the longest month

Is it just me or did January feel like it went on for years? I'm not sure if it was Christmas zooming by with all of it's fun festivities and then the let down of real life coming back to us in this cold month, or that I haven't been paid in six weeks, but for me anyway January has felt like an eternity. Of course exciting events occurred during January, the new year, Michelle's birthday, the inauguration, but over all I'm excited that this month is over and we are on the shortest month of the year.. well I am excited until I think... I only have one month left of being 25, and then I'm in to my upper twenties. Holy Lord Jesus. I will probably continue saying I'm in my mid-twenties but this is scary because I am closer to 30. If anyone knows how I can get of a zanax smoothie (if they make such a thing) let me know because that sentence just sent panic down my spine. Such a milestone makes one ponder if they are doing enough with their life etc. Knowing I only have one more month left in this year I am motivated to do some 25 year oldish things quickly before I am in the gloomy upper twenties.

1. Stay out really, really late. Okay so this is super easy but I am always so tired I haven't stayed out and gone to a "late night" in a shameful amount of time. For the next month I want to stay out long enough that someone thinks it is a good idea to take incriminating pictures that appear on facebook and I quickly detag.

2. Meet more people. I think staying out really, really late will help with this one. Don't we all get in the habit of hanging out with our wonderful friends and get comfortable? Don't get me wrong..I have wonderful friends but it seems like people are continuing to get jobs etc and move away and my circle has gotten smaller. I am going to start up conversations with people I would normally pass.

3. I'm going to watch as much reality television as possible and quit watching CNN. Maybe it's because I am "serious teacher" all day but I am getting burnt out on the news. Yeah, the economy blows, yeah nobody likes us, I get that it's important but if after I watch the news for a while I am in need of ANOTHER zanax smoothie (no seriously, I want to create this, it is genius) there is a problem. Reality television is so mindless and not really acceptable after a certain age, I am going to watch it constantly and get my fill.

4. I will only buy hot clothes. For the past year if I buy any clothes at all they have all been "responsible" and clothes that can work for school and possibly out... but no more. I want more booty jeans and hot tops. Forget anything even remotely teachereque... If it can work at school.. I will not buy it.

5. I want to listen to as much embarrassing pop music as possible. Beyonce, TI, Justin Timberlake, Brittney, you name it, I want it. I will not buy or download another song for school or anything else responsible. Yeah who doesn't like some mellow, makes you think kind of music, but really I only have that on because it seems acceptable in my car pool. Who doesn't want to start the day off with womanizer? You know you do and it is fine to admit it. We all love the Brittany come back...

Anyway, I should get back to work. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend filled with something new and exciting! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

perhaps I had a wicked childhood

If you hold the beautiful musical "Sound of Music" in the same sacred category as my family does you will most definitely know that the title is in fact from that most glorious work. There really is no other film that can possibly stand next to that wondrous masterpiece. I have wanted to show it to my students but I was afraid because I love it so much I was concerned they would not and it would give me a bad memory of the best movie of all time. But I decided that we all needed some extra Julie in our lives so I have began teaching it anyway. The students I teach have SO many comments that are hilarious so I thought I would share some of them with you. For the readers who do not live and breathe SOM (sound of music, duh) this post will seem ridiculously dorky and probably useless. Deal.

1. During the song "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" kids had many suggestions. One student yelled out, "beat her" another yelled "kick her out", but my favorite comment from that song was when the nuns says she is late for everything except for every meal one girl said, "oh Maria, me too. I'm always hungry".

2. During the part when Maria meets the children for the first time the youngest son Kurt says that he wants to be treated like a boy and one of my students said, "well nobody is going to treat you like a boy when you're wearing those daisy dukes". Priceless.

3. All the girls love the part when Liesl and Rolfe sneak out in the gazebo. First at least one person in every class says something to the effect of "she knows her daddy is going to find her and whoop her" or "she knows better to sneak off with some boy.." etc. Then I told a couple of classes the story about the elderly woman who was jumping in the gazebo and fell and broke her hip so they closed the gazebo and they roared with laughter. "That old woman knows she too old to be jumping in a gazebo.. "etc.

4. Of course this movie is one of the cleanest movies ever but junior high kids will cling on to ANYTHING and make it gross or uncomfortable. For example, when Liesl and Rolfe and dancing, Rolfe twirls Liesl and her legs are shown and in every class boys get all flipped out. "Ooh, twirl her again "etc. Also, a lot of the girls think Captain Von Trapp is cute (and they are correct) but one brave soul asks me yesterday" Miss, you think Captain Von Trapp sexy?" I know she just wanted to see my reaction to her saying the big bad s word. Lastly, when Liesl asks if she can drink champagne ALL the students ask, "Miss, you drink champagne? You drink liquor?" etc etc. I did not think this movie would bring up such uncomfortable topics!

But for the most part, it is going well. I think most of the students like it, a couple had the nerve to call Maria ugly and I quickly squashed their souls. Well I need to get back to work, for Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Ratings and rants

Often in life one feels the need to sensor his or her opinions for the sake of jobs, feelings of others etc, that's why it is so fun to rate other people we don't know and write opinions on blogs. Nobody really sees our opinions but we feel like we've gotten them out to the wide and mysterious cyber world. I selected a few pop amusements for us to rate. Feel free to get our your score cards and comment away!

Aretha's hat at the Inauguration: I have to say, I loved the hat. It was so dramatic and Aretha for the Presidential Inauguration. For sure the spot light was on President Obama but our glorious Aretha could not let her old diva ways go by the waste side. She picked a modest coat and color for the cold day but added her little well maybe not so little signature detail of glam. I especially loved the hat because I watched the inauguration with my students and they just died over that bow and her hat. My rating: Success...but what is yours?

The remake of the Miss America pageant and the winner, Ms. Indiana:

If you have watched any of TLC's pageant reality show (it's okay, we're accepting here at Natalie's News, don't be ashamed to admit you've watched it..) you know that they are trying desperately to make Ms. America so hip and cool...its hilarious. They've got Clinton Kelly, Mario Lopez, (pictured left) past winners of Ms. America all trying their best to be edgy, even throwing in an occasional cuss word. The contestants in Ms. America all have to go to Vegas early and compete in this reality show which pushes the ladies to the pageant limits! They are challenged to modernize with make overs, new talents, and new wardrobes.. how innovative! The one token gay judge is always wishes the ladies would "take it to the top", "blow him away" or some other cliche lines of glamour. The pageant coaches and judges are always telling the contestants to be themselves yet they want to change everything about them. After the reality show comes the main event... the actual pageant. The ladies begin the show with a Brittney Spears style dance including a silver chair and all. They introduce themselves with the corniest lines ever.. several included nascar, food references, and all kinds of things that question why money is spent on this production. The ladies make the top 15 and show their hot bods in swim wear, talent, interview, etc. All this is fine but the frustration that continued to consume my mind was....THIS IS A PAGEANT, why are they trying to remove all the cheese from it? That's what we love! Nobody really believes this new oh we are so cool we play TI and Justin Timberlake and are really into the hip hop scene while we volunteer for these needy children! NO! Finally, the funniest part of the entire thing is the most pageanty (not a word but whatever) looking contestant won! (Miss Indiana pictured right) Don't get my wrong, she's hot with a rocking bod but she's got on the most jeweled, old school pageant dress, hair, earrings etc and she wins the whole thing. Come on Miss America people, you know it, we know it, you're a pageant. Sure there's scholarship money involved but every girl just wants that crown. Go back to your cheesy ways of past and fester in that one glorious night of over sized earrings and neon bikinis with high heals! Rating: Failure

Rachel Ray taking over the world: About five years ago Rachel Ray was kind of cute in a good ol home girl from the mid west (I don't think she's actually from the mid west but she gives that vibe). But now she is so obnoxious and on virtually every television channel. This girl dabbles in talk shows, dog food, kitchen appliances, and of course her 12 shows on the Food Network...it is too much. All of this media attention would be somewhat annoying to someone who was normal, but Rachel..holy Lord. Even the Friends cast was hated a little when they were overexposed in the late 90's and the same problem has occurred to good ol Rach. I give her props for having so much energy, I think she must have an endless supply of Red Bull somehow constantly dripping into her blood stream but the constant over the top energy is annoying and fake to me. If she would just calm down and be the real Rachel from several years ago, I think myself and America would all enjoy the change. Sorry Rachel but my rating for your over exposure is: Failure

I'm sure there are so many other people and places we could rate but I need to get back to work. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Monday Movie Madness

So the Oscars are coming and in just in time Oxford has blessed with a new (well new again I guess) movie theater. This theater closed about two years ago due to financial struggles. I believe they over fancied themselves with alcohol, deluxe seating, speciality foods etc. The theater has been vacant and some brave soul reopened it during the recession, but Praise be to God it is only $5.00. I KNOW.. that's cheaper than the matinee in most places. So now we have a cheap theater with all the advantages of the old fanciness. Between every two seats in the theater there is a little table for your treats (obviously snuck in for me), personal items etc. They also have a huge food selection. I have not eaten any of the food but patrons can choose between, chicken wings, tenders, hot dogs, hamburgers etc. It's like any sporting event concession stand at the movies.. the cheap movies. God is this Heaven? Oh no, it's the theater. Anyway, because of the new theater I feel so in the know with all of this year's Oscar worthy performances so I thought I would rate the movies I have seen recently. Of course I have not seen all of the movies nominated but usually I have maybe seen one movie so this is quite exciting. Oh but if you have not seen the movies, no worries, there will be no plot spoilers. On with the show!

Benjamin Button: I saw this about two weeks ago in Oxford and was pleasantly surprised. Honestly I did not want to see this. Call me old fashioned but even with Brad's generosity after Katrina and Angie's mission to save the children, I am still loyal to Team Anniston. I realize all other parties have moved on and perhaps so should I but still a tad disapproving of the whole situation, and am always apprehensive about supporting either of their movies. Call it loyal or lunatic, it's just the truth. But anyway, I saw it irregardless of moral convictions because it was a compromise. I was stunned with the make up and effects of this movie. Brad Pitt genuinely looks and acts so old and young at the same time. It is really incredible. Pitt's acting is amazing however I was not a huge fan of the Katrina/hospital modern time scenes in between the flashbacks. The acting between the daughter and the mother was not on par with the rest of the cast and I thought it was kind of hard to believe. There were also holes in the story like when the mother went to live with Benjamin in the old folk's house when Benjamin was becoming a small child. It seems like she lives there for years and then she just tells the daughter as she's dying.. how did the daughter not know her mother moved? Hole. BUT although I do complain, I would recommend seeing this movie. I do believe it will receive several Oscars, hopefully for make up, design etc. Rating: 8

Grand Torino: What do you think about when you hear the term, injustice of the century? Sure so many actual terrible events may come to mind but when speaking of the cinema, Clint Eastwood (pictured left) being snubbed for Best Actor is by far the worst. This movie was so incredible. Eastwood commands the screen with his unapologetic racism toward immigrants in his neighborhood is shocking and better yet is the way this stubborn man changes when he gets to know his neighbor. I thought it was the best acting I have seen maybe ever... for sure a must see! Oh.. it must be said, you if you are easily offended by obscene language, this might not be the film for you otherwise..Rating: 10

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas: Bring your tissues! Seeing young and innocent children react to the Holocaust is mesmerizing. I do not know where they get these child actors but they are incredible! A German family moves to the country because the Dad is the German leader of a concentration camp. There are two children, the main character Bruno (pictured right) who is 8 and his sister who is 12. The wife and children do not realize what the concentration is and that it is located so near the house. Bruno makes friends with a young Jewish boy (pictured left) and goes to see him daily and they visit on their opposite sides of the barb wire fence. Seeing the family's reaction to learning their father is the leader of the death camp is amazing because they differ greatly. It is hard enough to watch anything about the Holocaust but when little innocent kids are involved it is almost too much to take but the movie is so good if you are at all interested in the Holocaust etc I would for sure recommend seeing it! Rating: 10

Vicky Christinia Barcelona: I really don't remember if this is even nominated but I saw it so I will write about it anyway. This film was much more light hearted than the previous two movies. The movie is about two friends who have recently graduated from college and are going to spend the summer with an aunt in Barcelona, Spain. It is one of the rare films that uses a narrator successfully that is not James Earl Jones. The subject matter is rather mature and shocking, but I thought the best part was seeing the beauty of Barcelona and several other cities in Spain. The only annoying part of the movie was that most of the main characters were artists, photographers, professional students etc and had no known source of income, however they all seemed to be doing quite well and were able to go to dinner frequently and travel whenever they wanted. Everyone drank and ate frequently yet they were all skinny and beautiful...like life should be. Other than that, it was a good movie..made me want to travel. OH, great sound track too! Rating: 7.5

Although I have never claimed to be a movie expert, I like my opinions, so hopefully you will too! I hope everyone has a wonderful day, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

what had happened was...

I know it has been ages since my last posting and so many HUGE events have taken place I keep feeling more and more overwhelmed with the daunting task of covering everything, but I will try. First let up back up to last weekend with the reoccuring event...

Focus on the Family

This weekend I went home and enjoyed a wonderful and long weekend with my family. I was lucky enough to go home early on Friday and enjoyed a much needed hour of therapy...err massage therapy. After the wonderful hour of massage I went shopping for the best birthday girl I know... my momma! Michelle celebrated a big birthday in style with many events surrounding the weekend. (I will detail shortly) Later I enjoyed dinner of Mexican and margaritas and game night with high school friends Jenna and Taylor. They recently purchased their first home and we went over to see their adorable neighborhood and decor the newlyweds have quickly added. They have done so much work so quickly and it made me gaze fondly of the days I will have something like that... but my dream has a contractor and a painter to do all the home improvements, on time and under budget. Anyway, Saturday mother Michelle and I began what ended up being the six hour trek to pick up brother Ben. We were supposed to meet Ben half way his practice ran later etc. so the trip was extended but we were so happy to be together and pick up the little runt. After returning home we enjoyed light tapas and Michelle opened her gift from me and Ben. Later we went to dinner at the Yellow Porch... so posh. We had reservations at 8pm but they were running very late so we did not get seated until almost 9 BUT we got some free appetizers and in our family free food is always a good thing. We dined on modern southern food and really enjoyed being together. After dinner, we came home and ate strawberry cake and spent the entire night just hanging out. Michelle thought the party was over.. but oh no! It had only just begun. For quite some time now, masterminds Shari and I have been planning a family surprise gathering and Sunday was the big day! At noon my family went and saw Gran Tarino and then little birthday fairies (aka the Bacurins) beautifully decorated our house with colorful streamers and balloons. While we enjoyed one of the best movies ever, the extended family secretly gathered for a surprise lunch! We arrived at Maggianos and Michelle walked up the stairs and was greeted by our wonderful family; what a great birthday surprise. Michelle and our family were so grateful for everyone coming and celebrating her big day. After lunch we went back to the house and Michelle was once again surprised with the decorated house and cake! Surely that is it...but oh no, there is more! Shari had one more surprise left for sister Michelle. Secretly, Shari compiled pictures from Michelle's lifetime and put them on a dvd; it was so great. We all watched and laughed at the sometimes crazy poses, style choices (helmet hair, for real!!!) etc. It was such a great way to end the brithday fun and I know Michelle enjoyed this birthday the best! Success!

In other news...WE HAVE A NEW PRESIDENT! Praise the Lord, Barack Obama is our new commander and chief! I awoke Tuesday refreshed from a long weekend (described above) and ready to begin school (which is very rare). Luckily, our principals encouraged classes to watch the inaguration on our televisions if we chose to, so of course all of my classes did. I began addicted to the news coverage and now feel like I know the Obamas like my own family. The entire service was beautiful and so peaceful. You could feel the optimism, hope, and excitement in the air even down here in Mississippi. I thought President Obama (wow... to say that is still amazing) gave such a powerful speech and it was just what the American public needed to hear. And please let us not forget...everyone looked amazing. I believe stylists have really picked up their game and everyone looks very polished from head to toe. Of course the first family looked amazing and I thought Michelle looked incredible in her evening gown (pictured left during their first dance) but I believe a special shout out is needed for second lady, Jill Biden. That little dress and high boot... Dr. Biden is styling! Maybe SHE should be our secretary of style. I could not find a picture of her in her inaguration attire but the first and second ladies are both pictured beautifully to the right. Looking good, America!

Well, what a week it has been for everyone! I hope everyone has a great rest of the week and even better weekend! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

the real world...you're old

So nothing creative came to me today at school because I was totally focused on...working. Today was super busy and after work I went to Children's Choir rehearsal and then I went to this arts academy in town that I am interested in teaching some private lessons in. I met with the director and was really excited about what I saw. After such a long day I was totally pooped so I got in my bed clicked on the television and looked forward to a long night of mindless television. As I scanned the program guide I looked at a channel I rarely watch anymore.. MTV. I noticed the lame show the Real World (pictured above) was on and normally I would have just passed by but I noticed they were in Brooklyn so I stopped. I was excited to see the city and I wanted to know what part of Brooklyn they were in. Big mistake. I have only been watching the show five minutes and am disgusted, with the show AND myself. The people seem blindly optimistic, really into "finding" themselves, annoying, lazy, and most of all...young. As I look at the people with all of their "drama" I am appalled with the massive amount of time spent talking about themselves and such trivial situations. I began thinking... ughhh get a job and shut your mouth and then holy Lord it hits me. These "kids" are in a totally different generation and I am basically their elder. Never has 25 felt so old. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and my age. I don't believe you could pay me to go back to being 18 but oh my gosh, it seems lately that I'm marking more and more things off of my list that I have become too old for. I guess The Real World is a new one on that list. Sad...well not really.

Well I'm back to being lazy and loving it...For Natalie's News, this has been Natalie-Corinne.

slide

Although my New York vacation was 2 weeks ago and we are all back to the real world I just got the more than 300 pictures on cd and decided to share the highlights (obviously the pictures where I look the best...all of them I know...) with the loyal fan base at Natalie's News. (thanks family) To the right is a picture of me and to the left is a picture of Philip with the bull in the financial district downtown. There we saw the New York Stock Exchange, Wall street (it was still there!), one of Trump's many building on our way to the Brooklyn Bridge. The Brooklyn bridge was one of my favorite parts of the whole trip. It is amazing to see how big it actually is and the views of the city are amazing. Even though it was bitterly cold this day, braving the severe weather was so worth seeing all the glories of the Brooklyn bridge! To the left is a picture Philip took with his iphone of a familiar sight...us in a subway station! If you read the blog you know that we were lucky to go all over the city! I am still amazed with how much we got to see in that time and it all because we took...the subway. I am always in awe the magnitude of the subway. Sure it can be super dirty but how else can you get far across town in such a short time and for so cheap! To the right is a picture of us on times square on December 30th. For some reason Elmo was there (why not?) and so I tickled him of course..he liked it! To the left is a picture of the ice skating rink. The hill behind it you can stand on and get great picture of the city and many movies have been filmed there such as Jennifer Lopez's classic, "Maid in Manhattan". (Obviously I went on the tour) The picture on the right remembers the coldest day in my life oh and the day we went to the statue of Liberty. I won't go back into too much detail but the process of getting to her were just a tad bit short of awful but I'm so glad we went and were able to see her, plus standing next to such a big woman I look super skinny. To the left is me enjoying super expensive coffee at Sara Beth's restaurant on the upper west side (so posh am I) If you are at all a sucker for ambiance like I am you would love this neighborhood and the great food. SOME might find it girly or pretentious but they are wrong. Lastly I leave you with a great view of some of the city! This picture was taken from those hard tribulations that were going to see the statue of Liberty. We had such a great time and I hope you enjoy these pictures. I feel a little divaish for putting all of these pictures of myself up but you know you like it.

Well I am off to watch the Office...aka one of the best shows ever. Have a great day, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

apples to apples

This weekend seemed long and too short at the same time. I got to do some relaxing and productive stuff but Sunday night always feels scary and anxious to me. A new week is beginning at school and I am in charge, yikes. This Sunday was different though because the only person who could save America was finally back in my life... Jack Bauer. Oh Jack. He has given more than his time.. he saved the entire country from countless terrorist attacks and threats and now we are questioning him! What's up with that? If you cannot tell I am talking about one of the greatest shows ever, 24. The first part of the 2 night season opener premiered last night and it was intense in a new way. There were so many new people that I don't know if I can trust yet.. Where is Chloe, Bill, I'd even be happy to see Milo, but no. CTU has been disbanded and Jack is now helping the FBI. I have no idea why I am so drawn to 24, it is very dare I say it.. Republican of me. I guess I will chose to see beyond party lines and just admit that I love this show! Tonight is another 2 hour installment and I cannot wait to see the drama unfold.

In other news, Saturday night we went over to my friend Jessica's house for some "mature" entertainment. Life really does change when you're an adult. Three couples came over and we ate healthy appetizers like humus and drank wine and played games, it really was a great time. Jessica is married and they have a lovely home with matching glassware and it really hit me... I am an adult. I know this should sound obvious but a certain points it really just hits you. For so long I was a student and was accustomed to seeing mismatched utensils and Walmart plates but I feel like I one of the few and maybe proud who still continues this "way of life". All of my utensils are a "vintage collection" of handy me downs and bargain finds. When should one decide..I need adult stuff. Sure my chipped plates and mismatched chairs are charming in a way but am I missing the boat on something? Is it wrong that I still would rather shop for clothes and go out rather than have nice home stuff? In life it would be convenient if there was some book to tell you when you should need, do or have things. I have found none such book...anyway after enough socializing we started playing board games and I discovered an instant favorite that we should all own and play. It's called Apples to Apples. Virtually anyone can play it and it would for sure be fun for any group! I think it might be a new family hit too, no worries we can still play catch phrase.

Well I better go teach young minds. I hope everyone has a wonderful start to their work week. For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

relief

So last night I was at home watching one of my guilty pleasure television shows, "The Girls Next Store" and embarrassingly I felt a little jealous. These girls were having so much fun and wearing cute little outfits and looked amazingly happy. I was feeling a little sorry for myself, I have to get up so early and come and be a serious teacher all day long, and worst of all... I had a parent/teacher conference this morning. It's true teachers always claim that the door to communication is always open but that's a big ol' lie. The idea of having a parent conference scares me to death. Face to face talking is so intense, I would much rather communicate where I can make strange faces openly like with e-mail or phone calls. But this parent requested a for real conference and I was terrified. I think I am so against the parent/teacher conference because of my third grade teacher. I remember my mom having a conference with her and it scared me so much and I felt like I was in trouble the entire time. That same feeling surrounds my insides even though I am the teacher now...weird. Thousands of thoughts swept my mind of what I should say, what I should bring and most importantly, what should I wear? Since it is Friday, we can wear jeans and I look forward to this like we all look forward to payday, so there was no way a silly conference was going to make me miss feeling the greatness of jeans. But what to wear with jeans? I want to say, I'm nice but I can't be bullied with my clothes so I decided to go with this purple jacket my mom recently bought for me. Cute, but classy. I got to school, pumped myself up with loads of coffee AND diet coke (yeah New Years resolution... not really working so well) and went to my first period class. The conference was at 9 so I would have to teach then run down during my planning period. But today first period was unlike most days but today was report card day. Don't let any teacher fool you. Report card day is a step below Christmas because students are scared to breath fearing the dread of the report card. I love it. Anyway, after first period I made the long walk down to the conference room in the office and I was greeted with the best news I could ever dream... she's not coming! "What?!?!?" I questioned excitedly..."is she rescheduling?!?" The counselor quickly informed me that she was not! OH HAPPY DAY! The student was having problems with another student and they decided to work it out among themselves without ME. Thank the dear sweet Lord Jesus, the weekend is already starting out way better than I planned and my jealousy for the Hugh Hefner's girls quickly faded. (plus we all know they broke up anyway)

In other news brother Ben flies back tomorrow and we all await his safe return to the south! We all cannot wait to hear of his adventures and I am sure he took lots of pictures to remember this amazing trip....right.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

withdraw

Sad, pathetic, kinda funny...call it what you will but, I'm so addicted to diet coke. Go ahead and call the folks at the wonderful television program Intervention and bring that reality show craziness to my neck of the wood because I need some help..asap. Last night I went to a friend's house for dinner and everyone was talking about their ambitious New Years resolutions so I decided to quit drinking diet coke. Plus I saw this magazine where this woman lost 80 lbs only by removing coke and coffee drinks from her diet! This morning I was tough and have resisted the cravings but I am hitting rock bottom right about now. I really lust after that sweet and bubbly taste that toxic drink brings. I purposely removed the change from my wallet so I could not visit the vending machines and am now cursing my over ambitious ways. I literally just dug down deep in my desk, drawers, purse and every where else I could look. I figure being all Oprah about it and telling about my hardship will make this hard craving pass.

In other news, the students roared back to school today all with competing stories of who got the most for Christmas. So many of them brought illegal technology to school today to show off their loot. Some were cute to see and some made me pray a little extra for that blessed event..the snow day. I guess it is my eternal optimism but I still think our warm state can produce just one beautiful day out of school.

Lastly, tonight my roommate Ms. Claire Taylor returns from Booneville to celebrate her 25th birthday. Our friend Chelsea is meeting me at our house after work and we will decorate the house for Claire's return. Later our friends are meeting at our house and we are going to dinner on the square and then back to our house for cake, drinks, and fun. Seriously a snow day would be perfect for Wednesday. How can I keep up this social agenda when I'm expected to be in bed so early? Please...

I need to get back to work, I wish everyone a wonderful day.. hopefully one filled with the white stuff. For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

back to life.. back to reality

Although now is the time for Santa to be on vacation (pictured right) for the majority of us the holidays are over and today is the first official day back to reality... well almost. We are back at work but we did not have to be here until 8am AND I got an entire hour to leave school for lunch! Not that I'm complaining about the normal 18 minutes eating in the cafeteria with my students... but this was much more relaxing. Instead of spending money on lunch, my friend Jessica and I brought our lunch and went looking at hot sales in this thriving metropolis. It was really fun getting out and just feeling normal. But alas, the roaring pitter patter of junior high students will arrive tomorrow and my sane and relaxing environment will be completely over run with students eager to show off their new Christmas wardrobes. Luckily the spring semester is jam packed with paid holidays! Hooray!




In other News...It's time for Focus on the Family! This Christmas was certainly a busy time for the family. The same day we arrived back from New York, young brother Ben left on his travels to Nicaragua. He left Friday with a friend from college and flew out of Memphis on Saturday. He will be gone a week completing good deeds and manual labor. We are all hoping for a productive and safe trip and that he will return to Memphis with great stories... and nothing else! (exmple: malaria, child bride etc.)

Well I should return to my work and plan for the arrival of the crazies. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

New years Resolution... Day 5

Happy New Years to all! Everyone here at Natalie's News wishes everyone a very happy 2009. I am going to detail all about the wonders in NYC but I would be shamed if I neglected to mention the wonders of the New Years Resolution. Each year I seem to make very broad resolutions that are not met but this year I am making very specific resolutions. Of course I have the generic goals of getting in better shape, blah blah.. but I have better ones I promise...I would share all of them on the blog but some I think might inhibit some potential career options so if you wish to know.. call the cell. BUT... if YOUR resolutions are open to share please do so in the comment section.. plus I hate it when I don't get comments, yeah I'm shallow.

In other news I SPENT NEW YEARS IN NEW YORK CITY. Yup, that's right, I was in Manhattan for New Years. After the trek to Harlem and Chinatown we came back to the apartment and chilled with Lindsay and Andrew for a while and by the grace of God Andrew saved New Year's by getting us into this awesome sushi place. After dinner we stopped by September Wines and got supplies ready for the night. At midnight we watched with the rest of America all of those crazies who braved the insane windchill of 2 degrees in time square. Honestly I have always dreamed of being in the midst of the craziness to actually see the ball drop, but maybe it's the maturity that has come with my 25 years, or maybe the windburn from previous days really changed my earlier desires. I was so happy to stay in and count down watching the big television with lots of champagne. Maybe it because I was in New York, or maybe it was because I did not feel forced to have fun but this really was the best New Years ever.

Day five began with of course EVERYONE sleeping in and me being annoying and waking everyone up. I do believe the entire apartment would have slept until noon or later if it were not for me walking around "politely" reminding everyone where we were and the plans we had previously made. Hungover or not, we are in New York and cold weather and too much alcohol will not prevent me or anyone else I know from getting out.. and that's final. Around 11:00 we walked half of a block to the famous Katz's Delicatessen (pictured left) and feasted on massive sandwiches. After lunch we took the subway to Macy's and then Lord and Taylor to shopped a while. Then we went to Central Park and saw the ice skating rink, pretty bridges, and the Alice and Wonderland statue. When finally the cold was too much for us we met back up with Lindsay and Andrew at Magnolia Bakery on Bleeker Street. Luckily for us they beat us there and the line was not too long. We got HUGE cupcakes to go and walked around the west village and enjoyed the adorable shops and houses. After an hour or so of walking around we went back to the apartment and hung out. Later we went to a Thai place called Sea (pictured right) in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. This was really great because we got to see where Linsday and Andrew used to live and go across the Williamsburg bridge which gave the great view of the city. Dinner was so amazing. For some reason the restaurant was totally posh but inexpensive. We had pomegranate mojitos, several appetizers, and amazing shrimp pad Thai, and other meals. Now we're back at the apartment and are enjoying our last night in the city. Tomorrow we are planning on going to the financial district to see Wall Street and walk over the Brooklyn bridge and finally to the Brooklyn promenade to see great views of the city. After that we are stopping back by Chinatown and Little Italy and will leave for the airport around 4:15. This really has been the best trip and we have been so lucky to see so much! The family will pick us up in Nashville tomorrow night and we will be forced to resume our regular lives on Monday...booo.....

Well I need to get back to enjoying my last night in the big apple! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.