D-E-N-I-A-L... not just a river in Egypt

Holy Lord so much is going on and I appear to have checked out from any responsibility. Yes in two weeks I will be moving to a new house and starting a new job. One would think I would be racing around town collecting boxes and making numerous trips to Batesville to set up my new room but nah. I have not even started packing or working on my classroom. The truth is I'm in total denial of how much work that lies ahead. I guess since I finished my degree I feel like I should be able to retire, sounds fair, right? But alas, its finally time to be and adult and get on the ball. Boo...With this announcement, my blogging might be more and more erratic and sporadic because of all the work I will finally be forced to do. Think, pray, send positive thoughts, whatever you do, do it for me in the upcoming days and weeks. Thanks

*Focus on the Family*
In other news, brother Ben Bottoms is transferring to The University of Tennessee at Martin. We are so proud and excited that Ben will be playing baseball and continuing his studies. Mother Michelle Bottoms is traveling to Kansas City this weekend to move him out of Yankee land and back down to Dixie. Praise Jesus. Somehow father Mr. Pete Bottoms always escapes the big college moves with some important excuse like "work" or "hall of fame trip" etc. Convenient.

Seriously?
Yesterday and today have provided some unnecessary drama at the work place for myself and Ms. Tiffany Gammell. Some jealous coworkers are hating on Ms. Gammell and sorry for them they must not recognize who they are messing with. Obviously Miss Bottoms will always take care of some business. But since Ms. Gammell has been forced to endure some unneeded stress I thought it might be nice to focus on some of her awesome qualities. Ms. Gammell is an amazing friend and a joy to be around. Her fondness for diet coke and Morningstar Farm food made us fast friends. If you read my blog, you already know that she is an amazing actor that stole the show at the recent HMS Pinafore opera. Her hectic schedule and demanding social life would warrant her excuses to act in a short and agitated manner, however this is never the case. Tiffany is always smiling and witty. Her presence always lightens any room and everyone is better for knowing her. I am happy and proud to call Ms. Gammel my friend. Boooo haters.

Stay tuned for:

Focus on my friend: the break up of long time roommate Ms. Ann Marie Hall

*New job and house

*New remote

*Bogni baby shower

*Weekend update

Until then, have a great day:) For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Birthdays and Bastille Day

Happy Birthday Ms. Kelly (pictured left with Richard Simmons) !! In the craziness that was the weekend I was unable to blog, with this I mistakenly missed blogging out everyone's dear friend Mr. Kelly W. Burns. His big 25th birthday was yesterday and I'm sure he made it wild and wonderful! If you read my blog, you know that Kelly is abroad studying in Germany. We wish him a wonderful quarter century birthday and hope it was filled with lots of sausage and other German delicacies.

Happy Bastille Day! Today is one of France's biggest national Holidays, Bastille Day. Although it is not the same as America's 4th of July, celebrations are somewhat similar. Bastille Day celebrates the storming of the Bastille in 1789, you can read up on it here http://french.about.com/library/weekly/aa071400.htm. Bastille Day also shares its celebration with Ms. Meagan McCartney (pictured left) of San Fransisco. Meagan is also turning the big twenty-five and will celebrate with friends in San Fransisco. No matter what you happen to be celebrating, I wish everyone a fun and safe night!

The Network Review

The Reviews are in! Curious minds have been calling, texting, and emailing me constantly demanding to know the results of the first Network Gathering. I am proud and excited to report that The Network was very successful! Several people from various social groups arrived last night and enjoyed mingling and "networking" with others from Oxford. The Network arrived at The Blue Pan and quickly gathered around the luxurious seating. Lawyers, teachers, professors, doctoral students, University staff and other young professionals met joyfully with the common goal of socializing and having fun. After each attendee gave a brief introduction, the Network quickly discussed future meetings, goals, and events. We decided our monthly gatherings will be the second Thursday of every month, unless there is a holiday. Attorney Kevin Frye purchased the Network's website and will begin construction on the site shortly with assistance from Croft Institute employee Ms. Brooke Bagley. With the website, Network members will be able to message other members about upcoming Oxford events and invite others to meet at various locations or events. For instance, if Network members want to meet at Two Stick for trivia or at the Grove etc. members can inform others of the plan and if Network members want to stop by, they are welcome. Everyone really seemed to like the idea and enjoy the new company. Ms. Victoria Stewart (pictured right with her 2 brothers) has lived in Oxford for years now and is very excited about the creation of The Network. Today at the old Willie Price grind Ms. Stewart commented of how fun the group was and how she looked forward to more events with the Network. Ahhh... sweet success. Although Ms. Stewart is moving to Tupelo in the near future, I am assured that she will continue to attend Network events in the future...we shall see. One thing I am positive of is that the Network will provide more great times and social opportunities in the future, stay tuned for more news about the Network :)

After the official gathering of the Network was complete, some of the network decided to leave for a cheaper dinner option and dined at the Old El Charro now known as Casa Mexicana. The meal was enjoyable however the restaurant was out of shrimp so I was somewhat disappointed however the wonderful and hilarious company made up for the lack of dining options.

In other news, the weekend is already upon us and I wish everyone a fun and safe weekend wherever and however you plan to use it. My goal is to sleep, work out, and hang out with friends. Whatever the case, enjoy yourself, there are only a few more sweet weeks of summer remaining.

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

Blast technology!

One of my many loyal readers informed me that none of the links posted work properly. For this I apologise and can only blame the technical staff of Natalie's News. The crew that FORMALLY worked for Natalie's News will quickly be replaced and all will be well in the world. Until then, please just copy and paste the links in your browser at your liking. Thank you for your understanding. You have my word that this matter will be seriously investigated and wrongs will be righted. For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne

Avoiding work burn out, well really avoiding work.

Having a desk job this summer has really changed my opinion of America's work force. How difficult it has been to stay motivated with the midday slump I feel after a cafeteria lunch. Oh how I yearn for a nap, but alas I must remain or at least continue to look productive at my desk (hello, why this is why I blog) . With the long days of summer and the lack of school pressure, I actually have time to be an avid reader of online news. However with the upcoming presidential race, the slumping economy, soaring gas prices, it is challenging staying updated on current news. While I believe it is important to stay informed after my daily reading of www.CNN.com I feel bogged down and discouraged. With everything looking so gloomy how can one have hope? Well lucky for you, I have the answer. I revisited an old friend that brought me and my coworkers great laughter and I hope it will do the same for you. The website that brings such joy is www.theonion.com. Totally fake and hilarious news mocking our society's problems. Sure it is important to "be the solution" and "stay positive" but isn't it nice to occasionally take a chance to look at non-related work cites while hiding from your boss? The answer is an overwhelming YES! The cite has everything you need for a good laugh such as fake commentaries, sports stories, interviews, newscasts and more. Your friends will quickly begin to e-mail gut busting stories to each other breaking the monotony of 9-5. Don't believe me? Take a moment to look at the website, some of the best stories of today I have listed below. Go ahead, take 5, 10, an hour, however long you please away from your precious work day and laugh at how bad/awkward things could be.

http://gaybaby/
Small spoiler: The above is about a potentially gay baby, scandal.

http://http//www.theonion.com/content/video/bush_tours_america_to_survey
One of the funniest things I've ever seen.

http://www.theonion.com/content/radio_news/stripper_from_future_jumps
And lastly who can refuse stripper humor?

Enjoy everyone! Just have your email minimized and your hears open for the lurking of your boss so you can pull your email up quickly and no one is the wiser :)

In the upcoming issues of Natalie's News

*Weekend Update

*Review of The Network

*How old is too old for facebook?

Lastly a reminder to all fun and young people of Oxford, the Network will gather tonight at 6pm at the Bluepan for our first meeting. Please read previous blog for more information. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

The Network

Have you ever strolled down the beautiful streets in Oxford and wondered, "Who is that?". Surprisingly this happens often in the small town of Oxford. One would think that in such a small town everyone would know everyone and there are no new people to meet. However this is totally incorrect. There are tons of interesting people lurking around our town that we should meet. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard people complain about the tiny amount of younger professionals in Oxford. Well the time has come to do something about it. The Network was created by some young people in Oxford to promote socializing among younger professionals that might not know each other. The first meeting of the Network is tomorrow (Thursday) night at the Blue Pan (formally Petra) at 6pm. Our gathering will consist of a great social scene and discussion of future plans for The Network. Current goals include having monthly social gatherings, Holiday parties, guest speakers, trips to sporting and cultural events, a tent in the grove, and a website that allows members to post events that a representative from The Network will attend. Tomorrow we hope that everyone attending will invite five friends from different social groups so that we can all meet new and exciting people. The night is sure to be fun and totally worth your time. Again, the newest and hottest social group in Oxford is called the Network and you can be a part of of the inaugural meeting tomorrow at 6pm at Blue Pan. Have a great rest of the day, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

How will you celebrate?

It is hard to believe the 4th of July is already here! Across the nation there are excellent and often free opportunities to patriotically celebrate our nation's birthday! I thought it might be helpful to highlight some of the nation's top spots for celebrations and some places that one might overlook! Enjoy!

Down in Dixie: Oxford, MS.
Oxford is by far, hands down the best small town in America. Sorry if you disagree, but accept it because it is true. The celebration in Oxford is unlike any other. The festivities begin tonight on the square with a town dance. The square will be blocked off to traffic and the entire town is invited to bring law chairs, beverages (in a solo cup of course) food, friends, and fun to enjoy great music and brave dance moves. This is a wonderful way to start the 4th of July celebration and since most businesses are closed on Friday there is no pressure to get home early! Enjoy yourself; the 4th is like every Americans second birthday! On the actual 4th, there are so many opportunities to celebrate. In the morning there is a 5K run/walk followed by a town parade beginning on the Square at 10. Check the chamber of Commerce website http://www.oxfordms.com/ for more info. The celebration concludes with fireworks near the baseball field at 9pm! If you are interested in a celebration a little less family oriented and away from town, I would suggest attending Clay Terry's (pictured left with fellow "senator" Mr. Nick Keeling of Jackson) 4th of July Blowout. Mr. Terry lives with Ms. Claire Taylor and Mr. Andrew Ettherington and all have been preparing for a grand party! The celebration begins around 6pm, however Clay will be singing the national anthem in the grove at 6, so I would recommend watching Clay at 6 in the grove and then going to his house. Clay will provide some cookout goodies but he would greatly appreciate if attendees would bring a side dish and their own drink of choice.

Focus on the Family:

Although all of the above options for celebrating the 4th in Oxford will be amazing, I have decided to travel to Nashville and party with the family and high school friends. Brother Ben (pictured right) arrived in Music City last night by plane from Kansas City, MO. Since his arrival in Nashville, he has been on a strict workout regime of moving from the fridge to the couch and then back again. Taxing.
Proud parents Pete and Michelle are ecstatic to have Ben back at home but are quickly remembering why their food budget was more than the Ole Miss spends on the music department. As some of you may know, Ben enters into a seizure like meltdown if he does not consume food every ninety minutes. Oh, I hear your snickering, but I do not lie. Just ask any person remotely close to Ben Bottoms and they will quickly inform you of the odd and psychotic behavior Ben uses when kept from food. Not pretty.


Also making the trek to Music City is Ms. Meagan McCartney. Meagan was a fellow Bruin and is now an buyer at Macy's in San Francisco. She will be traveling with new boyfriend Travis and longtime college friend and roommate, Megan from Indiana (both Meagans pictured right). I am so excited to hang out with the always fashionable and fun McCartney and am sure that her friends will be equally as charming.

With all of this new and young blood in Nashville, what will meet their good-time demands? Oh lots. If one prefers a large crowd, they should go downtown to the riverfront for the big fireworks show. The festivities begin around 9pm and all of Nashville's finest are sure to attend the show. If one is looking for something a bit more low key, there are many other opportunities to celebrate with venues that cater to families. The Sounds stadium, Crockett Park, and Franklin High School all have big fireworks shows that are sure to be fun and loud but with less of a crowd. All venues are free except for the Sounds game, but tickets can be purchased reasonably. Visit this website for more info http://nashville.about.com/cs/familyactivities/a/nash4thjuly_2.htm

Almost every city has something exciting to do for the 4th, I hope you take advantage of your day off and celebrate! Happy 4th! Natalie-Corinne.

Calling all Trucks.

Sadly the Turtle Creek reign will be ending on July 31st. So many memories surround Turtle Creek it is hard to believe it will be over soon. My feelings are mixed about the move. At Turtle Creek, I witnessed some of the craziest acts done by some neighbor boys that I am still sworn to secrecy about. I mean where else in Oxford can one walk to a number of Mexican restaurants for happy hour? The creek has been my Oxford home for three long and fun years, but it is time to move on to something more grown up and functional. I am moving to a new place with Ms. Claire Taylor of Booneville, MS and am excited for the change and the yard. Unfortunately, I am pretty strapped for cash and am calling out to all my wonderful friends with big vehicles to help your girl move out! I promise we will make it as fun as possible and at the end I will take whoever helps out to dinner. Attorney Kevin Frye of Oxford has already agreed to aid with the moving task. For this I will give him a huge shout out and a shameless plug for his services of law. His office can be found off the square on North Lamar and here is his website, please take a moment to check it out. Thanks in advance for your help! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

www.kevinwfrye.com

check out Kevin Frye's website listed above.

Weekend Update

This weekend was the wedding celebration of Ms. Jenny Lee Weeden of Blue Springs, MS and Jason Ward Byrd of Savannah, TN. Jenny and Byrd met in college at The University of Mississippi and and posed as "just friends" for an eternity. Finally the couple admitted their mutual fondness of each other circa 2005. I lived with Jenny while the courtship began and was honored to sing at the wedding. The wedding took place at Ingamar Baptist Church in Ingamar, MS. As I arrived at the rehearsal I was excited to reunite with many old college friends. After the rehearsal ended, we traveled to Woody's restaurant in Tupelo, MS. Each diner had the choice of a fillet, chicken cordon bleu (in honor of Momma Reid all you AOIIS) and grilled tilapia w/ a crab sauce. I dined on the fish which was an excellent choice. After a couple of classy and non-embarrassing speeches we went wished the couple well and went to back to Oxford. Saturday was a day that others in Oxford cannot understand the joy of unless they have lived here. It had to be 100 degrees and I went to the square and strolled the lovely and often out of my budget boutiques and shops wishing I could purchase everything I saw. After a long stroll and a light lunch at The Flying Pig, I went to Faulkner's Oxford home named Roanoke (pictured right). It was a wonderful day to visit and wonder around the Faulkner estate. After a brief rest, I got ready and made the second long haul to Ingamar. The event really captured Jenny and Byrd complete with songs by Kenny Chesney at the wedding and reception. Luckily many old friends were able to make the trip. Newlyweds Aimee and Rick Arrington of Houston arrived with mother Ginger Bertrand Saturday morning. They stayed with sister Rebecca Bertrand who came to the wedding with finance Smitty Smith. Power couple and newlyweds Steffie and Rob Draughon (pictured left) on Memphis also traveled to Mississippi. The couple went to virtually every school together and graduated from The University of Tennessee law school last year. Steffie recently accepted a new position as a lawyer at the Deputy's office in Memphis (she now has a badge). Great times were had by all, especially the bride and groom! They are off on their honeymoon to Jamaica this week and will return to Turtle Creek next week!

Coming soon to Natalie's News:

* 4th of July celebration options

*Focus on the Family: My awesome family reunions in Nashville

* Job start countdown: 5 weeks

I hope everyone has a wonderful Monday, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Reviews are in.

Last night I attended the Oxford Shakespeare's festival's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. Not only was the night a celebration of the summer opera but also farewell tour for Mr. Kelly Burns who leaves for his 20 hour adventure to Germany today. The night began with a lovely dinner at Oxford's newest Japanese restaurant Kabuki with Chris and Chelsea Gregg. Dinner was scrumptious however due to time restraints we were not able to partake in the Hibachi grill. After dinner, Mr. Burns peer pressured and forced me to sneak into the show without paying. Usually I strive to support the arts but Kelly was relentless in his demands and I buckled to his persistence. The Greggs' friend Mack made the journey from Tupelo to attend the event and we all agreed the show was a huge success! The set was the best set I have ever seen at Ole Miss. Although everyone cast was amazing, a few stars really demanded the attention of the stage. The break out performance of the night was definitely Ms. Tiffany Gammell (pictured left). Her costume was amazing, accentuating her slimming waste line and her portrayal of Cousin Hebe was hilarious. She is really suited for comedy and a joy to watch. Other highlights were the always enjoyable Mr. Clay Terry (pictured right) and Ms. Allison Stanford (pictured lower left). The two played Ralph and Josephine extremely well and the audience was treated to wonderful voices and many long kisses. Sorry Tiffany. Last shout out to the chorus. The chorus was very energetic, funny, and beautiful to watch. The best wig awards goes to Ms. Claire Taylor. A word to the wise Ms. Taylor, please remain a blond, the long, yarn-like wig does not do you justice!



After the the wonderful night at the opera we decided the night was too nice to let it go to waste. Many of the actors had not eaten so went to L'amore on the square for some quick gourmet pizza. After a quick dinner The Greggs, Mack and myself got a prime table at City grocery on the balcony and enjoyed the wonderful nightlife. Later Mr. Kelly Burns and Mr. Ryan Milstead joined the balcony festivities until closing time. Although it was somewhat difficult awaking for work, I think all would agree that it was a fun night.

Upcoming stories:
Weekend update: Jenny's wedding and the trips to Tupelo.

Have a great weekend, for Natalie's News, this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Is Germany ready for Ms. Kelly?

Oxford's own Kelly W. Burns (pictured left with Ole Miss opere Theatre's production of Die Fledermaus) is leaving this weekend for Lyric Opera Studio in Weimar, Germany. Kelly auditioned for the program in Manhattan where he lives and attends Manhattan School of Music. During the summer program Kelly will perform in Mozart's Cosi fan tutti and in the scenes program. Mr. Burns will live in a small apartment with fellow Ole Miss graduate Ms. Allison Stanford. Kelly graduated from Lafayette High School in 2001. He began studying voice with Mrs. Cynthia Linton and continued his studies with her during his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Ole Miss. In 2005 Kelly graduated with his Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance and in 2007 Kelly earned his Master's in choral conducting under the direction of Dr. Donald Trott at the University of Mississippi. Currently, Mr. Burns studies with Ms. Ashley Pulliam at the Manhattan School of Music and will graduate in 2009 with a masters in vocal performance. We are all happy and excited for Ms. Kelly and wish him safe and fun travels and opportunities for lots and lots of bratwurst.

In other news, THE WATERS ARE BACK IN OXFORD. Yes, I have even spotted them. The Waters flew into Memphis yesterday and stayed the night catching up with old friends. Today the Waters left Memphis and traveled to Oxford where the ate at the new restaurant in Taylor that Emeligh's owns. As you may remember, Whitney basically ran Emeligh's forever so the new restaurant was a great treat for owner Linda and Whitney. After a hearty lunch, the short-haired couple made their way back to Oxford to Willie Price Nursery School and hung out with me in my boss' office. What a day. The Waters left to report home to Momma Gentry for dinner and visiting with Whitney's grandfather. This weekend's festivities will surely result in more fun times with the Waters and all other out-of-town guests.

Stories in upcoming issues of Natalie's News:

Review of HMS

Jenny's wedding weekend

Rebecca Bertrand is a hater.

Have a wonderful weekend, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Mrs. Wanda Fox

Today I am saddened to attend the funeral of Mrs. Wanda Fox. The funeral and visitation will be held today at St. Peter's Church in Oxford, MS (pictured left) where the Foxes have attended for many years. Dr. and Mrs. Fox have been members of the St. Peter's Church choir and active in other church and community activities. She will be greatly missed. Below is the obituary for Mrs. Fox from http://www.djournal.com/

Wanda Fox OXFORD - Wanda Radie Nelson Fox, 80, died Saturday, June 21, 2008, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford. She was a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the church choir. She was a retired instructor of music at the University of Mississippi. She was a former instructor at Baylor University and the University of Oklahoma. She was a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and a volunteer worker at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi.A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Taylor Moore officiating. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.Survivors include her husband, Leland Fox of Oxford; a daughter, Megan Fox Knox of Lake Charles, La.; a son, Kevin Michael Fox (Margo) of Austin, Texas; and two grandchildren.Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 113 S. 9th Street, Oxford, MS 38655.Visit the website at www.wallerfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guest registry.

The New Socialite

Since my return to blogging, I thought I should inform my loyal readers (thanks to both of you) of the social changes in Oxford and my life. Since I began graduate school socializing has definitely changed. For one GRAD SCHOOL takes up a lot of nights and my old social habits including dinner with girls, drinks on the square etc were replaced with marathon cramming and writing sessions in the computer tech lab and constant opera and choir rehearsals. Yes, Oxford changed. With some "rebuilding" football years and harder school demands, social outings became very different from the undergraduate years. I began to notice a lack of Dixie cups filled with keg beer. These were replaced by matching wine glasses which were filled with the correct wine corresponding to the meal served later in the evening. Parties were replaced with a phenomena called supper club which actually has a beginning and ending time. The evite invitation now reads," dinner is served from 7-10", rather than the 11-? time slot previously seen on facebook invitations. Yes, people moved, got jobs, became responsible and socializing changed. Only one event brought friends and families back together and not only allows but promotes undergrad behavior. What event is this you ask?!... the wedding. Ahh yes, wedding season. From May until October many weekends are filled with flights to random locations, lingerie and bachelorette parties, great food (and hopefully alcohol) etc. Reunions now = weddings. Since so many weddings have occurred I thought it might be nice to highlight some. Here goes, try to keep up!

Aimee and Rick tied the knot earlier this year in a pseudo- private ceremony (I wasn't invited) in Tahiti or somewhere. Jk. They were married in Cabo with a small wedding party consisting mainly of family and close friends. All attendees reported great sun, food, memories, and most importantly, a beautiful bride. After the private wedding, a huge reception was held in Kingwood (outside of Houston) where everyone was invited to celebrate Aimee and Rick's union. I flew to Houston on Friday and was met at the airport by the Gentrys and the Waters. After a brief reunion we went to the Bertrand's estate in Kingwood and began helping (slave labor but whatever Ginger) for the Friday night event. Friday night was a large fried catfish and chicken dinner for the 200 out-of-town guests and the Bertrand household. Guests arrived from all over the continental US to enjoy the festivities. Unfortunately, too much socializing and red wine resulted in a lack of food consumption for Natalie, however I heard from many guests that Pearl (the Bertrands longtime housekeeper) created the best catfish ever consumed. The next day Dibby (Jewish grandmother) hosted a Mexican themed brunch the hotel. The out-of-town guests were once again treated to an open bar and great company. After the brunch, many girls walked to the conveniently located Galleria and shopped and then Whitney and I treated ourselves to much needed mani/pedis and catch up talk time. After a brief rest, the glam squad dolled up and were ready for the pictures and the big reception. The glam squad was transported by bus to the reception and arrived early for pictures. Soon the rest of the guests arrived and dined on a fabulous array of culinary delicacies. After dinner the band impressed the crowd with covers of classic hits by Journey and Justin Timberlake. After the couple left the rest of the crowd was not ready to retire for the evening. The Houston locals brought us to an authentic honkey tonk with buckets of beer and cowboy hats. The night ended with great talking in the hospitality sweet and beginnings of a wine induced hangover. All in all it was an amazing weekend and a wonderful opportunity to see old friends!

Later in the Spring my sweet family friend Alyson Presley Poling married in Nashville to her new husband Patrick. The couple married at Scarett-Bennet on the Vanderbilt campus and had their reception at the Factory in Franklin. I was so excited to see some wonderful family friends that I have known all my life. The wedding was beautiful and Alyson was such a gorgeous bride. The wedding was sweet and beautiful and the reception was such a great time. We arrived at the reception and quickly got the table closest to the open bar (nice move Myatt family). After a wonderful meal, the guests enjoyed a soul/jazz band that quickly livened all attendees and inspired everyone to burn those dinner calories by showing their best dance moves. I even saw Mr. Clark and Daddy Ralph braving the dance floor! The wedding was so beautiful and an enjoyable night!

Although I missed blogging of some of my other friends weddings, I thought I would pay some attention to upcoming weddings and recent engagements!
This weekend is the wedding of Ms. Jenny Weeden and and Mr. Jason Byrd aka Byrd. The wedding will take place at Ingamar Baptist Church and the reception will be at the Bancorp South Building in downtown Tupelo. I was fortunate enough to witness the courtship and budding relationship of then roommate Jenny and Byrd so I am honored to sing at their wedding and be a part of their big day!

Ms. Caitlin Andrews and Mr. Daniel Shirley(pictured right) are to be wed in August at Scarett-Bennett on the Vanderbilt campus and will have their reception at the Hermitage in Nashville. I have known Caitlin ever since our choir days as Brentwood High School Bruins and I proud to be the understudy bridesmaid and reader at her wedding. The couple are both wonderful and successful singers and the wedding is sure to be beautiful and tons of fun! Can't wait!

Next, long time friend and transplanted local Ms. Brooke Bagley was recently proposed to by Dr. Michael Worthy (pictured left). Dr. Worthy is a music education professor originally from Oklahoma with stints in Texas and Ms. Bagley is from Forrest, MS. The couple are both music lovers and employees with the University of Mississippi. Their wedding will be a family only wedding in Jackson and then a big reception in Oxford in August. I have been informed that the heat should not concern guests because a pool will be at the reception and guests are encouraged to go for a dip.

Lastly, little sis and ultimate hater Rebecca Bertrand will marry Smitty Smith of Oxford in March. Rebecca is Aimee's younger sister and will be sure to throw a memorable party in the Bertrand style! The wedding will take place at Oxford/University Methodist Church and the reception will be held in the Grove near the stage. I was present the night this couple met and Rebecca called dibs on Smitty. I am amazed that I am lucky enough to be a bridesmaid and singer at this huge event!

Wow, what a fun fall that approaches us. All I have to say to all my fabulous friends tying the knot is please don't expect nice gifts from me for I am a poor, novice teacher, not able to afford your expensive china. Sorry, alright all for now. Signing off, Natalie Corinne.

Welcome back, we've missed you.

So yeah, it has been a while. Since the blog sabbatical, I've received a Master's degree in Choral Conducting, become a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, accepted a job at a middle school and lots more. I've decided to resume work on Natalie's News because I have time and so many of us have moved in so many different places and this would be a great way to keep up. So I'll attempt to sum up some of the high points! Here goes!


Focus on the Family:
Ben will be starting his sophomore year at Maple Woods Junior college in Kansas City, Missouri. Ben succeed in a very busy freshman year balancing playing shortstop for the Monarchs, taking a full load of business classes, and completing an internship at a sports management firm. His toughest challenge has been adjusting to customs of yankees and their odd vernacular such as wrongfully calling coke "pop" and other oddities. Earlier in the year Ben was happily visited by my favorite yankees, Lindsay and Sam where the picture above will explain all. This summer, Ben is training, playing summer ball, and working at Quizno's where he frequently receives free subs. Life is good.

The Rents
Michelle: continues to work as a critical care nurse in Nashville. Michelle started working in the medical field at 10 years old and has over 25 years of experience, making her one of the most successful nurses under 40 at St. Thomas. In addition to her booming career, Michelle threw an amazing graduation party for Natalie (more later)maintains a beautiful garden, and is more social than ever since the rents are empty nesters.

Pete: Papa is a brewing machine. His brews have been is extremely high demand with requests for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, parties, and other good times. He also started growing his own hops garden and has changed the function of the garage from the boring car storing building of years past to a fully functioning brewery. Michelle loves it.

Extended:
Ray and Robin continued their jet setting, fabulous and jealousy invoking lifestyle traveling all the U.S. and the world. They recently returned from a 2 week getaway in Hawaii. They had a wonderful time exploring the different islands and making the rest of the family secretly jealous of their amazing tans and good fortunes. No we're happy for them, really.

Success!

Life as a professional student is no more! Yes, I graduated from the University of Mississippi with Honors (I'm kind of a big deal). It was one of the best days of my life! I was so happy to have so many family members make the big trip to Oxford to see me graduate and end my long life as an Ole Miss student! My long time close friend and roommate Ann Marie Hall and I rented a cabin and had such a fun and memorable party! We invited family, friends, professors, church folk, etc and all enjoyed Handy Andy BBQ, Pete's Graduation Brew, Robin's guacamole, the Hall's desserts and wine, and everyone's company. Although the weather looked quite questionable all day but we were blessed with great weather until apx 10pm. I know Ann Marie and I were so happy to celebrate our big day with such wonderful people!

Stories coming in the future:

*Jenny's wedding weekend update.

*The Waters back in the South.

*My new house.

*The Network

Glad to be back :) Signing off for now, Natalie Corinne