Climbing, Community, and a Shot at First Place (Next Year)

tl;dr

Tackling 2024 one climb, spreadsheet, and Halloween costume at a time. Highlights include stepping into a new role at Real Good Kitchen, hosting a breakout session in New Orleans, learning (again) how to rest, and taking home third place dressed as a lunch lady. Grateful, tired, and ready for whatever 2025 brings.

It’s January, and the “year in review” posts are everywhere. So here’s mine—fashionably late but packed with reflections on a year that brought growth, adventure, and plenty of lessons. 2024 was a year of climbing (literally and figuratively), navigating new roles, building connections, and finding joy in both big and small moments.

Some of my best days this year were spent outdoors with friends, hands covered in chalk and eyes on the next move. Climbing trips to the boulders at Obed Wild and Scenic River and the crags around Chattanooga weren’t just about sending routes—they were about connection. There’s something uniquely rewarding about solving problems on the wall together, sharing laughs over packed lunches, and celebrating each other’s victories (even the small ones). Those days reminded me how much I value the camaraderie and perspective that time outside brings.

Professionally, stepping into the role of Director of Operations at Real Good Kitchen was one of the biggest challenges—and privileges—of my year. Real Good Kitchen a shared kitchen and place where entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality. This year, I’ve had the honor of supporting that process—helping members navigate challenges, optimizing operations, and ensuring the kitchen is a space where people and businesses can thrive. The work is deeply fulfilling, and while I’m still growing into the role, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far and excited to keep pushing forward.

In addition to my work at Real Good Kitchen, I had the opportunity to host a team-building and training workshop for a local ice cream business. It was a chance to step into a facilitator role—something I realized I really enjoy and want to develop further.

I also leaned into community engagement through my board service with Three Rivers Market Co-op. Serving on the board has been both a responsibility and a privilege, giving me the chance to contribute to a mission I believe in: building a more resilient and equitable local food system. I’ve learned so much about governance, strategy, and collaboration, and it’s been a meaningful way to give back to the community.

One of the important chapter of the year was working with the powerhouse (Gnomes) team at The Food Corridor and hosting a breakout session at the Shared Kitchen Summit in New Orleans. The summit wasn’t just about ideas and strategies; it was about the people. I met so many passionate, brilliant folks from across the shared kitchen industry, each with their own story and spark. It was inspiring, humbling, and, frankly, a little intimidating in the best way. If you were there, you know what I mean—the energy was electric.

Of course, life isn’t all work. Traveling to Spain with Cecilia created some core memories of 2024. Exploring the vibrant streets, savoring incredible food, and soaking in the history and beauty of the country was unforgettable. It was the kind of trip that fills you up—both with inspiration and with a deep appreciation for experiencing the world with someone you love. Plus, it gave us a nice break from the chaos of daily life (and the perfect excuse to eat our weight in tapas).

Cecilia and I had a little fun this year and took third place in a Halloween costume contest dressed as lunch ladies. Hairnets, trays, and all. Was third place a travesty? Absolutely. But it gives us something to aim for next year.

This year wasn’t without its challenges. I lost my father, and while our relationship was far from perfect, it brought a wave of reflection and growth. Grief has a way of reshaping how you think about connection and family, and I’m still working through what it means.

Between the highs and the challenges, I also found myself confronting burnout. The pace of life and work caught up with me, and I had to relearn how to prioritize my mental health—how to say no, how to rest, and how to ask for help when I needed it. It’s a process, and I’m still learning, but I’m determined to carry those lessons forward.

As I look back on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude—for the climbs, the lessons, the laughs, and the incredible people who’ve been part of it. If we worked together, shared a coffee, swapped stories, or spotted each other about town, thank you for being part of my journey. Here’s to another year of growth, connection, and maybe even a shot at first place in that costume contest. Let’s see what 2025 brings.