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

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

Change Is Really Good!

Hi, Everybody!

It’s only  been about a week since I last holla’d at y’all, and considering that today is the last day of the month of June 2015, I figured that I would at least give y’all an update on what’s been going on with me since we last spoke.

 

If you recall in my last blog post, I was a touch agitated on account of I hadn’t heard anything from any potential prospects for so much as a part-time summer job… and after taking a look at my last blog post, I see that I wasn’t “just a touch agitated.” To tell y’all the truth, I must’ve been some kinda frustrated… hahahaha! And then again, y’all really can’t blame me; after all, I am a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. I reckon that it’s just time for me to take it to that next level—I just need a change in my life, y’all. It used to be once upon a time where I was this quiet little homebody—an introverted hermit, if you will. However, those times have passed by, and I’ve shed my skin, thanks in part to my future alma mater Rust College. I have really enjoyed my new life as a social butterfly—pun definitely intended!

 

Don’t get me wrong, though—a part of me still enjoys my introverted moments, but I’m merely saying that I have evolved into so much more than that, and all within the course of three years. My Auntie Brenda was absolutely right when she said that change is really good, especially when you can look back and see from whence you’ve come. I gotta admit, though, that sometimes change can be a little scary, but overall it is very beneficial.

 

And that’s why I want to keep myself as active as possible, at least until my internship starts in September.

 

Until next time, y’all be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Well, 2014—I'll Holla At'cha!

Happy Wednesday Afternoon, Everybody!

 

Well, y’all—it’s about that time again! If you are reading this, then that means that you are counted among those who have made it to the last day of the year 2014. That’s right, y’all—it’s my annual New Year’s Eve blog post, where I look back and reflect on some of the highlights of the year.

 

You know, when I first started this particular blog post two years ago, I only had five milestones worth mentioning, and just a year ago today, I had ten milestones. This year, I only have five milestones. Nevertheless, this was a great year for me. Sure it had its twists and turns (just like preceding years, but that’s nothing new), but overall this year was very good to this little Vipress… hahaha!

 

It goes without saying, but in today’s blog post, I am going to highlight the Top Five Moments of 2014 in a special “Year In Review.” So, let’s get on down with the getdown.

 

 

#5: HOWIE & JESSICA’S BABY BOY WAS BORN ON GRAMPA CLARK’S 80^th BIRTHDAY

Neither the Douglases nor me and my family will ever forget August 13, 2014—this was the day that we threw a posthumous birthday celebration for what would have been Grampa Clark’s 80^th Birthday. However, the celebration continued when Mr. D called to let us know that Jessica Dawn gave birth to a six pound eleven ounce baby boy named Michael Winston Douglas. I haven’t yet had the chance to meet the little guy, but when I do, I’ll be sure to take lots of pictures. I want the little fella to know just how honored he to share August 13 with my legendary Grampa Clark.

 

#4: THE DAY I REALIZED MY WORTH

Coming off the heels of a very heartbreaking situation a little over a year ago, I carried that mess into this year, but it didn’t last very long. I soon realized that such an unpleasant moment should not define who I am. After all, I am Natasha Renee Stewart, and I am a strong, sexy woman with so much to offer. With that said, Ruby Red and Neo Theo were by my side as I packed up every single remnant of that unpleasantness in a big box, and sent all that crap flying into the nearest dumpster, never to be seen again. I still find it amazing that I allowed inanimate objects to try and overrule me, but I managed to pull through and rise above that ugly mess. I am also grateful that Ruby and Theo were there as my back-up support.

 

#3: NEO THEO WAS MY SECRET ADMIRER ALL ALONG!

And speaking of the Neo One, y’all could imagine my shock when it was finally revealed that he was my secret admirer all along. It is often said that it’s the individual whom you least expect (and that statement is pretty dang obvious), but I never would’ve expected my secret admirer to be Theodore James Campbell—and he did in such a sweet, debonair way! Things have somewhat simmered between then and now, and for all we know, this may only have been for a season, but this much I know: Theo and I still have a remarkable friendship that will no doubt withstand the test of time.

 

#2: MRS. INGRID MARTIN

Ever since I started my blog posts, I have shared with you my love and appreciation for my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Ingrid Martin. As I may have shared with you, she and I are about the same height, and we both shared a joke about that, too. I am also happy to report that Mrs. Martin celebrated her 72^nd Birthday this past April, and she is in the middle of her thirty-ninth year of teaching kindergarteners. She also told me that she cannot wait to see me walk that aisle and earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education; she followed that up by saying: “Yes, Sweetie—I read your mind, and I am honored that you would invite me.”

 

AND THE NUMBER ONE MOMENT OF 2014:
THE JONES FAMILY REUNION—BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Yes, indeed—ain’t no party like a Jones Family party ‘cuz… well, y’all know the rest! It goes without saying, but I had so much fun with my peeps this summer. I really can’t pick a favorite highlight out of this particular moment because it was truly all that and then some. I was highly entertained by Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Cousin Jade performing their version of “Rappers Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang. I certainly had a blast when I was in the “audience” as Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie squared off in their version of Family Feud. And yes, I had more than just a few chuckles when Gramma Jewel finally got Great Aunt Donna to stop singing… actually, all of us were laughing at that. And of course, there was the ride to Ruleville, Mississippi to see the birth home of our eldest matriarchs. As an aspiring teacher, I am really loving history, especially my history. I still get chills when I learn that my family’s history started in a little-bitty house in the Mississippi, made its way through Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and ultimately in Los Angeles, California. Gramma Jewel penned it perfectly: Started from the Delta, now we’re here!

 

 

And there y’all have it—these are the Top Five moments of this year!

 

For the record, y’all shoulda known that my family reunion would be the Number One highlight. I mean, come now, y’all—we had put so much thought and planning into making this the best damn reunion that we have decided to make it an annual summer tradition. As a matter of fact, we are in the process of planning Jones Family Reunion 2015, and Uncle Alex and Auntie Cherri have already volunteered to open their doors!

 

Lest I forget, if there is an honorable mention, it would have to be two moments that took place in the wrestling world: 1) The Undertaker is now 21-1 at WrestleMania, and 2) The Ultimate Warrior passed away after finally being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame just two days prior.

 

And as I close this final blog post of 2014, I would like to say this one last thing: Whatever happened to you this year, just forget all about it and press forward—after all, we are literally less than twelve hours away from a brand-new year, and the best is yet to come!

 

If The Lord says the same, I’ll see y’all tomorrow next year!

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

 

Reflective Thinking On New Year's Eve Eve

Happy New Year’s Eve… Eve, Y’all!

 

Yes, you all read that correctly—today is New Year’s Eve Eve, and I also want to state for the record that I am not the originator of that phrase. I’m quite certain that someone else came up with that phrase long before I did. Remember, it is written that there is nothing new under the sun.

 

Well, today’s blog post promises to be a gooden—but then again, when have I ever written a bad blog post? In any event, it looks like it’s about that time to do some more reflective thinking, as is evident by the title of today’s blog post.

 

For whatever reason (Lord only knows why), I woke up at around six o’clock this morning, and I was unable to go back to sleep. I just lay there in the bed and looked up at the ceiling. Since I was wide awake, I started thinking about my inevitable return to Rust, and right then and there, I realized that I grown some more… maybe not in stature, but more mentally than anything.

 

Gramma Jewel was absolutely right—time surely brings about a change. For those of you who knew me two years ago, I seriously dreaded leaving Southern California altogether when it was time for me to make my Rust debut. Fast forward to two years later at this present time, and I’m seriously excited about returning to Bearcat Country. I think I touched on this in yesterday’s blog post, but I have really grown and matured within such a short time… and I just realized that I have also grown spiritually as well.  Now, I will admit that I haven’t attended church service at Rust as much as I do when I’m at home, but I do make up for it with two hours of scripture reading and prayer. My Sunday morning routine at Rust has gotten so to where Ruby joins in with me, and those two hours turn into our own personal Bible Study.

 

I also thought about how I have been a lot more talkative as of late. My mom said that it used to be I would be a wallflower, but lately I’ve been the life of the party. I guess it has everything to do with the fact that I am focused on my goal of being the best damn kindergarten teacher in the world… and incidentally, I need to start thinking about my internship when I return to Rust next week. In any event, I have noticed that I’ve gone from a shy little introvert to an upbeat little extrovert (I’m still gonna be little; that ain’t gonna change… LOL!).

 

And my goodness—my attitude as of late! It seems as though everytime I’ve got to return to Rust, I embrace it, albeit bittersweetly. However, two years ago, I was kicking and screaming about wanting to stay home and transfer to at least a community college, but looking back on it in retrospect, I’m glad that I stuck with my decision and made the best of it. I’m still in shock that I’ll be graduating in about a year. It really seemed like yesterday that I was a freshman at Rust. Well, much like I said when I I did some reflective thinking last year: “I’m here to show the world, so bring it on!”

 

Until tomorrow, y’all take care!

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflecting on the Sapp Hall of Fame Ceremony



The legends of Sapp Elementary, with Principal Wilson (centered in black and silver).



Happy Friday, Everybody!

Well, like I promised y’all yesterday, I’ve got a greaten for today—just go ahead and check it out!

Even though we are twenty-four days into this new year, I must reflect on Saturday evening, December 21, 2013. It was on that aforementioned night that Sapp Elementary had their Hall of Fame ceremony, thus honoring five great legendary teachers who made their mark in the lives and hearts of every Sappster. What made this night so special for my family was that my Uncle Anthony was chosen and volunteered to accept an award on behalf of my Grampa Clark. And I must also make mention of Grampa Clark’s colleagues: Mrs. Betty Bradley, who taught Second Graders for fourteen years; Mr. Mike Thundera, who taught Eighth Graders for twenty-three years; Mrs. Cynthia Harvey, who taught First Graders for twenty-seven years; and Mr. Hal Arthur, who taught Third Graders for thirty-six years.

What I loved the most about this ceremony was that Mr. Arthur, Mrs. Harvey, Mr. Thundera, and Mrs. Bradley acknowledged my Grampa Clark in their appreciation speeches—and why not? I mean, after all, he was their colleague… or as they all said it, he was their big brother. I also liked how each legend mentioned the children; as a matter of fact, it was Mr. Arthur who said it best: “A real teacher gives a damn about the kids, regardless of whatever!”

Oh, and I should also point out that the Sapp Elementary Family saved Grampa Clark for last. As a matter of fact, when Mr. D got up to induct Grampa Clark, everyone in the Promenade Room at Marina Del Rey Marriott began to cheer. Finally, Uncle Anthony stood up and accepted the Hall of Fame Award, and in doing so, gave such a heartfelt speech that it felt like Grampa Clark was sitting right in that room with us all.

Uncle Anthony talked about the sacrifices and the dedication that it takes to being a loyal teacher—after all, he himself teaches Eighth Graders at Robert L. Johnson Elementary. Well, anyway, Uncle Anthony talked about how Grampa Clark would come home virtually every day with stories about a “fresh-faced youngster who made his day that much sweeter.” Finally, after accepting the Hall of Fame award, Uncle Anthony concluded his speech by holding up the award and declaring a la Grampa Clark: “You betta know that’s right!”

Suffice to say, it was a very beautiful ceremony, and I am glad that I was able to witness it. And I already know that Cousin Lionel, Cousin Calvin, and Cousin Matthew were all extra thrilled to meet singer Tiffany Summers! But anyway, the Sapp Hall of Fame ceremony is yet more proof that I have a whole lot to look forward to when I become a teacher.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Reflective Thinking

Hey, Y’all!

I guess you all can tell by the title and the photo that I’ve been doing a whole lot of reflective thinking, especially as it relates to my inevitable return to Rust. I actually had to sit back and laugh, which was very difficult to do around this time last year. If y’all had met me a year ago—believe me when I tell ya—I was a totally different person.

I think I shared my story about the emotional rollercoaster that I had been on, as it relates to the “stranger in a foreign land” syndrome. The homesickness kicked in literally hours before I even stepped foot on the plane for Memphis. I remember actually trying to stall, just so I could miss the plane and go to a community college. Alas, it was all in vain. I also remember my first night in E.L. Rust Hall, literally crying myself to sleep—that homesickness was very strong, and very unrelenting. Hell, it was so bad that I made a promise to myself that I would just live in my dorm room and not come out unless it was time for class.

Well, as y’all can tell through my blog posts, that plan didn’t really work out for me very well!

