I did:
sudo apt-get install gnome
and realized it wasn't what I was after. I then did:
sudo apt-get remove gnome*
and it jacked stuff up. I got my system back usable with:
apt-get install --reinstall ubuntu-desktop
from recovery mode and installed the fgrlx
drivers to get my panel back. I used ATI drivers before, but they aren't showing up under additional drivers. So, I installed them from the AMD website per googled instructions. Unity still isn't working like it was. Ubuntu Tweak doesn't have as many options, my workspace switcher looks different, the top bar is more gnomish looking, and the dash is about 2/3 the screen instead of full screen.
How can I get my desktop back to out of the box settings? I'd like to keep all my installed apps and files though.