Just Because...

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: I got a “just because” card from Ray Hernandez.

Okay, so on the front of the card is a picture of a daydreaming ladybug, just gazing up at the clouds in the sky, and on the inside of the card is a handwritten inscription from Ray, which reads:

Hey there, Miss Natasha.

There’s no real reason for this card; I just wanted to let you know that you were on my mind. I can’t wait for you to come home for Christmas, but until then, take care, and do know that I’m thinking about you.

By the way: These girls here at Cal State Long Beach ain’t got nothin’ on you (in my Tyrese voice).

Lotsa Smiles,

Ray

Ruby has teased me endlessly, saying that I’ve been “gushin’ and blushin’.” Okay, I’ll admit that I have a bit of a Cheshire Cat grin, but other than that, I don’t know what Ruby’s talking about. I mean, so what if he dedicated “Nothing On You” by Tyrese to me? So what if I have our prom picture in a frame on my desk in my room? So what if Ray is on my Christmas list?

In any event, I appreciate the “just because” card from Ray, and I am now convinced to make an itinerary where we can spend some time together… at least for the Christmas vacation, anyway.

I know I shouldn’t be so giddy, but what the hell—I’m not used to all of this attention.

Talk to you all later. Bye!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

I'm Not The Chick To Mess With!

Hi, Everyone!

So today in my Intro to Computers class, Richard was holding the door for a couple of the girls—you know, trying to put on some pisspoor act of being a gentleman. When I approached the door, he looks at me, as if he wanted to intimidate me. Maybe this is a family trait, but I returned the look back at him. Within an instant, he dropped his head and held the door open for me. I simply smiled and walked right on in the computer lab.

Now, I should’ve left well enough alone, but before I could catch myself, I turned back towards him and said, “Yeah, you betta hold that damn door open before I kick your ass again!”

Of course, this caused the classroom to collectively yell out: “Ohhhhhhhhhh!”

It wouldn’t have been so bad if someone didn’t suggest to Richard that he pick up that “punk card.”

Y’all wanna know what’s so bad: His buddies have disowned him. As a matter of fact, they branded him mercilessly, and if you all want my humble opinion, he deserves every bit of it. And there’s a huge part of me that wants to call my dad and have him make that special trip that he’s been chomping at the bit to do. I really would love to see my dad put a hurtin’ on that boy…

Nah, it’s okay—Richard really ain’t worth the ass-kickin’ that I know my dad could give him. I’ll just have my Great Aunt Donna in Memphis come out and sing to him; that’s torture in and of itself… LOL!

And besides, I’ve got more back-up than reverse with my roommate Ruby!

Well, that’s about it for today. Until then, take care and be good.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Unleash The Beast!

Hi, Everyone!

I recall the first time I heard my Auntie Cherri cuss someone out; it was a couple of years ago—I think I was ten years old at the time. Anyway, it confused me because up until then, I had never known her to have anything but a kind word to say about anybody. I reminded Auntie Cherri of how she was one of many who taught me about the strait and narrow, and how to ignore the jackasses and keep rising above. Auntie Cherri caught me by my shoulders, looked me straight in my eyes, and said, “Tasha, there is a large group of jackasses that, for some reason, refuse to let you rise above, and they don’t understand cordiality; therefore you have to stoop to their level to let them know exactly where the hell you’re comin’ from.”

Well, y’all—Auntie Cherri’s words came back to memory. Let’s just say that I understand exactly what she meant.

I have tried and tried—Lord knows I have tried and tried—to keep from snappin’, but this afternoon, I had to let Richard Cornelius know that I ain’t the chick to mess with. I don’t know what his problem is with rejection, but he needs to take care of it immediately. For one thing, I let him know that he has never been nor will he ever be God’s gift to women. I also let him know that he lost all kinds of brownie points with me when he showed me how big a jackass he could really be.

Do y’all know that Richard got in my face? I tried to walk away, but he kept pushing my buttons. Even his buddies tried to tell him to leave me alone, but to use an old Southern expression, that fool didn’t believe that fat meat’s greasy.

Y’all, I noticed that his jewels were not protected, so needless to say, he suffered the consequences. I made him think that I was gonna hit him with my Biology book, and he flinched. Before he knew what happened, I kicked him right in his jewels, and I’m not gonna lie—I made damn sure that I kicked him very hard.

As soon as he hit the ground, everybody on campus started laughing at his stupid ass. I’ll tell you how bad it was: His so-called buddies left him right where he was. I just looked at him and kept walking like nothing happened, and you just know that I’m gonna tell Auntie Cherri about this—she’s gonna love this story.

To quote Gramma Jewel: I betcha he won’t mess with me no mo’!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting on My Weekend in Nashville

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Saturday!

You know, I’m starting to make this a habit, am I?

Nonetheless, today’s special Saturday edition blog revolves around just last week. As you know, I really enjoyed visiting with Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica last weekend in Nashville… and let’s just say that Gramma’s Jewel’s visit was the icing on the cake and the cherry on top.

I already told you all about last Saturday’s baking contest, which really was no contest. Despite it being somewhat of a competition, you could tell that they were having so much fun because they were cracking jokes throughout the whole ordeal. It really was like an episode of MasterChef, except without the three judges. And I stand by what I said last week: Those three judges on MasterChef would have hell on their hands if they had to contend with Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie. I’m just sayin’.

And I’m sure that Gramma Jewel mentioned this on her Facebook page, but we shut down Ryan’s on the evening of October 19. Coincidentally, Gramma Jewel ran into her college roommate at Ryan’s… oh, yeah—lest I forget, Erica and I were treated to a wonderfully entertaining rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang. Gramma Jewel used her childhood nickname “Delta Jewel,” and Great Aunt Reesie used her nickname of “Reesie-Ree.” Cousin Jade joined in and called herself “Diamond Fly” (as a play on words to Casanova Fly). I know they’re gonna get me for this, but it really surprised me that Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie knew about ninety percent of the words. Whatever they didn’t know, they ad-libbed, but otherwise, it was a pretty good rendition.

By the way: This picture was taken over the weekend. I like to call it “Five Fabulous Foxy Females.” I’m pretty sure that Gramma Jewel will post the more pictures on her Facebook page.

Well, I had best get going, but before I do, I want to send my condolences to Mrs. Loretta Duncan; her dad passed away this past Sunday at the age of 73 years old. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Mrs. Duncan, and don’t worry—if I know my Grampa Clark, he’s requesting to live next door to your dad.

Until next time, everybody—love ya lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Strawberry Seven-Up Mania!

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s Friday Freestyle features… oh, let’s just get into the discussion.

I think Gramma Jewel would be happy to know that her strawberry seven-up cake was a big hit on the Rust College campus. Ruby cut about five slices just for herself, and a couple of girls in E.L. Rust were raving over it. Heck, the dormitory counselor even asked me if I could get the recipe from Gramma Jewel.

Those are some heavy-duty compliments, and I’m sure that Gramma Jewel appreciates every last one of them.

So, just how did the strawberry seven-up cake become so popular? Well, according to Gramma Jewel, she had first baked that cake in April of 1963, as a precursor to some good news that she had for my Grampa Clark. Here it is, almost 40 years later, and Gramma Jewel’s strawberry seven-up cake is still putting smiles across the faces of so many.

As a matter of fact (and I may have mentioned this last week), Gramma Jewel entered her strawberry seven-up cake in a baking contest in 1997; I was three years old at the time and I could recall our section cheering like crazy when Gramma Jewel won the blue ribbon. Not too many know this, but Gramma Jewel only entered the contest because her neighbors convinced her to do so; she didn’t even expect to be one of the five finalists, much less win the contest. Gramma Jewel was so humble when she won, though—she was quick to announce that any of the other four finalists should have the blue ribbon, and she encouraged them to follow their baking dreams.

