100!

This is my 100th post!  I would be no where close to where I am without you guys and I just want to say thanks because you all deserve a good, old-fashioned thank you.  It is pretty hard to believe that I started this more than 100 days ago (because lets be honest I can be a huge slacker and don't exactly do it every day.)  100 makes me think back to Kindergarten when we did our 100 projects.  I did 100 Skittles.  This should surprise no one considering my intense love for food and colorful, pretty objects which are exactly what Skittles are.  Other kids in class did 100 noodles, or 100 baseball cards, or 100 pennies.. If you are currently judging our lack of creativity, stop right now because we were all of five years old and this is what we found cool at the time.  Kindergarten was a pretty funny year for me.  I was that super shy girl with the big glasses whose best friend was the exact opposite of me, running around class talking to everyone in sight.  That year we learned to count to 100 in Spanish (100 is becoming a common trend here) and we learned letters with those awesome "letter people" (unfortunately there are only 26 of those guys.)  Our room was always decorated as the rain forest.. my teacher was mildly obsessed and while it was cool at first, by the end of the year it was down-right sickening.  We then passed on to first grade and second grade (both years I had the best teacher in the grade but that is irrelevant now.)  Today is my long day just class class class but I'm hoping this 100 business works for me all day.  I hope I get $100, I hope I get 100 questions right, and I hope you all get 100 of whatever you want! Happy 100 day.

I Love My Life

Before this weekend I tweeted, "Fact: I'm going to have a bitchin time this weekend."  I use the word bitchin only in reference to Father of the Bride part II which I hope you are all familiar with.  And my tweet became a reality.  I had an absolutely awesome weekend and I would just like to thank all those that made it possible.  On Friday night about 15 (give or take a couple) of us went to Dos Reales for Moira and Jenna's birthday dinner celebrations.  It was delicious, cheap, and fun!  I saw Claire which was an added plus and overall it was a great time.  Then, a couple of us headed over to Phil's and were pleasantly surprised when we walked in and Brad was visiting!  A little while later, all of us headed to Kams which was fun but way too crowded (we waited in like a half an hour long line just to get in.)  We then left and headed back to Max's (making a pit stop at the Delt house so that I could go to the bathroom which definitely could not wait the extra block and a half.)  Overall, Friday was a huge success and we all ended the night feeling great.  Saturday during the day we visited with Emily's sister, Amy, and her friend, Erin.  They were both hilarious and I had an awesome time with them.  They went to the Rascal Flatts concert which I was super jealous of but I heard it was really fun!  I started the night out by heading over to Phil's to meet his mom.  For the record, Mrs. K. was awesome!  There were only a couple of us there but I had an absolute blast!  After being there for a little I headed over to Grant's where Rachel, Liz, and so many of my other friends were.  I felt like the woman of the hour and of course assumed the role of DJ which I love!  As everyone else went to La Rouge Lyon, I went to sleep (I was literally asleep at 11:15) and I felt so well rested this morning it was awesome! I'm in such a great mood right now I'm just really happy and thankful and loving life and everyone around me.  Hopefully it rubs off on some of you and now that I'm finally sitting down to accomplish my massive loads of work I'm not even upset about it.  Hope you all had an equally awesome weekend and are ready for the week ahead, love you all!

Nothing Special

Nothing too special has happened in the past couple hours.  I've just had class and been at the library studying.  I went and bought more books and almost every one of my books is around $30 but that adds up and I have such a hard time spending money its rough.  I forgot to mention the other day that Jack Lalanne died!  He was 96 and lived a pretty good life if you ask me.  My mom has an interview soon so pray that she gets the job!  Modern Family is on tonight and I could not be more excited!  I had to turn down my summer job of being a nanny in order to get a job in a hospital so if any of you know someone I could work for in a hospital that would be awesome.. I would do anything (literally.)  I would file, clean bathrooms, anything.  Sorry this one is boring but nothing really to report.  Hope you're getting through the week well.

Embarrassing

This morning I had lab at 8 am.  Today is actually my awful day (class from literally 8-5 with an hour break) but beside the point.  My class is injury in sport and today was the intro so we worked on taping people up.  I, of course, struggled trying to rip the tape.  After at least five minutes of not being able to rip the tape the whole class had to watch me while the TA helped me do it and when I finally got it, they cheered.  We then had to tape each others ankles and I forgot to wear shorts and/or gym shoes so I didn't fit that criteria either.  After taping our partners a couple times we were all kind of done and no one was speaking at all but our TA didn't want to let us out early.  I told him none of us would tell and he finally gave in so I found some free time until my next class.  I should have been buying my book for my class today at 2 but I have a little time later so I'll manage to do that.  I watched the Bears game yesterday at my second home and we ate a lot of good food which almost made up for the awful loss we suffered.  The Bears looked awful but it was still sad to see them lose.. maybe next year.  Today, Moira deserves a birthday shout-out! Congrats on  making it to 20 and can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you alllll day!! As for the rest of you, have an awesome start to your week and lets hope this one goes fast so that I can FINALLY sleep in on Saturday morning!

Bittersweet

As you all know I'm at home.  Today was my Uncle Art's memorial service which was absolutely beautiful.  While it was really sad, we know that he is in Heaven and it was great to see so many people come out for support (even though I had absolutely no clue who half of them were.)  I got called in to distribute communion but I didn't even have time to be nervous so it went well.  The best part of mass was when little Jared (my cousin Jared's son--you can see how this gets confusing every once and while) sang Ave Maria.  He was in the middle of singing the song (of which he did an awesome job) and the sun came out causing everyone to cry even harder than they already were.  Sure enough, Uncle Art was smiling down on us from Heaven and what a better moment to show up than while his oldest grandson was singing for him.  All of you know how it was snowing and this was no coincidence and I said, if anyone here was doubting that God exists, they sure as hell don't anymore.  We all then headed to Hackney's and watched the Illini blow a perfectly good game.  We then headed back over to the Lutz's (where I've spent more time than my actual house since being home.)  We ate more, watched the Hawks game, and enjoyed each others company because days like today remind you to love your family and friends while you have them.  Hug someone special today and get pumped for the Bears to destroy the Packers tomorrow!

Heading Home!

For all of you who read last nights blogs (courtesy of Phil, Ben, Ken, and Max) I apologize if you were in any way offended.  I should have a disclaimer on my posts that tells you when it is me doing the blogging (which is almost always) but again sorry if you read them and didn't like them.  I'm hopping on a bus in less than 15 so I've gotta run but have an awesome rest of your Friday!

Jared gone fishing? Child Please!

Hello Maris E. Witry Followers:My name is Max Salah, and as you may know I am one of Maris' good friends at the University of Illinois. I wanted to post my second blogspot tonight: aka the APT edition. For all her new followers, as I expect many because Maris is a great writer and an avid writer in the Illinois Community (HOUSEHOLD NAME actually around campus....shes humble---won't speak of all her great accolades), I wrote in the first semester and am so fortunate to write again. Tonight Maris, her KKG friends (babeszzz), Phil, Ken, and I all had the opportunity to hang out after a long exhausted week of school. The night was great, Maris surprised Phil, Ken and I with her lovely friends  while I was in the midst of catching up on the latest Sportscenter. Saved by the Bell. Thankfully for us, the APT had a blast tonight. Shout out to Maris for the surprise

Hands Off
Max

Fact of the Week:

The average person in America owns 2.3 radios
Courtesy to Mel, my Media Studies professor

2nd Day of School

Today was my second day of school!  My first class was Chemistry discussion and my T.A. was wearing three different shades of forest green (didn't know that was possible), is from Russia, talks really soft, and I really like him.  He is funny without even trying and overall a pretty good T.A. (I mean at least thats what I got from the 45 mins I spent with him.)  My next class was Stats and I have so many friends in it!  I was super dumb and just assumed everyone in the hall was waiting for my class when really I was standing by the wrong door.  Needless to say I had to make an embarassing entrance but we got out super early so it didn't even matter.  I realized today that I have exactly one month until my 20th birthday which means one month to live the teenage dream.  Be careful outside today because it is SUPER slippery!  I actually saw an ambulance helping a kid who had fallen onto a stretcher.  Boys, if you are looking for a hot profession to go into it would definitely be EMT.. these guys were all babes.  I also found out that tonight for dinner is ribs and mac and cheese.. guess my healthy eating stint is gonna have to start tomorrow!  Hope you all have an awesome Wednesday.. we're halfway through the week now!

First Day of School

Sorry it has been so long.. no access to the internet over the weekend and then unpacking and stuff got in the way.  But it is now 10 am and I have already gone to half of my classes for the day.  The first one I had was Injury in Sport which was cool although we haven't done too much but class went past the time so I had to run to Chemistry.  I was like 3 mins late but that wouldn't have made a difference because there was not one seat in the whole place.  I had to sit in a hallway where I couldn't see the screen and I still can't find the website so if anyone knows what it is and wants to let me know that would be awesome.  I've actually been in Champaign since Friday.  I drove down with David, Max, and Tommy and we hung out here for the weekend.  David and I both wore plaid shirts (not planned) and got made fun of a little for it but it happens.  I comandeered Brad's room and his bed has memory foam (which I'm seriously considering asking for as a birthday present..) because sleeping on that bed made me feel like I was sleeping on clouds.. I could do a commercial for this stuff it is so awesome.  On Saturday, David and Tommy left and Therese came and I felt somewhat bad because they let me tag along to Dos Reales (delicious, cheap Mexican if you're ever in the mood) and I was totally a third wheel.  The next day, Ben and Ella got back in time for the Bears game and I headed over to the Kappa house.  I was the first one there and sat on the stoop for a little because I thought that the code had changed, when in reality, I had just switched a couple numbers.  At any rate, I got all my stuff inside and kind of unpacked (I finished that yesterday night.)  It was fun when everyone got back because even though it's been a month, I missed them all!  If you get a chance come over to me, Kath, and Emily's room.  I think we did a pretty spectacular job decorating and we love to have visitors so head on over! I like syllabus week because I like starting fresh and writing everything in my assignment notebook (you can-and probably will-make fun of me for that) but I already have a quiz on Friday and 3 assignments.. welcome back to school one and all.

A Real Day on the Job

Today I job shadowed Amy who is a Physicians Assistant.  She works at an outpatient oncology clinic and during the time I was with her we saw just two patients but I kind of got a feel for how her day works.  I felt pretty stupid as we walked around (because I'm not caught up on cancer lingo.. not because I looked stupid but who knows I probably did) but I guess that is why they have P.A. school.  I guess the deal now is that I have to take a year off to get enough hours in a hospital to even apply to P.A. school so if any of you know how I can get a job in a hospital this summer that would be AWESOME!  I then went school supply shopping which I love to do.  While not all my stuff matches, I like starting fresh.  I'm going to see Country Strong tonight and could not be more excited.  I have always been a Gwyneth Paltrow fan (especially after her stellar performance on Glee) but the movie as a whole has an all-star line-up and I really like country music so I'm looking forward to it.  Other than that, just trying to wrap things up before I head back to school on Sunday.. hard to believe how fast this month has gone it is absolutely ridiculous.  Before I wrap this up I just want to say congrats to Courtney, she is now a Tridelt at IU and just wanted to give her a shout out!

Over the River and Through the Woods

MY COMPUTER SUCKS AND THE BLOG I WROTE DELETED AND THERE IS NO WAY IM WRITING IT AGAIN. SORRY.

Catching Up

This morning I got up and shoveled in the snow.  I actually really enjoy shoveling especially when the snow is so fluffy and light.  As people passed by in their cars they waved and I waved back.  When I finally made it back inside I realized that I should not have been saying hi to these people.  For one, I still had my retainer in (not that anyone could see), I had on these boots that were a few sizes too small and didn't match the rest of me in the least, I had on massive Maine South Baseball pants and my coat which has a hood that covers my eyes if I wear it, so I had all my hair falling out of ponytail that ended up soaking.  In a nutshell I was looking great and I'm surprised I didn't get asked on any dates while I shoveled.. My mom and I then headed to find Amy's office where I will be on Thursday and stopped at the Bowl House for sushi which I love.  Quality time with mom is always a good thing.  I then got picked up by Zach (no he did not see me shoveling this morning and we did not go on a date) but we did go visit our old teacher Ms. Helton.  She was our child development teacher (class with the Christmas picture if you remember) and one of the nicest teachers I've ever had in my whole life.  We always enjoyed each others company so we went to visit her and ended up talking for almost 2 and a half hours when we realized that it was almost dinner time and we had to go!  We always love catching up with her and she always has some good stories for us.  I think I have secured a ride back to school with Amalia which is a relief because I wasn't sure how I was going to get back for a little! Other than that not too much to report.  Hope you're having a great start to your week.

Periods Suck

Sorry to any males that read this but you should know that periods suck.  I have yet to leave the same spot on the couch I have been for the past who even knows how many hours and I feel like I'm going to throw up all the time and that's not even the worst part!  This is part of the reason that I plan on having so many children, I won't have my period for years!  As I've been sitting her on the couch I have finished two books (I forgot how much I liked to read) and I have had a lot of time to think.  I've decided that it is official, as soon as I graduate college, (and I mean days/weeks after-no time to waste) I'm heading to Europe.  I'm going to make my way around to all the places I want to go (a list I will formulate some time soon) and after a month or so, I'll come back home.  I know for a fact that is the only way I'm ever going to make it there and I may as well do it before I have too many commitments.  As you may know I'm a pretty cheap person and I know these kind of things are expensive but personally, I would rather go places and do things than have more clothes or shoes.  I plan on going with probably three other people so that we can travel easily but still have some variety so I'll be holding try-outs in a few years (kidding) but if you have any sort of interest let me know because as I always say, "the more the merrier."

Saturday

I kind of forgot about writing my article for The Odyssey that is due tomorrow night so if any of you have any suggestions for that please, PLEASE, let me know.  Today I probably walked a total of like 5 miles just around and I'm actually really tired.  I am leaving in like an hour (still have yet to shower) for Emily's birthday celebration!  We're going to Oakbrook and eating at the Cheesecake Factory.  The Cheesecake Factory always reminds me of birthday shopping.  From the time I was probably 5 or 6 until my 18th birthday, my Aunt Bertille has taken me, and all my cousins, birthday shopping.  This was a $100 shopping spree and dinner out.  We would spend the afternoon and evening together shopping (something I was always done with pretty quickly due to my pure hatred for the task) but it was still fun and then we would get to pick a restaurant that we would eat at together.  I think it was my 9th or 10th birthday I chose the Cheesecake Factory because cheesecake was my favorite cake ever.  That has since changed but I am still a big fan.  On our 18th birthdays she would take us and our parent to Lawry's for prime rib.  I absolutely loved this year because I had never been to restaurant like that and the food was absolutely delicious but the whole time I was worried about getting back to my friends at my house that I had left doing math homework at our kitchen table.  Senior year, Courtney, John, and Zach would come over almost every day and we would do our math homework together because we had the worst teacher in the history of the world.  There were times that I would come into my house and find John watching the Sox game with my dad or Courtney hanging out with my mom in our kitchen.. I miss those days that they would come over and eat dinner but I don't miss the math at all.  It's hard to believe it has been almost 2 years since all of these things have happened but time flies when you're having fun!

Lazy Day

Today I did a whole lot of nothing.  I cleaned the clothes on the floor of my room and I walked my dog but that is about all I can say for myself.  I juiced today and some of you may be wondering what that is.  If you are still confused after my explanation feel free to watch a Jack La Lanne infomercial and within minutes you will want one as well!  In my house we use beets (sound more gross than they actually are), carrots, cucumbers, celery, and apples that are combined into one drink.  The first couple times you drink it, it tastes just like dirt but after that, it's not so bad.  The health benefits wayy outnumber the taste so I do it just to be healthy and it fills you up for quite a while. It is a liver cleanser which all of us could use every once and a while so if you want to give it a try, just come over.  And regardless of if you want to actually try juicing, watch any infomercial with Jack La Lanne in it because they are too funny.  If you have any suggestions for me as to how to be more productive tomorrow, I would really appreciate some feedback.. have a great Weds night and don't forget to watch the new Modern Family!

The Fighter

Last night I went to go see The Fighter with David, Max, Chris, Colleen, and Suzana.  It was an awesome movie (as Emily said, it would have been a good movie even without words due to the fact that Mark Wahlberg is a babe) but regardless, it was a good movie and I recommend seeing it.  I was in the Glenview area and had to eat dinner before going to this movie and it was a big dilemma as to where to go but I ended up choosing a gyros sandwich at Spiros on Waukegan.  It was delicious and I also recommend trying that but one of my options was McDonalds and it reminded me of being a little kid.  When I was younger I had an Aunt Doll.  She was my mom's aunt that came over every Wednesday to iron our laundry.  I did not even know her real name until she passed away but Aunt Doll was the best.  She would show up early Wednesday morning and bring with her Dunkin Donuts (munchkins to be exact-to this day, the best kind of donut there is.)  We would watch her iron laundry for a little while she told us stories and at 10 we would watch The Price is Right, back when Bob Barker was cool.  This hour of the TV was the best because we would swear along with her and pretend we would have won Plinko or whatever game the person on the TV had just lost.  I could still tell you the price of the electric scooter or any of the cleaning supplies that were used in the different games.  After the show was over we would put our coats on and go eat at McDonalds.. ask me how we weren't absolutely obese children and I would have no explanation but it was always awesome.  Aunt Doll also had a canary named Chico (most perfect name ever) he never came over to our house but he sufficed as a pet until we had one of our own.  She definitely lived up to her name and we'll never forget her!

2011

I'm so so sorry it has been so long since my last post!  This past week has been so busy I have barely had time to sit let alone write! Although, when I think about it, I haven't done too much.  Last week I was at Courtney's house while she and Hannah made a YouTube video.. I've always wanted to do that but it was hilarious (I'll find out the name and get back to you.)  Meanwhile, Hannah had some laundry to do so we picked up Colleen and headed over to the laundry mat.  It was quite the experience although it wasn't exactly like the movies make it out to be.  If you are familiar with the popular show, Jersey Shore, they have a routine they call GTL: gym, tan, laundry.  We saw a real-life man doing just this I only wish I had a picture to prove it.  I also went shopping last week with Olivia.  You probably know by now that I hate shopping no matter what kind it is so it was some what agonizing to go to Old Orchard for so long but, it happens.  That was the same day that I felt just like a mom because I had to chauffeur everyone around.. not my favorite thing to do because I really don't like to drive.  I don't like to drive because senior year of high school I got into a car accident.  It was bagel Tuesday (in yearbook class every Tuesday someone would bring in bagels and we all took turns.. it was a great tradition.)  My Tuesday had finally rolled around and I went to get the bagels at probably 7:00 in the morning.  I was driving home and decided to go kind of a different route and got into an accident turning left off of Touhy onto Western.  Mind you, I was now blocking all traffic going east on Touhy because the car wouldn't move which caused a massive traffic jam.  I was fine and so was the other guy and even his car but our precious mini van.. not so much.  To this day I hate making left turns more than anything and I like when there are arrows telling me when to go.  I got to school a little late (with the bagels) and as I was walking down the hall I ran into Mrs. Ball (my favorite math teacher at Maine South) and Corby.  I started crying and they got all concerned because I'm not one to cry very often.  I told them about my accident and Mrs. Ball told me that she had in-fact seen me blocking all that traffic which of course made me cry even harder but I guess I deserved that.. for the rest of the day people came up to me telling me that they had seen me.. a real proud moment in my life.. NOT.  Ever since then, driving really hasn't been my thing but it scares me when other people drive so I continue to do it.. a never ending cycle I tell you.  I went down to Champaign for New Years which ended up being a huge success and an even bigger blast!  It was a short lived trip but next year will be much better due to the fact that I will have an apartment and anyone who wants is welcome to come over and sleep there!  On kind of a sad note, my Uncle Art passed away yesterday morning.  He got a chance to ring in the new year with his wife, Lexie and on the brighter side, there is one more angel in Heaven.  So my advice for the day is hug everyone you love because no matter how much we tell ourselves its just life, it hurts to lose anyone you love and we should take the time to appreciate them while we have them!