2015 A-Z: What My Year Was like from A-Z

2015 has been a whole lot of things, pretty much just a rollercoaster and to sum it all up, here’s an A-Z of how my year was like–in my own handwriting, too!

(I know, I know. I haven’t had much practice. Read at your own risk. lmao)

And I also found this page with a quote from “Brooklyn”, one of the best movies of the year, in my opinion…

So…how about you? How was 2015 for you?

2015 Favorites: 15 Songs for 2015

1. Fight Song (Rachel Platten)

Losing friends and I’m chasing sleep
Everybody’s worried about me
In too deep
Say I’m in too deep (in too deep)
And it’s been two years
I miss my home
But there’s a fire burning in my bones
Still believe
Yeah, I still believe

2. Oasis (A Great Big World)

When we’re lost in a desert night
and we’re chasing our paradise
When we can’t fight another fight
We’re gonna make it,
You’re my Oasis

3. High by the Beach (Lana del Rey)

The truth is I never
Bought into your bullshit
When you would pay tribute to me
Cause I know that
All I wanted to do is get high by the beach
Get high baby, baby, bye, bye

4. Your Type (Carly Rae Jepsen)

I’m not the type of girl for you
And I’m not going to pretend
That I’m the type of girl you call more than a friend
And I break all the rules for you
Break my heart and start again
I’m not the type of girl you call more than a friend

5. On my Mind (Ellie Goulding)

I always hear, always hear them talking
Talking ’bout a girl, ’bout a girl with my name
Saying that I hurt you but I still don’t get it
You didn’t love me, no, not really
Wait, I could have really liked you
I’ll bet, I’ll bet that’s why I keep thinking about you
It’s a shame, you said I was good
So I poured it down, so I poured it down

And now I don’t understand it
You don’t mess with love you mess with the truth
And I know I shouldn’t say it
But my heart don’t understand

6. The Words (Christina Perri)

And all of the noise I hear inside
Restless and loud, unspoken and wild

7. Love Myself (Hailee Steinfeld)

I’m gonna put my body first
And love me so hard ’til it hurts
I know how to scream out the words
Scream the words

8. Stone Cold (Demi Lovato)

Stone cold, stone cold
You’re dancing with her, while I’m staring at my phone
Stone cold, stone cold
I was your amber, but now she’s your shade of gold

Stone cold, baby
God knows I tried to feel
Happy for you
Know that I am, even if I
Can’t understand, I’ll take the pain
Give me the truth, me and my heart
We’ll make it through

9. Magnets (Disclosure ft Lorde)

Smoke and sunset, off Mulholland
He was talking, I was wondering ’bout
You and that girl, she your girlfriend?
Face from heaven, bet the world she don’t know
Pretty girls don’t know the things that I know
But my way I’ll share the things that you want

Uh-oh, dancin’ past the point of no return
Let go, we can free ourselves of all we’ve learned
I love this secret language that we’re speaking
Say it to me, let’s embrace the point of no return
Let’s embrace the point of no return
Let’s embrace the point of no return

10. Man on a Wire (The Script)

No, I can’t look down
I’m trying to fight the feeling
I will fall to the ground
If I ever see you
‘Cause I feel like I’m walkin’ on a tightrope

My heart is in my throat
I’m counting on high hopes to get me over you
And I’ve got my eyes closed
As long as the wind blows
I’m counting on high hopes to get me over you, you

11. Up (Olly Murs ft Demi Lovato)

I never meant to break your heart
Now I won’t let this plane go down
I never meant to make you cry
I’ll do what it takes to make this fly, oh
You gotta hold on
Hold on to what you’re feeling
That feeling is the best thing
The best thing, alright
I’m gonna place my bet on us
I know this love is heading in the same direction
That’s up

12. Tattoo (Hilary Duff)

Apologies for the way I’ve been
I couldn’t wash you off my skin, no I
I couldn’t live without you

Mmm, Tears and eyes can try
But I know
Burning like the wire in lightbulbs
It could be in the way you bleed me

13. Paper Doll (Bea Miller)

Does it make you feel good to make me feel small?
When you’re pushing me down, does it make you feel tall?
Pointing out my flaws cause you wanna erase them all
Does it make you feel good to make me feel small?

I’m not a paper doll
Can’t make me what you want
You just build me up and tear me down
Enough’s enough
Go, leave me alone
Cut me down but I won’t fall
I’m not a paper doll

14. Bright (Echosmith)

Did you see that shooting star tonight?
Were you dazzled by the same constellation?
Did you and Jupiter conspire to get me?
I think you and the Moon and Neptune got it right
‘Cause now I’m shining bright, so bright
Bright, so bright

15. Four Five Seconds (Rihanna and Kanye West ft Paul McCartney)

Woke up an optimist, sun was shining I’m positive
Then I heard you was talkin’ trash
Hold me back I’m bout’ to spaz

See they want to buy my pride, but that just ain’t up for sale
See all of my kindness, is taken for weakness

Bonus:  Little Do You Know (Alex and Sierra)

(I know this was released last year but it’s just so beautiful and I only heard it earlier this year so…)

Little do you know
I know you’re hurting while I’m sound asleep
Little do you know
All my mistakes are slowly drowning me
Little do you know
I’m trying to make it better piece by piece

Little do you know
I, I love you ’til the sun dies

2015 Favorites: Best Books

Now, time to list my 15 favorite books of 2015! Check them all out below!

1. Everything, Everything (Nicola Yoon)

“I was trying so hard to find the single pivotal moment that set my life on its path. The moment that answered the question, ‘How did I get here?’

But it’s never just one moment. It’s a series of them. And your life can branch out from each one in a thousand different ways. Maybe there’s a version of your life for all the choices you make and all the choices you don’t.”

Everything, and I mean, EVERYTHING, about this book is beautiful. You know, you’d think it’s one of those usual stories but it’s definitely on a league of its own. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, and there are a lot of unexpected moments that will make you swoon, cry, and basically just gasp and take a lot of deep breaths. I’m a really forgetful person but this one? I know it would stay with me for a long, long time.

 

2. All The Bright Places (Jennifer Niven)

“She is oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. The same elements that are inside the rest of us, but I can’t help thinking she’s more than that and she’s got other elements going on that no one’s ever heard of, ones that make her stand apart from everybody else.”

I read this early this year, before it became big, and I’m glad I did because it’s just one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking, cry-worthy books I’ve read all my life. I’m glad it also talks about Depression in such a way that makes it understandable for those who don’t. I’m just basically glad for the beauty that is this book. The author’s also working on the movie’s screenplay so that’s something to look forward to.

3. The Good Girl (Mary Kubica)

“I know how betrayal and disillusionment feel, when someone who could give you the world refuses even a tiny piece of it.”

Mary Kubica is one of my favorite authors right now because she writes soooo well. Like, seriously. I’m a fan of crazy suspense/crime thrillers and she nails it. She knows how to do it. This book certainly proved that.

4. Another Day (David Levithan)

“That has to be what love is – seeing what a mess he is and loving him anyway, because you know you’re a mess, too, maybe even worse.”

There were lots of bad reviews for this book but I liked it not just because I love David Levithan, but also because it’s good to be in Rhiannon’s shoes. So heartbreaking and painful. I wouldn’t choose what’s better between this one and Every Day because I love them both.

5. The Status of All Things (Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke)

“A very wise person once told me marriage is hard, that you have to keep fighting for it everyday.”

One word: Facebook. It’s so witty and it has that Sophie Kinsella/Alexandra Potter feel.

6. Pretty Baby (Mary Kubica)

“Momma used to say, “We don’t have much, but at least we have each other.” And then one day, we didn’t even have that much.”

Another Kubica! Pretty Baby is really crazy but great. Read it and you’d know what I mean.

7. Hallowed (Tonya Hurley)

I love the Precious Blood series and this was such a fitting ending. But I still want mooooooore

8. Down The Rabbit Hole (Holly Madison)

“Maybe I wasn’t defined by the mistakes I had made after all . . . maybe those decisions were what allowed me to become the person I was always destined to be.”

Didn’t know much about Holly except for Girls Next Door, but I really enjoyed this book. She is a survivor and no matter what you say, I’m glad things worked out for her.

9. Finding Audrey (Sophie Kinsella)

“I think what I’ve realized is, life is all about climbing up, slipping down, and picking yourself up again. And it doesn’t matter if you slip down. As long as you’re kind of heading more or less upwards. That’s all you can hope for. More or less upwards.”

This book nailed what anxiety feels like to a T. It’s Sophie’s first YA offering and she did it so well. So beautiful.

10. P.S. I Still Love You (Jenny Han)

“There’s a Korean word my grandma taught me. It’s called jung. It’s the connection between two people that can’t be severed, even when love turns to hate. You still have those old feelings for them; you can’t ever completely shake them loose of you; you will always have tenderness in your heart for them.”

The ending to the Song Sisters series. Oh man, the rollercoaster of emotions this brought me!

11. Carry On (Rainbow Rowell)

“Sharing a room with the person you want most is like sharing a room with an open fire.

He’s constantly drawing you in. And you’re constantly stepping too close. And you know it’s not good–that there is no good–that there’s absolutely nothing that can ever come of it.

But you do it anyway.
And then…
Well. Then you burn.”

Harry Potter. Twilight. Fanfics. Fangirl. EVERYTHING.

12. Leaving Time (Jodi Picoult)

“I wonder if, as you get older, you stop missing people so fiercely. Maybe growing up is just focusing on what you’ve got, instead of what you don’t.” 

Dark, sad, beautiful, unforgettable.

13. My Heart and Other Black Holes (Jasmine Warga)

“Depression is like a heaviness that you can’t ever escape. It crushes down on you, making even the smallest things like tying your shoes or chewing on toast seem like a twenty-mile hike uphill. Depression is a part of you; it’s in your bones and your blood. If I know anything about it, this is what I know: It’s impossible to escape.”

Again: Depression. Suicide. I love how it does not sugarcoat things. It’s heartbreaking. It’s fearless. It’s beautiful.

14. Pretending to be Erica (Michelle Painchaud)

I just like how it was written; how enjoyable and entertaining and painful it was.

15. This is Where I Leave You (Jonathan Tropper)

“I may not be old but I’m too old to have this much nothing”

I’m pretty sure this was not released this year but only read it a couple of months ago and it had a really big impact on me. I always like complicated, intertwining stories. I like this novel’s humor and wit—and the characters, too!

