Writing my own story...

This post is probably overdue. I have been debating whether or not to write this all out but a discussion with Corey tonight about our future prompted me to tell my story...

Last February (2010), on a routine trip to the OB/GYN, my doctor had more concerns than normal with my health. My cervix was discolored and seemed to be not in the condition it should have been. She made the decision to do some tests to check what might be going on. I wasn't due for any tests until June but she said it was urgent we find out what may be causing the change. I was so nervous for what might come of these tests. I sat up night after night wondering what my body could possibly be doing to me and researching every possible outcome I may have. Many of you know that I am absolutely a doctor's best friend and always find a way to have something wrong with me. However, this time more than any, I was open I would have a clean slate. One week later, I got a phone call with a voice on the other side telling me something I would have never expected to here.

Cancer cells on my cervix! Definitely not the result I was looking for! In order to understand how scary this situation was, I need to explain to you how this diagnosis works. Most average women have cancer cells on their cervix that exist with no action or multiplication. It may show up during their annual tests or may not, depending on their activity level. When cancer cells do show up on the test, they grade the amount in levels. These levels are non-existant, mild, moderate, high, pre-cancerous, and cancer. When my diagnosis came last year, I was ranked at the pre-cancerous level! Thoughts of how this would affect my life rushed through my head in one giant blur. What was I going to do now?

The doctor said it could be treated a few different ways and we would schedule a cryo-freeze for our first try. With the cryo-freeze, the doctor would go in and freeze the outer layers of my cervix and then pull those layers off in attempt to remove the cells. Because I was headed to South Korea for the summer, we scheduled my surgery for the week I got back. This was important for me to treat ASAP so that it did not advance any further.

Although I was having an amazing time in Korea, it was always in the back of my mind what could happen. Did we catch it too late? Would this affect my ability to be a mother later in life? WHO KNOWS!!! That week leading up to my surgery, I couldn't help but think of the worse. The morning of, I sat in my bed and prayed for the best. When reading the description of the procedure, you probably thought of how painful that it could possibly be and it absolutely was the most painful thing I have ever been through. The doctors told me to take some aspirin beforehand but it definitely did not stop me from feeling completely sick to my stomach and having to make my grandma pull off the freeway on the ride home because of my nausea. I laid in bed the whole rest fo the day hoping that this was all my body needed.

In January, I went back for my check-up. More tests to see if the treatment had worked. Another week passed and my results came back as still pre-cancer. We scheduled another, less painful form of treatment during one of my routine visits to see if maybe my body just needed a little bit further of a push. Definitely no pain this time! Again, I prayed that my body and health would be in my favor this time around.

July rolled around and presented me with my yearly check-up tests. The few weeks before, I explained my health situation to Corey thinking that he would support me like always, and of course he did. We both were concerned about the future but hoped for the best. The morning of my tests, he texted me saying "I know today is going to work in your favor. I'm here for you no matter what the outcome is and I always will be." What a sweetheart!! I walked into that doctor's office with the confidence that I was going to be just fine.

Corey and I both anxious waited for a phone call from the doctor letting me know whether or not I was okay. I was told only a few days and when I hadn't heard anything, I decided to make the phone call to the office on my way to class, just in case the results had come back and they hadn't gotten around to calling me yet. The nurse was busy and had to call me back. I finally got a phone call the next morning. I was at my internship site and had to wait until break to listen to her voicemail.

After hearing her speak, all I could do was cry.... in tears of HAPPINESS!! COMPLETELY CANCER FREE BABY!!!! My test came back at the non-existent level!!!! I was completely speechless! I called Corey to let him know that my health was completely in control. The emotion behind the words coming from him painted a picture of an extremely happy man with a smile ear to ear. I think he was almost more excited than I was! The next phone call was to my mom, who was more than happy as well to hear the AMAZING news. My dad was home when I got there so I got to tell him in person. He could see from the tears in my eyes that I was on cloud nine.

All throughout the day, Corey kept texting me, telling me how much he loved me and how nothing could bring either of us down from our high horse at that moment. Hearing him as happy as he was made me even more excited than I already was.



So I sit here today, writing this blog, completely cancer-free, knowing that my future will not be controlled by some stupid cells! I kicked cancer's @$$! I also sit here today, asking all of you to make sure you check your body out daily! You never know when something unexpected might turn up and it'll be the decisions you make that will either turn that something into a speed bump in the road or a complete detour! I'll tell you one thing... this is just a speed bump in my road because I am writing my own story!



“If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them. When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope? We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or Fight Like Hell.”
-- Lance Armstrong

Recipes!!!!

