A Big Change in the Douglas Household

Hi, Everyone!

First and foremost, I would like to wish a Happy 78th Birthday to my great aunt, Donna Ruth Jones. I know she’s gonna sing to her heart’s content…  and I’m just gonna leave that alone altogether!

When I was six years old, my mom used to sing this song with the following lyrics:

There aren’t many things in life you can be sure of,

Except rain comes from the clouds, sun lights up the sky,
And hummingbirds do fly.

Those lyrics are the modus operandi of today’s blog post. I just had a good convo with my Gramma Jewel, and she informed me of some big news back home in Southern Cali… and yes, this news is so big that I wish I was back home right about now. You see, our dearest friends the Douglases are experiencing a change right now. For the first time in history, Mr. and Mrs. D officially have the house to themselves… that’s right, y’all! In case you missed it, here’s what I’m saying: Nikki Douglas, their youngest daughter, has moved into her brand-new apartment this afternoon. This means that all of the Douglas children are on their own. As exciting as this news may be, this also means that Mr. and Mrs. D are officially suffering from Empty Nest Syndrome. Now granted, Nikki’s apartment is a mere ten minutes away from Sapphire Street, but yet and still, this is a very big step for her, and to be honest, I’m happy for her.

Now, as for Mr. and Mrs. D, I know that they are torn in two about the whole ordeal. Yes, they are happy for their children, but now that they finally have the house to themselves, what will they do to counter their Empty Nest Syndrome? Well, I have it on great authority that my mom and dad have been looking for something to do since I’m in Bearcat Country—perhaps maybe they can hook up with Mr. and Mrs. D! It’s just a though, but knowing my mom like I do, she’s gonna be all over that idea come Monday, provided she’s not all over it now.

Yes, change is scary, but change is also good… and I cannot believe that I just wrote that down! I sure wasn’t saying that in my freshman year—my, how things change… hahaha!

The point that I’m trying to make is this: Mr. and Mrs. D knew that Howie, Lizzie, and Nikki would move out eventually, and I’m sure that if they had had their way, they would keep their children as close to them as possible. However, this change is good for them because it will bring them closer together as a family, and they will be more appreciative of each other.

And I know exactly what I’m talking about—my current residence is Holly Springs, Mississippi until April of next year.

Until next time, y’all take care… and congratulations again to the Douglases!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

I'm REALLY Enjoying Social Science, Y'all!

Hi, Everyone! Long time no holla!

 

I don’t need to tell y’all that I’ve been pretty busy with schoolwork and all. I will say, however, that I’m really enjoying Social Science more than I am regular science. Maybe this is just the way my thinking is wired, but I contend that I enjoy the social science more because of the fact that it is… well, sociable! I mean, think about it: I’m studying Elementary Education, and that involves socializing and building a rapport with my future little ones, so there it is!

 

I find it quite ironic, though, that I hated Social Studies when I was in Elementary School, and that’s probably because my teachers didn’t make it interesting enough—either that, or I just didn’t give a damn about the subject itself. And now that I think about it, it was a combination of both extremes. Thanks to the teachers who haphazardly taught the subject, I couldn’t help but not give a damn… hahahaha! Well, I will make damn sure that doesn’t happen to my future little ones. I don’t care if I don’t have to teach Social Studies in kindergarten—I’m not gonna be apathetic!

 

And now that I think about it, I just may give them a sneak preview about what Social Studies is all about, so when they advance to the next class, they’ll know what to expect.

 

I sure wish they had teachers like me back when I was growing up… hahahaha!

 

Okay, I’m being silly. I had better close today’s blog post and call it a day. Until then, y’all take care and be blessed.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

It's Got To Be Real!

Today’s blog post has been a long time coming, y’all.

 

The subject of today’s blog post has been in my heart and on my mind ever since this past October. And yes, I am aware that the subject title sounds very familiar, in that it was inspired by the popular 70s song by one Cheryl Lynn. However, here’s a little bit of trivia for y’all: British songstress Lisa Stansfield has a song on her “Real Love” CD that shares the same title as Cheryl Lynn’s song. The only difference between both ladies’ songs revolves around the lyrics… and the lyrics from Miss Stansfield’s song struck me straight in the heart—I mean, I got chills up and down my spine when I heard those lyrics. Just check this out:

 

All my life, I keep on searching for that special thing.

How I’ve tried to always find a love and understanding,

To always see the light of day, and to know that I am living.

All my life, I won’t take if I’m not giving.

Only when the rain comes down,

Only when the lightning strike me, will I find the answer for myself.

  

Personally, the second verse that gives me shivers. Miss Stansfield basically says that she tries to see the good inside herself and does all she can to let her love shine through. I know what she’s talking about, because I know that I do what I can to let my light shine, just so the right guy will know where I am. I think I mentioned this once or twice, but since my time here at Rust, I have been told that I am a different breed of woman. I’ve even been told that most of the fellas are intimidated by me because I know my worth and I won’t settle for anything less than that which is beautiful. Matter of fact, the chorus of Miss Stansfield’s song talks about that very thing:

It’s got to be real—be the best, nothing less than wonderful.

It’s got to be real this time—what’s waiting there inside.

It’s got to be real—knowing love, know it can be powerful.

It’s got to be really love, so we can rise above.

 

And that’s my testimony—it’s got to be real or not at all. I’m not settling on just any old type of “love.” The love that I’m searching for has to come from the heart—it’s got to be real, nothing less than wonderful, because it’s that real love that withstands the test of time after everything else has come and gone. And that real love is out there looking for me… of course, he’s gonna have to go through my dad to get the keys to my heart, but other than that, that real love is out there.

In closing this blog post, y’all know that I had to post my brand-new leitmotif… for this year, anyway!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Life and the Legacy of Clark Kenneth Jones

Hi, Everyone!

As you can probably tell, I’ve been some kinda busy learning the differences between social science and regular science. You know, if I’m gonna be a great teacher, I at least gotta learn it before I talk about it—at least that was the attitude that my Grampa Clark had.

And speaking of my Grampa Clark, he is the subject of today’s blog post.

I am happy to report that my family has decided to write a book all about the life and the legacy of the man known as Clark Kenneth Jones. I know I have shared my few little moments with you all… and yes, I am aware that though few and few between as those moments may be, they are still very precious. I’m just saying that I wish Grampa Clark could’ve stayed around a little longer so I could have a few more of those precious memories.

In any event, here’s how this book idea came about: About an hour ago, I was on the phone with my Aunt Cherri (who is still in the process of writing her autobiography), and while we were talking, she just all of a sudden shouted: “Hot Damn—there’s an idea that we can all participate in!”

Of course, I asked Auntie Cherri what all the excitement was all about, and she told me that she had just happened to be looking at a family photo that was taken back in 1978 (Auntie Cherri was ten years old, and my mom was only six) I had seen that picture once before; it was the time that Grampa Clark and Gramma Jewel moved to Sapphire Street. Well anyway, that photo inspired Auntie Cherri to start writing a book about Grampa Clark’s life and legacy, and all of us who knew and loved him, will have an opportunity to contribute—and y’all already know that I’m all for this idea! Matter of fact, while Auntie Cherri was telling me her idea, I started brainstorming ideas to how Grampa Clark’s influence and legacy guided me to my dream of being a kindergarten teacher.

Uh-oh, y’all—I’ve got another brainstorm!

I’m gonna have to talk to Auntie Cherri this weekend, but I would love to write the forward or the introduction to this book project. I want to include the definition of the word “legacy,” and put a picture of the entire family with the definition… hell, I’ll holla at y’all later—I want to get started on it right now!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

I Have Already Made My Decision!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Do you all remember my blog post on Wednesday when I was having a hard time trying to decide which teacher I should assist for my internship? Well, even though I don’t have to make a decision until next Friday, I’ve pretty much made my decision already.

I’m gonna go with Mrs. Martin for my internship!

I called her after I returned from my 8am class this morning, and to say that Mrs. Martin was very ecstatic would be a big understatement. She was quite thrilled, to say the least. The way she was cheering, I thought she was about to travel through the phone and give me a big hug… hahahaha! I already know that it’s gonna be a great experience to work alongside Mrs. Ingrid Martin, the hardest working kindergarten teacher in all of Southern Cali.