26 Things I Learned about Life

1. Dreams do come true! This year, I have published some novellas (The Path of Us, Stormy Hollow), and am working on my 3rd novella (a crime fiction one). This blog even got nominated for an award! I’ve always loved writing, and I’ve had novels here for a long time, but this year, I really decided to get onto it–to really join a class, write something, finish it, publish it. Years back, people would often say there is no money in writing (well, that is somehow correct), but hey, it’s not all bout the money–you write because you want to. And you’d feel a certain kind of fulfillment that would somehow remind you that you’re out here for a purpose, and that no one can tell you who you are–or who you’re supposed to be!
2. But, life’s not always easy. Just because some of your dreams have come true doesn’t mean everything else will. Life is challenging. And maybe, the fact that it’s challenging could only push you to do more–be more.
3. You can’t always get what you want. But as the song goes, you get what you need. And just because you know and appreciate your situation doesn’t mean you’re going to be stuck there forever. Who knows what could happen tomorrow? You just have to do something.
4. Some people will always appreciate you. One funny thing about life is that sometimes, even though the people you expect to support and appreciate you don’t, there are people who actually will. There are people who would often remind you that you are actually doing something worthwhile; that your efforts are still worth it.
5. And, well, some people just won’t. And that is okay! To hell with them. No seriously, don’t ever try to feel like you can please everyone. That would be your greatest downfall.
6. People grow apart. I always say this, and some people may think I’m awful because it’s kind of easy for me now to say goodbye to friends, but it’s just because, you know, people grow up, we all get old, we don’t believe in the same things anymore. Just because you’re friends today doesn’t mean you have to be friends tomorrow. When a relationship turns toxic, let it go. You don’t need that in your life.
7. But, it’s okay to miss people, too. Because missing people does not necessarily mean that you want them back in your life. Life is a series of little lives and sometimes, you just miss some of your other lives. And that’s okay.
8. You really can change a lot. I really am not the same person I was a year or two ago. When life breaks you, you really change a lot. There are days when I kind of miss the old me, but then…I don’t know. Life’s different then. Life’s different now. While some things were easier then, it really does not mean they’re better, so, you know…
9. You can’t judge people for not being extremely family-oriented. Because not all families are the same, duh. You never know how your words can hurt people, so be careful. Families could also break you–more than anything, and that’s something that would always stay with you. ALWAYS.
10. People with mental health problems are not the problems of this society. I suffer from anxiety and depression, and those two are pretty much the worst combo. And you’ll never really understand unless you have them. When you have that, there are days when you pretty much just want to kill yourself–but you hold on to the tiniest bit of hope you have simply because you want to live. I do wish mental health would not be treated with a stigma here in this country anymore.
11. Fake people are disgusting. Fake intellectuals, fake friends, fake “godly” people, fake animal lovers who don’t even rescue the poor ones and only go for the “cute” ones, etc. Don’t even get me started on this.
12. You do not have to label yourself. I still have no idea why our society is obsessed with labels. But you know what? Whoever you are or whoever you’re not is okay. You don’t have to explain yourself to people.
13. You can be intellectual and “masa” at the same time. I like Keeping up with the Kardashians–does that make me dumb? I don’t think so. People who like the “shallow” things does not mean they’re shallow. Intellect is not based on how one KNOWS about what’s going on in their country, but rather how one CARES, and actually tries to do something about it.
14. Your faith is your faith. Respect that. Respect other people’s, too–but never impose your religion on them.
15. Animals love unconditionally. SO LOVE THEM, TOO. Help them. Give them shelter. Donate. Give food. Try to make them feel better. If you can shop, why not adopt, too? There are so many animals out there who need help–and not just the cute, fluffy ones!
16. You can dislike what you used to like, too. One day, I just woke up not having the energy to queue posts on Tumblr anymore. That’s okay. I’ll come back one day. What I’m saying is…people change–you will change a little each day. Open yourself up to that. There is nothing wrong with it.
17. Sometimes…you’d feel like what you’re doing does not matter. There would really be days when you’d go in these existential crises where you’d feel like you just have no idea whether what you’re doing matters or not. It sucks. But you know what? It’s okay. It’s okay to question things. That means you actually care. Just take a little break (even a 5 minute one!) and remind yourself that sometimes…you would not really see what’s in the end of the road, but if your heart is still committed to what you’re doing, get on with it. You do not have to love what you’re doing every single minute of your life. No matter how much you love your work, there would be days when you’d rather not do it. But again, if you still have the drive, don’t quit.
18. Don’t let your life revolve around work. Up until a few years ago, I wasn’t this devoted to work, but ever since I found the work that I like, I’ve been, er, extra-committed to the point that I just have no idea what I’ll do with my life when I don’t have work to do (even if I make reklamo about it at times! haha!). Buuuuut, I am working on that. What I’m saying is, take a break–even little ones–even just afternoons at the mall. Do something that’s not related to work. Take classes. Create a blog! Read! Eat–whatever. Just do something.
19. But, take time to be lazy, too! IT’S OKAY!!!! Spend a day watching tv, surfing the net, whatever. Don’t let yoruself get burned out. (okay, this is an advice I have to take…)
20. We all have different lives. Some people find this hard to understand, but we just don’t live the same lives. So don’t give unsolicited advice, especially when one only wants you to listen.
21. Try to put yourself in others’ shoes. It’s such a cliche, but it’s true. That’s one of the ways you could understand others best.
22. A child does not have to define you. Right now, I really don’t want one because 1) my lifestyle just doesn’t fit with having a child, 2) just because you’re committed and living with someone doesn’t mean you have to be married or have a child, duh, 3) I have cats—lots of them and they are my babies, 4) I am pretty much damaged and I do not want to project all that anger to my child, and 5) I just don’t want to. I don’t know, maybe this’ll change one day, but if it doesn’t, that’s okay, too.
23. Live life at your own pace. Sometimes, it’s hard because you feel like you’re kind of in competition with everyone, but just live life the best way you can–at your own pace. It doesn’t matter whether the climb to the top is slow; what matters is you feel fulfilled!
24. When you’re a broken person, healing takes time. AND NO THIS IS NOT ABOUT LOVE. I’m talking about being broken–by your family, by society, I don’t know–whatever broke you. It’s your right to understand that you’re damaged. And just because you know that does not mean you’re not moving on. It does take time, though. Sometimes, especially when you have depression, your past creeps up and makes you feel fragile. It’ll take time especially if you’ve had a fucked up childhood (I’m not mad, it’s just the truth), so just live life the best way you can. Healing always takes time.
25. Sometimes…you never can really go home again. But you do wish you could.
26. You can always dream a new dream! Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop dreaming, or that you can’t dream new dreams. Life does not work that way. Work hard, and even those new dreams of yours may come true!

