It's okay to feel stuck.

For the past couple of months, I've felt so stuck. Stuck to my job. Stuck living at home. Stuck being single. Stuck without children. Stuck struggling with my anxiety, fears, and bothers alone. And you know what? That's okay.

One thing I learned this year is that being stuck can be good. It gives you time to pause and reflect and see if your life is going the way you want it to. Being stuck is almost like a pause to let you figure it out in some ways. Yeah, time keeps moving. Yeah, I do the same things every week for right now. Does it always have to be that way? No. It gives me time to think about where I want to go and what I want to do while I do all those things.

I'm not in a relationship or even close to having children, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. I work and hardly have time to see people, but that doesn't mean that can't change. Yeah, I'm living with my family now, but that doesn't mean I will forever. Just because I'm stuck now doesn't mean that can't change a year, a week, or even a month from now.

How you feel about being stuck is all about perspective and what you're willing to do to change it. Right now, I'm stuck with where my life is and honestly, part of the time, I'm not okay with it. It can suck. And it can suck bad. The times I am okay with it, I try to be thankful for what I do have and how I plan on getting myself un-stuck. I know in the grander scheme of things, God has a bigger plan for me that I can't see quite yet. Being stuck can be a bad thing, but only if it's made out to be so.

Isaiah 41:10:      So do not fear, for I and with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-Kristina

I hosted a class.

You read that correctly. I hosted an Instagram class on Essential Oil 101. 

Actually, currently hosting is more accurate. 

Currently hosting as in I just posted it all tonight.

This is something I've never done before and if I'm being completely honest, it's kind of intimidating to me because of how far out of my comfort zone it is. And if I'm being honest again, I kind of like it.

Doing this whole loving essential oils and trying out the business side thing in general has gotten me out of my comfort zone which is something I didn't expect to happen during my oily journey. I truly love these oils and am enjoying doing the business side and connecting with so many amazing and wonderful people, but I just didn't even begin to realize how much I'd have to put myself out there.

For this instagram class, I'm going over 'why Young Living' 'what are essential oils' 'how do I use essential oils' 'what oils are good to start out with' 'how awesome the 'Happy Oiler' community is.' For real though, the oily Facebook communities that I belong to were a serious game changer for the better.

Oh. The class is over on my oily, health and wellness account called Mindful Oiler if you'd like to check it out. There also may or may not be a cheeky giveaway going on till October 12th.

-Kristina

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

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.

10 Tips for a New Hedgehog Owner.

In my small hometown, I maybe know one other person that has a hedgehog. I get questions all. the. time. from people who do and don't have one about how I take care of Quinn. Now if you've never owned an exotic animal before, it may be a little overwhelming. I know it was for me, so it's normal.

A lot goes into taking care of these little creatures because of how temperamental their little bodies are. Below are a few tips on things I have either read or learned the hard way. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below. I'd love to help out any way that I can!

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DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional and do not claim to be. Every hedgehog is different, so these tips may not work for everybody.

1. Make sure you have proper heating for these guys.
This may be the most important tip. I keep Quinn in my room with me in the basement which is always cold, so this is an issues that was super scary at first. An ideal situation would be to have a reptile heating lamp. If not, just be sure you have a space heater, heating pad, and warm towels. If you want a more in depth post about what to do when they go into hibernation, please let me know! 

2. It may take a while to get used to the quills, and that's okay.
These guys are very prickly at first. Over time and with plenty of handling, you will get used to it. I promise.

3. If they weren't handled a lot as babies, they may take a while to get used to that, too.
Quinn was handled a fair amount when I first got her, but she wasn't quite used to me. Wear a poopy shirt for the day so your scent will get on it and stick it in with them overnight while they're snoozin'.

4. Feed them snacks. 
For this, I recommend going to hedgehog sites for more information. There will be certain meats, fruits, and veggies that they can't have. No two hedgehogs like the same things, so it will be a guess-and-test situation for the foods they can have. Also, be sure to give them mealworms. I've yet to meet a hedgehog who doesn't like them.

5. If you don't have access to proper hedgehog food, cat food will also do.
Make sure the cat food is high in protein and of higher quality. This website has some options for food. I don't remember which brand I get, but I'll add it in when I have to buy another bag. I only know it by the bag because it was a recommendation from another hedgie momma. Oops.

6. They do not need anything to chew on like rabbits and guinea pigs.
Thank God. It's one less thing to worry about.

7. A rabbit hutch or guinea pig cage will be fine for housing. 
No need for a big fancy cage unless you feel like it. A regular cage will do.

8. Hedgehogs can be potty trained.
Quinn actually potty trained herself and I followed her lead. I gave her an igloo that I had for my guinea pigs a while ago and instead of sleeping in it, she took her blanket out and uses it as her restroom instead. How smart is she?

9. They love to burrow.
I give Quinn old hand towels to burrow in. I switch them out and wash them every other week. When they are too torn up, just throw them out.

10. Be sure to give them a wheel to run on. 
This is pretty important. The wheel gives them something to do, but also helps keep them from being chubby. A word of caution, you will have to wash this often. They tend to go to the bathroom while running on it

I hope this was helpful to anyone wondering and informative to those who don't know anything about owning hedgehogs. Comment any questions!


Kristina

Proud to be a Hufflepuff.

CAUTION: MAJOR HARRY POTTER NERD ALERT BELOW! This post is also in honor of Hufflepuff Pride Day on September 18th.

Hello. My name is Kristina and I'm proud to be a Hufflepuff.

Now some of you you may ask, "A WHAT?!" No, you heard me correctly. A Hufflepuff. If for some odd reason that I won't be able to comprehend you don't know what a Hufflepuff is, let me enlighten you. "Harry Potter" is a 7 book series about a boy, Harry Potter, finding out he's a wizard and makes super awesome friends, learns about magic as well as his past, fights the forces of evil, and is sarcastic along the way. If you haven't read any of the books or seen any of the 8 movies, I encourage you to do so because quite frankly, your missing out.

Anyway, in "Harry Potter," there are four houses in the magical school of Hogwarts that you are sorted into and is more or less your school family for the next 7 years: Gryffindor (the brave-hearted), Hufflepuff (the kind-hearted), Ravenclaw (the smart-minded), and Slytherin (the cunning ones). Like everyone first obsessed with the series, I wanted to be in Gryffindor, where all the main characters were sorted. It wasn't until after the last movie that I realized that I belonged to Hufflepuff more than any other house. At first, I didn't want to be because everyone thought it was the lame house. As I further searched the meanings and values of Hufflepuff house, I couldn't imagine belonging anywhere else.

You may belong in Hufflepuff,

 Where they are just and loyal.

Those patient Hufflepuffs are true,

 and unafraid of toil.

For a little insight as to why Hufflepuff is quite possibly the best house, Hufflepuffs are fair, kind, patient, and hard-working. We love feeling cozy in our environments and have a little more appreciation to the earth, as our dormitory has many windows and tons of greenery, almost like a Hobbit Hole.

If that's not enough convincing on why Hufflepuffs are amazing, our house is right next to the kitchen and in the video below, J.K. Rowling herself explains why Hufflepuff is your favorite.

Which house are you proud to belong to?

Much love, laughter, and happiness,

                 Kristina

To read more on Hufflepuff or other Hogwarts houses, visit: http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hufflepuff

DISCLAIMER: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions stated are honest with no intent to infringe on copyright with Warner Brothers or J.K. Rowling. Strictly a fan post.

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.