"Operation: Ray’s Valentine" In Full Effect!

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin, I just want to wish a Happy 77th Birthday to my Great Aunt Donna... and for once, I'm gonna sing to her! Hahaha!

Well, as you can tell by the title, Operation: Ray’s Valentine is in full effect!

It’s funny how ideas just pop up in my head. I just remembered that Ray likes the color blue, so I’m gonna head up to Wal-Mart again and see if I can find a Tupperware container with a blue top on it. I also need to buy some Valentine stickers to decorate the container, and finally the “coop de gracie” of it all, the brownie mix. Just for the record, I’m gonna decorate Ray’s brownies; some will have his initials “RFH,” others will have happy faces and hearts, and the rest will have my lipstick mark—not my real lipstick mark, but I can draw kisses pretty good, if I do say so myself.

Maybe I’ve mentioned this in a previous blog, but it’s worth reiterating: I have never felt this way about a guy before, and I like it. Now that I think about it, I have never really gone all out for a guy unless it was my dad, my uncles, or even my Grampa Clark, so Ray has to be really special to me if I’m doing all of this for him.

I’ve thought about something else: Every man in my life—my dad, my uncles, my Grampa Clark, and even my pastor—has been a prime example of what a true man is all about. Yes, I’m only eighteen years old (and if The Lord spare me nothin’ happen, I’ll be nineteen in about ten days), but I have taken notice to how these men in my life have treated their queens They’ve set the standards through their different characteristics, and through their actions, they’re shown me the type of man that I need to have in my life. To each of those men, I say: Thank You!

Well anyway, I’ve got to get going. Let me get to my Geometry & Trig class, then I'll finish up the rest of this Valentine gift for Ray, and later on in the evening I gotta get to tutoring with Neo Theo, who by the way, is another example of what a real man is all about.

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow—love ya lots!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Smitten

“Hello, allow me to introduce myself—I am smitten.”

Hi, Everyone!

That is a verse from one of Rod Stewart’s songs from his Human CD. I was listening to that song on YouTube just last night as I was brainstorming some ideas to make a special Valentine for my sweetie pie Ray Hernandez.

And yes, y’all—that is the picture that we had taken at the Griffith Park Observatory. As you can see, it was a very clear and beautiful day, but it was also some kinda cold up there on that hill. I will say this, though: It was well worth it, given that Ray and I won’t be seeing each other until May.

By the way, I know it looks like I was waving, but I was reaching for Ray’s face when a kind security guard took our picture.

So, as it relates to the Valentine gift I have for Ray, I’ve already gotten the perfect Valentine card for him: On the front is a picture of a sunset along the beach, with the sun shaped like a heart, with two eagles are flying over a violet cloud, and the inscription reads: “Thinking of You on Valentine’s Day.” Now, on the inside is blank, so I’ve written my very own verse. To sum it up, I just mentioned how we are spending our first Valentine’s Day apart from each other, but my heart still beats for him. And to top it off, I literally sealed it with a kiss. That’s right—Ray’s gonna have my lipstick mark, along with a touch of my lilac perfume, as a special reminder.

Ruby suggested that I send the card a la carte on account of my lipstick print is enough of a present, but I want Ray to know that I put more thought into my gift for him because I think he’s a very special guy…

And a lightbulb just went off in my head!

I could ask Theo to help me put together a little booklet with a timeline that features how Ray and I have gotten to this point. I’ve got plenty of pictures and ideas for Theo to work with. I can also bake some Valentine brownies for my little sweetie pie. I’ll have to make a special trip to either Olive Branch or Memphis, but it’s gonna be worth it on account of Ray is really a special guy.

“Natasha Renee Stewart, you are like, so totally a freakin’ genius!”

Well, I gotta get to my Geometry & Trig class. Take care, y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Another Miracle in Geometry & Trig, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

I never thought I would say this, but there is actually something in my Geometry & Trigonometry class that I can fully comprehend!

Today in class, my professor taught us about standard deviation, which is defined as “a quantity calculated to indicate the extent of deviation for a group as a whole.” Simply put… well, let’s just say that the phrase “deviate from the norm” comes to mind. Now, the process itself is a rather lengthy one, and I do have enough time to explain it in this blog, but you would be happy to know that I fully understand standard deviation and its methods.