14 Books for 2014

I have a confession to make: After reading over a hundred books by July, I've pretty much slowed down on reading the last couple of months this year (boo, I know).

I learned that it's actually my anxiety that caused me to have such short attention span. There were days when I'd start reading a new book and I'd end up not finishing it at all. There are also a couple of books in my shelves that I haven't gotten to read yet--and that never really happened before, at least not because I was lazy. And well, I've also been busy with work, like a lot, coz I enjoy it and I know that's not an excuse to be such a lazy reader, but yeah, well, things happen.

Anyway, that does not mean that I don't read anymore. Of course it doesn't. It's just that I'm currently only reading short ones and all these articles, but I'll get back my "I can read extremely long books with no problem whatsoever" groove soon. And besides, I was able to read  (insert number here) this year so that's not bad.

(side note: as of now, I'm reading Pretty Little Liars: Vicious, so yeah, there's some progress right there... ^^)

 

That said, here are my favorite books of 2014. (14 for 2014!). (I know it's early but before I hibernate again and get sucked up in all these things, let me do this now) Some of these were published this year, some weren't, but the point is that I read them all these year. And ta-daaaa, here they are:

1. Dwellers (Eliza Victoria).

 Oh my god, this one is really, really good. I couldn't count the number of times that I read this in the past couple of months. It's a weird but good bedtime story (at least for me hihihi). I like how it's not just about the horror, but how it incorporated some elements of weird romances, plus a whole lot of pain and craziness into it. And I LOVE the characters. Each of them had their own unique traits, even if most of them were downright crazy. Celeste stood out from the pack, in my opinion, She's just different, and assertive, and deep--and I really like her.

2. The Descendants (Kaui Hart Hemmings).

 I've seen the movie years ago and it became one of my favorites and when I read the book, I realized how great they both were and it's just really amazing. I like how realistic this story is and the way it was written was just on point. 

3. This Star Won't Go Out (Esther Earl with Lori and Wayne Earl).

  

 This one's really special and it's one of those stories that will stay with me forever. It's not just a story--it's a real story. Reading Esther's thoughts, seeing some of her drawings, and just feeling like you know her--even for just a while--is just something else. Most importantly, you'd realize how big her heart was and how much she loved--and is loved. Even my guy is touched by this one--we love it to pieces. Oh and it's Goodreads' Best Memoir/Autobiography for 2014, too, yay!!!

