Friday's Freestyle—Election Time!

Hi, Everyone!

So, today is Friday, September 28, 2012, and y’all know what that means—that’s right! It’s time for “That Girl’s Friday Freestyle.”

Today’s topic: the 2012 Presidential Election.

We are but a month or so away from voting, and I am very excited. I may have mentioned this to you all a couple of weeks ago, but as soon as I turned eighteen, I asked my mom and dad to help me get registered to vote. I was too young to vote in the 2008 election, but my class had a mock voting ballot, and it was a lot of fun.

Mom and Dad told me that as soon as my absentee ballot comes in the mail, they will send it to me as soon as possible. I’m all excited because this is my first election and I want to make sure that my vote counts. I already know that I’m gonna vote for my president, Barack H. Obama… and I absolutely love Vice President Joe Biden, who for some reason reminds me of one of my uncles. I wonder if we are some kin.

Nah, I’m just giddy because this is my first election.

Well, that’s the news for today. I’ll be hollin’ at you all next week. Until this Monday, have a safe and fun-filled weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Boyfriend Trouble... Or Lack Thereof

Hi, Everyone!

So, I had a long conversation with my mom and dad yesterday evening about my “boyfriend dilemma.” Although I couldn’t see him through the phone, I could hear my dad cuttin’ up sideways. Ever the overprotective guardian that he is, my dad had to have jumped up out of his seat, because the first thing he said was: “Do I have to make a special trip to Mississippi just to whup all them boys’ asses?” I assured him that he didn’t have to, and then he says to me: “Natasha Renee Stewart, as far as I’m concerned, I am all the man that you’ll ever need—well, alongside your uncles, too—but I’m the first man, and as your daddy, I’ll be damned to hell before I let some jackass break your heart!”

That was sweet of Daddy to say, even though he went off on the deep end.

Now my mom, on the other hand, explained it to me the best way she knew how. She said: “Tasha, it’s okay if they ask you out and all, but you’re at Rust for a specific reason. Don’t let any of those sorry, pisspoor-ass boys deter you from your goal. Most of those sorry bastards will spit game at a girl and give her some empty-ass promises that ain’t worth a good damn, and next thing you know, the poor girl is lost without a cause. You stay focused on your studies and in due time, the right one will come along.”

There’s nothing like sound advice from Mom and Dad, but I didn’t even get a chance to ask their opinion of Ray Hernandez on account of I got sidetracked when they went on that tangent. I think I’ll call Auntie Cherri later this evening, and just to be safe, I had better talk to Gramma Jewel as well—she’s never let me down.

See you all later!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Love Bug May Have Very Well Bitten Me!

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’ve had plenty of time to think since yesterday, as it relates to that sweet letter that I got in the mail from Ray. I’m no longer listening to Deborah Cox—now I’ve moved on to a hit from one Miss Tamia. I think the lyrics are: I really like what you’ve done to me. I can’t explain it, but I’m so into you.”

I realize that it’s not etched in stone anywhere that Ray and I are meant to be together. I understand that a lot can happen between now and the time I graduate (I feel like I’ve given this speech before), but I am really falling for Ray. I don’t know if it’s his shy charm, or his cute corniness—and then too, it could be all of the above. However, I particularly like how he actually pays attention to me and makes time for think about me, even though we’re in two different time zones.

And then we have Richard Cornelius.

Now, I realize that I haven’t said much about the self-proclaimed “Rich-Dawg” ever since I went out with him a couple of weeks ago, but truth be told: I look at him more as a friend. And besides, I’m too caught up in my studies and my goals to try and start a campus romance. Call me old-fashioned… but then again, I was raised in an ol’ skool environment. The only exceptions were my mom and my Auntie Cherri—they found their respective soulmates in college and have been married to them ever since. Could a third time be a charm?

I must say that I am really touched and flattered that someone thinks of me as the “bee’s knees,” as was the saying back when my Gramma Jewel was growing up. I’m loving all of the attention, but I refuse to string any guy along, be it Ray, Richard, or any other fella who wants to holla at me.

I really, really need to talk to Mom, Auntie Cherri, and Gramma Jewel!

Until next time, peeps.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Another Sweet Letter from Ray Hernandez

Hi, Everyone!

So, I just left from lunch, and I went to the mailroom to see if I got any mail today. Guess what: I got another letter from Ray Hernandez—you know, my prom date. Here’s what he wrote:

Dear Natasha,

I trust that this letter finds you doing great. I remembered that you like lavender, hence the reason for all of the purple stickers. By the way: Please find enclosed in this letter a large Share Bear Care Bear sticker.

It sounds like you are having fun in your new surroundings—and don’t you worry about Fatburger; I won’t even so much as buy a small order of fries until you come home for the Christmas vacation. This is a promise that I make to you.

Natasha, I am glad that you had a good time at our prom, and I am also flattered that you keep our prom picture on your desk. I’m glad that I’m not the only one who still recalls that magical moment in our lives. I keep my copy of our prom photo in my wallet.

I hope you don’t get too homesick, Natasha, because it will be Christmas vacation before you know it. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your adventures, and remember: Whenever you feel lonely, look to the hills from whence cometh your help. Until next time, take care and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Ray

It’s nice to know that Ray really cares about me, which is just as well because I care about him… but why do I hear Deborah Cox in my head again? I promise you—this whole ordeal is so confusing.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

What Makes My Hometown So Great

Hi, Everyone!

So, I turned in my five hundred-word essay on what makes my hometown so great. I had been working on it all weekend, and hopefully my professor will like it.

The biggest challenge for my hometown essay was making sure that it stayed within the requirements. I explained to my professor that I have a tendency to write more than expected, to which he told me that the five hundred words was the minimum requirement. I’m so glad he said that because according to my calculations, I had 779 words—and this is not counting “I”, “a”, “an,” and “the.”

I hope my professor sees the effort I made into answering the question as to why I feel that L.A. is a great place to live. I provided as much information as I could in my argument. You see, Los Angeles is great for so many reasons. There’s the Griffith Park Observatory, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Santa Monica Pier, and of course, the world famous Hollywood sign, which stands majestically across Mt. Lee. I also pointed out the true appreciation that I have for my hometown, especially since I am currently residing in Holly Springs, Mississippi. I guess Ruby was right when she told me that I was just homesick, but she did point out that I have shown a true appreciation for Southern California—and believe me when I tell you: when I return for the Christmas vacation, I’m gonna take advantage of my time wisely.

Well, that’s all the news that I have today. There really wasn’t much news to report today, folks. However, with so much going on in my college life and around the world, you can best believe that I’ll be providing you all with as many updates as I possibly can.

Until next time, take it light.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Looking Forward to Howie & Jessica's Wedding

Hi, Everyone!

Well, today is another special edition of “That’s Girl’s Friday’s Freestyle.” It is just a simple Friday blog in which I pick a subject at random and give my viewpoint on it. Having said that, today’s subject focuses on Howard Allen Douglas and Jessica Dawn Torres, my Gramma Jewel’s godson and future goddaughter-in-law, respectively. In case you missed that, today’s Friday Freestyle is dedicated to them, especially seeing as how they’re getting married in December.

I got to meet Jessica quite a few times, and I found that like me, she has a genuine love for teaching elementary school students. She is the assistant manager and tutor at the Children’s Center of Culver City, and she’s looking forward to teaching First, Second, or Third Grade. I also found that when she talks about Howie, she has a look of real true love—and I mean that sincerely. When Howie’s sister Sarah got married last year, it was so apropos that Howie and Jessica were walking hand-in-hand during the reception. The icing on the cake was added when Howie sealed the deal with a kiss. And then on December 17, 2011, Howie popped the question, to which Jessica said yes.

I must definitely get my insight from Gramma Jewel, because I feel within my heart that Howie picked a winner when he met Jessica in 2009. Let me put an addendum to that: God blessed Howie with Jessica. The two have been an item ever since, despite various tests and trials in their relationship. In the three years that they’ve been together, they have proven that true love conquers all. God saw that they were made for each other, and look at what He has done.

I am looking forward to being a witness when they take their vows before God, themselves, and their respective families and friends.

Congratulations, Howie & Jessica—and I can’t wait to see you two finally make it official!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My First Month at Rust

Hi, Everyone!

You all are probably wondering: What the heck kinda picture is that?

Well, it is the mascot of my future alma mater. That’s right—it’s a bearcat.

Speaking of which, can you believe that I’ve already been at Rust for a full month? Where did the time go?

I must say—I am having so much fun out here, despite the fact that I still miss my L.A. home. I must also point out that Mississippi has so many beautiful trees and plants. And I said that I wasn’t gonna admit this to anyone, but the truth must be told: On my first day here in “The Sip,” I almost choked on the air. It’s somewhat embarrassing to admit that I’ve been acclimated to the air in Southern California, and that I need to get more adjusted to this different type of atmosphere. Ruby explained to me that Mississippi air is “a helluva lot cleaner” than L.A. air.

She has a point, but she didn’t have to vocalize it, you know.

As for my academic status, I’m managing in some classes but excelling in others. You all know how much I love my Composition class, and I’m really loving my African Diaspora class. Now, the College Algebra class is not too bad, but I’m still a bit concerned because mathematics has never really been my forte. Nevertheless, like my Gramma Jewel says: It’s nothing that The Lord can’t take care of.

Oh, yeah! I had the strangest occurrence the other day: I was in my dorm room by myself with my radio on, and I could clearly hear my mom say: “Girl, you gon’ need to turn that down or off!” Instantly, or perhaps instinctively, I turned off my radio. I spoke to my mom later that evening, and she admitted that she had had a flashback and ran to my room yelling for me to turn off my radio.

Well, I had best get going because I’ve got to study for midterms. Please say a prayer for me that I get past the midterms, because afterwards comes the final exams.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Good Grade On My "Great Gramma Lynn" Essay

Hi, Everyone!

I just got my composition back from my professor, and… well, listen to what he wrote:

“Natasha, this is a Grade-A paper. You did more than tell a story about your great-grandmother—you painted a picture where I could easily visualize her love, determination, and sincerity. I'm sure she is very proud of you. Great job!”

My essay received a 95 out of a possible 100… hey, I ain’t complainin’.

Like everything else in life, there were corrections and suggestions. For one thing, my professor said that I had a tendency to use the words “really” and “truly” to the point where they lost their meaning. He also suggested that I write my next essay about my Gramma Jewel, seeing as how I teased a little about her life. His exact words were: “I gotsta know about your Gramma Jewel.”

Oh, and he also appreciated the fact that I was the only student who was bold enough to create a cover page—hey, I’ve always been one to go that extra mile.

I’m sure that Great Gramma Lynn is up there in Heaven, with a great big smile on her face!

Well, if you all will excuse me, I’ve got another essay to write. It has to be five hundred words, double-spaced, and 12-point font. I have no problems with the word count—I’m more concerned with my essay making sense. As for the subject, I must discuss what makes my hometown so great.

Considering that I’m a “Cali Girl,” this essay should be fairly easy!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Happy Birthday, Cousin Candace!

Hi, Everyone!

Today is Tuesday, September 18, 2012, and I’m going to step out of the spotlight because it’s a special day for someone that I know and love: Candace Cassandra Jones, my eldest cousin.

In case you missed it, today is Candace’s birthday.

What can I say about Candace? Well, much like me, she is an only child, and the eldest in our generation. To me and my other cousins, she set the bar when she attended college. Personally, she set the precedent for me when she attended an out-of-state college. She graduated in 2009 from Bennett University in Atlanta, Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, then went on to graduate school and earned her MBA. We call her the next Debbie Allen because she wants to open her own dancing studio and teach the waltz, the Salsa, the cha-cha, and even the Cupid Shuffle.

I admire Cousin Candace because she is a determined chick… and I’m not saying that because she’s my cousin; she really does lead by example. Whatever she sets her mind to do, she does it. She’s also quite the gregarious gal; everytime I turn around, she takes her time out for others, and she’s always involved in one project or another. I think her biggest claim to fame took place when she was a bridesmaid in her best friend Sarah’s wedding last year, and incidentally, she‘s a godmother to Sarah’s twins.

Cousin Candace, even though there is a seven-year difference in our ages, I want to be like you when I grow up. Seeing as how this day is all about Y-O-U, it’s only fitting that I dedicate a special song by paraphrasing 50 Cent:

Go, Candi—It’s your birthday, and even though I’m all the way in Bearcat Country, I’m still gonna party like it’s your birthday. I’m gonna sip… um… sweet tea like it’s your birthday, and I just want to wish you a Happy 25^th Birthday.

May The Lord continue to bless and keep you, and may He allow you to see many more birthdays.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Date With Richard Cornelius

Hi, Everyone!

Before I get to the main topic of today’s blog, I want to wish a very special Happy Anniversary to Duane & Sarah Anoai, who got married exactly one year ago on this very day. I was in attendance when they got married, and Sarah was a beautiful bride; she looked just like Cinderella. I must admit that I was checking out Duane… let’s just say that Sarah knows how to pick ‘em (LOL). But seriously, congratulations on your first year as husband and wife, and may The Lord bless you with many more to come.

Okay, you all are chomping at the bit, aren’t ya? You all want to know how my date went with Richard this past Saturday. Well, let me say that first of all, Richard was a gentleman; he opened doors for me, he sat me in my chair when we went to this place called Ryan’s, and he even got me a lavender rose, considering that I wore my lavender summer dress. This was also the first time that I got to see Richard without his trusty baseball cap. His hair was cut evenly, and he had on navy blue slacks and a light grey buttoned down shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I guess I’m a tad particular with clothes and appearance because his shirt could’ve been tucked in, but at least his clothes were pressed. He took me to see Sparkle (yes, it’s still playing), and I thought it was so cute to see him secretly fawning over Jordin Sparks. He didn’t have to hide his infatuation on account of my account, because I was kinda checkin’ out Mike Epps… but I digress. Afterwards, we got back to the campus and he walked me to my dorm—of course he couldn’t go any further than the lobby. I gave him a hug and told him that we had to do this “one mo’ ginn,” and he chuckled and said, “Fa sho’, Li’l Mama.” He was about to apologize for his error, but I told him that he didn’t have to because he earned the right to give me that nickname. He didn’t know it, but I gave him the green light to call me “Li’l Mama,” seeing as how he got to know me.

All in all, I had a great time. I still don’t see myself getting involved with anyone right now, but I would go out with Richard again. Maybe it’s the way that I was raised, but like I said once before: I am not your typical female—I’m pretty mature for my age. I’m not gonna allow any guy to deter me from my ultimate college goal. If Richard is really interested in me, then he has to earn it, and the best way for him to earn it is to recognize one important factor: I am Natasha Renee Stewart.

Until next time, take it light.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Natasha's Friday Freestyle

Hi, Everyone!

Before I talk about what’s going on in my life, I want to address the news surrounding the health of famous wrestler Jerry “The King” Lawler. As you may be aware by now, Mr. Lawler had a medical emergency on live television this past Monday. I heard a couple of people talking about it, but I didn’t catch on until I saw the news later that evening. I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was five years old (thanks to my Gramma Jewel and Grampa Clark), and I quickly learned that Jerry Lawler is to Memphis what Bret Hart is to Canada. Whether you watch professional wrestling or not, the fact remains that a man fell ill on live television. It was a scary situation for all of us, but I’m glad to know that Mr. Lawler is doing well and is on the road to recovery. I’m still praying for you, Mr. Lawler—get well soon.

Well, I turned in my essay on my great grandmother, and I should be getting the results back on Monday or Wednesday. I know that I did a great job on it, but at the same time, I’m not gonna get cocky, but it doesn’t hurt to be confident.

In other news, my date with Richard is tomorrow, and I’m so excited! I don’t know what to wear. The weatherman said that it’s supposed to be partly sunny with a high of 82 degrees. That’s not too bad, but then again, there is that humidity factor that I purposely failed to mention. I guess I’ll wear my favorite peach summer dress with matching sandals, or maybe my lavender summer dress with matching sandals. I have until 2 p.m. Saturday to make a decision, and I don’t want to keep Richard waiting.

Well, that’s the news for today. I had best be going. I know you all are chomping at the bit to know the results of my date with Richard this coming Saturday. Well, let me put it this way: Depending on how the date goes, you’ll get the news either on Saturday or Monday.

Until next time, have a great weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Date with Richard Confirmed; Essay Due Tomorrow

Hi, Everyone!

Okay, so I just talked to Richard and told him that my schedule was free for this Saturday. You all should’ve seen his face; he tried to appear all calm, but his body language told on him. His eyes lit up and he inhaled real sharp, then he says in a Barry White tone: “That’s whassup.”

I must admit that I’m very excited; after all, this is my very first date since my prom. And speaking of which, I wonder if Ray got my letter yet. I mailed it off on Monday, so he should’ve gotten it by now… but I can’t worry about Ray; after all, he’s back in Cali and I’m here in the Magnolia State—the Bible Belt, if you will.

I still have one more hurdle to cross before my date this weekend—I’m talking about my essay that’s due on Friday. I’ve finished it up just this afternoon and I even had my roommate Ruby edit and proofread it for me. I just need to tighten up a couple of loose ends, which thankfully are all in one paragraph. In case you’ve forgotten, my essay is about my great grandmother, Lynn Agnes Coleman.

Well, that’s all the news I have for today. If you don’t hear from me on tomorrow or Saturday, then I’ll definitely holla on Monday.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

I Think He Just Asked Me Out!

Hi, Everyone!

To take a quote from my Gramma Jewel: Oh my word!

Richard Cornelius—a.k.a. “Rich-Dawg” just asked out on a date for this Saturday. Now, before you all say anything, I am aware of what I posted in my blog yesterday, but I’m just sayin’: Richard actually asked me out—me, Natasha Renee Stewart! Oh, I know I’m cute and all, but I’m just shocked. This is the second time this year that a guy has asked me out.

I want to state for the record that I kept a calm profile and told Richard that I would let him know my answer by Thursday evening. To tell you the truth, I don’t have anything to do this weekend, but the only reason why I told Richard that I would think about it is because of the way I was raised. You see, every woman in my family over the age of 40 taught me and my cousins Candace, Vanessa, and Trisha, that I should not be so eager to accept a guy’s offer. In a roundabout way, they taught us younger ladies how to carefully play “hard-to-get.” My Auntie Cherri summed it up and told me point blank that any woman who immediately jumps at a man’s request without thinking makes herself come off as desperate and cheap.

Well, I know that I am far from those ugly characteristics. I always make it my business to present myself as a classy lady with morals. With that said, I will stick to my word and give Richard my answer on Thursday evening… although we all know that my answer will be yes.

Once again, I can hear Deborah Cox: “How did you get here? Nobody’s supposed to be here… but you came along and changed my mind.”

I’ll let y’all know the results tomorrow. See ya!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Room For Romance at Rust?

Hi, Everyone!

Deborah Cox said it best: “How did you get here? Nobody’s supposed to be here… my heart says ‘No, no—nobody’s supposed to be here,’ but you came along and changed my mind.”

That song used to play on the radio all the time in 1998; I was four years old when that song debuted. Here it is, fourteen years later, and that song is playing in my head, all because I think I am smitten.

I don’t know if I stressed this enough, but I am here at Rust College with the sole purpose to learn all I can so that I may obtain my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. I am not here to look for a boyfriend—at least, that is not my top priority. Okay, I admit that I am interested in Richard. It’s something about him that has really caused me to pay attention to him; heck, I actually would allow him to call me “Li’l Mama” once again… hey, a girl can change her mind if she wants to.

And then there’s Ray. Notwithstanding the fact that he’s back in L.A., the bottom line is that he finally admitted his feelings for me—and that sure couldn’t have come at a worse time than now. For one thing, there’s about two thousand miles between us, and it would be silly for the both of us to wait on each other for four years; I think I made that point perfectly clear last week.

Oh, what is a gal to do?

Stay tuned for another episode called “My Life.”

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Most Influential Woman In My Life

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: For my Composition class, I have to write a five-page essay about an influential woman, and it’s due on Friday. It must be 12-point font and double-spaced So far, I have written a page and a half. Just take a listen to this:

Unquestionably, First Lady Michelle Obama is my inspiration because she exudes confidence and style. However, the most inspirational women in my life just so happens to be in my family. I could just as easily have chosen my mother, my grandmother, or any one of my aunts, but instead I chose to write about the backbone of my family—a remarkable and inspirational woman in my life: my great-grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman (nee Brown).

Born an only child to Horace and Bernice Brown on April 1, 1906 in Ruleville, Mississippi, Lynn grew up in a strong Christian household. Her mother and father adhered to the instructions of Proverbs 22:6, and Lynn did her absolute best to stick to the teachings of The Lord. Always wanting to make others laugh, Lynn would often joke about her birthday, saying: “It’s ironic that I—smart, educated woman—would be born on a day designed for fools.”

Lynn grew up in an era where women took care of the household, the cooking, and the children. However, with women like Ida B. Wells-Barnett and Fannie Lou Hamer breaking barriers, Lynn was considered a pioneer in her neighborhood. She was the first in her family to attend and graduate from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. During her time at Rust, she met Gregory Otis Coleman. The two were married just one month before Lynn graduated from “Bearcat Country.” After graduation and getting married, Lynn sought out for work, and found it in the form of a maid. She worked long, arduous hours, but yet and still The Lord continued to bless her and her family.

Lynn and her husband Gregory were respected figures at the Solid Rock Methodist Church, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend Jeffrey Hunter.

Special thanks to my family for providing me with my family’s history… and what a rich history it is. I am very certain that this essay will reach the full five pages, but my main concern is making sure that my essay makes sense.

And Gramma Jewel, don’t you worry—I’ll write about you next time.

Speaking of next time, I’ll see you all later.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Ode to Ray Hernandez

Hi, Everyone!

Ever since last night, I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out what I should write back to Ray.

This is what I have written so far:

Dear Ray:

I am quite sure this letter finds you doing well, considering that you are still in Southern California.  I’m a little jealous of you because you can go to Fatburger anytime you wish.  When you do go, be sure to order a double king turkey burger with the works for me… hahahahaha!

Ray, I want you to know that it was an honor to be your prom date.  If anything, I want to thank you for asking me. I also want you to know that I had a lot of fun. Do you know that I keep our prom picture on my desk in my room?

Ruby says that I shouldn’t give Ray the impression that I’m waiting on him. She kinda has a point, because a lot can happen between now and graduation time.  The last thing I want to do is string Ray along; as long as I can help it, I will never do that to him. At the same time, I do want him to know that no one has scooped me up, per se, and that I am still interested in him. And I certainly don’t want him to wait on me for four years; that’s just not fair to any of us.

I’m so confused—I need my mom, my Auntie Cherri, and my Gramma Jewel.

Pray for me, you guys.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

President Obama Has That Girl's Vote!

Hi, Everyone!

Despite everything that is going on in my little world, I must pause for a moment and talk about something serious.

Once again, I became a part of history as I watched the Democratic National Convention last night. I got chills and goosebumps when my president, Barack H. Obama, accepted the candidacy for a second term. I listened intently as he spoke very candidly about the issues. And yes, he made me chuckle when he showed his down-to-earth side and told Sasha and Malia that they still had to go to school. I’m sure they are in class as we speak… hahaha!

I was fourteen years old when President Obama was elected to be the 44^th President of the United States. I remember how overjoyed my mom and dad were; I think we woke up the entire neighborhood. I can still recall how my parents, my aunts and uncles, and my Gramma Jewel all marveled over the fact that they lived to see history in the making. Finally, change had come to America!

And here we are, four years later.

I turned eighteen years old on February 10, 2012, and I have already registered to vote—I did so six months ago. Granted, I am voting absentee, seeing as how I am a Cali girl, but I am definitely going to vote. I have already asked my mom and dad to send my voting ballot via FedEx if necessary. When I think about all of the historical events that my forefathers have lived through—the Great Depression, segregation, Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King’s final speech—I am so totally going to vote. I would be a fool not to.

I want to go on record and say: I want to continue to move forward… that’s right—President Obama, you have my vote for four more years!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Sweet Letter from Ray Hernandez

Hi, Everyone!

I just received the sweetest letter from Ray Hernandez, my high school prom date. Just listen to this:

Dear Natasha:

I hope this letter finds you well, and I pray that you don’t get too rusty at Rust College… hahahaha! Please forgive me for that corny joke. But seriously, I know you probably feel out of your element, but you will do just fine. Just remember to look up beyond the hills from whence cometh your help (Psalm 121).

As you know, I got accepted at Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Northridge, but I chose the former over the latter. As it turned out, it was a good decision on my part because I’m only about a half hour away from my parents’ house. Plus, my mom and dad could easily afford the tuition, so it’s all good.

Natasha, there is an added incentive behind this letter. The truth is, I really like you. I have had a crush on you ever since our freshman year at LaBon. I wanted to tell you, but I got scared, and plus I didn’t want to make you feel awkward. You’re just the type of lady that I’m looking for—you’re smart, friendly, and very pretty. You’ve probably been scooped up by some dude already, and if that’s the case, then so be it. But as long as you know how I feel about you, that’s a victory in and of itself. And I want to thank you again for being my prom date; it really meant a lot to me.

Well, I shall talk to you later, but until then, take care, study hard, and don’t ever change, Natasha—stay the same sweet lady that you are. God Bless.

Sincerely,

Ray

Wow, I didn’t know Ray felt that way about me. I’m gonna write him back this weekend, for sure. My question is: What should I tell him?

Until next time, I’ll holla!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Cali Girl Meets Rich-Dawg!

Hi, Everyone!

Remember last week, when I shared a story about how I schooled some fella on how to speak to me? Well, check this out: Yesterday afternoon. I was leaving the cafeteria and heading to my dorm when…

“Hey, Natasha! Yo, Natasha!”

It was Mr. Wannabe Playa-Playa. He had to have taken heed to my speech because he actually called me by my name. As humbly as he could, he looked at me and said, “Listen, about what happened a couple days ago—my bad, okay? I really didn’t mean no disrespect.”

“Oh, it’s all good, and apology accepted,” I smiled.

“That’s what’s up,” he chuckled. “By the way, my name’s Richard, but my homies call me Rich-Dawg.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his rather interesting nickname. I did apologize for my sudden outburst, to which he said, “It’s all good, Li’l Ma… I mean, Natasha.”

I winked at him, just to let him know that I liked how he caught that slip-up. He smiled and told me that because of the way I carried myself, I was either from Chicago, South Memphis, or the A-T-L. I told him that he had used up his three strikes, to which he stated regrettably, “I shoulda said Olive Branch.”

“And you still would’ve been wrong, Rich-Dawg!” I giggled.

“A’ight, then. Where’s home?” he asked.

I told him that I was a native Los Angeleno, and naturally he questioned why I chose Rust when I could’ve easily attended a college in Cali. The next thing I knew, Richard and I had conversed for a good half hour or so. I was quite impressed with his cordiality, despite his hip-hop vernacular… okay, I admit it—I’m kinda interested in Richard, but I didn’t come all the way from L.A. to Rust just to find a boyfriend. I’m here to earn my degree in Elementary Education. Besides, for all I know, “Rich-Dawg” could be puttin’ a sista on!

But yet and still, he has a certain je ne sais quoi. We’ll just see what develops.

Until next time…

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha