This past year has been a grind. A good grind, but a grind nonetheless. As a TV producer, my life revolves around juggling deadlines, scripts, edits, and the beautiful chaos that brings it all together. It’s a career that demands flexibility—sometimes too much—and I can now confidently say I’ve put in the hours.

There were the late nights. Those never-ending slogs where the glow of a screen really was never-ending. Then the earlier than average early morning starts; manageable but still tough enough to sting, especially the weekend ones. And now? Breakfast (and mid-morning). Not making it, but shaping it. Producing a breakfast shows means my alarm rings at 2:20 a.m.. Pulled into a world that’s quiet and still, except for the hum of the overnight replays as you enter the office.

By the time the rest of the world stirs awake, I’ve gone through rundowns, checked in with guests, and helped craft the stories that start people’s day. It’s intense, rewarding, and a little surreal. There’s limited glamour in those pre-dawn hours, but there’s a raw satisfaction in it—knowing you’re helping set the tone for someone’s morning.

This year’s also brought new opportunities, pushing me to evolve and stretch outside my comfort zone. I’ve taken the leap and stepped in front of the camera, presenting news bulletins—a new and exhilarating territory. It’s a whole different beast; thrilling and humbling all at once. I’m enjoying it, leaning into the challenge, hoping to turn it into something bigger. Growth never happens inside your comfort zone.

And when I’m not in the world of TV?

Well, when I do make it back to my own kitchen, it’s still my sanctuary. I’ve been cooking more—a mix of reliable old favourites and a few of the odd experiments. Have I stuck to my promise and turned it all into online content? No, but that’s okay. Sure, the internet loves curated authenticity, but I’m not quite ready to broadcast my burnt sauces or fallen soufflés. Maybe someday. For now, I’m content with cooking for me, for friends, and for the joy of it.

Then there’s the travel. It’s been a mix: some return trips to places I know and love, others to entirely new destinations. I’ve traveled with new friends, old friends, and family—each group adding its own layer of chaos and charm to the journey. Travel offers a humbling reminder that no matter how old you get, family holidays will always throw some amusing and unexpected challenges your way. But whatever these are, they are all little ingredients and spices that make the recipe work.

So, yes —it’s been a while. A busy, chaotic, challenging, delicious, transformative while. Life, like a good meal, keeps surprising me. And here is *another* pledge from me to keep these write ups more frequent and possibly less self absorbed than this one.