The Last 20ish Years...

I recently got back in touch with a roommate from when I was about 19. She asked what I had been up to for the last 20 years. Great question, what have I been up to? So here is a little summary of my life for the past 20ish years!!! 

From Eugene Oregon moved to Utah. Worked in some pizzerias, made some lifelong friends, decided to serve a mission, received endowments in Manti Utah Temple.

Served mission in Manchester NH mission. Served some amazing people, Learned how to love all men, fell in love with church history (and Ben & Jerrys ice cream!).

Lived in Utah along university ave near BYU. Served in Relief Society presidency in various positions and became a temple ordinance worker in the Provo temple.  Went to cosmetology school and then worked in a couple salons. Made more lifelong friendships. Learned to value all people and tried to make sure they felt included. Another random calling I had was the co-chair for group dates. Yes, my ward experimented with having us randomly match everyone up on large group dates. The point was to get everyone comfortable with just dating. (I did have a wedding come out of it though- great story!)

Lived in Coos Bay Oregon. Worked at a craft store and another pizzeria! I'm still not sure the purpose of this move or what I was to learn. 

Moved to Chelan Washington. I got my CNA license working at a long term care facility. I loved the dry summer days! I did a lot of country line dancing and served in the YW. 

Back to Utah. This time I lived west of University ave. I met some great people here. Intelligent, caring. I did hair at a salon and picked up the hobby of genealogy. I got to teach this class and really enjoyed the seeking of ancestors. Served again in the Provo Temple as an ordinance worker. 

Maryland! I became a nanny. Worked with one family for a little over a year, then took some time off for a college math class and sold health insurance. I then worked for a family full time for over a year, then part time for 4 more. I went to college and got an associate degree in science and license as a RN. I served in YW, stake YSA, and was the 4th year leader at girls camp for 3 yrs. I got to explore our nations history, as well as continuing my love for church history. I served in the DC temple as an ordinance worker, and kindled friendships with some amazing people. 

Family called me home to Oregon and I lived in Coburg for a couple years working first as a RN in cottage grove, then in Eugene in HH/hospice. 

After my dads death I moved to coos bay and worked at the hospital there. Even after my mom sold the family farm and moved to Beaverton I stayed in CB and had a great time learning to preserve food, hiking, exploring, and living life. Got my bachelors of science RN through an online college. I expanded my nursing skills as a clinical educator for the local college nursing program. Taught Sunday school 16-17yr olds and more YW! 

Seeing that my nieces would be gone before I knew it I moved to Portland almost two years ago and am working at Portland providence. I love being close to my immediate family and participating in the last years at home my nieces have. 

Ugh-ly

I probably should start my posting comeback with an upbeat "look what I have been adventuring" post, but today I am feeling *Ugh* and a bit unattractive so basically, "ugh-ly". I am sure I can list an easy ten things I can start doing tomorrow to bring back the perky lets grab life by the horns and ride me, but today I will allow myself to wallow in the Ugh-liness of it all.

To catch you up with myself the past -way too long-. I turned 40 (post to follow). I went on a cruise (post to follow). I decided to stay in Coos Bay and moved in to a cute duplex more downtown (I can post about that). I got hired to ICU (I would post, but since there is this thing called HIPPA and I want to keep my job). I started my training to become a Master Food Preserver (I am sure there will be many posts in the coming years to laugh at my adventures with this). I finish my BSN in 6 weeks- 3 days- yes I'm counting down.

But today I am feeling the effects of too little sleep, too little exercise, and too much food. So I will wallow in my Ugh-lyness today, and work towards a better tomorrow- tomorrow.

Can't Stand the Waitin'!

It is test day. Those that know me well know that the only way I get through this day is by thinking of "Plan B". "Plan B" came about while I was coming up with my worst case scenarios. Last year it was..."Worst case scenario is that I fail. If I fail I can always pack up and move myself back to Oregon and get a job as a CNA and start over there. At least I will be with Family... right?" This semester proves a bit more challenging since I am half way through the program. Starting over is NOT and option. Plus I am contracted in at HCGH until the end of jan 09. Soooooo now I have "Plan B":

Giving meds is fun, I like giving meds....







Does it necessarily have to be in a person? How about animals? Aren't I making people happy by making their animals happy?





Or there is the easy fallback of having a little beauty shop. Talk of the town. Being the central location of all that's going on.






And there is still my ultimate dream of running an Inn or B&B.







I know, I know, I still want to pass my tests and continue on to be "Nurse Krista- defender of the immunosupressed and damaged bodies everywhere. Coming soon to a town near you." But having my "Plan B" always brings a smile to my face and a little less stress to my life while I'm a waitin' for my scores.

Time Spent A' Doin'

Doin' what you may ask? Well let me tell ya!

Sunday: Church 11-2, Beada 6-8
Monday: HCGH 7-3:30, UGA 4-6, TV (Wildfire) 9-10
"or" A mixture of UGA, studying, TV, and Gallaghers
Tuesday: Clinicals 7-1
"or" Clincals and Gallaghers
Wednesday: Clinicals 7-1
"or" Clinicals and Gallaghers
Thursday: Lab 7:30-9:00am
"or" lab and Gallaghers
Friday: Lab 7:30-9:00, Theory 9:00-2:20, TV (Womens murder club) 9-10
Sat: HCGH 7-3:30
"or" many other things.

I think you can get my drift about my schedule. HCGH is on Monday or Sat depending on tests or other stuff. I still have my haircuts and the Gallaghers. The gallaghers are usually wed and thurs, but it varies. So, there it is!

Classes Are Done!!!

Yahoo! Classes are done, Well almost! I still have a few assignments and a final for my online class. I still feel that all is good and my mind may be able to relax. I only get a few weeks to relax and then I start a job at Howard County General Hospital. I will work as a PTC for a year in exchange for well... work, and training in other areas the nursing program at HCC does not offer! This past semesters classes really kicked my rear. I had to say goodbye to a few friends that did not pass. They will get wait-listed to start this semester over. Well just actually the class they missed. Hopefully they will get in soon. It has been cool to see so many of the friends I made over the past couple years in my pre-reqs start the program. If all goes as planned I will be finished in a year. CRAZY!!!





Study Survival Necessities! Starbucks and Burts Bees!








A few of our Practice Rooms and Dummies!
(No my friend Erin is not a Dummie!)








Our Nursing Computer Lab

New Schedule

I thought I should update my schedule for those of you dying to know where I am at, most of the time.

Monday: Class 12:30-2:50
Tuesday: Clinicals 7:00-1:00
Wednesday: Clinicals 7:00-1:00, Gallagher's 2:30-7:00
Thursday: Lab Tech 7:30-9:00, Class 12:30- 2:50, Gallagher's 2:30-7:00
Friday: Lab Tech 7:30-9:00, Office 9:00-12:00

I hesitate to put the Gallagher's down since it has not been on steady days. There is also the haircuts, Nursing Association stuff, and myriads of other things I have left out. We could start a where's Krista game by phone.

Study Spot

This is my study spot. I created this spot at the beginning of this semester so I could have a place to go. I even got a free little TV with DVD so I could have background noise ect. All I need now is a computer, and i think my study spot would be complete!









This is my second favorite, well probably favorite, but less used, spot in the house. My bed. Underneath the tapestry is my quilt I purchased at a flee market for 20 buck and my tye dye sheets!








The bathroom. She just got a face-lift. It used to be dark forest green wallpaper with the same color shower curtain. Now it is bright and sunny and definatly helps keep me awake in the morning.








The backyard. I created a little corner here complete with dragonfly lights along the terrace corner. If I could sleep outside I would. I am just not too fond of the bugs.

Now you have a little idea about what it looks like where I live. I hope you enjoyed the tour! Come and visit whenever you want!

Schedule for me!

My lovely Sister decided that she just did not know how she would be able to manage this semester without me posting my schedule to refer to. This way she would be able to know when to contact me the easiest. She suggested that I hand write the schedule and scan it in.. well.. my skills are not that...skilled, but here it is.. for now. It is subjected to changes!

Monday: Class from 12-3
Tuesday: Clinicals from 7-3:30, Group Study 7-10pm
Wednesday: Lab Tech 7:30-9:30am, Nanny 2:30-7
Thursday: Lab Tech 7:30-9:30am, Class from 12-3, Nanny 3:00-7
Friday: Lab Tech 7:30-9:30am, Work 10:00-2
Sat: Lab Tech 8:00-10am

Then add in Haircuts, online class-work, church stuff, and tons of studying..there you go!