Why we work.

I never blog... and I have a LOT of updating to do.
But.. 
I'm going to post and let you know why my boyfriend, Zach and I work. 

He is silly with me. 

He is patient with me... because if you know me, you know that I can be a handful... but this wonderful man can handle all my wacky emotions, thoughts, goals and dreams.

He can handle my family (they are crazy, but I love them anyway). He loves my family and they love him back.

He's my best friend. The person I want to tell everything to. He is the first person I call or text, the person I can't wait to come home to every night to tell about the day. The person who makes me laugh when I want to cry, the one who hugs me when I need it. The person who supports me no matter what.

We work too because we both love the same things.. Husker football, the Chicago Cubs, country music, both love each other's families, our dogs, we both are firm believers in not taking life too seriously, and believe the same things spiritually. 

Ultimately, why we work is general appreciation for each other's strengths and weaknesses. For example, I can not do handy work around the house (especially anything involving a hammer- ha! but seriously) however, Zach is very talented in that area. Zach is a country boy and has some problems with spelling/grammar/technology :) however, I am talented there, so we trade off. He is a better cook than I, as a result, he does most of the cooking in our house. I'm more skilled with other tasks (cleaning, organizing, etc) - so that is how we trade off tasks in our house. And it works... keeps both of us happy,  keeps our home in order and keeps our dogs happy.

Excuse my mess there... that would be a result of Mr. Bruno on the right... he likes his toys and prefers them out and not put away. (haha, just like a child.. him and Sadie [left] are my "kids".. aka my fur kids)

To finish off... I am a lucky girl. I have the man of my dreams, who stands by me no matter what, makes me laugh, and supports me through the good, bad and ugly. Ultimately, that's what makes us work now and I hope will continue to work for us in the future.

I am linking up with The Daily Tay today! 

I'm at bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I've switched over to bloglovin. The few people that read this blog -- head on over! I'm hoping to try and write again. Haha... we'll see where it goes.

Tough Questions.

1. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would it be?

Oh gosh. Where do I begin? I'm only 23, but I've made plenty of mistakes... and still learning. Definitely watched my money closer and not screwed up my credit so much. Also, listened to my mom, got my CNA in high school and went to nursing school right away. However, I'm super stubborn and hard headed so I had to learn my own way. ;)

2. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'd love to be married, working as an RN in pediatrics or OB, with [hopefully] at least one child, if not two. But we will see. I at least have to  finish college... then the rest can be talked about.

3. Do you honestly want kids? 
Um, heck yes I do. I can't wait to be called mommy and to make my mom a grandma again. However, right now I work full-time and go to school full-time. Being a mom just isn't an option for me right now. When I'm done with school, that will be an option..but right now, no. So... I spoil my friend's kids and my nieces and nephews :)

4. What's the best moment of your life so far?
I don't think I have an actual "best" moment... jus the memories that can't be replaced. Snuggle time with my nephews, laughing with my friends, just being with the people in my life who are most important.

5. What's your life theme song?
Lessons Learned by Carrie Underwood or Stronger by Mandisa. Those two songs have gotten me through the last year with all the changes I've had. 

6. What is one thing you want to accomplish before you die?
Refer to number 2.

7. If you could choose one thing to be known for, what would it be?
My heart... being empathetic. Being able to love others unconditionally.

8. If you could do anything you wanted right in this very moment (no consequences, no fear, etc), what would it be?
Go fly and see my mom and bring my two siblings with. The last time we were all together was when I graduated high school (5 years ago..)

9. What has been the most challenging moment in your life?
The last year. Some days I look around and think, how in the world am I handling all this without alcohol and psychotropic meds? Haha. But seriously... I think God enables us to be strong when we have to be and he continually gives us the energy and strength we need to handle what is thrown our way. 

10. Summarize yourself in one word.
Growing.

My job :)

Linking up with Becky today for her Show & Tell link up about careers!

1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?


     Well, yes. I'm currently still in college, but I'm going to school for nursing. My job right now, I take care of individuals with disabilities... so my degree will definitely help me advance in that field.   2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.

     Every day is different. Some days I get my butt kicked physically, some days I laugh with my clients so hard I can't breathe, and then other days I just go in, make sure the clients are taken care of and all of their needs are met and that's it. Some days are relaxed.   3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.

Very blurry, but its the only picture I have of me at work.

4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.

   I definitely see myself working as an RN, preferably in a hospital setting on the peds floor or working in the OB/nursery department. We will see though, I am open to just about any specialty.

5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in.


   Oh jeez. What haven't I learned? Patience, trust, empathy (over and over), you only get one chance to live--make the best of it, unconditional love, respect... really, I could go on and on.
  This field--working with adults with disabilities--hands on, is the best job I've ever had, it's what made me go back to school.. however, don't do it if you don't love it, it's not a job you can just go to work and go home... you have to love it or you can't do it. End of story. It's a tough job, demanding, challenging, frustrating at moments, even stressful... but I can honestly say, that hug I get from a client or something they say or do that makes me laugh... worth every. single. frustrating, challenging moment.

June 2

Wow. It was Christmas the last time I posted...holy cow so MUCH has happened!
1. Found a job I really like. I like my clients and the staff I work with. :)


2. I fell in love ;) more on that later.


3. I started a new school. This semester was definitely not my best work... trying to get accustomed to living with toddlers and staying up way too late with my best.. however, I'm determined next semester to put my best foot forward and do better!


Lessons I have learned:
Life is short. If there is one thing I have learned this last year.... it's that life is short. Tell the people that you love... that you love them.. every day. I have 4 best friends who (I try anyway, sometimes I forget) I tell them every I talk to them that I love them. Because, honestly, you never know when the last time will be. 


Patience is a virtue. And at that, one I do not possess much of. Only a few people know why, but the last 3 months have been requiring a LOT of patience from me. Which has been HARD. Really freaking hard some days. Most of the time, I can handle it. But... as I am a woman, some days, I break. I cry, I eat ice cream and watch a chick flick, and I'm better. But I do not recommend this to anyone. It sucks. But, I know that this situation is not permanent. It will not last forever. In a few years I will look back at this and know it made me stronger, made "this" better, and for that, I will be grateful.

You only live once. Ok, I am not going to run around and be like YOLO YOLO. No, not me. But in reality, you only DO live once.. so make the most of it. And that I have. I've done some crazy things this year....things that were highly unexpected...very unlike "me". Or the person I used to be. I've been hurt this year, and I've been incredibly, incredibly happy. Since December.... I've grown. I've lived, I've definitely learned. I'm not saying I went out and did law-breaking things. No. But I did things that were out of character for me. And you know what? IT WAS GREAT! I don't regret it whatsoever... and I 'm happier because of it.


I have the best support systems in this world. Not necessarily a lesson.... but a truth I come to realize more and more every day. The last 2 1/2 months, like I said, have been frustrating for me. But I have these AWESOME friends and family members who have been so supportive during all of this. My best friend especially, who just listens to me vent, eats ice cream with me and watches Grease with me at 1 in the morning. I would be so lost without her. I can't imagine my life without these wonderful people. They have been just fantastic lately. Giving me hugs when I need it, having a ear to listen, and being able to make me laugh so hard I forget about my frustrations. Love them all dearly.


So, I fell in love. 
I'm 100%, head over heels in love. A year ago, I thought I was going to marry the guy I was with.... but thankfully, God's plans are better than mine :)
I never thought it was possible to fall this hard, this fast. But it is. And there's nothing quite like it. To be honest, I enjoy it. There are moments I may not... but I know it's totally worth each moment. :)


So there's the last 6 months of my life in a nutshell..
have a good weekend!

Very quick update...

I am not writing a long updated post... but I now reside in Council Bluffs, love it!!! But what I really want to say is that.... I love when God turns a really crappy situation into something absolutely wonderful. God also allows things to fall apart so better things can come into place.

When I graduated high school in 2008, I did NOT think I would be where I am right now....I thought I would be graduating college in about 4 months. Whoops. WRONG. Nope, God had me take a few detours in the path of life....and now here I am starting school to become an RN-never in a million years would I have thought that I would become a nurse 4 years ago. God is SO good.

:) I am so happy where God has put me and the people he has placed in my life.... couldn't ask for better family, friends and life...

Big Red!!

Okay, so if you live in the midwest, you know that my TWO favorite teams are (Iowa Hawkeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers) are playing one another this Friday. I'm divided, yes, but I am a Husker through and through. Through the rest of the season, I cheer for the Hawks. But this one day....I'm going to root for my Huskers over the Hawks. 


I was born in Lincoln, I am a natural bred Husker. Even through some REALLY bad years... I still cheer for them and proudly shout, GO BIG RED! (I think I am slightly addicted to football)  No, but really, this Friday I am going to put on my Nebraska clothes and root the heck out of my team, and hope and pray they pull a W. :)


In other news, my best friend and I got told today we got our apartment!!! We get the keys December 3. I'm SO excited. My dreams are becoming reality. That is what I am thankful for this Thanksgiving... dreams and God's awesome ability to make a bad situation into a good one :)


Happy Thanksgiving All!!  

Thankfulness

Today, I am thankful for..


*My wonderful friends - I have the world's greatest set of friends. These last few months, I'm sure I have been difficult to be around at times, and not easy to get along with at points either, I'm sure, but they have been still there for me, giving me their support and giving me hugs and advice when I need to hear it. I love you all SO much, you will never know how much I appreciate you guys. Especially Aly, Steph, Tara, Josie, Kayla and Lindsey. These girls have been awesome the last few months with advice, support and just listening to me. Love you girls and I thank you for everything!!


*My family - I don't always get along with my family, and sometimes they drive me just about crazy, but I love them. They have been another wonderful rock these past few months with their support and understanding of some of the choices I'm making. Love you guys!!


*My job - I love my job. The people I serve, especially. They have taught me sooo much in the last year. Especially patience. Over and over again. Patience is not my strong suit either, so this was a lesson I really needed to learn. They have also taught me love, and how to love a person unconditionally. When I leave this job, in about 6 weeks, it's going to be one of the hardest days of my life because these guys have taught me so much and have been so awesome to work for. I can never really thank them enough for what they have taught me.


*My roommates - I love these guys, they always make me laugh. I'm gonna miss them like crazy!! But they have taught me a lot about who I am and what I want in these last few months. They have also been a pretty awesome sounding board with ideas and plans and they are NEVER afraid to tell me what they think, I appreciate that more than they will ever know. Love you guys :)


*A place to live, clothes on my back, food in my stomach - So many people don't have these simple things, which makes me appreciate having them sooo much more.


*God - My father, my savior, my redeemer. God has shown me so much about myself, Him, and his awesome plans for me in the last few months. He has also given me the gift of peace, I know that decision I'm making (which I will talk about in a bit) is the right one, and the one He wants for me. Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11 :)


*Making right decisions - weird, I know, but I have made a decision to move to Council Bluffs, IA on December 16. Big change, fresh start and lots of new experiences lay ahead-but I have NEVER been so confident in a decision. I know, for sure, that this is the right one-and I absolutely can't wait! I'm so excited for this change :)


What are YOU thankful this month? 

10 Secrets

I'm going to try this. First off is 10 secrets. :)


-One- 
I often wonder if I'm making right decisions...I second-guess myself every time I make a decision. Ugh.


-Two- 
I hate being confrontational-HATE IT. I do not do well in situations where I have to be confrontational.


-Three-
My biggest dream is to have my BSN(Bachelor's of Science in Nursing) and work as a RN in the nursery department at a hospital.


-Four- 
I want to move out of the town I live in and move to Omaha, NE by Janaury 1, 2012...

-Five-
I cannot wait to have babies, even though I know it's probably at least 3-5 years away.


-Six-
I don't speak my mind like I should--most of the time my thoughts are kept to myself.


-Seven- 
Ice cream & Sunkist are my addictions. Ask any of my friends. :)


-Eight-
I consider my mom one of my closest friends. Even though I only get to talk to her once or twice a week and she lives 2,000 miles away from me.


-Nine-
My best friend's family feels more like my family than my own family does most of the time. Same thing with my boyfriend's family.


-Ten- 
I feel that my life is boring and I am not content with where I am at--I want to better my life and myself and my experiences. 

Venting time.

Forewarning : This post is all me venting about the stress in my life. That being said...

- I need a new mirror on my car. Not sure how much it is going to cost. Not really sure if I have $ to fix it either-seeing as how I'm going to Vegas this summer. Sigh.

-School. I HATE not knowing if I'm going to be able to do school this summer or not. Sooo frustrating. And it's getting down to the end too--classes start May 24, and I don't know if I'm going to get my grant or not. Arg.

-Work. All I do is work anymore. I'm soooo tired of working. But yet, I continue to say yes to more shifts or coming in early. Ahh! But, must have money to go to Vegas. 

But alas, I know that God is good, and that He has everything worked out already. I just get a little impatient sometimes. :/ 

Day 2, 3, 4 =]

Well, I'm kind of failing so far at this, haha... but things have been busy!

Day 2 -- A person I've been close with for awhile

This is my best friend. We've been through thick and thin together...she's somebody I always go to when I need to talk. She's a great listener. We've been friends for 11 years..since we were 10 years old. She's more like my sister than my best friend.

Day 3 - A picture of the cast from your favorite TV show.

I was never a huge fan of this show until this year--now I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. It's the one thing I really look forward to on my days off...and the best part is my boyfriend loves it too and watches it with me! =]

Day 4 - A picture of a habit you wish you didn't have

Biting my nails is such an awful habit--I would love to be able to have pretty nails and wear them to work without getting fake ones... but I can't :(

Thanks for reading.. I hope you are enjoying getting to know me a little bit better!

30 day Photo Challenge...

okay. I'm going to attempt this 30 day photo challenge thing. it's been super popular on facebook... so now i'm going to put my own spin on it! =]

Day 1- 15 facts about me

1. I am the youngest of 5 children. I actually have a nephew who is only 3 1/2 years younger than me!
2. I LOVE country music. That is probably an understatement, really. Country is the one type of music I can really listen to with any type of mood I am in.
3. My favorite movies will forever be Twister, The Lion King, Sweet Home Alabama, and P.S. I Love You
4. My current obsession is American Idol.
5. My friends are HUGELY important to me.
6. My phone is pretty much permanently attached to me.
7. I love flying.. I really loook forward to the times when I get to step foot on a plane.
8. I'm going to Vegas in August with one of my best friends and her parents--can't wait!
9. I have a job that most days, I adore. It actually helped me realize what I want to do with the rest of my life--become a nurse. :)
10. I looooove flowers. Especially roses and gerber daisies. 
11. I despise scary movies. I can hardly watch them..but my roommate and boyfriend love them. urg.
12. Right now, I live in a smaller town, but eventually, I think I want to move to a subarb of a city, where it doesn't take 2 hours to get to a real mall.
13. Ice cream is my comfort food. haha.
14. Running is my coping skill after a bad day.
15. I love to laugh!


Hope you have enjoyed this and getting to know me a little better! I will try to keep doing this every day but I can't promise...but will do the best I can!

~Dawn

Life..

Well.. it's been quite some time since I last posted.

Not much new here. Besides... I decided to take some time off from school, to save money and such.

God has now made it clear that this fall(hopefully), I will be going back to school to become a nurse. I'm so excited about it! I can't wait!

I'm sorry if you read this blog.. and it's boring. I have a pretty boring life. I go to work and come home. Not much fun at all...

But then again, I'm only 21, and have no kids, so what do you expect?

If you read this blog... please comment and tell me what you write about if you don't have kids--I really would like to hear your ideas! :)

~Dawn

Show Us Your Life - What Is Your Typical Day Like?

Well first off, this is only my second blog post :) hehe. and if anyone could tell me how to get a FREE layout and a new color of font--that would be AWESOME. :) thanks!

My daily life consists of school and work.

9-10:30am - Wake up. Depending on the day, it's either off to school or work on homework. If I go to school, I arrive about 11:00 and review before class at 11:15 from 12:35. Then I either go get lunch, or come home and cook. Then I either watch tv, check e-mail or study a little bit.

2:30-2:45pm - Finish getting ready for work, usually go to the gas station to get a pop, gum and a snack :)

3:00pm - Start work. I LOVE my job. I work with individuals who have disabilities -- it is so rewarding! I wouldn't have it any other way. I wish I could work maybe 7-3 but otherwise no complaints!

11:00pm - Get off work. Depending on the day, I either come home and finish what homework I don't have done, go over to a friend's, or go to bed.

I don't really have an exciting day, nor too busy, but it keeps me busy enough so I have no boredom.

Like I said, I love my job, it's pretty much awesome. I wouldn't trade it for anything! :-)

And there we go, the typical life of Dawn ;)

Football Saturday :)

Today is Saturday.

I generally do one thing on Saturday's...watch football. Today is also my good friend Emilee's wedding. I was going to go, but there are a couple things which make it so I can't really go..sadly.

But...the Iowa Hawkeyes are now 7 AND 0!!! Which is totally awesome. :) My Huskers are playing today too...hopefully they win!!

Obviously, I'm a football fan...as you can tell. I will watch just about any game that is on :)

Quite honestly...I'm just a sports fan..period. Football, basketball, baseball..love it all. :-)

Hope everyone is having a GREAT Saturday and if you are watching football, hope your teams win!! :) Unless however, you are a Texas Tech fan....since you are playing Nebraska! ;)

About me....

Hi :)
my name is Dawn. I've been a on-and-off blogger since I was...oh, I don't know..probably 13. I've decided now, at age 19, to try my hand at writing. I don't know how often I'll update this or what exactly I will say...but I'm going to try this :)

Obviously, I've told you the basics pretty much..my name is Dawn and I'm 19. I live in Iowa...and go to school in the capital city. I'm majoring in Business Administration and after getting my bachelor's in the spring of 2012, I may eventually go back and get my bachelor's in English as well..I love grammar :)

I am a Christian and have very strong religious beliefs, but I am not going to force them on you. But my relationship with God is extremely important to me and I will stand up for my beliefs.

I grew up in a town of 600 people. I hated it when I was younger but now I kind of miss it in a way. Knowing your neighbors, knowing everyone you were going to school with...so awesome. Funny how once we grow up and get out on our own, that we miss the things that we used to hate so much.

I'm not really witty, nor sarcastic. I'm just a girl who tries to enjoy life by laughter and just having fun. I guess by writing in this blog--I'm really looking to maybe relieve stress, and just share the thoughts that go in my head from day-to-day. I don't really know..I've just been reading blogs lately and I've kind of realized if really busy people can find the time to blog, then so can I.

Anyway... I guess I probably should get to bed here soon :-) Have a good..uh.. night!

--Dawn