📦 Fri-nally Homeward Bound: Barks, Boxes & Big Moves

Look, I don’t want to sound dramatic, but this week really packed a punch—and not the fruity kind I used to drink.

Friday showed up like a long-lost friend: a little late, slightly chaotic, but totally welcome. It was one of those “reset button” kind of days. Not glamorous. Not groundbreaking. Just… needed.

The morning started with the usual bark-filled chaos: Piper hit me with her signature “you’re late” side-eye when breakfast was off by a minute, and Ollie & Clyde—God bless them—were already patrolling the front door, making sure every Amazon package knew who was boss.

House-wise? Well, turns out the “new home” honeymoon is over. We found more moisture damage underneath the kitchen than expected, which means the entire floor is being ripped up.

Upside: I get to pick out new flooring (hello, accidental HGTV audition).

Downside: My kitchen is now a construction zone, and my patience is hanging on by a frayed thread and two dog hairs.

As if that wasn’t enough adulting for one week, I finally closed the chapter on the car accident from Sunday. The accident itself was bad enough, but the post-accident drama—was its own horror movie. Thankfully, it’s behind me. 10/10 do not recommend, but at least I can slam that door shut.

Meanwhile, I was also playing the world’s most stressful guessing game:

Will I get the job or not?Spoiler alert…I GOT IT. 🎉

I’m officially the newest Account Manager at NCA Inc. and I. AM. SO. EXCITED.This role comes with unlimited opportunity, nationwide reach, and a whole lot of potential to grow. So if you’re reading this and you’re part of the universe’s scheduling team—send me everywhere. I’m ready.

And even before I got that offer, there was peace in knowing I had options. I also had a marketing team from Newport News eyeing me. After years of grinding, guessing, and second-guessing, it feels so good to finally be in a position where I’m choosing—not just chasing.

Which brings me to Saturday.

AKA: Packing Party Time.

A few amazing friends are coming over to help move furniture and finish boxing up my Norfolk life. It’s emotional. It’s exciting. It’s a little overwhelming. But it’s also incredibly meaningful.

I’m closing the door on the Norfolk Era, and while that’s bittersweet, it’s also beautiful. This place gave me clarity I didn’t know I needed. And yeah, maybe it looked a little chaotic bouncing from one city to the next and back again—but when the people you love are nearby, it all makes sense.

My 87-year-old grandma.

My brother and Celeste.

Myself.

Because the truth is: I want to be around the people I love while I still can.

I also want to take a moment to say thank you to STS. For the past year, and especially this past month, you’ve been a lifeline. From bookkeeping chaos to emotional support and everything in between—you’ve shown up. I’ll miss the team, but I’m excited to step into something new as I continue exploring what fuels me.

This next chapter? It’s all about movement—geographically, professionally, personally.It’s messy. It’s real. It’s mine.

So here’s to:

• ✅ Jobs earned

• ✅ Floors demolished

• ✅ Car chaos survived

• ✅ Friends who carry boxes (and your spirit)

• ✅ Dogs that keep things interesting

• ✅ And the quiet power of starting over

If you’ve had a week like mine—consider this your permission slip to rest, reset, and remember: You’ve got this. And if you’re lucky, you’ve also got an Ollie to keep life interesting.