Sunday, December 31, 2006

December 30


Dad nudged me out of bed pretty early this morning and had me relocate to the back guest room because the couch is right out in the open. My grandparents house is basically one giant room with two bedrooms attached to my aunts house. They moved here from Arizona a while back when they figured they were getting old and my grandma was complaining about the heat there. (So why live in Arizona? She just likes to complain I think.)

I was made to get out of bed by 9.30 for a pancake breakfast. Don't you hate the big breakfasts? It always forces you to get out of bed way before you want to, and no one is even really hungry, especially for a stack of pancakes, a runny egg, and a pile of bacon and sausage. Yippe!

Ah, but whatever. I didn't shower until really late. I basically lounged around all day - it was basically a waste. There were some pretty interesting shows on: Top 20 music videos of 2006! The Lost Dinosaur of Minnesota!...and my favorite, Fox News! There are two televisions in this house. One at one end of the long room, another at the other. I stay at the one to the east, constantly. Down at the other end Fox News is on 24/7. It's the only station my grandparents know exists. "Channel 56" my grandma will say. I have probably heard her tell my Dad or sister to return the tv to that station a million times. I wouldn't mind if it was a decent station, but it ruins their minds! It feeds their nasty super conservative ideals. For one, every time some fire burning in the streets of Iraq, my grandma will bark, "Gah those muslims." It's freaking TERRIBLE to witness. You think there's people like this in like, Alabama and Mississipi..but it's weird when people so unintelligent are apart of your family. The James Brown funeral was also a big deal today on the news. I made sure to keep CNN on at the other end of the house because both Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were screaming in praise, and of course my grandparents couldn't take it. I..just laugh.

My family went out to do some shopping, but I didn't go. I promised to be showered and dressed by the time they got back - and I was. We went out to a local restaurant "Buffalo Bills". Woo. The food was alright and everyone seemed happy. We got back to the house, it was 7.30 and it was like people were already ready for bed. Well, I wasn't. I fixed the surround sound speakers then sat down with my aunt and watched Little Miss Sunshine - she hadn't seen it yet. Okay I love this movie now. I don't know why I was so reluctant to love it in the beginning. I was taking it too seriously. Taking a step back...it's hilarious! Awesome.

Tomorrow we leave for Florida, probably super early again. Ah well..it'll just sleep in the car. Maybe I can sleep until 11 again and skip half the trip.

December 29

My Dad woke me up this morning at, uh 5.30am? Crazy early! I was very grumpy, but I threw some clothes on and chucked my bag into the back of the van, grabbed a pillow and fell back asleep in the car. When I woke up it was 11am and we were in Tennessee. That little snooze knocked off 1/2 the car ride. Road trips aren't normally that big of a deal, plus the car has a dvd player. I listened to my ipod and watched 'Catch Me If you Can'. That movie is sooo good, I love it - the only time I ever watch it/have time to see it is in the car normally on road trips. AHh it's awesome.

We got here in roughly 10 hours, there was some traffic in Nashville, but we avoided it with use from the road map. When you think about it, city traffic is normally pretty easy to get around. Just get off the damn highway and take a side-street or the frontage road. But I could be just kidding myself. I'm such the city boy.

Arrived here at the grandparents about an hour before dinner. My grandma, "Nanny", and my grandpa, "Poppy", both seemed very happy to see me and my sister. (PS - Don't you love it how every kid makes up some silly nickname for their grandparents? Where did this idea come from? Basically everyone I know does this crazy name calling. I want to know it's source.) Anyway, "Nanny" cooked up some streak for dinner. My Dad cooked it on the grill. It was good and after dinner we had some small deserts, then I attempted the family movie - but soon I understood it just wasn't going to work. Mission Impossible 3 starts out with a torture scene, my Mom couldn't handle that. The sound system was screwing up, and both my grandparents couldn't hear what was going on. The thermostat was somehow stuck on 75 degrees, so the fan above was spinning so fast I thought the whole house was going to take off and lift up past the evergreens outside. REGARDLESS - We finally finished the movie, my grandparents said goodnight about halfway through, my Dad and aunt Janice stayed for the finish.

Tomorrow I honestly don't know what we're gonna do. My Dad tries to stay in control all the time and this hose is in such disarray he's about to loose it, plus the fact that he has to watch his Mom and Dad struggle to get around the house. My grandma had a heart attack at thanksgiving this year, my grandpa just had one. Both have been told to stay away from alcohol, but no one can stop their "cocktails" - at least 2 a day. It's actually just really depressing.

Im sleeping on the couch tonight, looks like there's a marathon of 'Run's House' on VH1. I'll watch that. night.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

December 28



Today was pretty chill. Woke up around 11, had my usual frosted flakes and a banana and took a seat in the den. Watched some old AMC movie while I ate. My dad showed up for lunch. He watched the end of "The Game" with me. Awesome movie with Michael Douglas if you've never seen it - check it out. After he left I went out to the garage and played drums and worked out, got a call from Mom. She said she was bringing me home some Subway..yay!

