Kickin' Off Summer School

Hi, Everyone!

Well, it goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway: I had me a great time in my classes today, and this is only the first day of Summer School 2014.

I think I mentioned in yesterday’s blog post that both of my classes are in the morning, which leaves my afternoons free. I take my Developmental Approach to Reading & Literacy class at 8am CST, and my Creative Expressions for Teachers class is at 10am CST. Just as I predicted yesterday, I love both of these classes, although I admit that I have an extra dash of favoritism for Creative Expressions. As a matter of fact, if I ever have to write a term paper in this class (and there’s a good chance of that happening), I can use my expertise as a Sunday School teacher for the Cradle Roll class at my church. I used some creative expressions to help the Cradle Roll class apply the Bible to their everyday life… and I just realized that I said “everyday life” in the same sentence as the Cradle Roll class, but hey—it still applies. Soon enough, those little ones are gonna grow up to be adults, and they’ll remember what I taught them lo those many, many moons… hahaha!

Well, y’all, I had better get going—I’ve already got a homework assignment for my 8am class. Tomorrow, we’re gonna have a class in which each of us will talk about an elementary school teacher who was a great influence in our lives. Y’all already know that I’ve chosen my former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid Martin… and as a matter of fact, I’ve got to get in contact with her when I return to Cali. I’ll at least write her a letter for now, just to let her know that I’ve been thinking about her, you know.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Gearing Up for Summer School 2014

Hi, Everyone!

Before I jump into today’s blog post, I would like to give you all an update on the tornados that have taken place: Yes, Bearcat Country was somewhat affected, but we are fine nevertheless. To tell y’all the truth, I’m a little excited—after all, this was my very first tornado, such as it was… hahaha! We have had severe thunderstorms over the past couple days, but again we are all doing well. I immediately called Mom and Dad after it was safe to return to our dorm rooms last night, and they were relieved to know that I’m still standing. Now, the weather reports suggests that we are not in the clear as of yet; they say that this is only the calm before the storm. Well, I have faith that we’re gonna make it. Just continue to keep us lifted up in prayer.

My first tornado notwithstanding, I am excited for tomorrow, because Summer School 2014 officially kicks off! Check this out, y’all: I’m taking two classes this summer, and fortunately, both of these classes are in the morning, which gives me the rest of the afternoon to chill out and relax. Additionally, I’m very excited about this one particular class on account of it’s caught my interest since my freshman year, and I finally get to take it! The class is called Creative Expressions for Teachers, and judging by my innovative methods in my previous classes, I should be able to zoom past this class… okay, I admit that I’m sounding like a show-off. I know that this class won’t be a walk in the park, but I am confident that my creativity will take me very far, all the way to an A-plus!

My other class is called Developmental Approach to Reading & Literacy, and from what I’ve read in my catalog, this class sounds like it will be a touch challenging yet fun. As my elementary school teachers told me once upon a time, reading is fun-damental. I’ve got a feeling that my creativity is gonna shine through this class as well.

Well, I reckon I better get going and prepare my mind, body, and soul for tomorrow. I promise I’ll do y’all proud, but I still request that you keep me lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Nothing Like Some R&R Before Summer School!

Hi, Everyone!

First thing’s first: I would like to congratulate the Rust College Class of 2014 for achieving their biggest milestone to date! Yesterday afternoon, despite the rainstorms here and there, the show went on at the McMillan Multi-Purpose Center, and over one hundred Rustites received their sheepskin. Ruby, Theo, and I couldn’t help but to soak in the celebration and congratulations, even though we still have about a good two years before it’s our turn to walk that aisle.

Once again, I just want to say: Congrats, Class of 2014!

And now, seeing as how today is Monday, April 28, 2014, y’all already know what that means—we’re just two days away from Summer School 2014. The great thing about this summer semester is that Ruby and I don’t have to transfer to another dorm… thank God for that! Y’all remember last year, when Ruby and I had to move from E.L. Rust to Emma Elzy, and I was as sore as I-don’t-know-what? Well, this time is a little different, in that I’m staying at Elzy for the summer semester. If y’all don’t mind, I’m gonna quote Daniel Bryan and say: “YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!”

And while I am excited about the summer semester starting, I don’t want to think about it right now. Ordinarily, I would write a blog post where I give y’all a preview of my summer schedule, but I just want to take advantage of the downtime that I have for today and tomorrow. Let the truth be told, y’all—I’ve really done nothing remotely productive today, and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

And I plan on doing the same thing tomorrow… hahaha!

Having said that, it’s time for me to close this blog post and get back to doin’ nothin’! Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

It's Over... It's All Over, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

I think WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan said it best: YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!

Y’all, I am officially done with my finals, and I have successfully completed my sophomore year here at Rust College! I finished my last final around 11am CST this morning, and I’ve been celebrating since then. I want y’all to know that I didn’t let y’all down—I stuck it out all the way to the very end, and I am confident in knowing that I passed each and every last one of my finals… yes, especially the finals that pertained to anything mathematical. I also want to thank each and every last one of y’all for keeping a sista in your prayers; as I may have mentioned on several occasions, this module alone was a full and busy one, but somehow I made it through.

And y’all wanna know something else—I enjoyed every last minute of this module!

Now comes the next phase in my academic career, and with the summer semester coming up in about five days, that could only mean that summer school is around the corner. I’ve got my classes all lined up, but I’m not gonna look at that schedule until Monday. In the meantime, the Rust College 148^th Commencement is coming up this Sunday, and I’ve already made arrangements with Ruby and Theo to get front row seats. Just think, y’all: After this Sunday’s commencement is etched in the history books, I will officially be two years away from my own graduation. I wish I could graduate right now, but I’m willing to wait. Besides, nothing ever comes easy—I learned that just this module alone!

Okay, y’all, I reckon I’d better get up and… oh, that’s right—I ain’t got no mo’ class ‘til this Wednesday! I reckon I’ll just sit up here and rest. Y’all take it easy!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Almost At My Destination, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

I trust that everyone had a great Easter weekend, much like me. I spent it with my Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Keith, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica in Nashville, and I want y’all to know that I attended my second consecutive Sunrise Service yesterday, and stayed until the end of Sunday School. When we got home, we had dinner, and then they dropped me off at the campus around 9pm CST. I talked to Mom and Dad for a minute, and then around 9:45pm CST, I was knocked out like a light.

So, here we are now—Monday, April 21, 2014… and y’all know what that means: I gotta get mentally prepared for these here final exams. My first final is this Wednesday evening—that’s when I take my Psychology of Exceptional Students. Then I have the double-whammy on Thursday; I take my General Psychology final at 8am, and then I take my Mathematics for Elementary Teachers final at 1pm. And then on Friday, I take my Intermediate Algebra final at 8am, after which I am done with the final module of my sophomore year.

I may as well give y’all a heads-up that y’all may not hear from me until this Friday, what with all this studying and everything. If that’s the case, I am once again requesting that you all keep me in your prayers—I wanna make y’all proud!

Until the next time, I’ll holla at’cha!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Progress Report of Sorts

Happy Friday, Everybody!

We are literally one week away until the end of this here 2013-14 school year. I don’t think I’ve ever been so thrilled about a school year coming to an end! Lemme tell y’all: I’ve come to expect the unexpected here at Rust College, but I never expected this module to work me like it did. This module was the most that I had ever worked… but I loved every last minute of it! I enjoyed proving myself that I could go the distance. I recognize and realize that I was not in competition with anybody other than myself, and look at me now, y’all!

Although it’s been a minute since I’ve seen a progress report, I was informed by my Intermediate Algebra instructor that I have managed to maintain a 93 percent overall in the class. Instead of giving my instructor the usual spiel, I simply acknowledge that it was nobody but Jesus, and I left it at that. And if I couldn’t get better news, I have discovered that taking the Intermediate Algebra class has helped me in my Mathematics for Elementary Teachers class, in which I have an overall 89 percent. Now, I’m not saying that I’ll be teaching Algebra to my little kindergarteners, nor am I saying that I’m an all-star math whiz—I’m simply saying that I have applied myself this module and reaped plenty rewards!

Well, I reckon I had get going, but before I do, I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time out to pray for a sista—as y’all can see, your prayers were heard and your encouragement was well received. And even though I know that I will ace next week’s finals, I am still soliciting prayers from you all. Together, we can make this final module a successful one!

Until next time, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Auntie Stephanie's Big Day

Hi, Everyone!

Despite a busy academic schedule and preparation for my upcoming final exams, I cannot let this day go by without acknowledging this very special day. Oh, sure—the day is designated for “Tax Day,” but in my family, April 15 is a very special day for my eldest auntie, Stephanie Michelle Jones—she is officially 49 years old today.

Long story short: Today is my Auntie Stephanie’s 49^th Birthday.

This may sound a bit over-the-top, but it’s the truth: I look at my Auntie Stephanie as real life superhero. She’s got it all—brains, beauty, and boldness. When she walks into a room, heads turn. I’ve also noticed that she is very dedicated to The Lord, her family, and her career… yes, all in that order. She’s a pediatrician, and a damn good one at that. I know this because I was one of her patients once upon a time. Oh, and she also has a great sense of planning parties and celebrations. When she’s not helping children get over their illnesses and injuries, she’s working on her next event to plan.

If I was to choose a superheroine to describe my Auntie Stephanie, I would choose Wonder Woman, simply because she is just a wonderful woman. Yes, I realize that I say this about every single woman in my family, but today is Auntie Stephanie’s birthday! Anyway, I truly believe that my Uncle Anthony struck gold when he met, fell in love with, and ultimately married Auntie Stephanie. I’m so proud to be her niece—y’all just don’t know.

In closing today’s blog post, I just want to say: Happy #49, Auntie Stephanie. Make sure that Uncle Anthony and Cousin Candi treat you someplace wonderful, because you do deserve it. Love you lots, and God Bless.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Just A Brief Update For Y'all

Hi, Everyone!

I don’t have a whole lot to talk about today, but I did want to check in and let y’all know what’s going on with me.

Well, I am just about a week and a half away from my final exams. I’m still trying to figure out where the time went—I mean, wasn’t it just March 3? In any event, I want you all to know that I have really enjoyed this final module, though, especially my psychology classes. If I had to choose a favorite (at least right now, anyway), I would say that the Psychology of Exceptional Students is my favorite class thus far. I guess it’s my favorite because I can relate to being an exceptional student… to a degree anyway! Let’s face it: I have never been accused of being a great mathematician—although I am surprisingly excelling in my Intermediate Algebra class. My instructor still feels that I’m either putting myself down or being too modest, but I think I would know what subjects I’m good in and which ones I’m not.

In any event, I shall holla at y’all later. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

An Ultimate Tribute

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is a rather bittersweet one, as it is dedicated to the memory of a wrestling legend.

Jim Hellwig—best known to the wrestling world as the Ultimate Warrior—was a former WWE Champion and a former WWE Intercontinental Champion. His matches with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, Ravishing Rick Rude, and Million Dollar Man are legendary. The Ultimate Warrior reached another pinnacle of immortality when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame just last Saturday. He graced us with his presence at WrestleMania 30, and followed that up with a heartfelt speech the next night on Monday Night Raw.

And then, on Tuesday, April 8, 2014, the wrestling world was turned upside down when the following headline broke out: “Ultimate Warrior Has Passed Away.”

James 4:14 reminds us that our lives are but a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. That scripture came to mind when Ultimate Warrior literally gave his final speech to wrestling fans:

“Every man’s heart, one day, beats its final beat. His lungs breathe their final breath. And if what that man did in his life makes the blood pulse through the body of others and makes them believe deeper in something larger than life, then his essence, his spirit, will be immortalized by the storytellers, by the loyalty, by the memory of those who honor him and, and make whatever that man did live forever.”

Looking back on the events of this week, especially in hindsight, I can’t help but wonder if Ultimate Warrior had a feeling that his time was winding down. No doubt that his sudden passing sparked a constant reminder that life is both precious and short, yet there’s a part of me that believes the weekend of nostalgia was designed for Ultimate Warrior to show his love and appreciation to us, his fans. Those who grew up watching him as a child obviously feel a certain loss—Warrior was considered a childhood hero to many—but like the Warrior said in his last speech, his spirit will continue to live on in those who loved him.

In closing, I would like to say one final thing…

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES, WARRIOR—WE LOVE YOU!!!

Wishing A Happy Birthday to the "Neo One"

Hi, Everyone!

Yep, I am definitely back on a roll again… hahaha!

Today’s blog is very special… and I really, really need to quit saying that! But seriously, today’s blog post is dedicated to the one and only Theodore James Campbell, otherwise known as “Neo Theo” or “The Neo One,” as he has been known throughout Bearcat Country.

In case you missed it, today is Theo’s birthday—he is officially 20 years old.

For obvious reasons, I haven’t really talked much about Theo; as a matter of fact, the last time I made mention of the Neo One, he had given me such a sweet Valentine surprise. After that, I hadn’t really talked about him much. However, I can say that Theo is really a sweet guy, and he’s quite the charmer. And if y’all want me to be brutally honest, I’m a little sweet on Theo… yes, I like him, but for right now, I need to stay focus on my studies.

I will say this about Theo, though: I like that he doesn’t try so hard to get my attention. He’s been the same crazy guy ever since he revealed himself to be my secret admirer, and that is a plus in my book.

As I close today’s blog post, I just want to say: Happy #20, Neo One—God Bless!

Smooches,

Natasha

My Future Looks Very Bright, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone!

Wow! This is my third consecutive blog post in a row—THAT’S PHENOMENAL!!!

I want you all to know that this here final module of my sophomore year is truly bringing out the best in me. I really don’t recall the last time I was this busy, but I still say that it’s all worth it. And besides, this is the only time I have had to cut down on blog posts, so this is actually a rarity.

Nevertheless, let’s get on down with the getdown!

In yesterday’s blog post, I made mention of the upcoming Class of 2014 commencement, and it got me to thinking about my own graduation. You see, this module is coming to a close in just two and a half weeks, and once I take my final “final exam” (I really tried to avoid redundancy… LOL), I will officially become an advanced junior. Then again, I’ve been taking a lot of junior classes this semester, so I’m probably gonna be an advanced senior. But anyway, the point that I’m trying to make is this: Summer School is right around the corner, and seeing as how I won’t be home until May 31, I’m gonna knock out all the classes that I can, just so I will be able to walk that aisle in two years’ time.

Y’all think I’m dreaming, but I’m not the only one—Ruby and Theo are totally with me on this one. The three of us have made a promise to one another that we ain’t gonna be caught slippin’ come to the big day. I know my graduation is not for another two years, but I’m still ultra-excited! I can clearly envision my entire family watching with awe and glee, as the announcement is made: “Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Miss Natasha Renee Stewart!”

And the crowd goes wild—heck, there might even be a “Vipress” chant… hahaha!

Okay, now that I’ve officially had my silly moment, I can close up today’s blog post; besides, I’ve gotta get mentally prepared for my Psychology of Exceptional Students class in a few hours. Did y’all catch that inside joke I made? I actually used “mentally” and “psychology” in the same sentence… hee-hee-hee! I’ll holla at y’all later.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Stirrin' Up Excitement in Bearcat Country

Hi, Everyone!

It’s about that time again up here in Bearcat Country—we are just three weeks away from the 148^th Rust College Commencement. Even though I’ve got two years until I walk that aisle, I gotta say that I am very excited for the Class of 2014. Y’all should see how they’re all scurrying around the campus, making sure that all of I’s are dotted and their T’s are crossed. I wonder if that’s gonna be me in two years? I pray that I have all of my academic affairs in order, because I don’t want to be caught slippin’ at the very last minute. Seriously, y’all—I’ve heard stories about how some seniors were denied graduating on account of one class… one class, y’all! And from what I’ve been told, this has happened on more than one occasion. Now, I do realize that it’s all hearsay and that folks do make up stuff just to scare you, but I’m not taking any chances; I’m gonna make damn sure that I’m on my P’s and Q’s so that I can hear my name called out as I am handed my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education.

And speaking of accolades, that brings to mind yet another accomplishment of mine that took place just this afternoon. Guess who made the Dean’s List for the second year in a row? I’ll give y’all three clues: She is a petite four feet eleven inches tall, her favorite color is lavender, and she’s sometimes known as Vipress… that’s right, y’all! I am happy to report that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, made the Dean’s List for the 2013-14 school year. I’m not the only one—Ruby made the Dean’s List as well, but we gotta give credit where credit is due. You see, our homey Neo Theo made the President’s List… he’s such a smartypants! And I will admit that I coerced Ruby to starting a “Neo Theo” chant, but Ruby insisted that we do that after the ceremony ended… hahaha!

 

Well, that’s all the news that I have for today, but I shall holla at y’all real soon. Until then, y’all take care, and remember to keep a sista in your prayers.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Streak Has Officially Ended!

Hi, Everybody!

A wrestling fan always remembers where they were when certain pivotal moments take place. Well, I will never forget where I was and what I was doing when I found out that the Undertaker’s legendary WrestleMania streak was broken just last night.

Although I didn’t watch WrestleMania at all last night, I was kept up to speed by round-the-clock updates. I was on my laptop refreshing my browser every fifteen minutes, and I seem to remember around 8pm CST, Undertaker was about to face Brock Lesnar. Well, I knew it would be a pretty lengthy match, so I waited about twenty minutes, then I hit F5 to refresh my browser. Much to my surprise, I received an error message, and for some reason, I had a feeling that it was bad news. I closed my screen and reopened the website I was on, and I received another error message. Five minutes later, Neo Theo called.

“Tasha, you and Ruby are not gonna believe this,” he said, almost despondently. “Are y’all sittin’ down?”

I was already lying down on my bed, so I just sat up. I told Ruby to brace herself for some shocking news—and what a shock it was!

“Well, y’all, Undertaker’s WrestleMania streak is officially broken,” Theo lamented. “Brock Lesnar has defeated the Undertaker.”

Ruby and I were shocked, to say the least—after all, up until yesterday evening, Undertaker’s undefeated streak was unbreakable. The Streak in and of itself is legendary, and now, it has a blemish.

Theo went on to tell Ruby and me that from what he read, thousands of wrestling fans were thoroughly pissed off behind this decision. Well, to be honest, I’m more shocked than anything. First of all, regardless of what others believe and perceive, the bottom line is that the streak is broken. It doesn’t matter who broke it—all that matters is that an historic event has taken place in the annals of professional wrestling. No true wrestling will ever forget where they were and what they were doing when they saw 21-1 flash across the screen. I know I certainly won’t.

One last thing in closing: There have been talks about Undertaker having his last hurrah in the wrestling business. Well, even at the ripe age of twenty, I know that Mr. Booga Red (as my Gramma Jewel loves to call him) has had one helluva career. The very first time I saw Undertaker wrestle, he was in a First Blood Match against Stone Cold Steve Austin in the summer of 1999. Overall, though, my favorite Undertaker moment is WrestleMania 23, when he defeated Batista for the World Heavyweight Title. If this truly is Undertaker’s last hurrah, then I just want to say: Thanks for entertaining me, Taker! You will forever be known as the conscience of the WWE.

And lest I forget: Long Live The Streak!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

First Freestyle Friday of April

Happy Friday, Everybody!

After yet another eventful week of homework, class projects, and the like, I am so ready for this weekend. I don’t have anything to do, except catch up on some well-deserved sleep.

I would like for you all to know, however, that I received good reviews from all of my instructors in my courses for this module. Hard as it is to believe, I’m really shining in my Mathematics for Elementary Teachers class, as well as my Intermediate Algebra class. I think I’ve shared with you all that I am not too fond of mathematics—after all, English is where I shine—but in these past couple of weeks, I’ve been knocking these math problems out of the park. As a matter of fact, both of my instructors of these respective classes have complimented me on my last couple of assignments. And I swear—everytime I tell my instructors that math is not my forte, they gotta tell me that I need to stop being so humble.

Who’s being humble? I am not a math whiz—never have been, and I seriously doubt if I ever will be! Besides, I’m more of an English fanatic.

Well, y’all, I’m gonna cut this blog post short, but I will definitely holla at y’all real soon. By the way, it is to my understanding that WrestleMania 30 is this Sunday. I gotta tell y’all: I’ve been so caught up in my classwork that I really haven’t shown a bit of interest in the thirtieth anniversary of the greatest event in the history of World Wrestling Entertainment. I will, however, say that I am interested in this year’s Hall of Fame class. I made mention a couple weeks ago that William “Paul Bearer” Moody will be inducted, but also Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Scott Hall, and the Ultimate Warrior will be inducted this year as well. Hey, YouTube is a nostalgia buff’s dream, don’tcha know! And besides, the aforementioned inductees are legends in the game.

Until next time, y’all take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Recognizing the 108th Birthday of An Icon

Hi, Everyone!

Today’s blog post is very special, because it was on the day that my great grandmother, Lynn Agnes Coleman, was born. If she were alive today, she would be 108 years old.

I think I mentioned in several past blog posts that everytime my Great Gramma Lynn’s birthday rolled around, she would say: “It never ceases to amaze me how a smart, educated woman like myself would be born on a day that is purely designated for fools!” I’ve even talked about how she was a pioneer in my family. The legacy of continuing education began with Great Gramma Lynn. Oh, sure—there were other women who broke barriers back in the day, but it does my heart proud to know that I am a descendant of a woman who not only broke barriers, but also paved the way for everyone in my family to continue our education and be the best that we could be. It also does my heart good and well to know that the Rust College legacy and lineage began with my Great Gramma Lynn.

I could go on and on about the precious legacy of my great grandmother, but I’d much rather let you read all about her in a blog that I posted a couple months ago, simply entitled “The Legacy of Lynn Agnes Coleman.” Oh, but one thing that I do need to mention: Great Gramma Lynn’s favorite color was purple, and it makes so much sense, considering that my favorite color is lavender.

So, I guess there was a hidden agenda as to why I chose the purple flower for today’s blog post—either that, or Great Gramma Lynn’s spirit is speaking through me.

Smooches,

Natasha