At the beginning of 2023, as I often do, I came up with a list of the top five things I was looking forward to in the coming year. And all of those things came to pass, and they were all as enjoyable as I had hoped they would be. But some of the most exciting things that happened to me in 2023 were not things I could have planned for; things I didn’t anticipate; even things I never would have dreamed would have been possible (four, not five this time)!

• Disneyland–The idea of a trip to Disneyland to celebrate Turkey’s and Bunny’s graduation from SWIC began as a wild hair, but Ryan had a whole bunch of frequent flyer miles saved up, so it became a reality. I’ve never been so far west (and never really expected to!), and it had been over two decades since I had last flown, so it was definitely an adventure, and now is one of my favorite memories!
• Today in St. Louis-When Rene Knott from KSDK contacted me near the beginning of the year, asking if he could do a story about me and my fashion, I was floored…and terrified. And then life kind of got in the way, and I just assumed it wouldn’t be happening. But things aligned this fall, and he did indeed come to our house and interviewed me, and it was actually broadcast! I never would have dreamed that something like that could happen to me!
• A Free Dress and Hat–I enter a lot of Instagram giveaways sponsored by my famous brands, with little expectation of winning anything. But this fall, I actually won a dress (and matching hat!), from Miss Candyfloss, and it was pretty much the best day ever, especially since it was a dress I was interested in and couldn’t afford!
• Be Our Guest–Over the summer, inspired by the Be Our Guest 4 The Day segment on SiriusXM Radio, I came up with a list of my top four(ish) favorite Disney songs. I didn’t just post them on my website, though…I also submitted them to SiriusXM to be considered for hosting the segment myself. Early in December, they contacted me asking me to record a whole bunch of spots, and while I haven’t heard it on the radio (yet), I did submit my responses, and one of these days, I just might drive off the road when I hear the sound of my own voice coming through the speakers!

So this year, I’m not going to make a list of the things I’m looking forward to (although there are plenty, with Moose’s high school graduation, the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the 50th anniversary of St. Charles Christmas Traditions topping the list!). Instead, I’m going to let 2024 surprise me, and next year, I’ll look back and see what the top moments really were!