Today, I turn 39. It’s my final year in my 30s, and I thought it was the perfect time to look back at everything this past decade has brought into my life.
I met my husband the year I turned 30—how has it already been 9 years? Time truly flies. Two years later, I joined the Catholic Church, which has been one of the biggest blessings in my life. At 33, we got married and went on a fantastic honeymoon to New Orleans. We had an unforgettable time eating great food, exploring the city, and enjoying each other’s company.
Just a few months later, we were celebrating Christmas and ringing in the New Year. Then came 2020.
In March, a tornado hit our town in Tennessee—just under a mile from our home. Miraculously, we and our families were safe. Our kids were on spring break at the time, which got extended due to the storm… and then COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, school was canceled, and everything changed.
A month later, my husband accepted a job in South Carolina. So, on Memorial Day weekend, in the middle of a global pandemic, we drove there to find a place to live. We found a home and made the move in July. I won’t sugarcoat it—I hated it at first. Honestly, sometimes I still struggle. I miss where I’m from. But I’ve learned I can always visit, and home is ultimately where we make it.
Looking back, I think it’s fair to say that our first year of marriage deserves bonus points: a tornado, a pandemic, and an interstate move? That’s a LOT of bonding.
Professionally, I also changed careers—leaving criminal justice and moving into the legal field. It was a tough transition and a steep learning curve, but now, seven years later, I’m confident in saying: I’m good at what I do.
I also earned my real estate license in both Tennessee and South Carolina. Though I discovered I prefer the behind-the-scenes work—contracts and coordination over client-facing showings. So, I took a leap and launched Lavender Lane Property Solutions, my own Transaction Coordinator business.
Somewhere in there, I went back to school for a doctorate in Law & Policy. While I paused that journey, I did earn an Executive Certificate in Law & Policy—another win.
Looking back, I’m proud. This decade gave me love, marriage, relocation, reinvention, survival, and self-discovery.
Now, I look ahead—with intention. I’m entering my “rich bitch” era (shoutout to every woman reclaiming her power). The 40s? They’re going to be fabulous.