2010 was the most amazing, fun-filled, rewarding year I’ve ever seen. The things I got to see and experience were absolutely, incredibly fantastic. As it was coming to an end, I thought I was pretty well prepared for a disappointing 2011. Now that it’s almost over, as I look back, I wish I’d been able to write myself a letter to warn myself of some of the strange events that would take place… because, as it turns out, this girl was not prepared at all for what was in store. Here is what my letter to myself would’ve looked like.
Dear Taylor Jane:
Wow, what a year it’s going to be for you. Before you get too excited about it, let me tell you a few things to look out for. You should probably take my advice.
Remember that really good looking guy you kissed on New Year’s Eve? Yeah, the one in the pictures….really nice guy, right? Wrong. In a couple of weeks, he’s going to ask you if he can move into your home with you. DO NOT LET HIM. It will be fun at first, but after
a few months, you will want to pull your hair out – you will become an unwilling babysitter, and sponsor. Self-destructive “adults” are not good to have in your sweet little cozy home. Tell him no. Politely. Then delete his phone number. Speaking of your home, even though you think you need it, cable really isn’t worth the money. Go to your friend’s house if you want to watch the Kardashians. But buy a convertor box. 4, 5 and 9 are just fine.
In February, don’t take a date to that really important event you’ll be going to in Tulsa. It will not matter if you don’t have a date. Nobody will care! When March comes around, make sure that you are ready for an incredible trip to NYC. 
One so incredible, it will not be your last this year. Take the time to tour Central Park on a pedicab. You’ll make friends with the driver…and he’ll be a forever vacation friend! Also, take your own photos…Nicole is not very speedy when it comes to sending them to you!
At the end of March, when a certain someone decides to take a sabbatical from your friendship, you don’t need to delete every form of communication you have with them. They’ll be back….and better than ever. Just be patient. You need to focus on yourself for the time being because you are about to get the worst news of your life. You may want to sit down when you get the phone call. You’re going to hyperventilate. Know that your friends will be there to pick you back up and just try to shake it off. Start faking your smile now, because it won’t be real for a while. Don’t bother trying to piece together all of the lies that came to this….consider yourself lucky and move on. You’re going to spend most of April and May in a fog…but I promise it will get better.
Don’t bleach your hair all at once. It will indeed fall out. And be orange for a while. Not a good look for you. Stay brunette, you’re just going to dye it again anyway, if you go blonde.
In June, you’re going to go to Vegas with Star for her birthday. Go to the Palms – it may be a bit out of the way, but go. When you meet the Navy SEALS, don’t get distracted. You may leave $100 in the poker machine. FOCUS. When people tell you that they used to play in the NFL, don’t believe them…and don’t let them have access to your camera. You’ll notice some pretty gross pictures a few months after you get back. Just keep your camera to yourself. MOST IMPORTANTLY: make sure that you and Star both have ways to charge your phone…for the love of God…charge your cell phone. And you may think that you need to go to the Aria to lay out but you don’t. Stay somewhere closer to your hotel. You’ll have just as much fun…and probably won’t spend $52 on a sandwich. Just sayin’.
You’ll spend the rest of June and some of July feeling pretty bad about the way Vegas turned out….but it’ll get better. Just remember a phone charger next time.
Remember the Navy SEALS I said you’ll meet in Vegas? You’re going to be invited to D.C. at the beginning of August to see one of them. The adventure sounds pretty incredible and you’ll be tempted to do it…if you do, don’t google him. Just don’t. It’ll ruin it. Remember, people are fun in Vegas….probably more fun than they are in their real lives. And if you do go, go in the evening…or else you’ll be stranded in D.C. by yourself ALL. DAY. In the dead of summer. Definitely don’t go at 5 in the morning. You’ll be sorry. Plus, walking through Manhattan trying to get to the train station with huge suitcases isn’t that much fun. I don’t care how much you’ve been drinking.
Don’t miss your friend’s 30th birthday….she’s only going to turn thirty once. If you absolutely have to miss it…don’t wait until October to talk to her about it. Call her the next day and apologize.
At the end of July, you’ll go back to NYC. Get ready. Even though you’re hesitant, rent that apartment that Nicole found. It’ll turn out to be the best decision. By the way, the guy that rents it lives there….but he’s amazing. You’ll love him. And he may teach you how to not dance like a white girl. I told you about that pedicab driver right? Yep, little does he know but he can’t get rid of you and Nicole! He’ll be there to take care of you and will get you some pretty fabulous things in Chinatown. Hug his neck. He’s a keeper. Go see everyone else you met last time you were there too. They’ll be so happy to see you. OH! Don’t take Tylenol while you’re there….it’s Tylenol PM. You’ll miss a few hours of your trip while you’re there if you do. No bueno. Again, take your own photos…Nicole is NOT SPEEDY about getting them to you.
It’s going to be pretty rough when you get back from NYC. And it’s going to be HOT. 
I forgot to tell you that your air conditioner is going to be broken all summer long. AND surprise! It’s going to be hotter than Haiti in Oklahoma this summer….especially when you get back from NYC. No chance of relief. It will get up to almost 100 degrees INSIDE your house. Break your lease before the summer starts if you can. Your landlord won’t care about fixing the air con…so it’s probably best to cut ties before it gets too hot. There will be a really cute house in the Village for rent at the end of the summer.
Don’t try to make your friends wear hats for your birthday. You’ll be the only one that will think it’s funny…wear one if you want, but don’t make them.
OU/Texas will be successful…and I’m not just talking about the football game. This will be the best decision you’ll make all year. Take more pictures…even if people say no. You’ll wish you had if you don’t.
You’re going to run into “him” on Halloween….and his baby mama….be polite. It’s ok if you feel sorry for her that she’s now tied to him for life, but she doesn’t need to know that you’re laughing on the inside. Mostly at her. Never with her. Be the bigger person. He may not notice, but you’ll sleep better. Go through the reminders on your phone….on November 7th it’ll tell you that it’s someone’s birthday. You don’t want to see it. You already know what day it is, no need to have it in your iPhone anymore. Delete..
Your whole family will be together once again on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, just like the old days….Mammy would be so happy. Tell Melanie and Mark that their beach vacation can wait.
When you hear that Bon Jovi has died….don’t believe it. He’s really in Jersey…
Splurge on Christmas gifts. You are, after all, the happiest when you give gifts to those you love. Making them smile will do wonders for your soul.
Don’t fret about New Year’s Eve….it’ll all work out…and you’re going to spend it with the people that matter and love you the most.
Goodbye for now,
Taylor Jane
That’s it 2011, I want to break up. I’m over you. Done-zo. Buh-Bye.
So, to sum it all up, this has, by far, been the strangest year of my 29 – and by strangest, I mean worst. I’m so happy I don’t ever have to live in 2011 again. If time travel is ever perfected, I will most definitely NOT set my Delorian to 2011…unless it’s midnight on New Year’s Eve – which is a stretch – but that night was SUPER fun and I woke up in a Ninja Turtles t-shirt and stole a car…I’d like to do that night over again.
2010 was such an incredible experience that I knew 2011 could never even try to compete. It didn’t even make it off the bench. I have never been so happy to see a year end. 2012 surely cannot be any worse than 2011.
I’m elated about the New Year. I’m looking forward to making and not keeping my resolutions. I’m looking forward to a fresh start. I’m looking forward to being happy like I was in 2010…not like I’ve been in 2011.
Now, there have definitely been some major high points of 2011, don’t get me wrong – but 2010 was one right after another. There was not one single thing I can think of in 2010 that didn’t make me happy. 2011 on the other hand, I can probably count on two hands the number of things that I enjoyed…which, I know….is more than some people can say, I get that…but….
As far as I’m concerned, 2011 can shove it. I can’t wait to meet you, 2012. All 355 days of you. (Yes, I know that there are normally 365 days in a year, but 2012 is going to be a bit different, in case you haven’t heard.)
Let’s recap and see if I am right about counting the great moments on two hands.
Best of 2011, aka the. worst. year. ever.
New York in March – met some amazing people…saw Bon Jovi at Madison Square Garden. Yep.
Went to Vegas with my amazing best friend…don’t remember the trip, so I’m assuming it was a good time.
Went back to New York in July and had an amazing girls trip….and got to see a long lost friend that lives halfway around the world. I love her. 
Got to know someone I never thought I’d see again….that’s been a pretty wonderful part of the entire year…
OU/TEXAS was a weekend I’ll never forget…and that I’ll always wish was a longer weekend.
Thanksgiving was the first since 2004 that my extended family has been together in one room. That was the most special thing I’ve seen in a long time. Our grandparents would be so happy.Six. That’s only SIX things. SIX. See? I hate you 2011. I want to break up…forever…lose my number.
Cheers to you and yours….I wish you the happiest of whatever holiday it is that you celebrate…and I wish for you nothing but incredibly amazing memories in 2012.
Love!
xxoo
TJ
*I stole STAR’S car….not like grand theft auto….she’s my best friend….I’m allowed to steal her vehicle if I need it – no questions asked.
Longest and last post of 2011. Here’s to a much happier 2012.
we were supposed to be in school ourselves…in Edmond! We definitely preferred the road trips! I’m pretty sure I may have just busted us but guess what Mom and Dad? Ha! We skipped school. Kids….go to school. Don’t skip. 