4. We Were Liars (E.Lockhart).  

Oh man, this book broke my heart in more ways than one. It's just on a league of its own and you'd definitely feel for the characters. Plus, you'd also get to think about why things are that way, or how events in the story came to be And once you get to the end, your brain will just be rattled and you'll probably say "Why oh why", or "NOOOOOO!" and that's the reason why this book rocks, for me. Oh, and it also won a Goodreads Choice Award for best Young Adult Fiction! Woot!

5. The Heiresses (Sara Shepard). 

 It's like, this adult version of Pretty Little Liars (which I am obviously obsessed with) but it also has different elements to it. Plus, the characters feel so real and you kind of wish that you live in their world (but not be part of the whole fiasco lol)

6.  The Kitchen when it Sizzles (Chrissie Peria). 

 This is one of those books that just made me want to read again after being lazy. It's beautiful and sexy in all the right places plus it would really make you feel "Kilig"--and to me, that's kind of a mark of an effective love story: when you feel "kilig" and want to be part of the story yourself.

7.  Landline (Rainbow Rowell). 

 Ah, Rainbow Rowell is a gem, isn't she? I like this novel primarily because it deals with the harsh realities of love and relationships. I like how it makes you think about what you have in life, and why things work out or why they don't. It's not your usual mushy love story, but it's great because it's more realistic than fictional and that's really good. And this is also Goodreads' Best Fiction for 2014!!! <3

8. Janus Silang at ang Tiyanak ng Tabon (Edgar Calabia Samar).

 

This is also another book that I read over and over again--and it's in Tagalog! Hooray! It's one of those local books that I'm truly proud of coz it's so good. You have this average guy as the hero and it's written in a real world perspective which makes you think that "hey, what if that really happens?" and the thought will probably scare you. 

9. The Silkworm (Robert Galbraith).  

Can JKR do anything wrong? No, absolutely not. I like Cuckoo's Calling better, though, but this one is also great because you learn a lot from it. PLUS CORMOROBIN!!!! You can't go wrong with that. 

10. Heat of the Moment (E.A. Martelle).

 

This story is special to me and even if I didn't know it from the beginning, I'd still say that it's amazing. Really will make you "kilig" plus if you're looking for a story that's steamy and classy but will just really make you want to read more, I'd say you do have to read this one. 

11. (Un)breakable (Kesh Tanglao).  

While this one may not really happen in real life, you still wouldn't help but feel "kilig" over what goes on in it. And sometimes, that makes a story great, too: when you know that something may be impossible but you still put some hope into it.

12. To all the Boys I've Loved Before (Jenny Han).  

This is seriously one of the cutest, most romantic, and "kilig" books that I read this year--and possibly for all time. It's simple, it's not trying to be deep and all that stuff, but you'll love it because of that. And my friend Alyssa and I have fangirled over this over and over and over...hihi

13. Grimm's Fairy Tales. 

  

Because why not? I found a great copy this year and I instantly bought it. It's nice to read all those fairy tales again, though some of them were really weird. Like Cat Skin! Oh my god, I can't even.

14. The Geography of You and Me (Jennifer E. Smith). 

 I think I read this one in one sitting because it's just sooooo "kilig" and though it'll also break your heart, it's a story that's just pretty realistic, too, so that makes it one of the best love stories ever.

So, that's it. Here's to more years of reading (and hopefully, I'll get back to my reading streak in full force soon). Xx

13 songs for 2013

Because I can't seem to gather my thoughts into place and I know I have to post a little tribute to the songs that made my year :)

1. Katy Perry - By the Grace of God

Was 27 surviving my return to Saturn /A long vacation didn't sound so bad
Was full of secrets locked up tight like iron melting/ Running on empty, so out of gas

Thought I wasn't enough and I wasn't so tough /Laying on the bathroom floor
We were living on a fault line And I felt the fault was all mine
Couldn't take it any more

By the grace of God (there was no other way) /I picked myself back up (I knew I had to stay)
I put one foot in front of the other and I Looked in the mirror and decided to stay
Wasn't gonna let love take me out
That way

(All the feels because I finally found my way back to God this year, in terms of being faithful, but not with the whole organized religion thing...this song is too beautiful)

2. Lorde - Royals

Gold teeth Grey Goose/ Tripping in the bathroom
Bloodstains Ball gowns /Trashing the hotel room

We don't care, we're driving Cadillacs in our dreams

And we'll never be royals (royals)
It don't run in our blood /That kind of lux just ain't for us, we crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler) /You can call me queen bee
And baby I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule, I'll rule
Let me live that fantasy
(I love Lorde. Ever since I came across her songs on You Me and Charlie like, a year back, she has already amazed me. Really happy for all the success she has now. and this song is AMAZEBALLS)

3. Demi Lovato/Idina Menzel - Let it Go (I like both versions so...)

A kingdom of isolation and it looks like I'm the queen.

The wind is howling like the swirling storm inside.

Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I tried.

Don't let them in, don't let them see,

Be the good girl you always had to be.

Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know.

Well now they know.

(I couldn't count the number of times this song almost drove me to tears)

4. Britney Spears - Work Bitch

You wanna hot body

You wanna Bugatti

You wanna Maserati

You better work bitch

You wanna Lamborghini

Sip Martinis

Look hot in a bikini

You better work bitch

You wanna live fancy

Live in a big mansion

Party in France

You better work bitch 

(This song is such a peg coz you know...you bettah work, bitch, whatever way you can. And Queen B inspires me coz she was able to turn her life around and she's awesome :))

5. David Guetta - Play Hard

Work hard, play hard
Work hard, play hard.
We work hard, play hard
Keep partyin' like it's your job

(No, I don't really party, but I do Play hard. Work hard, Play Hard!)

6. Christina Aguilera - We Remain

Yes I'm a sinner
Yes I'm a saint
Whatever happens here
Whatever happens here
We remain

(Why do I like songs with sinner and saint on 'em? haha. I dunno.)

7. Miley Cyrus - We Can't Stop

Remember only God can judge ya
Forget the haters 'cause somebody loves ya

(This year was very Miley, and you can't deny that)

8. A Great Big World ft Christina Aguilera - Say Something

Say something, I'm giving up on you.
I'll be the one, if you want me to.
Anywhere, I would've followed you.
Say something, I'm giving up on you.

And I am feeling so small.
It was over my head
I know nothing at all.

And I will stumble and fall.
I'm still learning to love
Just starting to crawl.

(It's so heartbreakingly beautiful)

9. Mary Lambert - She Keeps me Warm

And I can’t change, even if I tried
Even if I wanted to
And I can’t change, even if I tried
Even if I wanted to

What’s your middle name?
Do you hate your job?
Do you fall in love too easily?
What’s your favorite word?
You like kissing girls?
Can I call you baby?
Yeah, yeah

(This song relaxes me. Mary Lambert's voice is sooo refreshing)

10. Avicii - Wake Me Up

They tell me I'm too young to understand
They say I'm caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don't open up my eyes
Well that's fine by me

So wake me up when it's all over
When I'm wiser and I'm older
All this time I was finding myself
And I didn't know I was lost

11. Lana del Rey - Young and Beautiful

Will you still love me

When I got nothing but my aching soul?

I know you will, I know you will

I know that you will

Will you still love me when I'm no longer beautiful?

12. Chvrches - The Mother We Share

I'm in misery where you can seem as old as your omens
And the mother we share will never keep your proud head from falling
The way is long but you can make it easy on me
And the mother we share will never keep our cold hearts from calling

In the dead of night, I'm the only one here
And I will cover you, until you go-o-oh
And if I told the truth, I will always be free
And keep a prize with me, until you go-o-oh

(Total Eargasm. Earworm. Whatever you call it . It's hauntingly beautiful.)

13. Demi Lovato - Warrior 

All the pain and the truth
I wear like a battle wound
So ashamed, so confused
I was broken and bruised

Now I'm a warrior
Now I've got thicker skin
I'm a warrior
I'm stronger than I've ever been
And my armor, is made of steel, you can't get in
I'm a warrior
And you can never hurt me again

It surely was a year of great music. Looking forward for more great ones in 2014!