Don't Stop Believing

I don't know if I should admit this, but I've spent more than a little time thinking about what the theme song of my reality TV show would be. Not that I have one. Not that anyone would watch if I did. But what if I was actually someone cool? Someone worthy of my own show? What song would they play over the opening montage of my sheer awesomeness?

I think everyone should have a theme song, whether you're cool enough to have your own TV show, or just living your normal, everyday life. There should be one song that encompasses who you are, what you believe, and how you feel about life. Or even more than one. To be completely honest, I've actually got several. My reality show theme song, my outlook on life theme song, and even my own baking theme song. Yeah. I have a baking theme song. Unlike my other theme songs, I didn't spend time carefully picking it out. My baking theme song picked me.


It all started back at the first Cupcake Camp. Boyfriend and I arrived early, so we were waiting in the car, listening to the radio until it was time to set up. I was worried about my entry into the Bacon category. Bacon in a cupcake? This could be utterly disastrous. But fate stepped in to reassure me. "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey came on the radio. Boyfriend started singing along, changing the words to "Don't Stop Bacon," which made me laugh and relax a bit. We went in to set up, and a few short hours later, I was the proud champion of the Best in Bacon category! Boyfriend claimed it was the song. I wasn't so sure.

Fast forward a few months. I'm with Boyfriend on my way back from dropping off my very first entries into The Ohio State Fair. How did I ever think I could compete with these people that enter into every category, every year? I didn't stand a chance! And then I hear the familiar intro play on the radio. "Don't Stop Believing". Again. And guess what? Both of my entries placed. 1st and 2nd! Maybe it really was the song bringing me good luck!

It was time to test that theory again in October for the 2nd Cupcake Camp. I downloaded the song and played it while I baked. Boyfriend played it on his phone as we drove to the North Market. And guess what! I didn't win. So much for that theory.. But on the way home, we drove by a school, celebrating homecoming weekend in their parking lot with a mini-carnival. And guess what song was playing? That's right. "Don't Stop Believing". I realized at that moment that I had been all wrong. The song wasn't helping me win. It only played when I felt down on myself. When I felt like I wasn't good enough. The song was telling me to believe in myself. To believe in what I'm doing.

I started this blog a year ago. Well, a little over a year ago really, but I put up my first official post a year ago today. I can't believe it's been an entire year already. And I can't believe I've stuck it out. I'm notorious for adopting a new hobby and giving up on it within a week. But I've held on to this one for a whole year! Over the course of that year, with the help of Journey, I've come to realize I can do a lot more than I ever imagined I could. As long as I believe in myself.

I believe that if it sounds totally crazy, it'll probably be pretty good.

I believe that I'm strong enough to tame wild beasts.

I believe that I have the power to change the world. Or at least the weather.

I believe that I don't have to have fancy equipment to take pictures I'm really proud of.

I believe that people will pay money for a cupcake induced sugar coma. More than once.

I believe that even though I'll be completely exhausted by the end, I can finish a marathon. The 12-day baking kind; not the 26.2 mile kind.

I believe that even if things don't turn out the way I want, it's okay to cry a little as long as I get back in the kitchen and give it another shot.

I believe that boxed cake is alright, as long as it's made with love.

I believe I can survive in the woods without getting eaten by a bear. It's the raccoons you have to worry about.

I believe that bacon really does make everything better... Even cupcakes.

So thank you. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by the past year. Thank you to all of you guys who have commented and emailed me. Without you guys, I probably would have dropped this whole idea after a week. Thank you to Boyfriend and all my coworkers for eating all my projects so that I don't have to. Hopefully by this time next year, you'll have eaten a lot more of them! Here's to making this year even better! :)