Here’s an example: I wrote down the names and heights of all of my family members. Using the standard deviation method, I can tell you that the average height is five-feet four inches (Congratulations, Auntie Glo). Well, my cousin Erica and I are four-feet eleven inches, whereas my dad and my Uncle Anthony are six feet even. Meanwhile, everyone else in my family is clustered around my Aunt Glo, while the four of us deviate from her.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is an example of standard deviation!

I want to state for the record that I do not count myself to have apprehended Geometry & Trigonometry completely, nor will I quit going to Theo’s tutoring sessions—I am saying, however, that I fully understand the method and meaning of standard deviation, and it excites me that I actually learned something in this challenging class. I already know that it gonna be on the midterm, as well as the final, so I’m cool with it.

How much do I love standard deviation? Let me put it like this: When I fulfill my dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher, I’m gonna teach it to my little ones; that way, when they go off to college and they have to take this class, they’ll think back and say, “I remember when Miss Stewart taught this class when I was in kindergarten!”

I’m definitely gonna write that in my planner!

Until next time, y’all take care—and continue to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Theo's Admirer

Hi, Everyone! Long time, no holla!

 

So, check this out, y’all: Neo Theo has a not-so-secret admirer!

 

Here’s the skinny: Ruby, Theo, and I were at our usual spot in the cafeteria, just talking about random stuff. It was then that some girl walked past our table and started flirting with Theo—she batted her eyes and did that flirtatious little wave and everything. Theo waved back and continued talking to us. When Ruby and I inquired about the girl, Theo only mentioned that her name was Olivia and she was in his Physical Science class.

 

A couple of minutes later, the girl walked up to our table and asked Theo for the time. Ruby and I looked at each other and chuckled quietly while Theo told the girl that it was 12:30pm. The girl thanked Theo, squeezed his shoulder, and walked away, only to look back and grin rather shyly. I don’t think Theo was really paying attention, but Ruby and I sure were.

 

“Theo, are you blind and deaf?” Ruby asked. “That girl is seriously checkin’ you out.”

 

“Nah, she’s just being friendly, is all,” Theo answered innocently.

 

“Theo, take it from two girls who have flirted with guys before,” I said. “That girl was tryin’ to get you to notice her. Why do you think she asked you for the time? She was askin’ you if you had time for her.”

 

“And believe me—Tasha knows what she’s talkin’ about,” Ruby chuckled.

 

Before I could react to Ruby’s comments, she stopped me in my tracks and said, “Your venom doesn’t work on me, Vipress. Besides, you know I ain’t lyin’.”

 

Could it be that there’s a “romance” in the making between Theo and this Olivia chick? I don’t know much about her, other than she’s in the same dorm as me and Ruby. I’ll tell you this, though: Just as Theo is protective of me and Ruby, so are we protective of him. Miss Olivia had better recognize… and on behalf of Ruby, I’m just sayin’!

 

Until tomorrow, y’all take it light!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Theo's Tutoring Skills

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I want to wish a Happy 46^th Birthday to my cousin Jade Diamond Coleman, a.k.a “Diamond Fly.”
Love ya, Cuzzo—continue shinin’ bright like a diamond! Hahahaha!

So, I had my first tutoring session in Geometry & Trigonometry yesterday evening, and let me tell y’all—Theo’s a damn good teacher.

The minute we met up in the library, Theo looked at me all serious and said, “Okay, Natasha—here’s the dilly-o: In order to understand Geometry, you have to be Geometry. Now, I know that sounds weird, but it’s true. Oh, yeah—and while I am more than happy to be your tutor, you have to use a study method that works for you. That way, when you take the midterm in a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to ace this bad boy. My only question to you is: Are you ready?”

I giggled a little, and then I said: “Bring it on, Theo—bring it on.”

Within a two-hour session, Theo taught me the different geometric shapes and sizes, and even explained to me that, believe it or not, geometry has its own language. I figured that I may as well learn said language while I’m in this class for the next seven weeks. Theo even helped me with a few questions that may be on the upcoming midterm, which is in three to four weeks.

Now, I’d be telling a bold-faced lie if I told y’all that I know everything about Geometry & Trigonometry, but I will say that Theo broke down the first two chapters for me in a way that I could understand, and I am very appreciative to him for that. I’m also grateful that he only taught me the first two chapters; after all, I only started the class a couple of days ago.

I can’t lie, though—I kinda wanted Theo to cheat for me, seeing as how he has already taken this class. Before y’all get uptight, I want y’all to know that your sweet little innocent Natasha has not turned over to the dark side. It was just a thought and nothing else, but thankfully I came to my senses and brought that horrible thought unto captivity.

Well, I’ll holla at y’all later, but please continue to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Blessings In Disguise

“What a friend we have in Jesus—all our sins and grieves to bear.

What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.”

Hi, Everyone!

It’s funny how things work out the way they do.

The first time I remember Gramma Jewel singing the aforementioned song, I was ten years old. Gramma Jewel was having her own personal conversation with The Lord, and once she received in her heart that everything was already alright, she changed her song to: “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus—no, not one.”

Fast forward to yesterday evening in the cafeteria: I was telling Ruby and Theo about my miraculous victory in that pop quiz, despite my trials and tribulations in Geometry & Trigonometry, and how I might have to put my pride aside and take advantage of the tutoring program that my professor suggested. Well, imagine my surprise when I found out that my tutor is none other than Neo Theo himself!

Does The Lord answer prayer, or does The Lord answer prayer?!

I plumb forgot that Theo had already taken this class last semester; as a matter of fact, he did so well in the class that he got an A+. Now that I think about it, Theo kept encouraging me to go ahead and try out the tutoring program. As a matter of fact, he kept saying: “Tasha, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Well, he sho’ wasn’t lyin’ bout that, now was he!

My first tutoring session is this evening in the Leontyne Price Library. I’m excited, I’m nervous, and I’m curious. I have to wonder now: Just how good and how serious of a tutor is he?

Oh, that’s right—he got an A+ in the class!

Lord, I’m callin’ on You again. You already know my heart’s desire. I don’t have to get an A+ like Theo, but I don’t want anything less than a C either. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Update on Judy Gibson's Mother

“Now let us have a little talk with Jesus; let us tell Him all about our troubles.

He will hear our faintest cry, and He will answer by and by.

Now when you feel a little prayer wheel turnin’ and you know a little fire is burnin’,

You’ll find that just a little talk with Jesus makes it right—oh yeah!”

Hi, Everyone!

The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous still availeths much, y’all!

This afternoon in the cafeteria, I was chillin’ with Ruby and Theo (as always), and Judy walked up to us with a big smile on her face—she was cheesin’ more than I do, and that’s saying something! Anyway, she sat down with us and said, “I apologize for taking up your time, but I wanted to come by and thank you both for your prayers. I am happy to report that my mom is back on her feet again! As it turned out, she had a dangerous combination of high blood pressure and food poisoning on Wednesday evening. Now, the amazing thing is that, when I went to see her on Saturday morning, she was her usual self, crackin’ jokes and everything. I told her how I was glad she was feelin’ so much better, and how I did not want to live life knowing that I had said something that sent her to the hospital. She looked right at me and said, ‘You really don’t know me very well, do you, Girl?” I tell y’all: I’m so glad that I was not the reason behind her hospitalization, but I still apologized to her for starting an argument with her.

Ruby, Theo, and I just smiled and nodded upon the news, and then Judy gave us a big hug on behalf of her mother. “She thanks you for your unwavering faith and prayers,” she added. “And I thank you for being such good friends—this really means a whole lot to me.”

And just like my Gramma Jewel, I smiled and said, “Anytime, Sweetheart. Besides, it’s all in a day’s work for The Lord’s children.”

It’s great to know that Judy’s mom is doing a lot better than she was. By the same token, I feel that much better in knowing that I was used as an instrument to minister to a fellow sister in need. Once again, it’s been proven that prayer is the key and faith unlocks the door. He heard every word from me, Ruby, and Theo, and while we were yet calling, The Lord had already worked it out.

And all I have to say is: Thank You, Lord, for blessing Judy with the gift of another chance!

Yes, indeedy—prayer will fix it everytime!

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Viewpoint on Dr. King's Legacy and President Obama's Inauguration

Hi, Everyone!

It is Tuesday afternoon, January 22, 2012, and I want to take a break from the norm and discuss the historic moment that took place yesterday. As you know, President Obama’s inauguration fell on Martin Luther King Day yesterday, and I still have goosebumps because once again, I witnessed “an historic event of historic proportions,” as my Grampa Clark would say. Oh, and for the record, I so totally wanna be like First Lady Obama when I grow up!

As it relates to the legendary MLK, I read somewhere that his name was originally Michael Luther King, but he later changed it to Martin.

By the way: Ruby, Theo, and I saw the movie King starring the late Paul Winfield… Oh my God—that was a great movie! I mean, everything about it was just beautifully put together. Mr. Winfield was a great choice for MLK, and all the way through the movie, Cicely Tyson made me believe that she was really Coretta Scott—that’s how you capture the viewing audience’s attention!

And then, Ruby told me about an episode of Boondocks, entitled “Return of the King.” I had heard about this particular episode before, but when Ruby showed me the tape (her parents recorded it when it first aired seven years ago), I was too through. That really was my very first time watching that episode, and I fully understand what Aaron MacGruder was trying to do. Think about it, y’all—put yourself in MLK’s shoes. How would you feel after you realized that all that you had sacrificed was in vain? I don’t know about y’all, but like MLK in that episode, I would wanna cuss out each and every one of those triflin’, shiftless, good-for-nothing bastards as well!

By the way: I really did wanna know what Dr. King had to say about Soul Plane!

Anyway, my whole point in this whole diatribe was to say: Rosa sat so Martin could walk, and Martin walked so Barack could run… but I will continue to look up to the hills from whence cometh my help. All of my help cometh from The Lord.

By the way, as it relates to the Martin Luther King episode of Boondocks, I want to point out that Gramma Jewel and Auntie Cherri were absolutely right once again—there comes a time when you have to forget being nice and just get downright dirty. It also goes back to what my Uncle Ronnie once said: “You can’t speak civilly when you’re surrounded by a bunch of jackasses!”

Y’all have a good day, and I’ll holla tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

This Has Been One Helluva Week!

Hi, Everyone!

This has truly been one heck of a week, hasn’t it? Let me tell y’all: A rollercoaster ride at Six Flags can’t possibly compare to events that I have gone through this week. I mean, it started with a pop quiz in Geometry & Trig, followed by a sweet letter from Ray, and then it took an abrupt turn with my fellow Class of 2016 alumna Judy Gibson.

By the way, Judy left last night to go see about her mom. I’ve already sent up another prayer that everything will be alright—that’s actually about all I can do.

And yes, I did in fact call my own mother. She was rather concerned, considering that we talked on Wednesday evening. I only told Mom a little bit about Judy’s situation with her mother, and with the little that I only mentioned, Mom knew the whole story. It amazes me how I can say three words, and Mom will crack the code, per se.

“For that girl’s sake, her mama better make it through this, do it’s gonna be hell to tell the captain!” Mom declared emphatically. “And I mean it’s gonna be hell for that girl. She’s gonna be walkin’ around feelin’ guilty for the rest of her life, and that ain’t what she wants. Now, I’m gonna pray for her, but that girl needs to do some prayin’ of her own. It’s like that, and that’s the way it is!”

Well, I won’t know anything until perhaps Monday, but this much I do know: Judy and her mother are in my prayers, and I’m gonna keep on believing that it is already done in the name of Jesus!

And in case you’re wondering why I have a picture of me and my mom posted to today’s blog, it is my way of showing my love and support to Judy.

And for the record: Yes, my mom still has that gawdy-lookin’ hat!

I recognize that Monday is Martin Luther King Day, so whether I holla at y’all on Monday or Tuesday, the bottom is that I’ll holla at y’all!

Have a good rest-of-the-weekend, everybody!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Still Keeping Judy's Mom In Prayer

Hi, Everyone!

After yesterday afternoon’s impromptu but very much needed prayer meeting with fellow future Rust alum Judy Gibson, my mind has taken a serious detour. As you know from yesterday’s blog, I was compelled to console my fellow Bearcat, after learning that her mother had been admitted to the hospital.

Last night, Judy paid me and Ruby a surprise visit and gave us the latest update. Out of respect for Judy and her family, I will keep the news clandestine, but I will say this: It’s really not looking good for Judy’s mother. In addition, Judy believes that she is the reason for her mother’s hospitalization. She explained that she got into a heated argument with her mother this past Monday. “I never meant what I said—I was just frustrated,” she sobbed. “And now, my mom is lyin’ up in a hospital bed because of me. I never should have said what I said. I should be the one lyin’ in that hospital bed, not my mom!”

All I could do was gather Ruby and start another prayer circle. Not only did I pray for Judy’s mother, but I also prayed that The Lord would give Judy another chance to ask for her mother’s forgiveness. After believing that it was already done, Judy hugged me and Ruby and said that she appreciated us praying for her. And perhaps because Ruby and I were feeling altruistic, we told Judy that she could stay with us if she felt like it.

Listening to Judy’s testimony made me think about the battles that I’ve had with my own mom—yes, it’s true that my mom and I have had some arguments, but in the end, I knew my limitations; I am still my mother’s child! Besides, after cooler heads have prevailed, Mom and I would have a calm discussion, then we would make up and say those three special words: I love you.

I cannot imagine what Judy is going through, yet my heart goes out to her. It makes me that much grateful to God for the close relationship that I have with my mother, Danielle Renee Stewart. I could not imagine life without her, and I’m not talking about me being in Holly Springs, Mississippi and her being back in Los Angeles. Nonetheless, Judy’s testimony has convinced me to call my mom this evening, if for nothing but to say that I was thinking about her.

I ask that you all continue to pray for Judy and her mother—I know I will.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My Call To Duty

Hi, Everyone!

 

There is a reason why this blog is so late.

 

Ruby and I had just left the cafeteria after lunch, and we were heading to our dorm. As soon as we walked in, we noticed this girl sitting in the lobby of E.L. Rust, crying something serious. Something compelled me to talk to the girl, so I told Ruby not to wait for me. Ruby nodded and said that she would leave the door of our room unlocked, seeing as how I didn't have my keys on me anyway.

 

I sat next to the girl and asked her if everything was okay. She looked up at me, her eyes terribly swollen from crying. She was about to speak, but then she broke down and sobbed some more. I gave her a hug, then I said: “Hon, I don’t know what you’re goin’ through, nor do I need to know, but can’t nothin’ be that bad. And even if it is that bad, you gotta learn to put it all in The Father’s Hands.”

 

The girl explained to me that she had received a disturbing call from back home in Memphis. Her mother was admitted in the hospital just last night, in critical condition. Instantly, I caught the girl’s hand and prayed for her right then and there. The girl gave me a hug and thanked me for being “so genuinely concerned.”

 

I remember my pastor talking about how everything is providentially planned. It could be that it was meant for me to be there and comfort my fellow Rustite, and I did all I could to make sure that she received some form of encouragement.

 

I also noticed something else: That soft, comforting voice, that undeniable altruism, and that powerful prayer—I had instantly turned into my Gramma Jewel!

 

As I close this blog, I just have one simple request: Say a prayer for my fellow Rustite—her name is Judy Gibson—and also say a special prayer for her mom.


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Responding To Ray's Letter

Hi, Everyone!

I was up until almost midnight last night. I was writing a response to Ray’s sweet letter. Check this out, if you will:

Dear Ray,

I trust that this letter finds you in high hopes and great spirits. I want you to know that while I was writing this letter to you, I had my Amy Grant’s “House of Love” CD playing. Amazingly enough, it was playing the third track entitled “Whatever It Takes.” That song is so apropos to me, because as you know, we won’t see each other until I come back in late May or early June. However, if that’s what it takes, then so be it.

Also, thank you for the copy of our picture that we took up at the Observatory, and thank you for your compliment about me being a helluva kisser. You’re not so bad yourself… LOL!

I did write more, but I’d much rather keep that clandestine (that’s my new word for the year). And that reminds me: I need to go Valentine’s Day shopping for my sweetie pie… Oh my God—I’ve got a sweetie pie, albeit long distance!

Well, I had best get going—matter of fact, I’m gonna ask Ruby if she can run me up to Wal-Mart real quick. I may as well take care of Ray’s present while it’s fresh on my mind, don’tcha know.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Ray Is Still Thinkin' About Me!

Hi, Everyone!

So, check this out: I got a letter from Ray. Just listen to what my sweetie pie has to say:

Dear Natasha:

I trust that this letter finds your first week of this New Year 2013 doing well, and I pray that your second semester at Rust is just as successful as your first.

In this letter, I enclosed a copy of the picture we had taken up at the Griffith Park Observatory—you know, right before you caught a hold of me and kissed me.

By the way, you’re a damn good kisser, Natasha… and I’m not sayin’—I’m just sayin’!

Also, I realize that your birthday is coming up, so I’m working on “a lil’ sumpthin-sumpthin” for you. I cannot promise you that it will be worth a million dollars, but you will know that it came straight from this ol’ heart of mine. Here’s the only clue I’m gonna give you: By any other name would it smell so sweet!

