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

The Return of A Friday Tradition

Happy Friday, Everyone!

Let’s not wait any longer—let’s just get down on it and get with the news!

I just got home about an hour ago. I got a chance to accompany Gramma Jewel and Becky at Sapp Elementary today. The 2012-13 school year is officially over for the Sappsters, and I’m a living witness when I tell y’all that the faculty and staff were just a little bit more overjoyed than the students. And check this out: There was a retiring celebration for one Mr. Hal Arthur, who taught Third Graders for 36 years. I’m very certain that my Grampa Clark is up there in Heaven, rejoicing over the fact that his colleague and brother went the distance. Personally, I would like to congratulate Mr. Arthur for proving that he was a teacher who genuinely cared more about the students and their grades, to the point where he would stay an extra hour to make sure that a student would advance to the Fourth Grade. Whomever Mr. Arthur’s successor is, they’re gonna have big shoes to fill, but I trust that they will make Mr. Arthur proud and get the job done.

In other news, I just now realized that I haven’t officially made Southern Cali aware that I am home, considering that today is Friday. Lemme tell y’all what I mean: If you recall my blog post on August 24, 2012, I menioned my typical Friday routine. Well, now that I’m back home for the time being, I will be chillin’ with a meat lovers pizza, some barbecued chicken wings, and garlic cheese sticks this evening. Perhaps “routine” is the wrong word to use. Let’s face it: As much as I love pizza and wings, I don’t eat them every Friday. Hell, I’m already a thick little oompa-loompa, and I’ve been stating rather emphatically that I don’t need to be any thicker than I already am.

Anyway, in addition to the pizza and wings, I always pick a movie that I love to watch again and again. This evening, I’m gonna go rent the movies Chicken Run, A Bug’s Life, and The Princess and the Frog (if y’all don’t know that I’m a kid at heart by now, then y’all will never-never-never know me… oooo-oooooohhhhhh).

And y’all still keep forgettin’ that I’m a fan of the ol’ skool.

In any event, I think all three movies are at least two hours each, so I can have my own personal movie night… although my mom has a special place in her heart for A Bug’s Life and my dad loves Chicken Run. I like both of those movies, but it’s something about The Princess and the Frog that I really love… and I think it has something to do with the fact that Princess Tiana and I could very well be twins… I’m just sayin’, is all.

Well, it’s about to go up! I’m gonna order my pizza and wings from Papa John’s and Wingstop, respectively, and then—like Gramma Jewel says—it’s gonna be on and cracka-dacka-lackin’ up in this piece!

Talk to y’all tomorrow!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Wrappin' It Up, Tho!

Well, let’s just cut right to the chase and let the cat out of the bag, y’all: Not only have I passed my summer school courses, but I have also received a perfect score on both of my papers!

Y’all know what this means: PARTY-HARDY, Y’ALL—TIME TO CELEBRATE UP IN THIS PIECE!!!

And speaking of which, I am officially two days away from my big return to Southern California. I’ve been checking the Weather Channel, and from what I see, L.A.’s gonna be some kinda warm upon my return. In case y’all haven’t figured it out, I’m crazy about warm summer weather—and it looks like I’ll be wearing my lavender dress with matching shoes. I’m wondering if I should wear a jacket on the plane… yeah, I better take a jacket; Heaven only knows that I might get cold on the flight.

While it’s yet on my mind, I want to thank Mr. & Mrs. Hudspeth for taking time out of their busy schedules to help me with the stuff that I’m leaving here. I also want to give a special shout-out to Ruby’s uncle Harold—who reminds me so much of my Uncle Ronnie—for helping out as well. It’s like my Gramma Jewel once said: “Even Simon the Cyrenean helped Jesus carry the cross to Calvary a little of the ways.” I already let the Hudspeths know that they should expect a Los Angeles style gift from me—straight from this ol’ heart-a-mine.

And yes, I am aware that I’m talkin’ like my Gramma Jewel—that ain’t nothin’ new!

In other news, though, I get to go to my Cousin Erica’s high school graduation in Nashville tomorrow, seeing as how I am officially done with Summer School. And check this out: I will be staying with my Auntie Gladys until Saturday; she’ll be picking me up around 8:30am CST tomorrow morning, and we’ll be heading out to Nashville at around 1pm that afternoon. Erica’s graduation doesn’t start until 3pm, so we’ll be there pretty early.

And of course, today is the last day that I see my homies Ruby and Theo. As promised, the three of us are going to hang out at Pizza Hut this evening. I can tell y’all right now—I’m really gonna miss Ruby and Theo when I go back home, but we’ve got the whole sophomore year to kick it again. You know, there’s an old saying that goes: When you find at least one good friend, you have found a treasure. Well, I know that I’ve got a lot to learn yet in this life, but I know for a fact that God has blessed me with a good friend—dare I say, a sister—like Ruby Jean Hudspeth. And y’all already know that the Theo Campbell, the Neo Man himself, is the brother that I’ve never had. I already told them that we’ve got to take a couple of pictures before we go our temporary separate ways… and of course, we gotta check on each other at least once.

Well, I guess I had better wrap up this blog and get back to tying up these loose ends, but you will definitely be hearing from me on tomorrow; it’ll be after Cousin Erica’s graduation, though. And I’ll be sure to give you some highlights of what went down in Nashville. Like I made mention on last week: Since I couldn’t be able to attend Cousin Calvin’s graduation back home in Long Beach, I can at least attend Cousin Erica’s, especially since I’m out here for another couple hours.

And since there’s nothing else to write today, I shall bid you all adieu!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Finally, Friday Has Come Back!

Hi, Everyone!

I tell y’all—Friday couldn’t get here any quicker. Let me stress that I had a great week, but it kinda dragged around Wednesday, and it felt like it purposely slowed up on yesterday, but now that Friday is here, I can do like a certain wrestler/actor who recently celebrated a birthday and say: FINALLY!!!

So, classes are over, and I am so ready for the weekend. Right now, though, I’m in the library working on my paper for my Principles of Early Childhood Education class. I have to write a three-page paper about one teacher who had a positive influence on me. Now, check this out: The first teacher who popped into my mind was Mr. James Robinson. He was truly an excellent and influential teacher, but he was also my high school English teacher. I had already written two and a half pages on Mr. Robinson, and then I received a rather rude awakening. I plumb forgot that I am studying Elementary Education, so I had to change my paper altogether and think about an elementary school teacher who made a positively huge impact on my life.

And that’s when Mrs. Ingrid Martin, my kindergarten teacher, came to mind. My Grampa Clark aside, Mrs. Martin is part of the reason why I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. She was more than just a teacher—she was a mother of three, and coincidentally, she was her children’s kindergarten teacher; her youngest daughter was in my class… and now that I’m remembering all of this stuff, I have just completed my three-page pager. I’m looking over it now, and I see that I have gone the distance and typed an extra page and a half, just to be safe.

Thank God that He brought those things to my remembrance. Come on, now, y’all—it makes perfect sense to write about my kindergarten teacher, given the perfectly obvious signs that are right in front of my face. Well, on a second glance, I do have a habit of overthinking and overanalyzing things; it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t do that. Overall, though, it’s good to know that I had all this knowledge about Mrs. Martin’s characteristics and teaching background… and now that I think about it, I’m gonna call her when I return to L.A. in a couple of weeks.

Well, y’all—I don’t wanna see another computer, until tomorrow, anyway… hahahaha! Y’all know I gotta post a Saturday blog—it wouldn’t be me if I didn’t. In any event, I’m gonna head to my dorm and just chill out for a minute, but I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Day #2 of Summer School, Tho!

Hi, Everyone!

First things first: I want to wish a Happy 41^st Birthday to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who will always be the champion to my heart… if ya smell what the Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s, is cookin’!

This is only Day #2 of Summer School at Rust College, and I’ve taken one particular change into account. Check this out: Now that Ruby, Theo, and I are taking classes within or respective majors, we don’t really see each other until like ‘round the eveningtime. My education classes and Ruby’s business classes are in the morning, but Theo has two of his mass comm classes in the morning, and one in the afternoon—and that’s not even counting the fact that lately we haven’t seen much of Theo socially; he and his love interest Olivia Sampson have a common interest in that they are both mass comm majors.

And for some reason, that song by Captain & Tennille comes to mind when I think of Theo & Olivia.

Then again, I shouldn’t be talking about being incognito, seeing as how I disappear to the library or the computer lab after my classes are over. I’m sure this makes Ruby very happy; she doesn’t have to put up with my corny ass until the evening… hahahaha!

