Looking back at my highs and lows of 2023

Well, here I am, standing at the doorstep of the new year, ready to dive into the highs and lows that 2023 tossed my way. It’s been one heck of a rollercoaster ride, let me tell you. Kicked off the year with a bunch of job applications that, surprise, resulted in rejections and radio silence. That stuff really took a toll on my mental well-being, and there were moments when I just needed to detach and regroup. But hey, I’m all about keeping the chin up – wallowing in self-pity is so last year. I used to be quite the vocal complainer about my misfortunes, but I’ve learned that there are way worse things out there. Sure, I still have my whining moments, but I’ve become more self-aware. When the going gets tough, I just distance myself a bit from the chaos, you know, get centered and recharge the old battery. It’s totally okay.

So, a few months back, I mustered up the courage to shoot out some more job applications. Guess what? Same old story – rejection, rejection, rejection.

On the personal front, there was a bit of heartache earlier this year. Not gonna spill all the details, but let’s just say it was an experience I hadn’t dealt with in eons. Unpleasant is an understatement. But you know what? I’ve accepted it. Sure, there are some lingering feelings tucked away in the depths of my heart, but life goes on, and I’m dealing with it like a champ.

Oh, did I mention I hit the big 43 this year? Another year older, wiser, and all that jazz. Let’s just leave it at that.

Now, the real kicker this year was saying goodbye to some heavyweights. Two losses hit me right in the feels. First up, the queen herself, Tina Turner. I practically grew up with her music blaring through the speakers thanks to my dad’s fanboy status. Lucky me, I got to experience two of her concerts back in the ’90s – memories for the ages.

Then there’s the legend Matthew Perry. I was just a teen when “Friends” burst onto the scene, and Chandler Bing, played by Perry, became my spirit animal. His humor and wit basically shaped my personality. So, when he left us this year, it was like saying farewell to an old friend. Life’s a journey, and these losses are just pit stops, right?

Now, let’s dive into the juicy bits that made 2023 stand out!

First things first, massive shoutout to all my Twitch viewers! I’ve got this sweet little community going on, and even though it might not be the biggest gang on the block, it’s seriously the coolest. I’m talking about you, yes, YOU! Huge thanks for sticking around, tuning in, and supporting my antics. I know I’m not everyone’s go-to flavor; I’m like that quirky snack you either love or pass on. But to those who keep coming back, you’re my VIPs. Seriously, every single one of you is appreciated. Can’t wait to keep the silliness and laughter rolling into the new year with more epic streams!

In September, I decided it was high time for a vacation. And by “vacation,” I mean crossing the pond and venturing outside of Europe for the first time in over a decade. I hit up the good ol’ U.S. of A. for a ten-day adventure, and the highlight? Finally meeting my Twitch bestie, George, in person! We became friends through the magical world of Twitch and Discord back in 2020 and have been chatting every single day since. We decided it was time to take our friendship from the virtual realm to the real world. And let me tell you, it was the best decision ever. We had an absolute blast, and now I’m stuck with this longing to hang out again. Fingers crossed for a round two in 2024!

Now, brace yourselves for the ultimate highlight – catching my ultimate idol, Madonna, live in action again. The last time I witnessed her magic on stage was back in 2015. Fast forward to January of this year, and the Celebration Tour announcement shook the fanbase. Lucky for me, Amsterdam made it onto the tour list. I wasted no time snagging a VIP Early Access ticket, and let me tell you, waiting eleven months was worth every second. The show was mind-blowing, and being up close to the queen herself felt like a dream. This marked my eleventh Madonna concert, and each one has left me with memories that’ll stick around forever.

All in all, 2023, you’ve been a wild ride, and I’m grateful for every bit of it. Here’s hoping the new year is just as fantastic, if not more. We’ve got the power to shape our own destiny, right? Wishing all of you an epic and prosperous new year. May your dreams and wishes come true. Stay healthy, take care of yourself, and always remember to be your awesome self and show some love to, well, yourself. Catch you all on the flip side in the new year!