In addition to making new friends, I also found myself embracing my home away from home on so many levels—walking around on the track, meeting up for study sessions in the library, and an occasional road trip or two. Also, I discovered that, even though I was away from my Cali family, I had my extended family in Nashville, Memphis, and even as close to me as Olive Branch. That’s right—I’ve got a family that is about a half hour away from me, and they treat me like their long lost daughter. Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, I’ve gotta get a gift for Mr. & Mrs. Hudspeth, per the directive of my mom and dad. After all, my great grandmother taught me that goodheartedness begets goodheartedness—it goes above and beyond, and it never asks for anything in return, because it gives straight from the heart.

Yes, I know—I wasn’t there when she said it, but I’ve been hearin’ it for the past nineteen years of my life, and I stand on the record to let y’all know that my Great Gramma Lynn sho’ wasn’t lyin’!

As far as my attitude today compared to around this time last year, it goes like this: When I board that plane for Memphis on August 19, I will be sad and a touch heartbroken, and maybe a little homesick. However, since this is my second year and I kinda know what to expect, I’m ready for the challenge now! I’m like my man Dolph Ziggler: “I’m here to show the world, so bring it on!”

Well, it looks like I’ve gotta close this blog up, but you can best bet your… bippy (LOL!) that I’ll be back tomorrow with another post for y’all. Until then, y’all take care and take it light.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Ode to Great Gramma Lynn

Hello, Everybody!

Today, I am willing to take a break from the norm and dedicate this blog to someone very special—my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

It was exactly 29 years ago on this very day that my Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord. Though I never met her personally, I feel in my spirit like we were introduced years ago. If y’all remember, I had written a paper in my Grammar & Comp I class on about my Great Gramma Lynn, and I received an “A” on it. I’ve seen pictures of Great Gramma Lynn, and I could tell that she was just the most vibrant woman with a beautiful spirit.

My Gramma Jewel was witness to Great Gramma Lynn’s transition, and she recounts everything that happened on that fateful day. The following is an excerpt from Gramma Jewel’s memoirs:

It was very peaceful in Mama’s hospital room. I happened to glance out the window and see the clouds fill the afternoon Nashville sky. A bird landed on the window of Mama’s hospital room and tweeted its sweet song.

“I’m ready when You are, O Lord!” Mama called out, squeezing our hands as if she wanted us to guide her to the pearly gates.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I still had a smile on my face. Reesie tried in vain to fight back her tears, as she looked at Mama and said, “Give my love to Daddy when you get up there.”

“I will, Sweetheart,” Mama whispered. “And thank you for takin’ such good care of me. The Lord gon’ bless you real good for that.”

Mama then turned to me with a great big smile and said, “My sweet, stubborn little Delta Jewel—you are definitely your mama’s child. Continue sparklin’, Baby.”

And then she lightly bopped me on the top of my head. I just chuckled and said, “Thanks, Mama.”

I thought about the Bible verse that talks about the twinkling of an eye—that’s exactly how quick it was when Mama went home to Glory. She first mentioned something about a marvelous light, and then she closed her eyes. Once Mama took her last breath, Reesie and I nodded at each other.

“I think she made it home safely, Jewel,” Reesie said, trying not to break down.

“I know she did,” I replied as I closed my eyes and leaned into Clark’s hug.

When Clark, Reesie, and I left the hospital, we looked up at the cloudy sky and saw an image of Mama’s face—just more affirmation that Mama made it over.

That is such a beautiful story, and everytime I hear it, I get chills. I mean, to witness a transition from this life to life everlasting, and then to see Great Gramma Lynn’s likeness in the clouds—I’m very sure that Gramma Jewel, Grampa Clark, and Great Aunt Reesie will forever cherish such a poignant, peaceful memory.

There’s only one way to close this blog: Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live on in each and every one of us. As I mentioned once or twice, I’m sure that she’s up there in Heaven, with a great big smile on her face!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

A Recap of Mother's Day 2013

Hi, Everyone!

I’m done with classes, and I’m here in the library, just chillin’… and talkin’ to y’all!

I want to start off today’s blog post by saying that I had a great Mother’s Day yesterday, all things considered. Ruby invited me and Theo to her mom and dad’s house yesterday. If anything, Theo and I surprised Mr. & Mrs. Hudspeth when we walked into the church. Afterwards we were gonna go to dinner, but everybody and their mama (pun definitely intended) was overcrowding every restaurant this side of the Mississippi, so Mr. Hudspeth decided to follow through with his alternative: He cooked us all a steak dinner, but he went all out for Mrs. Hudspeth, and his theme all day yesterday was: “What the hell—it’s Mother’s Day!” He kept saying that everytime Mrs. Hudspeth requested something.

Ruby mentioned to me and Theo that it makes her blush when she sees her dad put up such a fuss over her mom. “He would go get water from the moon if she asked him to,” she said.

Of course, I shared some Mama Dani stories with the group. I told them about the time my mom called me an ungrateful heffa on a Saturday evening, and then Sunday morning in church, she testified that The Lord blessed her with “a wonderful, darling sweetheart of a daughter.” Naturally, I was confused, but Mrs. Hudspeth broke it down to me in a very simple way.

“You see, Natasha, those were two separate days,” she said. “And besides, you know your mom loves you. Now, I don’t know what you did for her to call you an ungrateful heffa, but you have to understand that she had a different perception of you at that precise moment. And hell, I feel where Mrs. Stewart is comin’ from—Ruby makes me wanna chokeslam her ass from time to time, but I still love her nonetheless.”

Now, y’all do know that Theo had a field day and teased us mercilessly… and Mr. Hudspeth got in some potshots as well. But hey, it was all in fun.

Well, y’all, I’m gonna cut it short today, but I shall holla at y’all tomorrow with yet another blog post pertaining to my very busy college life. Until then, have a good rest-of-the-day.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Well, 2012—It's Been Real!

Hi, Everyone!

Well, this is it—the last day of the year 2012… and by the way, it is cold as all outdoors here in Los Angeles. Thank God for the heater, a warm blanket, and some hot chocolate.

Seeing as how we have made to the end of the year 2012, I would like to dedicate this blog to the Top Five Moments of my life that took place.

By the way: This list is in no particular order.

PRESIDENT OBAMA’S RE-ELECTION

This was truly a monumental moment in my little life. And to think, I played a part in it by voting for the very first time. The only thing that would’ve made it sweeter is if I were at the Obamania celebration last month. I can just imagine: Somewhere down the road, in the next fifty years or so, my grandchildren will be asking me, “Gramma Tasha, where were you when President Obama got re-elected?” And I’ll proudly tell them: “Well, Babies, I was 18 years old and in college when history was made yet again!”

MY DEBUT AT RUST COLLEGE

Here I am—a native Los Angeleno, now residing in Holly Springs, Mississippi for the next three and a half years. As you know, Holly Springs, Mississippi is the home of Rust College, where I am working on obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. We already know that I want to follow in the footsteps of my late Grampa Clark and be a kindergarten teacher, but so much has happened to me at Rust in such a short period of time, and I’m sure that the best is yet to come.

MOM’S 40^TH BIRTHDAY

On July 2, 2012, my mother, Danielle Renee Stewart, turned the big 4-0, and according to her, she’s “still lookin’ damn sexy!” The highlight of the night was having to see her wear a gawdy-lookin’ birthday hat with the number 40 on it—and she was not at all ashamed to wear it. The ridiculous hat notwithstanding, it was an honor to share in the festivities of a woman that is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside… and I’m not sayin’ that just because she’s my mom; it happens to be the stone cold truth, and that’s bottom line.

REBECCA ANN MORGAN

What else can I say about Rebecca Ann Morgan that I haven’t already said? It was truly an honor to finally meet her. She is a living testimony that God loves us in spite of us, and she continues to live out her testimony in the life that she’s living. Thanks to Gramma Jewel’s love and encouragement, Rebecca has been giving a second chance at life, and she is making every moment count. As far as I’m concerned, that is very admirable.

MY FIRST DATE & MY FIRST KISS

It goes without saying, but my first date with Ray Hernandez deserves to be in the Top Five, mainly because of the way the date ended. Let’s just say that we both sealed it with a kiss… and I still get tingly everytime I think about it!

Well, there you have it, y’all—my Top Five most memorable moments of 2012. However, there are some other moments that are worth honorable mention, such as my very first road trip to Nashville, Tennessee; Gramma Jewel, Great Aunt Reesie, and Cousin Jade doing their own rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugar Hill Gang; and of course, Howie & Jessica’s wedding. I could also talk about how I was christened as “Vipress,” and I certainly cannot forget about the entire week I spent over Gramma Jewel’s just before I made my Rust College debut.

So many memories in the year 2012, but I guarantee that 2013 will be so much better.

If The Lord says the same, I shall see you all tomorrow—into a brand-new year!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha