And The Beat Goes On...

Hi, Everyone!

Whether you like The Whispers’ version, or Sonny & Cher’s version—and hell, you’re probably like me and you enjoy them both—one fact remains true: THE BEAT GOES ON!!!

I tell y’all, this college life never ceases to amaze me.

After I posted yesterday’s blog, the E.L. Rust Hall dorm counselor informed us that, since Summer School is approaching, we would make a brief pilgrimage to Emma Elzy Hall, which is literally a hop, skip, and a jump from my current dorm. Ruby and I spent all afternoon and most of the evening transporting all our stuff to Elzy Hall… and what a price we had to pay! I’m still sore and stiff from all that heavy lifting and carrying, but the good thing overall is that Ruby and I are on the first floor of Elzy Hall, so it’s all good. But I’m trying to tell y’all that I am seriously hurting here! I remember my Cousin Trisha saying that her hair hurts… I now know what she’s talking about!

Yet and still, that old saying rings true: No pain, no gain.

Of course, I had to call my peeps (both in Cali and out here) to let them know my new albeit temporary number and residence. I was on the phone with Gramma Jewel almost all night, and when I told her how sore I was, all she did was laugh and say: “Well, Baby, you still young yet!”

Well, much like I have been talking about for the past couple of days, Summer School officially starts tomorrow. Check this out, y’all: I’m taking Physical Education for Children at 8am, and then I’m taking Principles of Early Childhood Education at 10:30am. Even despite this soreness, I am very excited because I finally begin my major. This is all I ever dreamt about, all I ever talked about, and tomorrow I enter into a brand-new realm in which I take classes pertaining to my major. It won’t be long until I have earned that B.S. degree in Elementary Education.

Okay, I know y’all are waitin’ on me to say it. I was trying not to say it, but what the hell: You see, my freshman year was at a certain level, but now that I am officially a sophomore, I have taken it to… say it with me… A WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL!!!

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good day!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Takin' It To A Whole Nutha Level!

Hi, Everyone!

Notwithstanding that today is a brand-new day, I can’t lie to y’all—I’m still pumped up after yesterday afternoon’s 147^th Commencement. Y’all thought I had fun over WrestleMania weekend (and I did)… lemme tell y’all: In witnessing the Rust College Class of 2013 earn their degrees and finally get ushered into the proverbial “real world,” I got a good look into my future. After the commencement had come to pass, I asked a couple of graduates how they felt about having finally achieved their goals, and of course, they were all glad. However, a good majority of those graduates were rather heavy-hearted on account of the memories that they shared while in Bearcat Country. I guess that is to be expected, but one thing’s for sure: Rust College has created a bond in those graduates that will never be broken.

And to think that one day, that’ll be me, Ruby, and Theo!

So now, it’s time to take it to—you guessed it—A WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL!!!

For those of you wondering where I got that phrase from, there’s a character named Eugene Struthers (played by Keegan-Michael Key) on a show called MadTV, and he always used that catchphrase of taking things to “a whole nutha level,” as opposed to a whole other level. Anyway, the whole gist of this blog is simply to let y’all know that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, am about to take my academic career to… greater heights. Summer School starts in a mere two days, and I’m very excited. Of course, I would’ve liked to have been back home right now, but as I may have mentioned once or twice in a previous blog, I’ve been told that if I attend Summer School, then I can finish earlier; I would still graduate in 2016—I’d just be done with classes. Yeah, I know: It was a Catch-22 either way I looked at it, but the added incentive is that I have Ruby and Theo by my side.

Well, this is gonna be a short blog today, mainly because I have nothing else to talk about. I’ll have plenty more to talk about this week, but until that time, y’all take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Congratulations, Class of 2013!



Photo Credit: rustcollege.edu

Hi, Everyone!

Well, I promised you all that I would have a special Sunday edition blog, and like the mailman, I deliver!

Yesterday’s 147^th Commencement at Rust College was truly something to behold. I tell y’all, it was everything that I dreamed it would be and then some. Admittedly, it exceeded my wildest imaginations, but it was still a monumental moment of memorable proportions.

And I may as well face it—I will not stop talking like Gramma Jewel and Grampa Clark for as long as I live… hahahahaha!

To see the Class of 2013 finally receive their respective degrees in various majors—some received double majors—was something that I’ll never forget. I couldn’t help but imagine the Dean of Students calling my name: “Natasha Renee Stewart!” And I walk up on that stage to receive my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Dr. Beckley, and then I smile for the camera…oh, just thinkin’ about what will come to pass in the next three years gives me goosebumps upon goosebumps!

By the way: Ruby, Theo, and I had pretty good seats, albeit they were in the bleachers, but when we saw an elderly couple  walk in, we all got up and gave them our seats. Thankfully, one of the overfill rooms was vacant, and we got to see the entire commencement.

When it was all over, we celebrated with some of the graduates and their families—we even took a couple of pictures with them.

I could go on and on about this afternoon’s commencement, but I just cannot tell it all. I will say this, though: I am very excited about my commencement in the year 2016. One year down, and three more to go.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care, and in closing: Congratulations to the Class of 2013! May The Lord continue to bless and keep you as you embark on a brand-new journey.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Reflections of My Freshman Year

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Saturday!

I want to start off this blog by saying: WOW!!!

This is the very first Saturday that I have absolutely nothing to do—and when I say absolutely nothing, I mean “abso-freakin’-lutley nothing!” Ordinarily, I wake up around seven or eight in the morning, but now that my classes and my exams are officially over, I slept in until 9:30 a.m., and it was just a beautiful thing. Depending on what Ruby and Theo want to do today, I think I’ll stay in and just enjoy… oh, but wait a minute—I just remembered: I talked to Auntie Gladys last night, and she said that she is throwing us a party in our honor.

So naturally, we gotsta go… I mean, we would be rather foolish if we turned down free food!

It goes without saying, y’all, but I have had a fantastic freshman year at Rust College. I truly enjoyed every minute and every moment, from my debut as a nervously homesick girl to a sexy college girl known as the Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s… hahahaha! Anyway, in just this year alone, I have so many memories, my first Founders Day weekend, wherein I finally met Gramma Jewel’s roommate/best friend Gladys Nelson. There was also the time where I was compelled to comfort a fellow Rustite—that was a true poignant moment for sure. And of course, there’s the time that I had to take a heffa on a tour of Downtown L.A., all by droppin’ her right on her ass!

Throughout this whole reflection, I have also realized that I am not the same Natasha Renee Stewart that y’all knew some eight months ago. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still shy and sweet, but if y’all remember, I was very, very homesick. Well, that’s no longer an issue! Now, I’m at the point where I have been so busy and sociable that, up until now, my homesickness hasn’t bothered me as much. The reason why I say “as much” is because I am just one month away from experiencing three months of summer vacation, and in order to get to that point, I gotta get through my first experience of something known as Summer School 2013.

Yep, y’all—it’s time to take it to a “whole nutha level!”

So many memories in such a short time, but I know that there is much more to see and do out while I’m here. I have yet to visit the birthplace of Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie—of course, I’m talking about Ruleville, Mississippi. I think I’ll get that opportunity in my sophomore year, seeing as how our family reunion is coming up this October, and there have been talks that it will take place in Ruleville.

Well, y’all, I had better get on up and close this blog. I might holla at y’all tomorrow about my first experience at tomorrow’s commencement; if not, then I’ll holla at y'all on Monday. Until then, though, y’all have a good rest-of-the-weekend.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

What Makes A House A Home?

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it is officially official—I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have completed my “third and final” final exam as of 11am CST this morning… and that’s not a typo!

As you know, my final speech was to discuss what makes a house a home. Well, check this out: I had my notes in front of me, but I barely—if at all—used them. I basically freestyled my entire speech and spoke from the heart, explaining to my audience the invaluable lessons that I learned in such a short time here at Rust. I remember speaking about the differences between my hometown of Los Angeles, California and my current residences in Memphis and Nashville. At the risk of sounding corny (but then again, being corny is my forte), love is truly the main ingredient that makes a house a home, and I have discovered that I am very much loved out here. So, whereas I am away from my hometown, I can always find love in Memphis, Nashville, and even Olive Branch, Mississippi—you know that Ruby’s mom and dad all but adopted me as their long lost daughter.

After the final speech, our instructor congratulated us for surviving this final module with her. She also made mention that she was very proud of us, and that her wish was for us to “keep the fundamentals of speech embedded in [our] minds and hearts.” She also said that she learned a lot about us in such a short time; she went down the aisle and picked one characteristic that she found in us as individuals. She said that I was “a soft-spoken sentimentalist with a genuine big heart.” Oh, and incidentally, my instructor told me (quite candidly) that she awarded me an extra ten points on account of I never looked at my notes one time.