I decided today that I am going to take on the task of starting my own recipe binder...... SOOOOOO excited!!!! Living with my dad, I have cook books all over this house. However, when I get a craving for something, I don't want to have to dig through them all or try to remember which book that the one recipe I wanted was in. By having my own recipe binder, I'll have a whole collection of our favorite things at the tips of fingers!! So if you guys have any blogs with fun recipes on them, send them my way! I say blogs because most recipe blogs come from moms that have to make quick, healthy meals for their families and they are normal much more simple than complex recipes from technique chefs with ingredients you can only buy in one store in the whole city! Send them my way people!

Before Corey left for Maui, we were not very good with our eating habits. With both os us working and me having a crazy school schedule, our meals were always whatever we could get quickly and easily.

NOT GONNA HAPPEN when he comes home. We are both making the commitment to be in the healthiest position possible. I constantly wish I was back down to as small as I was at ASU.

So we've come up with a plan. Gym 4-5 days per week and eating at home AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!! The day he gets home, this all will start. By the holidays, no one will be able to recognize us because we are going to be in the best shape of our lives.

Healthy bodies, here we come!!!




"Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.”
- Gautama Siddharta (founder of Buddhism)

Support System

On Thursday, I came in contact with a situation that would be the first of many to come I'm sure. It caught me of guard and over the past couple days I have been contemplated if I handled it correctly or what I might have done differently. It's been contributing to me not sleeping, besides the fact that since May 15th I've had to sleep in my bed alone without my cuddle partner. What better way to get it out of my head than to blog about it!

As many of you know, I am now on my 3rd semester of graduate school at UNLV, pursuing my Masters degree in Community Mental Health Counseling with concentrations in Addictions and Trauma. Going into this program, I was completely convinced I wanted to work with professional athletes suffering from addictions. I knew this would combine my two passions in life, sports and helping others. However, our program gives us many options to explore ALL areas of counseling and gain experience in different fields.

In January, when I needed to choose a site for my practicum, I knew I wanted to challenge myself by working with veterans. My advisor convinced me that U.S. Vets would be the perfect site to not only work with Vets, but also see the main sides of their lives that were causing problems besides addictions and homelessness. When he said the clients there would keep me on my toes, he definitely wasn't kidding. I loved being around them and hearing their stories on a daily basis. They were men and women who had gone from having no hope to being completely full of it. For this reason, I decided to officially become an intern for the next stage of my program.

This summer was the start of my 600 hours in internship experience. Luckily, its approved for us to do 200 of those hours over summer instead of all of them in fall. If I had to do 600 hours in one semester, I might not have any hair come December and I'm sure Corey would not be too happy about the time he would get to spend with me. With him gone in Hawaii, I could fully concentrate on getting the most of this experience.

Because of the nature of the program, clients come and go. One week you might see them and have an AMAZING session, and the next week find out they graduated without telling you or were discharged for breaking program rules. I've lucked out with a couple steady ones that I have definitely learned a great deal from. And yes, they keep me on my toes 24/7 because I never know what it going to come out of their mouth. Lucky for me, having four brothers and a HUGE family, they aren't going to say anything I haven't heard before. Thursday would present my biggest challenge!

There are only a few occassions where it is okay for me to break confidentiality with my clients. They are all very aware of what those situations are before they even say anything to me and I remind them of that at the beginning of every session. Thursday I had to break confidentiality for the first time for several reasons and was scared out of my mind to do so. For purposes of not disclosing what happened and keeping damage to a minimal, let's just say 911, the cops, an ambulance, and several case managers were involved. I will not be seeing this client anymore either. The staff couldn't have been more happy with how I handled everything and were very proud of me.

I went back and forth all night on Thursday wondering if this client was going to get the help he needed now. I felt bad in the sense that I did not make the progress I wanted to with him. However, that is probably going to happen a lot in my profession. This situation reassured me that I cannot go into my sessions expecting a certain outcome because I probably won't see it. I need to walk into them knowing that I am only going to be able to help them as much as our relationship will allow.

I have stated this several times that I know I am in the right place at the right time. My life couldn't be more perfect right now. I have an amazing boyfriend who loves me no matter how crazy I can be sometimes. I have a small group of people I call best friends, friends that will continue to add humor into my life. I am part of a nation-leading academic program that will pave the way for my future in a good direction. I will walk at graduation in May with a MASTERS degree at the young age of 25, way ahead of the curve. I get to intern at a government-funded program that is the best use of the United States' money that I could think of other than education. But most of all, I have a family that will love me after any decision I make, whether they agree with it or not.

This summer and my internship have truly made me realize the importance of support systems and how meaningful they can be to the growth of a human being. I have been fortunate enough to always have people backing me! My support system guides me in the right direction on a daily basis and not many people have that. I wouldn't trade them for the world.

So thank you support system.....You mean more to me than you will ever know!!!!



“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
- Howard Thurman

He Gets Me....

I haven't written on here in quite some time so I felt it was about time to update this baby with something that is on my mind...

Back in March, my boyfriend Corey was offered a chance to move to Maui for the summer to give his baseball career one last shot. After numerous nights of discussions, we felt this was an opportunity he could not pass up and needed to pursue it. We had two months to soakup everything we could before he would be gone for four. I knew it was going to be difficult having to control a long distance relationship, especially at this early in the game, but I knew I wanted with all my heart for it to work.

His last few days here, we tried to spend as much time together as possible. I made a question box, filled with over 250 questions, to give us conversation topics for every night he would be gone. We planned one last going away dinner with friends and family. The look on Corey's face when he saw that all 20 people that said they were coming to dinner actually showed up, was completely priceless. He knew that these people would be supporting him in pursuing his dream, just like I was. I knew at that moment that we were doing this for all the right reasons. We spent our last night together in a massive suite at the Palms, cuddled up in bed. Neither one of us wanted to say goodbye.

I dreaded taking him to the airport as we packed up in the car because I knew what that meant. I knew it meant that I wouldn't get to see my best friend every day, like I had been for the past 2 months. I knew it meant that our relationship would now be made up of phone calls, texting, skype dates, and care packages. But I also knew it was going to work because we both wanted it to. I choaked back tears as I accidentally drove Corey to the wrong terminal! (He probably thinks I did it on purpose!) We got to the right terminal and after an almost two hour check-in process, I had to stand at the bottom of the escalators and tell him "See Ya Later." I just kept repeating in my head "You can do this. No crying. Hold it together for him." I handed him his surprise present and walked out the door, bursting into tears as soon as I could put my sunglasses on. It took me some time just sitting in my car to realize that this day had come. With a few texts before he got on the plane, it had become official. Maui for the summer for him while I worked my butt off for school here in Vegas.

We quickly got down a routine. Texts in the morning when we got up, calling as often as we could around our schedules. We made sure to have at least 3 nights per week to do questions from our box and have full conversations, either on the phone or through skype. It was defnitely reassuring that although I missed him, I still felt like he was here. Sure, there were nights that I really just wanted to be laying in bed completely wrapped around him. However, the countdown of days to my first trip to see him helped me through it all.

My first trip to Yuma seemed like it was WAY too short. We had four whole days together but it wasn't nearly long enough. The smoke from the Yuma fire made it nearly impossible for me to be outside for the games. I would have toughed it out had Corey been pitching but I missed seeing him by a few days. Lots of time was spent just holding his hand because I didn't want to let it go EVER. Only two minutes into my roadtrip back home and I was already counting down to the next trip. I knew this break was going to be the hardest though, with it being a whole 7 weeks apart.

My relationship with Corey means everything to me and everyone around us can see that. Corey's teammates laugh at how close we are because they thought we've been together much longer than we really have. It helps that we were friends for 4 years before even attempting more. He truly has become my best friend (Sorry Sammy and Rachel but he is catching up to you guys!). Just like any other couple, we have our fair share of fights because we are both extremely stubborn and challenge each other all of the time. The difference with us is that we immediately talk it out (no arguing) and figure it all out. We don't let it sit and build up. We are each others' biggest supporters and that is the most important element to our relationship.

I have had some health concerns over the past year and I have never seen more support from someone outside of my family than what I get with Corey. Nothing will ever compare to the text and reaction I got from him the morning I found out I was offically cancer free. I think he was more excited than I was. I wish I would have been able to see the smile on his face because I could tell by our phone conversation that he was grinning ear to ear. I am so excited to see what the future holds for us.

We have 18 days left on this countdown and they cannot come any quicker. I get a whole week with him on this trip! Time better start flying by because I am ready to be in his arms again!

Here are some pics of Corey from the summer!! ALOHA!



Corey and Robert - a minister who was in front of us at the airport in Vegas and was Corey's travel buddy on the plane. He now goes to some of Corey's games and has been an awesome friend for him to have on the island.



Corey pitching - Luckily I get to see him pitch this next time in Yuma. It's been over two years since I've seen him throw and I am soooo excited!

By the way....
We are also halfway done with our summer!!! YAY!!!! Only 9 weeks until Corey's season is done and he is home with us!!!



“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”
-- Unknown author

Last Day!

Today is my last day working at the Academic Success Center and it's really hitting me how hard UNLV is suffering from budget cuts. In January, I was promised I would have this position through graduation next summer. Only 2 months later, Tyra and I were told they would have to cut our positions at the end of the semester. As I watch numerous departments and programs be put up on the chopping block, I can't help but wonder when Education is going to be put first on our government's to-do list!
What is it going to take for them to realize that the less options they give our future generation, the less workers they will have with educations worthy enough of their position? My program alone is struggling to stay afloat at UNLV, due to it being one of the smaller departments on campus. We have one of the best counseling programs in the nation, yet we are constantly being considered as a completely cut program! I guarantee our Ivy League schools aren't worried about cutting their most successful programs. I walk into my classes with the biggest smile on my face because I know I get to be part of such an amazing department. At the same time, my heart aches because I know that students after me might not get the same opportunity as I did. Our government thinks spending money on unnecessary military options, tax breaks for big corporations, and universal health care is much more important than Education!! What a ridiculous thought!!
I'm scared.... Scared because at this point, I know my future children are not going to get the opportunities to have the best education possible. Classrooms of 40+ students with only one teacher or professor, high tuition rates, and limited degree programs at affordable universities.... When is enough, enough?!

Shadow Boxes

Hey everyone! Some of you know and some of you don't but I have been making custom shadow boxes for a few years now. They are for sell and I am open to any ideas the customer has. Here are the sizes, description, and pricing (I have also included a picture of each size I have made as examples):

SMALL - $140.00
~ A little bit bigger than a normal sheet of computer paper
~ Design can include 2 pictures!






MEDIUM - $160.00
~ Most boxes in this size are around 15 x 15
~ Design can include 4 - 5 pictures!




LARGE - $190.00
~ Boxes this size are around 20 x 20
~ Design can include 6 - 8 pictures!









All pricing includes the box, decorations, and shipping.

All design standards may change depending on what the customer would like. If invitations or other keepsakes want to be included, less pictures may be required.

PLEASE PASS ON THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS. These make awesome birthday, wedding, and holiday gifts! I know because I have used them as all three!

If any questions relating to the boxes, message me on facebook, comment on this blog, or email me at krista.n.godfrey@gmail.com!

THANKS EVERYONE!!!



"Creativity is the power to connect the seemlingly unconnected!"
- William Polmer

Missing you!!!

He's only been gone for 15 hours, and he comes back on Monday morning, but I miss him! I know that's a totally ridiculous statement probably but it's completely true. I hope he knows that! This summer is going to be crazy hard but I know its for the best and it's only going to make our relationship that much stronger....

Yay for baseball in Hawaii and both of us having exciting summers!!!



but come home soon =)





"LOVE IS JUST A WORD UNTIL SOMEONE COMES ALONG AND GIVES IT MEANING!"

Today, I am okay....

With a roller coaster of emotions consuming my thoughts today, I just wanted to make it clear that I am okay.

Today I am okay....

Because I woke up with a smile on my face.

Because a room full of classmates trusted one another enough to share their personal stories of struggle, no longer making us strangers.

Because I stood in front of the room, knowing I could share my scars without judgement or criticism.

Because tears were shed to show others that we truly care.

Because I allowed myself to vulnerable.

Because I was so moved by the experiences my classmates have gone through and felt comfortable enough to share.

Because someone very important to me reminded me that my most attractive quality is that I am an unbelievably strong female in more ways than one.

Because humor dried away my tears after an extremely emotional Saturday class.

Because the raw emotion I shared was equally matched by my peers.

Because I realized my past is not nearly as bad as it could have been.

Because I understand that I have been shaped by my family and would not change that for anything in this world.

Because my Master's program is by far the most AMAZING program offered at UNLV and I am blessed to be a part of it.

Because I get to spend the rest of my day with the most incredible people anyone could ever ask to be surrounded by.

Because I have the freedom to share my story with whoever I chose.

Because I can truly say I am proud of the person I have become and excited to see the person I will be.

Because an old picture of my nephews warmed my heart like no other.

Because I feel loved.

Because I am alive.



Today, I am okay...... and I'm okay with that.





"I know God will not give me anything I cannot handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much."
- Mother Teresa

Just a Prayer..

My mom sent this to me in an email but I wanted to share it with everyone...

Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children...

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester...

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares...

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together...

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love...

Where Has Your Nose Been Today?

I know I might bug everyone sometimes with my rants and venting but there are those days where I just have to get everything off my chest for fear of going crazy in my own head. Today is going to be another one of those days. I have two items that have just really been bugging me/floating around in my head for the past 24 hours, waiting for me to put it into words for others to see....


First things first...
This is my quick venting story. Like my title for this entry, where has your nose been today? Chances are if you stuck it into someone else's business, you probably upset them or pissed them off. I'm so tired of people from my past caring so much about what my intentions are behind certain actions. YES, I was at the baseball alumni game on Saturday! NO, it is none of your business why I was there because it has absolutely nothing to do with you! But just in case you were wondering and didn't have the guts to just ask me yourself why I was there, it was to see what little friends I had left after the break-up with Jeff. YES, I am going to Havasu in March with Noah and a bunch of friends. NO, it is of no concern to you that we are hanging out because we are grown adults and you are not his mother! So you can run along now and tell whoever you felt needed to know if its going to make your day that much better now!!

Second rant...
This was brought up in a conversation with a friend yesterday. The institution of marriage is not anywhere near what it used to be. You cannot look at the statistics on divorce rates and cheating and tell me otherwise. It is unreal to see couples make up and break up at the speed they are today. Some are rushing into their marriages, not realizing they do not know everything there is to know about their partner and are in shock when they find out something that they definitely need to live without. On the other hand, some people are using marriage as an excuse to stay together and prove to their partner that they will never leave them. How can you justify committing yourself to someone for the rest of your life just because you feel you have to prove something to them?

Like I said in my conversation yesterday, I feel the term "husband" or "wife" is just another phrase for "long term arm candy." A best friend is what I want. A best friend is someone who knows all your quirky habits and loves you just the same. A best friend is someone that no matter how late at night it might be, they will answer the phone if you call. A best friend is someone who sends you flowers on a random day with a note that says "Just because you are you." A best friend is someone who will talk on the phone with you for two hours about ridiculous NCAA basketball records and crazy ex's, and then send you a text the next morning saying that their face hurts a little from smiling so much just listening to your voice. A best friend is someone who tells you every day "You're beautiful and I hope you know that." A best friend is someone who loves to hang out with his boys, but would be just as content staying in with you and a good movie. A best friend is someone who makes the distance between you feel completely minimal, even though you might be hundreds of miles apart. A best friend is someone who creates you a new set of wings when you've forgotten how to fly. A best friend is someone who is hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget. A best friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.
I am establishing right now that I will not enter into the commitment of marriage until I find my best friend. I am going to pave the way for others to see what it truly means to be in love...



“I love you not because of who you are, but because of who I am when I am with you.”
- Roy Croft

My Revelation

Tonight was by far the most intense class I have sat through in my 6 years of college but I am oh so thankful for it.

Many of us were dreading having to spend 4 hours in class on a Friday night. Yet, when 9pm rolled around, we saw ourselves still so engaged in the topic that no one left.

I guess I should explain this class a little more. It is a class on social justice and advocating for those who have been oppressed for whatever reason. It is an online class but we meet once a month to have a better discussion.

Tonight was our first meeting for this class. We began class with each of us saying what we bought about the class so far, oppression we may have suffered or seen, and what we expected out of the class. As many of the African American students shared their stories, I felt that was my time to jump in. On the outside, I may seem like I have never experienced any type of oppression. As my dad always would tell me, I lived in a pink Barbie sparkly world and don't like to venture far from it. However, the interracial marriage that my dad is in that brought me my amazing step-brothers and made me an aunt, also brought me a whole new eye to oppression. So many stories ran through my head that I knew I could share with my fellow classmates but as I shared how Marcus was treated as a "monster" during his custody battle for Kayson all because of the color or his skin as he stood in court in Utah, I found the tears start to fall. Crying moment #1 of the night!

After we all shared, we took a quick break and then came back to a classroom with chairs in a circle. We all stood and as our professor or other students called out -isms, we stepped into the circle if we had ever been affected by it or would act as an advocate for those who have been affected by it. Let's just say coming to terms with a lot and seeing who had my back on certain things, created crying moment #2 of the night!

Lastly, our professor asked us to take time to address anyone in the room personally that we may have been affected by and recognize them for that. As everyone made their appreciations known, I wondered what someone might say about me, if anything at all. Lexy and I have been acquaintances since last semester and when she spoke about me, I felt my eyes well up. Crying moment #3!!!

I was trying to explain to Sammy on the car ride home how much tonight's class affected me. I was reassured why I love this profession and why I know I am never going to burn out. A group of 40 adults sat in a room (strangers, peers, classmates, whatever you want to call us) and were able to share emotion and cry in front of one another. We all moved each other to the point of crying! I love the fact that it was okay to do that!! I will never be able to put into words how I truly felt leaving class tonight, other than the fact that I am truly blessed to be in the counseling profession and I cannot wait to be in a position to change the lives of others and help them along with their revelations like I had as I cried with my classmates! 

Day 5: Picture of Somewhere You Have Been Today

RED ROCK HOTEL!!!

I was there for majority of the night last night... but I was there past midnight and well into Tuesday AM so that counts as today!! =)



I feel like this is way to short of a blog so I have to write about other things! Otherwise, this would be a pointless blog post!!

So today officially started the beginning of the Spring '11 semester. Am I excited about it? SOMEWHAT! I mean I was offered an AMAZING position working at the Academic Success Center doing advising for UNLV athletes and students with undeclared majors. I can say that I am now in my 2nd semester as a graduate student! Who ever would have thought I'd be saying that!!
But as I look upon the 4 - 28 page syllabi I have and the many assignments, papers, discussion posts, workshops, projects, advocacy events, quizzes, and exams, I definitely am going to be challenged! Challenged with my time management skills... Am I going to be able to properly pace myself to make sure every assignment gets the attention it deserves? Am I going to be able to still see those I love outside of having to spend hours upon hours reading about combat trauma and advocating for those less fortunate? I will also be challenged in my study skills! We all know that I am by far the worst when it comes to studying. I always wait until last minute and some how manage to pull off good grades. I would say that this obviously works for me and I shouldn't complain. However, one of my goals for the semester is definitely going to be changing those habits!! I'm going to set aside one day a week for each class and do nothing but worry about those class assignments for that day. I think that's a pretty good plan.... RIGHT!?
I am most definitely going to be challenged in the sense of being able to withstand the pressure and demand of this rigorous schedule. I have faith in myself and I know many others have faith me, so I think I got this!!

