My First Birthday Celebration Away from Home

Hi, Everyone!

I tell y’all—if it ain’t one thing, it’s another!

I just realized that my 19^th birthday is coming up in a month.

This here is really gonna be a test. Any other time, I’d be back home in Cali, awaiting Mom and Dad to burst in my room singing Stevie Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday.” Mom has a great voice, but Dad has never been accused of being Luther Vandross, yet that doesn’t stop him from singing. And then I get all kinds of birthday wishes from my aunts and uncles, my cousins, and to save the best for last, Gramma Jewel sings the theme song to the 1960s TV show That Girl and puts her spin on it.

But this year, I will be celebrating my 19^th birthday at Rust. Now, I do realize that this is just as much of a strain on my peeps back home in Cali, nevertheless, we will get through this together. And besides, I have just seen the big picture: I will not be celebrating my 19^th birthday by myself! Notwithstanding that my Great Aunt Reesie, Great Aunt Donna, Auntie Gladys, Cousin Jade, and Cousin Erica are out this way, I can still celebrate with my newfound peeps—Ruby Jean and Neo Theo. As a matter of fact, they’ve been talking about treating me to either Pizza Hut or taking a road trip to Memphis. Either way, I’m honored that Ruby and Theo are going out of their way to make sure my #19 is one to remember. That’s a birthday present in and of itself.

Whaddaya know—there really is a ram in the bush!

Well, y’all, I’ve got to cut this blog short today. I made a promise to myself that I would study these damn notes in my Geometry & Trigonometry class. I don’t have a problem with keeping my promise—I just have a problem with these dang-blasted equations. Like I told y’all the other day, a horse has a better chance learning about the true meaning of Christmas.

Until next time, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow with a very special blog.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Tough Enough!



Credit: wwe.com

Hi, Everyone!

Before I begin with today’s blog post, I want to wish a Happy 49^th birthday to my eldest uncle, Anthony Thomas Jones. I trust that Auntie Stephie and Cousin Candace treat you someplace, Uncle Tony—love ya lots!

 

So, this afternoon in the cafeteria, I was chattin’ it up with Ruby and Theo about our dreams and goals. Y’all already know that I’m studying to be a teacher, but I never told y’all (until now) that Ruby is studying business administration with an emphasis in business management, and Theo is studying broadcast journalism. In the midst of our conversation, Ruby brought up Season One of a reality show called Tough Enough, where these young kids wanted to be future wrestlers. In the first fifteen minutes of the show, some quit because they were only in it for the bright lights and the roar of the crowd. Ruby then asked a damn good question:

“Are y’all tough enough to stick with your major?”

 

While Theo boldly declared that he knew he had the passion, the drive, and the charisma to be a broadcast journalist, I thought about how my Grampa Clark didn’t see his dream come true until he was 43 years old, yet he still had a desire for teaching. As a matter of fact, Grampa Clark taught Sunday School, Bible Study, and Vacation Bible School until he finally became a kindergarten teacher. Suddenly, a smile ran across my face—I pretended that Ruby and Theo were rowdy children, and I just stood up and said: “Campbell! Hudspeth! Hush up all that talkin’!”

 

Believe it or not, Ruby and Theo both sat up straight and looked at me with such attentiveness, and then Ruby raised her hand. I decided to play along, so I acknowledged her. Ruby pointed at me and said, “Miss Stewart, pardon my language, but you are damn sure tough enough to be a kindergarten teacher.”

 

“Amen!” Theo declared, only to give me an expression where he realized that he was “talking out of turn.”

 

I want to state for the record that Ruby, Theo, and I do not plan on becoming professional wrestlers anytime soon, but when it comes to being the best journalists, entrepreneurs, and teachers that we can be, we do have the drive and the passion. We both agreed that if we do not have the desire to reach our dreams and goals, then obviously we’re in the wrong damn field.

 

As I close today’s blog post, I just want to say: Yes, I am indeed tough enough!


Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Talkin' Geometry, In A Manner of Speaking

Hi, Everyone!

It’s only three days into the third semester, but I can already tell that this semester will be some kinda interesting.

So, here’s the skinny: Right after my Geometry & Trigonometry class, I spoke to my professor and told him all about my fears, worries, and anxieties for a subject that is undoubtedly my Achilles’ heel. I told my professor how I truly feel about mathematics, and I even expressed that math has never really been my forte, nor will it ever be, no matter how much I may need it in life. My professor chuckled and said, “Miss Stewart, I admire your honesty. You are one of very few students who can freely admit how you truly feel about math. Believe it or not, I too shared in your sentiments when I was your age. Why, the mere mention of the word ‘geometry’ scared the hell out of me.”

My professor also suggested that since I was so bold to express my true feelings about this rather difficult class, I should have no problems taking advantage of the tutoring program. I thanked my professor for his suggestion as well as his encouragement, and as I turned to leave, I made it emphatically clear that failure was not now nor will it ever be an option. He just looked at me and said: “Miss Stewart, I don’t expect anything less from you; after all, you have already proven to yourself and to me that you do care about this class.”

It’s nice to know that someone understands where I’m coming from.

I’m definitely gonna keep the tutoring program in mind, but I want to at least try a few geometric equations for myself. After all, it’s one thing to not know, but it’s a whole different angle (pardon the pun) when you don’t put forth some effort.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today—I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Y’all take care and be good!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Failure Is NOT An Option!

Hi, Everyone!

Here it is—Day #2 of my classes, and lightning has struck twice in the same place.

I’m enjoying African Diaspora II, but the Geometry & Trigonometry is anything but a cakewalk. If I can take a quote from my Gramma Jewel, a horse has a better chance learning about Christmas than I do about these geometric shapes and stuff… Yes, it’s that bad.

Last night, I had a dream that I didn’t have to take this dang-blasted class anymore—that they just gave me an “A” for showing up one week. You could imagine the disappointment that I had when I woke up and realized that it was just a dream. I understand that math is essential in anything and everything, but I’m having a very difficult time figuring out how Geometry & Trigonometry is gonna help me be a kindergarten teacher. Granted, there are children who can solve these equations faster than your average astrophysicist, but just in case y’all missed what I said: Math has never been my forte! You can ask anyone in my family—Mom, Dad, Cousin Candace, Gramma Jewel, Aunt Glo—and they’ll all tell you: “Natasha has never been a fan of anything mathematic.”

I will say this, though: Failure is not an option!

I don’t care if I have to hire a tutor or stay after class to earn extra credit—I’ll be damned before I bring anything less than a “C” in my parents’ house. I may not like this class, but I’m gonna give it my all. I cannot, I shall not, I will not… I am not gonna fail this damn class!

And on that note, I will holla at y’all tomorrow.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

My First Achilles' Heel of 2013

Hi, Everyone!

First of all, I want to wish a Happy 42^nd birthday to my disco auntie, Gloria Ruth Jones. I hope to look as foxy as you when I hit 42, Aunt Glo!

Well, here it is—a cold, chilly Monday afternoon in Bearcat Country, and after the morning that I had, it’s a wonder that I’m mentally conscious. Let’s just say that that the phrase “deer in headlights” comes to mind.

My African Diaspora II class is no problem, especially considering that everything I learned in its preceding class has triggered my memory. However, that Geometry & Trigonometry class—DAMN!!!

Now, I can hear some of you now: “Natasha, it ain’t that bad, is it?” Well, maybe it’s too early to tell, but let me ask you all a question: When have you ever heard me say that I was a mathematical genius? Better yet, when have you ever known me to be a mathematical genius? Trust me when I tell y’all—compared to this damn Geometry & Trigonometry class, last semester’s Algebra was a cakewalk.

I know, I know—I’ve got to count the cost and prove my worth, but I’m tryin’ to tell y’all: I have never really been a huge fan of mathematics. It’s only been Day One, and I am so lost right now. God forbid I have to teach this class to my kindergarten class in the next twenty years. I can see it now: I’m gonna have to write “I will learn my math” one hundred times for my students.

Okay, maybe it won’t come down to that, but I am deeply concerned about this Geometry class. I wish I didn’t have to take it, but since it is a requirement, I may as well go ahead and meet this challenge head on.

Good grief—I just realized that my 3.8 GPA is on the line here! My final grade in this Geometry class will no doubt affect my grade point average from here on out. Oh, crap—I’m in trouble!

There’s only one thing left to do:

Lord, I’ll be content if You let me slide by with a B- or a C, but nothing lower than that.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

There's Something About Ray

Hi, Everyone!

Well, as I promised, it is now time for the continuation of that new love story starring yours truly as me, and Ray Hernandez as himself… hahahaha!

Last I left off, Ray and I were up at the Griffith Park Observatory the other day, and we both agreed that our first date and our first kiss were truly magical; in fact, we shared another short but sweet kiss when we talked about it. We also agreed to be each other’s Valentine this year, despite the long distance.

And then we asked the all-important question: “Where do we go from here?”

I expressed to Ray how I never had a guy (other than my dad or my uncles) to shower me with so much attention, and I was very flattered. I also told Ray how I would never string him along because he’s just too sweet of a guy, nor would I want him to wait on me when there were so many girls at Cal State Long Beach that were chomping at the bit to get his attention. At the same time, I let him know that I was willing to at least give it a try and see if we could indeed be a couple.

Ray held me close and gently caressed my hand, then he said: “Natasha, I have always liked you since our freshman year in high school. Now, I understand that four months is a long time and I also understand that you don’t want me to wait on you, but I want you to look me in my eyes and understand me—you are the only girl that I think about. Now, I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I am just as willing as you are to try out this thing called love.”

And with that, he gave me something to go back to Rust with—he kissed me so softly, so sweetly.

It’s been at least two days since I’ve returned to Bearcat Country, but I want it stated for the record that Ray Hernandez is really winning this girl’s heart over. I also want to point out that it’s gonna be quite difficult for these little boys to try and catch my attention because… well, my heart continues to beat for my Southern Cali sweetie pie.

Until next time, y’all have a good rest-of-the-weekend!

 

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Back Into The Rust College Groove!

Hi, Everyone!

So, here we are in a brand-new year and I’m back in the Rust College groove, takin’ care of Bearcat business. As I mentioned yesterday, I’m all registered and ready for class on Monday. My African Diaspora II class is at 8am, and my Geometry & Trigonometry class is at 10:30am. Y’all already know what this means: I am completely free in the afternoons. While that is a good thing, I want to give y’all a heads-up and let y’all know that my blog updates are gonna be posted late in the afternoon. One of the things I learned since coming to Rust is that I must play the cards that are dealt to me. And guess what, y’all—I didn’t learn that in any classroom; I learned that when I first arrived at Rust. But you know, it might by fun posting my blogs late in the afternoon, so I say: Bring on the challenge—I’m up for it!

However, I am still a bit lonesome for my family and friends. I had so much fun over the Christmas break. I mean, all of those memories in such a short period of time: I finally got to meet Rebecca, I had a slumber party over Gramma Jewel’s… and I got my first kiss from my sweetie pie Ray Hernandez.

And while I’m on that subject, I did talk to Ruby about my crush. Not surprisingly, she said: “Girl, I am scared-a-you! You just go ‘head on and do the damn thang!” She also told me that it was all but official, but she believes that Ray and I will be going steady.

That’s nice of Ruby to say, but personally, I don’t see it happening—at least right now, anyway. At the same time, though, I keep thinking about that first kiss. I mean, it was just… WOW!!! I mean, I’ve got the urge to shout from the mountaintops. Yet and still, there’s the fact that Ray and I are in different time zones. My mind keeps going back to this past Wednesday, when he and I had a long talk up at the Griffith Park Observatory. I told him how much I liked him and that… you know what, y’all—this is another blog for another day.

I know some of you are like: “Dammit, just when it was gettin’ good!” Well, I’m sorry for cutting it short, but I promise that we’ll talk about this in detail tomorrow.

Until next time, take it light!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha