Thus Far, It's Been Worth It!

Hi, Everyone!

 

So, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lo these past few days—yes, I did in fact say “lo these past few days…” But anyway, in my thinking and reflecting, I gotta say that my journey thus far has been well worth it.

 

Around this time three years ago, I was on a college preparation shopping spree, as my mom and dad were helping me prepare to leave Los Angeles, California for Holly Springs, Mississippi. Yes, I knew beforehand what lied ahead when I accepted admission into Rust College, but at the same time, I had no idea what I would expect thus far. I remember the excitement and the sorrow, the anticipation and the angst, and the bittersweet feeling of having to leave my comfort zone in order to venture out into a brand-new world.

 

I have truly enjoyed my life as a college student thus far, and I already know that the best is yet to come in this, my final year at Rust. I have enjoyed criss-crossing these United States, albeit only from L.A. to Memphis by airplane, and then from Memphis to Mississippi by car. I’ve grown a great fondness and appreciation for life outside of Southern Cali, thanks in part to my Great Aunt Donna and my Great Aunt Reesie ‘nim. The Southern living has really been good to me lo these three years—and quiet as it’s kept, if I had my way, I would live in either Memphis or Nashville.

 

Hell, I’d even live in Olive Branch!

 

Then again, as the old saying goes: You can take me out of Cali, but you can’t take Cali out of me. I’m a native Los Angeleno through and through, but yet and still, my heart beats for that good ol’ Southern living.

 

To sum up this here blog post: My journey has definitely been well worth it, and when I finally obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in April of 2016, I know that I’m gonna rejoice all the more!

 

Take care, y’all!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Next Stop—Southern Cali!

Hi, Y’all!

Before I begin today’s blog post, I have a very special announcement:

Happy 45^th Birthday to my Uncle Gregory! You already know that when I arrive in L.A., I’m gonna help you celebrate ‘til the cows come home! Don’t start the party without me! Love ya lots!

Well, y’all—do I even need to mention that the inevitable has finally come upon us? However, it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t use my over-the-top announcer voice and give a very corny speech:

“In mere moments, the California Vipress will make her triumphant return to where it all began—Los Angeles, California. In addition to a much deserved summer vacation, Miss Natasha will be preparing for her internship with one Mrs. Ingrid Martin, where she will learn firsthand what being a kindergarten teacher is all about.”

Believe me when I tell y’all—I had a helluva lot more, but I decided to just leave that speech right where it was! Yes, I actually cut a speech short. Unbelievable, ain’t it? Hahahaha!

So, I’m all packed up and ready to go, and I’ve also said my temporary farewells to Azalea, Theo, and Craig—it’s just me and Ruby at the moment; we’re waiting on Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth… actually, I’m waiting on Auntie Gladys to come pick me up and take me to the airport, but as usual, Mr. and Mrs. Hudspeth will be watching over my stuff until I return in January. For the record, I gotta say that the Hudspeths are truly a blessing to me. They’ve treated me like a long lost daughter since my freshman year, but that’s Southern hospitality for ya!

And I know that I’ve already said this enough, but I still need to say it: I’m really gonna miss being away from Bearcat Country for an extra four months. If I had thought about it, I would’ve chosen an internship at one of the elementary schools out here… then again, I would really miss L.A. tremendously. I tell y’all about these Catch-22’s. A sacrifice had to be made somewhere, and such as that old expression: I can’t eat my cake and have it, too.

Welcome to adulthood, Natasha—indeed!

Well, y’all—it’s almost time to head out. I’ll holla at y’all when I return to Cali, but in the meantime, y’all say a prayer for me, that I and the rest of my planemates arrive at LAX safely. Until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Preparing My Peeps for the Inevitable

Hi, Everybody!

 

I promise y’all that I have a very valid reason why I haven’t been posting a lot of blog updates this week. You see, what had happened was… hahahaha!

But seriously, the truth of the matter is that I got hit with a lazy stick. As you know, I have only one class for Summer School, and it’s at 8am CST. After class is over, I’ve got all this free time to head to the library and study, and lately I’ve been hanging out with my peeps a lot. So, yeah—y’all really can’t blame a girl for getting a little lazy.

Speaking of my Rust College peeps, we got to talking this evening in the cafeteria, and we spoke at length about the inevitable—my eventual return to Southern Cali and my hiatus from college living until sometime in January 2016. I didn’t really want to talk about it, but I had to let Ruby, Theo, Craig, and Azalea know that they would have to hold down the fort until I return. Theo immediately let me know that college life would be quite boring without that Southern Cali flavor. I was flattered by Theo’s compliment, but I let everyone know that until I got back, Ruby was in charge.

Explain to me why everybody—Ruby included—said, “Aw, Hell!” Hahahahaha!

Like I mentioned last week, there’s no sense in trying to delay that which is inevitable, and my prolonging it would only make it worse, so in the end, it’s good that I talked it over with my peeps right then and there. And besides, I’ve got a good twenty-two days until I head back to Cali anyway—that’s a good three weeks to spend with my peeps out here in Bearcat Country.

Well, y’all, I guess I had better close up this here blog post, but I’ll be back wither tomorrow or Saturday to holla at y’all again… that is, if I don’t get lazy!


Smooches,

Natasha

It Officially Begins!

Well, y’all—it’s finally upon us!

Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2015, and I am happy to announce that I am officially a graduating senior! As you are aware, Rust College had its 149^th Commencement this past Sunday, and for once, I was sitting in the auditorium/gym to witness the entire thing… well, for the first half hour, anyway. You see, this family came in late, and there wasn’t any available space in the overfill room, so Ruby, Theo, and I gave up our seats. At least I didn’t miss the entire ceremony, though. As usual, it was a beautiful sight to behold—that sea of royal blue robes, each graduate receiving their respective degrees from Dr. Beckley… and to think, around this time next year, that’s gonna be me!

 

In the meantime, though, I’ve gotta get through Summer School. Classes start tomorrow, and check this out, y’all: I’ve got one class to take—Principles of Early Childhood Education.

 

In all actuality, this is an elective that I have to take, but it’s a class in which I have found great interest. As a future kindergarten teacher, I believe that every child can learn outside of the classroom. Truth be told, I learned my alphabets and my numbers when I was eighteen months old (Mom and Dad didn’t waste any time with me). I guess it can be said that I was a gifted child, but I don’t believe it to be true, simply because I’m not that great in mathematics, but that’s neither here nor there.

 

Oh, by the way, Ruby and I are very fortunate again—we didn’t have to move out of Emma Elzy. However, when the 2015-16 school year officially begins, we will be in Wiff Hall. Of course, I won’t be around the Rust campus as much, what with my internship and all, but nevertheless, I will be a resident of Wiff Hall.

 

Well, y’all, I guess I’d better get going, but y’all will be hearing from me sometime tomorrow. Until then, take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

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

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

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

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

So, What Happens Next?

Hi, Everyone!

I know a couple of y’all looked at the subject title of today’s blog post and probably said to yourselves: “Aw, hell—here she goes again!”

Well, y’all can’t really blame me for thinking about the wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend that I had experienced? I mean, let’s face it: I’m still new to this romance thing, and it’s very exciting to me. Yes, I have been down this road before, but for some reason, this weekend was truly special to me. Given that I had placed my heart under lock and key, I am really impressed that Neo Theo knew the combination. Yes, y’all—I am willing to admit that he really wowed me over these past four months with his sweet and subtle letters; it just goes to show that simplicity really does work.

And I may as well go ahead and tell y’all the truth: I kinda have a crush on Neo Theo… yes, you read it correctly—my feelings for Theo are mutual!

However, I still must ask myself that proverbial question: Where do we go from here?

Notwithstanding my feelings for Theo (which I have kept to myself—I haven’t even told Ruby, and she’s my best friend), I still remain focused and adamant as it relates to obtaining my academic goals and my dream to become the greatest kindergarten teacher since my Grampa Clark and Mrs. Ingrid Martin. Yet and still, I am very excited to know that Theo and I share the same sentiments about one another; it makes it that much more exciting and thrilling. And perhaps I’m being too overly cautious, but I still have my heart under lock and key. The last thing I want (much less need) is to jump headfirst into an empty pool and start professing my love—I’ve made that mistake before and I just don’t wanna be a fool again. I’d much rather protect my heart and keep my feelings to myself until the time is right.