SOOOOOOOOOO if you are lucky enough to see me this semester, you should feel honored that I found time to release myself from the stack of textbooks and paperwork in the library!!!


“The difference between school and life? In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.”
- Tom Bodett

Day 4: A Habit You Wish You Didn't Have!

When I saw what today's blog challenge was, I got really excited because I knew exactly what my answer was going to be!! I had a discussion about this with a friend earlier and definitely decided this was one of my worst habits!

I NEVER do laundry!!!

Ask all the people I live with! It drives my dad crazy because I maybe do laundry every 3 weeks or so! This is because of my ridiculous habit of going shopping all the time and not getting rid of old clothes. I always feel like I can't donate things because in a week, I might want to wear it and then I won't have it anymore =).

It was definitely one of my new years resolutions to start getting rid of this habit! I think I am on track. So far, I've cleaned out my closet twice and have given a ton of clothes to Kailey and Kelly. I have to do some more shopping for the new job these upcoming weeks so I'm sure more clothes will be heading their way.


Time to go finish my laundry! LOVE YOU ALL!!


“Opportunity knocks for every man, but you have to give a woman a ring.”
- Mae West

Day 3: Picture of You and Your Friends

My best friend Rachel and I on her wedding day... no one will ever know me better than this girl!



JNWC Girlies.... Melissa, Treasure, Sarah, and Amanda... love these girls!!!



In Korea with Beth, John, and Danny!!



Melissa and I... showing the boys on Halloween that we can touch our nose to our toes!



“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one”
- C.S. Lewis

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 2

DAY 2: MEANING BEHIND YOUR BLOG NAME....




When I originally created this blog, it was titled "Destination: Dobong". It was to be my journal as I spent 7 weeks in Dobong, Seoul, South Korea over the summer of 2010.

When I came home from Korea, I decided that I love blogging so much that I needed to keep this one going. But of course, I had to change the name. I contemplated with my friend Amber Bodine about all the words that started with "k" that we could use for a name. Anyone who knows me well enough knows that I am probably one of the most creative people you will ever meet. Just ask any of my parents who have gotten a homemade gift for a present or one of my siblings who have gotten a custom shadow box after their wedding.

Look around my bedroom and you will find all kinds of creative ideas I've had, from picture collages to corkboard walls to hang notes on. I know that being creative is a huge part of my personality so I thought I would put my "creative" twist on my blog name by spelling it with a "k"!

Then I thought well what else makes me unique. My inner beauty shines more than anyting. Again, asking anyone I know, my personality is the most beautiful part of my character. It is not perfect hair, or perfect teeth, or any of those other physical features that society dictates as beautiful. It is my ability to adapt, to make the room laugh during a boring moment, to not be afraid to show emotion, to ignore those who discourage my dreams, and to shine brighter than any star. My inner beauty allows me to have the confidence to face the world, one day at a time, with no fears. I take a leap of faith on a daily basis and know that I am being guided by what makes me "beautiful" on the inside.

So combining these two most important parts of my character lead me to the blog name "Kreatively Beautiful!"


"For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”
-Audrey Hepburn

30 Day Blog Challenge

I'm stealing another blog idea from Sam, only because she wrote in her blog that I should steal it. It was almost like a challenge. I guess both of us doing this at the same time might keep us on track to do it every day. Here are the 30 days of topics....

1- Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
2- the meaning behind your blog name
3- a picture of you and your friends
4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
5- a picture of somewhere you've been today
6- favorite super hero and why
7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
8- short term goals for this month and why
9- something you're proud of in the past few days
10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad
11- another picture of you and your friends
12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
13- a letter to someone who has hurt you recently
14- a picture of you and your family
15- put you ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
16- another picture of yourself
17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
18- plans/dreams/goals you have
19- nicknames you have and why you have them
20- someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future
21- a picture of something that makes you happy
22- what makes you different from everyone else
23- something you crave for a lot
24- a letter to your parents
25- what I would find in your bag
26- what do you think about your friends
27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
29- in this past month, what have you learned
30- your favorite song

Today is going to be day 1 so here is my recent picture...



You know you all love me as a redhead!!! And here are my 15 interesting facts...

1) I wanted to be a pediatrician from the time I could talk until my junior year of college when I finally realized all the Science was not for me. So glad that my baby brother is following in my pre-med footsteps though!
2) I have a secret obsession with scarves!
3) Unlike Sam who wishes she had time to be more crafty, I think I have TOO much time to be crafty... just walk into my room!
4) I've had 2 surgeries to fix a hole in my ear drum in my right ear and have the scar still to prove it.
5) I have 4 brothers and 3 sisters (only one of them is by blood but I love them all the same).
6) I graduated high school in the top 2% of my class and was one of the most decorated students at graudation (2 medals and 4 chords for my various accomplishments and activities).
7) I have been in trouble with the cops before... those of you that really know me, know the story... those of you that don't know it, don't need to know it! =)
8) I have my wedding all planned out with every little detail... just need to find a groom!
9) I am one of the co-founders of Rebels Against Drunk Driving (RADD) at UNLV after the passing of Lindsay Bennett. RIP LB!
10) My most prized possession is a bracelet that my grandmother gave me. My grandfather had it custom made for her before he passed and with as much as it means to her, I'm honored that she gave it to me.
11) My 68-year-old grandmother and I got matching tattoos in Italy (and it was her idea after we went to church!)
12) I still have dolls in my room that were given to me as young girl that I hope to one day pass on to my daughters.
13) My dream car is a pearl colored Escalade EXT on rims, slightly lifted. Silly boys, trucks are for girls!
14) Summer of 2012, I will graduate with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This will mean I will have my Bachelors and Masters in only 7 years of college! NOT TOO BAD =)
15) I am a quotes fanatic! I feel like there is a quote for everything. I even said I was thankful for quotes in my last blog post.


Quote of the night...
"I laugh, I love, I hope, I try, I hurt, I need, I fear, I cry. And I know you do the same things too, So we're really not that different, me and you.”
- Colin Raye

ABC's of Being Thankful

My amazing little sister did this on her blog in December. I read it for the first time tonight and thought it was an awesome idea! I am going to start my 2011 off by letting you all in on my ABC's of what I am thankful for.... (some of them have multiple .. just a fair warning)


A – I am thankful for being ALIVE! Every day brings on new challenges that may or may not cost me my life. But it is one thing to be walking around on this earth with no goals, no purpose, no hopes. That is not being alive! Alive is knowing where you want to head in life and taking the necessary steps to get there... and that is exactly what I am doing!

B – I am thankful for BEST FRIENDS! I’ve had a common theme of friends coming in and out of my life for various reasons. There are a couple of them that have stuck by my side through thick and thin and I love them to death for that. They know who they are! You guys mean more to me than you will ever know. You hold some my most precious memories in the palms of your hand and I hope you know that!



C – I am thankful for CUDDLING! There is nothing more in this world that will make me feel better than cuddling. Whether it’s with a significant other, my puppies, or my sisters, just being held will always put a smile on my face. I am also thankful for the ARIZONA CARDINALS! Even though they were the major cause of my stress this season, they will still have my heart! We will get them next year!

D – I am thankful for my DOGS! Everyone who knows me knows that my puppies are my pride and joy! They brighten my day on a daily basis. Lee is starting to get super old and it is showing. The day he passes will most definitely be the hardest day I’ve had to go through in my life.

E – I am thankful for EX’S! I know that is probably the craziest thing to be thankful for but I definitely have my reasons. My ex’s have taught me how to fend for myself, how to be vulnerable, how to let my walls down only when I am ready to, how to tell the difference between love and lust, and how to be strong about not giving up my own dreams to settle for another’s. I wouldn’t be the same person I am now had I not had these experiences.

F - Of course, I am thankful for my FAMILY! My family is my rock, the one thing that has been constant in my life over the years. Most people in this world get one set of parents but I’m a lucky girl because I have 2 amazing sets of parents, each helping me through life’s daily challenges. My brothers (Ross, Marcus, Mike, and Thomas) are my protectors, my personal security guards. My sisters (Leslie, Sam, and Sammy) are my personal guidance counselors, always there to talk to when I just need someone to pick up the phone. My nieces and nephews (Cameron, Tianna, Jordan, Daniel, Kayson, JD, and Kingston) are my precious smiles, loving me no matter how crazy of an aunt I may be. I couldn’t ask for anything better!






G – I am thankful for GAME NIGHTS! My mom side of the family has game nights almost on a weekly basis and anyone who has been special enough to get an invite to one of these game nights knows that it is quite the adventure! Almost all of our inside jokes come from events during these nights. There is absolutely nothing like it.

H – I am thankful for my HEALTH! There are a millions of people in this world who wish they could have the health that I have because they are in much worse conditions. I know I complain a lot about some of the issues I have had, but I just have to realize it could be a lot worse. I am also thankful for HOPE! Hope has gotten me through a lot in life. Whether it has been through medical issues, family issues, school issues, or whatever it may be, the ability and freedom to have hope is what has gotten me to this point!

