The Veerdo Channel: Recent Episodes
Kristina Moyor
Embark on a journey where few have gone before, deep into the mind of a creative, where you'll experience a front row seat to the pages of paradise - an audio journal exposé.
In the final eposide of this segment, I share the lessons that I learned from our travels. I will never forget this trip (especially thanks to my written journal, this audio journal, my video journal and my photos). I feel so blessed and wish we could do more travelling. But, we have another type of adventure coming up soon!
There are mixed emotions swirling around in me. What a way to end the trip... I drove the last hour because Stephen was so tired and we were both ill. I can't believe I only drove one hour the entire trip! I'm so glad that Stephen was well enough to do everything we did and didn't have to go to a hospital in the States. One more entry after this!
Not the most exciting part of the trip, though I am anxious to get into my studio and paint!
In this episode I share our experience of exploring temple square. Though I came to the day with a set of expectations with my time and what I wanted, the Lord had other plans for us... If we are willing, we can accomplish great things through the power of the Holy Ghost. It felt like we were missionaries today. I always wanted to serve a couples mission. So, I guess I got my wish!
I can't believe our trip is coming to an end! I am ready to go home, but I don't want this to end either!
From Dave and Etta's to The Kimball Inn. Being this close to the Salt Lake Temple is pretty exciting! Too bad it's under renovations so we can't go inside.
ps. Where are those videos of Stephen and I singing?! Ashley..? #seriousblackmail
Precious moments with more loved ones! How I wish we could've spent more time with them and also met up with others. Both our families combined are quite large. It would've taken all of 2020 to spend time with them all. Luckily, we have eternity!
We had a life changing, spiritual experience today! I would like to do a separate episode to share more about what the Tree of Life is for those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about. And if you are aware of Lehi's dream, I urge you to look into this project by Angela Johnson and stay tuned for my next episode where I will go more into detail about my experience. What a day!!
My camera had an exhausting day capturing the many incredible views on our way to Springville, UT, where we would be staying the night with an incredible couple (Todd and Louise Frye).
Our last full day in Vegas.. This trip is going by too fast. I'm filled with bitter-sweet memories as I create these audio files. I can't believe it has already been almost six months since our trip... Can you tell I'm doing everything I can to keep these thoughts and feelings alive?
The High Roller!! We decided to go during the day because it's a bit cheaper and I wanted to see the surrounding landscape. If I'm remembering correctly, we purchased tickets through Groupon, which we thought we would be able to use yesterday, but they take a certain amount of time to process.. so that's why we had to return to the strip today even though it was meant to be a resting day.
The strip at night!! We're not gamblers or drinkers or partiers.. or even people who can eat at any restaurant.. (I promise we're still interesting! lol). So what does the Vegas strip offer people like us? Listen up to find out!!
EXTREMELY short episode. Barely worth listening to, unless you're a little OCD and need to hear ALL of the episodes, in order of course! Is anyone listening to these at random?!
Our first night in Vegas! After experiencing the filth of LA I really thought Las Vegas would be similar. Well, so far I am impressed! It seems to be quite clean and lovely! Hmm.. I think I'm going to like it here!
Right off the bat, we had tickets for a show at Mandalay Bay. Listen up to find out what we saw!
Day of rest.. wait no! Back to Six Flags!! I'm a moderate thrill seeker now!! haha.. it's all about mind over matter. Pushing aside that voice in your head that says this is stupid and you might die.. yup, mind over matter! Let's go again!! Next time I'll try X2!!
Six flags Magic Mountain!! Day 1
This was our first time going on thrill rides together.. EVER! Clearly we're not in our twenties anymore!!
In this episode, I share my testimony. It is undeniable to me. I hope you feel the spirit as you listen, and that it adds something to your testimony.
Today's priorities include writing in my journal, planning our six flags adventure and relaxing!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD!! If you're planning a trip there, wondering whether you should or just want to know what we thought of it, sit down, relax and enjoy! Hang out until the end to hear about our grocery shopping experience... oh boy! What a day!!
LAST DAY in OCEANSIDE!! :( I'm so sad to leave the ocean!! When will I return?! I don't know..
We tried to get some time on the beach, but it was so windy and cold, so we found another spot which seemed to do the trick. We'll be leaving Oceanside pretty soon... I'm not sure how I'll be able to leave the ocean, but we must.
We attended the same group as last week. Wondering what Sundays are all about? Listen up!
A day of relaxation and movies! I've included a little add-on regarding my feelings about this trip. #feelingvulnerable
A short excerpt of the between activity days. It's quite nice to be able to take things slow and not rush to get in all the activities we want to do.
Our adventures on the Coaster, Surfliner and Ferry to experience the "amazing" Coronado Island. Was it worth it? Yes and no. Just take a listen and you'll see why!
Just a quick entry with not much going on. Some days were busy and we had to plan resting days in between so that Stephen had some time to recuperate.
A day of fun (and lots of walking) at the San Diego Safari Park!! The good, the bad and the ugly! I hope I can return there someday.
Let's go to church! I've included an exerpt from my spiritual study journal that coincides with this day.
Another short entry. How did I not know about Queer Eye before this?! It's an incredible show!! More beach time!!
Being on holiday doesn't negate the possibility of feeling sad. But being on the beach, watching the waves sure helps those feelings melt away!
The Nectarine Grove for lunch (oh, please bring one to Calgary!!). The Botanical Gardens at Encinidas in the afternoon.
Spoiler alert!! I reveal the winner of the second season for Zumbo's Just Desserts! We ventured just north of the complex to the Ocean Harbor Village. It was pretty windy, but I was able to capture some shots, find my Oceanside souvenir AND.. stepped my toes/feet into the ocean for the first time (since our stay). We met a lovely couple while soaking in the hot tub. All in all, a great day!
Unfortunately, things like laundry still follow you on holiday... Yesterday really wiped Stephen out, so we have to alternate days of activity with those of rest.
Today we drove down to San Diego to visit one of the world's greatest zoos. I had to add extra memories from what I could recall since I didn't write much about the day. Unfortunately that often happens on days when lots has happened and I'm too tired to properly document the moments.
WARNING!! This episode contains descriptions of two delicious meals. Salivating may occur.
Oh how I love the ocean!! We got to explore the Oceanside pier and get a close up of a mooching pelican. Being able to be out here is bitter-sweet.. if Stephen didn't have a terminal illness we wouldn't be out here.. but he does.. so let's keep making lemonade!
The first "real" day in California! I'm going to make some use of the facilities including the gym. Costco shopping is always fun, right?! We're going to be here almost a month, so we spent quite a bit of money there. This complex is built up at least a meter above the beach, which is actually great for photos!
What a drive! What a destination!! Seeing the ocean is soothing to my soul! So let's do laundry?! haha
We performed with the stake choir and had the privilege of listening to elder Kiernan speak. I really enjoyed his message and the way he delivered it. We traveled to Mesa to have dinner with a family Stephen taught while on his mission. We started getting things packed and ready for our next adventure. Anyone else hate saying goodbye? I'm sure I will see Ken and Sara again, but when you don't know when that will be.. it makes it difficult! Thankfully, the ocean is calling to me, so that will ease my sadness.
There are some rules on holiday.. one should be: "don't wake your sleeping spouse." Today was pretty good with some shopping and games with new friends. I'm thinking we should participate more in game nights when we return home.
Our lovely new accommodations! So blessed to have some great new friends Ken and Sara Reinstein! Let the fun begin!!
Today was the best day! Fine Art Expo, napping in the sun, serving in the temple, eating at the best gluten free restaurant EVER and concluding the day with some youtube favs. I want to go back and enjoy that day again!!
Shopping!! We also met up with Rick, a man Stephen met while on his mission 15 years ago. Can't complain when you end the day with a delicious donut.. or two.
We attended the Fine Art Expo! It's an incredible event for artists and collectors alike! For 10 weeks, these artists are set up with their work on display and easels creating new pieces to sell. It was so fun meeting the artists and seeing them with their works-in-progress. I wonder if I could ever make it in an event like that..
My shared obsession with photography is why Ken calls me his spirit animal. It's strange how we fell into their laps and now we feel like part of their family! It's not really the holiday that I anticipated, but I'm really glad for the way it turned out. Plus, we'll have plenty of time to ourselves in California, and being that I'm a people person, this is really good for me.
Some people pack their vacation days full of activities. I have the tendency to be that type of person, however, given the circumstances that brought us here (my husband's terminal illness) I'm just grateful for every day regardless of the activity.