Suffice to say, this bright-eyed girl got an “A” in the class!

Now that my finals are over, there’s nothing else for me to do. I’ve got all this free time on my hands, at least until Summer School starts on Wednesday, May 1. However, between now and then, I’m gonna celebrate with my peeps. Our plans are pretty much up in the air right now, but I do know that we will be witnessing the Class of 2013 graduate this Sunday. Check this out: We’ve already got our seats “reserved” in the auditorium, seeing as how they are known to fill up quickly.

Well, it’s about time I call it a day—that is to say, let me close this blog and just do something fun. I’m all done with studying for the time being and the old brain needs to rest. With that said, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Love y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Special Update On Final Exams

Hi, Everyone!

I just finished my Physical Science exam at 9:15am CST. Notwithstanding the Periodic Table of the Elements, the finals itself had 50 questions; it was fifty percent multiple choice, twenty-five percent definitions, and the remaining twenty-five percent was fill in the blank. I ain’t gonna lie to y’all—I blanked out for a moment, but things started to come back to my remembrance thanks in part to a sincere and heartfelt prayer. And once I saw that Periodic Table of the Elements, it was on and crack-a-lackin’! I guarantee you that I got each and every one of those elements correct! Of course, just to make sure I didn’t miss any, I quadruple-checked my work, and I discovered that I ain’t miss not nann-one!

Overall, though, I missed at least three questions on the exam, but that’s cool—I’m still gonna get an “A” out of the class.

Now, I’m finishing up my final paper for my Grammar & Comp II final exam… actually, I’m printing it out right now. Y’all, I don’t mean to sound cocky or conceited, but we’ve got another winner. I want to personally thank my Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Auntie Gladys for their expertise and their pictures of their memories in Bearcat Country. Like I’ve been saying all week, I’ve got Rust College blood runnin’ through my veins. I trust that my instructor will be thoroughly intrigued and entertained when he reads my essay on the history of Rust College. For the record, I went the distance and typed up eleven and a half pages. Overall, I have a total of fifteen pages.

Oh, yeah—I went the distance!

And now, it’s time to prepare for my most favorite class! As you know by now, my final speech topic is: “What Makes A House A Home?” I’m all set and ready to go, y’all! This is my last speech, and it is literally the “be-all and end-all” of this class. I’ve been quite the orator, and I’ve come too far to slip up now. As a matter of fact, I’ve already picked out my purple dress suit for this, my final speech. I might even wear my faux eyeglasses… I said that I might—I haven’t made a decision just yet. Otherwise, everything else is taken care of. I just need to practice more on my speech and look over my notes to make sure I know what I’m talking about.

Well, y’all—this is it! Until tomorrow, y’all take care, and say a prayer for your girl!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Gettin' Down To The Nitty-Gritty, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

I’m taking a little break from studying for my finals… that is to say, my Physical Science final. Seeing as how this is the first final that I will be taking (Physical Science is on Thursday at 8am CST), I’ve been studying since seven o’clock this morning. The other two finals I have pretty much in the bag… kinda sorta, anyway. Seeing as how my Grammar & Comp II exam is tomorrow afternoon at 1pm CST and my Fundamentals of Speech exam is not until Thursday morning, I figured that I can focus on the one class that I feel less comfortable in. Ironically enough, my Physical Science final is a lot easier to study for, mainly because of the method I use to study.

And check this out: Three hours ago, Ruby quizzed me on the Periodic Table of the Elements, and I kid y’all not—I got all of them correct! Y’all should’ve seen the look on Ruby’s face… hell, even I was astonished behind my own performance.

And that’s not cocky—that’s just being confident!

I’m gonna study some more later on this evening, but right now, I had better get to work on my ten-page composition. Ten pages, y’all—that’s incredible! But I’m not at all intimidated; I graciously and humbly accept the challenge. Besides, as I made mention of the other day, my final exam essay pretty much writes itself, what with the royal white and blue of Rust College running through these veins. Y’all should see my notebook of brainstorms and short stories that I have written out. I’ve already gotten my references and cover page—and I’ve even gone the extra mile and asked Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Auntie Gladys for some pictures of their college life.

As for my Fundamentals of Speech exam, I’m gonna fully devote my time to the “perfect” speech tomorrow evening. Right now, though, I gotta take care of Physical Science.

And with that in mind, I gotta get goin’ and do some more studying. I’ll holla at y’all once my second final is done. Until then—Prayer Warriors, Unite!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Excitement Continues...

Hi, Everyone!

A couple of weeks ago, I made mention about extra excitement here in Bearcat Country, mainly because the Class of 2013 is ready to walk that aisle this Sunday at 2pm CST. Well, I’m here to state for the record—that excitement ain’t left yet!

Personally, I’m excited because I already know that I—and long with Ruby Theo—have completed a successful freshman year at Rust, and I also speak for Ruby and Theo when I say that we are looking forward to our sophomore year. I think we’re gonna be challenged like never before, though. Seeing as how we have different majors, we will branch off into our own little worlds, and probably won’t see each other until lunchtime—heck, maybe even dinnertime.

By the way: Ruby, Theo, and I have already arranged to attend the commencement for the Class of 2013. We’re gonna be in one of the overfill rooms, if not inside the auditorium itself. I just want to get a look at what it’s gonna be like in three years’ time. I can almost imagine how the gym will be transformed into a commencement hall. I can see how the stage will be set up. Most importantly, I can hear “Pomp & Circumstance” resonating in my heart right now… and I’m also giggling like a schoolgirl because it’s hard to listen to “Pomp & Circumstance” without thinking about the legendary Randy “Macho Man” Savage—I’m just sayin’!

And of course, I am just two days away from taking my final exams. I take both my Physical Science exam and my Grammar & Comp II exam on Thursday, and I take my Fundamentals of Speech exam on Friday. My Physical Science class consists of everything that we’ve learned since the start of this module, and that includes the Period Table of the Elements. Now, my Grammar & Comp II instructor said that our final exam will consist of composing a ten-page essay with references, and the topic is based on the history of Rust College. Y’all already know that I’m gonna have fun with this topic, especially considering the Bearcat blood that runs in the veins of my family.

And to save the best for last, check this out: For my most favorite class, my final exam is: “What Makes A House A Home?” Y’all already know that I was thinking about that song from Luther Vandross… hahaha! As a matter of fact, I’ll even admit to humming the song a little bit in class. I’m almost certain that I’m not the only one.

Well, I had best get going. I’m gonna be some kinda busy for the next couple of days (for obvious reasons), but when I get a break, you’ll definitely be hearing from me. Until then, have a beautiful Tuesday.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My "24-Hour" Speech

Hi, Everyone!

It’s Monday afternoon, and I tell you—I have had quite an eventful day, particularly in my speech class. As you know, I had to give a “24 Hours” speech. Suffice to say, I knocked yet another speech out of the ball park.

I began my speech with a verse from a song by Marilyn Scott: “If today were the last of all days, would you change how you feel and who you were?”

In my speech, I used realtime—that is to say, I used my current situation of being an out-of-state college student. I said that I would spend fifteen minutes talking to each of my professors and instructors, afterwhich I would spend two hours with my Ruby and Theo, just showing them how appreciative I am of them being my best friends.

I then went on to say that I would call each and every last one of my family members back in Cali—kinda make it like a press conference. In knowing that I cannot fly out to be with them just one more time, I can at least tell them how much I truly love them, and I would thank them for molding me into the strong, sexy, and spirited woman that I am today. And then, as a rite of passage, I would turn everything over to Becky, including my last name.

Now, I know what you all are thinking: “Tasha, did you mention Ray in your speech?”

To be perfectly honest: No, I didn’t. You see, certain things need to be left clandestine, but between you and me, Ray did cross my thoughts very heavily while I was preppin’ up my speech. As a matter of fact, I mentioned this to Gramma Jewel when I called her last night. Funny thing: She asked me how would I communicate my heavenly departure to Ray, especially in knowing that I wouldn’t see him again until—as the old folks say—that “great gettin’ up mornin’.” Well, I told Gramma Jewel that I would ask The Lord to help me send a message to Ray from my heart to his, first of all, thanking him for making me the happiest girl in the world. I would also encourage him to go out dating, but at the same time, take care of himself first and foremost, and not rush off headlong into some hot mess; otherwise, I would have to come down from Heaven and return as… The Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s!

Hahahaha! Y’all knew that was comin’ up!

Well, let me get ready for tomorrow. As you know, finals are this Thursday and Friday, and I gotta get mentally prepared for it all. I already know what’s gonna be on my Physical Science exam, but I have yet to discover what will be on my Grammar & Comp II exam. And as far as Fundamentals of Speech, I know that it will be the “be-all end-all” of speeches, but what is the topic?

The answers to these and other questions will be given in tomorrow’s blog, but until then, have a good rest-of-the-day!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Looking Forward to the Future

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin today’s blog, I want to first acknowledge the late Mrs. Sylvia Douglas, the mother of Mr. D, and a very close friend to my family. It was on April 13 last year that Mrs. Douglas passed away; her homegoing celebration was in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Gramma Jewel represented us very well. On a personal note, I had the honor and the privilege of meeting Ms. Syl on so many occasions—she was just the sweetest lady in the world (outside of Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, Great Aunt Donna, and Auntie Gladys). I’ll never forget when Ms. Syl and Gramma Jewel had an impromptu “dance-off” about three years ago. They were dancing the Mississippi Slide, and everyone gathered around to see who would win. The beauty of this “contest” is that neither woman was really in competition with the other, yet they were dancing like they were. In the end, Gramma Jewel pretended that she had had enough and gave the floor to Ms. Syl, who ironically enough, did the same thing.

I tell y’all—there will never be another lady quite like Mrs. Sylvia Esmeralda Douglas!

Well, I cannot believe it, but we are officially eight days away from witnessing the Rust College Class of 2013 walk that aisle and graduate. Yes, I am very interested and super excited in witnessing this monumental moment of momentous occasions, because that will be me, Ruby, and Theo in three years’ time. In the meantime in between time, however, we have Summer School to contend with.

I know this sounds selfish, but I’m glad that Ruby and Theo are gonna be in Summer School with me… yes, I’ve gotten very close to them in such a short time. I know what some of you are gonna say—and you’re absolutely right: There will be some instances where I won’t have Ruby and Theo around, such as the upcoming summer vacation. Until then, however, I’m gonna enjoy one more month with my buds.

By the way: Ruby, Theo, and I have been talking about having some T-shirts made with a corny but catchy nickname. The only caveat to the group name is that the number three has to be involved some kinda way. This is a long-term project that we came up with a couple weeks ago; as you can see, it hasn’t materialized yet, but we’ll have Summer School to brainstorm thoroughly.

Well, let me close this blog and work some more on my “24 Hours” speech. I’ve pretty much gotten it down pat, but it still needs some extra fine tuning. With that said, I shall holla at y’all Monday.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Friday... Enough Said!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it’s Friday, April, 19, 2013, and ordinarily I would be in my Fundamentals of Speech class around this time. However, as y’all can see, I have no class yet again… and there was a joke in that last statement (ha-ha-ha)!

Anyway, I’m taking advantage of this extra free time to work on my “24 Hours” speech. Unlike my other speeches, I am really giving this one some extra special attention—and Theo agrees with me. I mean, think about it, y’all: If you had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Would you panic? Would you celebrate? Would you try and do at least five things on your “To Do” list? These are questions that I’ve been asking myself since Wednesday.

As you can see, I have taken this assignment very seriously and have been giving it some very deep thought… and yet another lightbulb has gone off in my head: I don’t need to copy off of Theo, nor do I need to copy off of anyone else in my class—I am to answer the question the way I’m supposed to answer it. Let me rephrase that: I need to give my own answer and no one else’s.

I think I’ve had another case of déjà vu, but it is the truth. Ironically enough, whenever Theo and I have talked about our speeches, neither one of us has disclosed any information about our respective speeches, and that’s the way it should be.

In other Rust College news, there’s no doubt that summer school is in my future, and after talking to my mom and dad, it makes perfect sense for me to attend. Several Rust alumnae have stated that summer school is the best way to go; the more classes you take, the closer you are to graduation. When I talked to Mom & Dad about it, they stood in support of those alumnae. Of course, I talked to Gramma Jewel, and she backed up everybody. Needless to say, I conceded and decided to take advantage of early registration for summer school a couple weeks ago. I’m only taking two classes for summer school, and they go toward my major: Principles of Early Childhood Education, and Physical Education for Children. I want my little kindergarteners to be mentally and physically healthy, considering that I don’t have any children of my own (and one day when I get married, I will). But anyway, I think I mentioned in a previous blog that it was time to step it up a notch… well, with Summer School right around the corner, I pray that I am fully prepared to take to a “whole nutha level!”

