Merci, 2012

2012 was a roller-coaster year for me but I consider it as the best I’ve had so far. It had a lot of ups and downs, setbacks and adjustments like a girl on PMS! I had moments where I had no idea at all and memories that painted the bigger picture a little clearer. All in all, I love this year and though it’s a little cheesy as I bid farewell to my dear 2012, I’m kinda psyched for 2013.

I remember my New Year’s resolution because I only had one. By the way, it’s the only resolution in my life that I’ve managed to accomplish- which was to say “YES” as much as possible. That’s it. One simple word, three simple letters. And it did a huge impact in my life. It still is an ongoing resolution for 2013 as well since I had so much fun doing it. So as a toast to 2012, here are some life lessons and realizations the year has taught me.

• If it’s beef and it’s cheap, it’s gonna be crap.

• Talk to strangers. It’s not harmful. And unlike friends, it’s easier to leave them if they creep you out.

• Drink by the pool in your bikini. It teaches you about self confidence once you’re drunk.

• Give a cocky teenage boy a half glass of whiskey and tell him to take a shot. He’s going to take it all up, thinking it’s impressive. Ha! The fun starts afterwards.

• Smile and nod. Use wisely. Works every time.

• Laugh. For chrissakes, laugh just because.

• Get lost. Somehow, you’ll find more about yourself along the way.

• Never underestimate the power of long, solitary walks.

• It’s not really a big of a deal as you think it should be.

• If you love lazy outfits e.g.: large shirts, long tank tops, mini dresses that show off your legs, get used to the question: “Are you wearing shorts under that thing?”

• Eat cake. For chrissakes, eat cake just because.

• As you grow older and probably more concerned with the society you belong in, you’ll realize that the hope- in general- within you diminishes. I guess it’s normal but don’t, NEVER, let it die out. 

• Go to the beach once in a while. It gets you back to your senses.

• Travel. Nothing is more fulfilling than getting out there and seeing life from a different perspective. 

• After graduation, you realize what useless piece of dump you are. You don’t even own a frickin’ rice cooker. How the hell will you live independently?

• Sometimes, the best decision is to just go with it.

• Never hold yourself back if there’s something worthy of being marveled at. Express it the best way you can, you don’t see something that amazing every day.

• Buy a really good pair of expensive shoes that you know will last for a long time and will never go out of style. Then waste money on cutesy, cheap ones. This only applies to girls. ;)

• It’s not a pool party if you’re NOT in the pool and drunk, right?

• Check yourself in the mirror sometimes and look beyond. Do more than checking if your mascara is messed up.

• Life is really simple. All you gotta do is keep the ones that matter and let go of the things that don’t. It’s only messed up because we do it the other way around.

• Nothing brightens up a day better than watching 2 Broke Girls.

• Pinterest is deceiving and has the ability to lower one’s self esteem. But like the plague, it’s difficult to avoid it.

• Like hot (stereotypical) girls, you don’t take hot (stereotypical) guys seriously. I mean, who does???

• There are just some things that you can’t get over with. NEVER.

• You’d meet somebody of the opposite sex that likes you but not in a relationship-bound kind of way. You’d realize that sometimes, this feels better because you know they appreciate you without the goal of getting in your pants. They simply think you’re cool and it kinda warms your heart. (Not sure about this one though. I mean, guys hey? Get real.)

• The articles at Thought Catalogue are very thought provoking. Be warned and don’t get carried away that easily.

• There are just some days where all you wanna do is go for a DVD marathon, not wear a bra, not comb your hair and not eat normal food the entire day. It’s therapeutic and I recommend it once in a while.

• Three life principles: Nothing is for free. Everything comes and goes. At the end of the day, it’s only ourselves to blame.

• There is no such thing as closure. Goodbyes aren’t enough especially when you’ve lost control of what’s happening at the moment. Closure doesn’t occur even when you’re dead. I guess that’s just life telling us to move on. There are better things ahead anyway.

Happy New Year! May yours be bright and better!