Hindsight Really IS 20/20!

Hi, Everyone!

Next month, I will be celebrating my 20^th Birthday, if The Lord spares me nothin’ happen. I’m the second youngest of my entire family (Cousin Erica is a year younger than I), but I gotta say that I am very excited to know that in a month’s time, I will be celebrating two decades of this wonderful thing that I like to call “The Life of Natasha Renee Stewart.”

I said all of that to say this: Though I am only nineteen and three-quarter years old, there’s an old saying that I’ve been hearing from my Gramma Jewel, my parents, and even the late Mrs. Harriette Fields—they all have mentioned to me at some point in my life that hindsight is always 20/20. A clear example of this old adage dates back to just a few years ago, when I wanted to get my mom a very special gift for her 40^th Birthday, but I only had thirty dollars in my allowance. The best gift that I could get for her was a lavender stationery set, which consisted of a notepad, a purple pen, and stickers—all of which had her first name engraved. Well, to this day, my mom is crazy about that purple pen (she takes it everywhere she goes); she says that I picked the sweetest gift because it came straight from the heart.

Imagine that—we were celebrating my mom’s birthday, but I somehow received a present in the form of wisdom. Yes, Mom showed me through her actions that hindsight is 20/20.

And now we fast forward to this present day in time!

Incidentally, Ruby and Theo did ask me about Ray, and as soon as I told them that we had split up, it hit me like a bolt of lightning! Yes, the break-up did hurt like hell, but then I got to thinking: All things considered, I never once said that I loved Ray. If anything, I said that I was in love with him, and that I liked him. I also made mention that I would be careful not to put all my eggs in one basket. And while I know that I did my damnedest to make the long-distance relationship work, I wasn’t so far in love to where I was unable to focus on my studies. And then, too, while I am not immune to disappointment, I almost forgot one important factor: I am Natasha Renee Stewart—Papa Ben’s little honeybee, Mama Dani’s little smurfette, Gramma Jewel’s little bright eyes, and one third of the Tripod! How dare I forget my own worth?!

Aw, snap—the Vipress is back, y’all, and she ain’t takin’ no prisoners!

And by the way: I absolutely love this visual aid for today’s blog post—it suits me perfectly!

Peace Out!

Natasha

Craig Returns, And With A Big Surprise!

Hi, Everyone!

I’m starting to believe that an updated weather report is starting to become a common trend in these here blog posts… hahaha! Nevertheless, the temperature right now is 31 degrees—that’s a helluva lot warmer than it was on Monday, and believe it or not, I can handle temperatures that are in the thirties. Y’all forget that in December 2012, I returned to Southern Cali, and the temps were in the mid to late thirties at high noon! Now, check this out: From what I saw on the Weather Channel, they’re talking about snow tomorrow, rain for Friday, and sleet for Saturday.

In the famous words of wrestling legend Ron Simmons: DAMN!!!

So, let me tell y’all what happened to me after my Language Arts K-8 class… well, first of all, do y’all remember me talking about a guy in my class named Craig? We had met during the Foundations of Education class that we had taken during in September 2013; I even mentioned once or twice that Craig admitted that he liked me. Well, anyway: After our Language Arts class, Craig and I may have subconsciously headed to the cafeteria for lunch together. Normally, I sit with my peeps Ruby and Theo, but today was totally different—I sat with Craig Dixon!

Well, as we were chattin’ it up and enjoying lunch, Craig asked me if I had plans for Valentine’s Day. I started to say that I did have plans, but I went ahead and told him the truth… no, I didn’t tell him about what happened to me when I was home for Christmas; I just simply said that I had absolutely no plans. Well, Craig looks at me with a big smile and says: “Well, I hope I’m not too late, because I was wondering if you would be my Valentine.”

I smiled at Craig’s request and just paused. I knew he wanted an answer right then and there, but I was just stunned… okay, I wasn’t that stunned! I was pretending to be knocked off my feet on account of the painful reminder of having recently suffered a broken heart quickly resurfaced in my mind. I’m not gonna lie to y’all—I started to say no, but then I got to thinking: While I have learned to be very protective of my heart, I was not about to make Craig pay for Ray’s stupidity. Besides, it would be stupid of me to compare every man I meet to one jackass. With that said, I didn’t keep Craig waiting any longer—I told him that I would love to be his Valentine.

