At the end of last year, I wrote a "Realistic Lightly Unhinged Wish List" for 2026.


It wasn't a resolutionary list.

It wasn't a vision board.

It was more like a polite, slightly aggressive suggestion to the universe.


And listen.

The universe apparently read it.


Because we are out here CHECKING THINGS OFF.


One quick weekend at Disney World in April? Booked.

A summer family trip to Disneyland? Also booked. This was a bonus.

And here's the best part: I'm actually excited in a calm way. Not "spreadsheet color-coded 72-tab planning" excited. Just joyful.


Which is growth.


Paris is no longer a joke.

Paris was supposed to be my slightly delusional entry. The "wouldn't it be funny if..." item.

Well.

Late summer plans are in the works.

As in actual conversations. Real logistics. Possibly real croissants. And yes, I am practicing my French and baking baguette in preparation. Practice makes perfect, right?






The Anemia Plot Twist

I have been anemic forever. Most of my adult life.

Last week?

For the first time in years... I'm not.

I looked at those numbers with a feeling of complete awe. My nails are stronger, my hair is healthier, and I am no longer barely getting through the day.

I didn't do anything extraordinary. Just going to appointments. Taking vitamins and supplements religiously. Listening to my body. Not quitting.

Did stress play a part in this? Probably. But noticing those stressors and eliminating them for the most part has helped in more ways than one.

Sometimes the miracle is just consistency.



One of my goals was to stop hesitating.

So, I entered an art show.

No over thinking. No dramatic internal monologue. Just submit and breathe.

Whether I get in, place, or simply show up doesn't matter as much as this: I took the initiative to put my work out there.

That counts.


The dogs ring bells. BELLS.

Winnie and Colby are 99% house trained.

They ring bells to go outside.

If you've ever cleaned up "character building experiences" from a puppy, you understand the magnitude of this achievement.

Cue the applause. This was no easy feat.






And then there's the weight loss chapter (but make it healthy).

Weight loss is slow.

But I'm working with a dietician.

I've logged my meals consistently for over two weeks and if you know me, this is unheard of.

I've started running again. My hip pain is virtually non-existent.

And I'm being kinder to myself about the pace.


After losing 100 pounds and keeping it off, I know what extreme looks like.

This time, I want sustainable.


Slow is not failure. Slow is maintenance with dignity.


Now, the hospital goal... not so much.

One of my wishes was zero hospital visits for my mom.

We did not hit that goal.

Life had other ideas.

But here's what I'm learning:

The goal isn't controlling the outcomes.

The goal is showing up with strength when the outcomes aren't what we hoped.


We keep loving. We keep advocating. We keep going.


Finally, the honest part.

I still need to:

  • Make more time for myself
  • Bake pies just because
  • See my friends more


It turns out you can plan international travel and still forget to sit down quietly with coffee.

Growth area noted.


I wrote that wish list half joking.

But here's what I'm realizing:

Writing things down matters.

Saying things out loud with certainty matters.

Not because the universe is a vending machine. But because clarity changes behavior.


When you know what you want, you start making tiny moves toward it.


Book the weekend.

Schedule the appointment.

Submit the art.

Buy the pie crust.

Suddenly that "lightly unhinged" list becomes...progress.


If the rest of 2026 continues like this, I will:

Have make my three- castle goal, healthier, stronger, and happier, passport in hand.

And honestly?

That feels pretty magical.


Now, I think my next manifestation will be winning the lottery.