Turkey Day List #2

Quick lil note: I am the worst at turning things in on time, even things like this. So bear with me pls. Pretend I posted this a whole month ago, cool thanks.

You know how this goes.

Mami & Papi: Change is inevitable. We are always growing, always learning, always evolving. It is not easy. I am proud of you. I love you both. With every fiber of my being. Please don't give up on yourselves. You have so much more to do. It is so close! You are so close! Sí se puede!

Yan Diego: I heckin worry about you sometimes, you piece of shit. Thanks for not being an asshole to me 100% of the time and also I think you're super talented and amazing and I brag about you every chance I get oops.

Javi: Dude you need to stop growing, it's kinda gross. Also please move to this side of the planet. We miss you so much it hurts sometimes.

Natasha: Life works in mysterious ways and even though the leadup kinda sucked ass, I'm glad the universe brought you to live with us. It's been such a blessing having you around and I don't think we could have gotten through the past six months without you <3

Suki: Mi amor bella y preciosa! No te apures, que ya ahorita llegamos a verte!

Nutella: Sigue haciendo tu cosa, nena.

Cinnamon: I hope you are enjoying your many naps on Grandma's lap, sweet girl.

Phoenix Emilio Salem Cruz: Natasha knew immediately that she was gonna take you home. How could she not? You fluffy black ball of fur, you. You've turned her into the wackiest cat mom out there, good job ;)

Sansa Scout Westley Wilson: You crazy, possessed demon, how I love you. I can't wait to get back to Vermont so I can force you to love me (even though you already do <3)

Abuelo & Bianelly: Son mis ídolos y le pido a Dios que puedan mudarse a la Florida seguramente.

Abuela: Sé que no siempre te entiendo pero mi mayor deseo es que jamás dudes cuanto te amo. Eres tan amada. Más que crees.

Grandma & Grandpa: I miss you guys so much and am super ready to see you guys at YD's graduation. It's been too long.

The Wilson-Fishers: Ditto.

Tío John & Gaby: You guys inspire me every day.

Joel, Melissa, Luis, & Noah: I'm so happy you guys are in my life, you don't even know. We have to make up for lost time but that shouldn't take us long :) I love you ALL to infinity and beyond!!!

Pri & Ana: My oldest friends. Las quiero more than you'll ever know.

Newsies Yamily: You pulled me out of the void when I needed it most. I Never Planned on No One Like You.

CJ & Nat: You two are the best thing that ever came from Newsies. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life <3

My grown-up babes, Lauryn, Kelila, Soren, Riley, Megan, Jay, Emma, & Julia, and my even older babes, Amanda, Caellum, Fonts, Mike, Claire, Thom, Sophia, Brandt, Tiernan, & Maeve: Everything I am today is because of every single one of you. I am so proud of and so thankful to each of you. I love you I love you I love you.

Jessica: You lunatic. I am SO lucky Vassar decided to pair me with you. I can't imagine myself with any other roommate. You make living with another person so easy (seeing as we're basically the same person in all the horrible ways) and coming home to you at the end of the day makes my heart happy <3 Here's to another semester of corndog eating and wine sipping and cliche movie bashing.

Charlotte & Leila: I'M SO GLAD WE'RE HALL NEIGHBORS LIKE I'M VERY HAPPY YOUR ROOM IS TWO FEET AWAY FROM OURS AND THAT WE CAN GO ON FUN MIDNIGHT ADVENTURES TOGETHER WE MUST DO THAT MORE OFTEN KAY THANKS LOVE YOU

Miles, Garret, Robin, & Sarah: I couldn't ask for a sweeter group of hallmates. You guys have my back, always.

Gabby: MOMMMMMM you are truly the best mom and I am convinced we are the best fellow group. Case closed.

Chloe: Hey thanks for being the coolest drama mentor EVER ;) I'm amazed at how you and I are so alike and how it's taken us this long to notice. I appreciate every moment I have with you, babe.

Linnea: You're a nut and I love you way more than eleven goat. More like eleven alpaca, cuz I feel like alpacas could kick a goat's ass.

The other Beats Suite members, Martin, Juliana, Ranza, Graham (& Jack): Thanks for letting me invade your space and for letting me love you unconditionally even though you sometimes have entire conversations with sounds and not real words and it makes me want to rip my head off :)

The Martins: Thanks for adopting me and for babysitting Saoirse and Soraya for me while I'm away <3

Evan: 'Sup loser. Thanks for picking me up from dates I don't want to be at and for bringing me food and watching drug-related shows with me and for not getting killed in Jiu-Jitsu.

Tessa: My dearest Tessa, you absolute goofball, I am so happy to know you and to be in your life. I look forward to so many more late-night chats and Saturday brunches. We'll have a grand old time.

Madison: Oh dear god, I couldn't be happier to know we're in Owls together at the same time in this universe. I couldn't bear missing a single one of your snarky remarks or witty banter. Keep unpacking, the world needs more of that.

Emma: Owls couldn't have ended up with a better pitch. You lead with such compassion and hard work and care. You help us all create seriously beautiful music and still manage to keep us laughing. We are all thankful for you, babe.

Sam: My darling Sammy, no one in this entire world has a heart bigger than yours. Whether you know it or not, you've brightened so many lives with your smile and your dino and your kind words. Please don't ever leave my life; I'd be lost without you.

Sabrina: Thank you for living your best, powerful life every second of every day. I have no doubt in my mind that you would do anything for any of your fellow owls—your loyalty is truly admirable. You are the living definition of Big Dick Energy. Also please connect me to the gay world I'm so scared kay thanks <3

Ariana: You are quite frankly (and I do not say this lightly) the FUNNIEST person I have ever met. Whether you mean to or not, your timing is always impeccable and I've had to stop myself from peeing at your jokes on several occasions. Also, you are so sweet and the Peace Corps are SO lucky to have you.

Maisha: First off, goddess. Second of all, marry me. Thirdly, you are truly one of the kindest, most genuine humans I have ever had the privilege of meeting. That, and you've got a voice of pure velvet. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Elena: You absolute ray of sunshine! How I've missed you! I am beyond thrilled to have you back next semester because that means we'll all get to experience your radiant aura and the joy it brings.

Helen: I am so proud of you. Truly, you've been through some shit and yet you continue to wake up each morning and absolutely glow. Can't wait to have you back in the nest :)

Alexa: Hey lovely! I know we haven't spent much time together yet but I am SO excited to get to know you better and sing sweet, sweet music with you!

Gracie: I aspire to one day be as carefree, self-assured and talented as you are. Thanks for being a goof and 100% yourself at all times. It does not go unappreciated.

Alexandra: Hi hello I'm quite convinced you are an ethereal being not remotely from this world and you're posing as a down to earth, incredibly kind, witty human with the voice of a folky forest nymph. PS: You were the greatest Secret Snowflake ever! ILY <3

Delila: Laugh all you want but I've always been in awe of how poised and graceful and effortlessly cool you seem in every single situation. Also, ohmygod you're so weird.

Cameron: If Stevie Nicks ever had a daughter, she'd be you. You absolutely blow me away.

Eloise: You wild Aussie, you. I'm so hyped I get to spend the next four years singing with you, love!

Derek: Another year with you as my friend :)

Luke, Kota, Ben & Jared: I've learned so much from you.

Paul O'Connor: I'm in love with you, didn't you know? But also, I'm sure your girlfriend is delightful so don't mind me.

Greta Thunberg: You are so powerful. Thank you for being the voice many others don't have.

Zendaya: We've been here before. Hi, I'm your future wife.

Hunter Schafer: My newest, queerest obsession. Everything about you. I love you so much.

Eva Noblezada: No one has ever drawn me in so quickly.

Lauren, Maria, Emma, TingTing, Darya, Gibi, Sarah, Grace, Mads, Erin, Chiara, Abby, Bekah, Jojo, & Caroline: My sweet angels of sleep, how I love you.

The Weinreichs: The things you've done for my family I could never repay.

Madrina: I could not afford my school books otherwise. I miss you all so very much.

Barbara: Thank you for keeping my head intact.

Titi: I see you everywhere. Thank you for not disappearing on me. Te quiero.

I am so blessed.

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

Turkey Day List #2

Onto the much more extensive part of things I'm grateful for: the magnificent people in my life. I promise I tried to keep it short and sweet, but I mean hey, here you go.

Mami: You have always been my #1 fan. You've sacrificed so much just to make us happy and you work so, so incredibly hard. You've redefined the word "woman" for me and taught me that I am just as good as anyone else. You taught me humility and pride; love and caution; fun and responsibility. You may be an inch shorter than me but you sure as heck are the most badass person I know. Te quiero de aquí hasta la luna <3

Papi: Where do I even begin? You just get me. You get me more than anyone else on this planet. We share the same spirit and that allows us to bond over music and theatre and writing and art and poetry and feelings and experiences and you believe in me more than I believe in myself. You've always been there for hugs and kisses and food and dad jokes and I cannot express how much I miss you already now that we're on opposite hemispheres, but Cambodia will do you good. Please continue too seek the beauty in everything. You're really good at that.

Yan Diego: Goddamn, you are a pain in the ass. And yet I still find myself missing you every day we're apart. You were my first companion and role model (not so much anymore XD) but even though we've both grown, I still look up to you occasionally, believe it or not. Thanks for not letting me travel alone 'cuz you know it freaks me out. Even with all the insults, you still make me laugh more than anyone else I know, so thanks for making me pee myself in public, I guess. Here's to many more years of mischievous rivalry and unconditional support. You're allright.

Javier: I'd never call you this to your face, seeing as you're turning eleven in January, but you're my little munchkin. Sure, you're a pest, as all little brothers are, but you're my pest, and you are most definitely the sweetest one out there. You're gonna break lots of hearts, that's for sure. Please don't ever let anyone tell you who to be, okay, bud? You wanna dance? You dance. You wanna sing? You sing. You wanna be the most kickass, multitalented kid in the world? Go right on ahead. Don't let anyone stop you. I continue to be so proud of you each and every day and I am beyond honored to call you my baby brother.