Now, I want to state for the record that I am not bouncing back into a relationship, nor am I the type of chick that will treat any guy as a rebound fling—I’ve got too much respect for myself to do that. I will explain that to Craig at a later date; right now is not the time.

I’ll keep y’all posted on this and many other events going on in my life, but right now, I’ve gotta close this blog post. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, though, but in the meantime, don’t forget to say a prayer for your girl.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Official First Day in Language Arts K-8

Photo Credit: http://classroom.jc-schools.net

Hi, Everyone!

Before I get into today’s blog post, I want to give y’all the latest report for Holly Springs, Mississippi:

It’s a lot warmer than it was yesterday—it’s 23 degrees! I know some of y’all are reading this weather report and asking yourselves how I can consider 23 degrees. Well, y’all have to remember: It was 14 degrees yesterday afternoon, and the sun was out! Right now, I’m underneath the heater in my dorm room, just chillin’… for lack of a much better term.

Anyway, back to the lecture at hand.

So, this morning, I officially had my Language Arts K-8 class, and I gotta tell y’all—I absolutely love it already! I know, I know: “Natasha, you say that about every class you have!” Well, first of all—no I don’t! You ain’t never heard me say that I enjoyed anything mathematics related. I said that I understood it, but I never said that I had a strong passion for it. Secondly, when I say that I enjoy my classes, it’s because I’m training myself on how to be one of the greatest elementary school teachers in the business. As a matter of fact, I think what I’ll do when I return to Southern Cali for the summer, is to sit in Mr. D’s kindergarten class and see how it’s done. I’m not saying that I’m replacing Mr. D (although I do consider him to be one helluva predecessor), but again, if I want to be the best at what I do, I gotta learn from the best.

Anyway, although it was only the first day of class, I learned a great deal today. First and foremost, my instructor broke down the meaning of language arts. My instructor informed us that, for the next eight weeks, we will be studying how to give students structured lessons with emphasis on phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting. Such classes will help the children develop their comprehension skills, build their vocabulary, and promote a zest for reading. Like I said a moment ago: This was only Day One of my Language Arts K-8, but I can tell that I’m gonna thoroughly enjoy this class—I just know it!

Okay, I reckon I had better close up this blog post and call it a night, but before I do, I need to wish my Auntie Glo-Glo a Happy 43rd Birthday. I know that her favorite song is “Fly, Robin, Fly,” so I’ll be playing that on YouTube, just for her!

Until tomorrow, y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

A Rather "Chilly" First Day of Class

Hello There, Everybody!

First thing’s first: I want to wish a very Happy #27 to my sister and friend, Rebecca Ann Morgan. Just remember: It’s only gonna get better, so long as you keep your head up and reach for your greatest dreams. Love ya lots!

So, today was the first day back to class… well, in the sense of the word, anyway. I didn’t have my Language Arts K-8 class this morning, but I did have my Spanish II class this afternoon. My instructor was rather ecstatic to see me again; she says that she’s looking for me to do just as great as I did this past semester, if not greater.

Oh, and I also want to state for the record: It is 14 freakin’ degrees out here! I knew that it was cold out here, but when you know it’s cold when you’re breathing through your nose and you can see it—I’m just saying.

I’m kinda disappointed that I didn’t have my 10:30am class on account of I’m very interested in it. Of course, I can’t go by the title alone, but I reckon it’ll take place tomorrow. I will say this, though: Every class that I have taken has truly challenged me to be more bold in my creativity—heck, I’ve even learned a little somethin’-somethin’ from the classes that I cannot stand. I’ve professed several times that I am not a “math-magician,” yet and still those math classes have helped me a great deal.

Okay, y’all—I really hate to cut this blog post short, but I must do so. I hope y’all understand that I’ve gotten a little sleepy, what with the cold weather outside and this warmly heated room and toasty blanket inside my dorm. I probably won’t even go to dinner this evening; Ruby and Theo can go if they want to, but that’s on them. Let’s put it this way: I can understand if it was about 40 degrees, but I’m not acclimated to this 16 degrees… yes, it went up two degrees as of this post.

Until tomorrow, y’all stay warm—although I don’t need to say that to Southern Cali!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Back to Bearcat County

Greetings from Bearcat Country!

I made it back safely to where it all begins again—Rust College! My plane arrived around 7:30am CST, and I got my bags in record time. What are the odds that my bags would be the first on the baggage claim? And then, I didn’t have to wait long on Auntie Gladys; it seems like as soon as I sat down, she had just pulled up.

I tell y’all—I’ve got angels looking out for me, and it’s only the third day of the new year!

So, suffice to say, I am ready for this Monday, but right now, I’ve got some catching up to do with my peeps Ruby and Theo. By the way, I haven’t yet told them about me and Ray, nor did they even bother to ask. I figure I’ll just keep that story clandestine until the time is right. I’m not gonna just willingly volunteer any information and blurt out that Ray and I are no longer a couple. I do realize that I’ll have to tell them the ugly story, but that’s only if they ask me, though.

So, check this out, y’all: These are my classes for the third module: I’m taking a class called Language Arts K-8 at 10:30am, and I’m taking Spanish II at 1pm. I’m looking to add an 8am class, though, even if it’s just an elective. I haven’t found anything yet… and I’m starting to look at not having an 8am class as a blessing. After all, I have been working like crazy in just this past semester alone, and I do need to recharge my batteries, so… Oh, what the hell—I’ll go ahead and take advantage of this situation!

Y’all know me, though—I’m gonna at least make an effort to find an 8am class. If I can’t find one, then at least I know that I’ve tried. I’ve got until next Friday to add a class, so y’all be sure to say a prayer for your girl.

Well, other than the aforementioned, there really isn’t much news to talk about today. I already let Mom and Dad know that I’m safe and sound, and I’m also cold as hell, for lack of a much better term. It is 23 freakin’ degrees out here… DAMN!!!

Anyway, I want to put you all on notice: Just in case you don’t hear from me tomorrow, I’ll most definitely holla at’cha on Monday. Either way, y’all take care and have a good one. After all, it is a brand-new year!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Wrapping Things Up Before I Return to Rust...

Good Thursday Afternoon, Everybody!

Well, notwithstanding that it’s the second day of 2014, this is also the last day of my vacation. I’ll be heading back to Rust later on tonight, but I gotta say that I enjoyed my peeps, as always. I also enjoyed being around my peeps… but then again, that ain’t really nothin’ new.

So, notwithstanding my return to Rust tomorrow (and I need to call Auntie Gladys like right now and let her know when my plane arrives), I can tell you that this year is gonna be great, and that’s mainly because my family is getting ready for our big reunion this summer. I think I mentioned this in a blog post back in September, but it’s worth repeating again: In about seven months’ time, we’re gonna have our family reunion in Ruleville, Mississippi. Finally, I will get the opportunity to see the house in which my Gramma Jewel and Great Aunt Reesie grew up. I’ve heard so many stories about a little old light brown house that was truly larger than life on account of the love that emanated from it. And y’all should see how excited Gramma Jewel is about returning “back to where it all began.” She has this look of nostalgia in her face everytime one of us adds something to the “Ruleville Reunion Brainstorm.” And I know how much a big deal this is for Gramma Jewel—after all, she is the loyal matriarch of our family.

In other news, I must acknowledge that Mr. Mike Thundera—who was just inducted into the Sapp Elementary Hall of Fame just this past year—is celebrating his 67^th Birthday. I actually called him this morning to wish him a Happy Birthday, and I could hear the joy in his voice when he said, “Awwww—thank you so very much, Little Natasha!” I also told him to make sure that Mrs. Thundera treated him someplace that she knew he loved, to which he mentioned that his daughter is throwing him a big birthday party today. I know he’s gonna enjoy it.

Well, y’all—that’s gonna do it for me today. I will holla at y’all when I return to Rust and get settled in. I really can’t wait to go back and finish what I started… and I just thought about something else: Classes officially begin this upcoming Monday. Wow—Rust ain’t messin’ around, ain’t they? Hahaha!

Okay, then—I shall holla at y’all sometime tomorrow, but in the meantime, y’all take care, be good, and above all else, say a prayer for your girl.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Kickin' Off 2014 With Double Celebrations!

Happy New Year, Everyone!

And I also want to wish a special Happy 24^th Birthday to my cousin Vanessa Joyce Cunningham!

Lotsa Love,

Natasha!