Greeted them and ate the 6inch and cookies. Hung out until 4ish, then got in the shower. I met Clayton at his house around 5 to exchange gifts. I think he liked the book, I got a cool shirt from American Apparel - uh oh.

Dinner at Grandparents. Spaghetti is delicious at the Italians house.

Back at home to chill and pack for tomorrow. Leave bright and early for Florida. I'll try to update from there. If not, see you in a week!

December 27

Today was one of those days where I was faced with the question, "Is it even worth getting cleaned up?" There was literally NOTHING to do this afternoon. I watched two movies, played video games, worked out, played drums, ate food. Those are pretty much the major events of my house. I talked to Kelsey in the afternoon, but she needed to go shopping with Nathan...and I mean, me and her have done that 4 or 5 times since we've been on break. That and go get lost in the country east of Springfield.

Ah well. By 5 o'clock I was cleaned up and watched some tv with my Dad. We then had dinner: hamburgers on sweet, big dinner rolls. It was surprisingly really tasty. I got online and found Kelsey. We both wanted and needed to do something. We planned out to meet at the mall, then see a movie. Drove with the family to the mall and got a pair of jeans at the Gap. Then her and Allison met me at the theater for the 7.30 showing of "The Prestige". Pretty alright/good movie. It didn't blow me away, but it was definitely not awful. It had some very smart and witty plot turns. I liked it.

Back to my house afterwards, we ate cookies and watched the rest of Collateral. Awesome.

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

December 26

My Mom and sister woke up early this morning to hit the stores and return things. I thought about going with them but it was just too early, and this bed is just way to hard to get out of - especially when you have nothing to do. So I lazily slept until 11, then made myself some cereal and messed around in the garage.

After getting cleaned up I gave Kelsey a call. I drove over and picked her up. We ran into town for a little. We've both got so many gift cards, thought it'd be a good idea to use one or two. Stopped at Best Buy, which was a mad house. I returned the Life Aquatic because I want to buy the Criterion Collection version online. Then we browsed the Dvds. I picked up Amelie but later put it down. I ended up with both Bourne movies and Collateral, which I've never seen. Hopefully it's good..I've heard it is. And Im on a spy movie binge right now - can't get enough.

Allison met up with us at Best Buy. We left her car in the parking and decided to go get some Starbucks and chat. I don't normally buy a drink at Starbucks, and it's a good thing I didn't because the lady behind the counter accidentally made the wrong drink I guess, so she asked if anyone wanted it - I snagged it. A free mocha can be yummy. As we drove back to Best Buy Kelsey realized she had left her purse at Starbucks. So she got in the car with Allison, they drove to Starbucks and got the purse. I told them just to meet me back at my house.

At home we had some actually really tasty chicken fingers and fries, along with carrots and dip, oh and the bread was good. We hung out and played some Wii. We got bored, so we decided to drove to the new arcade plays up on 6th street "Kicks"...it was sorta lame so we left. We ended up driving out into the country where me and Kelsey always explore. As we were driving this soybean field looked pretty flat, so we were like, "What the hell... lets go for a ride." And we did. Up and around and through the field. It was pretty fun. On our way back to get on the road we discovered a motocross course. We took some of the hill and made my car literally almost flip over..oops. Super fun.

Watched Bourne Identity when I got back by myself. Then deleted my myspace. Yup.

Monday, December 25, 2006

December 25


Merry Christmas!

This morning I woke up to the family sitting around that tree and the pile of presents. I guess I slept too long, and ignored the countless yells and nudges from my Dad. Finally I awoke and stumbled to the family room. I took a seat and we first all took turns undoing the stockings. Then we tackled the presents under the tree, gift by gift. "Santa" brings me and my sister equal gifts. Which normally means, I ask for some movies, a video games, and a few clothes. So she ends up with way more boxes. Oh well. I know it's fair.

My grandparents stopped by to check out the gifts and have a little breakfast casserole. I guess they stop by every of their kid's houses on Christmas morning. We hear the details on how "crazy" some houses are, or what people got. Woopie. I think the best part of the morning was letting my parents and sister open the gift I bought them. This goes along with that whole christmas spirt-mumbo jumo I was discussing yesterday. But it felt nice! To see them open my gifts.

For the rest of the afternoon everyone basically chilled. Tried on some clothes - adding them to the 'wash pile' or the 'take back' pile. For not helping her one bit, I was pretty happy with what my Mom bought. There's this green jacket she found that's super cool. I tried new Wii game and took a shower.

Headed back to grandparents for Christmas dinner. Only one other family was there. Ham and potatoes for dinner, plus a salad. For desert we all had christmas cookies. Wow...everyone has so many cookies. Later that night Kelsey drove by and picked me up. We came back to my house and played some Wii, then watched Little Miss Sunshine and MI:3. It was my first time seeing Little Miss Sunshine. The movie isn't really what I was expecting, but I liked it..it could grow on me.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

December 24










It's Christmas Eve!

I guess I'm sick. I probably shouldn't have been running around downtown Chicago in that little jacket, but I'll live. These little colds usually go by pretty quick. I normally don't get sick very often. Other than that! It's Christmas time!

Every year we go over to our neighbor's house for a little gathering. There is food and drink, plus Santa comes to visit later and everyone has a chance to sit on his lap. He gives you a little gift, then you retreat to your spot on the couch and open it. All the gifts are naturally supplied by the neighbors: Joe and Louise. They're both in their 80's and some of the nicest people you'll probably ever meet. Everyday in the summer you can find them in the yard working, either tending the flowers or cutting the yard. Also at this party we exchanged gifts with the neighbors two doors down, the Gerberdings. It was nice to see them. I think the last time I saw their family was...last Christmas?

Before heading to the next Christmas party, we had to light the luminaries. I asked my Dad how long our neighborhood has been doing this, and he said for quite awhile..12 years? It's probably a mile stretch of road that we place little bags with sand and a candle in them. We purchase them from a guy down the street. He and his family lines them up, then we go out and light them at dusk. Pretty cool stuff.

Grandma's house for dinner then opened gifts. We take turns, going from youngest to oldest - so I am always last. It's totally fine with me tho. I got Little Miss Sunshine on DVD and MI:3, plus a shirt or two and some cash. After all these present rituals, we play the "present game" or something like that. My grandpa calls it "Grab-bag". Everyone buys a $10 gift and places it in the center of the room. Then everyone draws numbers. The first person has to pick a present from the pile and open it. The second person can either steal that gift or open a new one...and so on. It can get pretty fun.

Now I'm back at home and it's almost midnight. If it was 5 or 6 years ago, i'd be snuggled up in my bed completely excited. I guess Christmas has lost its magic, but when I handed my Grandma a little gift tonight I sort of felt a little of it. So maybe this is where the holiday spirit comes in for adults?

Saturday, December 23, 2006

December 23



I sort of slept in alot today, but I seriously needed it. The chicago trip and this little cold that I picked up in the city got to me, and a bit extra of sleep I felt was good for me. My Dad tried to wake me up for 9am breakfast - but that did not happen.

Around noon Kelsey came over. I accidentally wasn't dressed yet and she probably felt a bit awkward sitting in the den with my Mom as I changed but she's used to it by now. We had a few errands to attend to. We hit Halmark in the Capital city shopping center. My Mom wanted us to return this little UofI candle thingy. Once that was out of the way, our adventure started.

I don't think there is anyone else that I can share these photo adventures with. Somehow me and Kelsey always end up finding the coolest little places and locales. We discovered this barren farm bassin basically, with a bunch of old oil pumps and wells. We drove east from Rochester, ending up in some small town called Edendburg. The end of our trip took us to downtown Spfld for an ice cream and a walk through the Praire Archives.

Dinner tonight with the neighbors. Christmas dinner. It was pretty good, but I think my favorite was the cookies!

December 22


Samantha's house
-woke up
-shower!
-goodbye's/thank yous

Drive to Bolingbrook
-crazy tolls
-woah fast

Bolingbrook
-caitlin's house
-food at taco bell
-explore IKEA
-see the town
-huge highschool
-drinks at starbucks

Goodbye's
-drop caitlin off
-forgot the cookies!
-her and karen are coming to spfld f'realz

Drive home
-went pretty fast
-rest stops

HOME

-spfld isn't that bad
--none of those towns are any better
---except maybe the city
-missed family/friends
-Xmas is soon!
-Florida!

December 21


Day 2 in chi town.

Lunch at the buzz cafe.
-lana working
-art work
-blt yum

shops around town
-thrifting
-bead shop
-record store

drove to ria's house with issac
-rap mix
-traffic
-w. randolf

walk to the train station
-issac and clayton
-party shop
-oprah!
-rainy/busy/lot of umbrellas

ria
-pick up from train
-walk back to home
-tour of crazy amazing home
-change

out
-wicker park
-dinner at flash taco
-shopping
-ice cream
-gift certificate

WHERE DO WE GO?
-gas
-almost robbed

<3 Karen Loda
-samantha's home
-celebrations
-movie
-sleep

December 20


Wednesday - Today marked the first day in me and Clayton's trip up to Chicago. I figured it was time to get up to the city and spend some time there. Hang with some kids that grew up there and experience the chi town. Just because I had never really before. I know right?! It's so close.

I packed everything up in the morning, then drove and picked up clayton. We loaded up the Jeep and headed out. Got some gas, took the ramp onto I55 and headed North. The drive didn't take too long - before we knew it we were navigating our way with the aid of some GoogleMaps print-outs. Traffic wasn't bad and Oak Park was coming up pretty fast. We located Katherine's house after getting of the highway a little earlier than we probably should have - rough neighborhoods can be a bit scary.

We found her just as we pulled up to her house. She had just gotten back. We said the hellos and jumped into her car. And from this point on it was nonstop adventures and fun. Katherine gave us a tour of Oak Park. It sort of resembles Springfield's North side. Big old homes - but it's all good neighborhoods. The downtown is quaint but nicely put together and clean. Christmas lights covered all the buildings and trees that lined the road - It was a pretty sight. We stopped at her friend's house to say hello, got a few things from my car back at her house, then headed toward the city and Wicker Park.

Wicker Park is probably where we spent most of our time. Lots of artsy shops and restaurants. Urban Outfitters/American Apparel has some outlets there WOOO! Haha. We had dinner at the EarWax Cafe. Small little lunch/dinner place. The food was good. The walls were covered with posters and art. I had a cheeseburger which was pretty yummy.

Hit up some shops on the street. Lots of thrift stores and old record shops. Picked up this old velvet blazer - only 10 bucks. After we roamed the streets for a bit, we got back in the car and headed back to Oak Park. We stopped at this Jazz place called Fitzgerald's. Katherine knew some guys in the jazz band that were playing, but we were late and the cover was $4. It was definitely a really cool place though. Headed back to Katherine's house and got in my car and drove over to Lana's house. She had just gotten back from a ski trip with her friends and needed some time to shower. We arrived at her house and moved a bunch of stuff into the side room where the couch was.

Earlier that day we made some plans to meet up with Caitlin and Karen in the city around 9.30ish. So were decided against driving and took a ride into downtown on the train. Haha that was an experience. $2 ride into the city on the...green line? I dunno for sure. But we arrived right downtown and next to the Macy's windows. It was really dreary downtown and raining, but the atmosphere was really cool. A bit chilly but not too bad. We wondered - waiting for a call from Caitlin that they had arrived in the city.

We waited inside a Dunkin' Donuts by Millennium Park. We finally got a call from them around 10 and told them were we were hanging. They met up with us and we headed into the Park. The bean is totally cool! And it was at night and no one else was there except us. Pretty awesome. The faces were also way cool. We were the only ones standing in front of these massive walls of faces. I loved it.

By now it was really raining and we were getting pretty soaked. It was 11pm and everything was closed, we didn't know what to do. Apparently Issac Bloom was going to meet us downtown so we went over to the train stop to greet him. Caitlin and Karen couldn't drive us back to Oak Park and there was nothing else to do downtown except hang in Dunkin' Donuts, so we said our goodbye's and took the train home. We actually got a return on our train ticket, so we only had to add 25 cents to the card. We had to wait up on the track, but we could stand under the little heat lamps. haha.

Back in Oak Park we all cuddled in the side room and watched a movie. "Happiness" I think. It was sort of strange, but I liked it. I never got to see the whole thing because I fell asleep. I was crazy tired. Issac ended up staying too. He and Lana slept on the floor. Katherine walked back home after the movie, her house was only a couple blocks to the east.

December 19


The holidays are in full swing and you know what that means....Christmas parties! Wooooo (Not really - I find them sort of annoying but big fun parties are always fun). It was my Dad's office party downtown today around noon. Christin didn't have to go because she's still in school. My Mom went with my Dad around 9am to go setup...I didn't haha. I got up at 11.30 and raced downtown - got there just in time.

My Mom makes some pretty awesome snack food. She could/should seriously open a restaurant or something. She slaved away in the kitchen for days to make all this food. 100+ people. Soup, sandwiches, cookies, desert. The best part is there's a ton of leftovers for us at home.

Later tonight I visited Kristin. Mallory and Clayton were there. We just talked, hung out, listen to music. Kristin did some gift wrapping. Around 11.30 me and Clayton became super hungry so ran to taco bell. Tbell is pretty yummy late.

Friday, December 22, 2006

December 18


Got to hang out with Kelsey today. I gave her a call around noon. She was naturally already dressed. I wasn't but said I was just to get her over here quicker. I jumped in the shower and when I got out and dressed I found her and my Mom discussing things at the kitchen table. I missed her! We did some major Christmas shopping. Like we filled up the entire back seat and trunk of my car with bags. But isn't that how the holidays are supposed to be??

Sunday, December 17, 2006

December 17



That's our "Xmas 2006 family photo". MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE CUDMORES. That shot was one of like, 100+ photos. Every pictures I thought I looked good in, my sister complained she didn't look good enough. Finally we arrived on a compromise. I also had to do a hella ton of photoshoping. However the end result seems pretty nice. I hope all those people on my Mom's mailing list enjoy this little picture - it took a lot of work lol.

Other than that, I stayed in my pajamas all day. I play alot of Smash Bros. It's so weird, that game is almost 3 years old and it's got a new place in my heart now. Ever since college, Smash is seriously the shit. So I've been working on getting all the trophies and beating each individual target test. The target tests can be a serious bitch, but by 4pm I was very satisfied when each character had a high score and completion.

Nothing seems to be going on...I feel as if I should spontaneously go up to chicago and visit/see the city. I better get this idea to the folks as soon as possible...Or else it probably won't happen.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

December 16



Sisters Sweater party

Erik's going away party
-maggie & molly
-food and Wii

Hung with Kristin
-Guitar Hero
-Drove around

December 15



Woke up at Noon
-Decided to come home today
-Lunch and goodbyes
-Intense packing
-More goodbyes

Drive home
-Lady sov and old mix cds
-HOME!!
-House pretty with xmas decors and tree

Night
-Called dan
-High School Hockey game
-hung with dan back at home
-kicked his ass in melee

Sleeping in my bed at home is so nice.

December 14



Last test was tonight: Physics. It went pretty good I think. I can miss 20 questions and still get an A? Well since there's 96 questions total...the probability of that happening is probably pretty slim, but I can cross my fingers can't I? Afterwards me and Kristin stopped at ISR late night for some quick treats and foods because this was our last final, and tomorrow we got home!

I am pretty excited about packing up and seeing the family. I have a feeling this break is going to be good. Looking forward to seeing Kelsey and lots of friends. Some photo adventures I'm sure will happen, Daniel will most likely be out of control, and my grandma will fix up some yummy food.

I still don't know if I should depart tomorrow or saturday...it just depends on whether something fun is going on friday night. Later tonight we all hung out at Daves and said goodbye. Little celebrations and some quick dancing..Ahhh I'm going to miss the dance parties.

December 13

Today was the complete opposite of yesterday. Yesterday included final after final and some intense 1 hour cram sessions. Today I didn't have any tests. So I focused on getting my physics review down and making a quick little outline. Im not too worred about the test. Tomorrow, if everything goes as planned...the test should go by fairly well and then I will be completely done!

There were these older movies on AMC tonight. Why can't new movies have the charm of those classic movies? Is it the actors, the way it was filmed, or just simply the idea in our brains that isn't a vintage movie and therefore it's super cool? Who knows...but a dude could waste his life watching old films - and it wouldn't be a wasted one.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

December 12

Got up super early (6.30am!?) and showered, grabbed econ notes and went down to breakfast. Oh it was good! Bacon tasted yummy and I got some review done before walking over to the Wholer's Hall place for the Econ Final. I walked in pretty prepared and did fairly well. 13 questions = write 13 pages. YAY.

December 11

NO CLASS

PSYCH FINAL

December 10

STUDYSTUDYSTUDY

ECON REVIEW

December 9

XMAS PARTY

STUDYING

December 8

ECON QUIZ

PARTY!

December 7


Almost done with classes for this semester. Tomorrow is one last Econ quiz then the weekend - hopefully filled with lots of fun ahem..and studying!! If I can do good on this last quiz, it might help out my grade. The prof said he drops the lowest quiz grade, only taking the highest 3.

Tonight was OC night with Gina. That show is really different now, but I won't stop watching. I don't know why...the OC has been a part of life since..it seems like forever. I have faith it can turn around. We'll see...Today also involved a bunch of studying. Altho I also spent alot of time playing Zelda of course. Oops.

65th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Weird how long ago that was, but yet...not.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

December 6




Happy birthday Miss Virginia! She's actually 18 now - and in college! Haha. Virginia was the first real college bud I made. We met at the Allen bubble dance party. We noticed each other because we were the only ones dancing with sweet skillz - we showed up everyone else. From then on...we were buds.

Anyway, tonight after some exams/homework/studying we all met in my room. I gave her my little present (Christmas DVD) and she brought a cookie cake her Mom had sent her. Steph and Nico arrived later. Steph was a little bummed about her Chemistry exam that night, so we cheered her up with some hugs and cookie cake.

Later to celebrate, we smoked a cigar outside the dorm and then walked over to Dave's house to hang out.

Happy birthday.

December 5



2nd Day of studies
-Psych outlines
-Not worrying about physics until next week
-Finals schedule

Snow still here!
-not very much
-I guess spfld got SNOWEDXZ with ice
-wonder if it'll stay 'till Xmas

Dinner lunch with the fam as usual

Monday, December 04, 2006

December 4



This week is filled with studying for finals and being slightly stressed. Big finals are coming up and I don't want anything to screw up my grades. Im going to be studying every night until next week. I got alot of little things accomplished today, then jumped right into Psych learning objectives - got up to 3 chapters done. Soon I need to look at History and Econ. I am not really worried about Physics, I can study that next week.

Tonight Steph sat with me and we talked about things. I showed her like at least 500 pics of the last year with family and friends. Then she helped me get my blog back up to date (sorta). She left then came back all bundled up to go see Dave. Look at the cute little eskimo!

LOL RIA. She's an RA guys.

December 3



Goodbye to clayton
-brunch
-goodbyes

Studies begin
-dads talk
-crazy outlines
-Psych
-last Aplia/Econ hw submit

Long week of studies ahead

Xmas break is so close!

December 2


Clayton Visits
-kelsey and nathan should come!
-makes a pot

Party
-walk hella far
-large house
-own the dance floor

After Party
-Marks
-dance 'till 5.30am with Ria
-hellz yea

December 1



Friday classes
-go well
-quick afternoon

Clayton and Ryan visit
-didn't see ryan tonight
-dinner

Friday night
-dance party at Marks
-ryan showed up and found it lame
-told some people off
-danced forever

Thursday, November 30, 2006

November 30


The last day of November. I am currently sitting here, the weather channel is on, the trees outside are covered perfectly in ice, the snow is coming, and me and my roomie are jamming to some Sinatra christmas tunes. Sounds good right?

Ahh..well only had 2 classes today. Then I basically played lots of Zelda and chilled. I find it weird how mesmerized people are just watching someone play this game. Today brickman and steph must've just sat and watched/helped me play for hours. Then I played before dinner with Virginia..get well soon V!

Dinner with just V and Niko was nice. Then played more zelda..lol. Then it was OC time!

Now it's almost 10. And everyone's waiting for the snow.

I hope we can play in the snow tomorrow.

November 29


Went iceskating with Gina tonight, along with Steph and Dave. It was totally fun. Steph tried her best but had never done it before - I think she made it around like 3 times? haha. It's all good tho, the rental skates suck anyway. But me and Gina were pros! Soon we'll be pulling so many tricks out there.

When we got back to Allen, we parted with Steph and Dave - they headed to the house, my and Gina went down to my room and did what? Played Wii of course. haha. Apparently she had a blast, it looked like it.

It was a good night.

Tomorrow it's supposed to start getting super cold and then snow!? :]

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

November 28


Totally caught up on all my sleep guys! Probably logged 9 hours...woot. haha It felt so good.

History lecture this morning then nothing until lunch over in LAR with everyone at 11. Field of Greens is starting to slip down farther and farther on my list of places to eat (which sadly only includes 2) every time I eat there. The entrees normally just suck and/or I won't eat them...AND they never have that nacho dip anymore. bitches.

Physics review lecture, then lots of studying and zelda (of course). Up until dinner when I got to see everyone again. At dinner I...1) Showed everyone Stephanie's little video on my phone which she then got mad at me for. But she knows i love her :p 2) Inform everyone of Clayton's upcoming buckwyldness this weekend (ps im so excited) and 3) get my phone stolen by Virginia then battle stephanie in the dinning hall for it - and I lost (someday I'll beat you).

Ah well...if you were able to comprehend that paragraph of jumbled punctuation, in which I probably broke a hundred grammar rules...congrats!!

After the physics exam to night, that went good -> so so, I played some Zelda and then hung out with steph over at Daves. We watched the last half of Rocky, which I had never seen. But am glad I have now I guess. Rocky 6 soon? woah.

So now I'm sitting out on the couch with Ian. He's furiously studying psych and I am...what else!? Updating the blog. So long

November 27


Back to classes today. I might've accidently, and did wake up an hour early today. QUIET! It wasn't my fault...well maybe I did set the alarm an hour earlier than the normal time. So I strolled out of bed and made it to the quad by 8am! When I got there I was thinking...why is there no one out here? In the end I guess it worked out, there was an 8am lecture for my class but I did miss out on an hour of sleep. I will need to make that up tomorrow.

Basically I was just super tired the rest of the day, did a bit of studying for physics. Had dinner with everyone then played a shit load of Zelda. I might be totally addicted - this could result in a bad grade in Phys..but we'll see.

Walked to Late night with steph and theresa tho. Got some goods for the rest of the week.

Well I am out, night.

Monday, November 27, 2006

November 26


Back to champaign-urbana and the joys of Allen hall.

Once I moved all my crap into the room, I drove Kristin to her car then she accompanied me to the Mall. I needed to exchanged those $jeans$ because they ripped. So I got some new ones and we got out of there.

Back at Allen I found steph, v, and gina waiting at my door. We had a moment I think. lol

We all chilled in my room and ordered pizza because the dinning hall was closed. Good times - this is the part I missed over break. Later evan stopped by to check out the Wii. By then it was almost time to hit the sheets. I am super tired and have to get up at 8am tomorrow!...something I haven't done for a week. Damn.

Almost 2 week's 'till Xmas Break.

November 25


Last day of Thanksgiving/Fall break. It was a good one, filled with some hilarious moments, boring times, tons of chill time with friends, and lots of Wiiiiii. All in all I really enjoyed being home for this week - kinda makes me want Xmas break to come sooner than ever. But no biggie, it's only, what, like 2 1/2 weeks until break? woot

Didn't go to the bonfire, probably should've, but instead Dan came over later. It was nice to see him and hang out since we didn't really get a chance to all week. Played some wii - wii sports especially. Who kicked whos ass in bowling? Me of course! XD

It's sort of late and I need to be getting back into the "school" routine. So g'night

Saturday, November 25, 2006

November 24


I got a call this morning in bed from Kristin at about 6am? She was out and about shopping on black friday. Thankfully I didn't spot anything I really needed in the adds to rush out and wait in line at 4am to try and get...so I slept haha. Anyway she was out with her friend Megan and wondered where I was...I replied.."Uhhh in bed?" Lol I guess not everyone goes hardcore on black friday...(even tho I normally would).

By noon I had gotten up, showered and had something to eat...and was ready to just go out and do something. Before I could I needed to help my Dad with the Xmas light on the house. Thankfully we don't like cover the entire house in decorations, just a simple strand of light on the gutter - it's still a tough job tho.

Kelsey called and we both wanted to get out, so we just went shopping to try and experience black friday a little. Checked out best buy and I found ladysov's CD for only 7 bucks! So I picked that up, and we browsed the $5 DVD rack but didn't find anything we wanted. After best buy we drove to Circuit city for more dvd sales, but didn't find anything we needed either. Barnes and noble was crazy too.

Out to dinner with neighbors for dinner to the International buffet. It was good..just another americanized buffet place. As usual I just a seseme check and rice :]

Arrived early to set up speakers for Clayton's party. Once everything was in place, we rushed to Cub Food's with mallory for a few last minute items. When we got back people were already arriving at the house. To make it short, the whole night was out of control. Dancing..buck wyldzz...omgz!

But it's super late and time for bed.

Can't believe there's only 1 full day of break left...it went so fast!!

November 23


Happy Thanksgiving!!

Went over to grandmas for dinner. Most of the aunts and uncles were there, which means lots of people lol. Thankfully many of the cousins didn't show, so dinner was not accompanied by running/screaming children for hours. The food was of course super yummy as was desert. After the meal I retreated downstairs and watched tv and just chilled 'till it was time to go.

The rest of the night I just sat and played Zelda. Nothing was really going on and I didn't feel like doing much either.

Tomorrow is Clayton's party tho...uh oh

Thursday, November 23, 2006

November 22


Visited the High School today with Kristin and Clayton. It was a bit, ok alot, of trouble trying to get in - visitors pass and everything. But eventually we got through "security" and headed to Mr. Welches room. Haha I think I missed him, he's so funny. We also stopped by the french teachers room, Ms. Jarvis, andd some science teachers. All in all it was a good trip/visit...I don't think I am ready to go back tho.

Had some chinese with Clayton after that, it was like 2 and I hadn't eaten anything since like I woke up lol. But that wasn't a bit deal I guess because I woke up at like noon. Seseme chicken is always good.

Chilled all night, had left overs for dinner. Ryan showed up later asking to "jam" again...oh jeeze. Headed to clayton's house later. We stormed the town! Actually it was a disaster lol. We were seriously just looking for one fun party or something, but didn't find any. We even resorted to seeing if the teen dance club 'Club 217' was open..but it wasn't lol. Downtown was definitely hopping tho but you need to be 21 for everything. Prisms "Are you SURE you're not 21?"

Visited friends in Auburn, Erik was there. Bond marthon and food. It was nice to see maggie and Erik, hadn't seen them in a while. I guess she got excited about the Urbana dance parties...she better come visit!!

Before heading home we visited Mallory at Meijer. She was camping out for a $499 plasma tv. daUmn! I would've stayed but I've had enough "camping" for like, a long time. haha

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

November 21


Everyone left my house early this morning, so I was left and told not to sleep the day away...oops. Yeah, I might've woken up at 12.30 but it's all good. I got cleaned up and ate some food, played a bit of Zelda.

Adventured with Kelsey all afternoon. I needed some photos badly and it turned out to be really fun. We decided to travel towards the Lincoln Memorial Gardens but soon began to become distracted. We first tried to enter the Zoo, but we were not about to pay 4 bucks to see that sucky Zoo. Then I remembered this crazy museum out in the middle of nowhere, sort of near Mallory's house..the horse museum? Haha it was scary. Lots of sweet pics tho.

Started to head towards Nelson Center after our crazy truckin's through the wilderness, we even found a little couch up in the middle of this road. Of course we had to take some pics! To kill a bit of time before open skate started, we explored Carpentar Park. God, I hadn't been there in years. I remember we used to go all the time for field trips with school, and there used to be these Thanksgiving day walks there with my Dad's co-workers. Fun stuffffff

Ice skating was fun, especially because Nelson Center is so disorganized we just walked on the ice and skated for free. Drove back to my house through some well liked rush hour traffic. Spfld with traffic helps it thrive a bit lol.

Yummy dinner with Grandparents later after I got my grandpa to play some Wii Sports. I think he dug it. After some brownies for desert I think I sat and played Zelda for like 5 hours lol. At least until 10.30 because Kristin got ahold of me seeing if I wanted to chill at her house and watch a movie, I was up for it since the night hadn't been too productive. We watched Fern Gully? haha. Craziness.

O-M-G MY BLOG IS UP TO DATE...CHECK IT OUT!!!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

November 20


Wii day is over and all my sleep is caught up since I slept 'till almost noon today..haha.

Decided not to visit Mr. Welch until Wed, so I did some shopping with my Mom until my haircut at 2pm. It's nice to actually get a real haircut for once..normally I just trim it myself and it usually works. But Im happy with the end result. It was even a new girl, the lady my Mom now goes too. I think i'll go back.

Grocery shopping with Mom. While at Cub gave Gina a call, nice talking to her. Chilled at grandmas until it was time to get Christin from pom practice.

'Till dinner I of course played Wii because I basically had no time to do so all afternoon. So awesome.

Later hung with Ryan and Kelsey. We went to visit some of Ryan's friend from Augustana. Me and Kelsey didn't stay long, it was sorta awkward. Ryan stayed and went home with Brian Spring. Back at my house I introduced Kelsey to WiiSports and she fell in love. another nongamer!!

November 19


So I probably did the most ridiculous thing I've ever done last night. I sat outside of Target for 9 hours waiting for a Wii. From around 9pm 'till 7.30am. Wow...no one realizes how SLOW time goes when you're sitting in a lawn chair, starring at a parking lot in 38 degree weather with wind. Oh, and it is basically impossible to sleep because A, you're sitting up and B, there's normally at least 2 people talking at all times. This one man next to me would NOT shut up for the life of him. I seriously know more about this man than like, my best friend. Ridiculous.

By 6 the sun was starting to come up, and by 7 people were getting antsy. I was too of course. Ready to get this Wii purchased and go home and take one long nap. They handed out tickets at 7. I was #12 out of 24 Wiis at Target. Popped over to McDonalds for a breakfast sandwich in between then and 8am. At 8 I casually walked into Target, grabbed a copy of Zelda, bought it, and headed home.

...Of course I didn't take a nap! What'd I do? Play Wii! Oh god so awesome!!

Throughout the day my Mom, Sister and Grandma all played Wii Sports and learned to play it and have fun in seconds. It really brought a smile to my face, knowing Nintendo's whole idea of "bringing gaming to the masses" might actually..work?

Later that night my Dad came home from hunting and got to see him, then Kristin and Clayton hung out 'till late. We played Wii sports and made a Mii for some friends and strangers. WhoopieG!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

November 18


T-Bell this morning with friends.

Hung out with Kelsey in the afternoon, checked out some tunes, busted out the speakers. Then we took a drive to Barnes n Noble and the normal spfld stops, haha. It was fun and I was glad to see her and catch up with info.

She got a ride home with her brother for dinner. When she was gone I heated up some left over pizza and tbell. By the time she got to my house, I was starting to freak out and so we decided it was time to hit the town for a Wii adventure search.

Wish us luck!

Hopefully tomorrow I'll be playing some zelda!

November 17


Friday. Headed home!

After Econ, I headed back to Allen and said goodbye to everyone :[ Aw

Then I started to pack, but around 2 I had to register for classes. Virginia helped me because I was having like a panic attack about getting into Econ and CS, but somehow it all worked out and only ended up taking like 10 min. Walked and got my car, picked up Michelle, packed my stuff in the car, grabbed my cymbals from Evans, back to spfld!!

Bond later with everyone, 007 @9:50. Good moviE

Taco Bell @ 11.30 tomorrow for some eatings with buds

November 16


Just 1 more day 'till break.

No homework really. Just hung with friends and then watched the OC later.

Later Stephanie, Brickman, and Dave O hung out in the room for a while. The roomie was gone for a while at this Salvation Army dealy thing, so we had a good time. I think at one point Brickman was doing pushups across the lofted beds, like seriously suspended in the air..hahah.

G'nighttt

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

November 15


Another wet and cold morning, especially on the biked. Yucky.

The econ essay test went well this morning. Turned out we were able to just pick any of the 4 questions and answer it. I was sorta pissed but glad at the same time..Oh well. We'll see how OPEC treats me.

Put the final edits on my history paper after discussion today at noon. Asked the TA about different capitalizations. I think my paper's fine and dandy now, ready to be turned in at 9am sharp. I better not be late!

After dinner me and Gina went ice skating! Oh it was so much fun, and only a buck per person. We will definitely be doing this more often. I sort of miss skating. Other than the dreadfully cold weather while walking to and from the rink, it was an awesome time. yay

Did physics hw later with the geniuses and then chatted with Ria and V. G'night

1 more day.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

November 14



Every school day is pretty much the same, so I should probably stop telling you...went to class...went to lunch. But yes. I did those things today. lol

After lunch I worked on the fixes for my paper, not due 'till Thursday but I need to ask my TA some questions about what exactly do you capitalize..and what don't you? Like, pope? holy war? papacy? king? see!

Made a more condensed outline for my econ essay tomorrow, gah this stuff is almost all over.

After dinner did a bit more studying, then watched Dancing with the Stars with steph (really random I know, but they were supposedly going to the play the Wii commercial, which they did). Hmpphz. Ever get that feeling that you could've done something better? I could've made the most badass Wii commerical ever...this is a little lame. But whatevs

Hah, later headed to late night with Steph, Gina, Dave and Brickman. Got some milk, cereal, and chips for snacks the rest of the week. I also figured out I have a ton of credits...so I guess I do need to hit up late night more often.

After a little last minute review, it's almost midnight and time to hit the sack. g'night

November 13


After lunch, I spent some time on homework and just chill. Then had photog for 4 hours..jeez. It was okay tho, went by fairly fast...especially with these little breaks I take haha.

After photog I was starving, so headed to dinner. Fried chicken and mashed potatos..yum?

Econ outlines/essay work after dinner for a while, got all the questions planned out. Tomorrow I'll memorize each one, then just be able to re-write it down, boom! Then thursday the history paper is due, but I've got it all done. Emailed it to kelsey for a bit of help, thanks kels!

Reallyreally looking forward to being home.

Uhm, lets like throw a dance party or something?