Suki: You're not actually a person, but you might as well be. I adore you, my little peanut rat. You've got a heart of pure gold. It probably weighs more than the rest of you. Missing you endlessly.

Abuelo: You are my hero <3

The Fam: Y'all are the loudest and touchiest group of people I know. Much love.

Madrina y Padrino: No se imaginan lo duro que sería todo esto sin ustedes. Los quiero un montón.

Pri: Vieja, tu y yo llevamos siglos. Se que casi nunca nos vemos pero tu sabes que te quiero y que te apoyo ahora y siempre <3 Vas a llegar super lejos, de eso estoy segura.

CJS: Goodness, all I can say is you're my best friend. I can't go a minute thinking about you without smiling. I am so, so lucky to have someone like you love someone like me. You put up with all my crazy and don't mind one bit. You make me feel beautiful and giddy and special and exciting and intelligent, even when I don't feel it myself. Thank you for staying up at all hours of the night just to talk to me, and for reminding me to chill when I'm winding myself up, and for going out of your way to make sure you see me at least once a day, and for your hugs and your jokes and for teaching me something new everyday. Thank you for always putting a smile on my face and for being a dork and for making me so so so happy. I love you so much.

Claire: Oh Claire Bear, what can I even say that you don't already know? You're my big sister. You know that and everyone else knows that. We keep each other grounded and we make sure to brighten up the other's day when we can. You've given me a home away from home and have become a part of my ever-growing support network and you have absolutely no idea how much that means to me. Thank you for taking me shopping and jams in the car and buying me food and coming to my shows. Thanks for the lazy Saturdays just chillin' in my bed, tumblring and geeking about Hamilton, among other things. You're honestly the loveliest and anyone who has ever had the pleasure to make your acquaintance should be greatly honored. Also, thank you for eating my candy for me so I don't get fat <3 Greatly appreciated.

Caellum: I am so thankful for this past year; it's allowed us to grow as friends and I honestly could not have managed fall term without your constant support. We get each other on so many levels; there're hardly enough words to express it. You've always been there. You've always been patient with me. You've never pushed me away even when I got annoying as heck. We've been through a lot together, believe it or not. Your puns and hugs and company are enough. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you dearly.

Shelby: YOU ARE MY FAVORITE! Words cannot express how glad I am to have gotten to know you in such a short amount of time. Your daily messages make my day and never cease to make me smile. Thanks for not thinking I'm an old lady for using Pinterest and thank you for sending me a letter all the way from Texas. I cannot wait to finally meet you so we can chill and have lots of fun :) You're always reminding me of this but this time I'm reminding you: please never forget how talented and capable you are. We're allowed to make mistakes. We're allowed to have bad days. It doesn't make us any less brilliant. You're going to change a lot of lives, trust me <3

Gibb: Sitka, you already know how much you mean to me. No use in writing paragraphs about our history ('cuz I've already done that before XD). Instead, I just wanted to say thanks for still picking up the phone regardless of what time it is and for not pushing me away. I love you to infinity and banana.

Maeve: My beautiful, talented, courageous Maeve. You're obviously kicking ass at school (just as I knew you would) and even though we don't necessarily talk as much anymore, I know you're still there if I ever need you. That's how you know who your real friends are—you can go days and weeks and occasionally months without speaking to them, and yet when you pick back up, it's just where you left off, as if no time had passed at all. That's what it feels like with you. Thanks for letting me come to you with awkward, childish questions and for being my mom and for reminding me of what I'm capable of. You're absolutely fantastic. We need to chill sometime.

Max: Oh my dearest Maximiliana, you are the only thing I look forward to at the end of the day. Those five minutes talking to you before housemeeting mean so much more than you know, especially when I'm crumbling with stress. You converted me to the dyed hair cult and I guess there's no turning back now. Thanks for the sass and for letting me bitch to you about people and/or things. Your perpetual badassery is an inspiration to all, let me tell you. Winter term I gotta actually hang out with you, okay? It must be done.

Tom: Eff you and your talent and smiles and hugs. You're actually the best, Tom. Don't let my lack of words throw you off, like you are actually the greatest. Please visit soon <3

Sophia: You are a goddess. It'd take a fool not to see that. You continue to inspire me every day through your talent, hard work and dedication. Thank you for being the greatest blessing EHX has ever had. I am blessed to have you in my life and I am so glad you let me be a part of yours. Please don't forget about me when you're rich and famous and have like 60 Grammys in your basement.

Tiernan: It still shocks me how you're on the complete opposite side of the country for most of the year and yet you still wow me with your sage advice. I miss your cuddles and your teasing more than anything. Please please pleaseeeee come back when you can, yeah?

Fonts: You know how the story goes. You're my rock and all. The end.

Hannah Banana Banderbob: Bae, you are my one and only. Don't tell anyone but you are by far my favorite roommate. I adore your sugar highs just as much as you despise them and your constant studiousness and determination inspires me to be my best self everyday. Your puppy chow and pumpkin bread are to die for. Thank you for telling me when I look like trash and for putting up with my meltdowns and my craziness and every time I squeal about Conor and/or food. I sure lucked out with you, boo #TheFruits <3

Amber: You crazy, soulless Asian. I love you with all my heart. Thanks for putting up with all the shit I give you and for not kicking me out of your room in the middle of study hall when I get obnoxious and distracting XD We hate the same things and we both swear more than others give us credit for. What a solid bond we have. Please continue to slay as you do. Te quiero.

Scott: You, sir, make my life immensely more entertaining, that's for sure. Your hugs and ridiculous jokes and your sass continuously make my day and the fact that you are now a part of EHX makes me wanna squeal every time I think about it. Please don't ever leave me alone 'cuz a life without Scott Powell seems kinda depressing to be honest.

Alasdaire: Babe, you are insane. The fact that Benet's walls are so thin lets me eavesdrop on your ridiculous conversations with my favorite Asian (I'd hardly call it eavesdropping though since y'all are always screaming at each other). Either way, thanks for making me feel smart and for being a more-than-decent lab partner for Bio. Couldn't have done it without you.

Meagan K: MegMeg, how you make me smile. Your patience with me is unbelievable and you stuck with me while we endured the horrors of BrayBray and rehearsal. That alone deserves an award. You are so talented at what you do, please don't let anyone dictate your dreams, okay? Go get 'em, ese.

Emma Kerr: I still refuse to believe that you're taller than me. I also refuse to believe that you are any older than eleven. You, kiddo, are growing more talented and more beautiful every day and I am so proud of you, okay? Never forget that.

Emmalene: For some reason I keep referring to you as my fairy godmother. Thanks for always making me feel like a princess.

Nayte: From Bonin's freshman Lit squad, to Geometry with Ruda, to Algebra with Mr. C and Bonin's Junior Lit. You've always stood by me and endured it all. Go team.

Elise Banderob: Lowkey my favorite freshman. Thanks for letting us in on all the amateur drama and being our eyes on the inside XD

Jay Gibb: My dude, your hugs are life. Thanks for letting me embarrass you in front of your freshman friends xo

Ellie D: Thanks for hating the same people as I do and for being a super chill prefect. Oh! And for putting baby powder in our beds. That was heaven.

Kevin Jiang: Your passive agressiveness and sass alone could kill. You keep doing you, gurl.

David Oh: I still have to beat you up. Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you <3

Brandt: We need to catch up. I haven't seen you in centuries.

She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named: Thanks for giving all of PAS a common enemy.

Haidy: You are the craziest Korean I know. God bless you child.

Jerry and Liam: You guys are definitely my favorite new additions to EHX.

James Briand: You're gonna go far, my friend. Keep doing what you do.

Megan M: You're the cutest and I love you to bits.

Matt Johnson: Your high fives are the greatest.

Will Kim: Can we get Will in here? Of course we can.

Anne from Stillman: Thanks for always asking how my day is going and for stealing me cookies when no one's watching and for wishing me happy holidays every time I leave. Your work does not go unappreciated.

Mr. McCarthy: The fact that you can call me nothing but Mia-Maya-Moya every single time you see me is impressive. You're a pretty fab advisor if I do say so myself. Thanks for using your kids as slave labor to make us food.

Dr. Davidge: You know what's up.

Bragan: Man, do you get on my nerves but you sure manage to pull off a great show.

Marilyn: I've lucked out in terms of costumes. You've managed to make me look decent in 5/6 shows so far. I'd say that's a good run.

Mrs. Smith: The fact that you don't hate me still amazes me, to be honest. Oh, and thank you for letting me date your son :)

Mrs. Bonin: You believe in my shine. Please don't let the brilliance fizzle out.

All State Judges: Holy crap thank you for choosing me.

Tyler Oakley and Zoe Sugg: How you make me laugh and smile.

Catbug: You're my friend now. We're having soft tacos later.

CryWolf: Your voice and lyrics follow me into my dreams, sometimes.

Ed Sheeran: Thanks for listening to me weep and stuff.

Johnny Depp: I swear, you're a human shape-shifter.

Emma Watson: You flawless woman, you.

Brennan's: Thank you for adopting Yan Diego into your family. Hannah means the world to him.

Doires: Oh my, my, my... The fact that you have an entire room in your house that I claim as mine must say something, right? You guys have been incredibly generous to me and my family and for that I am immensely grateful.

Mama and Papa Kerr: I think you both already know how thankful I am for y'all, but I'm gonna go ahead and say it anyway. You are my parents away from home and the fact that I get to see you throughout the day makes life at the Abbey a lot easier to bear. Thank you for adopting me and for your constant love and support. I love you guys.

My Angels in the Sky: Please continue to watch over me.

God: Thank you for listening to my prayers.

I am so blessed.

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

Baby Steps

(I actually meant to post this last night but apparently I fell asleep...Whoops)

Hello dearest fluffernutters.

I just looked up that word and it actually looks somewhat delicious.

Anyway.

Guess who finished her first day of Junior yearrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr???

ME! I did! 100% moi! I did I did I diddd

As Dora would say: We did it! We did it! We did it! Yeah! Lo hicimos! We did it! *insert creepy Dora music here*

Okay, sorry about that. It had to be done.

Let's just start with the fact that yesterday was a really super shitty day. That being said, I woke up at 6:30am on the dot without an alarm. I know. I'm just cool like that.

Unfortunately, it took two blow dryers, four separate outlets, and twenty minutes to blow dry my hair after I'd showered. But hey, one's gotta look good on their first day of school as an upperclassman :)

I was quite happy with my outfit, if I do say so myself (YD's girlfriend's hand-me-down dress and a pair of painful heel boots XD). I actually put makeup on for once in my life. Not a lot, but just enough to feel like I was more than just boring haha

Also, might I mention that the absolutely lovely Hannah Banderob has been paired as my roommate for this year and so far it's going fabulously <3 She's such a dear.

Anyway, so I headed to Abbey breakfast around 7:40 and met up with Claire Bear and saw CJS. The rest of our crew was being musical with Schola (I think that's how you spell that...)

Next was church, where I just sorta zoned out for an hour and marveled with Claire at Schola's new sound.

Then was the first assembly of the year, in which new teachers and faculty were announced and Liam and Sydney gave a speech about cyberbullying and Ruda came back with another announcement as DJ Ruda. It was fun.

My first class was Art History. I believe that went swimmingly even though I only knew half the people in my class. After that was Algebra 2, in which I struggled to remember what a function was and how to convince Mr. C that I'm not stupid. Next I had a free period (Thank Heavens) but I was hungry so I got lunch with G block huehuehue :P I chilled with Emma and Brandt and the blondes for a while before leaving back to my dorm to sort through the rest of my crap.

At 1:30, I strolled into the RLH with a very different group of people to join for Mrs. Bonin's Lit 3 class. Here she decided to make fun of me and call me a twelve year old. I kid you not. I will get you back, Mrs. Bonin, just wait for it...

After talking about summer reading and book reviews and Twilight (I have no idea how the topic came up), I went back to Benets for my dorm picture and to prepare for the play auditions.

We still have another day of auditions to go, but I think they went decently well. I gave it my best, at least. The turn out was better than I expected, considering most of our actors graduated last year. I was there with Meagan and C which was the highlight, by far.

To cut it short, then I had dinner and went back to my dorm to take a nap cuz I was exhausted for no reason. And so now I'm writing this. (Mainly just for me to remember my first day hehehe)

Basically, this year will be stressstressstress but I gotta take things one step at a time.

Baby steps.

Then it'll be okay.

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

P.S: I saw Jay and gave him a hug today!

Best Vacation Ever

No, I'm not talking about summer. Summer's been..... ehhhhh.

I'm talking about a post that's long overdue and I always meant to write about it but I never came to it, apparently.

For those of you that are still lost, I'm talking about Disney.

Quinceañera+Best Friends+Disney World+Spring Break= Best Time Of My Life :D

..........

Once upon a time, on the fifth of March, ten children from the Abbey finished their exams and boarded a plane to the happiest place on Earth: Disney World. Their names were Lilly, Lauryn, Maya, Claire, Sean, Caellum, James, Mike, Ellie, and Sophia. Along with them came a lovely little family by the name of Kerr. 

On said plane, Caellum, Claire and Maya decided to sit together, while Mike, Ellie and Sophia sat together, and Lilly , Lauryn and Sean took the next row. James Briand sat all by his little self and did not mind one bit.

Needless to say, Claire and Maya quickly fell asleep across one seriously unfortunate Caellum. The plane ride was lovely (thanks to our human pillow). After a fair amount of dicking around, the crew jumped onto a bus and squealed in their seats (at least I did) 'til their hotel, All Star Music, came into view. All eleven children (this included the tiniest Kerr, Emma) scuttled to find some dinner before making their way over to their cozy hotel rooms. 

It was only a matter of time before everyone realized it was midnight, therefore, it was now Maya's fifteenth birthday.

..........

Day One

Okay, I'm switching back to first person now XD

This was the start of the greatest day of my life. 

Papa Kerr asked everyone to come out of their rooms and into the hallway (they were all right next to each other, anyway) and we were all thinking--at least I was thinking--that it was meant to be just a normal check-in meeting. Instead, I was met with all of my favorite people singing Happy Birthday to me in their pajamas. I couldn't keep from bringing my hands up to my face, afraid I was going to cry. I turned to my left and there was Claire, filming this precious moment and I couldn't thank her--or anybody else--enough. I was met with hugs, and smiles, and lovely birthday wishes. But then it was time for bed. There was no doubt it was gonna be a great day.

Breakfast was... eventful to say the least. I was branded a wand and tiara (courtesy of Mama Kerr) and I definitely felt like a princess the rest of the day :) We boarded the bus that was headed to Animal Kingdom, where a whole pile of strangers sang Happy Birthday to me, again, causing me to turn bright red. The bus lady sounded like Roz from Monsters Inc. It was kinda scary.

Upon arriving at Animal Kingdom, the crew took hold of Everest, my all-time worst fear since I'd last been to Disney five years prior. 

We went on it twice. 

Lots of screaming prevailed. I still have no clue how I didn't manage to break Caellum's hand.

Next, we went on Dinosaur. Twice. (We're not gonna make it! We're not gonna make it!) Claire sure struggled with that one... XD :*

Then on our way to It's Tough To Be A Bug, we heard it. That's right.

The Circle of Life started to play in the background, and that could only mean one thing.

Caellum and Mike took it upon themselves to hoist me up into the sky like some newborn divinity and Claire decided to document it XD Just normal, everyday things.

It was just after this that I received my glorious Birthday Pin from Papa Kerr <3 Thus commenced the many congratulations and such from strangers and the like ^_^

We all decided to go on the safari and on our way out, we bumped into one of the most lovely people I have ever met. His name was Hetisani and he was a young man from South Africa in his twenties. He started to talk to us about following our dreams and humanity and Nelson Mandela. "I am because you are, and you are because I am," he had said. We are all people because of each other. And that was the most valuable lesson I learned on this trip.

After our ten minutes of enlightenment, we headed off on our own to get something  to eat, only to meet up again to watch the glorious performance of The Lion King (basically my favorite Disney movie ever) <3 

Then we decided to ride the River Rapids--my favorite ride ever--and being the Catholic school students that we are, we sang the Pater Noster all the way up the slope XD Other people must've thought we were crazing for chanting Latin prayers at the top of our lungs, but we didn't mind :)

By then it'd gotten late, and we were now soaked in water, so we thought it best to go back to the hotel and freshen up before heading out again to see Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba.

Now, for some godforsaken reason, Claire and I thought it'd be a marvelous idea to go swimming even though it was super freaking cold (it'd only been one day and we were already acclimatized haha). It only took me a second to notice she didn't have her Magic Band on her (like our room key, but a bracelet). I didn't really think much of it until we got back to the room and I was met with streamers and balloons and decorations all over with a banner over the bed saying "Happy Birthday". I fell for their surprises. Again. The wonderful Mrs. Kerr put it together and I couldn't have been more happy :) (props to Claire for almost ruining the surprise XD I still love you)

It was almost time for us to head out, so we did ourselves up real nice and made sure to take lots of pictures before making our way to the bus that would take us to Downtown Disney. While walking to Cirque's tent, we passed by various talented street performers, all of whom played some of our favorite jams: Wagon Wheel, Hallelujah, No Scrubs, I Want It That Way, among others :)

Cirque was unbelievably overwhelming in every sense of the word. It was beautiful, and big, and bold, and daring, and impossible to put into any more words than that. All I can say is the filmed version is nothing like it is in person.

I was so tuckered out by the end of their performance that poor Mike had to serve as my pillow on the bus ride home (or hotel, whichever). No words were needed to say it was the best birthday ever.

..........

Day Two

Then commenced one of the longest days of our lives.

We got up earlier than usual to go back to Downtown Disney in order to have an up close, backstage tour of Cirque du Soleil. It was super impressive. We all learned how to use Diabolo's. Sean was surprisingly good at it.

We came back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the super long day ahead of us. That's right. Disney's magic hours in Magic Kingdom is definitely an experience. Go with your best friends. You'll have fun.

We jumped from ride to ride, hardly ever stopping to catch a breath. Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain (fuck you Briar Rabbit), Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, Carousel of Progress (There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow), Stitch's Great Escape, Peter Pan (the ride is roughly 30 seconds and we waited over two hours in line), Winnie the Pooh, Buzz Light Year, Haunted Mansion, It's a Small World (with the guy waving furiously at us over the headboard), and then the Tea Cup Party. 

Gosh, that was one of the trippiest experiences I've ever been in. Let's just say, fitting two grown male teenagers, and two grown female teenagers into one tiny tea cup was a bit more than cramped. Nonetheless, Caellum, Mike, Claire and I all managed to spin, and spin, and spin, and spin, 'til we couldn't walk straight anymore. 

After that, most of the night was a blur. I was growing sleepier by the hour and couldn't remember the rest of our excursions. All I know is that C gave me several piggyback rides that night, and I managed to fall asleep on top of Mike more than once.

The last thing I remember is fireworks. 

And then I draw a blank.

..........

Day Three

The next day, we were all bound for the wonderful world of Epcot. 

First of all, C and I were unintentionally twinning. It was kinda cool.

C, Claire and I wandered off to Canada, where we watched Martin Short give me vertigo on a Circle-Vision 360º screen. It was an experience.

Later, after we found the others, we went on Mission to Mars, which wasn't nearly as traumatizing as I remembered it (I was Pilot. Every time.). After we ate, we went on Spaceship Earth, and I tagged along with C. The stargazing view at the end is my absolute favorite. It's truly breathtaking. 

Then we headed over to drink different Coke products from around the world. The Beverly was the most revolting thing I'd ever tasted in my life. C, I despise you for liking it.

Eventually, we wandered over to Test Track to make some sick cars (Gotta go zoom!). It was SO fun. Then we went on a kiddie Nemo ride called Seas. Coming out of it, Caellum decided to make me want to hate him more, so he spewed the longest on-going pun I've ever heard in my life. Despite my laugh attack, I was not happy -_- We got ice cream before heading back to our hotel (it'd been a pretty hot day and we were tired out). It appears, I had two more laugh attacks though (a side-effect of my fatigue), one at dinner and another at the pool. 

Laughing is exhausting, lemme tell you that.

Before I knew it, I was sound asleep.

..........

Day Four

This was to be the last magical day for all the other chill'uns  (excluding CC, MnM, meaning Caellum, Claire, Maya and Mike).

We were to spend the day at Hollywood Studios. It was sweltering hot.

James spent most of the day hopping over fences and doing the exact opposite of anything a sign said. But that's unimportant.

First was the Great Movie Ride. Apparently we were already hungry, so we decided to get food at Pizza Planet (yeah Toy Story!). The truly wonderful thing about this idea–the eating, I mean–is that we were going to do it right before getting on the Tower of Terror. What a splendid idea, right? Needless to say, I'm claustrophobic, get really bad motion sickness, am afraid of the dark and afraid of heights, so of course I decided to get on the Tower of Motherfucking Terror. 

And of course I had a panic attack. Lucky for me, I was already strapped into my chair and the elevator doors had already shut, so there was absolutely no possible way for me to get out. Poor Caellum had to deal with me sobbing throughout the entire thing (except later I found out he just thought I was laughing -_-). Again, I'm pretty sure I was close to breaking his hand. 

Anyway, after it was finally over, I ran out of there like there was no tomorrow, and didn't go on the next ride 'til Mike and Sophia managed to calm me down. We decided to go see the Muppet Show for a change, in which I fell asleep for the full thirty minutes. Not my fault. I was recovering from a traumatic experience XD

Next, we decided we should rev back up to the power rides, so we went on the Rockin' Roller Coaster (gotta go zoooooooooommmm!!!). It was AWESOME to say the least :) Then we went to the car stunt show which was mainly boring and predictable in my opinion. Poor Lilly got a headache afterwards so we took care of her a while before heading off to Star Tours, in which our two best idiots geeked out hardcore. Of course Caellum was chosen as the rebel spy. Of course.

After much geeking out, we were onto the next one, in other words, the Indiana Jones performance, which was cool as ever. That night, we all went to watch Fantasmic and the fireworks were insane. 

So I guess it was safe to say we'd had a long day but it still wasn't over yet. When we got back to the hotel for dinner, we were struck by the employees in the cafeteria dancing the cupid shuffle. And so the obvious thing was to join them. Great fun, that was :)

Unfortunately, it was time for us to say goodbye to all the others, seeing as they'd all be leaving for home the next morning.

And so concluded our last scheduled day.

..........

Day 5 etc...

The next morning, we moved out of our hotel rooms and made our way over to Mike's place :) That day we were all a bit tired of theme parks so we spent the day by the pool and watched movies. Well, everyone else did. I may or may not have fallen asleep on top of poor Mike again, but yaknow, he should be used to that by now XD 

The next few days taught me many things.

Firstly, that sharing a bathroom with six teenagers, specifically *ehem* the boys *ehem*, is more challenging than taking the SATs (by the way, I did not break the shower curtains -_-). 

Secondly, that tucking Emma Riley Kerr into bed is 1,000% impossible.

Thirdly, that apparently I take up lots of space in bed. I refuse to believe that.

Fourth of all, Miss Costa's food is heavenly.

Fifth of all, I didn't fail Chem (we found out our Winter grades while we were there).

It was also a time of lots of firsts. Which included living in the same house as my best friends, sharing a bed with my best friends (again I do not take up that much space Caellum XD) and having my record longest laugh attack ever (roughly one hour and ten minutes). I'm pretty sure I got rock-hard abs that day, not gonna lie. I also managed to watch the first twenty minutes of Star Wars before falling asleep. That would be another record.

Anyway, it was extremely hard not to cry when it was finally time to leave. The entire ride to the airport, I was clutching Jay's hand as if my life depended on it. I was not ready to say goodbye or be done with the best vacation of my life. 

Despite the fact that I was gonna see these guys in less than two weeks, I was gonna miss them so much.

Because we're family.

..........

I really feel like this trip brought us all closer, in more ways than one XD

In all honesty, I know I've mentioned this plenty of times already, but this was truly the best experience I ever had with you guys. And I'd give anything to be back there with you all now (including the ones who didn't get to go). I miss this so freaking much it hurts. I miss hauling each other out of bed in the mornings. I miss getting on people's nerves. I miss screaming on rides and giggling like a child at butterflies that passed by, because that is the magic of Disney.

Disney was able to bring us all back to a time where nothing but ice cream and sprinkles mattered, to a time where fantasy was our only reality, to a time where (excuse my cliche) dreams really did come true. 

I'd give anything to be back in that land of newness with you. 

..........

And if you've made it this far, I congratulate you. This was indeed a long post.

To everyone who went out of their way to make that trip special–thank you. So so very much.

I love you.

Here's to hoping we get to go on another wondrous adventure together!

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

P.S.: And remember kids:

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow

Shining at the end of every day

There's a great big beautiful tomorrow

And tomorrow's just a dream away

Now ignore me as I sing this to myself for the next six months of my life.

Welcome Back, Jesus!

As you may or may not have guessed from the title, this is the lovely Easter post.

Also, disregard the time I'm writing this at. I can't sleep. I'm sorry.

Since this weekend's been too much fun not to include everything, I might as well start from Saturday.

Fast forward to the end of classes on Saturday. I wander over to lunch as per usual, scoping the dining hall to find the crew's familiar overcrowded table. Sure enough, it takes me all of three seconds to spot a vivid blue head of hair--Max--and so I made my way over only to find the rest of my idiots laughing and goofing around as they usually do. I remember feeling this foreign sense of discomfort before looking up and seeing the one and only CJS sitting right across from me. (for those of you who know, shut your traps, and for those of you who don't, he's kinda the only thing on my mind lately, to put it that way...)

The poor child looked so uncomfortable around my "special" friends, to say the least. Sitting next to Max meant every five seconds, she'd elbow me, whispering, "Yo, Maya, seduce him with your eyes and sparkling personality," and me turning beet red before laughing hysterically to cover up what she just said.

I was scurried out of lunch by those nutters quicker than I anticipated and we all made our way to the Winter Garden (sort of the lobby of the Abbey's auditorium). To make things brief, Claire and Max managed to pull the best ditch move of the century. Leaving me and CJS alone to ourselves, talking about dolphins... :)

I'll spare you all the details about how we just sat and spoke about anything and everything for a solid 30 minutes before he had to go, and how afterwards, I called Max--squealing--to tell her I was inviting myself to her room so I could ramble about their wonderful decision for the next hour before she had to leave for track.

Claire and I ended up chilling in the Music Wing with Maeve and Gibb a while later before we actually had to go. Later that evening, we picked Max up and the three of us spent a wonderful Girls' Night Out at iHOP (George was our waiter. I've heard the stories.) By the way, ALWAYS go for the Bacon Temptation Omelette. Always.

After heading back to Claire's, the three of us decided it was time to dye eggs. Majesty prevailed. Profanity ensued. Max was actually self-deprecating about her egg-dyeing skills which is freaking ridiculous (you can guess whose eggs turned out the best... -_- I'm not bitter.) Too many egg puns were made.

And sooner than anyone would have liked, it was time to drop Max back at the twins' house. Claire and I were out like a light as soon as we got back home.

Well... For the most part.

I spent the next two hours texting CJS but that's not important.

Next morning, I woke up bright and early, only to find out that the lovely Mrs. Doire had prepared an egg hunt for Claire and I. We beat Claire Bear's usual time of 3 hours to a record 37 minutes. 20 eggs. Solid split.

(The last one was in the fucking bananas!!!)

Next came church, which was wonderful and happy and such a break from the Abbey, ironically enough. Because this place was... well... happy.

Claire and I happened to be reverse matching XD (She wore an orange dress with a white sweater and I wore a white dress with an orange sweater. Totally unintentional, I swear.)

Then we came back home to get ready for early dinner/late lunch. Mrs. Doire can sure cook a mean ham. I got to meet the famous Nanny and Aunt Linda and Uncle Doug. Very fun people indeed :)

Finally it was time to head on over to Gibb's, but not before (of course) stopping by the gas station to pick up some Mountain Dew. I swear, you guys are gonna die some day because of that stuff. It will find a way to kill you. I don't know how, but it will. And I will laugh. Probably.

Upon arriving, I was lovingly attacked by Koda and Kenai, my two favorite pups that aren't really pups anymore... There, we greeted Ms. Costa, along with Gibb, Jay, T, and Tom.

Without even having to ask, we all relocated to the living room and proceeded to tangle all our limbs quicker than normal people would. (Who am I kidding? Normal people wouldn't cuddle the way we do XD)

The following hours were spent watching Horrible Bosses 2 and 22 Jump Street.

Quality bullshit movies if you as me. Totally worth my time.

Somewhere in the mix, we drank tons of Mountain Dew and ate popcorn and the guys and Claire even decided it was a splendid idea to have the "boy talk" with me.

Tom's mother even decided to give me her input:

"Maya. Boys are dumb. Throw rocks at them."

Before turning and walking away.

That woman is amazing.

So naturally, we had to bring up CJS and prom and uncomfortable topics and yeah... wasn't a good time. I was clutching a pillow as if my life depended on it for most of the spiel.

Claire and I left around 10:30pm and were both exhausted out of our minds.

Claire went to bed around midnight, and yet here I am.

Well, hey, at least you folks got a blog post out of it, so you're welcome.

Happy Easter, guys!

Good vibes and happy thoughts <3

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

(P.S: Props to Tom for being my optimistic buddy! So much love for you, dude.)