Going to church with Ken & Sara. We also joined their Stake choir, since we'll be there next week when they perform. We joked around that we came in special to support the choir...lol
This is a quick entry due to the work we had to do moving ourselves out of Sonder and working out our next move. Maybe I was too tired and upset to write anything more. I'll explain more tomorrow.
Some must-see spots on the last leg of the drive to our first destination.. Phoenix, AZ! Noisy neighbors has got me worried about Stephen's anxiety. Tomorrow will tell..
Continuing south, we had the incredible opportunity of touring the Upper Antelope Canyon as well as the Grand Canyon. We hadn't researched about the Antelope Canyon ahead of time. When I saw photos taken there and how close we would be to this wonder of the world, I spent a lot of time figuring out how to get us there. I thought you had to book a tour, and that had to be done in advance. Then I saw the option of drop in tours and we were on schedule to potentially make it for one of those. If we arrived a minute later we would've missed it! I would highly recommend taking the time to stop here, and also bring warm clothes! The photo displayed on this channel was taken inside the Antelope Canyon, though it looks like we're on Mars or something!
We stayed in the Holiday Inn Express at the Grand Canyon Village. NOTE: there are two buildings, so check in and then grab your bags otherwise you might have to unload and reload when you find out you're actually staying in the older building across the street.. thanks for that... It was the worst of the Holiday Inn Express hotels that we stayed in. But the breakfast was still stellar!
On the road again. We need to get further south, away from all the cold. We'll stop in Richfield, UT for the night. I had a delicious fajita chicken salad at the Brick Canvas Cafe in Lehi, UT.
The journey south begins! We took the windy road (both meanings apply). ps. I'm loving my new audio!
Guess what just came a month early... My blue yeti!! Let's get moving! We're going south for the winter! Ready?
Season Finale 🙌 wait... 😭. I hate leaving Hawaii! By the way, I haven't been sponsored by Enterprise 😆, I just really had a great experience with them! Though this season is over, a new one is just around the bend! The epic trip of a lifetime to the SW States. Thank you for listening!
Okay, you need to know that I didn't grow up using a garborator, nor have I ever had one in my residence. Also, it appeared to never have been cleaned so I didn't want to push food down there with my hands.
"Get up, go to church." (Tonga village at PCC). We watched the first presidency Christmas devotional. Camera mishap!!! 😵
The ice cream disappoints. Our search for soursop. Murky waters, crabs and crumbs, sunset photos and more!
A grand day at the Polynesian cultural center!! A bit of a political opinion, part of a surfboard, incredible food, stepping up to the plate and real flower leis!!
Leaving Waikiki and driving up to the North shore where we'll spend the remainder of our trip. Get ready for some awkward moments, beautiful surroundings, unpleasant findings and a little TMI.
Last full day on Waikiki! A description of the meals we've been having. The Lyon Arboretum!!! Shoe shopping!
A bit of a "rant" episode, as we encounter some interesting characters while traversing the streets and galleries of Waikiki. An embarrassing moment whole searching for the owner's lounge.
Trying to get to church on time and adventures in the muddy mountains while wearing flip flops and a pencil skirt... I barely came out alive!
Here's the perfect example why I use a journal. Not only is it for documenting details to intensify the memories, but I often use journals to help organize my thoughts and make decisions. We met Steve Barton today while exploring many art galleries. Now I really need to paint!!
Black Friday in the USA! We decided to avoid the crazy shoppers and found a beach to go snorkeling where we've never been before.
Exploring Waikiki's busy beaches, luxury shops (from the window) and the resort's amenities. Christmas decor is strange to see in a tropical place. Discovered the BEST ice cream EVER! Oh, and my first (and hopefully last) cockroach in the bathroom experience.
Packing up and relocating to Waikiki. You'll notice my voice dragging at the end, this is to illustrate moments when I'm writing in my journal and I start fading. With busy days of travel, it can be difficult to be alert while documenting everything. Also, notice how we went to three grocery stores... My husband has celiac disease, so it's extra fun trying to find foods that he can eat while we're away from home. Enjoy!
Unfortunately, this is the only entry that Stephen made in the journal. I love his humor! I am sure you'll enjoy!
I never thought this place would truly be paradise. I was wrong. Pack your bags! Let's go!