Halloween

As most of you probably know today is Halloween!  Personally I think Halloween is kind of an overrated holiday (I much prefer Christmas--but not until after Thanksgiving, don't worry.)  Please do not beat me up for saying that, I just don't really like the concept and way too much pressure.  Regardless though, I had fun.  I dressed up as a geeky mom complete with "mom jeans," my ugly Christmas sweater, and pretty great shoes (thanks to Katherine.)  Pictures will be up soon.  Max dressed up as my husband, and Courtney as our baby.  To be honest, I don't even think we took a family portrait, someone was always missing but oh well.  I apologize for the long wait, my week of hell part dos ended on Thursday night and then I had barndance, another success.  Friday I took it easy, watched the Real Story of Ted Bundy (creepy) and ate sushi.. my kind of Friday.  Saturday was the second to last block which is crazy, its even crazier because tomorrow is November!  Time is just flying by.  I'm also sad I'm missing my mom's chili party--what is Halloween without chili??  But I want you all to have a happy and safe Halloween and don't eat too much candy ;)

Bricks

Last night I was walking out of the UGL with Burns and we saw a pile of bricks.  Not only did this strike me as somewhat dangerous (lots of damage could be done with a couple bricks) but it reminded me of a funny story.  Going into freshman year of high school (the summer I took summer school biology--worst decision ever) we did an addition on our house.  In case you weren't aware, I live in a yellow brick house in Park Ridge, IL.  Its super cute and I never realized how rare yellow brick is until one day during that hot hot summer.  My parents had been on a quest to find matching yellow brick for our house but I guess ours was just too unique to match.  This became a huge dilemma in my house but no need to fear, my parents came up with a brilliant idea.. scrape the mortar off the old bricks and use them for the front of the new part of the house.  Originally I thought it was pretty brilliant as well, that was until I found out that me and my siblings were the ones recruited for the job of scraping off the actual mortar.  It took us a solid three days of no pay and minimal water.. child labor at its finest.  Well I was lying about the water but it was a character building experience and let me tell you, I admire the front of my house every time I see it.. please take a closer look next time and let me know how it looks!

new baby!

I officially have a new baby! Her name is Lindsay and she is absolutely adorable.  Grandma Bridget and Great-Gma Amy would be so proud! I talked to my real grandma on the phone today and I love that woman, she's so wise.  She turned 93 last Thursday.. insanity! I hope that I can still be in the kind of shape she is at this age.  She attributes it to walking everywhere (she never had her license) and going to church every day.  I'm not gonna lie, if I did both of those things every day I would probably live to be her age too.  Today I was sitting in Anthropology (the worst class in the world) and my teacher asked any of us if we had seen C-SPAN yesterday with that one guy... A male student in the front row looks around and says, "you just asked a group of college students if they watched C-SPAN yesterday."  Naturally I burst out laughing (you may sense a trend of my laughing attacks.. they tend to happen pretty often.)  Other than that I'm just really behind and could use some words of encouragement so get at me.. and sorry for all the typos here.. my eyes are so tired they hurt.  Going to be in like an hour and a half!

weekend winding down

I slept for 14 hours last night.. SUCCESS.  I barely slept all week so that was much needed.  Overall I would have to say this weekend was a complete success (minus missing last night.)  I saw almost everyone I needed to and even bumped into more surprise visitors yesterday.  After making the rounds, I went back home and slept forever, only waking up periodically to respond to text messages.  Now, I'm back to my study routine.  I would give almost anything to have one day to just sit on the couch and do nothing but watch all my favorite movies while eating Chinese food while some one played with my hair (I'd pay big money for it).  And now next weekend is Halloween.  If you have any costume suggestions, they would be much appreciated.  Hell week part dos will be over Thursday at 5:30 pm.  WAHOO.  But I really can't seem to catch a break.. I thought sophomore year was supposed to be easy! Don't forget to get outside today! It looks beautiful, I have yet to set foot out the door but I will soon enough, have a great Sunday.

Week from Hell Part Dos

Well world, I'm halfway there.  Thanks for the support.. you have all been too kind (that was genuine, sometimes its hard to tell in writing.)  Regardless something epic happened at the ARC yesterday.  I was on the elliptical and my ipod died.. bummer right? WRONG.  I was on one of those with a TV screen on it.  It has a little plug for ipods so I figure I would just try it.  I plugged it in and not only did my ipod begin charging, it showed a touch screen menu with anything I could have ever imagined.  I pressed shuffle just to see if it worked and sure enough it did.  But yet again, not only did it work, but You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates came on.  I literally laughed out loud and the awesomeness of this situation.  Mind you, meanwhile, I was studying MCB and working out at the same time, but it was still awesome.  On a worse note, Glee wasn't new this week.  And in my anatomy lab we literally had to pick arms (yes real ones) out of a tupperware bucket.. nasty to the max.  Other than that just being my geeky, busy self.  Want to give a quick thanks to Abby for calming me down before my exam.. you're the best.

Tweets

I created a Twitter yesterday.  I think my name is mwitry but I was so confused and still don't know how to make friends or whatever so tweet at me or whatever the lingo is.  Last night I walked through the tv room and saw some girls watching To Catch a Predator.  What a funny, yet creepy, show.  It disgusts me to think that people like that really exist but I mean how dumb can you be.  Speaking of terrifying experiences.. yesterday, my contact got stuck behind my eye.  I blinked funny and all the sudden it was gone.  A couple minutes later (after some serious attempts to rub it to the front) I got this extremely painful feeling and ran to the bathroom.  Sure enough, almost as if I was crying, it came out of my tear (lacrimal if were getting technical) duct.  It was a happy but scary experience and ever since I have been wearing my glasses.  I need a new pair of glasses and I'm excited for that.  I have a tiny head (in case you didn't notice) so I had to buy my glasses from the children's section of LensCrafters.  They have little butterflies on the side if you look really closely but thats kind of embarrassing so don't tell anyone.  Alrighty if you're looking for a cool new song (not sure if it's new but whatever) listen to "Miracles"... its a mash up of like 10 songs or something-credit to Amy for that one.  Its super catchy so go listen!

Week From Hell

This week hasn't even started yet and I can't wait for it to be over!  Luckily though this weekend is U of I homecoming which means VISITORS from Indiana (the enemy)!! Looking forward to that I just have 4 tests standing in the way, hence, I haven't blogged in a while.  The word of the weekend was "babes."  It is definitely a fun one to call people.  On Saturday, I may or may not have been recruited to write for a new newspaper on campus due to this very blog... the opportunities are endless.  If anyone wants to study for me that would be awesome because honestly it's getting a little old.  Sorry this one's gonna be short and sweet but to end it I just want to formally (in writing) apologize to Emily for eating her orange chicken.. it was just too good to resist but I owe you :)

Thursty

Aloha! Its not really thirsty Thursday for me.  I went to Riverboat yesterday and it was basically like a wedding with no bride or groom or free drinks, just the dance floor but I had a blast!  The DJ happened to be a cute old couple that knew all the words to all the songs.. adorable.  We got back super late but it was worth it.  This morning I had my first cadaver lab (eeeeekkk) but it went much better than expected.  It kinda smelled but it was so cool (minus the eyelashes on them.. somewhat creepy.)  This afternoon I was sitting outside in our little courtyard (getting my daily Vitamin D obviously) and I thought to myself, I'm just gonna rest my eyes.  2 hours later I woke up outside and was somewhat confused but then I realized that I actually had things to do so I had to get on with my life.  Since then I haven't accomplished much but I'm working on it.  I know something else cool happened today but just can't seem to think of it.. when I remember I'll let you know.

Silly Bands

I am currently wearing some glow-in-the-dark silly bands that Grace gave me this weekend!  They compliment my "My Lucky Exam Shirt" (that now has spaghetti sauce on it) well.  I hope the shirt worked because I had a midterm this afternoon that was not nearly as bad as expected but with big tests you just never know.  I'm currently missing Glee (and I'm pretty upset about it.)  I'm having it DVR'd (if that is even a word).. and if it doesn't work I may have to kill Brad but any fellow gleeks would understand.  Yesterday I got fingerprinted (you're probably shocked to hear its not due to my criminal record but because in order to teach children in Urbana you have to have it.)  But when I went to have it done, my sweaty hands inhibited the machine so much so that it took 15 minutes to perform a what should have been a 3 minute procedure.  It was pretty ironic that I just told you all about this just the other day and then this poor woman had to deal with it first-hand.  Thursday we get to do the whole body cadavers!!! Three tests next week.. Kappatat on Saturday.. busy busy but I won't forget about you all.   And don't forget to enjoy these last couple nice days I'm gonna go out on a limb and say its probably going to go right from hot to cold weather so live it up my friends!

10/10/10

COOLEST DATE OF THIS YEAR!!! We've waited 2010 (almost 2011) years for this, how exciting! I hope you all have to turn in something today so you can write the date down, but if not, cherish these last couple hours.  Hope you all had an awesome weekend.  I want to give a special congratulations to everyone that ran the marathon!  What an accomplishment.  I don't think I'll ever actually be able to do 26.2 but I'm considering doing a half marathon this spring.  If anyone wants to train with me I'm open to getting a big group together do it.  But on a completely opposite note, my Aunt Cathy sent a bunch of cookies back to school, they're absolutely delicious but my favorite thing she sent were oreo balls.  To those of you that don't know this is the best dessert to hit planet earth (ask Courtney and Corby.)  It is a super easy recipe all you need is a package of oreos, an 8 oz. package of cream cheese, and a package of chocolate bark.  You grind up the oreos in the food processor, then mix the cream cheese in with your hands. Roll those up into balls and dip them in the chocolate (that you melt in the microwave).  Stick them in the fridge and break them out during your next get-together and I personally guarantee you are the hit of the party.  If you ever want to come over and make them I love study breaks and while I can feel a cavity coming on every time I eat one, they are beyond worth it.  Try it out for yourselves and then let me taste test.. not kidding, you know where I live.

Home!

Home has been absolutely awesome! The car ride with Kristin (thanks again for driving and glad the car worked the whole way home), Emily (thanks for ditching the bus.. totally worth it), Elaine (thanks for the pretzels), and Max (thanks for not being awkward) was a complete success.  Minus tons of traffic, we made it home safe and listened to awesome music so I didn't mind one bit.  My dad picked us up at Oakbrook and we were welcomed home by my entire family and some delicious lasagna.  My house looks so cute now (kudos to my mom) and it smells just like fall, you just have to come over to understand.  Last night I was so sleep deprived that I fell asleep on the floor and woke up to my dog, Eleanor the chocolate lab, snuggling with me.. I want to bring her back with me to Champaign but I'm pretty sure that is against the rules.  Now I'm excited to see my grandma!  As a child she dubbed me "giggle britches" because I laughed too much.. if you have never seen pictures of me as a child you wouldn't understand fully (I'll search for some good ones while I'm at home.)  Another thing that I don't think I have admitted to all of you yet is that I have extremely sweaty hands.  While it used to be embarrassing and everyone I met thought I was nervous to meet them--obviously not true, I have embraced it and am patiently waiting for the day that it goes away (that is if it ever does.)  Gotta go enjoy every second here in Park Ridge!

Gracie is 13!

Today is Grace's 13th birthday (my mom's last baby is now a teenager!)  Can't wait to go home and have a birthday party!  It brings me back to first grade when she was born and my grandma made pink cupcakes and then my neighbor brought them in for our class.. I think it goes without saying but it was awesome.  Speaking of birthdays Suzana is now an aunt (as of yesterday)!! I don't know her nephew's name yet but how exciting.. I love babies.  I just had my bone practical this morning and I think it went well--so relieved!  But there's a story behind that.  On Tuesday night, I went to open lab and left without something very valuable.. my computer (No need to worry, I have it back now).  When I realized it was gone, I ran, and by ran I mean I sprinted, back but the door to open lab was locked.  Naturally I started bawling by myself on the fourth floor of the Natural History Building because there was really nothing I could do.  All night I did everything in my power to get it back (and I probably made it a much bigger deal than it was.. I cried all night-embarrassing but true.. but that is one expensive piece of machinery let me tell you.)  After e-mailing multiple people and not getting any response I decided to go to sleep (didn't work out so well but I attempted).  I must have drifted into some sort of sleep because I was awoken by some loud buzzing sound.  What could that be? Oh yeah, the fire alarm.  At that point I could barely even open my eyes I was so tired and angry but I happened to be one of the first people down the stairs.  Hannah (our lovely house mom) pulled me aside and asked my to search everyone's room with a firefighter to make sure everyone was out.. what an honor!  I didn't know whether to be happy or mad but after reviewing the situation I decided to be happy because I didn't have to go outside in the freezing cold.  Anyways, Dana and I were chosen to walk around with these men and we happened to save 3 confused girls that are such sound sleepers they did not hear this obnoxiously loud sound.  After that was over, I stayed awake on my hunt for my computer.  Between that and class I got an e-mail around 11 that my professor had it.  When I went to get it he just laughed and asked how I could forget something so floral and big (he was referring to my computer case that makes it look like im walking around campus with a briefcase but I like it.)  We laughed for a while and then I left feeling happy as ever.  Thats pretty much everything thats happened in the last two days and this may set the record for longest post ever but whatever!  Happy Thursday my friends.

Glee!

Tonight Kid Cudi is less than a mile from where I am, yet, I am not there.  I am currently watching Glee (the best show on tv) but I am then headed to open lab to study all my bones.  The only consolation I have for not going to the concert is that I will be able to tell you all the bones in the body.. at least hopefully.  It also makes me feel a little better because I asked some people attending to call me during a song.  It reminds me of last year around this time.  Jay-Z made an appearance here at the U of I.  Max and crew went to the concert, so, I asked them to call during a song because I was missing this epic event.  Around 10:30 pm I received a picture (poor quality at that--he admitted that himself) of Jay-Z instead of a song.  Tonight is the night that Max has a chance to redeem himself and call me during an actual song!  But enough about Cudi..  I am soo excited for this weekend because I'm going home! Kristin, being the kind soul that she is, is driving Elaine, Max, and myself home (or at least to the Hinsdale Oasis.)  But so excited to see my fam and Gracie turns 13 on Thursday (TEENAGER!!)  Can't get prematurely excited though I just have to get through this practical Thursday!

BOOM

Today I got a very early start.  Claire and I had to get fingerprinted for our "how to be a gym teacher" class.  This sounds like it may be an awesome class and I'm not gonna lie, the first day was awesome (we played duck, duck, goose), but I have to warn you all not to take it.. too much work for what was supposed to be an easy class!  Anyways we walked the two miles there and found out that we needed not only paperwork, but a special code as well.  We sat in the office for close to an hour and called probably 8 different people all of which could not help us out.  We ended up having to leave without getting fingerprinted at all and walk the two miles back home.  No need to worry, we got it figured out and just have to go back on Thursday.. I hope it goes a little more smoothly.  Something pretty funny happened earlier as I was sitting on a bench outside the ugl (undergrad library for those of you who didn't get that lingo.)  A tour of prospective freshman walk past--looking all geeky and stuff--and the tour guide goes, "this is actually a pretty cool place on campus, we are currently standing at the highest elevation in Champaign."  Naturally I burst out laughing.. I mean come on, it takes exactly three steps to get to the highest elevation in the entire city, that has to be some kind of joke.  Needless to say I got a kick out of it.  But as I was sitting on that same bench I heard a group of boys recounting their weekends.. If I have an advice for you today, it would be to watch what you're saying in public.  You may not realize it but everyone knows everyone whether you like it or not and I heard some things I definitely wasn't supposed to if you catch my drift.  But I'm sure you are all responsible adults and none of you have that problem!  This one is getting long.. if Kendra has read this far (which I really hope she has) she will have seen her shout out. And Happy Birthday to my old roomie Will!  The big 2-0.. whatta stud! Have a good one folks.

Getting stuff done

Sorry for the wait! This weekend has been pretty busy but now its back to reality.  Sitting in the ACES Library I looked out the window and realized how pretty the buildings on campus are.  But that is just me attempting to put off my homework as long as possible.  Yesterday, I discovered that my newest theme song is Ghetto Superstar.  This weekend was extremely exciting because my family got to come for the game (which I may add turned out much better than I anticipated) AND then I heard my name from across the street and who was it but Claire (a very pleasant surprise I must say just wish we could have been at the tailgate at the same time)..  Last night there were some certified weirdos at Kams and I was so creeped out I had to leave.  Other than that I have not been nearly as productive as I should have been today but I hope the rest of you are getting a lot done.