Alas, my decision meant that I had to break the news to Mr. D and Sapp Elementary. I was so apologetic, but Principal Wilson and Mr. D were both forgiving and very understanding. Matter of fact, Mr. D was surprisingly understanding; he explained to me that working alongside my first (and only) kindergarten teacher would prove beneficial, considering that she has an extra eighteen years of experience on him, and she could teach me everything there is to know about being a loyal, dedicated kindergarten teacher.

Now, see—Mr. D dropped some and wisdom and knowledge on me, proving that he too is born to teach. This also proves that Grampa Clark chose the perfect successor!

Well, like I said, it’s gonna be a great experience to work alongside Mrs. Ingrid Martin. I get the feeling that this will be one of times where I’m gonna have to buy a special journal to record my moments with her. I can picture it now: I’m taking attendance, grading papers, helping with class assignments… hell, sign me up!

There is also an extra bit of added incentive as to why I chose Mrs. Martin over Mr. D—notwithstanding the previously aforementioned, we’ve been in touch since my freshman year here in Bearcat Country, and Mrs. Martin still talks about the fact that I’m the only student who has ever come to visit her. You know, she talks about that as if it was the highlight of her year… and then again, from her point of view, it probably was. Heck, it was one of the highlights of my year as well, and in eight months’ time, we’re gonna repeat history!

Well, that does it for today. I’ll be checkin’ on y’all later, but until then, take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Decisions, Decisions...

Hi, Y’all!

 

With all this talk about my internship (which will begin eight months from now), I finally heard from Mrs. Martin, and she says that all I’ve got to do is send her the material from my academic advisor at Rust, and it’s all gold.

 

Well, I’ve received the okay from Mrs. Martin and from Principal Wilson. There’s just one question: Which one should I choose?

 

I have a chance to work side by side with my favorite kindergarten teacher at my old elementary school, and at the same time, I have an opportunity to be a Sappster for the remainder of this year. Y’all know how I always take the feelings of others into consideration, and this situation is no different. I don’t want to hurt Mrs. Martin’s feelings, nor do I want to hurt Mr. D’s, but the bottom line is: I’m gonna have to choose someone.

 

All things considered, I would love to work with Mrs. Martin, especially considering that I’m the only one of my class who returned to visit her lo these many years, and the beautiful visit that we had over the summer… yes, there’s plenty of added incentive in regards to working alongside Mrs. Martin! But then there Mr. D’s experience and expertise—notwithstanding the fact that he’s been under the tutelage of my Grampa Clark, Mr. D has an undeniable love for teaching children. He’s also taught kindergarteners at Sapp Elementary going on twenty-two years now.

 

And yes, Mrs. Martin has eighteen years more experience than Mr. D, which means that she’s practically seen it all… academically, that is.

 

And then we come back to Sapp Elementary, where I just remembered that I get to see Gramma Jewel at work—that’s plenty of added incentive right there, don’tcha know!

 

This is one of those times where I’m gonna have to pray long and hard about my decision… and speaking of which, this reminds me of that ol’ skool song about mind-blowing decisions causing head-on collisions. Like I mentioned earlier, no matter who I choose, I’m afraid of hurting the other one’s feelings, and I don’t want that to happen.

 

I have until next Friday to make a decision. Please pray for me…

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Following Up On My Back-Up Plans

Hi, Everybody!

 

So, about yesterday: You see, what had happened was… hahahahaha!

 

But seriously, y’all: I was pretty yesterday with classes, particularly that Science for Teachers course. I will freely and happily admit that I am no brainiac when it comes to science… hell, I barely escaped elementary school science with a B-minus. I know, I know—anything worth having doesn’t come quickly, but I’m just saying, though. Let’s put it this way: I’m still no great mathematician, and science really ain’t helping my case.

 

And then again, it’s only the second week of this semester, and a lot can change between here and there.

 

There’s another reason why I didn’t get to post an update yesterday: I was following up on the status of my internship with Principal Wilson at Sapp Elementary. At first, I started not to call her because it was 4pm, and that’s when I remembered that Mississippi time is two hours ahead. So, after laughing at my error, I called Principal Wilson, and we discussed at length the particulars for my internship. Seeing as how I would like to be a kindergarten teacher, this means that I will be working side by side with Mr. D’s class. Of course, the alternative is working with Mrs. Martin’s class at my old elementary school, but the excitement would be just the same. And that reminds me—I need to call Mrs. Martin and follow up with her. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, there’s nothing wrong with having a back-up plan.

