Owning a Dog in College: Why it was the Right Move for Me.

As many of you may or may not know. I have a dog and I can't imagine how my life would be if she wasn't here. When I first got her,  I got a lot of grief from just about everyone. "You're only in college." "Where will you find the time and responsibility to take care of her?" "Won't that take you away from regular college life?" are just some of the comments people would say to me when I first got Addie. I ignored every single one of them. And I'm so glad that I did.

Before I got Addie, I was in just about the darkest place that I've ever been in my life. I just moved 4 hours away from my family and the dogs that I already had. I wasn't making very many friends and I could see myself going into 'self-destruct' mode. I was freaking out, frantically searching the internet for any type of home therapies, work-out, or distractions... Anything. Then, I stumbled upon the benefits of a 'therapy dog.'

The more I read about how a dog can help people with anxiety and depression, the more I got into searching for a new dog. After a few weeks of searching, I found her. I found my then 3-month-old puppy in a town an hour away. I spoke to the breeder and picked her up a few days later.

The first few months of having her was tough because she wasn't used to being away from her litter mates and I wasn't used to taking care of something so dependent on me all by myself, but I digress. Even the first few months of struggling with her there was therapy to me and I started noticing a significant difference in my mindset after the first two weeks of her being there. A month after getting her, one of my friends committed suicide and I had no one. Except Addie. And she was phenomenal at knowing what I needed.

When I bought her, I knew it would be a challenge. I knew it could get expensive. I knew it would be worth it. For me and for her. I cared for her. She cared for me. I knew I was responsible enough to care for her. I knew I had enough money to care for both of us. It was a bit of a struggle juggling work and school with my new puppy, but I made it work because not only did I need it and deserve it, she did too.

After a year of having her, with the help of yoga as well, my depression and anxiety was significantly better. All of those people who gave me so much grief for getting her came up to me again. "She is such a great dog. You did a good job." "I've noticed such a difference since you've gotten her. You seem much happier." "That dog has done you a world of good." ...You know, I knew she would.

After almost three years of having Addie, the progression has continued. I love that dog as if she was my own flesh and blood. She's the first thing and the last thing I make sure is okay every single day. Taking care of her and letting her care for me has nurtured my mind and soul in a way that I can't even describe.

Even now, people will sometimes give me grief for getting my dog when I did. I know that getting any animal in college is not the right move for people. Getting a dog young is not for everyone and not every person or animal has quite the same success that Addie and I have had, but it can be done. I know getting her was the right move. I'm a much better person with her here. I'm a much happier and healthier person with her here.

Please don't give people grief if they decided to get pets in college. It may just be the best thing for them. I know it was for me.

What kind of pets do you guys have?

Sincerely,

       Kristina

Graduation is near!

This is something that I am so incredibly excited for : GRADUATION. I have constantly been in school since my parents first enrolled me in Kindergarten, so that fact that graduation is creeping up is something I am overjoyed about.

December 18th of this year is when I finally graduate and become a Licensed Massage Therapist and can start working to become a Certified Pre-Natal and Labor Doula. Words cannot explain how excited I am to open my business and start doing even more good in this world.

These are things I have long since dreamed of dating back to when I was that little kid in Kindergarten. Helping and comforting people is what I love to do and I'm so happy that my dream is finally becoming a reality.

People. Stuff like this is possible. Hard work truly does pay off when you let it.

Sincerely,

            Kristina

The End Goal for My Career

This is something that I've been thinking about for a long time and is something that I've changed my mind about probably a million times. When I was little the answers went along the lines of doctor and veterinarian and back then, I really wasn't far off from what it is now.

I always knew that I wanted to go into health care of some kind whether it be people or animals. I have jumped from profession to profession, college to college before I actually figured out what I really wanted to do. My majors went from Nursing to Occupational Therapy to Undecided to finally landing on Massage Therapy. Funny thing is, that isn't my end goal. My dream profession would be... Wait for it...

Massage Therapy, Doula, and a Midwife.

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With Massage Therapy, the profession is build your own schedule. It's something that I love to do because I know it helps people. It's something that I can work with and can open doors to being a Doula and Midwife.

With being a Doula, I've known for years that this is something that I want to do. I love pregnancy. I love pregnant people. I love the birthing process. I know that this is something that I'm going to be in love with and enjoy doing for the rest of my life. I can't wait to dive in to get my certification.

With being a Midwife, this is the last thing I'll go to school for. I know for sure that I want to do the other two, but this one is sort of my pipe dream if I have the proper funds to do. Everything about pregnancy and birth from being a doula would apply here. I love everything to do with it.

I know that all of these things go hand in hand and I'm so happy they do. I love all aspects about all of these things. Health care and holistic professions is what I now know that I have to and want to do. Although I'm still in the beginning stages of my career path, I'm excited as to where I'm going to end up.

If you have any tips for me on any of these things, be sure to leave a comment below!


Kristina.

C U R R E N T L Y . . .

Here's to starting off the new year! Sorry I've been absent. Being a working person in college with other obligations gets the best of a person from time to time. But anywho. I've been seeing these " Currently " posts going around and absolutely love them, so here I am posting one myself. I will try to get one up at the beginning of each month, but I obviously can't make any promises with those curveballs life has been throwin'..

Making : goals and hopefully this year, I'll be better at sticking to them. I like to say I'll do things, but then other stuff comes up, attention is shifted, and the original goals go on the back burner for a little while. It's something I'm trying to improve on.

Wanting : to move home. I haven't really made a post on how living in Sioux Falls is going, but it's not going the way I hoped it would.

Needing : to buy groceries. My apartment has like, almost no food. I'm living off spaghetti and Pibb Xtra at the moment.

Thinking : about the future. I'm trying to figure out where I want to live and what I want to do after I graduate in about a year. My brain is on overload.

Feeling : Frantic, yet calm. There is so much going on in my life right now that my mind is like the energiser bunny, but I've also been doing yoga almost everyday to try to level out everything and it has seriously been helping when I need it to.

Smelling : Target's Autumn Harvest candle. It's my absolute favorite for the fall and winter time and stock up when it goes on sale. This candle needs to stay in my life.

Cooking : Healthier food. I've been wanting to be healthier for a while now and so far this year, I've been doing pretty good. Woo hoo!

Drinking : Lots of water, both regular and infused. This goes with that healthy thing I was talking about.

Reading : books for school. This quarter, I'm taking the most classes I have ever taken in the history of being in college. Reading too much for school burns me out for free reading.

Giggling : at Addie. That dog is just about the funniest little thing. She keeps my spirits up.

Wishing : for spring. Oh, how I love the springtime.

Enjoying : the quiet of my apartment. I'm moving back home with my family in March and with my siblings, Lord knows I won't get this much quiet till I move out again.

Wasting: way too much time watching CSI: Miami on Netflix.

Waiting : to do my homework. I have specific times to do it and don't like to do it any other time. My down time is very important.

Liking : Green peppers. I n e v e r liked them when I was younger but a few months ago, I tried them in a stir-fry dish my mom made and now I can't get enough of them.

Loving : Better Homes and Gardens magazine. That magazine is like the paper Pinterest for home decor and recipes. How could you not love it?

Knowing : that 2015 will be a pretty big year. I get to move home (which I'm obviously happy about), me and my family are finally going an a big family vacation which will result in my very first airplane ride, and my estimated graduation date is December. Be awaiting those posts, my friends.

What are you currently up to this year? I love to know how you guys are doing!

              Kristina

Blogtober14 // If I Won the Lottery...

Oh my goodness! It's finally October! October is easily my favorite month out of the year. I don't like the cold, but I simply love watch the season change from summer to fall. It's so beautiful.

So I decided a while ago that I was going to find a link-up for October and write a blog post every single day since I don't like doing the typical "30 day blah-dee-blah" stuff. This month, the link-up comes from Taylor Grace Wolfe and HeleneInBetween.

The first prompt is "If I Won the Lottery..."

Since I work in a gas station, getting asked what I'd do with the winnings is something I'd get asked on a regular basis. One customer told me a story about how he put his numbers in 15 minutes after the drawing and wouldn't you know it, his numbers got drawn. Just his luck, right? But anyway it got my thinking. What would I do if I won the lottery?

The first thing I'd do is pay off all of my student loans. That is my biggest concern now and would still be my biggest concern when I won the lottery. Knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about them would be a huge relief.

Secondly, I'd buy myself a new car, a Ford Fusion to be exact, and a smallish-sized house that I can fix up and call my own. These things may sound lame to some people, but even thinking about someday being debt-free and financially stable gives me such a sound mind.

And lastly, I'd go on vacation; One place with my family and then travel Europe with my best friend. Travelling is something I hardly get to do at all anymore and I have so many things that I want to see and experience: London, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Australia. The list goes on and on.

What would you spend your lotto winnings on? A vacation? A house? Maybe even investing? Let me know below! I'm so curious to read your answers!

Here is the list of daily prompts!

Much love,
        Kristina

I'm moving.

In case you all haven't heard, I'm moving. Again. I've been thinking about moving for about a year now because of how unhappy I am in my current town and school. To get myself out of this rut, I decided that it would best the best decision for me, so that's what I'm doing.

Yes. I am moving again, but not just once. I'm going to be moving twice in the next 5 months. On Saturday of this week, I'll be moving back to my small hometown back in NW Iowa to live with my parents and will hopefully be transferring back to my job that I had in high school. As much as it may suck that I chose to move back home, it'll be beneficial in ways of me saving and making money until I move again in October. Free room and board and free food for how many months will probably help a lot more than I'm imagining it will. I'm sure gonna miss my freedom and space.

In the beginning of October, I plan on moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota to go to Globe University to become a massage therapist and I'm getting that super nervous/excited feeling. As of right now, I'm moving to both back home and to SoDak with it just being my dog, my hedgehog, and I and quite honestly, the only thing that I'm not gonna like about living with no roommate is the help and splitting of the bills. I've been through so much awkwardness and hassle with having a roommate that it'll be nice getting out on my own. Officially.

*Now time for a little disclaimer. Don't get my wrong, there were times where I liked having a roommate, but I'm the type of person where it's uncomfortable for me to go sit in the living or dining room with them or be cooking dinner at the same time as them because it feels like I'm intruding in on their space and time to be by themselves, so I stayed in my room with my animals most of the time until they went to sleep. Having a roommate may be for some people, just not completely the right thing for me.

All in all, this move is a pretty big deal. First time officially alone. First time paying bills without any other person worrying about them. First time moving alone and getting everything set up without any help. Hopefully, this will be my last time moving. Last time transferring. Last time switching my profession. But at the same time, it'll be my last few steps to officially growing up which is a bittersweet thing for me. I guess we'll see how it goes this time around. Fingers crossed.

Well wishes to all,
                       Kristina.

My Transfer College Career.

I think I finally found my calling. The place where I'm supposed to be. On Valentine's Day, instead of spending time with my boyfriend, I went roughly 4 hours away to go to Globe University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to go on a college visit. Although I'm already in college, Ames just isn't feeling as right as it used to. The energy is off and it's bringing me down, so I decided a change is in order.

As soon as I stepped in Globe University's doors, I knew the atmosphere was for me. It was small and homey. It was welcoming and had that close-knit atmosphere that I absolutely love. I signed in and patiently, nervously awaited meeting the Director of Admissions. Charlie is a laid-back, friendly, and talkative guy. He greeted us in blue jeans, a sweatshirt, and a friendly smile. During the informations
 session and interview, he was very thorough and helpful with any question my mom or I had and left no ends untied. He made sure I was comfortable and accommodated. No other college had ever gone through that much trouble.

My one and only semester at Iowa State started off horrible and ended horrible. I contacted my Academic Advisor in March to get signed up for classes before the incoming freshman and she didn't bother with helping me get signed up for classes until the beginning of August and didn't even ask my input on which classes I'd like to take for the semester. I got signed up for 15 credits of strictly core classes with no electives. I went stir-crazy before midterm hit. My boss had me still at 25 hours a week until midterm when  requested no more than 15. I was swamped and my anxiety kicked in. Hard. I had no time for myself, let alone any time for my boyfriend and my dog.

After the informations session and interview at GU, Charlie took me and my mom on a tour of the one-building campus. It is a new, two-story building with multi-purpose class rooms. The biggest class size is maybe 20 people with only around 200 people enrolled at the Sioux Falls campus. Large groups and pressure to do well set my anxiety off. This place is very small and very open to my creative, hands-on learning style, which is wonderful. After the tour, Charlie helped me fill out the "application," which is basically the personal info for your student file. The interview/question session a the determining factor on admission as well as high school diploma/GED, minimum standards on either SAT or ACT or bachelor's degree from another college, and immunization records. They get to personally know you and not worry about your past experience at other schools.

After midterm at ISU, I decided that I was not meant to be there. I suppose that the main reason I transferred to a big university was because it was the cliche thing to do; Graduate high school and go to a big university. I found out the hard way that big universities are not for my learning style or anxiety. I can't sit in a 500 person lecture hall and retain any information. I can't wait in a huge line waiting to take an exam. I had an anxiety attack. Every. Time. I've been a test-nervous person since elementary school, so I wasn't surprised, but how else was I supposed to take my exams? My GPA suffered tremendously.

After the meeting and tour with Charlie, I decided that Globe University in Sioux Falls was where I should've gone to begin with. It just took some experimenting and learning about myself to get there. I'm not saying that Iowa State is some horrible University that is out to get everyone and you shouldn't ever go to Ames or shouldn't consider an education there. My experience was just horrible and I'm glad I found where I need to be.

I know this was long, but the point is that you have to do what makes you happy. Don't do what the cliche thing is or do what others think you should do. If it makes you happy, then do it. Don't just settle for something because you don't want to trouble anyone. Go to school where you want to. If you want to. There is a school, job, whatever that will be perfect for you.

A few life updates

A few updates of the events that have happened in my life in the year 2013 since I haven't updated at all. Sorry guys.

On December 12, 2012, I started dating this man. He's witty, funny, stubborn, and does all the cute, little things that warm my heart. I've got myself a good one.

 I've also gotten myself an adorable, female pomeranian. Addie is mischievous, spunky, and smart, but is also one of the most loving dogs you will ever meet.

To start my sophomore year of college off, I moved into a new house that I rent. It's a small and cozy little place.

I'm gonna start trying to upload more. I feel that after my first semester of putzing around, that I really want to focus on this more and make it a priority. It makes me happy and I mean, everyone loves a little happy in their lives, right?

Packing and such...

I never actually had a realization to what all goes into packing for college. In the past few days, I have sorted my dresser, closet, and have even tackled the hideous task of doing underneath my bed... Don't even get me started on hoe long the last one took. My grandma was the best woman ever and basically bought me everything I need for college. So far, I have only one box packed before my ISU journey. In the beginning, this is what it looked like...

Now, it looks a little something like this.

I have one box. On singular box to fit my stuff in for when I go to college. As you can see, it's overflowing, and that's just my stuff. What have I gotten myself into... Note to everyone. You WILL need more than one box. And a blue elephant with orange ears. That part is important..

The college experience is yet to come..

Yesterday, my grandma and I drove to Boone so I could register for college classes. Me... Registering for college classes. Everything is starting to hit me like a ton of bricks. In August, I will be out of the house, living in college dorms, taking college classes, and living the college life. I will be officially be starting over from everything I've built my high school lofe up to be. I'll be back at square one. I'm gonna be quite frank here. I didn't even make a decision about where I was going to college until a week before graduation, just to give you a hint of how indecisive and informed I need to before actually making a decision but ANYWAY! The college I settled on was actually a partnership program between Des Moines Area Community College and Iowa State University. I take my classes at the DMACC Hunziker Center in Ames, but have the luxury of having an ISU ID as well as a DMACC ID. I'll be living in the ISU dorms, and will be able to get into all the buildings, clubs, things like that. It'll be cheaper and it'll make transitioning from high school to college a little bit easier, which is what I was looking for. Eventually, I'll be a full-time ISU student because that's what the APP program allows me to do. Pretty cool, huh? Community college classes with the university feel. Spent all of junior and senior year coming up with that, but don't be quick to judge. There's a lot of things you have to... or at least should think about before deciding on a college. Tuition for classes, meal plan, dorm fees, book fees, scholarships, financial aid, whether the college has the right feel, is right for you, size of campus, student to professor ratio, how many kids are on campus, etc. It's a big decision and you really do have a lot to think about. Another thing I had to think about as well was my family. Both sides are HUGE Iowa Hawkeye fans, and the Iowa State Cyclones are kind of their rivals. No, I didn't choose State over Iowa just to piss my family off. I chose State over Iowa because I didn't want to go to Iowa because my family expected me to and if i went to iowa, I'd never know if it was for them or me. I also chose Iowa State for it's beautiful campus, and because it felt right being there. When you know, you know. It's kinda like falling in love, but with college. I fell in love with Iowa State. It just clicked for me so when you're doing campus visits, try to find that feeling. I'm super duper happy with my decision and hope to have an awesome time on campus next school year. Maybs see you on campus(es)?

Of course I'm showing my support towards Cy and Iowa State! ... And DMACC above.

... My family would kill me if I didn't put Hurkey somewhere in the blog...

Graduating and such..

As of May 20, 2012, I am officially out of high school. It's the best and possibly one of the scariest things ever. Graduating high schools means a few things; I'm done with one chapter in my life, and can start another, but it also means it's time to grow up. Like Peter Pan, I don't know if i'm ready to grow up just yet. I don't know if I'm ready to leave everyone. I've gone to school with most of these kids since pre-school, and next fall, most of them will be gone. As much as I didn't agree with a lot of them, I'll miss them a lot. Don't you remember being in elementary school and think, "Gee, I can't wait till I'm all grown up!" Little did we know what we'd have to go through and how scary it would be when it actually got here. Being little, we didn't think about all the hard work, drama, happiness, pain, or awkward moments leading up to graduation day. I am guessing I speak for most when I say I'll be missing the luxury of home, at least a little. I mean come on. Not always having to pay for things, seeing your friends whenever, givin' some love to the animals, using your own shower, blah blah blah. Most people are going away for college so therefore, parents won't be easily accessible. For a select few, their parents are their best friends, so college will be extra difficult... Poor souls. Personally, college is what I need right now. Some time off to mend relationships with my family, and some time for those relationships to keep growing. Growing up and leaving is scary, but I know it's something I need to do. Graduating high school took a long time. Don't forget the people and the memories. And most importantly, do what's best for you and don't forget the important people at home. Here's to the Class of 2012! Good luck guys!

P.S. Sorry for the randomness of sentences and such of this blog. I had a lot to fit in and didn't want to write a novel.

Introduction

I guess I'll start off by introducing myself. I'm Kristina. I turned 18 as of December 1st. I absolutely adore anything to do with music. Or Harry Potter. I aspire to be a nurse at a children's hospital. And a wife and mommy. As of the moment, I'm a single mingle starting a blog to tell all you folks about life. This won't be a place full of lies and bull shit stories. It's about the ups and downs of a young adult. It's a blog about life.