Several others have asked Gramma Jewel for the recipe to her strawberry seven-up cake, and she gladly gives it to them. It hasn’t failed yet—all of them come back and ask her for the secret ingredient. Gramma Jewel simply smiles and says: “Baby, the secret ingredient—though corny as it may sound—is a lovin’ heart!”

Speaking of Gramma Jewel, it sure was fun seeing her again, and I know for sure that we’re gonna have a rockin’ good time when I come home for Christmas—like, for sure!

Well, I shall holla at y’all later. Take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Testimony Thursday

Hi, Everyone!

Gramma Jewel is probably up in the air as of this blog. I got a chance to talk to her this morning after I came back from my Biology class. I wish that I had had the opportunity to see her before she left for L.A., but I am grateful for the half-hour phone conversation.

It was good to see you again, Gramma—I’m so lookin’ forward for Christmas.

In today’s blog, I want to talk about something that happened to me before I left for Rust. Not too many people know this, but about three weeks before I left for college, I was rushed to the hospital. My heart rate was rapid, I felt clammy, and I was short of breath. The weird thing about the entire ordeal was that I wasn’t nauseous, nor did I have sharp pains in my jaw, neck, or shoulder. I tell you—I was really scared to death. I really thought I was gonna die. As I lay on the hospital bed with an I.V. in my arm and a heart monitor attached to me, I actually prayed to God that He would spare my mom and dad the pain from losing me; after all, I am their only child, let alone their onliest daughter. Well, imagine everyone’s surprise when Gramma Jewel entered my hospital room, and my heart rate went back to beating normally. My doctor started asking me some questions, and without knowing it, I admitted that I was trying to get mentally prepared for college. My doctor looked at me and said, “Well, there’s a perfectly good explanation for this—Miss Stewart, you’ve just had an anxiety attack.”

Now, take a look at my picture. As much as I smile and laugh, it’s impossible to believe that I—Natasha Renee Stewart—would suffer an anxiety attack, but it happened. I was so wound up with getting ready for college, saying the perfect farewell to my friends, and trying to find out what to wear for my congratulatory college send-off that I didn’t realize I had too many irons on the fire. Never mind the fact that there was so much pressure on me, seeing as how I am the last grandchild to attend college, yet the first grandchild to study at my Gramma Jewel’s alma mater.

I realize that it could’ve been worse—I could’ve worried myself into a heart attack. I thank and praise God that it was just an anxiety attack. Ever since August 3, my prayer is to take it easy, step back and have fun. Yes, there is so much going on in my life, and I do realize that I need to be serious in my academic studies, but I am inclined to have some fun… I’m just sayin’. Basically, what I want to say is: Even the most positive and upbeat optimists can get overtaken by worry, but just remember to step back and have fun… and above all else, trust in The Lord—He’s always got your back!

Until next time, see y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Those Awkward Moments...

Hi, Everyone!

I know that some of you are probably wondering why I haven’t even mentioned that wannabe playa Richard Cornelius up until now. Well, as I quickly learned, there are some things and some people that are not worth mentioning.”

So, why am I talking about him now? Well, here’s an ironic twist of fate for you: Richard is in my Intro to Computers class, and it really makes me sick. The good thing about this is that my roommate Ruby is in the same class with me. You see, what had happened was: On yesterday, our professor told us that we would meet in the computer lab. Well, as soon as I sat down, I happened to hear Richard’s voice. Right away, I started to cringe. Anyway, he saw me and tried to sit right next to me, and I got up and sat near a computer two rows ahead of him… you know, so I wouldn’t be bothered by him. Thankfully, Ruby caught on to what I was doing and intercepted Richard’s attempt to try and sit next to me. She simply zipped right past him and slammed her books in the chair next to me.

“I’m sittin’ here,” she said boldly.

“Now, hold up…”

“I said, I’m sittin’ here!”

And that’s when I chimed in and said with a bit of a mischievous grin, “Buh-bye, now… and pick your face up on the way back to your seat!”

Everyone in the classroom holla’d laughing. All Richard could do was take that dreaded walk of shame all the way back to his seat. With that madness out of the way, I thanked Ruby for having my back, to which she elbowed me in my shoulder.

Although I know that Ruby will not always be there to fight all of my battles, I’m truly grateful that she was there for me on yesterday. And I truly pray that I don’t have to—as Gramma Jewel would say—step outside myself and cut a shine. I mean, after all, I am the youngest grandchild of the lady once known as Delta Jewel… I’m just sayin’ is all!

And just for the record, he’s the only one who calls himself “Rich Dawg,” but if you ask me, he’s nothing but a jackass and a half.

Until tomorrow, take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Sorority Life

Hi, Everyone!

 

You know, Rust College never ceases to amaze me.

 

I haven’t really had a chance to talk about the sorority life, but I have noticed enough of it to know that it exists.

 

Maybe three weeks after I became used to my new surroundings, I noticed some of the female upperclass students—particularly the juniors and seniors—proudly donning their respective sorority colors. There’s the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., who proudly wear the salmon pink and apple green, and there are the ladies of crimson and cream—Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., if you will. However, of these sororities, the ladies of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. have caught my attention… and yes, part of the reason is because their colors are the same as Rust College—royal blue and white. And isn’t it ironic that blue happens to be my favorite color?

 

Now, I want to state for the record once again that I did not come all the way from Los Angeles, California to join a sorority, but I must admit that I am intrigued. This is perhaps gonna be the most crucial decision in my college life. I’ve only been here two months, and I’ve had several representatives from ΑΚΑ, ΔΣΘ, and ΖΦΒ talk to me about their respective organizations, and inasmuch as I am leaning towards the Zetas, I have a similarly strong interest in the AKAs and the Deltas.

 

I know that I need a better reason to join a sorority other than my favorite color, or because “everyone else is doing it.”

 

Well, the good thing about all of this is that I have until my sophomore year to make up my mind.

 

See y’all tomorrow. I’ve got Computer Class at 1pm CST.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back to Bearcat Country

Hi, Everyone!

Well, after about three and a half days of rest and relaxation, I’m back on the campus of Rust College, with a homemade strawberry seven-up cake from Gramma Jewel.

The second module has begun, and I have only two classes: Introduction to Computers and Biological Science. I may have mentioned this once upon a time, but I have some experience in the computer class, considering that I’ve practically been born with computer knowledge. As for the Biology class, I’m gonna need my prayer warriors en masse. You see, in high school, I barely passed Biology with a C. I do not want history to repeat itself now that I’m in college.

In other news, Gramma Jewel is still out here for another couple of days; her plane leaves on Thursday, October 25… oh, how I envy her. I know I shouldn’t, but I gotta be honest—I still miss my L.A. home and everything which that entails. Do you know that I can see the Hollywood sign from where I live? All I have to do is go outside in the backyard and stand in a significant spot, and I can see Hollywood as clear as day. Of course, I have to stand on my tiptoes or climb a stepladder to do so (after all, I am 4’11”), but y’all get my picture.

Oh, before I forget: Mom and Dad sent my absentee voter’s information via FedEx. I was checking my mail, and there it was. I’ve already checked it out and everything—I’ll be mailing it off tomorrow. I already told y’all who I’m voting for, so don’t look shocked. If I can take a quote from Gramma Jewel: Obamania will be runnin’ wild for four more years, Baby!

Well, that’s it for today’s blog. I will have more for you on tomorrow, but until then, make it a good one.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Gramma Jewel vs. Great Aunt Reesie—Battle of Desserts

Hi, Everyone!

This afternoon, I witnessed one of the greatest battles in my family’s history—of course, I’m talking about the baking battle between Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie. Let me tell y’all: Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Gordon Elliot from MasterChef would have loved to be the judges here in Nashville, because this was such a cool competition, especially considering that my grandmother and my great aunt, respectively, are two of the greatest cooks in my family.

Now that I think about it, those three gentlemen were better off having not being judges, because knowing Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie like I do, they would’ve both… well, I’ll just leave that alone!

For starters, both ladies had a discussion about which dessert was the best. Gramma Jewel pointed out that her strawberry seven-up cake won First Prize in the 1997 Culver City Baking Challenge, but Great Aunt Reesie was quick to mention that her red velvet cake “has been a hit at every church potluck.”

After the somewhat scripted face-to-face interview, it was time for the baking… but then Cousin Jade threw a monkey wrench into the contest: Both ladies had to bake the opposite dessert. Upon hearing the news, Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie both looked at each other and said, “Aw, hell!”

Speaking as a spectator, I kinda knew that the roles would be reversed, yet it still made for a great competition.

After a total of three hours (prepping, baking, and decorating), we waited an hour or so for the cakes to cool off. Needless to say, both Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie were both winners. It was kinda ironic, considering that both ladies were completely out of their baking comfort zones.

For the record: The reason why they both desserts won was due to one common factor: Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie put extra amounts of love in their desserts.

Well, that’s about gonna do it for me. See you all Monday with a brand-new blog.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Greetings from Great Aunt Reesie's!

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Friday!

In the famous words of the late Fred Rogers, it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood, especially over here with my Nashville family.

I had a real good night’s sleep last night. I think I went to bed sometime around midnight. It was a great feeling to be home away from home. And of course, Gramma Jewel’s visit has made it that much better.

And I’m still full after breakfast! I helped make a Southern-style smorgasbord of food. We had blueberry waffles, toast, biscuits, turkey sausage, turkey bacon, hash browns, and scrambled eggs with shredded cheese and garlic pepper. I don’t think any of us will be hungry until tomorrow afternoon, especially considering that I keep slippin’ in the kitchen for a piece of bacon or a half a biscuit… hahaha!

Being a city girl, I truly appreciate the quiet, country ambience. I’m still marveling over the trees with the sunset-colored leaves. Everything is so breathtaking to me, so no one can blame me for being so overwhelmed with awe. By the way, Great Aunt Reesie has this gorgeous apple tree that’s just ready to produce fruit, and let me tell y’all—the apples are just delicious!

This evening, we’re all gonna celebrate Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie’s respective birthdays at Ryan’s. That’s kinda apropos because I love that place. And then tomorrow… good grief! Cousin Erica called me the other day and told me about it, and from what I’ve witnessed, it is most definitely official: On Saturday, October 20, 2012, Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie are gonna square off in a battle of strawberry seven-up vs. red velvet. This should be one for the ages, and yes—I’ll be damn sure to post a special Saturday Edition blog about that one!

Until next time, see ya later!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Onward to Nashville!

Hi, Everyone!

So, I’m all set for my little “vacation” from college life. I gotta get back on it this Monday, but for now, I’m just gonna enjoy these three days with family.

You know, growing up in a very strong Christian family, I’ve learned quite a few things. For instance, I’ve come to grips with the fact that any true believer in God has no business uttering the word “luck.” If I may be so bold as to quote my Gramma Jewel: “Ain’t no such thing as luck with God’s children—if you can’t think to say that you’re blessed, then at least have the common decency to say that you’re fortunate!”

Having said that, I feel very blessed and fortunate to have family out here with me, even if they are three hours away… then again, the closest family member in proximity is my Great Aunt Donna; she lives in Memphis, and she has told me that I am more than welcome to stay with her anytime I feel like it. Of course, the proper protocol would be to call her first before I just pay her a visit all willy-nilly.

I apologize if this blog is not as glamorous as its predecessors—I guess there’s not much to talk about today. Besides, I’m still excited that I’m gonna stay with Great Aunt Reesie, with the bonus of seeing Cousin Jade and Cousin Erica. And of course, we cannot leave out the coup de gras, the pièce de résistance, the extra added incentive—Gramma Jewel’s much anticipated visit!

I am like, so totally excited because I get to take a break from college life. I truly feel as though I have earned these couple of days off. I should be expecting Cousin Jade to get me sometime this afternoon, if not this evening.

Well, y’all, I’ve got a couple of more loose ends to tighten up, so let me make sure that everything is in order. Until tomorrow, love ya lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Finally, I'm Done With My Finals!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, I’ve just finished taking my Algebra final, and I can honestly say with a clear conscience that I missed five questions out of fifty.

Now, check this out, because I’m gonna say something ironic: I’ve already figured out my score using basic mathematics. There were fifty questions in that final, which were worth two points each. So, if I got forty-five algebraic problems correct, then forty-five times two equals ninety, and that final percentage would mean that I earned a solid B.

Isn’t that strange how I can figure out the mathematical equation for my final grade, and that in and of itself gave me a headache… hahaha!

Now that I am done with finals, it’s time to focus on relaxing for a couple of days. Ruby is going home to Olive Branch for the weekend; I think she’s leaving tomorrow, but she’s fortunate to live so relatively close to Rust. I wish I could go home to visit Mom and Dad, if just for the weekend. Hell, I wish I could go to Fatburger (yes, I’m still harpin’ on that), but I have to wait until Christmas. I guess that’s okay; I’ve got a feeling that it will be worth the wait. I’ve got two months to prepare for my return to where it all began for me—Los Angeles, California. However, in the meantime in between time, I’ve got to play the cards that are in my hand. And then, too, Gramma Jewel is out here visiting Great Aunt Reesie, and I’ve already spoken to Cousin Jade. I’ve already made arrangements to make my return to Nashville.

Hot Diggity—a full weekend in Nashville!

Well, y’all—this is it. I’ve got a couple of loose ends to tie up, but even though I’m gonna be in Nashville, you will still hear from me… I promise.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Special Birthday Blog for Great Aunt Reesie!

Hi, Everyone!

And the beat goes on and on and on…

Today is a very special day for one Ms. Theresa Bernice Coleman—a.k.a. my Great Aunt Ressie. She is 75 years old today. Happy Birthday to you, young lady!

Now, I know what you all are thinking: Don’t you have finals to worry about? Well, no—I’m not worrying about my finals; besides, I’ve already knocked two of them out of the ballpark today: Composition I and African Diaspora. Please forgive me if this sounds like I’m bragging, but I know for a fact that I aced both them finals. That’s right, I said: both them finals—that’s how much confidence I have. Now, I’ve got College Algebra tomorrow morning at 8am CST, and afterwards I am officially through with my first module, but right now, I must take advantage of this free time that I have to acknowledge and recognize my Great Aunt Reesie.

As I mentioned: Great Aunt Reesie is the big 7-5 today, and she doesn’t look a day over fifty. I know that she and Gramma Jewel are causing all kinds of “double-double trouble,” as only they can do. By the way: Double-Double Trouble was a nickname that Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie earned rather dubiously after having a reputation for wreaking havoc… at least, that’s what Mom and Auntie Cherri told me.

Well, I had best get going so I need to study some more of this here Algebra. I promise you—I’ll be so glad when this particular final is over with. I am just about through.

By the way: Check out the photo of Great Aunt Reesie. She’s lookin’ mighty stylish, ain’t she?  Hahaha!

And while it’s on my mind, I just want to say that I’m dedicating my Algebra final to Great Aunt Reesie. She told me just how much she loved mathematic equations, so I’m gonna go in there and do the thing. I cannot promise that I’ll get an A, but I will promise that I am not gonna get a C.

Until tomorrow, y’all—take care!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha