We may not win every game, but we've never lost a party...

After seven, yes seven wonderful and occasionally winning football seasons in the greatest stadium in the world, it is time to say goodbye to the student section. Everything in my life seems to be changing rapidly and this even includes where one sits during Rebel football. No longer do I get to take advantage of the cheap and shaded student section, today I had to buy regular seats....adult seats. Oh one more step in leaving my wonderful life as a student behind and becoming a real life adult. Luckily since I still work at Willie Price I was able to take advantage of the half price tickets for university employees. I was able to get tickets on the West sideline near the band... always a good time! Of course I will still be able to attend and cheer for my rebs but I fear the game experience will change greatly, but hopefully for the better. Although the student section contains many advantages including the only shade in the stadium and always colorful banter from the sea of fraternity boys, there are some perks of leaving the student section. I am certain that I will leave behind the threats of drunken fights, students sneaking drags of cigarettes and the excessively personal body search upon entering the stadium. (I mean really...what could be hiding there?) Anyway, although the change of sections may not seem like any big deal, it is just one more aspect of life that is changing this week. But rest assured that the grove (pictured left) is still available for Rebel fans of all ages and will always be the real party. The grove is an experience unlike any other, almost indescribable. This season is sure to be a new season of success and winning football... or something like that. All I know is that I will hope for the best, with the new coach and staff our Rebs are due for a winning season and if not...at least the grove is fun.

That is all for today, the new landlord will be stopping by soon to give me keys to the new home sweet home. Stay tuned for updates on the continuous lie concerning Claire/Danielle (read previous post) and moving details. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Tell me lies....

Will the real Claire Taylor please stand up? So it is almost here, only 2 more days until moving day! Claire (pictured left) and I are so excited about the new move, but there is a small hitch. Approximately one month ago Claire and I were frantically searching Oxford for that new perfect home sweet home. During lunch breaks we visited one disappointment after another. I picked up a newspaper and began calling every house in our price range. Finally a sweet lady from Jackson called and offered us the answer to our housing prayers. A cute house that we could afford with a great backyard! Perfect. The only issue that day was that she was only in town for a couple of hours and needed for me to come see it right away. Unfortunately, Claire was out of town so I had to go by myself. Wanting a second opinion I called our friend Danielle (pictured right) to come and "be Claire" and serve as the second opinion. I wasn't exactly clear in my request however. I simply meant come with me and Danielle took it as actually come and pretend to be Claire. So we show up and meet the landlord and her husband and I introduce myself and then I hear sweet Danielle say, "hi, I'm Claire". I am puzzled but quickly realize the confusion but I cannot correct Danielle and say oh no you're Danielle in front of the landlord or she will think we're crazy, so I just smile uncomfortably. So "Claire" (really Danielle) and I look around the house, like what we see and decide to take it! I decide that I will call the landlord and just explain the situation...well that has not happened. Swamped with work (ha), decisions, social life, and procrastination lead me to never call the landlord and explain our funny situation. The real Claire signed the lease, paid her deposit, and has even talked to the landlord on the phone but the landlord does not realize that there is a new Claire. With only a few days until we move in I am confused and embarrassed to admit the issue so I have done nothing. Hopefully she won't notice?!? We shall see.

In any case, it is time to introduce the new REAL roommate. Ms. Claire Taylor is from Booneville, MS. She attended Northeast Community College and studied pre-pharmacy. Ms. Taylor transferred to The University of Mississippi several years ago and began studying music. In May of 2008 she graduated with a bachelors degree in Music and will start the masters degree in vocal performance studying with Ms. Nancy Maria Balach in August. Ms. Taylor has a wonderful voice and is a member and soloist of The Ole Miss Concert Singers under the direction of Dr. Donald Trott and Ole Miss opera theatre under the direction of Ms. Julia Aubrey. Last year Claire performed the leading role of Just Jeanette in the comedic opera Too Many Sopranos. In Ms. Taylor's free time she enjoys dancing, shopping, eating out, friends, laughing and having lots of fun. We plan to have a great year as roommates, stay tuned for invitations for a smashing housewarming party!

Well that's all for today, have a wonderful hump day! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

So much to say

Oh Dave Matthews your song puts it best, yes I have so much to say! Where to start...so much has happened since I've blogged last, this will be an epic entry. I shall begin with an abbreviated weekend update featuring the highlights. Friday I was treated to dinner at Oxford's finest Downtown Grill and saw the new X files movie. The movie is odd, eerie, and sometimes gruesome, but I guess that is the point. Saturday night I was lucky enough to have dinner with Ms. Rebecca Bertrand and finance Smitty Smith (pictured right) at Taylor's most popular restaurant Taylor Grocery (pictured top left). We traveled to Taylor in Rebecca's spacious new altima and arrived to a moderate crowd. Rebecca placed my last name on the waiting list and the hostesses seemed to be not amused. Not knowing I was with Smitty and Rebecca I overheard the hostess angrily saying,"that is Smitty Smith, his last name is not Bottoms, that is ridiculous". The hostess attended high school with Smitty and apparently was not the biggest fan. I quickly corrected the frustrated hostess and told her my last name was in fact Bottoms and no it was not a joke. After a stroll in the art gallery next to the Grocery and some talk time on the large porch we were seated in Taylor. Being Taylor experts, we all ordered the grilled catfish except for the newcomer who ordered fried... rookie. Anyway after a wonderful dinner we walked out to the car and quickly noticed a horse and carriage offering tours of the booming town of Taylor. How could we refuse? The tour features the southern living home, the new restaurant owned by Emeligh's in Oxford, and multiple churches. Although most of the scenery is beautiful, the owner and operator of the horse and carriage was the most entertaining. Colorful stories ranging in topics from the role of women in society to contraptions to trap horse manure unfit for the ears children and really most adults were freely told. So after the unique ride we left Taylor and went to City Grocery (pictured right) to enjoy more summer nightlife in Oxford.

On Sunday my saving grace Michelle traveled to Oxford to help her daughter pack and start her new life as an adult. All Sunday was spent packing up my bedroom and organizing my house. Yesterday was... wow quite a day. Michelle and I went to my new work (home of the tigers) and looked at my room. After a brief trip to Walmart to get cleaning supplies we went back to the Junior high and began to tackle the beast. The cleaning was unlike anything I had ever done. Some parts of the room had not been cleaned since the 1950s and the previous teacher left everything he had ever used! After several hours cleaning, sorting, and throwing away we began to hang posters, create bulletin boards, and really make the room my own. I am really proud of how my room looks now and am actually excited to start my job and do more work! After literally 9 hours of working in the classroom Michelle and I exhaustedly traveled back to Oxford and worked more on packing in my house. Around 7pm we could take no more and had to take a break for Mexican food and margaritas. After a much needed break we went back to the house and packed up the rest of the kitchen and as much breakable things as possible. Around 10pm we were at our breaking point and out of moving boxes so we stopped and began watching Knocked Up on HBO. Wow, what a day. I wish I could report that we were totally finished, but this is not the case. Although Michelle left Oxford this morning as I left for work, there is still much work to be done in the Turtle Creek estate, but I am more confident than ever that it will be finished. Lets hope anyway...



Focus on the Family: Ben (pictured right) is almost out of yankeeland! He is scheduled to leave Kansas City in the next week and he could not be more excited. His temporary Kansas City family left last weekend and told him he was to leave too. Poor Ben has been sleeping on the couch at a friend's house while he finishes his summer league. Although he really wants to be done, Ben is always a team player putting the success of his team first. In fact just 3 nights ago he ended a shut out show down at the end of the game winning the game for his team and prolonging his stay in Kansas City. There's no "i" in team...

Well that is all I've got to say. Enough right? For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Time to say goodbye.

It's been an amazing time, Ms. Ann Marie Hall and I have lived together at Turtle Creeks for quite sometime now but next week our relationship as roommates will be over forever. Miss Hall and I met many years ago and quickly became great friends in choir and opera. We shared torment over long hours in the computer tech labs and various rehearsals. While others seemed to not mind the long and painstaking hours of music major life, we bonded over living on the constant edge of a nervous breakdown. We had always gotten along, but we knew we were two peas in a pod when we created the Wed night club to deal with the stress taking over our young lives. As roommates we have been organizers of numerous parties, cookouts, and outings at our house and in Oxford. We have loved to dance, socialize, obsess over tv shows and laugh at the crazy schedules we make ourselves have. It is impossible to count how many amazing and priceless memories I have with Ms. Hall and what fun we have had as my roommate. Ann Marie has been an awesome friend and I'm sad to no longer be her roommate but I know we are excited to start new chapters in our life as Panola county music teachers. We have both accepted music positions in Panola County and will reshape the county one day at a time. In fact, our newest goal is to achieve stardom with a Lifetime Original movie documenting the two young music teachers changing students life with the gift of song. Look for Saving Panola: One music class at a time. I mean, it could happen...



In other news, it is the last weekend before the big move. Planning and packing is at a virtual standstill because I am so overwhelmed with all the accumulated stuff at Turtle Creek. Desperate for help I hired workers pictured left but quickly realizing I could not pay these workers proved to be a huge problem. Luckily mother of the year Michelle Bottoms will travel to Oxford to help her flailing daughter pack up the house and set up the new classroom! Now that's a good momma! So yes this is the last weekend for me to pack but also to be free. Next weekend will be consumed with unpacking and then starting my life as a real adult. No going back, here it goes. A real job. I think I may go do do some immature and undergraduate behavior just because I still can. Looks like my new friend to the right has the perfect idea....We shall see. Whatever transpires over the weekend, I hope everyone enjoys their remaining days of summer and freedom! For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Dazed and confused

Roth ira, 401K, teacher ira, 403 (B)... who knew there were so many options, not Natalie-Corinne! Today was my first day of orientation at the new place of employment. I woke up before my alarm today excited to learn more about my school, the policies, and what I can plan for the next year. I arrived early at the Central Office and met other new teachers. I had seriously not been this excited about meeting people in quite some time. In the office I met two other teachers who live in Oxford and we quickly created a carpool plan! Success! After a quick background check I was sure we were off to learn more about policies of the school and the district, however I was mistaken. In front of our small elementary sized desks I was given a massive stack of what is I'm sure a part of a rain forest. As I tore the packet apart looking for the answers of my millions of questions but I was quickly realized that this orientation was more about insurance and retirement than teaching. Soon men from competing financial companies arrived and told us how we were all going to die poor and with out medicine or life saving treatments unless we bought their coverage. So many choices and unfamiliar words. What is a roth IRA and how do others already know about it? My stress line in my forehead must have been raging because a sweet lady walked up to me and said, "this your first year baby?" in a way only an older southern lady can. I responded with a stressed,"yes, can you help me?" and just like that she quickly came to my rescue, checking over every form. So many insurance plans and options to choose from made my orientation longer than the other teachers. After the nice southern lady and I were done I was off to meet with one of the many financial planners. Once again I was swamped with words I did not understand. After several confused moments I said, "I am very overwhelmed and would like to talk to my dad" oh big mistake Natalie. As soon as I said this we were back to 1950 and I was suddenly a piece of non-thinking property. The consultant responded, "okay hon, you just talk to your dad and have him call me and we'll figure something out for you". Wow. I wanted to inform him of all the hard work I committed to receiving my masters degree, of how I had been independent forever and how I had plans to take over the world. But instead with look of disappointment and frustration I just looked at the man and gave him the raised eyebrow, I'm judging you look and went on my way. I have hope that I will learn more about this new world of retirement options, we shall see.

In other news I was so fortunate to enjoy a much needed girls night out last night with some of the best girls Oxford has to offer. Ms. Tiffany Gammel, Mrs. Chelsea Gregg and Ms. Danielle Ferrer and myself dined at Two Stix and enjoyed great conversation and sushi. I had not seen Ms. Ferrer since her sudden decision to take a middle school choral position at Tupelo Middle so it was really enjoyable being able to talk about our upcoming first year of teaching. We both start in the beginning of August and are excited and nervous about what lies ahead. There are so many people starting new teaching careers, I think there should be a support group that meets weekly in a restaurant or other social place. Just a thought.

Upcoming Events:
Move Countdown: 10 days until the move... who wants to help? Come on friends, help your favorite blogger out! Until then, I will be working a lot and trying to enjoy the last wonderful days of summer and I hope you can do the same! Until next time, this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Weekend Update

So the weekend was so much visiting with high school friends. It is so hard to believe that everyone has grown up and some people are actually having babies (yikes). Mrs. Bogni was so beautiful and totally has the pregnancy glow! The shower took place at the home of Sarah's parents in trendy, up and coming East Nashville (montage of East Nashville sites on left). Of course with Bruin friends this was no ordinary baby shower. First, boys were invited and actually came, Mr. Greg Suber brought a gift from an adult "book" store, and stories from glory days of high school and college were talked about more than poor baby Luca. Weirdly I had so much fun at this shower, but rest assured it in no way gave me baby hunger. In fact, it did quite the opposite. Looking at every present being passed around and having no idea what it was meant for gave me the gross and terrifying pit in the stomach feeling of confusion and terror. Not for Sarah, I have no doubt she will be an excellent and rather strict mother/attorney. No, for myself. How does one know about the diaper genie II? What does one really expect when they're expecting? Well, I sure don't know but what I do know is that the Bognis will be ready for their new bundle of joy and will be great first time parents. Extra kudos to Sarah for completing law school AND having a baby in the same year. Craziness. After the shower the rest of weekend was consumed with visiting with friends and family, cookouts, and fun times!

Focus on the Family
to The University of In other news, the rest of the family is in Kansas City moving Ben's belongings out of Missouri. As reported earlier, Ben is transferring to the University of Tennessee at Martin and will begin there in later August. The parental unit will move most of his stuff out of storage and bring it back to Tennessee. Ben has to finish a summer class and his games on his summer team. Mother of the year Michelle will travel to Oxford next Sunday to help me back and prepare my classroom. Yes, it is finally time for me to accept the end of summer, student life.. well life as I know it and get ready to be a real time adult. Oh Holy Lord, help me. Tomorrow I have new teacher orientation and will get keys to my classroom. Oh yeah, its real now.

Look forward to future stories:

*The Big Move

*Update on Girls night

*The New Job

Knocked up

The weekend is already here and I am once again escaping from responsibilities and going home to Nashville to attend the Bogni Baby shower. My first friend Mrs. Sarah Bogni (formally Sarah Hinkle pictured far right) is having a little boy and fellow high school friends Mr. Greg Suber (pictured far left) and Ms. Leigh Ann Chasteen (pictured second from left) are throwing the baby shower. Most attendees will be high school friends from good ol' Brentwood High Days. This is the first baby shower I've attended for a friend my own age so I do not really know what to expect BUT with Greg and Leigh Ann planning I am sure this will be a shower to remember. I am so excited and happy for the Bognis and know they young couple will be great parents. Wow, I feel old.

That is all for now, have a fun and safe weekend, for Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned for:

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

*New job and house

*New remote

*Bogni baby shower

*Weekend update

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

Birthdays and Bastille Day

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

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

The Network Review

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

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

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

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

Blast technology!

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

Avoiding work burn out, well really avoiding work.

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

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

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

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

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

In the upcoming issues of Natalie's News

*Weekend Update

*Review of The Network

*How old is too old for facebook?

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

The Network

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

How will you celebrate?

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

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

Focus on the Family:

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


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

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

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