My Not So Little Musings

New Blog?

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:07:00 +0000

I'm considering starting a new blog. It's been so long since I've updated this one, plus I never really took it in a specific direction.

I feel like this blog lacks purpose...decisions, decisions.

Britax Frontier 85 Giveaway @ Shining2save.com

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:25:00 +0000

How awesome is this?

Kari @ Shining2save.com is hosting a giveaway for a Britax Frontier 85 booster seat! This booster seat retails for $279 and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. So, head on over to Kari's blog, check out her review of the Britax Frontier 85 and enter for your chance to win one for FREE!

http://www.shining2save.com/2011/04/britax-frontier-85review-giveaway.html

The Flu

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:34:00 +0000

I paid out of pocket to go see a doctor yesterday since I had went to bed wheezing the night before and had woke up sounding even worse. After a lovely nose swab and breathing treatment, the nurse practitioner sent me on my way with prescriptions for albuterol, prednisone and codiene/ phenegran cough syrup. I really need to get a job with insurance soon! The doctors visit was $183 and my prescriptions cost me about $47. Boo!

Lost in Life

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 14:11:00 +0000

I've not been keeping up with this blog like I've wanted to. I stay pretty busy here lately, and I never think about posting until I'm in the middle of doing something. I still read everyone else's blogs. Maybe I'll start posting again regularly soon.

Back to School...finally!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 04:02:00 +0000

I was supposed to start back to school for the semester on Monday, but the "big snow storm" of the Southeastern USA delayed that. They cancelled school for Monday on Sunday night, before any sleet or snow began falling. We ended up with a dusting. Then, school for Tuesday was cancelled Monday night out of fear that everything would ice over once the temperature dropped. Finally, they decided classes would resume at 11:00 a.m. today, but since my Monday/ Wednesday class is from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. I was out again today. What a disappointment. Especially since our snow fall was basically non-existent. What can I say? I grew up in New Hampshire, so I'm used to heavy accumulations.

I am beyond ready to go back to school. I'm nervous as to how working tax season this semester will affect my study time and grades. I just don't want to end up too overwhelmed, but I am pretty sure I can handle it.

Student loan checks come out towards the end of the month. I can't wait. I'm finally going to get myself back into a car. It's been a long six months without one!

Rest In Peace, Allun Cormier (1978-2010)

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 05:15:00 +0000

Allun in 2004, not long after I first met him.

I met Allun through his brother, Rick, in 2004. He was a friendly, energetic man with an amazing talent: the ability to sing, play guitar and write songs. Anyone who has spent any amount of time around Allun knows that he just had a spark to him and that it could just radiate through a crowd of people. He was just one of those people that could easily put a smile on anyone's face.

Allun was a member of a band called Folk Soul Revival. You can find their first CD on iTunes. You can also find 27 of Allun's original, solo songs on SoundClick.

Here is just a little bit taken from this article by David Cate in the local paper's blog:

"2010 ends on a tragic note as we say goodbye to one of the best singer/songwriters in the Tri-Cities region - Allun Cormier.

On Wednesday morning, December 29th, 2010 Allun and his girlfriend Lucy Jennings died from smoke inhalation in a house fire in Bristol, VA. The word came early across the social networks and even though the wound cuts deep into the fabric family, friends and musicians, Allun left an indelible legacy of personal songs touching thousands in the region.

It's with great regret I share these words about an inspirational friend who I've been following for a number of years now. I'm sure he knew how I felt, but If there was ever an artist who had the potential to stand alone as a national recording artist, Cormier was at the top of my list. His music – native as the mountains of East Tennessee seemed to echo every moment.

Known by his closest friends as a free spirit, he was performing most every night of the week across the Tri-Cities. From songwriter groups in Bristol and Kingsport, to living room house parties, there was never a day where he wasn't singing a new song.

Although fate has closed the book on his life and the success which he so deserved, Allun has left a treasure trove of recordings and memories that speak volumes of about his short life. There's nothing contrived in these performances either. As you listen, you'll find a depth and an essence that lends itself to an important chapter in the musical heritage of our region."

Update: Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 04:41:00 +0000

I know, I was such a horrible blogger through out the holidays. There was just way too much going on, and it's only going to continue. Tax Season officially started today and school starts back next Monday. I'm taking my 2nd Biology class, my 1st English class and Psychology this semester. Plus, I'm doing Taxes. I'm going to be super busy. My New Year's Resolution was to start blogging more regularly...I guess we'll see how it works out.

I spent a week in Tennessee for Christmas. I had a good time and it was nice to see my family, but I am definitely happy to be home.

The Gingerbread House I did with my sister.

The Christmas Tree @ Mom's

Our stockings! Mine is in the middle.

My brother, Jake. So stoked he got an xbox 360 w/kinect

White Christmas!

Busy, busy, busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:26:00 +0000

Oh, there is so much that has been going on, I don't even know where to begin...

I am done with school until January 10th. Thank goodness! I know I passed my Biology final and the class itself, however, I don't know specific grades because the professor has yet to give them out. Lovely. I can't say I'm surprised. I'm really glad to be out of his class. He is the most disorganized, irresponsible teacher I have ever come across. His sloppy methods didn't hurt me so much, because I stayed ahead of the game. However, a lot of the other students were affected by his sloppy behavior and I feel that was just totally unfair to them. I was brutally honest about his methods and behavior in my student survey.

I just returned home on Sunday night from spending a week at the beach with Sarah's sister Amber. I had went to help her with her sons, Noah and Jack, because she was "about to pop" pregnant, uncomfortable and miserable. I had to come home Sunday because I started pre-season training for my job on Monday night, which is when Amber's beautiful baby girl decided to make her appearance. Figures...just my luck! lol

I'm going to be doing taxes at H&R Block this tax season and I am so stoked! I missed it terribly last year. But, because of the pre-season training schedule I may not be able to go to Tennessee for Christmas, which is definitely a bummer. Such is life, I guess.

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas...

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 06:45:00 +0000

We have our Christmas Tree put up :)

And we finally found a use for the empty fish tank, lol!

Thanksgiving Festivities

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 05:20:00 +0000

I know it's been a while since I've posted anything substantial or worth reading. I've been busy studying hard core and preparing for Thanksgiving. This was my first Thanksgiving not eating dinner with my parents, and although I missed having my family around on Thanksgiving I still had a good time.

Melodie and Zack were out of school all week last week for Thanksgiving Break. Sarah's sisters, Amber and Hannah, their kids and Hannah's husband Spencer all got here on Wednesday afternoon to kick off the festivities. All together we had 11 adults and 7 children (between the ages of 2 and 9). We baked 1 turkey and fried 2 turkeys. I made stuffing (using my mom's recipe), giblet gravy (using my dad's recipe) and deviled eggs. We also had potato salad, homemade mac n cheese, brown rice, and crescent rolls. We definitely got our grub on, lol!

I ended up going with Amber back to her house in Myrtle Beach on Thanksgiving night. She had intended to spend the weekend, but realized she had an ob/gyn appt. Friday morning. So, I went home with her to help her with Jack (her 2 yr. old) and Black Friday shopping. She's already 1 cm. dialated, so I say she will have this one as early as she did Jack! Hannah and Spencer ended up joining us Friday afternoon. The kids had a blast playing and us adults spent the weekend playing cards and watching movies.

As far as school goes, I ended up dropping my 2nd Math class. I felt I just wasn't grasping the material as well as I would like to and decided it would benefit me more to take the class on campus versus online. I'm taking English, Psychology and my 2nd Biology class next semester, so the 2nd Math will have to wait until the summer semester at least, maybe even fall. I currently have a 99.7% in Biology and I take my final December 7th. Then I'm done until the next semester starts on January 11th. I can't wait!

Meet Me on Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 07:01:00 +0000

1. What is your favorite way to eat chicken? Grilled
2. Have you decorated for Christmas yet? We put the tree up so far.
3. What is your favorite article of clothing? My hoody.
4. Do you pay your bills online or write checks the old way? Online.
5. Do you make Christmas cookies? Yes. I use an anise cookie recipe that my Grandma used.

Monday Movie Meme: Movies That Make You Want To Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 06:21:00 +0000

This week's movie topic is all about Movies That Make You Want To Travel.

Movies transport us - from the theater or our couch into another part of the world or another place in time. We use them as a diversion - to escape. Every now and then, they inspire us to explore instead. Here are some movies that made us add a place to our travel wish list. Share on your blog the movies that made you want to get up and go, linking back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!

Sunday Stealing: Questions a la Randomness, A Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:39:00 +0000

What was the last thing you put in your mouth? A piece of gum.

How late did you stay up last night and why? Til about 3 a.m. because I was watching movies.

If you could move somewhere else, would you? No, I'm happy right where I'm at.

Have you ever been kissed under fireworks? Yup!

Do you believe ex’s can be friends? Sometimes...depends on the situation.

When was the last time you cried really hard? I couldn't tell you...

What items could you not go without during the day? My cell phone lol

Who was the last person you visited in the hospital? My Daddy

How do you feel about your life right now? I'm satisfied at the moment.

If we were to look in your facebook inbox, what would we find? A couple messages from some old friends.

Say you were given a drug test right now, would you pass? Yup!

Has anyone ever called you perfect before? Sarcastically

Someone knocks on your window at 2:00 a.m.: who do you want it to be? The one I want but can't have lol

Do you think too much or too little? Too much!

Do you believe in fairy tales? Not anymore.

Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work? Yup.

What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated? He was four years older.

Have you ever been on a blind date? Once...and it sucked!

Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more? A few actually.

Have you ever had a crush on a teacher? Yup...in middle school lol I had the biggest crush on the student teacher.

What song do you want played at your funeral?

Would you tell your parents if you were gay? Why not?

What would your last meal be before getting executed? A New York Strip

Do you walk around the house naked? Nope.

What do you do as soon as you walk in the house? Take my shoes off.

Who is the person you can count on the most? My Dad and Richard.

What is your favorite Holiday? Christmas.

Would you ever get plastic surgery? Why not?

Have you ever caught a fish? Yup!

What is the first thing you notice about people? Their overall appearance.

What is the farthest you’ve been from home? 1500 miles

How did you meet your spouse or significant other (or most recent one)? While working LOL

Where was the last place you drove (other than home/school/work)? The grocery store.

Monday Movie Meme: The Worst Movie You've Ever Seen

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 03:15:00 +0000

This week's movie topic is all about The Worst Movie You've Ever Seen.

Movies, like much of life, are highly subjective. What I love, someone else hates. And vice versa. That's why there are so many choices out there. You can't please everyone. Here are our picks for the movies that did not please us at all. If we had to review them it would be a challenge to find a redeeming quality to talk about. Share on your blog the worst movie you've ever seen, linking back here at The Bumbles. And don't forget to visit your fellow participants!

Paranormal Activity (2009) - I really thought this movie was just stupid. The storyline lacks substance and credibility. I know scary movies are fantasy/fiction films, but this one fails to ignite the least bit of fear in me. It also fails to draw the viewer in and you wind up bored about 20 minutes into the film. However, if you happen to sit there and watch it long enough (as I did, since I was watching with some friends) curiousity will kick in and you will want to see the ending.

Sunday Stealing: The 14 Question Meme

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 03:12:00 +0000

1. What do you consider your hometown to be? I was born in Wilkes Barre, PA and my mom's side of the family is still there, so I have been back there many of times in my 27 years of life but I spent my pre-teen and teenage years in Alabaster, AL so I consider both of them "home".

2. What’s the hardest part of your average day? Staying focused on homework.

3. The easiest? Why? Blogging or Facebooking, lol, because it's just so easy to "escape" in either one.

4. What beverage do you reach for to quench your thirst? green tea or flavored water

5. What is one not-so-secret goal you have for your life? I’ll let you keep your secret ones to yourself. To finish school.

6. What physical pain do you fear most? For example, I’m trying to decide how bad my jaw pain needs to get before I risk a potential needle from my dentist. So, for me, throbbing is preferable to jabbing. The pain of kidney stones.

7. Where do you find solace? In my bedroom lol

8. What makes you the saddest when you read/see the news? Anything related to death or war.

9. What do you eat for a favorite snack? ritz crackers with cream cheese

10. What movie could you/would you watch more than two or three times and still enjoy just as much as the first time? The Notebook

11. What boy/girl first made you cry? Oh goodness....I can't remember.

12. What brand of coffee/tea do you drink most often? Coffee - Foldgers. Tea - Lipton

13. Dig in the dirt with or without garden gloves? without....the gloves just get in my way.

14. James Taylor or Carly Simon? Carly Simon.

Saturday 9: Watching the Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 03:43:00 +0000

1. What do you see when you are watching the wheels go round? It's always something different...

2. Do you watch reality shows? Which ones? Sometimes. Here lately I have been stuck on Teen Mom and 16 and Pregnant.

3. What's your favorite all time reality show? Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List.

4. Do you feel "reality" shows are real or are they faked? I think a lot of them have stuff scripted into them for entertainment and ratings purposes. How little or how much varies on the show.

5. What does your personal neon sign say to the world? Open 24 Hours.

6. Ever seen a neon sign with certain letters burned out so that it said something unintended? I once passed a Waffle House who's neon sign said Waff Ho.

7. What gives you a headache? Could be a scent, a sound, someone's actions - anything. Excessive screaming.

8. What song, artist or album in your music collection would you pull out and play if you wanted to give your roommate/neighbors a huge, head-splitting headache? Britney Spears....only because I know how much they loathe her and that would make it much more interesting.

9. What do you do to relieve stress? Scrapbook, dabble in Paint Shop or anything else creative.

Eyebuydirect.com is AWESOME!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:39:00 +0000

Mine and Sarah's Eyebuydirect.com order arrived in the mail on Monday. I can't put into words just how satisfied we are with our new glasses. We ordered during the buy one frame, get one frame free sale. Sarah got 4 frames and I got 3 frames since my lenses cost extra due to how strong my perscription is. For a total of 7 pairs of glasses, we paid $180!

I attempted to color my hair back to dark brown today, and it came out black! I'm kinda digging it. So, I'm gonna leave you with pictures of me wearing 2 out of 3 of my frames and my new hair :)

frame: Bari in Black/Clear

frame: Avignon in Blue

Halloween is OVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 04:34:00 +0000

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. I've been pretty busy between Halloween festivities and midterms. It's about to get even more hectic between Thanksgiving, Christmas Shopping, Christmas and Christmas Break. Dear God, I almost panic thinking about it all!

We carved pumpkins a couple weeks ago. I think I had just as much fun as the kids did! I had never actually carved a pumpkin myself. I had always watched my dad carve them each year. Unfortunately, our pumpkins didn't last until Halloween :(

Richard's Pumpkin. Awesome isn't it? It got dubbed the Thundercats Pumpkin lol

My Pumpkin. I chose one of the easiest designs in the book because I was scared of messing it up.

Sarah's Pumpkin

Mel's Pumpkin

Zack's Pumpkin

BB's Pumpkin

A better shot of my pumpkin.

We did our Trick or Treating here on Saturday. We had a total of seven kids between ages 2 and 9...they had a BLAST! We're all worn out and tired from the weekend, but it was all worth it. Sarah's sister, Hannah, did my face make up and it came out so so beautiful!

It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it!

A work in progress...

All done!

Now, it's on to Thanksgiving!

Meet Me on Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:26:00 +0000

1. Do you sleep with a night light on? No. I need the room to be dark so I can fall asleep. I do, however, sleep with the radio or iPod going.
2. What do you drink with dinner? Green Tea or flavored water....every once in a while I'll go for a soda.
3. Do you play the lottery? If so, how often? I buy a scratch ticket every once in a while.
4. How often do you go to the grocery store? Maybe once a week, and that's for milk & bread. All of the big stuff is bought in bulk at the beginning of the month from Sam's Club.
5. Would you rather travel back in time 500 years or travel forward 500 years? Forward...I'd like to see if the world is going to make it another 500 years.

I'm Still Alive

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:47:00 +0000

I know I haven't posted anything this week. I apologize. I just have a lot going on. Hopefully we can resume regularly scheduled programming soon :) For now, I leave you with this fantastic halloween-themed treat.

Me. Without make up, without my hair fixed. Scary, isn't it?

Sunday Stealing: Another 50 Questions Meme, Part Two Indeed!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:59:00 +0000

26. Do you like someone? I like a lot of people...

27. The last song you listened to? Nelly ~ Just a Dream

28. What time of day were you born? 5:48 p.m.

29. What’s your favorite number? 7

30. Where did you live in 1987? New Hampshire

31. Are you jealous of anyone? No

32. Is anyone jealous of you? I have no idea

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Pennsylvania

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Punch them

35. Do you consider yourself kind? Yes...sometimes a little too kind!

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? I already have two tattoos...one on my shoulder and one on my lower back.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? French

38. Would you move for the person you loved? Most definitely

39. Are you touchy feely? Very much so

40. What’s your life motto? Everything happens for a reason.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? Purse, cell phone and a bottled drink

42. What’s your favourite town/city? Myrtle Beach

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Food at Burger King while we were on the road this afternoon.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Sometime last year.

45. Can you change the oil on a car? yes

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? I still talk to them.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? not very far.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I can't remember. But, it was probably for a wedding or funeral.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My head.

50. Have you been burned by love? Haven't we all?

Another Weekend in Tennessee

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 03:58:00 +0000

I did another quick trip to Tennessee with Richard and the boys this weekend. We left here about 5:30 p.m. Friday and got home about the same time today. The boys got to see their mom and I got to see my family.

My Dad cried as soon as I walked into his room Friday night. It broke my heart! I hung out with him for a little while and let him check out my new laptop. Then we started to watch Iron Man 2 together since he hadn't seen it yet, but I ended up having to bail on him because I was tired.

Saturday was pretty laid back. My Mom had to work for a few hours. I went to dinner at Olive Garden with her, Drew and Richard for a belated birthday dinner. I indulged in 2 Chocolate Martini's since I wasn't driving lol. Drew also let it slip to the waitress that it was my birthday and I ended up with a slice of chocolate raspberry cake with a candle in it. I had a lot of fun, but I ate way way way too much food!

After dinner, Richard and I went and hung out at Drew's for a little bit and played some ps3. Richard bailed for bed and Drew and I went shopping at Walmart because it was so flippin cold to me in Tennessee and all I had brought with me was a thin sweater. So, I ended up getting a hooded jacket and 2 blouses I found on the clearance rack. The only color they had the jacket in my size was white. It's going to be so hard to keep it clean!

After Walmart, Drew took me back to my parents' house. My brother, Jake, and I hung out for a little bit. I let him check out my laptop and add some music from my iTunes to his iTouch. I also go to mark off one of the items on my 101 list when we took our photo together.

Friday Fill-ins

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:31:00 +0000

1. Wow, it's been so comfortable outside.

2. The fall season is just so beautiful.

3. My favorite way to start a day is with a cup of coffee.

4. My room mate came home from the grocery store and she walked in the door holding a pumpkin.

5. I look out my window and see the front yard.

6. School and homework is what I've been thinking about lately.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to arriving in Kingsport, TN., tomorrow my plans include spending time with my family and Sunday, I want to come home and study!

Thursday Thunks: The Man in the Moon

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:00:00 +0000

1. It's election time. The moon is currently waxing crescent and is 37% full. What do you do to decide who to vote for? I just moved and I'm not registered here, so I guess I'm not voting this time...

2. Everybody is afraid of something. Do you play a musical instrument? I played Violin in middle and high school.

3. Everyone loves some kind of music. What is an irrational fear that you have? I fear the creepy crawly bugs and rodents.

4. Back to politics. Who do you think will be next president after Obama whether he gets a second term or not? Probably Hilary Clinton

5. What is the most unusual piece of furniture that you own? I can't say that I have any unusual pieces of furniture...

6. Everybody gets angry at times. When was your last time and what did it concern? Yesterday. My room mate was being an asshole and it was my birthday!

7. Do you have cousins? If yes, are you or have you been close? I have A LOT of cousins (my mom is the youngest out of 15 kids! and my dad is the 2nd of 4!) and I'm close or have been close to some and there's some I don't even really know :(

8. What was the last song that you sang in the shower? Chris Brown ~ Deuces...it's catchy!

9. What question would you like me to ask next week? If Noelle has 12 fish and 3 drown, how many fish does she have left?

10. What's in your left pocket right now? I'm wearing my pj's right now and they don't have a left pocket.

11. When was the last time that you laughed till you cried? A couple days ago.

12. What song would you like played at your funeral? I don't know...I haven't really given it a lot of thought.

13. How did you discover Thursday Thunks the first time that you played? Through The Daily Meme

Happy Birthday to ME!

noreply@blogger.com (Noelle) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:58:00 +0000

I turned 27 today, and I have mixed emotions about it. It seems like life is quickly passing me by, and there's nothing I can really do about that except go with the flow. 30 will be here before I know it! I'm a little bummed out about the fact that I am now the age my mother was when she gave birth to me, yet here I am single and childless. I know everything will happen for me when the time is right...I'm just impatient lol!

These are some photos from today. Please excuse the fact that the date on my camera is off!