IT WAS A FRAUD OR A JOKE...AT ANY RATE...I THOUGHT IT WASNT TRUE. COME TO FIND OUT...IT WAS REAL!

WE QUICKLY MADE PLANS TO ROAD TRIP OUT TO LA TO SEE AMERICAN IDOL LIVE...TO WATCH THE TWO DAVIDS BATTLE IT OUT!! JETTA RECEIVED FOUR VOUCHERS...SO WE NEEDED TO FIND TWO MORE PEOPLE...SAD TO SAY, NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE COULD GET WORK OFF...THIS NUMBER IS A HIGH AND SAD NUMBER...COME ON PEOPLE- WE ONLY LIVE ONCE! IT CAME TO SUNDAY NIGHT AND WE STILL HAD ONE VOUCHER TO GIVE AWAY. LUCKILY WE FOUND SOMEONE...AND WE WERE READY FOR OUR TRIP.

SINCE I AM IN SUMMER SCHOOL, WE COULDNT LEAVE UNTIL AFTER 10AM. I TOLD ME ENTIRE CLASS I WAS GOING TO AMERICAN IDOL...AND TO SAY THE LEAST...MOST WERE JEALOUS!

WE GOT TO LA AROUND 9ISH THAT NIGHT. WE WENT TO BED KINDA EARLY...THERE WAS DEFINITELY A LONG DAY AHEAD OF US.

WE WOKE UP AND WERE OUT OF THE HOTEL BY 7AM. WE DROVE INTO LA, PARKED THE CAR, AND WENT OUT FOR BREAKFAST. WE THOUGHT WE WOULD BE SAFE SINCE YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO LINE UP IN CALIFORNIA UNTIL AFTER 10AM. WHEN WE GOT BACK TO LINE UP AFTER BREAKFAST, WE WERE A GOOD 200 PEOPLE BEIND THE FIRST PERSON...AND THIS WAS AROUND 9AM. SO IT IS A GOOD THING WE ARRIVED EARLY.

SO JUST TO EXPLAIN THE VOUCHER TICKET- JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE THE VOUCHER DIDNT MEAN WE AUTOMATICALLY HAD TICKETS...HENCE STANDING IN LINE.

WE FINALLY GOT OUT TICKETS AROUND 11ISH. I SAT IN ROW FF SEAT 305!!! RIGHT ON! IT WAS SO COOL TO HOLD THE TICKET...AS CHEESY AS THAT SOUNDS. I WAS REALLY EXCITED TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL LIVE. WHILE WE WERE IN LINE, WE MET SOME REALLY COOL AS WELL AS INTERESTING PEOPLE. THE TWO PEOPLE RIGHT BEHIND US WERE A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER FROM SLC. WEIRD! THE PEOPLE WERE BEHIND THEM WERE... NUTS! ONE CHICK TOLD THE 12 YEAR OLD GIRL SHE THOUGHT ARCHULETA WAS GAY... SO WHY ARE YOU TELLING A 12 YEAR OLD THIS. TO SAY THE LEAST, SHE HATED ARCHIE :( SAD!!

WE MADE SOME PRETTY COOL SIGNS IN LINE. ON ONE OF THEM- WE RIPPED OUT THE UPPER CORNER-- IT LOOKED LIKE UTAH...AND WROTE "WE DROVE 12 HOURS TO SEE DAVID A." THE OTHER POSTER SAID "UTAH HEARTS ARCHULETA." WE ALSO PLAYED CATCH PHRASE. THERE WERE DEF. SOME GOOD TIMES THERE... IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT WE DIDNT KNOW HOW TO PRONOUNCE SOME EASY WORDS...YARN BALLS...HAHAHA...NO ONE WILL GET THAT.

WE GOT IN THE THEATRE AND STILL HAD TO WAIT...BUT AT LEAST WE WERE IN AC!! WE GOT TO GOT TO THE DRESS REHEARSEL. THAT IS COOL! WE REALLY SAW THW SHOW TWICE. WHEN THE DAVIDS PERFORM IN THE REHEARSAL- THAT IS WHAT IS PLAYED BACK AT THE END OF THE SHOW. INTERSTING!!!

DURING THE LIVE SHOW- THEY HAD, WILL SAY, A DJ. THE DJ KEPT US PUMPED AND ENERGIZED CONTINUALLY. THE SHOW SEEMED TO BE SHORTER THAN WHAT IT IS ON TV. IT WAS SO FREAKIN LOUD! THE CROWD CONSTANTLY FOR ARCHIE! HE REALLY DID SO FREAKIN AWESOME!!! I WISH HE WOULD HAVE WON! I AM AWAITING HIS CD...OH YEAH, I AM GONNA BUY IT FOR SURE.

WE ALSO WENT TO THE BEACH, THE LA TEMPLE, AND DROVE BY THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN. THE TEMPLE IS A MUST SEE. I HAVE SEEN IT BEFORE...BUT IT IS ALWAYS COOL TO SEE SOMETHING SO PURE IN THE CITY!

WELL...THAT WAS OUR TRIP! I HOPE YOU ARE ALL JEALOUS! NEXT TIME YOU SHOULD LIVE THE LIFE- BECAUSE YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE...SO IT MIGHT AS WELL BE WORTH IT!

AMERICAN IDOL & SCHOOL

2008-05-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

SO I HAVE BECOME FASCINATED ONCE AGAIN WITH AMERICAN IDOL. I AM LOVING DAVID ARCHULETA. HE IS JUST SO DANG CUTE. I AM SURE EVERY UTAHN LOVES HIM! WE ARE SUCH A SUPPORTIVE STATE!!! WE SHALL SEE TONIGHT WHO MAKES IT TO THE FINAL TWO. EVEN THOUGH I AM IN LOVE WITH THE SHOW- I DON'T VOTE. I JUST REALLY LIKE TO HEAR HOW GOOD OR AWFUL THE CONTESTANTS SING.

SCHOOL...
MONDAY WAS THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. I THINK AND HOPE THIS SEMESTER WILL GO BY FAST. THERE IS ONLY 3 MONTHS. I AM ONLY TAKING CLASSES ON MON AND WED- SO I REALLY ONLY HAVE 24 CLASS DAYS...23 LEFT TODAY!!! YEAH!

MY FIRST CLASS IS PR THEORY AND PRACTICE. WE TALKED ABOUT DOGS FOR APPROX. 15 MINUTES. YOU KNOW...THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS IS ALWAYS SO CHILLAX! WE DID DO A LITTLE BIT OF LECTURE, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO BE SO PRESSING ON THE FIRST DAY. I AM EXCITED FOR THIS CLASS, AS THIS IS WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH MY LIFE.

I GO TO INSTITUTE, AND I AM NOT ASHAMED TO SAY IT IS ONLY FOR THE PARKING PASS. WE ALL KNOW AN HOUR A COUPLE DAYS A WEEK IS BETTER THAN PAYING THE RIDICULOUS AMOUNT FOR THE U PARKING PASS. I AM TORN ON WHICH CLASS TO TAKE. MY FIRST CLASS GETS OUT AT 10:00 AND THEN I START CLASS AT 12:30. THERE ARE 2 CLASSES I CAN TAKE- 10:00- 11:00 (LETTERS OF PAUL) OR 11:15- 12:15 (HIGHLIGHTS OF THE D&C). THE REASONING I AM TORN IS I WILL EITHER HAVE TO ARRIVE LATE TO THE FIRST ONE OR LEAVE EARLY FROM THE LAST ONE. I THINK I AM GOING TO TAKE LETTERS OF PAUL- MY THOUGHT PROCESS IS...I NEED TO EAT LUNCH- AS I WILL BE IN SCHOOL FROM 8AM-2PM...I FIGURE I DON'T WANT TO EAT LUNCH FROM 10-11...SO 11-12 FOR LUNCH FITS MY SCHEDULE BETTER.

MY SECOND CLASS IS INTRO TO MASS COMMUNICATION. THIS WILL BE A FUN CLASS. IT IS JUST LEARNING ABOUT ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMUNICATION. MY TEACHER IS 25- AND HAS BEEN TEACHING FOR 4 YEARS. HE DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS TEACHING THE CLASS UNTIL A WEEK AGO- SO HE HAD ALREADY PLANNED VACATION. SO HE TOLD US WE DON'T HAVE CLASS NEXT WEEK- AND THEN IT'S MEMORIAL DAY THE FOLLOWING MONDAY "SO WE ARE PRACTICALLY DONE WITH SCHOOL IN MAY!!" THAT MADE ME FEEL REAL GOOD TO BE HONEST!!! YEAH FOR NO SCHOOL. I AM SOO DOWN WITH THAT!

WELL THAT IS ALL I GOT. LATER PEEPS!

OH AND I AM EXCITED TO BE SPENDING THURS NIGHT WITH LAURA, JETTA, AND ADRIENNE...GIRLS NIGHT...WHAT UP NOW!

SCHOOL IS STARTING

2008-05-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

SO SCHOOL IS STARTING SCHOOL. IT HAS BEEN STRESSFUL FOR ME TO GET TO THIS POINT OF WANTING TO GO THIS SUMMER, BUT I AM. YEAH! I GRADUATE NEXT SPRING AND I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THAT. THE ONE BUMMER ABOUT TAKING TIME OFF TO "SAVE" UP MONEY TO GO TO SCHOOL IS YOU COULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN DONE! THAT IS WHAT MY PROBLEM IS. I COULD HAVE BEEN DONE, BUT I KEPT TAKING SEMESTERS OFF TO "SAVE" MONEY- WHICH I NEVER DID ANYWAY.

NOW, HERE COMES THE SCHOOL LOANS! LUCKILY, THESE NEXT 3 SEMESTERS ARE THE ONLY LOANS I WILL HAVE. I AM EXCITED TO GET ON WITH MY LIFE AND MOVE ON TO THE NEXT PHAZE OF MY LIFE, OF BEING AN ADULT.

HMM... THE OTHER NEWS IS HEATHER IS GETTING MARRIED IN OCTOBER TO TYLER BASS. I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR THEM!!! I WILL THEN BE THE ONLY ONE OUT OF 11 CHILDREN TO NOT BE MARRIED.... DONT WORRY ALL.... I AM TRULY OKAY WITH BEING SINGLE. I LOVE BEING SINGLE ACTUALLY- WELL SINGLE AS IN NOT MARRIED. I ACTUALLY WOULDNT MIND A BOYFRIEND...A LITTLE SNUGGLE HERE AND THERE...BUT I WILL TAKE ONLY WHAT I CAN GET....AND WE ALL KNOW IT ISNT VERY MUCH.

THATS ALL FOR NOW. I HAVE TO GO HOME TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL. I HOPE JASON GETS KICKED OFF... I WANT ARCHULETA TO GO ALL THE WAY.

NIGHT!

I really SUCK at this BLOG thing!

2008-04-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

So for the longest time I have been meaning to get on and do this blogging thing. Last night, I was reading "The Notebook" and I thought I really needed to get on this blog so I could keep up on my journal. I guarentee you have seen this wonderful moving. I couldnt help but think of this relating to me and writing in my journal.
My thought process:
I really want my children to know who I am, was, and will be. I want them to know what I had to go through as a child, teenager, young adult, and adult. How will they be able to know without me helping them know. I promise you, I will not remember ever detail of my life and I realize that is why we, as Latter-day Saints, are advised to keep journals.
It is funny what a good book will do to someone...so we shall see how long this journal thing will go for until I slip again with not writing this blog.

In the days to come: Kansas Trip, Heather getting Married!, Living at Michelle's, and SCHOOL!!!

Krista

New Schedule

2008-03-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

So...I just started a new schedule at work since I live in Layton now. I am carpooling with Michelle Mon- Thurs. She has to be to work by 6am; therefore, I get to wake up at 415 to leave for work by 515. Since this is my first week, it is killing me.

Monday- wasn't too bad at work, but when I got home...I was out like a light. I was so dead to the world for about 2 hours. I figure I shouldn't take naps because then I didn't fall asleep till later... like 11pm, which isn't good!

Tuesday- I almost didn't wake up. I finally got out of bed at 435. I really wish I didn't have to take a shower every day...I am not gonna lie. Too bad my hair gets all nappy, so I cant. Work wasn't all that bad. I did make up for being tired by going tanning. It helps me relax.

Wednesday- was the best day of the week so far. I wasn't tired at all at work. I was extremely productive! I cooked a really awesome dinner. It is called Spicy Potato Soup. I got the recipe when I was in Kansas from a really awesome family. I was afraid the soup wasn't going to be as good as remembered, but I will admit, I did a pretty darn good job!

Today...Thursday- has already been an awful day and it's only 830. I am so stinkin tired, I don't even know what to do. I already drank a Mt Dew, but that is not going to be sufficient for today.

The days are sure long and so are the weeks when you are up from 415- 1000 practically everyday. I thought yesterday was Thursday- so I was really hoping today was Friday.

Besides no sleep- living in Layton has been super. Heather, Michelle and I chill a lot more and have some good times for sure. Heather and I are starting to go to the gym...she is my motivation. My room and bathroom are almost all organized an set up the way I like it.

One thing I am really excited for is going to a new ward. I called Craig to see how awesome his ward was...and he absolutely loves it...so I am going to go there. I hope it will be a great ward like the one I just came from. I loved that ward and made a lot of good friends.

KBailey

BC TIME!!!

2008-02-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

So already today, I have a story. I went to the doctor's to go and get my borth control shot. The shot is one of the greatest things known to man...at least that is what I think. With the Depo shot, you only need to get it once every three months. Well yesterday, I was thinking it was around that time to go and get stuck with a needle and it was confirmed when I received a text message from Heather about cramps...So I called the doctor's office to see when the last time I got the shot...and to my greatest fear I was late in getting it by one day...Darn. I started to panic, really I did. I LOVE MY BC!!!

So the real story...
I went in to the doctors and the nurse asked me if I was on time in getting my shot. I told her I was late and I should have come in on the 20th. She walked out and told me to follow her...as we are walking she is talking, I have no idea to who unitl we reached the bathroom. She said, "I just need 4 drops." I was taken back because I had no clue what she was talking about. Then I put it together...prenancy test. So I gave her what she wanted and then went to wait in the room to find out what my pregnancy test came back as... as most of you know...I was pretty nervous...I thought, "What if I am pregnant..." Another nurse came back into the room, with the needle, and said, "Well, you're not pregnant." I quickly replied, "I guess that's what happens when you arent sexual active!" The nurse started laughing her head off, and said, "So you really weren't nervous for the results then?"

So the moral of the story-
Dont be late in getting your BC shot...you will then have to take a prego test...and for those like me...you will have to find out you are NOT pregnant...Sorry!

First Timer

2008-02-21T16:41:00.000-08:00

So this is my first time using a blog. I have looked at Laura's and Adrienne's, and I guess it is as good as time as it will ever be to have one. These are cool because it will make me write in this as it were a journal...and I am excited for that. Ever since last conference with Elder Eyring and his talk entiled "O Remember, Remember" I have thought I should be writing in a journal. I started off the first of the year writing in one daily, but writing takes a long time. I figure, on this blog, I can type and we all know it is way faster to type than to write. This will be better than the journal in another way also- I know this may sound cheesy, but in Nephi, Nephi talks about writing things that are only of God; therefore, I wont be able to complain that much or write bad things about people because others can read it.

So on to the blogging adventure...I guess...