Yikes! Just realised I’ve missed my 20-year anniversary of moving to Jersey! It was fraught with omens: ferry trip here with all my worldly goods in my Fiesta hit a storm and had to shelter off Cherbourg. Took people off in ambulances at Guernsey...cont’d

Still, made it and started work at Bailhache Labesse a couple of days later. By the next weekend, I’d come down with glandular fever and was SO ill. Had to have a few weeks off work in a brand new job, not ideal. Anyway, got better, loved the job. Started studying...

for local advocates’ exams. Passed first-time in 2002 along with our now deputy bailiff. Bought first house, a two up, two down in St Lawrence. Skip forward a few years, married long-term boyfriend who has moved to Jersey just before me. Separated after 10 months of marriage...

After having bought massive pile in Petit Port. Then, the sun came out: met @Mattgas1304 and bought a house in Trinity. Knew immediately he was the one so started trying for baby. Three months’ later, Fran was a twinkle in my eye! Became partner at Bailhache. Had baby...

Tough being mum and full-time property lawyer/partner. Couple of years later, Isaac came along. Moved firms. Didn’t work out. Moved to current house and got chickens and sheep and a dog and a cat. Moved to Mourant on part-time basis. Worked hard and became Head of Property...

Became VERY ill with burnout. Thought I might die. Had to completely readdress my life and what I wanted from it. Started major building works. Went into lockdown. Beginning to come out the other side of it all now. The moral of this story?...

Jersey has been brilliant to me. I’ve crammed a lot into these last 20 years. But what in that time has made me happiest? Pottering about, family, friends, meaningful client relationships, exercise, good food, travel, hugs. What hasn’t been so important? A new car, fancy...

Clothes, been seen at the ‘right’ places, fake friends, getting to the top of my profession, keeping up with the Joneses. It’s the simple things that bring contentment imo. So, here’s to the next 20 years. I wonder what I can squeeze out of them?!