it never went up to the second to last hash mark(white one). it didnt give me a warning light or anything either. ive checked everything in and around the radiator and havent seen any cracks or leaks anywhere. i havent seen any loss of fluid since i refilled it so im hoping it isnt anything major. i appreciate the help and will update if i notice anymore leakage.

 

well i found the leak. the lower hose that connects to the thermostat housing was the culprit. apparently the hose clamp rotted enough that the hose was no longer tight. which allowed it to leak when it was running but not when it was sitting hence the lack of a puddle. if i hadnt ran into the house to grab something before work i never would have noticed it. i went ahead and replaced the t-stat and put a new clamp on. the hose still looked good but ill replace that next year when i drain the system.
thanks for the help guys!

 

Glad ya found it! Those little hoses can hide very well