 

Well. I guess I had better close up this rather brief blog post, but I’ll be talkin’ to y’all later on. Until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Dedication to My Mom & Dad

Hi, Everybody!

 

Well, it goes without saying, but today’s blog post is very special to me, mainly because I’m dedicating it to one of the cutest couples that I’ve ever known—Benjamin & Danielle Stewart.

Yes, I am aware that I have dedicated plenty of blog posts to my mom and dad in the past, but hell—I can dedicate another one to them! I do, however, want to put out a disclaimer: Just in case this blog post is somewhat reminiscent of its predecessors, that’s only because I’m speaking the truth. It has been said that the truth is so special that it can be told over and over again, and it’ll never get old.

There is also a modus operandi for today’s blog post: You see, in the two and half years that I’ve been up here at Rust, I have made it known that I truly love my mom and dad, and I still hold true to my claim that they are indeed the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be. It’s no secret that I have such a strong relationship with my mom and dad, but ever since I’ve been away from them, I have a newfound appreciation for them. I guess it’s true that absence really makes the heart grow fonder, because everytime I step off that plane at LAX and run into my daddy’s arms, I hug him real tight and I give him a kiss on the cheek and pretend that I’m stuck. And then there’s my mom—lately we’ve done this thing where we met forehead to forehead, and simultaneously raise our eyebrows. And I also realized that my mom and I share the same middle name… matter of fact, my mom gave me her middle name as a tribute to her legacy, plus the name Renee is French for “reborn.”

That probably explains why my Uncle Ronnie calls me “Born Again… Again!”

Well, there y’all have it—another blog post dedicated to my mom and dad. I’m almost certain that I’m gonna dedicate another blog post to them in the very near future, but for now, today is their day. And of course, y’all can expect a future blog post dedicated to my entire family. Yes, I am aware that I talk about them a lot, and I am also aware that I put them on a pedestal, but I realize the blessing that I have in having them in my life. I also realize that there are people right now who would love to be in my shoes—some grew up in single parent homes while others don’t know their parents at all. This is just all the more reason to be grateful for Benjamin & Danielle Stewart.

Mom & Dad, it goes without saying, but I’m gonna say it anyway—I LOVE Y’ALL!!!


Smooches,

Natasha

Preparing for New Beginnings

Well, y’all—we made it!

 

Before I begin today’s blog post, I have a special announcement to make: I’ve not long been out of class, and I’m in my dorm room right now, underneath a blanket and a comforter, with the heater on full blast. Just in case y’all missed that, allow me to elaborate further…

 

IT’S FREAKIN’ COLD OUT HERE!!!

 

I just took a look at the weather report, and I thought I was seeing things—it is twenty-five degrees out here in Bearcat Country! Now, you would think that I would be acclimated to this type of weather (pardon the pun), but I ain’t used to this at all. I think I mentioned this a couple of days ago, but there’s a great difference between Los Angeles cold and Mississippi cold. Some-a-y’all may have forgotten that I am a Cali girl by nature. Oh, sure—I have grown accustomed to the Southern living (considering that a great majority of my family are native Southerners), but I’m a native Los Angeleno through and through.

 

We now take you back to our regularly scheduled blog post… hahahaha!

 

So, today is January 8, 2015, and y’all know what that means—we have made it through the very first week of this new year. We are truly blessed because millions didn’t make it this far… and I don’t know about y’all, but I’m grateful to be one of the ones who did. And lest I forget, the number eight represents new beginnings. I’ve always believed that the first seven days of the new year are a mere harbinger of what to expect throughout the remainder of that year… in other words, however you start off your year will be the way you end it. I’ve already started this year off on a great note—I’ve already made the necessary preparations for my internship later on down the road, and I’m very excited for what is to come. I’ve said it before, and it looks like I’m gonna keep on sayin’ it: If I have not proven lo these two and a half years that I love teaching, then I don’t know what to tell y’all. I would like to believe that my passion and desire burns brighter than ever, and of course, I love learning and I love trivia. Oh, and let’s not forget: I am a Sunday School teacher, too!

 

Okay, y’all—judging by the fact that I’m still freezing a little, it looks like I gotta go ahead and close up this blog post for today, but I will most definitely holla at y’all tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Startling Revelation Regarding the Sciences

Happy Wednesday, Y’all!

First of all, I want to wish a Happy 44th Birthday to my Aunt Glo! I trust that Uncle Gregory, Cousin Matt, and Cousin Trisha are treating you like the queen that we all know you are. Keep on celebrating the entire month, Aunt Glo—love ya lots!

Before I delve into the topic of today’s blog post, I want to state for the record that I have never claimed to know everything. Sure, I may act like I know everything, but the truth of the matter is that I can pretend very well… okay, I have to fix that lie, too! I’m not that great of a pretender.

I said all of that to say this: Today was the first day of classes here at Rust, and I was given a rather startling revelation when I discovered that science and social science are two separate entities. Do you recall in yesterday’s blog post when I mentioned that both classes should be combined on account of the science? Well, y’all should’ve seen my face when I discovered the dichotomy of the two. First of all, they are similar in that they use the same scientific model in order to obtain information. They also have general laws that each science apply in their respective applications.

Now, here’s where we come to the differences: For starters, science (or natural science, as it is commonly called) is more familiar with the study of the physical and natural behaviors and phenomena without the social, cultural, or the human context or aspect. In other words, natural science deals with nature. As for social science, it pertains to the behavior of humans as a people, human societies, their production and operations. Social Science also deals with the cultural and human context, and tries to explain how the world works. Its main aim is to study the complex and changing phenomena that occur in human and social life and their interactions with one another.

And now that I think about it, I should’ve known that social science dealt with people, mainly because it is… well, social! Nevertheless, I learned a great deal in both classes today, as is evidenced by today’s blog post. Oh, and I forgot to mention yesterday: I’m taking regular science at 8am, and I’m taking Social Science at 1pm. I’m actually thinking about taking an elective at 10:30am, just for the hell of it, but I’m not so sure if I want to do so just yet. Besides, I only have so many more classes until I have completed my Bachelor’s Degree. I’ll probably take an elective during summer school.

Okay, y’all—that’s gonna do it for today. I’ll holla at y’all later.

Peace Out,
Natasha

Looks Like I'm Way Ahead of Schedule, Y'all!

Good Tuesday Afternoon, Everybody!

 

First thing’s first: I want to wish a Happy 28th Birthday to my sister-for-life, Miss Rebecca Ann Morgan. I know that you’re killin’ em back home at Chamberlain University… academically, that is! Keep on doin’ whatcha doin’, and watch your dreams come true. Celebrate your day in style, because it is yours after all!

Y’all, I find it quite ironic that I left chilly California to come back to cold-ass Mississippi… hahaha! Seriously, y’all—it’s 12:30pm CST, and it is somewhere between mid 30s and upper 40s out here in Holly Springs! And what’s so bad about it, it is to my understanding that it is warm and sunny back home in Los Angeles.

Such a cruel twist of fate.

Well, anyway, I figure that I had some time to update my blog and give y’all a heads-up on my classes for this semester. For the third module, I’m taking Social Science for Teachers, and Science for Teachers—and no, that is not a typographical error. Now, if you ask me, I think that the two classes should be combined, seeing as how they both are discussing science in some kinda way. Heck, I think it makes sense to combine the two classes—I mean, am I wrong, or am I wrong?

In any event, for the fourth module, I’m taking Methods of Middle School Instruction, Integrative Teaching Seminar, and Educational Technology. I’m kinda interested in the last class, mainly because I’m intrigued by the name—educational technology. I’m almost certain that it’s no walk in the park, and seeing as how this class counts towards my Bachelor’s Degree, I’ve got no choice but to take it.

Yet and still, the title alone has really piqued my interest, and that’s not a bad thing—that’s a good thing!

And I just took a look at my catalog, and… oh my goodness, y’all! Let’s just put it this way: Not counting my internship, I’ve got two classes left, and I am officially done! And speaking of my internship, I need to get that in order real soon—like yesterday! I reckon I’ll set up an appointment or a meeting with my academic advisor and get my internship squared away. I also need to call Principal Wilson at Sapp Elementary and let her know that we’re approaching the due date. Just as a safety precaution, I had better call my kindergarten teacher Mrs. Martin and keep her in the loop as well.

Wait a minute—I just realized something else: My internship is for fourteen weeks, and that means that I’ll be home for longer than the summer… YIPEE!!!

Of course, this means that I’ll be away from Ruby Red and Neo Theo, but I’ll be back in time for my commencement… y’all, it is definitely on and crack-a-dack-a-lackin’ up in this piece!

Well, I gotta close up today’s blog post, but I’ll holla at y’all later with a status update.


Peace Out,

Natasha

Gettin' Right Back On It, Tho!

Good Monday Evening, Everybody!



Well, here I am again—back in Bearcat Country, and I am officially ready to complete my junior year!



And yes, I am aware of the fact that I have posted a blog since my return to Rust, but remember: Classes haven’t started yet. Matter of fact, classes commence on tomorrow, so there is a good chance that you may hear from me either in the morning or the evening, depending on my last class.



Believe me when I tell y’all—it’s about to go down this year! I am so excited because, in four months’ time, not only will I have completed the second semester of the 2014-15 school year, but I will also be that much closer to my graduation. In the words of my godsister Lizzie: I am like, so totally excited! Some of you may not believe this (although the rest of you probably know me by now), but during my plane ride, I was actually working on some custom made invitations for my graduation. I have a list in my jacket pocket right now; it has the names of any and everybody that I’m inviting to my graduation. The first one on the list is: The Fam! That’s basically everybody in my family, from Gramma Jewel to Great Aunt Donna. I put five pink stars next to my mom and dad’s name, and I put five purple stars next to Gramma Jewel’s name. The lady next to me couldn’t help but ask (and I really didn’t mind her looking) if the stars symbolized anything. I smiled and told her that the stars represent that they wouldn’t miss my graduation for the world. Naturally, the woman thought that I was graduating this year, to which I told her that I had one more year. She looks at me and says: “My, my—we aren’t waiting around, are we?”



And that’s when I told her about my Grampa Clark’s legendary quote—and I tried to paraphrase it, but I had to tell her the real thing. She was quite amused, to say the least.



So, anyway, I’ve gotten registered, and I’ve also met up with the other two-thirds of the Tripod. Now, I’m up here in my nice warm cozy dorm room, with a cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows, and a homemade chicken sandwich with chips and a pickle. And of course, I called Mom and Dad around 9am CST to let them know that I made it safely—Auntie Gladys picked me up from the airport.



Well, y’all—that’s gonna do it for today, but hopefully I’ll be able to holla at y’all tomorrow. If not, then I’ll holla at y’all this weekend. Until then, y’all take care and keep a sista in your prayers.






Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

It's Just About Time...

Hi, Everybody!

Well, this is it—my official last day here in chilly Los Angeles… well, at least until I return for my summer vacation, anyway. In just a few hours, I’ll be on the first plane smokin’, back to Bearcat Country. I really can’t wait to see my peeps, because I’ve really missed them.

 

You know, I just thought about something: When I came home for Christmas this go-round, there wasn’t as much fanfare and hoopla as it was two years ago. Even I quit making a fuss about it. Don’t get me wrong—my family was glad to see me, and I was glad to be back home, but the feeling of the “hero’s welcome” was not there. I reckon that’s gonna be saved for my permanent return to Southern Cali—you know, for when after I graduate in just about a year. And speaking of my graduation, while I do realize that it’s only a year away, I’ve got to plan ahead. Once I get settled back in at Rust, I’m gonna get to working on my graduation invites. I already know that my fam is gonna represent fully, so they’re gonna get some very special albeit formal invites. I also know that Pastor & Mrs. Clark emphatically stated that they’re gonna be there in full force, and of course I cannot leave out the incomparable Mrs. Ingrid Martin—she’s definitely gettin’ an invite from me!

 

Well, y’all, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but it’ll be time for me to head to the airport pretty soon. I’ll definitely give y’all a holla once I get settled in tomorrow, but until then, y’all take care, and say a prayer for me.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

 

 

The Inevitable of It All

Happy Friday, Everyone!

 

Today’s blog post is gonna be short, sweet, and to the point:

 

The inevitable has come upon us again—in just two days, I will be return to Bearcat Country. There’s no sense in ignoring that big purple elephant in the room, and there’s no sense in fighting it. I’ve got some unfinished business at Rust College, and it will all be taken care of as soon as the first day of classes start.

 

Now, here’s the strangest thing: Despite the fact that I’m glad to be back home (albeit until this Monday), I’m actually glad that I’m returning to Rust. It’s not just the inevitable of it all, but I’m just looking at the bigger picture. You see, in about three months’ time, I will officially be a senior… let me rephrase that: I will officially be a graduating senior! Yes, y’all—there really is a difference. I’ve taken a look at my Rust Catalog, and I see that I am way ahead of schedule to graduate next year. Y’all already know that I’m excited… and I reckon I should start making plans for a graduation party.

 

And I never thought I’d ever say this (considering that I’m only twenty years old), but I guess it really was worth leaving Los Angeles a couple years ago!

 

With that said, I now close this blog post with a smile, and I will holla at y’all when I return to Rust.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A New Year Birthday Wish for Lady-V!

Hey, Y’all—I’m back again!

Notwithstanding that today is the first day of a brand-new year, my family has another reason to celebrate: Someone in my family is celebrating a birthday. That’s right, y’all—one of my very own family members was born on New Year’s Day. That special family member is none other than my cousin, Vanessa Joyce Cunningham.

 

I must also point out that this is a very special type of birthday for her because she is officially 25 years old today—that’s a quarter of a century, don’tcha know.

And yes, Cousin Nessa is all excited about hittin’ that big 2-5!

In celebration of Cousin Nessa’s special milestone, today’s blog post is dedicated to her (obviously). With that said, here are twenty-five things that you may or may not know about the girl known as “Lady-V.”


1.    Vanessa is Greek for “butterfly” (this name was actually invented by Jonathan Swift), and her middle name Joyce is Latin for “merry.” Cousin Nessa truly lives out her name—she’s just a merry little butterfly.

2.    She has the same initials as Gramma Jewel—VJC (Gramma Jewel’s maiden name is Coleman).

3.    She considers it an honor, a privilege, and a blessing to have her birthday fall on New Year’s Day.

4.    Her favorite color is red.

5.    She got her nickname “Lady-V” from my Grampa Clark, and that nickname has stuck, because almost everyone refers to her as such.

6.    She graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism.

7.    Her favorite song is “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo. She has made this song her leitmotif, and she even swears up and down that Ne-Yo made that song especially for her.

8.    Her favorite catchphrase is: “Vivacious, Alluring, Naughty, Elegant, Sensual, Sexy, Altruistic—that’s who I am!”

9.    Up until she was in Eighth Grade, she swore up and down that Vanessa L. Williams was a part of our family.

10.  She doesn’t like to admit this, but she has a huge crush on Alfonso Ribeiro.

11.  She remembers everybody’s respective birthdays, and she makes it her business to call first thing in the morning.

12.  She loves t-shirts with quotes that describe her personality (i.e. “Cutie Pie,” “Heart Throb,” etc.)

13.  All of her pajamas have her first initial embroidered above her heart.

14.  She has a “special outfit” for all four seasons.

15.  When she was in Sixth Grade, she punched a girl out for trying to embarrass Cousin Calvin.

16.  Although she looks and acts like my Auntie Cherri, she takes after my Uncle Alex in subtle ways.

17.  She is a huge fan of classical music.

18.  She holds me, Cousin Trish, Cousin Candace, Cousin Erica, and Cousin Becky in such high regard that she thinks of us as her true girlfriends.

19.  She wrote a poem entitled “My Mother The Hero” as a tribute to Auntie Cherri’s heroic deed just last year.

20.  She actually considered attending wrestling school so she could challenge for the OSW Ladies’ Championship Belt. As a matter of fact, she’s even created two wrestling finishers—one is called the Vanessa Lock, and the other is called the Cunningham Clutch.

21.  When she was eighteen years old, she played the Virgin Mary in a Christmas play at her church, and she was very convincing.

22.  She is very photogenic, even on days when she is not “dressed up.”

23.  She can make some mean barbecue nachos!

24.  Her favorite thing to drink is a large root beer float with three cherries.

25.  Her favorite number is 25… and that’s so apropos, especially on today!


And once again, I say: Happy #25, Cousin V—Love Ya Lots!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha