Year 18, Still Breathin'

Wow okay so 2k18 wasn't at all what it was cracked up to be but hey! There's always next year.

1. What did you do in 2018 that you'd never done before?

Oh goodness, let's see... Well, I voted for the first time so that was pretty sweet! I also may have made some poor life choices and got high with the big bro and dissociated for the first time and had my first real paying job and got my first ever state ID and lost my virginity and got hospitalized and bought my first toy (lol) and paid my own bills and scheduled my own doctor's appointments so like adulting yay that's cool.

2. Did you keep your New Years Resolutions and will you make more for next year?

I didn't make any resolutions that I can recall. I do remember saying I hoped 2018 was my year and even though on the surface it may very well have been an absolute disaster, it has taught me more lessons than I can possibly count. For 2019, I'm just striving for absolute self compassion, no questions asked.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Hmmm... no, BUT Yan Diego officially became the godfather of this teeny tiny black cat, Luna, and she is such a demonic treasure :)

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My one and only beautiful Titi Dorianny who lives in our hearts and in our smiles forever.

5. What countries did you visit?

The usual: DR & US. I'm not exciting.

6. What would you like to have in 2019 that you lacked in 2018?

Oh gosh, stability for once in my life. Emotional, financial, physical, all of it. Or even just one of the three. I want something to go right for me in 2019. I've waited long enough and I sure as heck deserve it.

7. What dates from 2018 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

January 1st. First time.
January 22nd. Move to RI.
February 16th. The Little Mermaid.
March 6th. Finally legal.
March 11th. Winter photoshoot.
March 20th. Mami's book launch, DR.
April 21st. Hospitalization.
May 27th. Babies' graduation!
May 28th. First day of work.
August 2nd. Mami's book launch, NY.
August 3rd. Waitress.
August 4th. Anastasia.
August 16th. Second heartbreak.
August 23rd. Book of Mormon.
August 30th. Te quiero, Titi <3
September 10th. Officially settled in NY.
October 17th. Aidan <3
October 19th. A Star is Born.
October 31st. Halloween in VT.
November 6th. First vote!!!
November 11th. Fall photoshoot.
November 15th. SNOW.
November 19th. MacBook Pro.
November 24th. Bohemian Rhapsody.
December 11th. Officially together!
December 13th. First "I love you"

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Learning to love myself and to let go. Still a work in progress.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Failure is a strong word. It would be a little harsh to peg the word failure on someone when we're all just trying our best, but I guess I let myself sink all the way down this year. Farther into the void than I've ever gone before and it was scary as heck, let me tell you.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Yes. I was briefly hospitalized in April for extreme panic disorder and suicidal thoughts. I also had a short but torturous bout of vertigo around midsummer. 10/10 would not recommend.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Hmmm... well back when I was making mula, I'd splurge on myself every now and again which was pretty heckin' fun and most of it consisted of unnecessary thrift store items or random beauty products. However, I was the most excited when I bought my first denim jacket. What can I say? I have my priorities.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

It may come as no surprise to you but my loves Linnea, Lauryn, Kelila, and Evan seriously pulled through. I mean those four got me through some of the toughest most excruciating times of my life, I owe them just about everything. Another pleasant surprise was seeing Tia Susan and Ali team up to be my personal champions and I just love them both beyond words.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?

I have a select few I could mention but the world never got any better by spreading hate.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Oh jesus, most of you won't want to know this but it's freaking true so I might as well say it: Calvin Klein underwear. Like stashes and stashes of them. It's teetering on obsessive, honestly.

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

Seeing a Broadway show for the first time in years. Any time I got to spend with my friends. Every trip to the Martins' home. Burritos. Cats. Movies.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2018?

God is a Woman by Ariana Grande
IDGAF by Dua Lipa
I Like It by Cardi B
breathin' by Ariana Grande
Radio Ga Ga by Queen
Just a Stranger by Kali Uchis ft. Steve Lacy
Bad Liar by Selena Gomez
Spice Girl by Aminé
No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande
bellyache by Billie Eilish
Joanne by Lady Gaga
Mo Bamba by Sheck Wes
Feel It Still by Portugal the Man
Bodak Yellow by Cardi B
Shallow by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
Moonlight by XXXTENTACION
La Cintura by Alvaro Soler
Rewrite the Stars by Zac Efron and Zendaya
lovely by Billie Eilish ft. Khalid
Sober by Demi Lovato
BLACKJACK by Aminé
Don't Stop Me Now by Queen
In my Feelings by Drake
Sweet Creature by Harry Styles
King Kunta by Kendrick Lamar
REEL IT IN by Aminé
idontwannabeyouanymore by Billie Eilish
In My Blood by Shawn Mendes
I Love It by Kanye West ft. Lil Pump
Sorry not Sorry by Demi Lovato
1998 TRUMAN by BROCKHAMPTON
All the Stars by Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA
you should see me in a crown by Billie Eilish
Havana by Camila Cabello
Yikes by Kanye West
Uproar by Lil Wayne ft. Swizz Beatz
ICY GRL by Saweetie
Nice for What by Drake
Movement by Hozier
Lost In Japan by Shawn Mendes
Look At Me! by XXXTENTACION
Girls Like You by Maroon 5 ft. Cardi B
Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer
Sweet but Psycho by Ava Max
REDMERCEDES by Aminé
Caroline by Aminé
Taki Taki by DJ Snake, Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B
thank u, next by Ariana Grande
JELLO by BROCKHAMPTON
I Ain't Got Time! by Tyler, The Creator
Greedy by Ariana Grande
Hair Too Long by The Vamps
Icon by Jaden Smith
NO EXCUSES by Meghan Trainor
Money by Cardi B
Who Dat Boy by Tyler, The Creator & A$AP Rocky

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

(a) I can't believe I'm even saying this but happier. So much happier.
(b) I can't believe this either but thinner... I lost ten pounds XD
(c) Wowowow I have never been more penniless in my life and yet I'm makin' it work somehow.

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Art. Part of me feels like I wasted a whole good nine months but then again, I had lots of healing to do and the healing isn't over yet. I'm doing the best that I can.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Ew crying. Ohmygod, if I had a dollar for every second I spent crying this year, I'd be a fucking trillionaire. Not that crying isn't good for you or a healthy coping mechanism but when you've got anything in excess, it's not so bueno.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Quietly in NY with my dad and the bros.

21. Did you fall in love in 2018?

Oh yes, absolutely.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Bisshhhhhhh I thought you'd never ask :)

Say Yes to the Dress
Grace & Frankie
Downton Abbey
King of the Hill
This is Us
Community
The Good Place
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
The Great British Baking Show
The Fosters (it finally ended and I think I might die)

23. Do you hate someone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Hate is a very strong word. Again, a select few come to mind but spreading hate is bad karma so...

24. What was the best book you read?

Heck dudes, I'm bummed I didn't read as much as last year but I still managed to sneak some reading in here and there.

Paperweight by Meg Haston
When in doubt, add butter by Beth Harbison
The Beginning of Everything by Robin Schneider

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Hadestown: The Myth. The Musical. (thank you Claire for blessing my whole life with this)

26. What did you want and get?

Affection. To see my family.

27. What did you want and not get?

Security. Safety. Stability.

28. What was your favorite film of the year?

As always, there is never one single answer:

A Star is Born
Bohemian Rhapsody
Crazy Rich Asians
Black Panther
Dumplin'
To All The Boys I've Loved Before
Set It Up

I've yet to see:

Love, Simon
The Hate U Give
Incredibles II
Christopher Robin
Ocean's 8
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again
BlacKkKlansman

29. What is one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Music helped me through it all.

30. How would you describe your fashion concept in 2018?

50% barely functioning/systematically depressed human being, 50% casual hipster chic.

31. What kept you sane?

Meditation. Spotify. Sleep.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Not even gonna try to hide my love for Noah Centineo <3 I LOVED HIM SINCE THE FOSTERS YOU POSERS!!!

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

It's sad that there are almost too many to count with each coming year but for reasons that hit far too close to home, the Kavanaugh trial. I don't think I'd been triggered that badly in a while.

34. Who do you miss?

Titi. Linnea, Evan, the Owls, Suki, Luna, Nutella, Bernie, & Phyllis <3

Notice how half of those are animals.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2018.

You are love. You are light. You are loved. You are worthy. You are able. You are enough.

36. Quote a song lyrics that sums up your year:

"I'm off the deep end, watch as I dive in
I'll never meet the ground
Crash through the surface
Where they can't hurt us
We're far from the shallow now"

"Shallow" by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

P.S: Happy Birthday my dearest Maeve <3

We Made It! (Barely)

Oh boy. What a year it's been, my loves. A lot of firsts... A lot of lasts... Here's to hoping you had a better one than I.

1. What did you do in 2017 that you'd never done before?

I graduated motherfucking high school, bitchesssssssssss!!!!! Oh, I also may have gotten drunk for the first time. And high for the first time. And had my first hookup. And regretted my first hookup. And started college. And dropped outta college. And met the love of my life under the strangest of circumstances.

2. Did you keep your New Years Resolutions and will you make more for next year?

Well, my dudes, I did as I promised last year: I survived 2017. Quite a feat, might I add. Beyond that, I don't really know if I could focus on anything else. 2018 better be my year. Please be my year. Please, pretty please.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Still no nieces or nephews, thank God. HOWEVER, the Kerrs and the Doires both adopted some gorgeous baby puppers, Finn and Loki respectively. And ohMyGOd they are the most terrific babies you ever did see.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My dearest Rosie. Thank you for visiting me the other day. You have no idea how special that was.

5. What countries did you visit?

Nowhere new, I'm afraid. Just the good ol' USofA and DR.

6. What would you like to have in 2018 that you lacked in 2017?

I just... I want the pain to go away. I know that's a longshot, but the past few years have been hell. I mean, absolute hell. And I know I should be counting my blessings—I am—but just... I just want to know something for certain for once, you know? I just wanna be happy. Isn't that what we all want?

7. What dates from 2017 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

January 22nd. Semi with CJS.
February 11th. Killed Berklee 2k17.
February 17th. Legally Blonde.
March 28th. Vassar says yes!
April 10th. My poor Rosie <3
May 1st. Yes to Vassar!
May 13th. Senior Prom with CJS.
May 20th. Last Abbey show :(
May 28th. Graduation.
May 31st. First crossfade.
June 3rd. First heartbreak.
August 17th. Hello college.
September 12th. NIGHT OWLS!
October 27th. Buddhist retreat.
November 4th. Goodbye college.
November 10th. William Wells Rider <3
November 28th. First "I love you".
December 10th. One month of happiness.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Honestly? Getting into college didn't hurt. But I'd say the real achievement was finding someone who respects me and loves me for everything that I am.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I feel like I failed myself. I thought I was ready for college but just... things didn't really line up. The timing wasn't right. Lots of things weren't right.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

So I casually suffered from emotional shock in October and almost went into cardiac arrest which was no fun. But here I am, alive and, well... alive, folks. That's about all I can say.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

Whaleeeeeeee, here's the dealio: I have zero income. Or at least, I did have a minimal income until I left college. HOWEVER. Seeing as I am currently living with the Wilson-Fishers, everything I get comes from them. And let's just say Tia Susan was feeling particularly generous one day and bought me some early Christmas gifts from Urban Outfitters and holy SHIT do I look good in them :)

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Fonts, you've always been there for me, my dude. Seriously, I would not be here without you. Linnea, my darling, I could not be more thankful for you. The universe gave me the best roommate in the history of roommates. And Evan, dear friend, I miss you more than words can explain. You made college worth it. Tia Susan, you've been my guardian angel. And William, my dearest William, thank you. For what you do for me every single day. I cannot thank you enough. I love you all.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?

This one might come as a shocker to y'all, but honestly, my parents. That's not to say I don't still love them with my whole heart or that they aren't wonderful people but they both fucked up royally this year. It's still taking me a while to put back the pieces.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Oh, are you talking about that college that I'm not even currently attending?

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

Getting into THE BEST  a cappella group EVER!!! (seriously tho, I miss y'owl more than you know)

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2017?

Vor í Vaglaskógi by Kaleo
Waving Through A Window by Ben Platt
Michael In The Bathroom by George Salazar
Don't Think Twice, It's Alright by The Night Owls
Moondance by The Night Owls
Slow Down Love by Louis the Child ft. Chelsea Cutler
Dead by Madison Beer
Lights Down Low by MAX ft. gnash
New Rules by Dua Lipa
Mi Gente by J Balvin ft. Willy William
Felices los 4 by Maluma
Súbeme la Radio by Enrique Iglesias
Chantaje by Shakira ft. Maluma
Lost by Frank Ocean
Mykonos by Fleet Foxes
Degas Park by Kevin Abstract
GOLD by Brockhampton
Slow Hands by Niall Horan
HUMBLE by Kendrick Lamar
Bad Liar by Selena Gomez
Like Real People Do by Hozier
DNA by Kendrick Lamar
Shoutout to my Ex by Little Mix
Rockabye by Clean Bandit
Mercy by Shawn Mendes
Crying in the Club by Camila Cabello
Love on the Brain by Rihanna
Oblivion by Bastille
You Don't Know Me by Jax Jones
Swish Swish by Katy Perry
River by Bishop Briggs
Bad at Love by Halsey
Blame it On Me by George Ezra
Wasted Youth by FLETCHER
Bacon by Nick Jonas
Sight of The Sun by fun
There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back by Shawn Mendes
Make Me (Cry) by Noah Cyrus
Bad Things by Camila Cabello
A Million Reasons by Lady Gaga
The Greatest by Sia
Bon Appétit by Katy Perry
Sign of the Times by Harry Styles
All The Pretty Girls by Kaleo
Despacito by Luis Fonsi ft Daddy Yankee
Andas En Mi Cabeza by Chino y Nacho
So Much Better by Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde)
Shape of You by Ed Sheeran
Sunday Candy by Chance the Rapper
I Found by Amber Run
Come On Get Higher by Matt Nathanson

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

(a) sadder. much, much sadder. but hopeful.
(b) about the same?? I dunno.
(c) far poorer. and not getting richer anytime soon.

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

I wish I could have laughed more. There are so many things to laugh and smile about.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Wallowing. I do too much wallowing. My friends can all testify.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Quietly in Vermont. Spent more than half the day napping.

21. Did you fall in love in 2017?

I thought you'd never ask :)

22. What was your favorite TV program?

So you see, Evan got me hooked on this thing called Narcos and we lowkey may have binged it and it was the best time of my life. Then, of course, once Stranger Things Season 2 came out, there was no turning back. Since that ended, I may or may not have binged all of Big Mouth in a day...? Don't judge me.

23. Do you hate someone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

His name rhymes with Tonald Drump. Although to be fair, I did already hate him this time last year, so...

24. What was the best book you read?

You have NO IDEA how long I've waited for this post so I could inform y'all :) Okay, so this summer, I ended up devouring books one by one and was a happy camper, yes indeed. Here's a collection of my top 5:

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore
You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh
and of course, my beautiful Mami's book:
El Hierro Que Forjó a la Dama by Darys Estrella

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Probably Kaleo (thank you Evan and William!) If we're talking musicals, though, you MUST listen to the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack. Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable.

26. What did you want and get?

A high school diploma. A college acceptance. Love.

27. What did you want and not get?

Mental stability. Yet again.

28. What was your favorite film of the year?

Beauty and the Beast
Spiderman: Homecoming
Gaga: Five Foot Two
The Florida Project
Loving Vincent
Wonder Woman
Gifted
Split

I have yet to see:
Coco
I, Tonya
Wonder
Ladybird
Dunkirk
My Friend Dahmer
The Greatest Showman

29. What is one thing that made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Daily "I love you"s from the one and only <3

30. How would you describe your fashion concept in 2017?

I literally hate this question so much cuz I never know how to answer it... I guess you could say I still rock the overalls. That and pajamas on a good day.

31. What kept you sane?

Not much, to be honest. I'm not even totally sure how I'm here right now.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Sooooooo I may have become a bit obsessed with Aaron Tveit and Ben Platt... I swear, it's only because they're talented, not because they're both drop-dead-fucking-gorgeous. Emma Watson once again makes the list, but what else is new?

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

There were too many to count this year, folks. Far too many. Plus, I was a bit preoccupied dealing with my own mental health so I kinda needed to steer clear of politics for a while.

34. Who do you miss?

Rosie. Linnea, Evan & the Owls <3 Oh, and my lil peanut, Suki.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2017.

Taking time for yourself is ALWAYS an option. It does not make you a failure. It does not make you unworthy. It does not make you unloveable.

36. Quote a song lyrics that sums up your year:

"Hold, hold on, hold onto me,

'Cause I'm a little unsteady,

A little unsteady."

"Unsteady" by X Ambassadors

There you have it. Sending you all my best.

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

P.S: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAEVE!!! I LOVE YOU WITH MY WHOLE HEART!!!

Another Year Over

Hello lovelies! So I'm gonna be my ol' lazy self and conjure up the same questions I did a mere two years ago. Nonetheless, here's 2016 in a nutshell.

1. What did you do in 2016 that you'd never done before?

Hmm. Well, I visited some foreign countries with some of my best pals. Y'all know what I'm talking about ;) Ummmm my romantic endeavors developed a bit more, I guess? Let's see... I also applied for college, yippeeee (please kill me). And I went back to the Abbey knowing none of my best buds would be there when I got back :)

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Well, let's just say I tried my darndest. But 2016 was a hell of a year, folks, and not necessarily in a good way... I'm honestly just hoping 2017 doesn't kill me.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Okay, straight up, EVERYONE I KNOW is having babies. Right and left, I see posts of newborns and baby onesies and pacifiers and holy shit guys we're getting old.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

My poor, poor Luc. I know we weren't exactly close but what I'd give to see him smile one more time. My heart also broke with the loss of two very good pups, Lola and Lucy. You were so good. My heart goes out to all those who suffered a loss <3

5. What countries did you visit?

I WENT TO THE COUNTRY OF WHISKEY AND LOVE (Legally Blonde peeps will understand my reference) and I also got to visit lovely bubbly England. Honestly, I could go on and on and on about that trip but I'll spare you the details.

6. What would you like to have in 2017 that you lacked in 2016?

Jesus, Maya, be KIND to yourself for once. 

7. What dates from 2016 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

January 17th. Semi with CJS <3
February 7th. Berklee 2k16.
February 22nd. The Addam's Family.
March 21st. All State.
March 22nd. First real kiss with my first real boyfriend.
May 8th. Junior Prom with CJS <3
May 29th. My nearest and dearest graduate from the Abbey.
June 4th. The big bro's graduation.
June 6th. Off to Ireland, muthafuckas.
June 17th. Warner Bros Studios calls for many tears.
June 26th. Hardest goodbye I've ever had to do.
June 28th. Cut off my locks.
July 12th. Surgery from hell.
August 9th. We'll always remember you, Lucas.
August 22nd. Visit homedog at Trinity Church.
September 13th. First day of Senior Year.
November 8th. The day my whole world fell apart.
November 11th. The Diary of Anne Frank changes lives.
December 14th. The bro turns a total of two decades old.
December 30th. I apply to college.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Okay, so you might laugh, but honestly surviving Junior Year at the Abbey was a feat within itself. All those who've been through it will understand. I never thought it'd be possible to get through APUSH, but here I am, alive (barely). Oh! And probably applying for college in the span of two days.

9. What was your biggest failure?

I somehow just keep beating myself up. I seriously need to stop that.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Whale, let's see. There was that time I had a knot in my shoulder the size of Ecuador that lasted a total of three months. There was also that time I got surgery. Oh and all those panic attacks I got for no damn reason. But hey, what can you do.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

OHMYGOSH so I have become a gift giving GURU!!! I'm particularly proud of the Christmas presents I bought people this year, which unfortunately folks, must not be revealed, cuz some of them I haven't given yet :) However, I am EXTREMELY pleased with CJS's gifts and if you know him well, you'll understand why they were perfect: a mug that says "Go away. I'm reading." and a pair of socks with different kinds of cheese drawn all over them. I am quite pleased with that choice.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Okay, not to sound like a cheesy loser, but goodness gracious, Conor has been my rock. Through it all, he's been there and he's listened and he's hugged me when I couldn't handle the world or when I was just being hormonal and I miss him so freaking much it hurts.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?

Um. Our president elect. But that's no big deal. It doesn't affect me. Whatsoever.

*smiles while stabbing self in a cave*

14. Where did most of your money go?

Are you fucking kidding me? With college tuition coming up, that shit is staying SAVED.

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

MY TRIP TO EUROPE WITH THE PEEPS!!! That alone would suffice, but no. Papa Kerr had to bring us to my favorite place in the entire world and that place was Warner Brothers Studios where I watched my dreams come true.

16. What song will always remind you of 2016?

You've got to be kidding me.

Let It Go by James Bay
Someone New by Hozier
Ex's and Oh's by Elle King
Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay
Irresistible by Fall Out Boy
LA Devotee by Panic! At The Disco
Victorious by Panic! At The Disco
Send My Love (To Your New Lover) by Adele
Hold Back The River by James Bay
Into You by Ariana Grande
Cheap Thrills by Sia
Love Me by The 1975
One Dance by Drake
Ophelia by The Lumineers
Heathens by Twenty One Pilots
Can't Stop The Feeling by Justin Timberlake
Pity Party by Melanie Martinez
She Used To Be Mine by Sara Bareilles
The Sound by The 1975
Don't Let Me Down by The Chainsmokers
Red Dress by MAGIC!
I Took A Pill In Ibiza by Mike Posner
This Is What You Came For by Rihanna
Ride by Twenty One Pilots
Omen by Sam Smith
Sweatpants by Childish Gambino
Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison
Sugar by Robin Schulz
Move To The Ocean by Brick + Mortar
Renegades by X Ambassadors
Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Hair by Little Mix
Close by Nick Jonas ft. Tove Lo
Shiksa Goddess by Jeremy Jordan (The Last Five Years)
Better When I'm Dancin' by Meghan Trainor
America's Sweetheart by Elle King
Woah Woah Woah by WATSKY!
What The Heck I Gotta Do by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Now and Later by Sage The Gemini
This Girl by Kungs vs Cookin' On 3 Burners
Someday by The Strokes
Diggy by Spencer Ludwig
2 Heads by Coleman Hell
Omigod You Guys by The Legally Blonde Cast
How Far I'll Go by Auli'i Carvalho
Cake By The Ocean by DNCE
i hate u, i love u by gnash ft. Olivia O'Brien
The Hills by The Weeknd
Here by Alessia Cara
Hasta El Amanecer by Nicky Jam
Steady As You Go by Tiz McNamara
La Bicicleta by Carlos Vives ft. Shakira
Mess Is Mine by Vance Joy
Chivalry Is Dead by Trevor Wesley
This Town by Niall Horan
That's My Girl by Fifth Harmony
Bad Things by Machine Gun Kelly ft Camila Cabello
Too Good by Drake ft Rihanna
Juju On That Beat by Zay Hilfigerrr and Zayion McCall
Electric Feel by MGMT
I Believe by Spring Awakening Cast
Starboy by The Weeknd
24K Magic by Bruno Mars
I Don't Wanna Live Forever by ZAYN ft Taylor Swift
Side To Side by Ariana Grande ft Nicki Minaj
Closer by The Chainsmokers ft Halsey

Just to name a few. Have fun listening to that playlist... ;)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

(a) Maybe not happier, but definitely more at peace
(b) I mean... when was the last time I've been in shape?
(c) Richer in life experiences, to put it that way

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Appreciate the time you have left. It's slips away before you know it. Also, you need to learn how to breathe.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Kid, let things go. Troubles pass. Life goes on. People still love you.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

With the fambam in Vermont :) :) :)

21. Did you fall in love in 2016?

Absofruitly. Although, technically I was already in love with him...?

22. What was your favorite TV program?

STRANGER THINGS ALL THE WAY. I FREAKING LOVE THOSE CHILLUNS LIKE MY OWN.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

I never thought I could hate so many people in positions of power at once. But I now realize it is entirely possible.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Catholic Mass for Dummies :)

Jk jk, my Schola buddies will understand.

Lamb by Christopher Moore. Courtesy of the bae himself <3 It is a MUST read.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Possibly James Bay? OH and The 1975 (THANK YOU CAELLUM AND SHELBY).

If we're talking musical theatre tho, please go listen to the Waitress soundtrack as well as The Last Five Years soundtrack (Thanks T). Holy shit, they're gold. And maybe while you're at it, go check out Legally Blonde ;)

26. What did you want and get?

Romantic success. A way less stressful schedule for senior year. The musical lead.

27. What did you want and not get?

Certainty. Sanity. Serenity.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

Ohmygod there were so MANY:

Ghostbusters
Suicide Squad
The Legend of Tarzan
The Secret Life of Pets
Me Before You
Zootopia
Deadpool
Sing Street
The Jungle Book
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them
Moana
Collateral Beauty

29. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Hmm. Well being a senior doesn't hurt.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2016?

Uhhhh well, it depends on the day??? Somedays, I look awesome blossom fabulous fantastic. Others... not so much. Let's say my go-to are my overalls and beat-up red converse. Take that as you will.

31. What kept you sane?

Honestly, Zoella never failed to make me smile. CJS, you too, love. My snuggle sessions with Amanda and Riley and Megan helped a lot of bad days, so thank you for those too. Oh, and Prozac. Yay drugs.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Okay so I never realized how fucking attracted I was to Kate McKinnon until Ghostbusters. Oh, and Jeremy Jordan is a GOD. I don't think I ever won't be in love with Scarlett Johansson. Oh oH OH how I've fallen in love with Jessie Mueller and Laura Bell-Bundy. They are both so incredibly talented and I just want to be them. Also I'd love to be/do Margot Robbie. But it's fine. Emma Watson goes without saying.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

There were too many to count but I'm gonna say November 8th really broke my heart and many others.

34. Who did you miss?

My parents. My college peeps. Suki </3

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2016.

It's okay not to have all the answers. It's okay to want attention. It's okay to need loving. It's okay to want to be cradled and held and cared for when the whole world is out of whack. Some things happen for the best. Things sort themselves out. Love unconditionally. Love with your whole being. They'll thank you eventually.

