A Surprise Appearance from the Fam

Hi, Y’all!

So, guess who showed up in Bearcat Country this morning and surprised me!

That’s right, y’all—with my graduation just three days away, I am happy to report that my mom and dad, Cousin Becky, and Gramma Jewel have finally arrived, and they brought along Mother Davis and Brother Hawkins! Oh, I sure hope that Rust is ready for the rowdy rambunctiousness that my peeps are gonna deliver come Sunday, because it is officially on and crack-a-lackin’!

Mom told me that their flight landed in Memphis about 7:30am CST, and they got their rental car and made a beeline to see little old me. At the risk of sounding all mushy, they really know how to make a gal feel special! And yes, my peeps got to converse with my family once again… and Neo Theo was doing some hellified flirting with Becky!

I really can’t tell who’s more excited out of the five of us. I mean, I’ve got a reason to be excited on account of I’m the one that’s walking that aisle to get my Bachelor’s Degree in three days. Then again, my mom and dad have a reason to be excited because I’m their onliest child and they’ve invested so much in me. And then again, Gramma Jewel’s got more than enough reason to be excited; after all, I’m the last grandchild in the family to graduate from college. Even more so than that, though, I will officially be Gramma Jewel’s fellow alumna in a mere three days, and I already know that this means so much to Gramma Jewel. And then too, Becky’s got a reason to be excited because she’ll be graduating from Chamberlain University around this time next year—and y’all already know that we’re gonna show up and show out when she receives her Bachelor’s Degree.

So, in essence, we all have legitimate individual and collective reasons to be excited for my graduation… and now that I think about it, Gramma Jewel once said that when one person graduates from college, the whole family graduates. Well, I can only imagine what’s gonna happen in three days’ time when Mrs. Martin and Pastor & Mrs. Clark join in with my family. Like I said: I sure hope that Rust College is ready for the Joneses, because when we celebrates, we celebrates!

Well, that’s gonna do it for now. Until tomorrow, y’all take care and be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Hey, Y'all! It's Been A Minute!

Hi, Everybody! Long time, no holla!

Yes, I am fully aware that it’s been a good month since y’all last heard from me, and I can assure you all that I have a valid reason behind my lackadaisical (and perhaps even backsliding) blog posts: As you are all aware, I am just eighty-one days away from graduating from Rust… not that I’m counting down or anything (LOL!), and in the process of preparing for my big day, I have been catching up with all my friends and fellow Rustites, bringing them up to speed what I was doing in Southern Cali while I was away for eight months.

Even though a month has passed since I last spoke to you all, not much has really changed since my return t o Bearcat Country. At the same time, though, I do have a story that y’all might find interesting: I may have mentioned once or twice that I have only one class left to take—Student Teaching Seminar—afterwhich I will have fulfilled all of the requirements to obtain my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Well, as it turns out, I have to take Student Teaching Seminar this module as opposed to next module. No biggie—I just enrolled in the class during registration day. And then I messed around and missed the first day of class! I was so embarrassed, but then I got an email from the instructor explaining that she would start the class on January 13.

Talk about a great big relief!

By the way: My instructor treats this class just like a seminar. We meet every Wednesday at 10:30am CST for two hours, but we had a bonus class this past Friday, and there is plenty of dialogue between the instructor and us aspiring teachers. I gotta tell y’all—I am really enjoying this seminar/class because it gives the students an opportunity to experience the life of a teacher, and considering my internship at Carter Elementary, my summer job at Culver City Children’s Center, and my experience as a Sunday School teacher, I already have some experience under my belt… and yes, y’all already know that I shared those experiences with my instructor and my fellow classmates. There is a parallel in teaching a Sunday School class, an elementary school class, and an after school children’s learning center, in that the students learn something in all settings.

I can tell y’all now: I’ve got about three and a half weeks left until my finals, and at the rate I’m going, I know that I know that I’m gonna pass this seminar/class!

Well, I hate to cut this blog post short, but I gotta do so. However, I will be back sometime this week with another update… heck, I may just have a random blog post about whatever is on my mind. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back At Bearcat Country, And All Is Well!

Happy New Year, Everybody—and greetings from Bearcat Country!

That’s right, y’all—I am back at Rust College, and I am ready to take it to… a whole nutha level! Now, I would like to state for the record that I had a great New Year’s Day celebration with my family… and of course, it was a double celebration, what with my Cousin Vanessa turning 26 and all (she’s a New Year Baby, don’t’cha know). And of course, there was my last Sunday at St. Matthew Baptist Church, where Pastor Clark asked me to give my church family a brief oratory. Well, never one to back down—especially nowadays—I walked up to the podium and said, “Well, all I have to say to you, my church family, is this: We are literally three months and counting until that great day that I, Natasha Renee Stewart, receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.”

And I trust that 2016 kicked off in a big way for each and every one of you… shoot, just by the mere fact that this is Day #4 of a brand-new year is a great testimony for all of us. Millions didn’t make it, but I’m so grateful that I’m one of the ones who did.

So, as I am typing up this blog post, so many thoughts are running through my mind. For starters, I was totally thrown for a loop when I saw the results of the tornado that touched down just a few weeks ago. I couldn’t do anything except say a prayer for those who lost lives and homes, and then I thanked God that he spared my girl Ruby—after all, I’ve looked at Ruby as the sister that I never had, and her mom and dad have become my second parents lo these four years.  I am also grateful that Rust College is still standing strong, and that Ruby and I are this close to graduation.

And speaking of which, I got preregistered this morning, and much like I figured, I have only one class left that pertains to my studies, and it’s not until the fourth module. What am I gonna do with all this time on my hands? I mean, the last thing I need is an idle mind—and we all know who uses that for a workshop! Well, I’ve got plenty ways to keep busy, so I’m be pretty darn occupied until the fourth module.

Well, y’all, I really hate to cut this blog post short, but I gotta do so. Besides, it’s my first day back, and Ruby, Azalea, and I are having our first girls’ night since summer school… and y’all know that they wanna know what happened when I met up with Ray the other day!

Until tomorrow, y’all be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Has Christmas Come Upon Us Already?

Hi, Everybody—and Happy Christmas Eve!

Before I kick off today’s blog post, I would like to send my prayers and well-wishes to my peeps in Holly Springs, Mississippi and the surrounding areas. I got an email yesterday evening from my girl Ruby, and she informed me that a tornado caused some significant damage. I’m looking at the pictures on the news right now, and I am heavy-hearted right now. I am glad to know that Ruby ‘nim are alive and well, but at the same time, my heart goes out to those who lost homes and loved ones… and it doesn’t help matters any that all of this happened right before Christmas. Yes, I realize that everything happens for a reason—and yes, God always knows what He’s doing—but I’m just in mourning for my home away from home. Once again, my prayers go out to those who are suffering loss right now.

Notwithstanding my heavy heart, I am still shocked that Christmas just rolled up on us all of a sudden. Where did all that time go? I mean, seriously—wasn’t it just New Year’s Day? It just feels like 2015 is all one big blur, like it was here one minute and then all of a sudden… poof! Well, ready or not, here comes Christmas… and then a couple more days, we’ll be entering a brand-new year, all in that order. Thankfully, both of these holidays are a week apart… hahahaha! And while I’m on the subject of Christmas, I’ve been taking a look at my Christmas list, and I notice that it’s gotten shorter over the years. It has gotten to the point where I don’t really want anything for Christmas—materialistically speaking, that is. At the same time, there is one particular Christmas present that I would like… I guess you can say that it’s my heart’s desire, and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

Well, I reckon that I’ll close out today’s blog post, but I’ll holla at’cha on Saturday. Until then, y’all take care, and have a very Merry Christmas.


Smooches,
Natasha

A Blockbuster Announcement from Winston Campbell

Hi, Everybody!

To paraphrase Vince McMahon on a 1999 episode of Monday Night Raw: “Sometimes, plans go awry, and when they do, that tests the mettle of an individual.”

I said all that to say this: I had planned on sending y’all an update on the upcoming Christmas play at Carter Elementary, but I gotta tell y’all—I was thrown off track by a declaration from one Winston Campbell. You see, after a great rehearsal yesterday afternoon, I stopped by the sandwich shop, and to my surprise, Winston was there. Well, as usual, we chatted it up for a while, and y’all already know that I told him how I’m perfecting my cues in the play. Afterwards, Winston rang me up, then he says, “I guess I’ll see you Thursday evening.”

“What’s happening Thursday evening?” I asked.

“It’s my day off,” he answered. “And you’ve talked so much about this Christmas play for the past couple of weeks that I just have to be there and see how you play this guardian angel.”

Right then and there, I started blushing.

“Okay, hopefully I’ll see you there,” I smiled.

I’ve got a question for the lotta y’all: Does Winston have telekinesis or something? I only ask that because I had every intent on inviting him to see this play that Carter Elementary has worked so very diligently to put together. Oh, well—the bottom line is that he’s gonna be there, and I am so excited!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Smooches,

Natasha

Guess Who's Got A Date With Winston This Weekend!

Hi, Everybody!

And have I got some news for y’all—I’ve got a bowling date this Saturday afternoon with one Winston Campbell!

Yes, I know that I haven’t spoken about him as much, but I can assure you all that we have been keeping in touch over these past couple months. If you recall, we had a great first date back in October, and since then, we’ve been trying to plan for a second date. Lately it has been hit-and-miss, but just this afternoon, I paid a visit to the sandwich shop, and lo and behold—there was Winston! Of course, he asked if I was having my usual, and I told him that I was, but with ranch dressing and buffalo sauce.

So, as Winston was making my sandwich, he let me know that he was free this Saturday, and he hadn’t forgotten that I accepted his challenge to go bowling. I let him know that I would be all primed and ready to go. I also went on to let Winston know that I was helping the kiddies in the upcoming Christmas play at Carter Elementary, and I also let him know that I am participating as a supporting character. Well, imagine my surprise when Winston said that he would love to be there, even if he has to switch his schedule around.

Now, I want y’all to take notice: Winston has only known me for a little while, yet he knows that I am passionate about teaching, and he is willing to do everything humanly possible to see me in this Christmas play at Carter Elementary—this really means so much to me. As my dad once said: “A real man is always willing to sacrifice what he loves to support his woman.”

Well, from what I see, Winston is a real man!

Until next time, y’all take it easy, and I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.


Smooches,

Natasha

Preparation for My Date Tomorrow with Winston

Hi, Everybody!

So, I’m back with a brand-new blog post, and of course, the subject at hand revolves around my date with Winston tomorrow. I think I mentioned this the other day, but I am so excited about tomorrow. I reckon I’ve been in dating seclusion long enough, and it’s time for me to come out of hibernation… hahaha! Tomorrow is really special to me because it’s truly the first time in a long time that I’ve been on a date. Yet and still, there’s a part of me that begging me not to play the fool again.

Yes, I’m referring to that unpleasantness from two years ago.

For those of you who’ve never suffered a broken heart, I applaud you, and I pray that you never have to go through such a painful experience. Aretha Franklin put it best in a song from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack when she said that it hurts like hell—and she sho’ wasn’t lyin’! And yes, I am aware that it would be foolish to punish Winston for the transgressions of “he who shall not be named,” but at the same time, I’m still a touch leery of my heart. Even though I’ve since moved on, I don’t wanna be a fool ever again.

And at the same time, I’m still excited about going out with Winston; matter of fact, I’ve already picked out what I’m gonna wear tomorrow. I’ve decided on my favorite lavender with a pink blouse. I trust that Winston will not disappoint me, and I also believe that I’m gonna have a great time.

Okay, y’all—that concludes today’s blog post. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow evening when I come home from my date with Winston. Until then, say a prayer for a sista.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

The Latest News Stories, with Natasha Renee Stewart

Hi, Everybody!

Notwithstanding my internship at Carter Elementary, there is so much going on that I feel like I should be a newscaster on the KTLA Morning News.

First and foremost, the countdown is officially on! We are literally one week from celebrating my Gramma Jewel’s fourscore birthday. That’s right, y’all—in exactly seven days, my Gramma Jewel will be eighty years old! This past Saturday, my family and I had our last meeting, and we tied up any and all loose ends in order to put together a great celebration for our beloved matriarch. Now, I still can’t tell y’all what we planned, for fear that even the tiniest bit of information may get back to Gramma Jewel, but I can say that she will really love what we have in store for her.

In other news, I got another email from “he who shall not be named” yesterday evening, but I didn’t read it until I got home.  He begins by saying that Rust College must be keeping me pretty busy on account of he hadn’t heard from me in over a month. Just for the record, I love that he still thinks I’m back at Rust—I want that jackass to keep thinking that, too! My plan is working all too well, and that’s a good thing, because I still won’t allow myself to contact him until I feel damn good and ready. Now, check this out, y’all: He also decided to quote Tyrese’s new song and say that he is ashamed of himself for doing me wrong... and when I read that bullshit, I instantly holla’d. If he thinks that singing songs from Tyrese is gonna win me back, then he really needs to go and come again. Besides, my women’s intuition is still cuttin’ up sideways. Like I said a month ago: I was smart enough to forgive him, but I am not stupid enough to trust him. And yes, eventually I will make contact with him, but on my terms—and seeing as how he still believes I’m at Rust, I’m gonna see to it that his ass waits until mid-December.

Well, that’s all the news I have for this evening, but until next time, y’all keep it here for the latest updates… hahahaha!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

The Countdown Begins for Gramma Jewel!

Hi, Everybody!

I’m on my lunch break at the moment, but I just want to say that Mrs. Martin’s idea of a “dream theme” is a big hit with the little ones. I’ll be sure to tell y’all all about it this evening when I get home.

So, as y’all can tell by my title and the photo, my family is all excited about what’s set to take place exactly one month from now. If The Lord says the same, then on October 15, 2015, my Gramma Jewel will officially be an even fourscore… that’s right, y’all—my Gramma Jewel is gonna be eighty years old next month. I honestly don’t know who’s more excited out of the family or the birthday gal, but it’s obvious that excitement is in the air. And y’all also know that my family has been in great deliberation over the type of party to throw for our beloved matriarch, and with good reason. I mean, after all, Gramma Jewel is the best, and she deserves the best. I may be a bit biased when I say this, but I’m gonna say it anyway: Gramma Jewel is a true living legend, and she’s like a famous celebrity!

Now, I am not allowed to spill even the tiniest detail about what we planning to do to celebrate Gramma Jewel’s eightieth birthday, but I can tell you that we held a meeting at Uncle Anthony and Auntie Stephanie’s house this past Sunday, and plenty of ideas were thrown around. We’ve got another meeting this Friday, but we’re gonna go over Uncle Gregory and Auntie Glo’s house. Hopefullly we will find a way to use everybody’s ideas.

Okay, my lunch break is just about over, but I’ll holla back at’cha later on, and when I do, I’ll have the details about my first full day of actually teaching the little ones. Until then, y’all enjoy the rest of your day.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Day #3 of my Internship

Hi, Everybody!

Well, I just completed Day #3 of my internship at Carter Elementary, and learned so much from kindergarteners today.

As y’all know, it was Show & Tell today, and all thirty-five kiddies were pumped up and ready to display their one particular item to the class. To begin the festivities, Mrs. Martin showed the class a letter that I had written her during my freshman year at Rust. She explained to the little ones that she keep my letter in her purse on account of it shows that she truly made a difference in my life… and with that said, Mrs. Martin showed me off, further explaining that I was part of her show and tell.

Now, I didn’t expect to be shown off like that, nor did I expect the little kiddies to applaud like they did, but then again, this is Mrs. Martin that we’re talking about. Suffice it to say, I was very flattered.

And with that said, it was my turn.

I began by admitting to Mrs. Martin and the kiddies that I had a hard time trying to choose just one item, but fortunately for me, I remembered my mom’s photo album and I brought it with me. I explained to the little kiddies that my mom’s photo album is very special to me because it contains pictures of my family and friends. As I was speaking, I was a little surprised to see that all of the kindergarteners were so attentive. I was also surprised that some of the kiddies had questions for me. One child asked me if I had “a real favorite picture,” and I explained that I couldn’t really choose one on account of all of the pictures were special to me.

And then it was on to the kiddies’ presentations.

I could tell that they enjoyed this assignment, and that they put some real thought behind what to bring. I’m almost convinced that they too had a little trouble narrowing down just one thing to bring. Among the items brought were: action figures, baseball mitts, and dolls, but one little fella really thought outside the box—ironically enough, he was the last one called upon. His name is Jonathan, and he brought an autographed photo of retired OSW wrestler Dave Hawkins. There was a bright gleam of joy in Jonathan’s face when he explained how he and his dad just so happened to sit right next to Dave Hawkins in the food court at the mall, and how this wrestling legend volunteered to take a picture with him.

“It was so cool to meet him!” Jonathan shouted joyfully. “It was the bestest day in my whole entire life!”

And personally, I share in Jonathan’s sentiments, because today was the bestest day of my whole entire life… and mind you, this is only Day #3!

Well, y’all, I reckon I’ll close up today’s blog post—I’ve gotta get ready for this mystery assignment that Mrs. Martin has planned out. I’ll let y’all know what it is when I get home tomorrow, but in the meantime, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Day #2 of My Internship

Hi, Everybody!

So, I just completed Day #2 of my internship at Carter Elementary, and I had a blast!

As I mentioned in yesterday evening’s blog post, Mrs. Martin gave her kindergarteners a homework assignment—write at least two paragraphs about their summer vacation. And as y’all may recall, I volunteered to be in on this assignment, so I wrote at least a good two pages… front and back, mind you.

When the opening bell rang, we had our morning prayer, followed by our greetings and salutations. When the little kiddies sad down, Mrs. Martin jumped right into the homework assignment. The rules were simple: Mrs. Martin would call a student’s name, and they would come up to the front of the class and read their summer vacation paper. Maybe I’m being just a little too impartial, but all thirty-five children did a great job. Some of the kiddies talked about how they went camping, while others talked about going to a baseball game, and some others talked about how they spent a week with their grandparents.

Now, I realized that I said that I was impartial, but now I’m gonna intentionally contradict myself: While all thirty-five papers were great, there was one presentation that I really liked—it came from a little fella named Mark. He was only five years old, but he already learned the importance of visual aids. He talked about how he spent his summer vacation in Hawaii with his family, and brought along some pictures from his trip. The little fella also talked about how his dad wanted to take “the perfect picture of the perfect sunrise and the perfect sunset, and he got ‘em both!”

I could feel the little fella’s excitement when he talked about how happy he was for his dad to achieve that which he accomplished… matter of fact, I personally gave Mark three silver stars for such a great presentation.

Afterwards, Mrs. Martin mentioned that there was one more individual left—yes, she was referring to me! Much like I did when I was in her class some fifteen years ago, I grinned at Mrs. Martin and walked up to the classroom, where I shared with the little ones how I celebrated my family reunion over the summer… and yes, I did discuss how my family won the grand prize at my Gramma Jewel’s church.

Some of the little kiddies were in awe of my “fantastical remembering powers,” as they so called it, to which I assured them that when they get older, they too would be able to recite a speech without having to depend too much on their notes.

Now, check this out, y’all: Mrs. Martin’s assignment for tomorrow is yet another real gooden—the little kiddies have to bring an item in class for Show & Tell. Y’all already know that I’m gonna participate in this assignment, and so is Mrs. Martin… matter of fact, Mrs. Martin mentioned that she already know what she’s gonna bring!

Well, I’ll holla at y’all later—I gotta find something to bring for Show & Tell tomorrow.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

Plenty of Planning and Preparation for Tomorrow, Y'all!

Well, y’all—this is it!

I’ve got my clothes all laid out for tomorrow, and I’ve got my mini bookbag all stocked up with pens, pencils, and notebooks… hell, I’ve even got markers and drawing paper, just in case. I just have to prepare my lunch, and I’ll good to go.

For those of you who have been following me for the past three years, y’all already know what’s up. For those of you who are new to my blogs, allow me to explain: In approximately twenty-four hours, I will be starting my internship at Jefferson Carter Elementary School, where I will be working side-by-side with my former kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid Martin.

I just spoke to her a moment ago, and she is so cute! She says to me: “Natasha, I just want you to know that I am looking forward to your assistance tomorrow… or as the young people say nowadays: I am like, so amped up to the max to have you join me in welcoming a new crop of kiddies to our school.”

I holla’d laughing when she said that—I didn’t mean to, but Mrs. Martin really caught me off guard with her remarks. Up until about an hour ago, I always saw her as the quiet, reserved, and respectable teacher who taught me everything I needed to know about life. I guess I just never expected her to talk all hip… but between you and me, I think she did a pretty awesome job at it.

As far as the agenda for tomorrow goes, Mrs. Martin let me know that there is a special icebreaker section that she has for the parents and the new kindergarteners. She understands that some of the little kiddies may not be able to adjust being away from their parents for longer than a good hour, so she has the parents sit in the class for two hours, just to ease the nervous tensions that the kiddies may have—heck, I believe that also goes for the parents. Now, whereas Mrs. Martin didn’t go into too much detail with it, I have a feeling that I will be a huge part of this process.

Oh, yeah—Mrs. Martin also mentioned that she still has a Q&A session for her kiddies, in which she gets to know her kindergarteners by name and age. She also made mention of having me introduce myself to the class, seeing as how I once sat where they will be sitting… and thanks in part to my Fundamentals of Speech class, y’all already know that I loves to talk!

Yessir—Fundamentals of Speech is really gonna pay off tomorrow!

Well, I gotta tie up a few more loose ends, and I’ll be all set for tomorrow. I already know that y’all will want to know the results of my first day back at school, so I will most definitely holla at y’all when I get home. Until then, y’all have a gooden.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Yet More Experience Under My Belt

Hi, Everybody!

Well, today is Friday, August 21, 2015, and I have officially completed my commitment at the Culver City Children’s Center. I would like to thank each and every staff member, leading up to and including my supervisor, Ms. Evelyn.

And of course, I must thank the little ones for making this chapter in my life so worthwhile. After all, if there are no students, then there are no teachers. So, kudos to those little boys and girls who inspired me to be the best darn kindergarten teacher in the whole wide world.

As y’all can see, I truly enjoyed having a summer job for the past month and a half—and yes, I am kinda sad to see it all end, but I’ve got so many memories to take with me. Besides, where this chapter ended, a new chapter is about to be written. It’s time for me to look ahead into the future… of course, I’m referring to my upcoming internship, which starts in a mere week and a half. I never thought I would live to say this, but believe it or not, I want to hit up the back-to-school sales! I’m looking forward to buying notebooks, notepads, pens, pencils, and even a backpack of my very own. I want to be fully prepared for what is in store for me when I work alongside Mrs. Ingrid Martin.

For the record: While I not spoken about Mrs. Martin too much, I have indeed kept in contact with her, and she is just as excited as I am. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Martin said that she is very excited to have such a mature energetic youngster like me to be her assistant for the upcoming fall semester… yep, those were her exact words!

Once again, this is proof that each lesson I’ve learned thus far is helping prepare me for my dream. I am showing great appreciation for every moment that I am able to teach a child, whether in a classroom setting or not.

Oh, lest I forget: Just as I was about to leave the Culver City Children’s Center, Ms. Evelyn called me into her office to speak to me. She said that she wanted me to know just how truly appreciative she was to have me on her staff, so she gave me the sweetest gift basket—it had apples and oranges, some peanut M&Ms, a couple of almond Snickers, a gift card to Best Buy, a gift card to JC Penney, and a letter of recommendation for when I go out to interviews. Now, I gotta be honest: I didn’t expect  any of this—I just expected the usual “thank you for your help” speech, and I really would’ve been content with that. I never imagined that I would receive such a heartwarming gift. Naturally, I told Ms. Evelyn that I was very appreciative, and she in turn said that I deserved the gift basket because—and these were her exact words: “Natasha, you are the best that I’ve ever seen thus far, and the best is yet to come.”

Wow—I am very touched, and very flattered!

Oh, yeah: Ms. Evelyn also said that I am always welcome to come back, be it on the payroll or to volunteer my services. “Please stay in touch, Natasha—we need more willing teachers like you,” she said.

And I gave her my word that I would definitely stay in touch.

Well, y’all—I reckon I’d better end this here blog post, but I cannot call it a night just yet. You see, it’s Fmaily Movie Night here in the Stewart household, and I used my paycheck to pitch in and order some pizzas, chicken wings, and submarine sandwiches. Now, as for the movie… well, my dad rented Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins, starring Martin Lawrence, James Earl Jones, Michael-Clarke Duncan, and Nicole Ari Parker. I’ve never seen this movie before, all things considered, and I’m very excited to finally have the opportunity to watch it with my two favorite peeps—Mom and Dad.

With that said, I’ll holla at y’all later.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

An Update on the Family Reunion Countdown

Hey, Everybody!

Well, I’ve not long been home, and my mom and dad have informed my about ten minutes ago that Great Aunt Reesie, Cousin Keith, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica have arrived at LAX, and y’all know what that means—it’s on and crack-a-lackin’ up in this piece! I know, I know—it’s not even the weekend yet, but the Jones Family Reunion is already up and runnin’, y’all!

Now, I have it on great authority that Great Aunt Donna, Auntie Gladys, and Auntie Millie will be arriving very shortly. According to Gramma Jewel, their plane will be arriving either later this evening or sometime tomorrow morning. Suffice it to say, the countdown to our family reunion has begun, and we are all so excited.

Now, check this out: Gramma Jewel’s other bestie Mrs. Davis will be joining us once again… and lest I forget, Gramma Jewel also invited her good friend Mr. Hawkins and his family to celebrate with us. Y’all already know Gramma Jewel’s frame of mind—if she thinks of you as family, then you’re locked in for life!

Well, I reckon that I’ll sign off for today, but I will be talking to y’all again real soon. Until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Results from Griffith Park Observatory

Hi, Everyone—and Happy Friday!

So, I just got home about an hour ago, and I’m gonna be honest with y’all: I AM STONE TIRED!!!

As y’all may know, today was the day that the Culver City Children’s Center went on a field trip to the Griffith Park Observatory… and let’s just say that I was reminded of my hyperactive curiosity and childlike innocence from when I a wee little one. Talk about having a great time—those kids were ultra excited! They were running around, acting as if they had never been at the observatory… well, technically, this was their first time at the observatory, so I kinda understand why they were running around the main courtyard, albeit in a circle. They were all inside the observatory, asking us to take pictures, and they really enjoyed the observatory show. And my goodness—when they saw the Hollywood sign up close and personal… well, I joined in with them! I won’t lie—I was a child all over again. I was like: “Ooh, you guys—the Hollywood sign!” And they were all like: “Wow!”

Of course, my supervisor just looked at me and laughed, to which I felt compelled to explain my fascination for the Hollywood sign. I can see it from outside my mom and dad’s backyard, but up at Griffith Park, the sign looks so grand when I’m that close to it.

Needless to say, those little ones had a great time, so much so, that they were talking about wanting to go back to observatory “really, really soon.” And on their behalf, I tried to convince my supervisor for another field trip back. Once again, she just looked at me and laughed, but she did promise another field trip elsewhere before the summer session ended in two weeks.

I tell y’all—if this is what I’ve got to experience when I become a kindergarten teacher, then I gladly welcome it! As I mentioned yesterday, everytime I interact with a child, I am that much closer to my dream. Thus far, I have gained so much knowledge in becoming a kindergarten teacher, and all that I have learned thus far is further preparing me for the main prize—my ultimate goal, if you will. Yes, I realize that this is only the beginning, but consider this: If I am this excited over this one month assignment, then you can bet your ass that I’m gonna be tickled pink on my first day of teaching kindergarteners!

In the meantime, though, I need a nice hot bath, a big delicious dinner, and a great night’s sleep.

Peace Out!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

My Meeting with Mrs. Martin

Hi, Everybody!

So, as you can tell by the title of today’s blog post, I spent the entire day up at my old elementary school… and yes, I want to state for the record that I was lookin’ my absolute bestest! I had on a smart violet dress suit with a pastel purple blouse, and just for the hell of it, I wore my fashion faux eyeglasses… hahaha! I asked my mom to take a picture of me, so I could send it to Ruby ‘nim, and of course, my mom hits me with an oldie but a goodie; she looks at me and says, “Tasha, there really ain’t no conceit in our family, because you got it all!”

I just laughed and winked, and then my dad dropped me off to get my internship paperwork situated.

Well, I am happy to announce that the paperwork for my internship is all in order. Seeing as how the first day of school starts on September 1, that’s when I will begin my internship. Now, according to the rules that Rust set, I am to complete a total of fourteen weeks. I just looked at the rest of this calendar year, and I see that my last day is somewhere around the Thanksgiving vacation. No matter—I’ll still have a great learning experience, and I’ll be working side-by-side with Mrs. Martin.

Speaking of Mrs. Martin, y’all already know that she showed me off to her kindergarteners; she even had me introduce myself to the little ones. I guess my Fundamentals of Speech class really paid off, because I talked for a good ten or fifteen minutes, and those little ones hung on to my every word. And of course, every last one of them were shocked when I told them that I sat in those very seats just a little over fifteen years ago. I got a little tickled, though, when this one little girl said that I was old, and then this one little boy looked at her and said: “Shut up, Joycelyn! She’s not old—she’s beautiful!”

I told Mrs. Martin that the little fella was growing up to be quite the heartbreaker… hahaha!

Overall, I had a great visit with Mrs. Martin and my old elementary school. I promised Mrs. Martin that I would be in touch with her in the weeks leading up to my internship. She also told me to keep in contact with Principal Burkes, just as a precaution.

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

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Send Me In, Coach—I'm Ready!

Hey, Y’all!

 

Well, as you can see, I am all ready and prepared for my final exam tomorrow. Yes, I realize that I was a touch redundant with my prose, but that just goes to show that I put forth the necessary time and effort in this here final exam. Some-a-y’all must’ve forgotten, so let me remind you again: I am Natasha Renee Stewart—Ben and Dani’s onliest child, Gramma Jewel’s bright eyes, Grampa Clark’s little girl, and Auntie Cherri’s mini-me. I’m also the one who ain’t afraid to show off, so long as I back it up.

 

And with the caboose that I’m carryin’, trust me, honey—I can back it up!

 

So, I’ve got my paper typed up, I’ve got my index notes written out, and I’ve got my handouts printed up. I want to thank my homey Neo Theo for taking time out from his schedule to print out the handouts, and I gotta thank my girl Azalea for writing out my index notes. As for Ruby… well, she had the most important task—she picked out my wardrobe! She suggested that I wear my lavender dress suit, and put my hair in a “librarian bun.” She also picked out some plum purple faux glasses which remarkably look just like Gramma Jewel’s. I think I’m gonna wear them for my family reunion this year and take a picture with Gramma Jewel. I reckon we’ll be the Doublemint Twins for real… hahaha!

 

I’m sure y’all noticed that I didn’t mention Craig, and that’s only because he’s in the class with me. I don’t know what his paper is on, and that’s actually a good thing. Now that I think about it, neither one of us volunteered any information as to what we would write about, so as not to plagiarize off of one another. Personally, it goes beyond plagiarism; you see, I’ve noticed that I can be a highly competitive chick when I want to be—hell, I can be downright ruthless! For those of you who are wrestling fans like I am, do y’all remember when The Rock went into a match with busted ribs against Triple H? Do y’all remember how relentless Trips was when he repeatedly attacked The Rock’s ribs? Well, that’s how I am. If I see a weakness, I will attack… and that’s kinda ironic, considering that I’m a good gal.

 

I guess I really am a Vipress… hahahaha!

 

Well, y’all, I guess that’s gonna do it for today. Besides, now that I’m all set and ready to go, there’s only one thing left to do—it’s time to practice my speech and my notes. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

In Full Preparation Mode!

Happy Tuesday, Everybody!

 

Well, here we are—the last week of summer school, and unless I misread my calendar, I officially have three days left until I return to L.A. for practically the remainder of the year. It’s funny that I mention that, because just this morning, my peeps asked me to make a “state of the faction” address… hahahaha! Up until now, I had never heard of such a thing, but then again, I had never knew that Mississippi had a Long Beach of their own; it’s ten minutes away from Gulfport. In any event, the group asked me a very important question: “What are we gonna do until you come back?” I simply told them to continue living their lives, and to carry on as though I was still with them. I went on to tell my peeps that this was our ultimate test, but much like the song form Diana Ross and the Supremes, we will be back together again.

 

Yes, I am aware that I changed the lyrics, but y’all know what I mean!

 

So, I’ve discovered that half of my final exam is a six-page term paper, and believe it or not, I kinda had a feeling that it would be…  and it shouldn’t surprise any-a-y’all that I’ve been working on this here final exam term paper for the last two months. Call it a woman’s intuition, call it a sixth sense—hell, you can even call it intertelepathy, but the bottom line is that I’m just about finished with this here paper. There’s a caveat to this particular paper, though: You see, I also have to present this paper to the class, as though I am speaking in a seminar or something. Well, that brings to mind my speech class in my freshman year. Y’all know how much I loved Fundamentals of Speech, and with the line of work that I’ve chosen, I have to be a great speaker. That being said, I had better have some handouts and some visual aides come this Thursday… oh, I am so excited, y’all!

 

Shoot, why I am still talkin’ to y’all?! Lemme close up this here blog post and get started! After all, it didn’t rain until after Noah finished building the ark.

 

Holla Back, Y’all!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

I Am In My Zone, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

 

I trust that you’re all having a great evening.

Just in case I didn’t make it obvious enough, I’m in the zone right now. Finals are coming up next Thursday, and I’m studying everything that I think is gonna be on the test. Yes, I know what y’all are thinking: “Natasha, you only have one class during this summer session. Why are you stressing?”

Well, I can assure you that I am not stressing, but as you know, my family considers it a sin to half-ass anything. Come on, y’all—I know I haven’t said it in a while, but as my Grampa Clark used to always say: If you’re gonna do something, use your full ass!”

And that’s exactly what I intend to do.

Ever since my last blog post the other day, I made sure that I take at least three hours to study for my finals. Y’all can ask Ruby—hell, she’s even been quizzing me, just to make sure that I’m not slipping. She tried to trip me up on yesterday, though. She asked me a question that I know we did go over in class, and I let her know about it. Ruby then said, “You’re quick on your toes, ain’tcha Tasha?” I just simply winked and let her know that I couldn’t be tripped up… although, as I mentioned earlier on, I don’t know what’s gonna be on the final. Perhaps Ruby did that to let me know that the very least thing could be on the test. That’s what I’ve been studying like a mad woman—I’ll be damned before I get tripped up! I’ve come too far from where I started.

Speaking of which, I reckon it’s time for me to close up today’s blog post and let this noggin of mine rest up a bit. Rest assured, though: I’m gonna be right back on it tomorrow. Until then, y’all be sure to keep your girl lifted up in prayer.


Peace Out!
Natasha