Oh, yeah! I forgot to tell you: I got my grades back for the first semester, and I am happy to report that just like you, I am holdin’ down a 3.8 grade point average. This semester is pretty challenging, though, but you know what they say: When the going gets tough, the tough gets going… and I’m gonna go ahead and maintain this GPA.

Well, that’s it on my end. I hope to hear from you soon, but until then, just know that this heart of mine continues to beat for you.

Missin’ You,

Ray

It’s nice to know that Ray is still thinking about me—and I’ve got chills runnin’ all over me right now. I know what I’ve gotta do now: I gotta write him back, if for nothing but to say that I’m thinking about him as well.

Talk to y’all tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Miracle in Geometry & Trig!

Hi, Everyone!

Today was one of those days where I know for a fact somebody prayed for me!

This morning in my Geometry & Trigonometry class, we had a pop quiz. Naturally, I was worried, because when I studied over the weekend, it took me three hours to figure out one geometric problem. I just knew that I was gonna fail this pop quiz, but yet and still, I went ahead and took it like a champ. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the questions on the pop quiz were definitions of geometric terms.

For instance, “Geometry is the study of…” and of course, the answer is: “angles and triangles, perimeter, area and volume.”

Can y’all believe that I aced that damn pop quiz? I mean, I ain’t miss not nann-one! Much like what happened in my College Algebra class last semester, I totally forgot that I was in class, and I just shouted: “Thank You, Jesus!”

And of course, everyone looked at me strange, but I didn’t care—I was thrilled to have aced the pop quiz, albeit the questions were all definitions.

Now, I realize that not every test will have that same concept. There will come a time where I’m gonna have to work out some geometric shapes—and if that’s the case, then so be it. I mean, I’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet. It all goes back to that conversation I had with Ruby and Theo about being tough enough. And now that I think about it, Gramma Jewel always taught us to appreciate the lazy mule before getting the beautiful horse. It could very well be that Geometry & Trigonometry is my mule; I already know that my teaching dream represents the beautiful horse… and a lightbulb just went off in my head!

I believe there is a verse in the Bible that says: “The race is not given to the swift nor the strong, but to the one that endures to the end.” Well, Geometry & Trigonometry may not be my forte, but I betcha one thing: Just as sure as my name is Natasha Renee Stewart, I will endure this class to the very, very end!

The doors of the church are now open. Will there be one today? Hahahaha!

Until tomorrow, y’all be good!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Congratulations, Becky!

Hi, Everyone!

I want to dedicate today’s blog to my honorary big sister Rebecca Ann Morgan, who accomplished something grandtastical this week.

Yesterday evening, I had a good hour conversation with Rebecca, and I was happy to learn that she received an A+ on her U.S. Government final, and an A- on her Economics final. I could hear the joy and excitement in her voice when she gave me the good news. Rebecca also told me that she has four more classes to complete, and she will officially earn her high school diploma in five months.

“Natasha, this has been a long time coming, but finally, I’m gonna get my high school diploma,” she said excitedly. “I tell you—after everything I’ve been through, I was not about to let two of the most difficult classes take me under. I’ve survived an abusive mother and a negligent father, and I survived a bout with depression after the only family that I knew passed away suddenly. I was almost assaulted, I was in a car accident, and I passed out in the middle of a performance, not knowing if I would make it, but here I stand today. I’ve been given another chance, and I’ll be damned before I let it slip by. I’m tellin’ you, Tasha—that U.S. Government and that Economics was damn near a cakewalk compared to the hell that I had been through.”

As Rebecca continued to talk, it got me to thinking: If she can overcome all that she went through—thanks to God’s Help, of course… and by the way, I took U.S. Government and Economics in my senior year of high school, so she ain’t lyin’ about the difficulty of those two classes. However, just like she overcame her personal adversities, she overcame those two classes. Once again, Rebecca has inspired me to press on. Granted, I may not have gone through what Rebecca went through, but she has still encouraged me to tackle this Geometry & Trigonometry. Besides, I survived my very first semester away from home, and I’m back for a second go-round. If Rebecca can overcome the obstacles in her life, then I sure as hell can overcome a trivial Geometry class.

All I gotta say is: Thanks for the encouraging words, Becky—keep on doin’ the damn thing!

And as for Geometry & Trig, I’ve got three words for you: JUST BRING IT!!!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha