Debate Drama

Oh Lord, what a day yesterday was for our little town of Oxford. It seemed like the world was crashing down when the announcement from McCain stopped everyone dead in their tracks. He might not come... What?!?! I was teaching and a teacher friend of mine sent a child down to my room and told me to get on cnn.com As I looked at the story I was totally blown away! As a resident of Oxford this hit home personally! We have been so excited about this debate! The University and the town of Oxford have spent 5 million dollars, parts of campus and town have been shut off, and everyone has been so excited about this awesome opportunity for the world to see a positive image of Mississippi and Oxford. My roommate Claire said she was on the square when the news hit and people were walking around trying to find updated information. She continued walking and found a tv where everyone was silently watching. Later in the usually loud and vibrant Ole Miss Union, students and faculty were silent while they watched the updates about the possibly canceled debate. I really did not understand how much people had invested until yesterday. After work I went to my St. Peter's for children's choir and even the children were upset. The city of Oxford planned a Children's Caucus for children of Oxford and surrounding areas, elementary school students have painted patriotic pictures for local businesses and a huge mural on the square. Their teachers taught them all about the election and they even put on their own voter registration and election at their schools. So they feel like they were actually a part of this and their little disappointed faces were heartbreaking. I've heard other complaints from locals who feel shafted by news commentary. "A debate in OXFORD..." like Mississippi is no place for a debate or missing this one is not as important. I do not feel that John McCain feels like this, he has family from Mississippi and some who actually attended Ole Miss and has always spoke highly of Oxford. Even so, it is a hard blow to take that all of the excitement surrounding the debate might have been for nothing. Anyway, maybe it does not sound like that big of deal, but to our town of Oxford, it has been a huge pill to swallow. I feel like the debate will still happen and all will be fine, but this stunt has largely bruised the atmosphere of the town and our residents.

In other news, I cannot believe it is already Thursday. This week has flown by because we are busy preparing for the first ever talent show. I thought this would be a great way to get a lot of students involved and it has, but I underestimated how much work it would require. So many students are excited to participate but I have had to find back ground music for all the acts, talk to countless parents, and hardest of all somehow tell students that not everyone can make the talent show. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Some of my best students were just so shy and I could barely hear them sing. I wanted so badly for everyone to be able to shine but unfortunately this did not work out. The entire choir is singing while judges tabulate the winners but there are only 13 solo or ensemble acts. Some kids are totally fine that they did not make it, but others are not. Some kids walk up to be and say something to the effect of, "why didn't you like me?". AHHH. I try my hardest to build them up with teacher talk about how great they are progressing etc but I do not know if it is working. We shall see.

Well I need to get back to work, I hope everyone has a wonderful day! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

question

So in my general music classes we are studying "Fiddler on the Roof" and this week we are studying Jewish holidays and customs. A confused boy raised his hand and said,"how do you know if you're Jewish?" Amazing...

cat chaos

Reviews are in. Obama Rama was a raving success. I went with some new teacher friends from Batesville and as we walked to the lyric from the square we could smell the glorious scent of BBQ. That's right, there was barbecue. I mean forget foreign policy, if a candidate is associated with BBQ, I'm pretty much sold. I walked into the lyric I was floored by the diversity of the crowd. At first people really did not know what to do. All of the younger students were kind of wandering around the bands, the middle aged people stood toward the back and we just kind of stood there looking for direction. After teaching all day my brain refuses to function. The only task I really succeed at after teaching is inhaling and exhaling. Finally someone was there to lead us where we needed to go, because how could we figure that out?! There were several sign up booths where people could register to vote, to volunteer for the debate and other events closer to the election. Then we went into the main room of the Lyric. The renovation is amazing. I had not been to the Lyric until last night and it looks incredible. However, I felt that awful feeling again... oldness. There were several local bands there and it was so loud! I looked around and my other teacher friend said, "there should be tables and chairs" and I laughed so hard because it hit us at the same time how old it sounded! We stayed and mingled for a little over two hours. Mayor Howarth was there, several St. Peter's people, several professors from various parts of campus, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, and several students. Overall the night was very successful and I was happy I got out of my nightly in pajamas by 8pm routine to go!

At risk of becoming an old spinster, I am going to blog about my cats. They are so cute and wonderful but oh my gosh so demanding. My kitten has gotten into this awful routine of wanting to play at 1am and around 4am. She comes and jumps or walks all over me and licks my face to wake me up! It is the strangest thing. This morning around 4am she started this game again and I was determined for her to sleep. Finally she began to settle down and then Claire's cat jumped on the bed too and they began playing on top of me! Don't these cats know that I am a sleep deprived teacher?!?!

HE IS ALIVE. In other news brother Ben is alive and well. I talked to him for a bit last night, probably because Michelle called and shamed him. Anyway, the long lost brother is busy with school and practice, but happy at Martin. He surprised me with the request to come and stay in Oxford this weekend. I was so excited and then he slips in, "yeah I also want to bring some friends". Oh Lord, four young baseball boys in my tiny duplex. Because of the debate there is no chance of getting a hotel so I am going to ask friends to spare an extra bedroom if the boys do come down.

Obama Rama

Get ready for Obama Rama! Tonight a party for the senator and hopefully new president Obama will take place around 8pm at the Lyric in Oxford(pictured right when still under construction...obvi Obama on the left). I do not wish to use this blog as a political forum BUT I am so excited about this presidential candidate and want to invite anyone is is supportive of my main man. This is not a fundraising opportunity, and there is not even a cover. There will be a lot of opportunities to support Obama this week and this party is just a way for all supporters to come together and know about everything going on with the Obama movement in Oxford. With the debate and the massive amounts of media coming to Oxford it is important to represent our party and candidate well. If you're not able or do not wish to attend, that is fine too. Please just do not leave mean messages on my blog.

In other news my sweet little town of Oxford has been taken over by the media and others getting ready for the debate. There are so many events going on this week and everyone seems to be very excited about the next leader of the free world coming to Oxford. Unfortunately, the public will not be able to attend the debate because of safety and space issues. There will be public showings of the debate in the grove and on the square. I have not decided where I will watch the debate. I would like to partake in the festivities on the square but I am afraid people will be talking too much and people will get into stupid arguments. BUT the media will talk to the public after the debate so the chance of being on national television is tempting, however I was interviewed by Fox news in the grove this weekend and was not selected to be on their special. Obviously, their mistake.

In other news, I used to have a brother named Ben. He was kind, sweet, ahh witty. I have not talked to this boy in quite some time. If anyone knows the location or even an update of this fond memory of a brother I hold so dear, let me know. :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful day :)For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Heart break

This weekend was a tough one for our Ole Miss Rebs. After a great win against Samford everyone knew the win against Vandy was a must! Our first opportunity for an SEC win and we just knew with our new coach we were ready!! Well, unfortunately we were wrong. The first quarter started out strong offensively and I just knew we would keep scoring and win, but this did not happen. At half time it was tied 17-17 and we did not score again. Vandy got another field goal and a touch down and it was totally over. Our poor quarter back did not have the best game and honestly it was tough to watch. But more importantly the grove was still fun and it was great socializing etc with Oxford's finest.

In other news: Claire and I got cats:) Last week we went to the Oxford/Lafayette Humane society and got 2 sweet cats. My cat is 5 months old and named Heidi obviously after Heidi Klum and yes I will keep her on a strict diet. Claire's cat is a year old and named Beatrice but B for short. The kitties have quickly taken over our house and are already spoiled rotten. Luckily they became friends fairly quickly. At first they seemed very timid of one another but now they are playing together well.

Focus on the Family:

This weekend was a wedding shower for Lance and Kelly in Lawrenceburg, TN. Family members Michelle, Shari, Ray and Robin threw this elaborate party. Robin flew into Nashville Friday night and slaved away making his famous guacamole. Lance and Kelly will wed on October 31st on a cruise. I am told the shower went well and the happy couple was appreciate to receive many fine gifts to help begin their married life! Michelle reported that a good time was had by all and it was wonderful to see family and friends!

Well I need to go back to work! I hope everyone has a wonderful week! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

common cold

There is nothing common about the cold. I can never remember thinking snot running out of your nose is "common". My sad immune system is trying its best but I think the cold is out to get me. I am determined to make it and not take a sick day this early. What to do? Oh I found out. This magical device...the movie. Ah yes the movie. I told my students, "your teacher feels awful so you're going to watch a movie and be quiet please" and OMG it worked. They were silent like little angels and watched Sister Act II. As I looked around and saw all of their attentive and quiet faces I thought surely tv cannot be that bad for you, look at this!!! I have not looked up any factual information and do not plan on doing so but ehh what's a couple of brain cells? I am gladly giving them away for the wonderful trade of silence. It is truly glorious! It is really cute to see the reaction to this movie from the students. The younger ones want to get up and dance and clap with the songs. Some of my students are very funny. For example today a student raised his hand and said, "you know that storm Ike? Where Tina?". ha. Love it. Well I should get back to work. I hope everyone has a wonderful day! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

5-0

When awaking this morning I thought to myself, "this will be like any other Wednesday" I will go to school, race back to Oxford, direct Children's Choir and hopefully work out. I was wrong. During my very chatty first period I decided it was time for the dreaded seating chart. Earlier students earned the privilege of picking their seats but too much talking and not enough caffeine for the new teacher nixed that real quick. When asking one young child who will remain nameless to move he responded with "there ain't no GD way" and some other colorful remarks! Swearing before 8am...that is only reserved for smashing your toe or realizing you are out of rice milk when you've already poured your cereal. Really... all this for a seating chart? The student was furious and frankly pretty scary so I said," go on and get your things and go to the office" in my best teacher voice. He responded with some other colorful language so I did it. I called 5-0. The police. It was insane. The officer marched in and took care of the unruly boy. Later he told me that when he walked in he noticed the student had his arms in his shirt and I should not allow that because they can conceal weapons. WEAPONS?!?!?! Omg. I went to Brentwood. I do not do weapons, I am for gun control for the love. I acted like I was so with it in front of the class but after the students left I totally lost it. Since my planning period is almost over I've regained some since of control over my body but lets just say I will probably be a little bit nervy (not a but you get it) for the next few days. Maybe some "milk" will be in order. More like definitely.

In other news, hump day is upon us! Yay! Only a couple of more days until the GLORIOUS couple of days of weekend. I am so excited to see our Rebels beat up on Samford and spend the entire Saturday in the closest thing to Heaven on our earth...the grove. Seriously when I die I pray that Heaven is the grove filled with an endless supply of carbs. I wish everyone could attend the game but if you are unable I will make sure to fill you in with the weekend update. Well I've got to teach! I wish everyone a wonderful Wednesday! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Open house

When I think back those 500 years ago when I was in middle school, I remember how much I actually looked forward to open house. It seemed so magical having my parents in my own classroom. Having them at my school was really the answer to all my problems. In classes I liked my parents could see how hard I worked and what a wonderful student I was. In classes I did not like, they could see how ridiculously demanding the teacher was and all of those "excessive talking" marks on my report cards were all because she could not see the creative genius within. There was something special about my parents seeing me in my day environment; maybe I was a dork (no more like definitely) but back in the day I really loved it.

That day is over. I'm a teacher now and I realize that open house is punishment for being crazy enough to choose a career going to school everyday after going to school everyday. Today I will be at school from 7am-7pmish. Not only is the excessive time a complaint but the pressure I feel talking to all these parents. Oh and I forgot to mention the only information I have received about tonight is, "open house will be pretty much like last year.. with a couple of changes", ha. Oh well, the saving grace is that all the students are scared that their parents are coming and of course I use that like it is my job to scare them...and no, I'm totally not above that.

Focus on the Family

In other news, Ms. Carly Bacurin of Evansville, Indiana is in Germany "studying" abroad. This jet setter even has her own blog http://cebacurin.blogspot.com/. Check it out.

Well I hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday. I'm off to shape the minds of tomorrow. Yeah.. that is as scary as it sounded. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

where you at?

So yes, once again I have let my blogging fall threw the cracks and ignored my adoring public for too long. The new job, car (YES CAR..pictured right) and life has totally overwhelmed me and left little time for blogging. In the bast 4 weeks I have been to 3 beautiful weddings, visited the grove for the Ole Miss Memphis game, bought a new car, joined a gym, and lived to tell the crazy stories of my first month of teaching. I never thought anything would be as hard as teaching middle school. I leave every day feeling like someone beat me. By 3pm my brain is complete non-functioning mush and my body takes over and somehow forces my legs to walk to the car at 3:45. I waved bye bye to precious optimism and "positive reinforcement" strategies long time ago and am not trying to just make it. The first week I really thought I would not make it until December much less May, but things are improving. Although my diet coke addiction is raging and I've pretty much quit eating or drinking anything with any nutritional value; things are getting better.

In other news Oxford is so wonderful in the fall. When I leave work and drive those 23 miles back to Oxford, I remember why I love this small town so much. I am loving being a local and getting to complain about the crazy student drivers and the greek system! Football season has started and Coach Nutt has really shaped up our Rebels. We won our first game to Memphis at home and lost by 2 little points in a heart breaking game to Wake Forrest. Next week we play Samford at home and I am just sure the Rebels will win big time! This is also an exciting time for Oxford because the presidential debate will be here September 27th. I cannot believe the next leader of the free world will be here in Oxford. I really wish I could go, but I'm pretty sure the snipers already gracing the Ole Miss campus will frown upon this. Luckily there are many opportunities for the less fortunate to watch the debate. Friday night there will be a town viewing of the debate right on the square. I am so excited. This is such a wonderful opportunity for America to see the diverse and cultural mecca that is Oxford. Of course there will be many excuses for parties leading up to the debate. For example, my new teacher friend Jessica has already volunteered to have a vice presidential debate party. Since I've become and educator I think I should be responsible and not say who I am supporting. So there... I haven't said a word. Screw it, if McCain wins I will be in need of either a brain transplant so I can happily walk around unaware, or a constant drip of "milk" so yes then again I can walk around unaware. Or maybe the best option will be to move to Switzerland. Chocolate? Good. Alps? Good. Think about it. Well I've already spent enough of my planning period on this, time to go do some fun state required forms. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

me... old?

Today I felt it... old. I am so behind technologically it is embarrassing. I am going out of town tomorrow and I have to leave so many instructions and set up a movie etc for my classes and one would think I was asked to cure cancer. So many wires, ahh, so lost. I began thinking of all that I miss out on because it is "too much". For example, I have not even fooled with the new facebook because the thought of a new online profile exhausts me, itunes it too complicated and putting ink cartridges in my printer at school.. ha. I am more likely to succeed at open heart surgery. How did I become so out of date? Oh now I remember... grad school. During all those classes concerning Renaissance music I totally checked out of the technological renaissance that continues to leave me farther and farther behind. What should I do about it? I am so intimidated I just want to continue living with what I know. Sure my 2001 desktop will no longer play youtube videos and my 1987 bmw sounds more like a tin car made for neighborhood races than a "grown up" car but at least I know how to use it! Is there any hope for me? Who knows. But at least my friends in the top left look like they still have fun!

In other news I am going to Nashville today right after school. The car is fully packed and once I drop my carpool buddies off I am off to my hometown! Not only to I get to sleep in (me pictured right) but I get to skip out on a day at the old grind and forget all about being in charge. Pure Heaven. Unfortunately this means I will miss the anticipated monthly meeting of the Network but I know their meeting will go off with much fun and success. Wish I could attend. This weekend is crammed pack of exciting events for the Andrews/Shirley wedding and squeezing in time to see my wonderful family! So excited to go home!



I hope everyone has a wonderful and exciting weekend! Hopefully I'll be able to update from Music City! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

its our time of the month again

That's right, the network is here again. Every second Thursday of every month the Network of Oxford meets to socialize with new folks. There are far more young people who are not students in Oxford than one might think and this organization is a perfect opportunity to meet fellow hipsters. This month The Network will meet at Parrish's pub off the square (square pictured on left) on Jackson Ave at 6pm. Anyone young professional who wants to meet new people should make plans to attend. The gathering will be fun and casual and only provides one thing...an opportunity to socialize. Hope you can come!


I stand corrected!! Ms. Tiffany Gammel's new blog is Tiffandatypewriter.blogspot.com (really Tiff and a type writer but when you type it in your browser to read it it is all one word). Ms. Gammell is very witty and quick and I am positive her blog will be entertaining and another perfect opportunity to escape from work.



In other news, I am so luck to have wonderful friends. A huge special thanks and shout out are due to Dana, Tiffany and Claire. The other day I had such a rough day and these wonderful girls brought me a huge back of sweets from Holli's Sweet tooth from off the square! So sweet in so many ways; thanks ladies!

Well I need to go back to influencing minds of tomorrow's leaders... BIG OL YIKES. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

no more milk

Yesterday was one of the most challenging days of my life. My last period class is.. well lets just say difficult in so many ways. After a hair pulling session I began hanging out with college friends (college friends pictured right.. not my college friends but just so you have a visual) . They are so fun and carefree, I am so jealous of their easy happiness and ability to sleep in. Hearing their plans of 9am yoga classes and going shopping made me cry on the inside. Being around these friends almost makes me forget that I have to get up at 5:15 am (who knew there was such a thing!) and that I am in charge of students (eek!). After such a challenging day I thought why not? What could it hurt? My head, that's what. This morning has painfully reminded me that I am an adult with a real big girl job. What happened?

In other news, I am now have my health insurance card, so I guess I have health insurance. This means as teaching continues and the breakdown follows I will be covered for my treatment of "exhaustion" YAY!

Weekend Wedding!
This weekend is the wedding of singers Ms. Caitlin Andrews and Mr. Daniel Shirley. I am so excited to be a bridesmaid and a reader at their wedding. The weekend extravaganza begins this Thursday with a wine and cheese party at the Andrews estate and is followed by a bridesmaid luncheon, rehearsal dinner, girly spa time, and finally the wedding! The ceremony will take place at the Scarett Bennett chapel on the Vanderbilt campus and the reception will be at Union Station in Downtown Nashville. I am so excited to be a part of this wedding and to see my family! The rest of the family are at home and I am eager to join them on Thursday!

Well I should go back to work, everyone have a wonderful week. Oh be sure to check out Tiffany Gammel's new blog, Tiffany's typewriter. For Natalie's news this has been Natalie-Corinne.

lazzzy weekend.

So I rarely break the weekend tradition of blogging on my days off but this has been such a enjoyably lazy weekend I thought it was important to document it. Why you ask? Really for my own sake. In a couple of weeks when I cannot breathe because I am so busy I will enjoy looking back and remembering a nap, an extra blogging section, sex and the city reruns, time for laundry, etc. New roommate, Claire Taylor and I and some other girls are having a girls night tonight complete with pajamas, movies and milk. Earlier in the day I attended the bridal shower for Ms. Brooke Bagley of Forrest, MS. The shower was at St. Peter's Episcopal Church and was thrown by Mrs. Janna Montgomery, Dr. Debra Spurgeon, and Mrs. Carol Trott. The shower was so much fun and was complete with great food, games, gifts and company. Mrs. Janna Montgomery was very sneaky and bought many scandalous gifts (ie bedroom items) and wrapped them up and said they were from other people. Classy Janna.. at a church. Nice.

Focus on the Family
In other news brother Ben has moved back to Tennessee and is loving being in the south. He has been waited on hand and foot by the parents and never wants to return to the dingy Midwest. Uncle Ray Kemper is in San Fransisco for the week doing job stuff and learning the art of detox. After a week of an only vegan diet and constant yoga Ray has either found enlightenment or succumb to starvation, we're not really sure. Whatever the case, I know he is showing the city a great time.

Well that is all for now, everyone enjoy this insanely hot weekend. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie's-Corinne.

Welcome back.

Today was the first day that students came to the Junior High. They are beginning slowly with only the 6th grade today and the 7th and 8th grade tomorrow. I cannot get over how many students are in all of my choirs. Almost every seat was occupied during my beginning choir this morning. I was so nervous and excited when they first arrived. Using my stern teacher voice, I read the handbook and rules aloud and tried to mean all business. Finally after reading sections of the student handbook I looked up and asked,"are there any questions?" Big mistake. "why is it so cold in here?" and "where is my next class?" omg. Well, lesson learned, no more open questions! I was amazed with the amount of boys in my beginning class, wow so many boys are interested in choir, this is great... or so I thought. After the boys began feeling comfortable the sea of questions about how to get into PE rather than music completely overwhelmed me. "Listen I like you but I wanna be in P.E." and similar comments were heard as they were leaving. Finally I just told them they would have to take care of it themselves. I remember hating it when teachers did not have all the answers. Obviously they knew everything and just would not tell students because they were mean. Wow. I feel like karma has come back and hit me across the forehead. So I feel the need to apologize to most of my teachers. Although I was a fairly good student, during middle and high school I would only work hard in the classes I liked and try to get out of the work in the classes I did not like. Many times I concocted ridiculous stories and now I am so sorry to those teachers. Accept my apology and take comfort that the cycle continues and I am getting the taste of my own medicine. Yuck.





In other news, this weekend will be very busy with a very busy social agenda to maintain. Luckily I have made two new teacher friends this week and we carpool together from Oxford. We have decided to hang out Friday night after work on the square. On Saturday Mrs. Janna Montgomery, Dr. Debra Spurgeon, and Mrs. Carol Trott are throwing and shower/party for Ms. Brooke Bagley. The shower will take place at St. Peter's Episcopal Church and I am very excited to see who attends and what goodies Brooke and Michael will get. Finally Sunday will be Ollie Rencher's (pictured far left) last Sunday at a priest at St. Peter's Church. I have loved Ollie since I began attending St. Peter's and am saddened that he is leaving but excited for him that he has a new job in a church he is excited about. Whatever. Mrs. Janna Mongtomery, Ms. Brooke Bagley, and Dr. Debra Spurgeon and myself are singing some special music at the service on Sunday morning. There is a party after church in the Parish hall celebrating Ollie and all his good work for the church. It should be a lot of fun...and will probably be the only place to get wine on a Sunday in Oxford. Well I need to get back to work! I hope everyone has a wonderful day, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

music teacher

Today I greet you as novice music teacher (all of my paper work etc says MRS) The first day of employment as an adult has gone fairly well. The lack of air conditioning in my room has been the only setback. Although the 110 degree weather of summers in Mississippi may sound miserable, I'm hoping that all the sweat will make me skinny in one day. I started the day with a meeting in the cafeteria with all of the teachers and staff here at the junior high. The school is large with over 1200 students and 100 teachers. I was somewhat embarrassed when I arrived at school though because I was extremely overdressed. Apparently I missed the casual memo that everyone else received. I wore black slacks, very high heals and a slingy black and blue top. Looking around the sea of t-shirts and shorts made me totally stick out as the new kid but I decided to just go with it and it would be far worse to be under dressed, right? After some coffee the administration introduced themselves and then all of the new teachers. I hate to admit it but I still squirm at the first day of classes during class or this time teacher roll. I truly love my last name but I always have a twinge of fear that others will make fun of me. Of course this was not the case however I expect there to be some reaction on Thursday when students arrive. Somewhat of an odd profession for me to pursue with such an interesting last name! Well that is all for now, I have some weekend update and focus on the family blogging to attend today later, hopefully that will be accomplished today but I need to get back to some work. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

last day of freedom

Tonight I write you in the floor of my wonderful new house surrounded by wonderful friends. We decided to enjoy the last day of summer by having a taco party at our new house. Ms. Tiffany Gammell, Mr. Clay Terry, Mr. Ryan Milstead, Mrs. Chelsea Gregg, Mr. Kelly Burns, and myself enjoyed a fun night of tacos and milk. Tomorrow I start the new task of being an adult and am extremely apprehensive about the situation. I know this sounds obvious but we will never get younger or less responsible. Think about it. Luckily tomorrow is our first day of school only for teachers. I will have three days to get used to the school before the students arrive. Since my room is already done (read previous blogs) I feel like I can focus only on organization etc.

The New House: Oh wow, what a weekend! Ms. Claire Taylor and I moved into our adorable new house and we are so excited about the new year. We plan on having numerous cookouts and social events, just you wait! Again I am so thankful to my wonderful friends who helped me move over the weekend. Surprise guest Mr. Kelly Burns graced me with his presence and helped tremendously with the move! He was so sweet to spend so much time helping me put together furniture, computer, tv etc.

So yeah tomorrow is the first day of work and first day of being a real adult, wish me luck. I'll need it. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Movin on up to the east side.. literally.

Moving day is finally here! Ready or not, by sun up everything has to be out of Turtle Creek and into the new house on the east side of lovely Oxford! Yesterday I received the keys from my sweet landlord and Claire and I quickly loaded up trucks and began our move but our goals were halted when the biggest storm of the summer hit Oxford. It rained all night and we were unable to unpack anything else. This morning I got up with the sun and took a load by myself before work and will take another during lunch time. My goal is to have most of the boxes already moved so my wonderful friends only have to move all my furniture. The weather report is somewhat questionable for tonight. There is a 30% chance of rain so please pray, send positive thoughts, meditate, etc for good weather, patience and fun during our move. Ann Marie and I were up much of the night finishing last minute details and I'm sure we will be busy all tonight too.

"Have a little help from my friends" Right on Joe Crocker. I am getting more than a little help from my friends this weekend. Wonderful friends and fellow Episcopalians have graciously offered to help move my belongings tonight after work. Because of "payment complications" (ie I'm broke) I could not afford the high price of movers and am totally dependent on the kindness of my gracious friends. Attorney Kevin Frye (pictured left), choral secretary Janna Montgomery and English P.H.D. student Mr. Travis Montgomery (pictured right with Dr. Trott) are kindly helping me move today after work. We will begin promptly at 5:30 pm and hopefully be finished in time for Mexican and milk (ha Kevin). Seeing the cute colors and details of the new house made me really excited about moving and decorating. But crisis soon reared its ugly head. I realized how dependent on technology I have become because we will be without tv or Internet (ahhh) for several days. What will I do? Also... another low blow. Yesterday I noticed that my cell phone.. my lifeline to the outside world did not receive service at the new house. What in world will I do? I plan to run to the At&t store and beg them to change the coverage, towers, whatever to include me in the joy of communication. With all this being said, if I am mia for a while it is not because I do not enjoy the company of others it is only because I am lost in the black hole of loneliness on Garfield Ave. Okay, so a little dramatic but I may not be around much.



FOCUS ON THE FAMILY!
Uncle and uncle in law of the year, Ray and Robin (pictured left with dog Peanut) attended the George Michael concert (Peanut did not attend) and did me proud singing loudly to every word! We jointly decided that in this economic hardship needed new leadership. Although many people claim that Obama and Hillary are the answer, we decided the real dream team would be Madonna and George...Obviously America's wardrobe would be instantly revived and the South beach diet and yoga would solve our nation's health crisis.
In other news brother Ben (pictured right with Uncle Ray) is FINALLY leaving Kansas City. His team has enjoyed much success which means that the all star shortstop has had to continue residing in the Midwest. The last two games he could possibly plan in are today. If his team loses today he will leave immediately following the game and travel to St. Louis to stay with cousins Lindsay and Carly (pictured left...I suggest stocking up on food girls). If his team wins and they have to play another game he will spend the night and then leave early Saturday morning and make the trip in one day. Ben is so anxious to get back down to Dixie and enjoy being spoiled by his wonderful parents. We all wish him safe travels :)

Well it is time to wrap it up. I am sure this weekend will be full of work, sweat, and tears moving in. Well lets hope not tears. The weekend update will be up as soon as possible as soon as I'm connected with the outside world again. Everyone have a wonderful and safe weekend! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.