I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Be safe!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

That Pink & Green, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

So, I had an interesting talk this afternoon with one Mrs. Lanie Nyan—she’s the Admissions Counselor up here at Rust. She’s also a devoted and very proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Apparently, Mrs. Nyan has been reading my blogs—in particular, my blog on April 8, where I talked about my high interest and consideration in joining a sorority. Well, after congratulating me for my academic success, Mrs. Nyan spoke to me about the Theta Upsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. It goes without saying, but Mrs. Nyan spoke very highly of her sorors. And I must point out that it was no coincidence that she was wearing her salmon pink and apple green.

“The decision is yours, of course,” Mrs. Nyan said to me. “But personally, I believe that you would represent Alpha Kappa Alpha in a positive light. Just remember this: The sorority doesn’t make you—you make the sorority.”

I thanked Mrs. Nyan for giving me a formal introduction of AKA, and I let her know that if I made my mind up, I would talk to her.

Thanks to Mrs. Nyan, I am in the middle of an impasse—a crossroads, if you will. I mean, Zeta Phi Beta practically had me sold, but now I’m feeling a touch of influence by that pink-and-green. There’s only one sorority that I have yet to hear from—the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta. I’m not gonna rush, though—DST will contact me if they are interested in me.

In reviewing my conversation with Mrs. Nyan, I like what she said to me towards the end: “The sorority doesn’t make you—you make the sorority.” If she didn’t say anything else to me, she said it all in those nine simple words. Of course, she did voice that she would love to see me in the colors of pink and green, but I appreciate how she didn’t try to persuade my decision, nor did she add any pressure to my decision.

Well, I had best get going. I haven’t said much about it, but finals are coming up next week, and a sista’s got to get prepped up. In the meantime, though, I’ve got my next speech to prepare for: I have to answer the question of what I would do if I had 24 hours to live.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Commercial Speech Results

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it goes without saying, but my commercial speech was definitely off the charts!

I was the eighth called up to give my presentation. With so much confidence (and a little bit of a Dolph Ziggler attitude), I simply walked up to the front of the class and said the following:

“Natasha Renee Stewart is the typical girl next door. She’s sweet, a little shy, and she’s a joy to be around. But when she gets irritated, she turns into…”

At that moment, I disappeared behind the podium and put on a makeshift mask, then I slowly appeared from behind the podium and hissed:“The Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-ss-!”

I then went on to say that Vipress was so bad that she made the Incredible Hulk look like the late Fred Rogers. My final tagline was from a song by the Pretenders:

“The sweetest woman in the world can be the meanest woman in the world, if you make her that way.”

And I ended my presentation by coiling up like a rattlesnake and giving a rather convincing hiss.

And I’ll be doggoned—I received a standing ovation!

After my commercial, I had 90 seconds to answer the question: What grade do I deserve in Fundamentals of Speech, and why? It really surprised me that I answered that question without a stutter, a stammer, or even an awkward pause. I informed my instructor and my classmates that I deserved an A out of this class on account of I have applied myself to take the necessary steps to learn how to be a great speaker. I also explained that Fundamentals of Speech unveiled that I am very creative and can work at spur-of-the-moment circumstances, and besides which, I want to be a kindergarten teacher, and that job requires talking.

I wasn’t the only one who had a great presentation. Theo’s commercial was an actual PowerPoint presentation consisting of a TMZ-like show called “Rumors & Thangs with Neo Theo.” And my goodness—his 90 second answer to the grade question was not only original and real, but it was also humorously entertaining. Theo said—and I quote: “I feel that I deserve an A in this class because it’s a simple process of elimination… I don’t want no B, I don’t want no C, I really don’t want no D, and I sure as heck don’t want no F!”

Believe it or not, our instructor was thoroughly and legitimately tickled; incidentally, she has an unwritten rule that if she thinks it’s funny, then she will award extra points.

