A New Chapter: Coming Home, Starting Fresh, and Growing Our Family
- Lindley
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since we moved back to the U.S.—September 2023. After six years abroad, we landed back in familiar soil, but it didn’t feel familiar at first. Reverse culture shock is real. The politics felt louder, the healthcare system more chaotic, and the contrast in poverty hit deeper than I remembered. There were days we looked at each other and thought, Did we make the right choice?
And if you’ve been following the blog, you might’ve noticed—it’s been a little quiet around here.
Honestly, I’ve been MIA for a bit. This transition home has taken a lot out of me mentally, emotionally, and creatively. I’ve been trying to figure out what’s next for this space—what I want to share, how I want to show up, and where this blog fits into this new season of life. But something in me is stirring again, and I’m feeling the itch to write, reflect, and reconnect. So here we are. :)
Because the truth is—Denmark, New Zealand, and Australia were beautiful. We lived in a soft, dreamy little bubble abroad. Healthcare worked, people slowed down, and we walked more, stressed less. And maybe… we would’ve stayed, if it weren’t for family being so far away. That tug back home was quiet but persistent.
We even considered having babies abroad. But for me, something about pregnancy made me want to settle. To be near roots. Near family. Near a community we could grow with.
Baby on Board 👶💗
And now for the biggest update…
We’re pregnant!
22 weeks, to be exact. We’re having a baby girl, and we are so excited, nervous, and all the things.
Becoming a parent in this day and age comes with its own unique blend of joy and anxiety. The world is loud—social media, endless headlines, financial pressures—it’s a lot to navigate. But we’re up for the challenge.
Finding other parents who share our values has become so important to me, and it’s been such a blessing to start building a circle of friends who are in this same stage of life. It helps to know we’re not in it alone.
Planting Roots in the Desert 🌵
Since moving home, we bought a house in Albuquerque. It feels so good to be grounded again—unpacking both literally and emotionally. We’re setting down roots, learning where we like to shop, hike, grab a quick bite, and spend a slow Saturday.
In my experience, it takes 1–2 years to really “find your people” and feel settled. I know this because Rasmus and I have lived in over 13 different homes or apartments in our nine years together! Constantly on the move, constantly adjusting. The phrase “it takes a village” means more to me now than ever before. I’ll never forget the incredible people who took me in while we lived abroad—and now, I feel called to be that person for others.
Work Life: A New Chapter at Z-CoiL
Professionally, things have shifted too! I’m still doing some marketing work with my clients (you know I love my strategy sessions), but I’ve stepped into a new, exciting role as Director of Sales & Marketing at Z-CoiL Footwear, our family business.
Yup, we’re bringing Z-CoiL back, baby!
We were huge in the early 2000s—$11 million+ in annual sales before 2008—and last year we closed around $1.4 million. But here I come with fresh energy, new strategy, and a mission to blow it up again. Please follow along on our social channels if you want to support the ride!
And a personal silver lining—working with my dad has been incredible. After losing my mom, it’s brought us closer than ever. It’s healing, in its own unexpected way.
Rasmus’ Next Chapter
And speaking of proud moments—Rasmus! After retiring from basketball, he jumped into the job hunt full force—over 200 applications later, he landed an amazing medical sales position with Stryker right here in New Mexico. He’s been killing it since starting and is already up for a promotion.
He’s always been the ultimate teammate in life and love, and now I get to watch him shine in a whole new way as a father. I’m so proud of him.
What’s Next?
From here, you can expect a lot more Southwest content from me—guides for exploring New Mexico, weekend getaways, and yes… maybe some working millennial mom reflections too?
This year I’m leaning into radical honesty—I want to show up authentically, share what’s real, and make space for all of it. I’m not really interested in surface level relationships and one of my top goals is ‘calling it like I see it.’ Life is super short and I’m dedicated to surrounding myself with people and teams who are on the same page.
Like my great-granddaddy T.S. used to say "you are who your friends are!"
This next chapter is about:
Deep relationships, not surface-level connections
Purpose driven work
Staying active (3x a week, minimum!) for me it’s my peloton, yoga, tennis, and walking/hiking
Adding massive value to the people around me
And most of all… becoming the kind of mom who leads with both softness and strength
Thanks for being on this journey with me. Whether you’ve followed since our Denmark days, discovered me while trip-planning for Tasmania, or are just now tuning in—I appreciate you.
Here’s to building a village, telling it like it is, and loving fiercely. 🫶
Lindley
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