Looks Like I Really Did Thrive in 2015!

Well, y’all—here it is!

This is my very special “Year in Review” blog post, where I highlight the greatest moments in my life in the year 2015… heck, this year was so good that I actually have a Top Ten list!

Lest I forget: I want to point out that the ten highlights are in no particular order, but at the same time, I do have a number one highlight—so let’s stop talking about it, and let’s get on down to the nitty-gritty.

AUNTIE STEPHANIE’S #50

When Auntie Stephanie hit the big 5-0 in April, little did she know that we were planning the perfect birthday party for her—a 70s birthday party, if you will. Granted, I wasn’t there to help celebrate Auntie Stephanie (a.k.a. Foxy Brown Suga) on account of I was preparing for finals at Rust College, but thanks to some major assistance from my fellow Bearcats, I threw my own 70s party in Auntie Stephanie’s honor… and yes, we were decked out in groovy seventies costumes, Man!

SUMMER JOB AT THE CULVER CITY CHILDREN’S CENTER

Special thanks to Jessica Torres for putting in a good word for me at the Culver City Children’s Center, where I gained firsthand experience as a tutor and a teacher. It seems as though everywhere I go, little kids flock to me—and the Culver City Children’s Center was no different. Granted, it was only a one-month deal, but I learned so much within that one month. And that led to…

INTERNSHIP AT CARTER ELEMENTARY

Those fourteen weeks at my old elementary school proved to be the greatest fourteen weeks of my life, and the added bonus was working right alongside my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid Martin. Much like my summer job at the Culver City Children’s Center, I had so much fun at Carter Elementary… and heck, I even discovered that a couple of little fellas had a little crush on me. On my last day, Mrs. Martin and the little ones gave me the sweetest Christmas present—plenty of gratitude and appreciation.

THE COUNTDOWN TO GRADUATION

Almost immediately after the 2014-15 semester came to a close this past April, I began celebrating with a countdown to my graduation. I’m just four months away from earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and I know that I’ll have more back-up than reverse on the day of April 24, 2016.

THE GREAT 2-1

It’s not everyday that a gal turns 21 years old, and not too many youngsters get to see such a great age, so y’all could imagine my attitude of gratitude when God allowed me to see the great 2-1. And if I may be so bold to say: I’ve never felt sexier than now!

COUSIN CALVIN AND MISS KAREN

This cute little love story actually began sometime last year, but it really took off this past summer. It started innocently enough: Cousin Calvin admired Miss Karen from afar, and finally worked up enough gumption to ask her out on a date, to which Miss Karen said yes. As of this blog post, Cousin Calvin and Miss Karen have been going out on several dates since then, and they are really enjoying each other’s company. Stay tuned, y’all, because this story is getting real good.

WINSTON CAMPBELL

It looks like I have room for romance after all! Over the summer, a young gentleman by the name of Winston Campbell found a way to my heart, and has taught me that it’s okay to love again. I’m not gonna say that I’m head over heels in love, but I will say that I have enjoyed Winston’s company over these past couple months, and thus far he’s proven to back up his words with his actions.

FAMILY REUNION 2015

So, as y’all are aware, the Jones Family continued with our new annual summertime tradition in the form of a family reunion. This time, our reunion took place in Southern California, at Auntie Cherri and Uncle Alex’s house. This year’s reunion was very special, in that Cousin Becky got baptized that same weekend. It was truly a great way to close out our family reunion. I’m really looking forward to next year.

GRAMMA JEWEL’S FOURSCORE

It’s no secret that Gramma Jewel is the true legend in our family, and that’s why it made perfect sense to throw her a surprise birthday party when she turned 80 years old in October. I still remember how surprised she was when she realized how much of a fuss that we made over her. I promise y’all—no expense was spared for the crowned jewel in our family, and to prove that, Gramma Jewel stated that a surprise party was the second greatest gift that she had ever received.

AND THE NUMBER ONE MOMENT OF 2015

I FINALLY JUMPED THAT HURDLE!!!

Considering that it just happened yesterday afternoon, this deserves to be the greatest moment of the year, simply because it was a long time coming. I knew in my heart that I had forgiven Ray Hernandez for his treacherous ways, but I still had that pent-up anger and frustration. Well, when I finally met him face-to-face, I let him know that my sentiments had not changed—he is still forgiven and I wish him nothing but the absolute best in this life. However, when he told me how his heart was broken far worse, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. I let him know that he would get over the hurt eventually, and that it was time for him to heal. I really could’ve been a vindictive little vixen, but I chose to take the high road, and in the end, I am the richer. Now, it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life!

Well, y’all—these are the Top Ten moments of 2015. With the new year just a couple of hours away, I am very excited. Granted, I cannot see in the future, but I do know who holds the future, and as long as He’s guiding me along the way, I am most definitely in good hands.

With that said, I hope to see y’all on the other side, into a brand-new year!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Two Years Ago Today...

Hey, Y’all—I’m back, and have I got a real gooden for y’all!

All day today, I kept having this strange feeling that today was a very special day, and for some reason, I thought about my Uncle Anthony, and that’s when it hit me: Today is a very special milestone in my family!

It was two years ago on this very day that my Grampa Clark was inducted into the first ever Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame. This beautiful ceremony took place at the Marriott in Marina Del Rey, California, and the atmosphere was like that of an award show. I don’t know how Principal Wilson did it, but she made darn sure that the Sapp Hall of Fame lived up to the hype. Well, I can tell y’all—it was truly a gala affair!

From the moment we stepped inside that Promenade Ballroom to the closing remarks and benediction, I watched as the five legends of Sapp Elementary became immortalized in the annals of time. Each hall of famer was inducted by their respective predecessor, and entertained us with stories of their greatest moments at Sapp Elementary. However, it was my Uncle Anthony who had everyone grabbing the Kleenex, as he spoke from the heart about his dad/my grandfather, the late great Clark Kenneth Jones.

I get goosebumps to this very day when I think about how Uncle Anthony accepted the award on Grampa Clark’s behalf, then looked up to Heaven and boldly declared, “This is for you, Pop!” I remember how my smile grew when Uncle Anthony reached for his notes, only to put them back into his inside suit jacket pocket and just let the words flow about the legacy that Grampa Clark left at Sapp Elementary… and check this out, y’all: Uncle Anthony had every intention of giving that beautiful crystal award to Gramma Jewel, but Gramma Jewel wouldn’t have it; she suggested—dare I say—demanded that Uncle Anthony keep the award for himself.

And here it is, two years later, and you can find Grampa Clark’s award resting on the mantle of Uncle Anthony’s fireplace.

Well, y’all—that’s all the news that I have right now, but I promise to holla back sometime tomorrow. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

A Flashback from Three Years Ago Today

Hi, Everybody!

So, I’m sitting up here in my room after a long day at work, and as I am writing this blog post, it just occurred to me that today is Tuesday, August 18, 2015.

Allow me to explain: Today isn’t just any old ordinary day for me—August 18 is recognized as a memorable moment of most monumental proportions.

Allow me to elaborate just a little more: It was on this day three years ag that my mom, my dad, and my Gramma Jewel went all out of their way to give me the greatest college send-off in history. To this very day, I still get a little teary-eyed when I think about how my family put up such a big fuss over me, just to make sure that I left L.A. on a high note. For the record, I didn’t plan on weeping like a baby every ten minutes, nor did I count on the time flying by like it did, but every moment was well worth it.

I also think back to that point in time where my personality changed for the better. Three years ago, I was a shy little gal who had just graduated from high school and was just about to enter college life—well, here it is, three years later today, and I am more confident than I’ve ever been. I still have my shy moments from time to time, but I’m more outgoing than I ever was. Also, in reminiscing over this flashback, I remember the many emotions that I had—the feelings of excitement, apprehension, and even fear… and no, it didn’t help matters that I was extremely homesick. I can sit back today and laugh at myself, how I was making such a fuss about wanting to go home. I know that I drove Ruby crazy every night, as I lamented that if it was up to me, I would’ve gone to USC or Cal State Long Beach. Ruby herself would remind me that since I chose Rust College, it was best for me to stick with the choice that I made.

And I am grateful that I’ve stuck it out thus far!

I know that I say this in practically every blog post, but it’s the truth: Looking back on it now, attending Rust has become the greatest decision that I ever made. If I had it to do all over again, I most certainly would. Y’all just don’t know—Rust College has been very good to me. I’ve got so many memories stored up already, and now with my senior year about to start in five days, I’m sure that there are plenty other memories that have yet to come to pass. Granted, I won’t be boarding a plane this Sunday on account of my internship, but that’s the price I’ve got to pay. I’ll say this much, though: It’s gonna feel weird not stepping on the college campus come this Monday. It’s gonna feel weird not breathing that fresh, clean Southern air (sorry, LA., but it’s the truth anyhow). And yes, I’m really gonna miss yelling out “Roll Call!” when I see Ruby, Theo, and Azalea.

But then again, all of this will happen in four months’ time.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha