2/22 - Year 5! We Are So Back!

We are SO back!!!

Hi all! Did you miss me? Because I missed this. I missed you. I missed sitting down at my laptop with a full heart and a lot to say.

The last time we connected here was exactly one year ago. And today? Today marks 5 YEARS since launching this blog. Five whole years of stories, reflections, faith, growth, joy, and everything in between. It only felt right to come back and commemorate this milestone by catching you up on the whirlwind that was the past year.

In the wise words of Ashley Cooke, “It’s been year!” 

So many of you checked in over the last year asking if I was still blogging. Truthfully, there were countless moments I wanted to sit down and spill everything on my heart — lessons learned, prayers answered, stories lived. But life was full. Really full. And instead of writing about it, I was living it.

Blogging took a hiatus because I chose to be fully present in the season I was in. And while I don’t regret that for a second, I’m so excited to be stepping back into a rhythm of sharing again.

Now… where do I even begin?

The biggest personal milestone? I moved into my first solo place!

Three fricken unbelievable years came to a close for the 324 girlies. Abby, Carol, and Brandi made the move up to Georgia, and after much prayer and reflection, I felt called to remain in SoFlo. There were tears — lots of them — as I am a very sentimental person, but also so much excitement for what was ahead as we all stepped into new meant-to-be chapters. I will forever be appreciative of them opening the door for me to come move down to FL, and be a safe space to call home with. Living with your best friends is not an opportunity everyone gets in their lifetime, and I will treasure this chapter, always.

The sweetest full-circle moment? A building I had originally ruled out because of price unexpectedly fell into my lap with a deal I couldn’t pass up. And as if that wasn’t enough of a God wink, my bestie Barb lives in the building. Friends to neighbors? A blessing I don’t take lightly.

My brother Michael graduated as a Doctor of Pharmacy — Dr. Puchacz has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? Watching him walk across that stage was one of those proud big-sister moments I’ll never forget.

My cousin Alyssia also graduated and moved just outside of NYC, chasing her dancer dreams. Watching your people pursue what lights them up is such a gift. I couldn’t be prouder of my family.

This year was basically a wedding tour — and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

I traveled all over celebrating the marriages of my incredible friends: Haley, Abby and Carol, Gina, and Jenn. Seeing each of them marry their perfect match was special. Joy-filled. Emotional. Beautiful.

And the love continues!

My best friend since kindergarten, Haley, and her husband Chris welcomed their first baby, Callahan. My bestie Christina, and her husband Seb welcomed their second baby, Nora. My cousin Alex, and her husband Angel adopted the cutest mini dachshund, Bella.

Auntie Jess’s love? Officially tripled.

If 2025 had a theme, it might’ve been: say yes to the concert.

One week in August while home in New Hampshire, I went to four back-to-back concerts. Planned? Morgan Wallen and Chris Brown. Spontaneous same-day sends? The Jonas Brothers and Tate McRae. Because sometimes you just say yes and buy the ticket.

Back in SoFlo, I even got to hear Scotty McCreery perform from my rooftop while he played at a local venue below. How cool!

It was also a year of comedy. I saw Matt Rife and Sal Vulcano on their solo tours and laughed until I cried. There’s something healing about deep belly laughter in sold out venues.

As Abby and Carol got married and honeymooned, I dog-sat Brandi in Georgia and flew my brother down for a sibling trip. Exploring both the suburbs and heart of Atlanta together was such a core memory. Intentional quality time hits different as you get older.

Last year held two major birthday milestones: my mom turned 60, and I turned 30!

I loved my twenties. They shaped me, stretched me, surprised me. But I feel grounded stepping into this new decade — clearer on who I am, what matters, and what I’m building.

A special moment:  Abby and Carol surprised me by driving down from Georgia to celebrate alongside my SoFlo crew and family. Being surrounded by the people who have walked through so many seasons with me meant everything.

I’ll be sharing a deeper reflection soon on closing out my twenties — because that deserves its own space.

New friendships blossomed in SoFlo this year, expanding what I lovingly call the “sunshine community.” My heart feels full down here. I also say all the time that I live a double life because I equally enjoy my time in NH and in FL.

I traveled back to New Hampshire often, soaking up time with long-distance family and friends. Travel is picking up again this year (cue excitement), and through it all, staying grounded in my faith has been my anchor.

Each chapter — the goodbyes, the beginnings, the celebrations, the quiet growth — has been covered in grace. And that peace? It’s the kind that steadies you.

Five years ago, I launched this blog not fully knowing where it would take me — only that I wanted a space to document life as it unfolded and spread joy and encouragement to my audience.

A year away reminded me that this platform isn’t just about content. It’s about connection. It’s about storytelling. It’s about honoring seasons as they come and go.

So here’s to 5 years.

Here's to 30.

Here's to being present — and also pressing publish.

Thank you for your continued support in every season, and cheers to the year ahead!

Remember to stay humble and kind, always!

Follow me on my personal social media platforms to stay up-to-date with my every day life:

Instagram: jess_puch

TikTok: jesspuch

xo –Jess