New City, New Vibes

So here I am waking up in my brand new space. And when I say new, I mean everything has changed since my ex moved out. I’ve rearranged, replaced, refreshed this house finally feels like mine. Just me, my energy, and a fresh-ass start.

I’m 51, a single mom to two teens (yes, send help and snacks), and just moved to Houston. No friends here yet. Just vibes, a License To Carry, and Google Maps.

Now let’s talk about the real villain in this city: 45, 610, I10! I used to have a commercial driver’s license like, big rig level certified. Now, I’m out here sweating bullets trying to make a left turn at a six-lane intersection. Houston drivers don’t play, and honestly, I’m not trying to go viral in a traffic cam meltdown.

Real Talk: I’m Not New to re~Invention

Let’s just say this isn’t my first time starting over. I’ve been divorced twice, yep I said twice and I just ended a 7-year relationship that I thought might be forever. Spoiler Alert! It wasn’t. And as much as that hurt, it pushed me back to myself.

I’ve raised two whole humans solo and fostered some as well. But parenting teenage boys? This shit is like contact sport, feeling stay bruised. Woke up one day and realized that I dropped 115 pounds in one year. No crash diets, no shortcuts just me putting in the work, sweating, crying, and staying consistent even when it sucked.

So yes driving makes me jittery. But I've conquered tougher challenges with less backup and more battle scars. Do you know my kids father?

One Step at Time

These days, I’m reminding myself freedom doesn’t show up all at once. It’s found in the little moments taking a different route, saying yes to a random invite, giving yourself permission to be awkward and new and still worthy. And being able to laugh at yourself. I cannot believe I asked that young man to dance. Like Ertha Kit, Marcus. If you know than you know but thats a story for another day. I’m out here trying to make friends (at this big grown age!), explore the city without a GPS meltdown, and building a new version of life that feels good from the inside out.

Confidence, check! Coming back joy, check!
Adventurous, as long as it not at night! Check!
But I can admit I am still figuring things out, but I feel more grounded than I’ve ever have.

This Chapter Is Mine

And Baby! Dating at 51? Let’s talk about it. Half the men my age are emotionally unavailable, the other half are still recovering from single mother trauma. Oh Lord these thirty year old's boys are rich, right and ready. I just cannot see myself asking another woman my age if I can sleep with her son. And the dating apps are trashy and comical with a dash of trauma. Even the Christian ones.

I’m not out here chasing love I’ve got love in me already. But I’m open to someone who sees me clearly. Someone who respects the peace I fought for. Someone who isn’t allergic to emotional growth or actual conversations. Someone who understands, I am not paying for the first date.

This season of life It’s all mine. Bold, messy, funny, raw and real. I’m not who I was 10 years ago, 5 years ago, or even last summer. I’ve shed layers, lost people, and found strength I didn’t know I had.

And now! I’m building something new. One slightly terrified, slightly fabulous, fully intentional day at a time.