delta blues

Weekend Update:

This weekend I traveled to Helena, Arkansas to attend the Arkansas Arts and Heritage festival, formally known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Right after school on Friday I hit the road and made my way to the dirty delta. I was lucky enough to get to stay three blocks away from the festival in the historic Allin house (pictured right). After a brief tour of Helena by car we walked to the festival around 7pm. There were excellent blues artists everywhere playing on small stages and on the side walk. Treasures for sale from exotic locations such as Africa, the Caribbean and Louisiana covered the sidewalks of the downtown. As we walked further down the main street, the tempting aromas of fried deliciousness such as rib tips, catfish and alligator made me totally forget about my vow of being vegetarian and I ate as much meat as possible...and loved every sinful bite. After some grilled catfish we went to the top of the levee and listened to the music. The weather was perfect and the music was amazing. Saturday another lady staying at the Allin house made a huge amount of food in this little antique oven. We feasted on meat yet again before returning to the blues festival. Saturday night was much more crowded. Being a natural VIP, I met a lady named Loretta who knew everyone in Helena including the owner and operator of John and John BBQ. He had two huge smokers put together with all different types of BBQ and was nice enough to give us a free sampling of most of it... so once again, those poor little animals, I hate them again. But honestly it was totally worth it. The picture above was taken from Helena and not of John and John BBQ but their smokers looked exactly like that. Anyway after the marathon meat eating session, we sat on the top of the levee and watched Bobby Rush (pictured right), and he was awesome. People of all over and all different ages danced and enjoyed the music and atmosphere. Around midnight we left and went back to the Allin house. This walk back was the only time I felt a little scared in Helena. Earlier I heard stories of crime issues but I felt very safe there, but we went off the beaten path just a little and I would not recommend doing it again! But the weekend and blues festival were so much fun and I am so glad I was able to join in!

Well I need to go prepare for my next group of... angels :).....Right. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Finally Friday

Oh my Lord, what a week it has been. The middle school talent show totally took over my life and now that it is over a wonderful sigh of relief should sweep over me...anytime now. So on to the long awaited middle school talent review. The day started with absolute craziness. Every child was super excited about the talent show and classes were even more difficult than usual. Thousands of questions about hair, makeup, wardrobe, dancing etc made me so sick of hearing my own name. For weeks I have been using every spare minute to prepare for this thing and I still did not feel prepared enough. But anyway, the show must go on. After students left school yesterday I stayed and worked on sound equipment and all sorts of technology that I know nothing about. Somewhere in my college education one might have thought to take a break from the 15th century choral chant study to learn about sound equipment... just a thought. So anyway, parents and students began arriving early and within minutes the auditorium became so insane. So many students and their family and friends were hanging around loudly.. I almost pulled a Brittany and had a nervous breakdown. But no, I had to pull it together for the children...or my paycheck, whatever. Of course some mishaps occurred. The janitor kept trying to help the sound by playing with it the entire time, one of the hosts did not show up, etc but all in all it was a successful first concert. One of my favorite students won the talent show which I was so happy about. I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends Mr. Kelly Burns and Ms. Tiffany Gammell as special guest judges for the night and Mr. Brandon Heishman was the pianist. It was so encouraging/intimidating having friends there. Tiffany and Brandon are still in school learning to be professional musicians and I'm... well, different.

In other news last weekend was such a success. Mother Michelle and I pulled off one fun and cramped bridal shower for my friend Ms. Rebecca Bertrand. Rebecca's mother and sister flew in from Houston from the party along with 13 other guests. It was so exciting having mom in Oxford to see my new car, house and kitty. We had such a great time but the visits was too short. On Saturday we went to the extremely disappointing Ole Miss vs South Carolina game. The rebels started out strong and fell apart in the second half. Poor Michelle wore very uncomfortable heals for the sake of beauty and regretting it later. Her poor feet were actually bleeding by the end of the game so we left the game right after the loss. Unfortunately we did not get to go to the grove but it is just as well. Everyone was so confident after our win to Florida that we would beat South Carolina that the mood of the campus was very somber. This means several drunk fights among greek men would soon follow and I am way over that.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY

Lastly, I am so excited about this weekend. I am going to Arkansas Blues and Heritage festival formally the King Biscuit Music Festival in Helena, Arkansas. Papa Pete is super jealous of my trip but he has an exciting trip of his own. He and his friend Mr. Ron are traveling to Knoxville to meet Mr. Ron's son Hunter. They are going to a big beer festival in Knoxville. Remember gentlemen: with the economy is shambles nobody has extra bail money lying around! The other part of the Bottoms clan will be at home for the weekend. Brother Ben is on fall break and right at home ordering the parental unit around and feeling quite comfortable as the spoiled young one!!

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

Finally Friday

Oh, what a week. School has been much busier than normal getting ready for the talent show, children's choir is preparing to sing on Sunday, Michelle is coming to Oxford on Saturday to go to the Ole Miss game and prepare for the bridal shower we are throwing for Ms. Rebecca Bertrand on Sunday! WOW. Last night I should have stayed home and work but I did not. My teacher friend Jessica hosted a debate party for the Biden/Palin debate. As I arrived at her house I knew it would be a memorable night. There were red, white and blue balloons on the mailbox and life size cut out of Joe Biden as you walked in. Joe was so kind he would pose with everyone. Jessica went all out for this party; very hip Martha Stewart. Somehow she found Jill Biden's recipe for Joe's favorite cookie and made these huge chocolate oatmeal cookies! So good! Then she found out his favorite food was pasta so Jessica made this great pasta, salad and rosemary bread! She also served BLUEtinis and Bluemoon beer. It was so cute. As we left we were all given goody bags filled with homemade donkey cookies, Obama/Biden stickers and other fun things. I have not received a goody bag since a birthday party at the skate center circa 1995. It really had been too long. The attendees of this party were also very posh. Jessica's husband Paul is a lawyer in Oxford and I met several other lawyers and such. Most importantly though I met the stand in for Barack Obama at the presidential debate. He has totally become a local celebrity and well of course we hit it off right away. After several glasses of the blue drink we all decided we should go to DC for the inauguration... we shall see.

In other news, like I said before mother Michelle and I are giving Ms. Rebecca Bertrand a bridal shower this weekend. Really, Michelle is doing most of the work but it is at my house. I am getting a little nervous because my house is an upgrade from the previous house but it is still modest. Rebecca invited several "socialites" from Oxford and I am a little nervous about having them in my tiny place. Hopefully they do not mind sitting very closely... we'll just say cozy, that's sounds better, right? Whatever the case, I am so excited to see mother Michelle. I have not seen her in so long and I am so excited to show her the new additions in my life: like the car, cat, new house etc.

Depression Delight

So I am obsessed with the election and gloomy economic state, I am glued to the news and finally yesterday I just could not do it anymore... I needed a break! I began thinking that surely others felt the same frustration. Of course we are concerned.. big time concerned, but maybe it is just the way I deal with things but I thought we could all use some humor about our gloomy times..maybe in the form of a top 10 list... so here goes.

Top ten reasons having a depression is not really all that bad...

10) If you're a recent college grad you do not have to change your quality of living.. keep on being poor.

9) The generation that were children during the Depression 1 and soldiers during WWII are called the Greatest Generation. My generation has been called many things: quiet, apathetic, etc. Now we can be called the greatest generation to be spoiled rotten and then flat broke.

8) Everyone can get very skinny. (potential conversation) Girl 1: Hey Girl 2, you look skinny what are you doing? Jenny Craig? Weight Watchers? South Beach? (Girl 2 answers) No way Girl 1, I'm on the depression diet! Its super great, my boyfriend just LOVES these results.

7)More (forced) quality time at home with family.

6)The US will become super green because we will not be able to afford gas.

5)At least its not prohibition.

4)Canning food will become popular again... and really... it has been out for too long.

3)People will HAVE to listen to us when we're old because we made it out of the Depression II alive.

2) Being in a depression is such a valid excuse for everything. Saying no to people selling girl scout cookies, light bulbs, knives, insurance etc will be that much easier. (potential conversation) Child 1 says, "please buy my world's finest chocolates" Girl 2 "Oh I wish I could but we are in a depression and I'm on the depression diet, sorry" or even better...salesman says, "you see it only makes sense that you buy these encyclopedias. They're for the children" Mom says, "Oh I wish we could be we've got the depression".

1) And the number one reason the depression is not all that bad...Obviously with all of the added family time, people will regain interest in the family singalong. I can see it now, everyone will gather around the piano singing the old classics from all of the best musicals. I know Pete and Ben can hardly wait :)

So when you're sad a gloomy like me, just remember there's a lighter side of the economic turmoil...or maybe that's just the denial talking. Whatever the case, have a great day. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Real World...Oxford.

Wow, after all of the excitement over the weekend it seemed so strange getting up to go to work this morning like all of the "normal" people. Of course after the debate excitement and then the huge upset to Florida, it seemed as though Oxford became more like Heaven with every passing minute... and then the weekend ended. I am back at school and I keep feeling like something exciting is supposed to happen, but it is just an ordinary Monday. But without fail only after being here for fifteen minutes I was bombarded with family drama from a student. She was feeling guilty because she received write-offs for talking over the weekend and finished them without telling her momma. So amazing. I told her she could tell her mom that she already completed the sentences and that she would not talk in class anymore but my student decided that she would get in trouble anyway and it was unrealistic for her not to talk in class, "you know how I like to talk". Well at least she feels comfortable telling me I guess.

Focus on the Family

In other news I am so proud of my papa! This weekend he competed in a prestigious beer competition in Nashville and won second place beating some stiff competition. He entered an IPA beer that he originally brewed for my graduation party. At the graduation party he brought an Apricot ale that I requested and the IPA. Both were huge successes and everyone was so impressed with my dad's enormous skills with the beer brewing. I know he claims to brew beer only for enjoyment but I anxiously await the day that he turns the garage into a full time brewery. I believe his beer could be a largely successful retirement option and with the economy in shambles I am sure more and more people will be looking for simple enjoyments...like a refreshing and tasty brew. Interested? I will be representing my papa, please contact me for further details.

Lastly, I find it time to pay my final goodbye to something I held so dear for seven long years...my olemiss.edu e-mail. Finally after being a student for so long, the University of Mississippi kicked me out of their e-mail list. It was a fun time olemiss.edu. Goodbye long friend.

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

FLORIDA

WE BEAT FLORIDA
IN THE SWAMP.

31-30

HOTTY TODDY! GO REBS

Friday night debate y'all

Wow, it actually happened! John McCain and Barack Obama were on the Ole Miss campus and the entire town watched them debate from the Ford center where I performed so many times. It was so surreal seeing my campus and town on the news. After I got off of work yesterday I went home and changed clothes got a quick snack and picked up my good friend and previous roommate Ann Marie Hall around 4:30. We went to the grove and quickly met up with other friends who scored us an amazing spot right under a big screen tv. After a little catch up time Ann Marie and I decided to walk around and see everything. Right beside the student union MSNBC was set up and Chris Matthews (pictured left) was reporting for hardball. We quickly joined a rally and decided our new goal was to get on television as many times as possible. After the show we went back to the grove and watched the Josh Kelly and the North Mississippi All Stars play(pictured right) and they were amazing! Finally at 8pm the debate stated. It was so exciting being in the grove not far from where the candidates actually were. They cut into the Ford center before the debate and everyone went crazy. Then the debate started with and when then announcer said,"from the University of Mississippi in Oxford" everyone jumped to their feet and cheered with excitement. I was very proud of our town and campus (Ole Miss campus pictured left). One concern of mine was that I would not be able to hear the candidates due to yelling etc. but this did not happen. I should have not underestimated Oxford and our Rebs because everyone was very respectful. Of course a couple of comments were said about both candidates but no real drama; I was proud. After the debate the grove was swarmed with reporters and it was like the best high ever. I talked to several random reporters from all over and have basically become a celebrity. Then Ann Marie, our friend Michael, and I stalked the MSNBC tent and met Chris Matthews and Andrea Mitchell. I have to say the debate brought out some real weirdos. One man had a homemade sign reading, "9-11 was an inside job" and another man had a sign explaining how Katie Couric was the devil and that Shepard Smith was a true American hero?!?! Who knows, but I am proud to say I asked both people where they were from and of course they were not from Oxford and not even Mississippi. Thank God. So Ann Marie, Michael and I stayed and waited for the late edition of Hardball and were on tv several times going to commercial. The director came down and said he would interview us but he picked some other half brained girl who probably did not know who was running or frankly where she was. But whatever I'm not bitter. So I got home around 1am and slept in until about 9am. After getting up and doing some housework, Rebecca Bertrand and I decided to go walking around town and on the square and of course... another brush with fame. We were walking by this children's store and Rebecca stopped and said, "Oh my gosh, that's John McCain's daughter"(Megan McCain is pictured left). Megan was in Oxford for the weekend signing her new book about her papa McCain. She was very pretty and seemed nice. Rebecca was somewhat upset because she reads Megan's blog daily and wrote her two emails about taking her out in Oxford if she were to come. As a blogger I had to inform Rebecca that we are not always so available to meet the demands of our adoring public. Of course we would love to meet with every fan, but it is not always possible. I hope she understood but it is difficult to explain Hardball stardom to someone who has not felt it. Although Rebecca did not get to hang out with Megan McCain she did meet Rudy Juliani, Katie Couric, and Tom Brokaw while volunteering for the debate. She drove golf carts all day for important folks. I should mention that she offered John Kerry a ride, however being green he opted to walk. I cannot describe how amazing being a little part of this entire process was such a big deal for Oxford and all of Mississippi. I think we were portrayed so well and I really felt like I was able to be a part of something that usually feels so far way! Wow!

Well now its back to being normal. Since it is the end of the month and I only get paid monthly I barely have 2 dimes to rub together so I will be laying pretty low the rest of the weekend. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe weekend though! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Totally worth it.

So I just blogged about how sad I was that I was at work, but then I just got this assignment from a student who was actually in ISS yesterday for something he did in another class. He is always very good in my class. I gave them the assignment to write his new goals for choir and the talent show (he is singing a gospel song with a group of boys) and this is what he brought me!I totally reject my previous post.

(I will write exactly what he wrote)

Javius

This is my goals for the talent show and choir:

My goals for the talent show is to do my best. I will sing like I never did before and I will behave and listen to the director. I won't let you down.

Precious.

Thou shalt not be jealous

Hi My name is Natalie and I'm jealous. This morning before 7am two of my close friends informed me with amazing news. My teacher friend Jessica is going to the DEBATE. Only fifty seats were available for "normal" people and a friend of Jessica's that works on campus was blessed with two tickets. Her friend's husband is out of town so Jessica was invited to go. Security is doing a background check and then she is cleared to go. Right after that news my roommate Clarie called and said she was having breakfast at Bottletree sitting beside Tom Brokaw. Bottletree bakery is this hipster/granola bakery off the square that has been featured on the Food Network and Oprah. Claire was also on tv this morning on the Early Show. Although I am extremely happy for my friends I will admit I am very jealous of the sudden fortunes. Staring at my crazy middle school children and thinking of the invaluable experiences my pals are living makes me want to stab my own eye so I can leave work and join them. Maybe that is a tad bit dramatic but the point is I picked the wrong day to be "responsible" and come to work. Frankly coming to work today was irresponsible of me in some ways. I will never have the story of Tom Brokaw that Claire will, or being on the square when more and more media arrive. No, I will be at work administering a music vocabulary test, taking up notes (which actually is tons of fun) and promoting peace in the hallway after our many fights this week. Yeah, totally worth it. No, I should try to be positive. At least I am getting to partake in the activities tonight. I cannot wait until after work today. I am going home to change and then off to the square. I am still not sure if McCain is planning on attending but word is the show must go on!

I promise to have a huge weekend update about the debate activities sometime soon! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend :) If you're able, jet to Oxford, it will be totally worth it! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

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.