Well, that just about does it for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with a brand-new blog post, but until then, y’all take care and take it light… and remember to keep a sista lifted up in prayer.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Wisdom From Mom & Dad, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

So, I had a good long conversation with my mom and dad last night about my love life (such as it is). We were having dinner, which was very delicious, by the way. You can’t go wrong with spaghetti and fried chicken. All of a sudden, from out of the blue, my dad breaks the silence with a somewhat subtle message:

“So, it looks like a ‘Ray of Sunlight’ has hit my little honeybee square in the heart.”

I chuckled a little bit, and then my mom says: “Ah, the yet-to-be-named ‘giggle of denial.’ That is further proof that your daddy ain’t lyin’!”

And then they give me pretty much the same speech that Gramma Jewel gave me the other night. Mom and Dad basically told me that while being in puppy love is a beautiful thing, I should bear in mind that August 18 is not too far away (the aforementioned date is when I return to Bearcat Country and begin my sophomore year). I was also given a glimpse of a harsh reality that nothing in life is certain, and that I should live for the moment. When I asked Mom and Dad why they would shock me with such a harsh truth, they simply said: “That’s just the way it is, Girlie—but don’t let that stop you from livin’ your life.”

Okay, I don’t deny that Mom and Dad are telling the truth, but did they really have to break it down to me like that? I mean, I’m just sayin’—they could’ve waited until I went back to Rust to tell me that. At least Gramma Jewel was gentle in her approach to tell me. Let’s face it, y’all: I am aware that I am bright girl with an even brighter future, and I still have dreams and aspirations of being a great kindergarten teacher. Hell, I can’t hide this truth any longer—I also want a husband and some children! I ain’t rushin’ into anything, but if that old saying is true about heart’s desires becoming reality, then those are my heart’s desires.

I really don’t know how I got on that tangent… I guess I was a little caught off-guard by Mom and Dad’s words on last night. I’m still a little thrown off, but eventually I’ll jump over this hurdle and keep it pushin’. Hey, I’m too optimistic to have anyone or anything slow me down.

In any event, I had better close this blog and get up outta the house for a while. I reckon I’ll head up to the library and… I really, really need to lose this Southern dialogue. The way I’m writing this blog, I am hearing myself—and knowing me, I’m gonna post this blog without a second thought.

Oh, well—I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Floatin' On Cloud Nine, Y'all!

I still can’t get over it, y’all!

I’m trying to actually piece together in my mind the events that have transpired over the weekend. Try as I might to believe it, but I’m still in a state of shock—I, Natasha Renee Stewart, have a boyfriend!

If y’all thought I was giddy before, y’all shoulda seen me all day yesterday. It’s as if a whole new world has opened up for me. Skies are brighter, birds sing louder, and cheeseburgers taste that much more delicious. And I would like for someone to explain to me why every song on the radio describe how I feel right now? Check this out: I heard “Rock With U” by Ashanti, “Someone to Love You” by Ruff Endz, and “If You Ask Me To” by Patti LaBelle.

I tell y’all—I’ve never felt this way before, and I love it!

Now, I do want to state for the record that I have every right to be excited because stuff like this usually doesn’t happen to little ol’ me. Again, I am by no means ugly, but at the same time, I am no Halle Berry either. Hell, I’m not even Princess Tiana… and she’s a cartoon character, for cryin’ out loud! But yet and still, there is a guy out there—other than my dad, uncles, and cousins—who thinks that I am truly special, and in this past year alone, he has shown that through his actions.

I also want to state for the record that I am not talkin’ about marriage—I’m still a young girl with a bright future. Besides, Gramma Jewel gave me a long sermon last night, and her subject was entitled: “The Forest Has Other Things Other Than Trees.” She basically told me that I should take care not to waste all my time on Ray, and vice-versa. She even told me about her relationship with her fellow church member Bro. Hawkins; they’ve been dating for about six months now, and only this past weekend did they talk about being an exclusive couple. Gramma Jewel admitted that she enjoyed Bro. Hawkins’ company, but even at her age, she wasn’t about to rush into anything serious unless she got confirmation from The Lord Himself.

And the record still holds true: When Gramma Jewel is right, she’s right! I keep tellin’ y’all—Gramma Jewel’s got plenty wisdom for all who will listen. I admire, appreciate, respect, and value her wisdom and experience.

However, I am still willing to give this exclusive relationship my best effort. Let’s just see what develops, shall we?


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