I love this time of year – the perfect chance to sit down and reflect on the past twelve months. Every year, my annual letter-writing tradition seems to sneak up on me. There have even been a few years where I’ve had to pivot to a “Happy New Year” or even a “Happy Spring” theme – ha! But not this year! I was ahead of schedule and mailed out my letters by the second weekend of December.
This year has been a busy but fulfilling one for me and my crew: Copper (2), Cheeto (8), Stormy (8), and Dash (5). Happy Reading!
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I don’t know about you, but my 2024 New Year, New Me was a year full of CHAOS. Chaos, uncertainty, spontaneity, education, discomfort – it was just all around, different.
As you know, I started two new jobs this year at both Love’s and in the Army. Neither without a rollercoaster of emotions and travel all over the US. I spent time in Ohio, Louisiana, Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, California, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas. What I did in each of these places ranged from attending the Children’s Miracle Network Conference; executing my Military Annual Training; the Army Observer, Controller, Trainer course; the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) conference; an Executive store ride with our Executive Vice President and so much more.
While balancing my roles in Corporate America and the Military, I also temporarily ventured into “Gig Work” as a Dasher for Door Dash. My main goal was to accelerate repayment for a home improvement loan. This experience was both humbling and enlightening, reinforcing lessons in time management, productivity, and – above all – patience in a world that frequently tests it.
On the personal side, I was blessed to have family and friends visit throughout the year, some more than once! Together, we created wonderful memories – attending the OU-TN football game, exploring the City Fair, visiting the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, and taking in the stunning views from Mount Scott.
A highlight of my year was finally holding my formal promotion ceremony to Major. Mom and Jimmy flew in for the occasion, and the moment became even more special when my brother helped pin me. Having them by my side for such an important milestone meant the world to me.
On the home front, I managed to fit in some home improvements, including new flooring, a new garage door, and a few other projects. These missions were small victories in the rare moments I found myself actually at home!
This year brought a wealth of incredible opportunities that I’m so grateful for. I was privileged to appear on the Cameron Brooks Junior Military Officer podcast and to give a presentation to Love’s Corporate on behalf of the Women’s and Veterans’ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). I also had the chance to present at Love’s University and the Love’s Leadership Rally, sharing initiatives and connecting with great colleagues.
Beyond work, I embraced adventure and service. On a spontaneous weekend whim, I visited San Diego, California and soaked in all its vibrant energy. I kayaked through the stunning Black Canyon to the Emerald Cave in Vegas, spent Easter in Chattanooga, visited the Endangered Ark Foundation, volunteered with Operation Homefront, ran the Harvest Hero Run 5K for the Warrior’s Rest Foundation, and participated in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in OKC. I saw both a Broadway show in New York City and Derek Hough’s Dance for the Holidays show while spending holidays with family.
This year was also about growth: I joined a Toastmasters club to strengthen my communication skills, completed the inaugural Strategic Leader’s Course at Love’s, and received the exciting news of my acceptance into the University of Oklahoma’s MBA program for Fall 2025.
Describing 2024 as exhausting would barely scratch the surface, yet it was a year of immense fulfillment. The year flew by in a haze of activity and intentional development, defined by challenges that demanded I adapt to the rapid influx of new experiences. Along the way, I’ve learned, evolved, and been reminded of the incredible strength that comes from embracing change – even when it feels daunting. More importantly, I rediscovered that the essence of life lies in service to others. Reconnecting with meaningful purpose has been one of the most rewarding parts of the year because true fulfillment cannot just come from our own growth, but from how we contribute to the lives of others. I’d lost that sense of purpose, and I gratefully found it again.
As the year comes to a close and we celebrate Christmas and welcome a new year, I find myself reflecting also on how fortunate I am to have such wonderful people in my life. Thank you for being part of my journey in 2024. Whether near or far, your support, encouragement, and love have meant so much to me.
Each year, my letters seem to grow longer, and that’s because I want to share more than just what I’ve experienced – I want to convey what I’ve come to know and feel so you may feel it too. I write about trying new things because I’m learning to embrace failure. I write about generosity because I’ve wrestled with selfishness. I share joy because I’ve known sorrow. I speak of faith because I have come close to losing it and understand what it feels like to be broken. And I write about gratitude because I am deeply, truly thankful – for all of it.
I hope this holiday season brings you peace, joy, and the same well-deserved break I will be taking! May 2025 be a year of more new adventures, growth, and hopefully a little less chaos (fingers crossed)!
Wishing you and yours a Cheerful, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!
