Keep Calm and Carry On.

My life has been crazy lately. Really. It's been a whirlwind of finishing school papers and projects, getting prepared for graduation, getting a job, and of course, spending time with my family, friends, and Nick. This is the first day in awhile that I can just take a deep breath and relax. Because....

I am finished with school. I had my last photography critique this morning. All of my finals are complete. The only step between me and graduation is the actual ceremony, which isn't until Sunday.

As I was walking on campus today I tried to look around and take everything in. I cannot believe I am done. It is such a mix of emotions. Of course I am ecstatic! It's been a long five years of college and I am ready to get out there in the real world. But then, I find myself completely terrified. Not because of the real world, but because I feel like time is going by too fast. And I know it's only going to get worse.

I know in the grand scheme of things I am still young. Really young. But, I just want to slow everything down and press pause for awhile. I'm going to be 50 before I know it. Scary.

Ok, ok. Enough of that! I want to blog about some random things now.

#1. I am going through a name identity crisis! No joke.

My real name is Anna, but ever since I was a baby my family has called me Annie. All throughout grade school and high school, and even my first couple years of college, I stuck with Annie. But then, I decided I wanted to be Anna because I thought it sounded more grown up and professional. When I met Nick, I introduced myself as Anna, so that's what he knows me as. At the restaurant I am Anna. At the preschool though, I am Annie, because my sister got me the job and had already told everyone my name.

So now it feels like I'm leading a double life! Whenever I meet someone new I have to think of the people I'm around before I say my name. I've messed up a lot too. I'll say, "I'm Anna. No wait, I'm Annie."

Seriously, it's confusing. I don't prefer one over the other, so I just don't know what to do about it.

#2. My last photography project was all about flowers. Here are some of my pictures.

#3. I have always been an emotional person, but lately it's gotten out of control. I think it's just because I'm graduating and stressing out a lot, but I have been crying all the time. Yesterday I was watching Full House. It was the one where Aunt Becky helps Michelle build a car for the race. Well, when Michelle won the race I totally lost it.

Then, last night I went to get my flower pictures printed, and they looked terrible. So, I asked the guy to reprint them, and they still looked bad. Well, this started a whole big thing and I was at the place for over an hour, and I had to make all these returns and they kept my pictures. After I left I made it all the way to my car, then as soon as the door slammed shut, I burst into tears. Oh, man.

#4. Jackie and Lydia moved into their new apartment a couple weeks ago. It is so cute. They are both super creative with decorating and so far, the place looks great.

We started a tradition called, "Bachelorette Wednesdays." So much fun.

They had their first big get-together this past weekend. Here's one of the only pictures I took.

(I don't know why I look so much taller than everyone. I mean, I am taller, but not by that much).


#5. This is one of the biggest changes in my life right now, so I don't know why its not #1 on my list, but oh well.

I have a job.

My boss at the childcare center offered me a full time position in one of the toddler rooms. I am used to my preschoolers so its going to be a change, but I am really excited for it. I start the day after graduation.

I am so thankful to have a job lined up before I even graduate. Yeah, I won't be making a lot of money there, but it is still I job that I love. I've seen the struggles Jackie has gone through in trying to find a job, so I feel so blessed to have this opportunity. And actually, I owe it all to Jackie, because she got me a job in the preschool room a year and a half ago. So, THANK YOU Jakes!

There it is friends. My incredibly long update. If you made it the whole way through, I am impressed.


(or Annie)