I – I am thankful for the ability to IGNORE those who do not support my success! I used to be one of those people that are so concerned with how others succeeded with my help or what they may have thought of me. I have gotten to the point now where I realize I need to put myself first. My dreams and wishes comes before anyone else’s and the ability to ignore those that do not support that allows me to be the best I believe I can be at this point.

J – I am thankful for the JNWC! I had the pleasure of doing my senior year internship there and I am so glad I did. Not only did I learn a lot about myself through the work I was allowed to do, but I gained a lot of knowledge from the relationships I built. This was the first office where I felt that being myself added to the completely dynamic of our mission and made work that much more fun. I miss my officemates and our 4:30pm dance parties!




K – I am thankful for KISSES! Just like cuddling, a kiss can mean everything. The ones that mean the most to me are the kisses on the forehead. I feel like these are a sign of support and genuine love. It’s like sending the physical message of “I’m always going to be here for you.” Kisses from my nieces and nephews are definitely the best too!

L – I am thankful for LOVE and LAUGHING! My life is so filled with love that I feel like there is no way I could love back just as equally. I have an overwhelming amount of support behind me right now that I don’t know what to do with all of it. Of course, laughing makes the world go round and it is another one of those things I have to do on a daily basis. As long as I laugh at least once a day (whether it’s because Rachel sends me a picture that only her and I find funny or my dad gets upset because he thinks my stepmom and I are picking on him) I will be a happy girl.

M – I am thankful for MEN! They have been the cause of a lot of my stress but only because I allow them to be. The opposite sex can teach you a lot about yourself and you will never realize it until they have already made the impact they are going to.

N – I am thankful for NEW RELATIONSHIPS! Any new relationship that is formed in my life has had purpose and meaning behind it. I love building upon these relationships to test myself. They each add their own personal touch to my life and I love that excitement of not knowing what might happen next.

O – I am thankful for being ONE IN A MILLION! My dad reminds me on a daily basis how unique I am and how I am going to go places in life. One day, I am going to be an awesome catch for some lucky guy!



P – I am thankful for having my own PACE in life. I have decided I am going to move at the speed that I want to. I will not be pressured into moving faster or slower because only I know what pace is good for me. Through my own experiences, I have figured that one out.

Q – I am thankful for QUOTES! I am a quote fanatic. I feel like everything in this world can be explained with a quote, hence why every one of my blogs ends with a quote.

R – I am thankful for RAINY DAYS! Everyone in my life knows there is nothing more exciting to me than a rainy day where I can stay in sweats, cuddle in bed, and watch movies all day long! I am perfectly content in that element and definitely wish it rained here more. I think once I am married and have a family, I am going to have to live in a place that it rains monthly. I am also thankful for being a REBEL! UNLV has been my home for the past 3 years and will be for another year and a half. I know I made the right decision in moving home from Arizona to continue my education as a rebel!



S – I am thankful for SCHOOL! The fact that I am a female in this country now working on Master’s degree means the world to me. Many years ago, females didn’t have that option and I am so glad we have moved beyond those social restrictions. My education means everything to me because it means I am independent enough to be a successful woman in this world! I am going to do great things with my education, just you wait! I am also thankful for getting the chance to be a SUN DEVIL! ASU will always be in my heart because there is no other school like it. I have so many memories as a Sun Devil that I will never forget where my college roots started!



T – I am thankful for TRAVELLING! I have been lucky enough to travel more than most people get a chance to do. I can’t wait to see what trips are in my future but I know there are many more to come!





U – I am thankful for how UNIQUE my life is! No one in this world can walk up to me and say they know where I have been and what I have come from. Every experience I have makes me that much more unique than the next person. Every day I am adding to these experiences and can’t wait to see what the future brings me!

V – I am thankful for VINTAGE VIXENS! My definition of a vixen might not be the same as the next persons. I feel a vixen is a strong, independent woman who has made a name for herself. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie O are vintage vixens in my eyes. I hope that one day girls my age look into the past and see me as a vintage vixen!

W – I am thankful for the WILLOW TREE on Angel Falls Drive! All of my old neighbors know how much this willow tree meant to us. We spent years playing under it, carving our initials into it, and seeing new residents of the house raise their own kids to play under it just like us. It is no longer there but it will forever be a staple of my childhood.

X – I am thankful for X-RAYS! Anyone that knows me really well knows that I am a doctor’s best friend and without the technology of X-rays, I probably would have a lot more injury scares than I have already had!

Y – I am thankful for YOU! The fact that you are reading this post and have actually made it down to this letter means you care enough about me to wonder what I had to write! I will be even more thankful for you if you actually start commenting on these posts!

Z – I am thankful for ZEBRA PRINT HEELS! Look at a girl in zebra print heels and tell me what you think! I guarantee you that your thoughts will include that she has a wild side and is probably a super fun girl! That girl is going to be me!




Now that you know my ABC’s, next time make sure you are part of them with me!