Beautiful Day!

What a glorious day it is here in Champaign-Urbana!  I've read that every one really needs 15 minutes of exposed sunlight per day to keep up on their Vitamin D.  Well ladies and gentlemen, today is a perfect day to do just that.  It is also a great day because it is Lizzy's birthday (she was the inspiration for this whole blog.)  This weeks other birthdays also include Allison, Nick, Nina, and Burns.. what a week to be born! I met Nick's puppy, Lilly, yesterday and it made me miss my dog so much!  Her name is Eleanor and is a Chocolate Lab.  I want to say she is 9 years old which is 63 in dog years.  Yesterday in my computer class I calculated how many days I have been alive for.  It was somewhere around 7,140 (I cant' remember exactly) but how insane is that?  Last night I slept for 12 hours (7 to 7) and I could not be happier today.  I suggest you all get a good nights sleep some time in the near future because I kind of forgot how nice it feels to sleep for so long, ITS AWESOME.  I thought today was Friday but I'm not even mad that its Thursday because its so nice out! Alrighty I'm out, get out and enjoy the weather!

All Grown Up!

First off I want to start with a special thanks to Max! His post not only made me laugh out loud in the library but it was well written and very nice.. he definitely proved himself and will be making frequent guest (or celebrity) posts.  On a super exciting note Emily, Molly, Courtney, and I (and Moira and Nina) signed our lease today!! Starting in August 2011 you will find us all residing at 211 E. John and you are all welcome to come over any time! We are looking for decorating ideas so please let us know! Funny story that happened to me earlier today.. I was walking across the street and tripped over my own feet.  It was one of those like 5 stride save attempts and i ended up swinging my computer case and facing a 22N bus.  Too embarrassed to do anything I basically ran away and like 20 mins later I burst out laughing, looking somewhat ridiculous but whats new.  I understand that this is not nearly as funny as it was when it happened but just imagine me falling in the street with a bus coming at me.  And now Glee is on! Today is just a great day (I found a penny heads up which just adds to everything!) Word on the street is that Nick got a puppy! Can't wait to go see it! Have a great Tuesday night my friends!

APT Weekly Edition

Hello All,
This is Gregory Max Salah from the apartment where Maris is often found sleeping in. It's a pleasure of mine to write on this very creative blog (kudos to Maris E. Witry). Let me tell all you who Maris is to me! Funny story: How I met Maris? Well she picked out my group of high school friends in a 7,000 person UI assembly, looked at my buddies and said "Hello!". Then promptly introduced herself to me and said "Hey, let's be friends".  And I guess our relationship has not looked back. Tonight-----Maris, Brad, Phil, Ben, Ken, and myself witnessed the Bears dominate on the Packers. Great game for the family. For all of you who do not understand the family (A.K.A. all of you)----- well its the family members of this great apartment. We are kind of like a loving happy family. Brad and I do the dishes and keep the place clean. Ben is kind of like the husband who sits on his butt after a long day of work and watches TV. Ken just looks at his facebook all day so I do not really know what his role in our family is??? And Phil and Maris are the children who are in and out. After the game, we adventured to Geovanti's Italian Fine Cuisine on the gorgeous Green Street for some of the finest gourmet pizza on campus. Phil, the generous man that people know and love, bought everybody a slice of their $5.00 pizza. We are capping off the night with some ESPN. We know Maris loves that.

Thanks for the Blogspot
Salah
See ya next week

lame

We finally had a normal weekend here at the U of I and it was awesome.  I got to sleep in although I feel unproductive if I don't wake up by 10 (kinda weird but oh well.)  Yesterday was Keely's birthday.  I went to her party which was awesome and even funnier because I remember going to each other's preschool birthday parties.. too weird!  Today I went out to lunch with Katherine's parents (and her obviously.. Margaret and Mary came too) so many M names at one table it was ridiculous.  Olivia doesn't have a phone right now and its getting extremely difficult to communicate with her.  Sorry guys today I'm literally the most boring person in the world.  If you need me I'll be at the ugl all day... HOLLERRRRRR

Weekend

It has been far too long! In these past two days my mom has come to visit me, I have finished almost all my exams, I got a new phone, and I went to barndance (although I feel like the only people I saw all night were Max, Phil, and Marge.. it was epic)! I dubbed yesterday as "my best day ever" and it lived up to the expectations.  I wish that all those things could happen every day but its those extra special days that make life awesome.  Today I was walking on the quad and ran into my girl Shakara and while we were standing there talking two men came up to me and asked me if I was Jewish.  Unfortunately I had to tell them no but they still wished me a great day and so far it has been pretty nice! I also saw a girl walking her gerbil on the quad today.. what a fine university I do attend! I plan on sleeping until whenever the hell I want tomorrow so nobody come looking for me too early! I hope everyone has a great Friday night, yay for the WEEKEND!

Crunch Time

SO CLOSEEEEE!! In just about 13 hours I will embark on my 3 exam journey, I hope it ends well.  Say a prayer for me (I'm gonna need it!) Also say a prayer for Brian, so many chinooks have been crashing in Iraq recently and they need all the prayers they can get.  On the brighter side Glee starts in 15 minutes.. I've been waiting for this moment for a couple months now and could not be more excited! AND today is the 21 of September (not only is it Elaine's birthday) but there is a whole song dedicated to this day-- what could be better than that! This one's gonna be short and sweet.. hang in there and love you all!

HAHAHA

Toooo funny I'm studying at the bif and decided to take a quick bathroom break.  I must have forgotten which room we were in because I walked into the one we were in the night before, and clearly it was a different group of people than I am studying with.  I apologized and chuckled to myself thinking it is somewhat embarrassing not only because I walked into the wrong room but I am wearing what most people would consider pajamas.. I think they're comfy to study in.  So, I proceeded to the end of the hallway and opened the next door.  It just so happened to be the second door to that same room I had just accidentally walked into!  Everyone stared at me, yet again, and I quickly apologized (for the second time) and burst into such a fit of laughter I couldn't talk for a little while.  I think all this studying is getting to me.. not to mention I've been listening to Right Above It on repeat in order to pump me up for studying (weird thing is it works.) But at midnight that song will change to September by Earth, Wind, and Fire! (the one about the 21st night of September.. too fitting.)  It is also Jackie's birthday so send her a text or call whichever you prefer!  Too much fun for one night.. have a good one!  

Sunday Funday

Just doing my laundry for the first time since coming to school.. no worries, judging by what was left in my drawer, I was scheduled to run out of underwear and socks on Tuesday so I figured now would be a good time to get it done.  Last night Peter visited! I was laying in my bed when Olivia (who just left :( ) texted me and said that I had to come over to the Delt senior house immediately because Peter was here.  So naturally, I jumped on a bus and got there within half an hour.  It was quite fun and should definitely happen more often.  Now I'm just waiting for my invitation to be an honorary Delt.. word on the street is that its gonna happen soon but I'll be patient.  I also found out that so many people I know (Derek, Eileen, Liz, etc..) live in the sweet new apartments behind Sig Eps which means I'm coming over soon! I was walking this morning and legit stepped on a chipmunk.. I think I attempted to scream but nothing came out it was a terrifying experience.  Sundays are awesome because of Bears games but we are missing one thing, nachos.  Nachos are my second favorite food in the entire world and when complimented with a glass of Coke it is too great.  Maybe next weekend.. have a good Sunday and GO BEARS!

Game Day!

First home game (WE WON) was today which means block! The wake up call this morning at 6:45 was just the beginning.  We have our block (football tailgate) at Joes with Delta Chi.  It was really fun and super crowded because there had to have been at least 4 other pairs of frats--including my favorite Acacias--and sororities but it was so festive no one even cared (at least I didn't).  Highlight of the day (aside from talking to my junior prom date, Pat, for at least half an hour) was when the Boondock Saints song came on and Moira Irish danced for everyone.. I almost peed in my pants.  Olivia was a big hit at block, particularly due to the fact that she was wearing her backpack.  After that was over we headed over to my second home at 3rd and Green, hydrated for the walk home, and made the half hour trek back to the middle of nowhere, Urbana.  Some exciting news.. last night I acquired a new apartment to clean.. before we know it I may make it big but I'm still waiting.  And last night Nicole, Caroline, and Danielle made an appearance at U of I, that was a pleasant surprise when I walked into the bathroom and saw them! Hope they had fun and make another visit some time soon!  I took a nap today (best idea I've ever had.)  It was great and now I'm fueled up on coffee (don't worry I still think it tastes gross but 3 Splendas deep and its not so bad)... off to learn! Have a great Saturday and GO ILLINI

So Close

Well my practical is over! I threw up due to nervousness (anxiety at its best) but nothing I can do about it now.  I'm somewhat freaking out about next Wednesday because I have 3 exams on that day but I'm just gonna live at the library until then.  I will of course take a time out because Olivia comes tomorrow!!! We've got plans to do big things (I hope) but I'm so excited!  Hopefully Abby and Claire will invite us over to their sweet pad because I have yet to hang out there.  The one time I was there none of them were (I was apartment hunting and just walked in).  It is an absolutely awesome apartment and I have to make a more conscious effort to get over there.  Its not my fault I live in the middle of nowhere but I think this might be the weekend I make the trek to 2nd and Green.  I'm in the library now, sitting between two people that must have forgotten deodorant or something if you catch my drift.  They're probably making fun of me right now though because of the shirt I'm wearing.  On quad day, before school started, I won a free shirt that says, "My Lucky Exam Shirt."  I had an exam today so I figured, why not wear it.  It helps boost my confidence and one of my many mottos is "whatever floats your boat."  I mean it helps me sleep at night.  Gotta get back to work but I hope you all have an awesome Thursday afternoon.

yikes

You guys I'm on the verge of a mental breakdown.  If you happen to see me crying, don't worry about it, just don't talk to me.  AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I have my first lab practical tomorrow morning at 8 and I haven't stopped moving in like 35 hours but it will all (almost) be over next Wednesday and then my mom comes to visit next Thursday which is also barndance.. some things to look forward to at least.  Olivia got real housing today! Burge, I've never heard of it but its probably better than what she had before.  This morning I was walking around campus at 6:30 and apparently thats when all the rampant squirrels come out because I almost got attacked like 6 times.  I hate squirrels.  I think they are ugly, stupid, mean creatures that resemble rats and are out to get me.  I avoid them at all costs and it makes me happy to see dead ones (vulgar I know but its true.)  Just thought you should all know.  A little study break.  Almost there I hope all you are hanging in there too.  Peace, love, and simple squamous epithelium.

Heyooo

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have barely had a spare second to sit down but I decided it has been too long.  Rush is finally over for good because last night we got our babes as Margaret would call them.  They're supa cute (and better be cool!) but I have no doubt they are.  I found out yesterday that Olivia is coming to visit wahoooo! And my Aunt Cathy is sending a package (even better!) just kidding but I guess that depends on the contents of said package.  Yesterday in one of my classes we watched a video on Steve Bartman, don't ask me why because I would not be able to tell you, but I've decided that I feel bad for the guy.  His life was ruined because of one little misunderstanding.  It could have happened to anyone.. and while I used to blame him for the Cubs lost chance for the title, I think its time to face the truth.  BUT I am still a loyal fan and don't doubt that our day will come.. regardless of when, I'll be waiting.  Another funny thing that happened in that same class, Taylor fell fast asleep and her gum fell out of her mouth, causing her to immediately wake up, it was absolutely hilarious let me tell you.  According to my schedule for the day this has taken way too long so I hope you are getting through your week alright!  My advice for the day is go out around dusk and appreciate the beautiful weather we have, it won't last long (and its my favorite time of day so just do it)!

P.S. sorry for the sp errors, the comp I'm on doesn't have spell check-stupid I know.  Last thing, I was recently informed that Allison S. has this website bookmarked so I would love it if she took a time out from reading and just came over so she could experience some of these epic moments in my life, thanks and have a great day :)

DUNZOOOO

Rush is finally over!!! YESSSSS and I found out that Olivia is coming this weekend YAY!  The only thing that would make this moment better is if I was not at BIF falling asleep while attempting to do my homework.  I have a histology practical on Thurs. that I'm kind of freaking out about but Alyssa, Taylor, Becky, Emily, and I have quite the study group going and if anyone else in mcb 245 wants to join, please do.  Today is Brittany Harshbarger's 19th birthday (bar legal) so show her some love if you see her.  We ate at Dos Reales for it and I definitely recommend going because its super cheap, tasty, and overall great service.  I hope you are all ready for the week because, ready or not, Monday morning is only about 10 minutes away.

9.11.10

Today marks the 9th anniversary of September 11th.  I want you all to take a minute to say a prayer for all those that lost loved ones in the attack and all the soldiers that are fighting and have fought in order to protect our freedom.  This particularly hits home because my dad was in the first attack on the World Trade Center and I have many cousins that have served in the armed forces: Brian, Pat, Jed, Peter, and who knows maybe even more.  But on a lighter note I am on a break from rush--FINALLY!!!! I forgot to mention the other day that my mom passed her PTA exam, congrats!  Today is our second football game, against SIU.. hope we get the win.  I'm having Noodles (Pad Thai) for dinner (not nearly as good as Thai Aree but I'm sure I'll be hungry so whatever) hopefully they mess up like last time and give me 2! If I have any advice for the day it would be to drink enough water.  I have seen too many dehydrated people today and its really important to drink enough water!  Have a great S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y night (ala the song).

Almost There

Its almost the weekend, hang in there guys!  I think if today were to have a theme song it would be Nothing Left to Lose by Mat Kearney.  For whatever reason it came on my ipod on shuffle like 6 times.. thats got to be sign of some sort.  If you want to send some new tunes my way it would be much appreciated.  On a worse note, today I was sitting in one of my labs just talking to my group and somewhat loudly exclaimed, "there is so much wasted time in this class" (which there is, I don't say things I don't mean.)  To my surprise, the TA was standing right behind me when it happened.  I feel pretty bad about it but hopefully she didn't hear...  Today was perfect weather! Kelly, Brittany, Heather, and I sat in the courtyard for a while but the sun was way too hot.  One more funny thing Taylor found our Anthropology teacher on Facebook and check out this status: Having grown up without a microwave oven coupled with suddenly being provisioned with a very powerful and complicated top of the line model has led to a number of unintended physics and chemistry lessons... I can't fix the font but that status is the epitome of this man, too funny.  Off to rush practice YAYAYY!!! just kidding ugh wish me luck.

Sarah Wayne

Sarah Wayne may be my biggest blog fan.  She came up to me today and said that the first thing she looks forward to in the morning is reading it so I wanted to say hey.  She and Abby also got me a highlighter after my last post and that was really kind of them.  This morning in my lab there is a kid that talks EXACTLY like Howard from Father of the Bride and it made my day.  I went apartment hunting for next year and it was somewhat successful.  It was awkward knocking on random doors asking them to show us their apartments but totally worth it, they were actually all super nice.  It kind of inspired me to do something nice for someone else.  The opportunity hasn't really arisen since then but when it does I'll be ready.  We had Thanksgiving dinner tonight which I'm not a huge fan of but ribs are on the menu for tomorrow! You may remember that ribs are my favorite food so I'm super pumped! I feel as though so many more eventful things occurred in these past 2 days but I'm too tired to remember... I'll let you know when they come to me, night!

Highlighters

Due to the fact that I didn't blog much this weekend I figured I would make up for some lost time.  I'm sitting here studying with Courtney and she asked me for a highlighter.  It reminded me of a story from last semester.  It was finals time and I was studying in the basement of Garner with Max, Phil, and Nick.  Max asked me to borrow my highlighter and I gladly gave it to him.  Probably 20 minutes later I needed it, so I was decided to ask for it back.  I looked up and was about to say something when I saw something yellow and fluorescent in his mouth.   I asked him what it was and he pretended not to know what I was talking about when clearly he was eating the cap to my favorite (and only) highlighter.  I was so grossed out that I told him to keep it and I forgot to purchase another one.  So, when Courtney asked me for a highlighter tonight I didn't have one.  I'm over it but in case you were wondering what to get me for my birthday or something, a highlighter would be awesome!

Rush Weekend

Its been a while!  I literally have had not one free second to do anything but eat and sleep, and I even did those activities sparingly (well not eating but you get the hint.)  Friday, Saturday, and believe it or not, Sunday we had rush.  To some of you that may not seem like a big deal but it consumed every last millisecond of my life and the lives of many others this weekend.  I'm not going to lie, it completely sucked.  I hated every minute of it.  It inflicted so much pain I could barely stand it.. mostly the last song where we had to bounce (my legs have never hurt so bad in my life) but it was a mentally and physically draining process.  I don't mean to sound so negative, I really like my sorority especially all the girls in it, but it is a process that includes zero fun.  Except of course for the part where I played Kourtney Kardashian in a skit (yes they chose me for the part due to the fact that we look so similar not because I'm really good at not showing emotion.)  And yesterday I wore heels that are probably 5 inches tall for at least 12 hours.. I could barely walk by the end.. I have trouble walking in them in the first place so just imagine me 10 hours in.  The highlight of the entire weekend though was last night at dinner time.  My group had ordered Chipotle and as soon as the food arrived we began passing each order to the specified person (our names were on the burritos - a special thanks to Jim, the kind worker that took the time to do that.)  I got my dinner and then was handed another with my name on it.  I watched to make sure everyone had their own food before I celebrated the fact that Jim had messed up and given me two burritos for the price of one.. BEST DAY EVER.  This past weekend I was functioning on very little sleep and I lost my voice because apparently they think I have a good singing voice.. making me sing the longest of pretty much anyone.. I guess it was good practice though because I'm auditioning for American Idol next season so keep an eye out for me.  Anyways this is getting too long.  I hope you are all having an excellent Labor Day and happy almost birthday to Kelsey, she turns 21 at midnight, wish her a happy birthday if you see her!! I almost forgot, congrats to my sister Olivia who is the newest member of Chi Omega at Iowa.. yay for baby hooters!!!! (I'm pretty sure their symbol is the owl and that is their nickname but please tell me if its not!)

Thursdayyyyy

So today I had my KIN 268 class with Claire and we learned how to be gym teachers.  It was pretty fun because we just get to play old-school games.  It takes place in the ARC and when we were leaving class I saw a couple of my clients playing basketball.  Some of you may be somewhat confused but don't worry I'll explain.  I have started cleaning people's apartments here at school.  As of right now I only have two but I'm hoping my current clients will recommend me to more of their friends and if any of you want a cleaning lady, I'm your woman.  Tomorrow is Friday as well as the first day of rush.. oh boy!  I think I have eaten more than half a bag of Peanut M&M's which you may remember are my favorite candy.  Just sitting here I got to thinking.  I have been trying to figure out my living situation for next year.  I've got some ideas but I need a fourth roomie so message me if you want to get in on this.  So much to do!  Dance party in my room right now so come!

Hump Day

It finally rained and you're all more than halfway through the week, congrats!  I had a couple interesting encounters on my walk to class today.  First of all I had three different people ask me for directions to various buildings most of which I had no clue where they were and I'm sure they didn't end up in the right place but I felt as though I had done something nice for someone else.  When I got to my second class (Anthropology) we talked about Ligers.. the last time I heard a liger reference was in the classic movie Napoleon Dynamite but nonetheless it was funny.  As I headed home from class it began to downpour and my glasses got soaking wet.  This was the exact moment that it hit me.  Ever since I was a child I wanted to make windshield wipers for glasses.  I've decided to patent the idea and that will make me big bucks so that my future husband and I can have our large family and not have to worry about paying the bills.. brilliant.  I found out today that my mom follows my blog so I just want to give her a quick shout out and tell her I love her! As well as the rest of my family, obviously.  Hope your Wednesday night is somewhat productive!