Live & (if we're lucky) Learn

(Disclaimer: This post is about to be three different posts in one, so prepare yourself because it's about to get long-winded up in here.)



Break Down:


A. The sappy melodramatic reflection of 2011.
B. Top 5 things I learned in 2011.
C. Moving forward: 2012.

(You probably think I'm kidding right now; unfortunately, I'm not.)

One of over 20 cake deliveries I had this summer,

on top of summer classes,

on top of two jobs.

It's January 2nd, and here in West Michigan we're getting our first real snow fall of the winter season. Just in time for the Holidays to be over? And for any of you who are familiar with Michigan winters, which we're just going to assume most of you are because, let's be real, who else would read this but my close friends and family, it's insane to think we've made it this far into the cooler months, and are just now getting a real snow fall.
Now, while the unexplainable warm weather (GLOBAL WARMING, PEOPLE!) and the sudden fall of snow have done a good job of blowing up my News Feed, none of this seemed to be able to top the dismay people were expressing concerning 2011, via their Facebook statuses!

I know what you're thinking: "Oh my gosh, people had such an awesome year that they were so sad to see it go!"

One of my favorites returned home!
His homecoming:
Definitely one of my favorite 2011 moments.

Okay, false! That's not what any of you were thinking! The big ol' 2011 sucked to say the least, and everyone on my News Feed seemed to agree. And while we should all probably turn back time and run from the inevitable apocalypse about to consume our very world, we welcome 2012, and any horrific events it may bring with open arms! I mean, how much worse could things get, right?

Again, I know what you're thinking: "Umm... End of the world??? Duh!"

Well, wrong again folks because the end of the world would only result in everyone ideally moving on to a better place, where bigger and better things are happening. So on that note, bring it on global warming, Aztec calendar, the rise of the Tea Party to power, or whatever other monstrous, disastrous event is going to bring our demise, we're ready.

Okay, so now that we established that we're ready for this whole thing to go tragically downhill, let's really reflect on what made 2011 so bad.

Let's take a moment for a reality check: obviously, 2011 wasn't THAT awful. I mean, I'm here, right? Alive and well. But 2011 certainly brought on quite a few trials and tribulations, as well as what I'm sure God intended to be learning experiences, but I'm not quite sure how well the lessons stuck.

Two of the three best things I gained from 2011.
The third? Our mutual workplace.

On the Eve of 2012 I sat down with the two best things 2011 had going for itself, two of my best friends. (I told them this, and I'm pretty sure they thought I was exaggerating, but I swear, these two girls are what kept me smiling through the rough stuff this year.) And we reflected on all the ups, and mostly downs, of the year.

Earlier this year, I had to leave behind a job that I cared about, dearly. And it really upset me, to say the least. The business is no longer there, and it's vacant place in our Downtown has been filled in by an absolutely wonderful little shop. But still, on rainy days, when driving home from class, I always think about cutting through Downtown and getting a dark chocolate scone from the bakery. And while working the past couple of Holiday seasons at the bakery was rather stressful and didn't allow much time for me to spend with the family during the Holidays, not working at the bakery this Holiday season sort of prevented it from feeling like the Holidays, so needless to say, I definitely baked my little heart out at home.

I had some medical complications, which while I am EXTREMELY fortunate and blessed to have had such a positive outcome, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that these medical complications certainly complicated various things in my life, including finances, work, school, and relationships with family members.

A group of some of my favorite people,
people from Antioch.
Don't get to see them nearly as much as I'd like to,
but I'll always hold these friendships close.

Last but not least, I was naive.
("No shit...")
Okay, I heard that.
Yeah yeah, I know, Miss Cupcakes and Fairytales, naive?
Never!
Well, all sarcasm and snide remarks aside: I was naive.
Which was something I have never considered myself to be, until this past March.
I always considered myself to be a realist. I never assumed people were honest and trustworthy. But I always knew people had the potential to be.
Everyone does.
You, me, and your neighbor, Jim Bob, or whatever his name is...
Everyone has the ability to be honest and trustworthy, it's just a matter of whether or not you choose to be.

But people are scared of being honest, and that's okay.
But it's not okay to run from fear.
There are very few things in the world that make me lose respect for someone, and that's definitely at the top of the list.

The last Harry Potter movie.
I'd be lying if I told you I was anything less than devastated about this.
But thanks for the memories.

People are quick to blame a lack of honesty on protecting other people's feelings, when really it's a load of bull.
Because you're just delaying the inevitable.
And increasing the pain factor by ten.
People have this huge fear of coming across as selfish, so we lie to hide our selfish intentions, but this in turn is the most selfish thing we can do.
A selfish jackass is a selfish jackass.
So be the honest one?
Or be the one that buys himself time by lying?


What in the world does this have to do with 2011?
Well, heartbreak and life experience; so just listen up, and deal!



It's okay to tell someone you don't like them.
I don't promise you that they won't try and change your mind!
But that's on them, not you.

It's okay to tell people what you want.
No matter how selfish it seems!
Odds are they have wants just as selfish as yours.
Most of us just don't like to admit them.

And it's okay to not be perfect.
Just try to be perfectly honest.
With everyone else.
And yourself.

(End section A.)

Tons of time spent in Chicago this year.
Tons of time spent with cupcakes.

I know, you're like, "Oh hell no... That was only A!?"
But don't worry the next ones will fly by!

Real fast: What I've Learned (2011 Style)
(Inspired by a Creative Writing assignment)
((Inspired by Esquire magazine))


I love decorating cakes, but that's not what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Learning about each other's differences is great, having something in common makes you feel at home.
If a beer is ever available for one dollar, it's only worth it when it costs one dollar! Get classy.
People are deceiving; give them the benefit of the doubt anyway.
Your heart is the only thing you can break inevitably. So go for it.



On to that cheesy, overly optimistic, fresh start spirit.
It's 2012, people!
So if you haven't taken the time already to prepare for it, do so!
Leave behind all your baggage, clutter, and drama of 2011!
And look forward to some new... baggage... clutter... and drama???

I mean, sure, why not!?

It happens.

Stratford, Canada
Definitely one of those finding love in unexpected places moments.
Especially when the place is what you fall unexpectedly in love with.

And it's all temporary.
And you'll get through, I promise.

Oh, and number six.
You don't only fall in love with people; you fall in love with people, places, and things. Explore.

If you were a good enough person, or dedicated enough friend to read this entire rant, you should probably let me know!
Because you may be rewarded with
cupcakes (and kisses),

Paula-Marie

Love you guys, thanks.

2012

read the Bible.visit Stratford.live in Chicago.visit another continent.attend a different school.go skydiving.get my tattoo.learn a new trade.brew a beer.go to church.save money.spend money.write.change someone's world.teach.allow my world to change.fall in love with something new.live day-by-day.