Chillin' in the Cut at Mr. Chuck's!

Happy Friday, Everybody!

 

First of all, I want to state for the record—I truly earned this weekend!

Don’t get me wrong—I had a great week, but it kinda dragged a little bit around Tuesday and Wednesday, but then it picked back up around yesterday afternoon.

And now, here we are on this beautiful Friday evening, further proving that good thing still come to those who wait.

And with that said, I also want to state for the record that I truly enjoyed my family this evening at Mr. Chuck’s restaurant… and vice-versa! Suffice it to say, we still know how to close down the place… hahahaha! Forget a great time—the Joneses had ourselves a grand ol’ time!

Now, check this out: Gramma Jewel is a regular at Mr. Chuck’s place… seriously, y’all! As soon as she walked in, everybody in the restaurant was all like: “Hey, Ms. V—long time no see!”

That’s right, y’all—Gramma Jewel is known as “Ms. V” to the other regular patrons.

Anyway, we all met up around six this evening, and Gramma Jewel had already ordered appetizers and everything. Come to find out, though, Mr. Chuck has a Happy Hour special—free appetizers between 5pm and 8pm on Fridays.

By the way, I made mention earlier on that Mr. Chuck enjoyed our company—that wasn’t an exaggeration. You see, Mr. Chuck was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, and he enjoyed our patronage so much that he wanted to pay for our bill. Well, Gramma Jewel insisted that she pay, and Mr. Chuck decided to take off twenty percent of the bill.

Overall, it was a great night with great food, great family, great friends, and great fun… and y’all already know that we took a couple pictures to commemorate this magical moment! Incidentally, Mr. Chuck asked if he could have a couple of pictures to put on his Delta Dinin’ Wall of Fame… and of course, we obliged him.

Okay, y’all—it’s getting late, and I’m feeling a little drowsy. I reckon I’ll close up tonight’s blog post and turn in for the night. Besides, my cousin Erica has one more full day out here before she returns to Fisk University this Monday, and she wants to see the Hollywood sign up close at the Griffith Park Observatory… YAY!!!

Until tomorrow, y’all—I’ll holla!

 

 

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

One Sensational Saturday, Tho!

What Up, Y’all!

I trust that your Saturday is as sensational as mine.

I just got back home after a wonderful afternoon with my Auntie Gloria and Uncle Gregory, and my cousins Matthew and Trisha. Now, before y’all get started, yes—I did in fact invite Ray to go with us, but he had a prior engagement; his mom and dad celebrated their 22^nd wedding anniversary, and ironically enough, Ray had invited me to go with him. Talk about a double conflict of interest… at least, that’s what we called it, anyway. Oh, well—those are the breaks, but at least I invited him to the Sapphire Street Block Party on next Saturday, and then too, there’s the talent show at my Gramma Jewel’s church as well.

And now, in the famous words of Snoop Dogg, back to the lecture at hand!

As I mentioned earlier, on, I kicked it with my Auntie Gloria, Uncle Gregory, Cousin Matt, and Cousin Trisha all day today. We went to Knott’s Berry Farm, and we had so much fun. And as a bonus, I got to wear one of my sundresses; I decided upon my navy blue one with yellow polka dots—and my shoes were the same color as the polka dots. I’m color-coordinated like a boss, tho!

Anyway, we rode on so many rides, but my personal favorites were Montezooma’s Revenge, the Dragon Swing, and the Waveswinger. I think I may have gone on the Waveswinger at least five times—it was that much fun. Of course, Uncle Gregory wanted us to try the Boomerang, so we did… and it turned out to be the biggest mistake of all our lives! That was our first, last, and only time riding that damn Boomerang, and I’ve never heard Uncle Gregory cuss like he did today. He didn’t really say a whole lot; all he said was: “Damn you, Boomerang!”

Oh, for the record: I did bring along my camcorder, just in case I wanted to use some footage for my home movie.

I’m tellin’ y’all—this has been one helluva summer vacation for me. I mean, I have had so much fun thus far. And again, next Saturday is the Sapphire Street Block Party over at Gramma Jewel’s house… well, her neighborhood, anyway. It’s gonna be nice to see the Burkalters, the Robertses, the Douglases, the Duncans, the Fraziers, and the Takashis. Oh, and I understand that Gramma Jewel has some new neighbors west of her—the Guerreros. I wonder if they’re related to the legendary Eddie Guerrero… I’m just askin’!

Anyway, it’s time that I settle down and rest up. Besides, I’ve got a big day planned for tomorrow. Notwithstanding my second Sunday teaching the Cradle Roll class, I also have to lend my heart and my support to Gramma Jewel as she sings in a youth-sponsored talent show tomorrow afternoon at her church. I know she’s gonna do a great job, and if y’all really know my Gramma Jewel, then y’all already know—she’s gonna be dressed to the nines!

Well, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Southern Cali Saturday

Good Saturday Morning, Everybody!

So, I was finishing up yet another “session” in the studio that is my mom and dad’s den, for the home movie that I’m putting together, and I got a chance to review the footage that I recorded. I had to laugh at it all, because it’s so darn corny. There’s one segment in which I’m lip-syncing to “Love Come Down” by Evelyn Champagne King, and I’m bold enough to admit it—I am such a ham! I mean, y’all should’ve seen me; I was all cheesin’ and grinnin’ in the camera at every opportunity. And I never realized—until I watched for myself—that I have a certain way of swiveling my hips when I dance. Let’s face it: I do have an hourglass figure, and I’ve totally embraced my thickness (it’s a Jones trait, don’tcha know), but when I swivel my hips, it’s like… I don’t know; I can’t really describe it. Perhaps I don’t pay attention to the way I swivel my hips—hell, I didn’t know that I do swivel my hips!

In other news, I’m looking forward to this evening, as we celebrate the retirement of one Hal William Arthur. Speaking of Mr. Arthur, I am also to understand that this entire weekend is all about him, per se. Allow me to elaborate more: In addition to his retirement party this evening, I understand that Mr. Arthur is turning threescore and ten tomorrow. That’s right, y’all—Mr. Arthur will be celebrating his 70^th birthday on tomorrow, if The Lord says the same. I guess you can say that June is an overall good month for Mr. Arthur, and considering that he’s put in 36 years of his time up at Sapp Elementary, he truly deserves to enjoy the blessings that God has in store for him.

By the way: I want to point out that Mr. Arthur looks like he’s around his late 50s or early 60s. He looks really great; he’s taken good care of himself over the years.

Okay, y’all—I gotta cut this blog short because I gotta find a dress to wear for Mr. Arthur’s retirement party… and yes, Ray will in fact be accompanying me this evening; he’s gonna pick me up around 4pm this afternoon. I’m almost certain that Mom and Dad are going also, but the fact that they’re allowing me to go with Ray sans a chaperone proves that they trust me, but more importantly, they trust Ray. I still say that guys like Ray are very few and far between. He’s such a sweetie pie.

Well, let me go ahead and do what I gotta do before I get too sentimental. Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Let The Summertime Officially Begin, Baby!

Summer-Summer-Summertime—so just sit back and unwind.
Here it is—a groove slightly transformed, just a bit of the break from the norm.
Just a little somethin’ to break the monotony… and if it ain’t broke, then don’t try to fix it!

Happy Monday, Everybody!

Yes, I am aware that the aforementioned lyrics come from a song that is about four years older than I am, but y’all already know that I’m a fan of ol’ skool. I fell in love with this song thirteen years ago, and it has become my personal summer anthem ever since. As a matter of fact, I play it every first Monday in the month of June.

By the way, I would like to apologize for yesterday. I had every single intent to post a blog after I came home from church, but Mom and Dad took me to visit my Auntie Cherri & Uncle Alex, and my cousins Nessa and Calvin in Long Beach—and y’all already know that I had a blast! I sincerely love being around my family, and while I’m thinking about it, I wanna let y’all know that it is indeed official: Auntie Cherri and Uncle Alex confirmed that they are hosting this year’s Fourth of July Barbecue Bash. And guess what—I’m in charge of the decorations! I’m so excited to be a part of such a family project… I’m working on some color schemes and ideas right now. I wonder, though: Should we go all patriotic, or should we use an orange, yellow, and purple theme? We’ve got the whole month to prepare, and we may have a conference meeting sometime in the next couple weeks.

And just in case you’re wondering if I’ve spoken to Ray since my return, let me assure you that I’m gonna call him this afternoon. I would’ve called him on Saturday, but I was all swept up in this party that Mom and Dad threw in my honor. I will definitely call Ray this afternoon or this evening, though.

As far as what plans I have for today, I have none. As a matter of fact, I’m just gonna chill out at home for the next two days. I do plan on hangin’ out with my cousins this Wednesday, but right now, I’m just enjoying the ambience that is—right now. I just had breakfast (two big bowls of Frosted Flakes and some toast with butter and honey), and now I’m chillin’ in the living room, watching What’s Love Got To Do With It on DVD.

I’m gonna cut this blog surprisingly short today, but I’lll holla at y’all tomorrow. Bye!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Finally, The Vipress Has Come Back Home!

Greetings from beautiful Los Angeles, California, Y’all!

First of all, I would like to say: Happy 54^th Birthday to my godmother, Susie Douglas (a.k.a. “Mrs. D”). Celebrate it well, celebrate the whole month, and celebrate in style. May God continue to bless and keep you forever and always. Oh, and I love your hairstyle, Lady!

Well, y’all can only imagine how I feel being back at home, and I am so ready to make the most of these three long summer months. And check this out: When I arrived at LAX this morning at 10:30am and picked up my bags from baggage claim, I stepped outside and sat down on a bench. Just that quickly, I heard an all-too-familiar Southern voice call out: “Tasha Renee, get in this car, Girl!”

I looked up and saw Mom poking her head out of the passenger’s side of that grey Toyota 4-Runner, with Dad just noddin’ and grinnin’ away. I hurriedly grabbed my bags and threw them in the back, then Dad treated me and Mom to IHOP. We got home around a quarter to one, and I didn’t even unpack my bags—I just lay them by my closet door and plopped down on my bed, where I took a good long nap.

I only woke up about fifteen minutes ago, and I see that it’s almost 4pm PST right now. Dad’s still throwing me a “Welcome Back” party, so I guess I had better get ready for it. I’m still trying to get back into the Southern Cali groove of things, but that won’t take too long. Heck, I haven’t even called Ray to let him know that I’m back home, but I’ll call him later on this evening. Right now, I’m just gonna relish in the fact that… FINALLY, THE VIPRESS HAS COME BACK… HOME!!!

Well, let me go ahead and close up this blog post… oh, while it’s on my mind, I just want to say that I find it so apropos that the first blog for the month of June and my return to the Golden State coincided with one another—I couldn’t ask for anything more.

In any event, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow when I come home from church… and tomorrow is Communion Sunday, isn’t it?

Oh, Cali—you haven’t changed a bit.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good one!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Special Message From My Daddy

Hi, Everyone!

So, this afternoon, I got a phone call from my dad, and from his voice, I could tell that he was just filled with overexcitement about something.

“It’s on and poppin’ come June 1, Honey Bee!” he said.

“What’s happenin’ on June 1, Dad?” I asked curiously.

“You’re what’s happenin’, Doll!” he answered joyfully. “In about two and a half weeks’ time, you will be making that very much anticipated return to the Golden State, your hometown—Los Angeles, California. And trust me when I tell ya, Doll: Daddy’s got some plans in store for you!”

You know, I gotta say—I am touched. My daddy is crazy about me. Long before there was Ray Hernandez (yeah, I said it), there was Benjamin David Stewart, the original man in my life… hell, he was the first man that I ever knew, and that says a whole lot. You know, my great grandfather made a big fuss about Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie, and my Grampa Clark made an even bigger fuss over my mom and my Auntie Cherri… and come to think of it, every man in my family (dating back to my great-great grandfather) has made a big ol’ fuss about the ladies. What can I say? We’re just super special like that!

Forgive me for digressing like I did, but I’m back now, and my point in all of this is quite simple: I think it’s cute that my daddy is turning my big return into some sort of a national holiday; it makes it that much better, considering that I’m a Daddy’s Girl. You know, now that I think of it, my daddy has always been cute like that—he’s a real doll, he is! He’s talking about throwing a “Welcome Back” party for me, but look y’all: He tells me that he wants me to “act like I didn’t know anything about it.” Matter of fact, he says, “I know that’s gonna take a whole lot of acting on your part, Honey Bee, but do whatcha gotta do. Hell, lay it on real thicklike if you gotta!”

And you know what—just because he’s my daddy, I will oversell the hell out of this would-be surprise party!

Well, y’all, that’s gonna do it for today. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha