Day 3

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

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

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

Day 2

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

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

Dave Shapelle

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

NEW YORK CITY

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

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

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

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

LET FREEDOM RING

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

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

the most wonderful time of the year

School's out for Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

holiday fun

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

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

baby born since last card sent: +10

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

Javius

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

to: Miss Bottoms

Merry Chirstmas

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

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

I mean... adorable.

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

JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN'T KNOW...

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

9 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

11 DAYS UNTIL KEMPER CHRISTMAS

12 DAYS UNTIL WE LEAVE FOR NEW YORK CITY

15 DAYS UNTIL THE NEW YEAR

16 DAYS UNTIL A HARD CORE BIKINI BODY DIET

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

unanswered prayers

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

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

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

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

Heidi girl

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

ahh, you shouldn't have

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

Worst gifts ever:

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

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

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

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

empty pantry

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

New cabinet positions.

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

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

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

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

Bye Bye Bush

With all of the wonderful news coverage concerning president-elect Obama, we seem to see less and less of current president Bush. Although I was and still am so pleased with the outcome of the previous election I began thinking about George W. He has been president for a third of my life. All of my college, graduate school and beyond years have been under his rule. I remember being in a cab in Paris with Uncle Ray and Lindsay and talking about him becoming president! I know he has more time before he leaves, I think it will be appropriate to look back at some special "Bushisms" that we will all miss.

First Family Party Fouls: Now the Bush twins (pictured left) are grown, beautiful, world-saving, ivy league grads but I remember the good old days when those girls were caught drinking margaritas. I mean who doesn't have a little fun when they are in college and their dad is the leader of the free world? Unfortunately, I think the new Jonas Brothers loving first family is too young for such slip ups, but at least we have this to look back and remember. Ahh memories.

NUCLEAR: Like I even have to elaborate.. but I will. For some reason our leader likes to add an extra u into the mix of things, and really what is it hurting? With this big ol country of ours it is amazing we all even speak the same language, so what if a couple of words get some added syllables. As a southerner we should all realize that we like to add an r to "wash", for example, Mother Michelle WARSHES clothes or we like to add an r to words such as window..example "Sam, shut that winder". Or even better, our vowels become 2, 3, even 4 syllables. Even my brother's name.. Ben, or the writing utensil, a pen. Sure lots of people will use the boring one syllable, but life is short, prolong that word. The brother's name becomes Be-in and the writing tool becomes pi-in.. the way God intended.

Cheney (pictured right before auditioning for Broke back Mountain): This mysterious and scary man looks like he would be the type to come and take your kids away and we all know he has his way with the weapons, especially during hunting season, but to me Cheney always seems like there is this amazing subtext running in his mind and I always want to know what it is. Behind that stern growl, is there softness? What is really going on in that mind of his? I will miss seeing his very rare television appearances and trying to read his body language and mind.

Lastly The Bush Grin: Do you know what I mean? That little grin Bush used to win over the hearts of Americans and we would think, Oh George! Think what you will about Bush, that little grin shows Americans a different side of our leader. Even for just a second one sees what seems to be a little bit of innocence and childlike charm. Being a teacher, rascals run around wild and somehow with that little grin it always softens my heart.. for about a millisecond. President Bush always has that little grin and I will miss seeing it every once and a while.

With all of this change it is nice to remember the old. Remember, not repeat though :) For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

fun.. that's whats up

Weekend Update:

So usually I totally have a case of the Mondays but this weekend was so great and rewarding that I feel rejuvinated and ready to be a teacher. Friday I went to sushi with roommate Claire and friend Tiffany. After a wonderful dinner we went to Parish's to see long lost friend attorney Mr. Kevin. It was great catching up and feeling social again. After Parish's we ended the night at Blue Pan Grill with the really hot waiters. I do not know what is about this location but the help is really hot and we are always determined to get Ms. Claire a hot date. She loves it. After all the socializing I was not really all that excited to go to the school book club but I am so happy that I went. I arrived with my teacher friend Jessica to a deserted and cold school. Quickly we began popping pop corn and getting all the candy ready. I know this is a book club but kids love food so whatever works. Kids began arriving and I could not believe how many students wanted to join a book club that met at school on Saturdays! We sat in the bean bags in the library and began discussing what everyone wanted out of the book club. Of course being the life of the party my demand was made first that I wanted our meetings to be fun. Right after my request a student yelled, "Fun, that's what's up!" which quickly became the logo of our book club. Obviously not too much to do with reading other than we are making it really fun and hip. We have already planned our first fundraiser so we can take field trips thatcorrespond to the book we are reading. I totally stole an idea from Mean Girls the movie (pre- Lohan breakdown) and we are going to sell candy canes for a quarter. Students can send them to friends and whoever gets the most candy canes wins something. Our first trip will be to the University of Mississippi and students will be able to take a tour of the campus and then go to a basketball game (we plan to read a sports related book). Seeing students really excited to learn reminded me of why I liked teaching and kids. I know I am doing this for them but really that book club was so beneficial for me. Basically I'm Oprah and I fed my soul. After the book club I planned to go to the Ole Miss game but it was rainy and gross so I stayed in and got some work done. Saturday night I was blessed to see my stranger friend Rebecca Bertarnd and her finance Smitty. After the catch up I saw the new James Bond movie. Wowza. I won't give anything away but there is no hour long card game family, so you will enjoy it. Sunday I played tour guide to some visitors to Oxford. We enjoyed the historic square, Faulkner's home and a lovely dinner at Yocona River Inn. If you have never dined at Yocona I strongly suggest it. While it is not cheap, the food, service, and atmosphere are well worth it. Yocona River Inn is in the town of Yocona about 10 miles outside of Oxford. The restaurant is an old house and one of the only places one can bring adult beverages on a Sunday. Lastly we took the guests back to Colonel's Quarters (pictured right) bed and breakfast and had an illegal adult beverage. It is illegal to sell any beverage of that nature on a Sunday and somehow they do it, I'm totally okay with this breaking of the rules.

In other news the holidays are upon us and I am sad that I will not see my extended family this year at Thanksgiving. I am also sad with the lack of chocolate pie and endless supply of stuffing and all the other southern goodness. But I am totally counting down the days until I have a week off of school! Luckily our extended family will meet in December and due to the success of the song blog I am determined to make this season the Christmas of Song. We really need a sing-along and a pageant. If you have any ideas, lets allow this to be the forum. I feel that scripts, music, carols etc are all needed. Since becoming a teacher, I have become more bossy than normal so I will place myself at the head of this new tradition and hold try outs over the phone. Call for an audition time. Well speaking of teaching I need to get back to working!

Have a great day!

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

Everybody's working for the weekend...

Yeah, it's true. I try to be thankful for everyday and blah blah blah but I am so excited for this afternoon when I will no longer be in charge and just be plain old Natalie. There are so many advantages and disadvantages of being a teacher. I really love a lot of the kids but I feel like my work is never done. For instance, last night after babysitting I came home and worked hours on school stuff and I am not completely done with everything! But in a few short hours I will be able to relax and feel young and reckless again! Today when I get off of work I am going back to the glory land of Oxford to clean up my house...yeah it needs it. Later college friends and I are going to dinner and then out for some much needed socializing on the famous Oxford Square. Recently I have been super busy with work and travel so my appearance on the square has been severely lacking, bust rest assured the lack of socializing will be remedied tonight! On Saturday I must put my teacher hat back on briefly, but very briefly. My teacher friend Jessica started a book club for our school and the first meeting is this Saturday. I have to admit I really did not want to do this at first but my friend and a lot of the students were really excited about it so I reluctantly said yes. It seemed so far away at first but now the weekend has come and I have to come on a Saturday. I contemplated stabbing myself in the eye so I would have a valid excuse of being in the hospital but after seeing so many students really excited about reading I decided it was worth it. After the book club I will race back to Oxford and hopefully see our Rebels beat Louisiana Monroe. On Sunday some out of town guests will arrive and I will act as tour guide which will be super easy with such a wonderful city as Oxford. But the thing I am the most excited about is... sleep. Yes, wonderful sleep. I plan on sleeping in with out the use of an alarm clock, it will be glorious. Sure, it may sound dramatic but you got to get your kicks where you can! :)

What are your weekend plans? I hope they are lazy and enjoyable! I must go back to work! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

BUTT

So I've been on a slight diet this week and perhaps it is working if I listen to one student's of my backside. "Hey you got no booty, like no booty at all...where it going?" While to this student the lack of behind is really an insult AND deep down I know the slimming effect is really due to the stretchy black pants I am wearing, it still feels nice, in a really, really strange way. Hey, after hearing constant "help" from my students about my figure and clothes, I got to take a compliment where I can get it. Well lots of work to do today. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Don't stop believing

Desperate for some reinforcement at work I have started listening to uplifting tunes to give me some sense of security (possibly a false sense but whatever). With my new life as an adult I have felt it necessary to listen to NPR while driving to school, read CNN daily, and pretty much become an old fart. But secretly... in my own little corner in my own little room I bust out some embarrassing delights that I have decided to share with you. Although my pride as a "serious" musician may suffer greatly, my goal is that you also find comfort and joy in these "classics". Here goes.

Embarrassing hits you should listen to... especially at work.

Beyonce Knowles: You must know bout me. Not really sure why this song is so good. When I first heard it I thought, this song is awful, but slowly it grew on me and now I totally jam to it.. secretly of course. I think its the lyrics about being independent that does it for me. Whatever the case, you will feel somewhat cool because it is "hip hop" (for white folks) and even if it is only for a fleeting second you have a feeling of complete control and confidence. You don't need that man.. girl he must not know bout me and my awesomeness. Get it Beyonce.

Madonna: Like A Prayer. I feel badly putting the words embarrassing and Madonna in the same category but this old school hit is not the song that screams professionalism. The hand-clapping hit is a total rock out by yourself in your car kind of song. Don't even try to deny you wishing you were a member of that insanely lucky gospel choir that sang back up. I love to sing this song and think yeah, Madonna can take me there. Not really sure where we're going, but I'd go with her.

Whitney Houston: I wanna dance with somebody. Oh Lord, old school Whitney. Pre-Bobby, pre- crack is wack, pre-religious "enlightenment" good ol' looks like she eats Whitney Houston. Who couldn't love that song? It really does so many good things in one. The beat is simple enough that even the most uncoordinated of dancers can manage to fake a side to side on this one. Plus there are tons of opportunities in the "ooh and ahh" section to work your dramatic faces as you jam out. Most of all it is totally fun and really who doesn't wanna dance?

Next, Soft Cell: Tainted Love. This one really is bad, but so so bad that it's embarrassingly good. I'm almost too ashamed to share this one but you know you like it too. It is one of those songs that if you were stuck in a room with only this one song you would realize that your soul was given up on and you are in the far underworld but once a year or so it can be a really fun time. I especially love the sound effects in the back grounds, what an opportunity for awful dancing to accompany the awful music.

And while I could go on all day but I must return to work I shall leave you with the most amazing work song ever. A song that give you hope that one can do all. That amazing song is by Journey: Midnight train or as many people know it... don't stop believing. Who cannot appreciate the wonderful lyrics about that small town girl and that seedy boy from south Detroit? Those power chords, the electric guitar solo and then finally, yes Lord finally the power chorus at the end...you know we are all shouting it alone. This is one of the very few songs where fist pump is not only acceptable, it is pretty much required and playing your air guitar is smiled upon...only alone of course. It is so amazing. While listening I realize that we must never stop believing and we should all hold on to that feeling. Thank you Journey, thank you.

Please feel free to add your own suggestions for loveable bad music in the comment section. As Americans we should all cheer each other on in the never ending search for small victories during the day. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their hump-day. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Lee Greenwood

I know I know, its been ages, BUT I do have some valid and then some not so valid excuses. For some reason at work my computer quit uploading pictures and for Natalie's News to operate properly the stories must be supplemented with pictures so I felt like I could not longer publish. I mean, I have standards. Secondly, I have been using every second of my planning period like its my job (oh wait it is) to work on school stuff. Although I guess I am more prepared I feel a huge void in my create blog outlet so the kids can deal, I'm blogging.

YES WE CAN...OR YES WE DID.

Yes in the blogging void America elected a new president! On election day I volunteered to work and it was very exciting. After volunteering I went over to my teacher friend Jessica's house and she had a little election party. We were all glued to the television awaiting the results. When PA was called for Obama we all did a little happy dance and felt pretty good about our chances. (Although I do tolerate other's opinions, my friend Jessica does not so none with opposing views were invited... hilarious) We kept watching and socializing and then the moment happened...Obama was named our newest president. The full room was silent. We watched the country celebrate in the streets in cities across our great nation and we all sat in silence. I could not believe it; is this a dream? Sadly, until that wonderful day I had never voted for a winning candidate.. is this what it feels like? Finally we realized this was for sure and we came out of our little coma and started to celebrate. The next at school was so wild, most students were so excited about the news and the halls were filled with shouts for the new president. Probably the most wonderful aspect of the day after was the AMAZING voice mail I received from none other than uncle-of-the-year Ray. His rendition of Lee Greenwood's (scantily pictured right) "proud to be an American" made me really feel the nation's excitement. I suddenly felt the strange urge for a full body American flag tattoo with Obama and Ray's face right in the middle.. possibly where the stars go, the design is not fully finished. If you have any design ideas please e-mail them to me asap. Although I've decided not to go with the tattoo I am open to a mural with the same design on the side of my rental house.. or maybe a surprise present to my parents. They really do deserve the best.

Focus on the Family

Speaking of my parents, the entire family gathered at home last weekend for a much needed family filled weekend. Brother and I arrived Friday night and hung out in the best living room in the world. Sadly the teacher schedule has greatly altered my socializing capabilities. I was seriously dozing on the couch by 10:30, if not earlier. I was the first to arise as well on Saturday morning. Although papa does not see this as award winning news, for the girl who could easily sleep until noon or later during most of her life, this new lifestyle does seem worth mentioning. The weekend was amazing seeing all of my wonderful family, yet way too short. Luckily Thanksgiving break is only two short weeks away so I will get to see them again! One of the few perks with working with hormonal crazies everyday are the long holiday breaks. Oh, and we deserve them. More on that later.

In other news, cousin Carly is once again rubbing in her great life by enjoying her European adventure even more with a weekend getaway to Croatia. She was lucky enough to meet a lot of their Croatian family and learned a lot about why her family is.. well the way it is. For real though, the e-mails and facebook pictures are so amazing, I cannot wait for her to get back so we will all get to see her pictures in person.

Well I promise to be back in action but for now I need to get back to work. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.