36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"Sometimes moms and dads fall out of love,
Sometimes two homes are better than one.
Some things you can't tell your sister 'cuz she's still too young,
Yeah you'll understand
When you love someone."

"When You Love Someone" by James TW

There ya go, folks.

I love you all. See ya on the other side :)

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya 

On The First of the Lasts

Hello all. Some of you may or may not know, but today was my last first day of high school.

Yep. I am a senior, now, believe it or not.

I guess you could say I had quite an eventful day. Waking up in my very own room while at school was a bit odd, to say the least. I have a single this year and as lovely as it is to have my own privacy and the like, I've found myself awfully lonely without dear Hannah Banana. I woke up at 5:45am because what can you do? It was my last first day and I had to look good.

I took my time getting ready (far different from Junior year where I'd wake up 10 minutes before class started...) and proceeded to memorize an entire song for 8:15 Opening of School Mass. Emmalene and I had a hard time not laughing during it. You should not be surprised. I also managed to hand in my laundry on time and went to breakfast because I'm trying to be healthy and you know, not skip meals.

After church and an uncomfortably long assembly, it was time for my first class: Marine Biology. Granted, the teacher is my advisor and I love him to pieces and he's the chillest dude to walk this earth so I wasn't all surprised but I have a feeling it's gonna be a really great class. Next, I had AP Literature with the legendary Dr. B himself. My class is honestly a party. It's me, CJS, Amber, Scott, Emmalene, and Kevin plus a couple others. In other words, we're the raddest and the baddest AP Lit section this year. Not even gonna lie :)

After English was lunch, which was cut to 40 minutes because special schedule and all. BUT THEY HAD ICE CREAM BECAUSE MONDAYS SO YAY but then I had Precalculus with the new math teacher who seems nice and all but if I'm being honest I was 1000000000% falling asleep. Poor guy.

After that, I rushed on over to Ap European History, where Father P and I totally just made jokes the entire time while he went over the syllabus. Said syllabus makes me want to die, just by the way. It's been the first day and I already have two papers due so that's cool.

Then I had about 40 minutes to get my shit together, tug on my trademark overalls and severely beat-up red converse before making my way up to the auditorium for Anne Frank auditions. The turn out was greater than I expected although I'm having more doubts as to who's gonna play who. The cast list doesn't come out 'til Wednesday which is kinda frustrating but that's okay. I'd just rather get it over with.

Auditions were long but at least I had MegMeg and Scotty P and David Oh and Amanda and Addison and the other David and Emily and Diane. They're a wacky bunch, for sure, but I'm glad I get to spend this next term with them of all people.

I headed to dinner and realized just how badly my day-long headache had developed but I super wasn't feeling the food because Stillman but then CJS forced me to go make a PB&B (peanut butter and banana) sandwich, so at least that's something. Around 6:30, all the new EHX dweebs started freaking out cuz none of them knew their music and I mean I thought I didn't either but compared to them, I'd say I did pretty okay XD

Either way, that was probably the most emotionally challenged part of my day.

I dunno.

I guess it was weird to walk into such a familiar room with some of my fondest memories and yet not a single person from those memories was present but me. And it didn't help that Papa Kerr decided it'd be a great idea to show the rest of the newbies some old EHX videos where we killed our set.

If any of y'all are reading this, you'll know what I mean when I say he played the video from NAIS. We performed Radioactive and Run To You that time. That was our last killer performance of that year. This video was from two years ago. Two whole fucking years ago. I mean I shouldn't even be surprised I'm the only one left! Everyone else there has already graduated. I'm the only one left.

I know I know this is turning sappy and gross but I can't help it so if you're not enjoying this post anymore, I invite you to click the exit button. Otherwise, feel free to stay and read my whirlpool of emotions.

Mr. Kerr pressed play and almost instantly, every single memory of that day clouded my brain. I remember feeling a little sad because I knew it would be my last performance with these guys. I knew it would be my last time performing Run To You (which was my favorite piece from that set). Still, I tried to do my best to overcome that melancholiness and just enjoy the moment. So I focused on my rockin' outfit and dicking around with the rest of the peeps instead. I still have that dress and I still have those boots. However, my hair is about half as long as it was back then, and my skin is definitely heaps clearer than it was then, too. A lot can happen in two years.

Anyway, as I was saying. Mr. Kerr pressed play and instantly, I was looking back at an almost fifteen-year-old me, surrounded by a bunch of dorks who loved me for some godforsaken reason. Tiernan stood right by my side, Gibb was sat at his drum set behind us, C was all the way to the far right, and Soph all the way to the far left, right behind her magical keyboard. I looked around at all of us.

Some goddamn teenagers we are.

Smiling giddily at each other as we prepare to kickass on our last performance together.

That's when present-tense Maya started to tear up. Soph started to play like the Queen that she is and Mr. Kerr jokingly said to the newbies, "If any of you know anyone who can play like that, give me a call!"

And I know I should've laughed cuz he was just messing around. But the real answer to that is pointless. Absolutely no one, and I mean no one can play the keys like Sophia Diodati. And that made me sad. Well, maybe not necessarily sad but it made me realize what a fucking gem she is and what an absolute privilege it was to perform with her let alone become one of her closest friends. I just... I miss her. A lot.

And then we started singing and T and I did that thing where we'd look at each other knowingly and discreetly smirk because we know we're fucking good. Not good.

Fantastic.

And we'd sorta dance and feed off of each other's energy. And Caellum, dear God, he was just standing there all tall and proud cuz he also knows we're pretty darn fabulous and it really can't get any better than that.

So the tears started rolling down my cheeks faster than I could control and I knew that everybody was stealing quiet glances at me out of the corners of their eyes but I didn't give a shit. If anything, I wanted this to prove how special this music ensemble is to me. And how much more the people mean to me. I needed them to know this is what Enharmonix is all about. So I didn't wipe my tears away. I let the mascara stain ugly streaks down my face and sniffled all the while.

And don't even get me started on Run To You. I don't have words for that one. For those of you who've ever witnessed us performing that song, you know exactly what I mean.

All in all, I had a complete meltdown in front of all these new kids at our first rehearsal because I missed my friends. But hey, that's life. Last first days can't always be perfect.

I stayed afterward to talk to Papa Kerr for a while and we discussed the upcoming year and all our goals and expectations and I showed him a CD I'd been dying to show him for a while. So that was fun. I missed just hanging out talking to him in the Wing. But then it hit me this was the first time I'd been down there without anyone else. Without another motive to go. It was just me and Mr. Kerr chilling in the lab (which has AC now btw) and I somehow expected Claire to just walk around the corner. Or Caellum. Or Mike. Or Sophia. Or Tiernan. Or Fonts.

Anyone.

I just missed my friends. I miss you guys. More than you know.

And I'm excited about this year, I really, truly am. I'm just... still in the emotional stage, I guess. I hope I get over it soon.

Anyway, that's about the extent of what I have to tell you about today so I'll leave it at that. If you managed to read all this, thank you. You're cool. I like you.

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya

Let's Play Another Game...

Hi friends :)

I dunno if you remember one of my previous posts where I wrote a list of songs that reminded me of certain people and I asked you to guess who was who, but I decided to make another one of those lovely lists because why not?

This time though, I decided to attach little excerpts of the lyrics that I either found significant or simply loved. (might make it harder, might make it easier muahaha)

Anyway, happy guessing!

..........

1. Not About Angels by Birdy

How unfair, it's just our luck

Found something real that's out of touch

But if you'd searched the whole wide world

would you dare to let it go?

-Flawless by The Neighborhood

I fell in love today

There aren't any words that you can say

That could ever get my mind to change.

2. Best Shot by Birdy

I'll be here giving it my best shot, baby, your love's got more than I need.

Here, crying from the rooftops,

Nothing can stop us if we believe.

-Wires by The Neighborhood

Mr. Know-It-All, had his reign and his fall,

At least that is what his brain is telling all.

3. All About you by Birdy

You don't have to do this on your own.

Like there's no one that cares about you.

-Everybody's Watching Me by The Neighborhood

I go through all the trouble of keeping it within my walls

I try to be as subtle as I can

Assume that nothing needs me, all I've done defeats me.

4. Light Me Up by Birdy

You light me up when I'm down

And if I fall apart

You know where to find my pieces

When they can't be found.

-West Coast by The Neighborhood

Me, I'm from a different type of left land, old wild west land

Nosebleeds, palm trees, and tumbleweeds rustling

Outsiders say it's happy here, but it's depressing.

5. Shelter by Birdy

Maybe I had said something that was wrong

Can I make it better with the lights turned on?

-Let It Go by The Neighborhood

Remember what the people said

Remember what the people said

When it's said and done,

Let it go.

6. Tee Shirt by Birdy

In the morning when you wake up

I like to believe you are thinking of me

And when the sun comes through your window

I like to believe you've been dreaming of me

-Strange Birds by Birdy

You've always loved the strange birds

Now I want to fly into your world

I want to be heard.

-Honest by The Neighborhood

Say it, you should say it,

'Cause I'd say I was wrong just to fill all the spaces.

7. Without A Word by Birdy

Show me that you don't care

And I'll stay here if you prefer

Yes, I'll leave you without a word.

-W.D.Y.W.F.M. by The Neighborhood

Three days before she told me that I don't even try

She's crazy, though, I guess there's something wrong inside.

8. Skinny Love by Birdy

And I told you to be patient

And I told you be fine

And I told you to be balanced

And I told you to be kind

-Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood

She knows what I think about

And what I think about

One love, two mouths

One love, one house.

9. People Help The People by Birdy

People help the people

And if you're homesick,

Give me your hand and I'll hold it.

-Alleyways by The Neighborhood

And we all grew up, shit got tough

Shit just wasn't simple enough.

10. Terrible Love by Birdy

It's a terrible love and I'm walking with spiders

It's a terrible love and I'm walking in its quiet company.

-Afraid by The Neighborhood

When I wake up I'm afraid, somebody else might take my place.

When I wake up I'm afraid somebody else might end up being me.

..........

And there you have it folks! Give it your best shot ;)

Hasta la próxima!

Much love xoxo

Maya 

Berklee 2015

This is long overdue. I know. Sue me.

Nonetheless, I thought I'd fill you in on the mandatory Berklee post.

Yes, this was a whileeeee ago, meaning January 31st, but I think I still have the right to write about it :) I will admit, seeing as it was so long ago, some of the details are quite foggy and I might not be able to go into as much detail as I normally would (lucky for you guys haha).

If any of you are looking for a better relay of that wonderful day's events, click here.

Saturday, January 31st came quicker than any of us could have anticipated.

After months and months and months of endless rehearsals, and a week's worth of tireless run-throughs, EHX felt more confident and yet more nervous than they'd ever been before. We'd learned to dance our hearts out with Mais Que Nada, leave our heart on the stage with Run To You, and picture the flawless Tito with Señor Blues. Bright and early, we were ready to roll.

I sat with T on the way there, who managed to show me the entire soundtrack for Broadway's Catch Me If You Can (it's safe to say he had me humming every song on the list...)

The rest of the crew was scattered about the back of the bus as per usual. Tradition is tradition, after all. I managed to snag T's hat, play numerous rounds of Heads Up, take sneaky pictures of sleeping crew members and fall into at least three laugh attacks before we arrived to our very lovely destination.

I'd like to say I helped by supervising (everyone else seemed perfectly under control carrying things, so why not?).

We made it to our usual wait spot and unloaded all our baggage. Papa Kerr gave us the run through and handed us programs for the rest of the day before Emma and Claire, our faithful fangirls, proceeded to take off their sweatshirts and show us their clever roadie T-shirts: fluorescent pink tank tops with the words "EHX ROAD CREW" in iron print. Let me just say you two rocked those outfits ;)

I have to say, I can't remember much of the events that happened before our performance. It was all a foggy blur of scenery and food and meeting people and loud sounds that resembled music but not quite and coffee and Tom and The Chileans and uniforms but most of all: nerves. I couldn't focus on anything for the next few hours, now and then cursing the fact that we had a later slot.

And then it was go time.

I was picking at my dress and wiping the sweat off my hands when the first chords of Mais echoed through the room. Scanning the cramped area, I remembered to force a smile on my face, trying to erase the nerves. I spotted my godmother in the audience, which was exciting, although there were no signs of my brother, YD, or his girlfriend, Hannah. They promised they'd be there and I knew they were running late so I hoped they'd make it for at least one of the songs. My solo came up and of course my voice had to crack, but I mean, it happens. I focused on Claire and Tom, who sat front row. Thank you guys for letting me forget everything and just enjoy myself.

Next came Run. I swear, you could've heard a pin drop. Mr. Bentley was fantastic accompaniment (obviously) although of course we did miss Rosie, who couldn't be with us due to an injured wrist. I have to admit, Run was my favorite of the three. Performing it with you all was a real privilege and I hope someday I can get that same feeling again, the same unity and emotion. We put our hearts on our sleeves with that one. I could tell from the tears in people's eyes ;)

And last but not least, Señor Blues. T and I had a great time teasing each other through the song and I could tell C was enjoying pretending to talk about himself... XD Only joking...maybe ;)

We welcomed the applause and listened to what the judges had to say (all wonderful things, thank goodness!) Sophia won the Judges Choice second year in a row, of course, and we burst out of those doors feeling grander than ever. I felt like flying.

That was the best we had ever performed our set. And I was and am so very very proud of every single one of you guys. Even our roadies, who made the experience all the better ;)

After unloading our stuff again, we left to go nom. That was when YD and Hannah finally decided to show up. Hannah felt really bad for missing the performance; YD, not so much... haha So they hung around for a bit before leaving to go have dinner and we all said goodbye.

The Award Ceremony creeped up on us pretty quickly and I knew without a doubt that the nerves were back. Time couldn't have ticked any slower as we waited for our category, V2 to be called. I was probably breaking Gibb's hand more and more by the second (sorry about that...).

Honorable Mention was called. Not us.

The lady in charge of announcing the winners was taking as long as she possibly could to announce third place.

I saw her lips form and "E" and immediately went into denial. It's like my mind would refuse to believe that Enharmonix had, in fact, won third place. It took asking four different people (despite the screaming cheers of the rest of EHX seated behind me) who had won for me to understand that we had actually made it.

We made it. We actually did it this time.

After months and months and months we were able to say that we'd really left it all out there and we did everything we possibly could have to make it an unforgettable performance. Thank you guys, From the bottom of my heart.

I couldn't stop shaking or squealing or laughing or crying and I don't even remember the other places being announced because I was so caught up in my own excitement. Sue me for being absolutely ecstatic.

I only remember frolicking, yes frolicking, down the hall, down the escalator, across the room to go give Papa Kerr the biggest hug of all time.

T'was an amazing moment, to say the least :)

On the way back, we made our usual trip to Murder King, and celebrated by jamming at the top of our lungs. At least I did. It's safe to say I completely and quite literally lost my voice on that trip back haha! There were the usual ones, Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are Young, and Uptown Funk (which I will forever associate with the legendary Enharmonix) but then we decided to go down memory lane and belt High School Musical and Jonas Brothers songs... I do not regret a single thing.

All I have to say is that was a pretty spectacular day and I was so lucky to spend it with all of you <3 I could not have asked for a greater group of people to be with on such a special occasion :)

I love you all so very, very much. Keep rockin'. Stay classy.

Hasta la proxima!

Much love xoxo

Maya

Let's Play A Game (Maya's Version)

Hiiiiiiiiiiiii :)

Whoa. Three posts in under 24 hours. I'm doing damn well with this blog thing.

So let's pretend like I didn't totally just steal Fonts's and Claire's idea (links are down below, by the way)

I just spent over an hour trying to figure those lists out.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the "game", I write out a list of songs that remind me of or represent certain people. Your job is to guess which song matches which person.

Best of luck :)

..........

1. Message in a Bottle-The Police
Here Comes The Sun-The Beatles

2. Somebody That I Used To Know-Walk Off The Earth
We Can Work It Out-The Beatles

3. Iris- Sleeping With Sirens
Let It Be-The Beatles

4. Bedroom Eyes-Crywolf
Hey Jude-The Beatles

5. On My Way-Rusted Root
I Feel Fine-The Beatles

6. Mermaid-Train
I Wanna Hold Your Hand-The Beatles

7. A Drop In The Ocean-Ron Pope
All You Need Is Love-The Beatles

8. La Vie Boheme-Rent
Can't Buy Me Love-The Beatles

9. Eye of The Tiger-Survivor
Good Day, Sunshine-The Beatles

10. Stay With Me-Sam Smith
Help!-The Beatles

11. Elastic Heart-Sia
Eleanor Rigby-The Beatles

12. My Sharona-The Knack
Yesterday-The Beatles

..........

Claire's Version

Fonts's Version

Hasta la próxima!

Much love xoxo

Maya

Goodness Gracious, What A Year

In light of New Years Eve,  I've been inspired by the lovely Claire and the legen-wait-for-it-dary Fonts to write this sort of summing up post about 2014, so here goes...

1. What did you do in 2014 that you'd never done before?

I ended my first year of high school and started my second one. I went to my first EON concert despite crowd anxiety and had a blast. You guys were amazing, as per usual ;) 

2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

Ummmmmmmmmm I can't remember making any New Year's resolutions to tell the truth, but there's definitely always room for improvement. 

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

One of my sort of cousins (more specifically my younger brother's godmother's daughter) gave birth to a beautiful baby girl named Jasmine (after the Disney princess haha) and I don't know if this counts but Gibb now has a precious baby sister, Grace, and she's the cutest thing in the world.

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Thankfully, no, although I do pay my respects to anyone who has suffered a loss.

5. What countries did you visit?

Well the states, obviously, seeing as I go to school here for nine months of the year... But other than that, I've gone back home to DR, which has been kinda nice :)

6. What would you like to have in 2015 that you lacked in 2014?

More self confidence and guts. I tend to second-guess myself and fear taking risks. I want to have the guts to leap for challenges and the confidence that I'm better than I think I am. I also would love to have the determination and motivation to finish anything I start, perhaps another song or two...

7. What dates from 2014 will remain etched upon your memory and why?

Goodness, that's a tough one... I'll have to get back to you guys on that one, seeing as I don't have my calendar with me at this moment.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I would say staying alive but none of you would believe me. Seriously, with a body as clumsy as mine, you'd be surprised... Apart from that, I'm quite proud of finishing writing a total of three songs: Thoughts Of A Lonely One, Coffee In The Rain, and Untitled. Getting help. I'm also extremely proud of two slam poems I've written quite recently---one about my relationship with my dad, and one about my struggles with my ethnicity. I'll probably post them on here eventually. Maybe.

Oh. And starting a blog.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Allowing myself to be a punching bag when I had no reason to be. Not speaking up when I should have.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Ha ha... ha... ha. So yeah, there's a reason I don't do track anymore... Tendonitis all the way. I missed Gibb's 17th birthday because I was quarantined in the infirmary for three days due to the fact that I got the 1% of Flu that nobody gets -_- There was also an incident where failed attempts to make a split resulted in not being able to stand up, let alone walk, for a week. Oh! and I almost forgot: that time I thought I got a concussion because Gibb decided to launch his phone at my head (okay, I'm exaggerating; it was an accident, but still).

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I actually bought Christmas presents for people this year (which is a first) so that was kinda nice. My favorite is probably the most awko taco adorable looking polar bear stuffed animal that I got for Brandt (we've promised each other that we're moving to Alaska sometime in the future because polar bear license plates). 

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Anyone who has ever listened to one of my five hour long rants, aka: Sawyer, Claire, Fonts, Maeve, Caellum, Gibb, Tom, Brandt, Sophia, Lilly, Lauryn, Olivia, Amber, Alasdaire, Rory, Tiernan, Zoe, Emma... I can't thank you guys enough for your patience. You are literally the best.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled?

I was extremely hurt and disappointed and angry a fair share of times but I'm not mentioning any names.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Um... you mean my parents' money? Ha ha... ha... ha. Well, honestly, it probably went to Chinese take-out and concert tickets now that I come to think of it. The rest went to Christmas presents :)

15. What did you get really, really excited about?

Good God, you ask this question to ME? The Queen of excited squeals? Okay, well... I got really, really excited for Semi, for Winter Weekend/Pajama Day (which I started, just for the record), for Berklee, for H2$, for my birthday, for cutting my hair, for finishing freshman year, for the Kerr's first day of summer get together, for TFIOS, for dance camp, for the twins' last day of summer get together, for beginning of sophomore year, for rooming with my best friend, for attending my first real EON concert, for the day Fonts came back, for Harvey, for the Dance/Music Recital, for Thanksgiving, for Mockingjay, for Coffeehouse, for Ghost, for EON's MET performance, for Christmas, for Claire's impromptu holiday get together, for the day I showed my poems to Mrs. B, just to name a few...

16. What song will always remind you of 2014?

You've got to be kidding me.

Seventeen by Everything or Nothing
Royals by Lorde
Iris by Sleeping with Sirens
Rude by MAGIC!
All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
Run to You by Pentatonix
Samson by Regina Spektor
Less Than Likely by Everything or Nothing
Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars
Get Free by Major Lazer
Female Robbery by The Neighborhood
Light 'Em Up by Fall Out Boy
Talk Dirty To Me by Jason Derulo
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? by Arctic Monkeys
Let It Go by Idina Menzel (from Frozen... don't ask)
Bedroom Eyes by Crywolf
I'm The Man by Aloe Blacc
The Best Day Of My Life by American Authors
Breakeven by The Script
Stutter by Marianas Trench
Sugar We're Going Down by Fall Out Boy
I'm Not The Only One by Sam Smith
Don't by Ed Sheeran
Partition by Beyonce
La Vie Boheme by The Cast of RENT
I Will Follow You Into The Dark by Death Cab for Cutie
Big Shot by Billy Joel
Chandelier by Sia
Diane Young by Vampire Weekend
Take Me to Church by Hozier
Call Me In The Afternoon by Half Moon Run
Riptide by Vance Joy
I See Fire by Ed Sheeran
Piano Man by Billy Joel
Happy by Pharrell Williams 
Hey There Delilah by Plain White T's
Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
Fancy by Iggy Azalea
I Follow Rivers by Lykke Li
You Got It On by Justin Timberlake
Lupita by Chiquito Team Band
Stereo Kids by The Plastics
Dollhouse by Melanie Martinez
Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
Lennon and McCartney by Dala
Bailando by Enrique Iglesias
Shower by Becky G
Pretty Hurts by Beyonce
Mirrors by Justin Timberlake
Youth by Daughter
I Get Around by The Beach Boys
On To The Next One by Jay-Z
Moviendo Caderas by Yandel ft Daddy Yankee
Love Me Again by John Newman
Happy Little Pill by Troye Sivan
Darte Un Beso by Prince Royce
Tee Shirt by Birdy
Secrets by Mary Lambert
Steal My Girl by One Direction
Shake It Off by Taylor Swift
Warriors by Imagine Dragons
Miss Jackson by Panic! at the Disco 
Weightless by All Time Low
Habits by Tove Lo
Budapest by George Ezra
Waves by Mr. Probz
Common Pleasure by Jason Mraz
Falling Slowly by Once
You and Me by Disclosure
Lose Yourself by Eminem
Northern Lights by Jaymes Young
Oceans Pt. II by Crywolf
Cell Block Tango by The Cast of Chicago
Suspend My Disbelief/I Had A Life by The Cast of Ghost
Rain/Hold On by The Cast of Ghost
Night Changes by One Direction
Who Spiked The Eggnog? by Straight No Chaser

Just to name a few. Have fun listening to that playlist... ;)

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: (a) happier or sadder? (b) thinner or fatter? (c) richer or poorer?

(a) This time last year<This time this year
(b) Probably thinner I think, considering dining hall food makes me sad
(c) Richer in life experiences, to put it that way

18. What do you wish you had done more of?

Enjoyed every moment of pure bliss with my friends.

19. What do you wish you had done less of?

Wallowing in self pity. Being jealous of things I couldn't control.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Quietly with my family at my aunt's house in Vermont. Much snow prevailed. 

21. Did you fall in love in 2014?

...yes.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

SherlockSherlockSherlockSherlockSherlockSherlock, Bob's Burgers, Orange Is The New Black, and The Fosters :)

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?

Um... Hate is a big word. I prefer strongly dislike.

24. What was the best book you read?

The Mayflower, Nathaniel Philbrick 

..........

I am sooooooooooooo kidding. Anyone from the Abbey will understand XD

..........

Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens
The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho
My Family and Other Animals, Gerald Durrell
Macbeth, William Shakespeare
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Is it too cliche to say my friends...?

26. What did you want and get?

Friends that are more like family. Poetic success.

27. What did you want and not get?

Peace of mind.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

TFIOS, Mockingjay Part 1, Big Hero 6, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

29. What one thing made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Making new friends and becoming closer to those I already had.

30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2014?

Wow. I don't even know... Colorful four-year-old meets prepubescent boy meets bubbly goody-two-shoes meets pajamas forever. If it weren't for the Abbey's dress code, I'd be in PJs 34/7. Just sayin'.

31. What kept you sane?

Ed Sheeran.
EHX.
Poetry.
Mrs. B.
The stairwell.
The Kerrs.
Non-dining-hall food.
A select few of my friends that listened to me when my feelings were all over the place. You know who you are. Thank you for being angels.

32. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

Benedict Cumberbatch. Denise Frohman. Johnny Depp---Always.

33. What political issue stirred you the most?

Ferguson. Without a doubt.

34. Who did you miss?

Anyone and everyone at different times of the year. My family. My other family. Suki.

35. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2014.

You must first allow yourself to be happy before anything else. Your feelings are always valid. Always. You are entitled to your feelings.

36. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

"So when I'm ready to be bolder,

And my cuts have healed with time

Comfort will rest on my shoulder

And I'll bury my future behind

I'll always keep you with me

You'll be always on my mind

But there's a shining in the shadows

I'll never know unless I try."

"Home" by Gabrielle Aplin

Gosh this post took longer than I thought.

Well, with that I leave you magical fairy people. See ya on the other side :)

Hasta la próxima,

Much love xoxo

Maya