By the way: Explain to me why I’ve already got a paper due Monday in my Principles of Early Childhood Education class! When I heard that, I had to cuss… internally, that is. Fortunately, it’s only three pages, but yet and still, a paper this early? Sheesh!

Oh, well—ain’t no sense in kvetchin’ about it. I just gotta get to it, but as usual, I’m gonna have to call on my Prayer Warriors!

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good one.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Summer School Inaguration, Tho!

Hi, Everyone—and Happy May 1!

This is Natasha Renee Stewart, reporting to you live from Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Summer School is on and poppin’ up here in Bearcat Country, and y’all are looking at one excited bright-eyed girl. In addition to the fact that I am working on my major, I also realize that I will be heading back to Los Angeles in a mere 31 days.

Yeah, y’all—just because I haven’t talked about it, doesn’t mean that I ain’t been thinkin’ about it. I am still a true blue Cali girl after all!

Anyway, I had a good first day of classes today. Both classes are very informative and remarkably shot past my expectations. I will admit that I walked into the 8am class not knowing what to expect, but I never expected to learn the importance of physical education for children. During the class, I kinda chuckled a little on account of I felt silly. Why did I feel silly? Well, I have a habit of making a mountain out of a molehill (my Uncle Gregory says that every single individual has that same disease). Why is it that we can take something so simple and blow it way out of proportion?

One of the mysteries of life, I reckon.

And as for my Principles of Early Childhood Education class… well, let’s just say that I was thrown for a loop. I walked in that class expecting to learn the basic principles, hence the name of the class. Imagine my surprise when I learned that it is so much more than that. Just listen to the class synopsis: “The purpose of this course is to develop among the participants an understanding of the principles of education in nursery school, kindergarten, and early primary grades. The history and philosophy of early childhood education will be discussed from economic, social, political, and early developmental perspectives.”

After reading that, I just looked up to Heaven and said: “Lawd help!”

Nevertheless, I am enjoying both classes, considering it’s only been Day One—but y’all know how excited I get when it comes to my major. If today was any indication of what I should look forward to when I do become a kindergarten teacher, then I know that I will do just fine when my dream comes true. I know I mentioned about three months ago that I am indeed tough enough, so I say once again to Rust College: Bring It On, Baby!

In the meantime, though, I gotta go lie down and rest—I’m still sore from Monday.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

And The Beat Goes On...

Hi, Everyone!

Whether you like The Whispers’ version, or Sonny & Cher’s version—and hell, you’re probably like me and you enjoy them both—one fact remains true: THE BEAT GOES ON!!!

I tell y’all, this college life never ceases to amaze me.

After I posted yesterday’s blog, the E.L. Rust Hall dorm counselor informed us that, since Summer School is approaching, we would make a brief pilgrimage to Emma Elzy Hall, which is literally a hop, skip, and a jump from my current dorm. Ruby and I spent all afternoon and most of the evening transporting all our stuff to Elzy Hall… and what a price we had to pay! I’m still sore and stiff from all that heavy lifting and carrying, but the good thing overall is that Ruby and I are on the first floor of Elzy Hall, so it’s all good. But I’m trying to tell y’all that I am seriously hurting here! I remember my Cousin Trisha saying that her hair hurts… I now know what she’s talking about!

Yet and still, that old saying rings true: No pain, no gain.

Of course, I had to call my peeps (both in Cali and out here) to let them know my new albeit temporary number and residence. I was on the phone with Gramma Jewel almost all night, and when I told her how sore I was, all she did was laugh and say: “Well, Baby, you still young yet!”

Well, much like I have been talking about for the past couple of days, Summer School officially starts tomorrow. Check this out, y’all: I’m taking Physical Education for Children at 8am, and then I’m taking Principles of Early Childhood Education at 10:30am. Even despite this soreness, I am very excited because I finally begin my major. This is all I ever dreamt about, all I ever talked about, and tomorrow I enter into a brand-new realm in which I take classes pertaining to my major. It won’t be long until I have earned that B.S. degree in Elementary Education.

Okay, I know y’all are waitin’ on me to say it. I was trying not to say it, but what the hell: You see, my freshman year was at a certain level, but now that I am officially a sophomore, I have taken it to… say it with me… A WHOLE NUTHA LEVEL!!!

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good day!

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