THAT’S IT. I’M DONE!

Almost two years ago I walked out of a building taking a deep breath of Spring air.  I had taken my NCLEX and I felt like I completely Aced the exam.  I knew my Nursing school journey had come to an end and I welcomed the feelings.  I graduated high school almost 8 years ago and it took nearly 6 years to get my feet under me and hold that degree high.  Over those 6 years, I became so good at being a student.  I became used to the constant undying stress that sat on my shoulders all while working a full-time retail job.  I remember the day I quit that said job to focus more on school a weight lifted off my shoulders.  It happened again when I finished Nursing school.

Jax was born almost a year ago (where has time gone?!).  I knew taking on photography as a family income would become a reality some day but truly thought that would be years from now.  I told myself.  “You went to school.  You spent the money.  You will pay those loans off before bidding Nursing a farewell”.  However, the pre-baby Sara had no idea what she was talking about.  I look back and feel somewhat embarrassed by how naive I was.  My emotions, goals, thoughts are probably worlds different from what I think now and then.  I have felt too much pressure on my shoulders since Jax was born.  If I wasn’t home caring for Jax or working for the business; I am most likely working at the hospital taking care of the patients who need me.  The weight has gotten so heavy.  I haven’t felt myself.  Part of that is post baby hormones; 10 MONTHS LATER?  Uh. yes.  The struggle is VERY real. The other part is just overworking myself and not feeling like I’m doing everything as great as I could.  SOOOO …

It is with some sadness.  However, mostly it’s with a huge smile and happy dance that I say … SO LONG NURSING!  Oh, I’m gonna miss that “cushion” job, but I am SO excited to focus on my family and focus even more on weddings & our amazing clients.  I will surely miss my sweet benefits and comfort of a stable job.  However, I’m done chasing waterfalls or something like that.

This is by far the biggest leap I have taken without a padded landing.  I am so blessed to have held the hands of so many patients.  I have hugged family members and patients countless times.  Attempted to comfort those people in times of pain and loss.  Watched as a patient left the hospital and sent prayers it would be the last time for them to see our doors.  It has made me humble and thankful for the health of me and my family.  Most of all I will miss my sweet work family.  Thankfully, nurses only work 3 days a week which makes plenty time for lunch dates.

So I’m officially that gal.

•  Should I work in my PJs or put on a pair of comfy shorts?  Doesn’t matter.
• Maybe I’ll go the office or a coffee shop, or maybe I’ll just stay home today?  Okay.  Thankfully they all have wifi.
• So what do you do for a living?  Oh, I’m a photographer.
•  Well, what does you husband do? Oh, he’s a photographer too.
• Surely, you’ll get sick of each other?  Well thank goodness I have a membership to The Y & I can do cardio while he does weights

What did I do to deserve this?  I have absolutely no clue.  I picked up a sweet little camera in 2013 to just “help” Alex at a wedding.  I didn’t think I would fall head over heals in love with weddings.  It wasn’t even on my radar.  Thank goodness I was placed into this awesome, crazy and hectic lifestyle.  I am extremely excited to wake up in the mornings with my sweet baby & an amazing husband.  5:45 AM was NEVER, I repeat, NEVER something I was good at.  It literally took a piece of my soul every time.  So here’s to many years of photographing weddings, engagements, and singing to my couples when that golden light is hitting just right.  Here’s to even more skips down the sidewalk, miles driven throughout the country, and tears shed at a ceremony.  This is my official step out of the building almost a year to the day that Alex left his full time job.  I’m breathing in the sweet Spring air and thanking God, our clients, my husband, my parents & family for the opportunity to officially live this picture perfect dream!

So here goes nothing – another chapter … No! another book to start on. Oh and believe me this one is going to be good!!!