New Years Eve...day 4

In my last report we were recovering from the long day of sightseeing. After a little rest we met Lindsay and Andrew at Rockefeller Center. We saw the beautiful tree, ice skating rink, swanky 5th ave. stores and St. Peter's Cathedral. Then we walked to the famous Parker Meridian hotel (pictured right) and ate dinner. One would think inside the luxurious Parker Meridian would produce a fancy smancy restaurant but not so. Behind this curtain is this regular burger joint with plastic plates and pitchers of beer. I usually don't eat big slabs of meat but hey we're on vacation. I attacked that burger like it was my last meal and it was glorious. After lots of fried goodness and 3 pitchers of beer we left and walked around time square. Since New Years is approaching, times square was more crazy than normal. We walked around in the human gridlock long enough to get some pictures and validate our decision to NOT go to times square for New Year's. Finally we decided to go back to the apartment because unlike us, Lindsay and Andrew had to work today. Blah.

In other News today was amazing. When awaking we were greeted with beautiful snow! We left around 11 and went to Harlem to eat at the world famous Silvia's restaurant (pictured left). Recently the Rev. Al Sharpton (nice rhyme) and Caroline Kennedy were seen eating there discussing her desire to be the replacement for Hilary Clinton so I had high hopes of seeing a celebrity. No so luck in the celebrity department BUT oh my gosh the food was insane. I dined on fried chicken and waffles which were so amazing. Luckily I am a huge fan of the Food Network and had recently learned of the glory of fried Chicken and waffles. Philip ate cat fish with mashed potatoes and baked macaroni and cheese. After Sylvia's we went to the largest cathedral in the world, also located in Harlem. Saint John the Divine Cathedral is so beautiful and has been under construction since 2001 and is finally finished. It was so beautiful and some orchestral group was there practicing for a performance so that was nice to see. Our original plans were to leave the Cathedral and go to Columbia University but it was snowing so hard and so cold that we cut out Columbia and came back to the apartment.. but of course we got another 24 ounce beer before we came back. I am really getting used to this afternoon drinking... :)

Tonight we are going to dinner and hanging out with friend we know in the city... I wish everyone a great and happy New Years! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Day 3

So we're back at the apartment on New Years Eve eve. Today was jam packed with new experiences and things that just make you wanna go hmmm. The day began with an all too much like getting up for work alarm time at 5:50 am...I get up earlier than that for work but we are on vacation! We left the apartment at 7 and were at Battery Park by 7:20 to hurry up and wait for the statue of liberty. I was so excited to see lady liberty but I was not prepared for the winds. If Michelle would have been here I am sure a "buck up and do" speech would have been ordered because I was struggling big time. Looking at the choppy waters and crammed packed boats I thought maybe the state of New York wanted to make visitors feel the conditions of the real immigrants coming to Ellis Island. If you have ever met me you know I am not the biggest fan of struggling and honestly many thoughts of running away or injuring myself on purpose flooded my mind, but I put my big girl pants on and kept my negative feelings to myself. Besides it was too cold to talk. After waiting an eternity we finally got on the ferry. The waters were so choppy I had already devised a plan of where I could puke and be seen by the least amount of people but surprisingly the ride was very smooth. We got off the boat and were greeted by howling winds. I know many may think I am a drama queen but honestly the wind was blowing my hair all about and was very overwhelming. I hope lady liberty was serious when she said she wanted the tired and oppressed because we were here. While feeling the "gentle" breezes at liberty island right when we got off the boat there was only one thing to do. Eat. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00. We went to the cafeteria and got fried everything at 9:30am and some MUCH needed coffee. Honestly the food was pretty terrible but you would have thought it was manna by the way I ate it. After the reinforcements we braved the weather and went and saw the statue. Although I have complained a lot the statue really was incredible. I kept thinking of people coming over to America and seeing her and how they must have felt. Ahhh...

Perhaps inspired by the statue of liberty and the contribution of immigrants from everywhere to our American culture we decided to go to Chinatown. We had picture requests of fake designer bags that we were determined to find. Getting off the subway at Canal Street I was greeted by, "you want Prada? Louis Vuitton? watch?" etc. We said sure, and the small lady instructed us to follow her while she communicated with someone on her nextel phone. This was crazy. I have been to Chinatown before and bought fake bags but things have really changed, even since May. Previously I have gone in the back of stores or downstairs to find the good stuff but no stores would do this now. Everyone selling the top bags were wearing black, long, North face jackets and all communicated with nextel. One person would ask what you wanted and bring to someone else. We followed this one woman to a corner and showed her the picture of the bag we wanted. She disappeared into a van and brought us back the bag in a black plastic bag. She quickly said, "look at it. you like?" and walked away. I opened the bag and it was not what we were looking for. Someone else came up expecting to collect money. I realized that buying crack would probably be less shady and wanted out asap. Quickly we gave the bag back and got out of dodge. For sure one of the strangest experiences of my life. I knew any minute Barbara Walters or Lisa Ling was going to jump out of a window with some investigative reporting demanding to know why I was breaking the law. It could happen.

Tonight we are off to eat dinner around Rockefeller Center and see all the pretty decorations of that area! I hope everyone is doing well! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Day 2

Today is the second day of our New York estravagnaza, and oh what an exciting day it was! The day began with a wonderful meal at Sara Beth's restaurant. Philip thought it was a little girly but was a good sport about it... I promised to eat a hotdog later so we're even. Anyway even though my papa would probably disapprove I dined on salmon eggs benedict and LOVED it. After Sara Beth's we went to The Museum of Natural History and had a great time! After taking the subway back downtown we bought 24 ounce beers at a pharmacy and are enjoying them now. Classy. Later we are going to a comedy club and will enjoy 6 comedian featured on VH1's Best Week Ever and NBC's Last comic Standing.

I hope everyone is doing so well; miss you! For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Dave Shapelle

Yesterday we saw Dave Shapelle walking down 5th avenue. Sadly I said, "oh look there's Chris Rock". I guess they're both funny men, just a little embarrassing though. Please don't tell my students...gotta keep my street cred. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie Corinne.

NEW YORK CITY

So deep down we all have them...little life goals that we all wish to fulfill but somehow think they will never happen. This week I'm crossing off life goal number five.

SPEND NEW YEARS IN NEW YORK CITY. Life goal number five.. check! I'll be in NYC and out of blogging commission from today until January 2nd. Feel jealous...very jealous! :) Happy New Years everyone!

In other news... I guess I should back up. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I was lucky enough to celebrate Christmas for almost a week long. There were soooo many parties leading up to the actual day. Christmas with the family was a blast. We never changed out of our pajamas and hung out all day...glorious. Two short days later the Kemper crew invaded Nashville for the extended family Christmas. The main chef of the family changed up the menu this year and prepared a wonderful Spanish pot roast that was excellent. We also feasted on beautiful roasted chicken (thanks Ina) and the Bacurin legacy..the cheese ball. Honestly the best part of the day was Sam showing up in an Ole Miss Rebels t-shirt. Before this display of glory I was worried about the little chap but his wisdom with supporting the best school ever in American or the entire world for that matter gave me hope for Sam's future.. and the future of the world. Yeah, it's that important.

Well I'm in super important and trendy Manhattan and need to go do something fabulous. Loving to hate me yet? For Natalie's News this has been Natalie Corinne.

LET FREEDOM RING

Since being set free from the bondage of school, I have enjoyed four days off. Two official school days but four counting the weekend. Anyway, although it has been wonderful I have totally overbooked myself with social occasions and last minute shopping. I really have not had any lazy time, well yeah I've had some but not nearly enough. That's why I'm proposing a new national holiday. This holiday can be enjoyed by anyone! Come everyone far and near, we care not your religion, gender, nationality, no...none of those trivial matters are important. You only have to ask yourself this...do you like to rest? Do you want to sit and not think for one day? Does the idea of answering to no one and doing EXACTLY what you want to do and not what you SHOULD do make you feel like a kid again? Well come join my holiday. I'm not really sure what to call it but I think on December 26th all employers should give a paid day off to celebrate "catching up day" or whatever we want to call it (me pictured left during our new holiday). Like Easter this holiday date can be moved to ensure that it will always be on a work day and no one is left out of the "rest day" when it happens to fall on a weekend. During this day, no appointments may be scheduled unless of an emergency. Prepare for this day like a holiday and have all of your favorite movies, food, friends, and family near by... if that makes you relaxed. If not, just grab the food and hibernate..whatever does it for you! Don't you think our country would be so much better focused to take on this world if we just had a moment? I think it is right, therefore it must be so.

Anyway, we're off to FINALLY finish holiay shopping! I hope everyone is able to enjoy their holiday season (I'm so dang PC). For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

the most wonderful time of the year

School's out for Christmas

Thank the dear, sweet Lord.. we made it to Christmas. When I began teaching, Christmas felt light years away and certainly just "making it" until Christmas seemed an impossible goal. But wow, we've made it. Concerts, exams, write-ups, parent/teacher conferences, etc have not prevented me from making it to this glorious day. I am certainly more excited than any child at the junior high for Christmas break! I am pumped to see high school friends and go to New York for New Years but most importantly I am aching for "lazy time" with the family. If there is not an average of a movie per day on the comfy couch with the family, the recession has taken over and life seizes to exist. This year feels very odd because with the extended college stay meant an extended Christmas break...lasting 6 weeks. This year that has been cut drastically so I am forced to get all of my socializing done very quickly. I am packing up tonight and heading to glory land early tomorrow.

Speaking of the Nashville... it's time for Focus on the Family: (family pictured left)

It has been a while since the last family update so why not now:

Ben finished his first semester up at UT Martin with style, class, and mountains of dirty laundry. His finals have been home for a week and he has been home helping the parentals to keep the couch warm. We have a date on Monday to start, I mean finish Christmas shopping for the family.

Momma: Michelle has been the queen B social diva with her many recent outings with friends from work and beyond. It seems like every time I talk to her she is leaving an outing with friends and I am already in bed. Sunday we are making Christmas cookies and fudge... with a diet coke.

Papa: Pete recently attended his Christmas beer club party and brought none other than son Ben Bottoms. Usually long time friend Ron attends but he had some bogus family event so Ben served as the pinch hitter. The report is that all had a great time! Pete is also surprising Michelle by signing the family up for the hit show Wife Swap. She does not know it yet and is sure to be thrilled by this holiday miracle!

Well I am off to hang out with the few students who came to school today. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

holiday fun

This is the first Christmas I have received real Christmas cards. It's just another sign that I am growing up and I guess my friends are too. Although I have not received too many I found this scoring game that I thought we would all enjoy! My current score is 16...unfortunately I have not received any letters which is greatly hindering my score but hopefully this will change soon and very soon. What is your score?

Christmas Card Scoring / Rating System
Card received: +5
Card received before December 1st: -1
Card received after December 25th: -1
Card is pretty, and looks nice on wall: +3
Card is glittery: +1
Card does not contain card, but only letter, so there is nothing to put up on wall: -3
Card is e-card: -5
Card includes photo or is photo card: +5
More than one photo: +2 each additional photo
Photo is non-Christmassy so will look good on fridge all year: +1
Photo is Christmassy so increases holiday feeling of card: +1
Red-eye causes family to appear possessed by evil Christmas spirit: -1
Photo was taken on beach this past summer in summer clothing, so family looks chilly against winter pattern of card: -1
Photo includes dogs with glowing eyes who seem poised to eat humans: -1
Card includes letter: +5
Letter is informative and interesting: +3
Letter describes child as "amazing" or "already an avid reader at age 3!": -3 each
Letter is so braggy and saccharine-cheery, I wonder why I associate with these people: -3
Letter is so very braggy and saccharine-cheery, it crosses over into comical and becomes fun to read aloud in an unkind tone of voice: +2
Letter is a sermon disguised as a Christmas letter, and contains pious hopes for our country, for mankind, and for me personally: -5
Letter mentions details of gross surgery: -1 or +1, depending on entertainment value
Letter contains thinly-veiled family gossip: +3
Letter contains information that should have been told earlier: -2
Card includes check: +5
Large check: +10
Card includes announcement of pregnancy: +10
Card from Christmas Card Friends contains surprising news of

baby born since last card sent: +10

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Javius

so this ALWAYS happens.. and it has been the same boy BOTH TIMES. If you are a loyal Natalie's News reader you certainly know that during the presidential debate in Oxford I complained a lot with my blog about being at school while my friends were out and about with the famous in Oxford (if you are a newcomer, I recommend stopping and looking up September archives and looking at thou shall not be jealous and the following). Then the sweetest boy wrote me a message that made me totally take it all back. This time I still wish we had a snow day but I just received a card that just might be my best Christmas present. I will try to write it but it will not be as good since it is not in his precious hand writing.

to: Miss Bottoms

Merry Chirstmas

Ms Bottoms you are the nicest teacher in the world and I want to tell you are the best.

Javius loves (but with a heart) you. And then he drew another big heart. OMG.

I mean... adorable.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN...da na na na...

JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

3 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS BREAK...(FREE AT LAST)

9 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

11 DAYS UNTIL KEMPER CHRISTMAS

12 DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR NEW YORK CITY

15 DAYS UNTIL THE NEW YEAR

16 DAYS UNTIL A HARD CORE BIKINI BODY DIET

JUST KEEPING MY READERS IN THE KNOW... FOR NATALIE'S NEWS THIS HAS BEEN, NATALIE-CORINNE.

unanswered prayers

Dear God,
Please let us have a snow day. Amen

Unfortunately this prayer was not answered and I am at school today. Garth Brook's amous song "unanswered prayers" explains the joy and appreciation we should have for unanswered prayers. I do not think ol Garth has 41 six graders for three hours today. It is finals week and we have a block schedule. I have my craziest class for so long and I am consumed with all kinds of temptations that would allow me to leave school. I contemplated all kinds of situations: stubbing my foot on purpose so I would not be able to walk, drinking epitak so I would vomit so much there would be no way I could come, but alas I came to school. I heard at one time 90% of success was showing up. Well today I'm scoring a 90... at that is all. The kids were as I expected...totally insane. Everything I tried failed. Games would only work for max 5 minutes and the boys would do something crazy. Thank God they are gone and I will not have them for a long time again!

In other news: the holidays are HERE! It has been so fun being consumed with Christmas parties recently. Almost every night last week and every night this week I am booked with a holiday dinner to attend. Obviously not a serious issue but I am beginning to run out of clothes, conversation and CALORIES. (dum dum dum) I am going to work so hard not to gain holiday weight that I fear is hoovering over me. Beginning today I'm working out hard core to counter balance all the recent extra social activities. It is my duty.

Well I am back to work, have a great day! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Heidi girl

When I think about my blog Seinfeld usually comes to mind. I do not really blog about anything serious but I am so sad about my little kitty Heidi, so this will be different. My cat Heidi died really early this morning. She most likely had a stroke or some sort of blood clot. When we found her she was having seizures every couple of minutes. I called the vet and he came and saw her at 11:30pm. He gave her some medicine and decided to keep her but in the middle of the night he called and said that we had lost her. I only got her this fall but I am so sad and upset by this. She was such a cute kitty and I will miss her so much.

ahh, you shouldn't have

So it's totally that time of year again, gift giving season is upon us. Yes, of course it is most definitely the thought that counts but one cannot help remembering really, really bad gifts. I got the idea for this blog from a recent e-mail Christmas survey that is making the rounds among my family and the responses made me laugh so hard and then I thought if we had never received those awful gifts, we would probably not remember them so well. My skills as an actress would not be so impeccable if every year I had not had to force a smile and a generic compliment of something like, "oh and I can wear it everywhere"..like wear it in a trash bag on it's way to good will. But seriously those bad gifts are so hilarious I thought we should pay tribute. Here goes.

Worst gifts ever:

Yes, I like to work out, but I don't appreciate getting work out videos from a guy. A FORMER boyfriend of mine gave me a set of work out videos. I remember opening the poorly wrapped videos and looking at Billy Blanks. Tears swelled in my eyes and I fought to hold back the sea that wanted to pour from my eyes. I looked at the sorry sap and said, " work out videos? Do you think I'm fat?" Stunned, baffled, and totally stupid he looked around for something to kill himself with. The fool's face turned ghostly white and he finally realized there was no easy way out. Finally he responded with, "no, no not at all. You are just always working out and you are in that aerobics class, I thought you like it". He also neglected to mention he put off shopping for me and had to go to Walmart (small town) which left him scrambling for a gift. Needless to say, that former boyfriend is not the one, and I have always hated Billy a little after.

Teacher gifts: Whenever a child hands you something wrapped your heart skips a beat and you get a lump in your throat. I immediately go into character and imagine a dead frog in the box so that whatever in there will be surprisingly better. A couple of years ago I received the "sweetest" presents from former students. One was a Santa shaped car freshener that should hang from your rear view mirror. I used to think these kind of air fresheners were reserved only for cab drivers, but rest assured they make Santa shaped ones for the regular folks. I have also received numerous ornaments, home baked goods, but the funniest was an obvious re gift from a child at church. The parents did not know my name so the gift tag said, to: choir teacher and gave me some pottery with the 1998 date on the back. Not used...retro.

Now I know my family is thinking...where is the talk about family gifts? Oh its coming, I saved the best for last. One Christmas a certain scrooge gave my brother a bumper sticker and baseball he had obviously gotten for free at a minor league baseball game. Yeah, I still remember. And then there's the angel. A glowing angel apparently on close out sale is pictured right but in no way does it do our angel justice. When one of our family members passed a couple of years ago a sweet and country family gave a glowing angel to the family. The angel is a multi-colored masterpiece that transitions from every florescent shade possible. After the funeral we all admitted that we were captivated by the angel and were in awe of her glory during the entire funeral. Now it is a tradition that someone gets the angel every year in honor of Layne and must display her proudly during the holiday season.

I could go on and on, but I would rather hear from the adoring public. What are your terrible gifts? Do you still laugh? Let me know on the message board! I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe and relaxing weekend! Go get some presents and maybe even a couple of bad ones. You'll be remembered far longer than if you give a gift card or something similar. Just a thought. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

empty pantry

So lately the news has been consumed with Obama's choices for his cabinet. Say what you must but I have been somewhat disappointed with his lack of extremely vital positions. With the economic turmoil, and the ongoing unrest all over the world there just must be some additional positions created to restore America's faith in our government and way of life. Hopefully as Obama reads my blog today he will realize my suggestions as the way and the future for our country. Here goes.

New cabinet positions.

Secretary of massage. People are working longer and harder than ever and not making as much money. People are searching long and hard for good jobs and the stress has really gotten to Americans. For everyone's mental health I strongly advocate the new cabinet position of Secretary of massage. This person would create job opportunities for masseuses to travel to stressed out workers everywhere. Just think of how more productive you would be if the stress was worked out of you every week. One hour of down time could produce 30 extra hours of productivity. I did my own research, it is flawless. I would like to nominate the lady who gave me a massage at Spa Envy in November. I do not remember her name but surely the CIA can find out. She is the only woman I lay in bed and think about. We need her asap.

Secretary of style. Just because everyone is flat broke does not mean we should skimp out on our looks. I mean I am guilty of not purchasing many clothes in the last year and I should be ashamed! We need a leader! Our role models such as Scarlett and Maria making clothes out of curtains have totally been forgotten and we need someone showing us inexpensive ways to look fierce. I would like to nominate Clinton Kelly from TLC's What Not to Wear or Christian from Project Runway. I'm pretty sure both boys would support the liberal agenda and every one's right to look hot during any economic time.

Secretary of the party. As Pete's role model Dr. Phil says best, "life isn't a dress rehearsal, this is your opening and closing night"...we've only got one chance (I think) at this game of life and we should live it up. But with all the stress and turmoil of recent times we forget how therapeutic and vital a party can be to our quality of life. The secretary of the party would organize country wide parties and social occasions that took the load off for a couple of hours. The location of where the parties took place would benefit from food and drink sales and everyone would have an opportunity to bond and meet new people. It only makes sense. I would like to nominate myself...yeah I'm not ashamed. I would be good at it.

Well it's just a thought, or really the solution to all of our problems. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie Corinne.