My 2024 started with a goodbye to my grandpa. This would set the tone for my year—a reminder that time isn't infinite and tomorrow's dreams need today's action.

This year was all about transitions—new adjustments. From joining new teams to finally getting those drums I've wanted since childhood, 2024 became less about dreaming of what could be and more about building what should be.

Stand out moments

1. Joining the Kem Design team and Apollos web team opened up new chapters in my professional life—the kind where you know you're exactly where you need to be.
2. Made a new friend. His name is Cam Pak. His project, faith.tools is pretty cool.
3. Had my mind blown at NF concert. His music has gotten me through some difficult times and I respect his craft.
4. And then there was watching the SpaceX Starship landing and Tesla's We Robot events. Really motivated me to start building. Good things take time and constant effort.
5. My aussie girl, Kiya turned 1. Lilo, my other aussie will be turning 10 here soon. These two are my kiddos.

Stop

‍Life has a way of teaching you what needs to stay and what needs to go.

I said goodbye to a work situation that wasn't pushing me to grow—sometimes what you think you want just doesn't align with your need to keep improving and advancing your skills.

I'm done redesigning my personal website (even tried dark mode—definitely not me). Sometimes you need to try things to know they're not your thing.

Making some lifestyle changes too. I'm cutting out palm oil since it gives me headaches and nausea. More importantly, I'm working on dropping the victim mentality and letting go of expecting too much from others—like my dad.

Continuing

‍Some things are worth keeping around.

Still trying to hit that goal of reading one book a year—tackling "The Glass Castle" right now.

Got myself a Brick for better screentime management (social apps only on the iPhone that gets "brick'd"). It's about intentional disconnection.

Keeping up my support for Dr Disrespect as he has been my #1 distraction when I have tough days. We are also cut from the same cloth when it comes to heart, mind, and humor.

Keep blogging. I love writing. It continues to be a great escape for my mind.

Oh and nothing crazy when it comes to working out but ensuring every other day I do some calisthenics in the morning combined with daily walks with my two aussies.

Starting

Okay so get this. My fiancé got me an electric drum kit for Christmas. This made me emotional as I've wanted to play the drums since I was a kid. Instead I got a guitar that I never played. So this was super thoughtful and it'll be good to have a hobby without a screen.

I've been known for having slow mornings, but that needs to be less. I'm more productive and creative in the morning so I need to take advantage of that. It's all part of the bigger picture—build mode is activating. Going to cut down on consumption and ramp up creation, especially with website work looking busier and Harvous v1 on the horizon.

Money management is getting a serious upgrade too. And those calls and visits with my grandparents? They're about to become a lot more regular. No more putting off these important connections.

2024 taught me that sometimes you need to stop certain things to start the right ones.

2025 is all about building the additional floors on top of the now firmer foundation.