Well, y’all—I had best get pushin’. I’ve got the “24 Hours” speech to prepare for (it’s due Monday), and afterwards, I have my final exam speech, which is at 8am on next Friday, April 26. We will all find out the topic of the final exam speech on Tuesday, but I feel that I can at least practice on my introduction for the time being.

Until tomorrow, y’all take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Enlightenment

Photo Credit: http://www.antonfernando.com

Hi, Everyone!

Even at the tender age of 19, there is absolutely nothing like enlightenment.

It’s no secret that I am a sheltered child. I stand on record that my mom and dad did their absolute damnedest to protect me from all kinds of evil. Heck, I will also go on record and say that the “sweet, little innocent” act is the real me. You may call me naïve or oblivious—and you might be right—but one thing is certain: I am not ignorant to the crap that is going on in this world.

Yes, I freely admit that life has removed some of my innocence—and I’m not afraid to further admit that it’s really scaring me.

You know, we’re now living in a time where there is so much evil and hatred running seemingly roughshod that it’s difficult to discern who is sincere and who isn’t. And check this out: It’s bad enough that this world has gone to hell in a handbasket—killings at schools, movie theaters, buses, and just yesterday, the tragedy at Boston marathon. With so much going on, it got me to thinking about what my Auntie Gladys said this weekend: “Jesus is a closer to comin’ back now than He was ten minutes ago.”

And then yesterday evening, I found comfort in reading the Bible!

I was always taught at an early age that The Lord answers all of our questions in His Word, and with that said, I was compelled to read II Timothy 3 in its entirety. In this particular chapter, Timothy was having the same worries and concerns as I am. Well, Paul wrote a letter of comfort to Timothy. To paraphrase the chapter, Paul basically said, “Timothy, I went through the very hell that you’re going through—and guess what: Moses went through it long before I did. But I don’t want you to give up, Timothy—hang on in there and remember what I taught you: Trust in The Lord and keep His Word in your heart. I don’t care what everybody else is doing—you just keep on serving The Lord and continue to bless His Holy Name.”

Well, after reading II Timothy 3, I felt so much better; as a matter of fact, I shared it with Ruby and Theo. Imagine my surprise when they both told me that they sometimes feel like odd ducks. Theo emphatically made it clear: “I’m so glad to learn that I’m not the only one.”

In closing this blog, I want to encourage each and every one of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, to hang on in there and keep the faith. Yes, we are living in perilous times, and it doesn’t look like it’s gonna get better, but nevertheless, I want y’all to remember these five words:

KEEP ON, IN SPITE OF!!!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

We Have Reached Blog Post #200!

Photo Credit: http://thecodecoach.blogspot.com

Happy Monday, Everybody!

It’s time to celebrate yet another milestone in the life of yours truly, Natasha Renee Stewart.

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Blog #200!

This is certainly a monumental event in and of itself, and it is worth celebrating. You see, after I posted this past Saturday’s blog and saw that I was approaching this milestone, I tried to convince Ruby and Theo to get a special ice cream cake to celebrate this “momentous moment of monumental proportions,” as my Grampa Clark would say. Well, we didn’t get an ice cream cake, but when we visited my Auntie Gladys over the weekend, she made a pecan pie and some vanilla ice cream.

Hey, you gotta take what you can get sometimes!

Anyway, today is a brand-new day, and I’m feelin’ good. No one’s pissed me off, nor did I have to change into the Vipress… and speaking of Vipress, I’ve decided on a commercial for my speech class: I’ve taken the Vipress persona and turned her into a supervillainess—kinda like an alter ego. You see, there’s the sweet, innocent little bright-eyed Natasha Renee, but when you piss me off, I shed my nice girl persona and morph into… the Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s!

Y’all should see how I act it out; I’ve got the costumes and everything. I have no doubt I’m gonna get an A+ on this speech assignment. All it needs is just a little more fine tuning, and I’ll be ready for Wednesday.

As for my Physical Science and my Grammar & Comp II classes, I am maintaining—enough said.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to wish a Happy 49^th Birthday to my Auntie Stephanie.
Love you, Auntie, and make sure that Uncle Anthony takes you someplace that he knows you enjoy.

Well, I had better get going. I’ve got to work on my next speech… not the “24 hours to live” one, but the 90-second speech where I explain to my instructor and my class why I feel I deserve to get an A out of the class. With that said, I shall holla at y’all later—that is to say, this is Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s, s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-signing off!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha