New Driver In Town

Congratulations is in order for Nolan, the newest driver in the family!!  That is both exciting and scary at the same time but I'm confident that he will be awesome.  Although it dawned on me not that long ago that there are now 5 drivers and 2 cars, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think those are awful odds (HINT HINT Mom and Dad...)  Today was a good day because Olivia and Cole came over and hung out with me and Michael (Laura and Jill were at volleyball camp at Northwestern - Ben I passed your house about 8 times this past week, you probably already know this but you live REALLY close to that stadium.)  Michael and I had to take it easy because yesterday we went to the Cubs game.  Yesterday, I woke him up and we jumped in the car, drove to Elmhurst to pick up the tickets from Emily (thanks again for those.)  I quickly learned that downtown Elmhurst is one of the most difficult cities in the world to navigate.  Without a smartphone or any clue that all the streets were one-way it was difficult but with my keen sense of direction instilled in my brain at a young age and Emily's help, we found it!  We jetted back to Park Ridge, and headed to the Skokie Swift (only my 2nd trip to Skokie that day-I covered a lot of territory yesterday).  I had never used the Skokie Swift but it worked out perfect for getting to Wrigley although our train had some technical difficulties about 20 yards from Addison which was pretty much the only set back we experienced.  When we finally got inside, we were already sweating and had to take off the jerseys we were wearing (Michael let me borrow me one of his) but my hyperhydrosis reached a whole new level if you catch my drift.  We had to get up within the first 5 mins and stand under the misters set up (I'm gonna blame the fact that my hair was soaking on those...)  It ended up being $1 hot dog day (I LOVE DEALS especially on something as delicious as a ballpark hot dog!)  The other highlight of the day was seeing Lizzy on the job!  She is an intern at Wrigely (talk about an awesome job) but i felt so bad because she had to wear a polo and khaki pants in that extreme heat but it was great to catch up with her and Michael got a sticker out of the whole deal.  We had to sit on our jerseys because the bleachers were so hot (hot is an understatement, we roasted) and Michael spent the majority of the game putting ice cubes in his hat and rubbing them on his wrists but I'm proud to say that we made it all the way through the 7th inning but we just couldn't take it anymore (surprisingly we are human.)  The bleachers were an experience for Michael (they're an experience for anyone) but I think he had a blast.  Plus, I love going to Cubs games even though I'm willing to admit that we are absolutely awful.  I have successfully been to the 2 most extreme games of the season because I went with Courtney in May and we were wearing winter coats.  True fan right here.

Lately

So much has happened since last time I have just been a busy woman.  One of the most monumental moments was when my dad joined the "half a century" club.  We celebrated in style (at Bob Chinns) which was delicious!  I'm a huge food guru although if you know anything about me you know how much I love to eat.  My dream job has always been to be food critic (my goal of summer was to steal Brittney Paytons job but that didn't go as planned...)  Now my dad is making excuses that he is an old man but we all know he doesn't look 50... hopefully I inherit those genes!  I have been a pretty big loser this summer but I'm totally fine with that.  I'm doing lots of apartment planning if anyone has anything to donate or color suggestions for my room (I'm thinking a bluish gray-heavy on the blue) I would love your help!  Until then I have been loving my job as a nanny.  I'm getting great at Wii and Mario Kart, I am shooting 100% on my free throws, and I'm the best BSer around (in reference to the card game, obviously.)  Today I went to the dentist with Laura and Michael.  Personally I think the dentist is one of the worst places on earth but don't worry we made up for it by eating Culvers after leaving the office.  I've been trying to eat somewhat healthy, just training for next year when I cook for myself but chips are my weakness and queso is irresistible.  I can't wait until I move in and can clean (at age 5, I wanted to be a cleaning lady), cook (contradictory to popular opinion, I CAN and WILL cook-get pumped roomies), and host parties, we're thinking a singles mixer to kick things off but again, suggestions are welcome.  My computer is about to die, but it opens all the way today so who even cares!!  Have an awesome rest of the week and stay cool in this disgusting humidity.

Gilson

Today I went to Gilson Beach and it was like a blast from the past.  There were a couple years when I was younger that we belonged to Gilson Beach and they were some of the best summers of my life.  Every morning we would pick up Claire, stop at Panera and grab a Cinnamon Crunch bagel for everyone, and head to the beach where we would meet my cousins and hang out all day jumping in the waves and building masterpieces out of sand.  Now I realize that we were really getting our bang for our buck.  Today I had to pay $10 for parking plus $8.50 for each person, talk about a rip-off!  We still had a blast though, I forgot how much I absolutely love the beach and if at all possible, I would live on a beach.. I still need to come up with my invention to turn that dream into a reality but don't we all.  Tomorrow I head to the Dave Matthews Caravan for my first ever Dave Matthews concert.  I'm pretty excited let me tell you!  Other than that not too much to report.  Hope you all enjoy the beautiful weather we are forecasted to have!

The Fourth

The fourth of July indicates to us students that summer is almost over (technically summer doesn't even start until the 21st of June but thats irrelevant in the my eyes.)  I spent some of my holiday weekend in the capitol of this glorious state.  Springfield was WAY more fun than I remember it.  Last time was about six or so years ago and we went to the what was then new Lincoln Museum and the whole place smelled funny due to a certain type of tree blooming.. regardless, this trip to Springfield was a blast.  I experienced my first Scheels (a store complete with a Ferris Wheel, every item ever imaginable, an aquarium, and talking Abraham Lincolns... soon to be expanding throughout IL.)  I then experienced my first Horse Shoe.  It was a piece of Texas toast with buffalo chicken (one of many choices) on it, topped with cheese fries.  It was absolutely delicious and probably could feed a family of four for a week but totally worth it.  We hung out on Lake Springfield during the day Saturday and I've gotta say, if ever I've made it when I get older, I'll be living on a lake.  We were so tired after all that sun that Rachel and I slept right up until dinner which was absolutely delicious (steak AND shrimp, what more could a girl ask for!)  We unfortunately had to head home on Sunday (thanks for the rides Kevin and Matt and a special thanks to Henry for letting me play on his phone like a 5 year old child for the whole ride.)  The whole weekend was beautiful and this entire week has been.  Last night my dad and I did a Tour de Park Ridge and today my butt is feeling the repercussions.  Something else I did this week was eat Chef Boyardee ravioli, talk about a disgrace to the word food.  I am beyond grateful that my mom is such a good cook that I have never been subjected to such things until just yesterday but I have solemnly vowed never to eat it again and I suggest the same for you.  I also suggest trying the hot peppers on the sandwiches at Jimmy Johns, a most excellent upgrade if I do say so myself (definitely worth the 35 cents).  Other than that not too much new, I need some book suggestions (so far I have Room and Unbroken) so you're opinions are much appreciated.  Until later, Maris.