Hello, L.A., My Old Friend!

Well, it goes without saying, but finally, “The Vipress” has come back… home!

Our flight arrived in L.A. around 4:30pm PST this afternoon, and I gotta tell y’all: I’m still suffering from bittersweet emotions. I’m glad that I have accomplished my academic goals and all, but no one told me that I was gonna suffer from Bearcat withdrawal. Look, I’ve barely been home, and already I miss Rust College so much. If I was back at Rust, I would be finishing up the first week of Summer School, and I’d be hanging out with my peeps. We’d either kick it at the Hudspeths or we’d be in Memphis chillin’ at the mall or with my Auntie Gladys.

Nevertheless, that old saying still holds true: Be it ever so humble, there is still no place like home, and I am glad to be back!

Well, I really hate to cut this blog post short one today, but I gotta do so—a sista is tired and hungry, and Mom and Dad ordered pizza and chicken wings, and we’re gonna do some serious snacking tonight! Well, at least I let y’all to know that I made it back to the Golden State safely.

Until next time, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Thank You So Much, Rust College!

Well, y’all—this is it!

First of all, I wish to point out that we have made it to Blog Post #700, and it’s quite apropos that this particular blog post would fall on my last day here in the South. In about two hours or so, I’ll be boarding a plane with my mom, dad, Cousin Becky, and Gramma Jewel, and we’ll all be heading back to Southern Cali. Y’all already know what this means to me—no more frequent flyer miles, no more college living, no more road trips to Memphis, and no more visits with my Great Aunt Reesie. It is officially over, and I am saddened by it.

Yesterday evening, I had one more get-together with Ruby, Azalea, Craig, and Theo, and we had a real good cryfest. All things considered, it’s hard to turn off four years of friendship! The five of us were all but joined at the hip, and we shared a lot of our time together. We had a lotta fun times, and we even had some not-so-fun times, but we got through them all together. Truth be told, y’all: Ruby, Azalea, Theo, and Craig are the very first best friends that I’ve ever had. They’re more than just my Rust College alum—they’re my family, and they always will be! So, suffice it to say that when we met up for one more round yesterday evening, a lot of tears were shed and a lot of hugs were given.

I told y’all that I’m fickle… and I’m also a big ol’ softie!

Well, I reckon I’d better close up this blog post and get ready to head to the Memphis Airport one mo’ ginn, but I just want to say that Mississippi and Tennessee were great hosts for this little ol’ city gal. I have learned so much in these past four years, and not just within the confines of Rust College either—I learned a lot about myself, and I learned a lot about life. I am definitely the richer for my Southern experience. It’s just a shame that it’s got to come to a close.

Now That I Am An Official Rust College Alumna...

Hi, Everybody!

Even though my commencement was a mere three days ago, I still feel the excitement in the air now that I am officially a Rust College alumna. The reason why y’all didn’t hear from me at all yesterday was because I spent most of the day packing up and moving my things out of Emma Elzy Hall. I’ll be heading back to L.A. this Friday, which I count as a blessing on account of I’m just not ready to say goodbye just yet.

I kinda touched base on it a couple days ago in my late Saturday evening blog post, but I don’t think I went into full detail. I omitted the fact that I suffered a minor anxiety attack. Thankfully, I was lying down on my bed when it happened. I just started hyperventilating and my heart was racing like crazy. Let me ask y’all a question: Have you ever hoped, wished, and prayed for a dream to come true, and when that dream did come true, how did you feel? Well, lemme tell y’all: When I realized that I was just mere moments away from my commencement ceremony, all of those emotions that I had my freshman year returned maybe ten times worse! I think I had stated that it was the same emotions but a different scenario—well, the pomp and circumstance is over, but those emotions never left me. When I packed up my last item and zipped up my suitcase, I got hit real hard by reality. I actually had to look around the room for a couple of minutes. My days as a Rust College student are officially over, and I am now about to enter the real world, if I haven’t done so already.

Since I’ve moved out, I’m staying with my Great Aunt Donna until I leave this Friday… and now that I think about it, Neo Theo is leaving this Friday as well. I reckon we’ll meet up with each other at the airport. My fellow alumni have got to meet one last time before we officially go our separate ways… and we will, too!

Until next time, y’all take care, and I’ll holla at’cha later.


Smooches,
Natasha

I Done Did It!

Well, Y’all—I DONE DID IT!!!

As of yesterday afternoon, I am an official graduate of Rust College, Class of2016… and dammit—it feels fan-freakin-tastic!

Now, y’all already know that my family cut a shine during my commencement ceremony. When I stepped up on that platform and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, the first voice I heard was that of my mom’s. Yes, y’all—Mama beat Gramma Jewel to the punch! My mom was all like, “You just go ‘head on, Tasha-Girl, wit’cho bad self!” And to tell y’all the truth, I was not at all embarrassed; in fact, I pointed directly at her and blew her a kiss, and as I headed back to my seat, my entire support group was literally chanting “Natasha! Natasha!” And right then and there, I imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and soaked in the cheers.

What can I say? My family knows me all too well, and vice-versa.

After the ceremony ended, I caught up with the rest of my peeps, and we just got together in one big group circle and cheered. Of course, we took a couple of selfies, and then we met up with our families. Y’all should’ve seen the look on my Gramma Jewel’s face—I could tell that my commencement meant so much to her, especially considering that she is a Class of 1957 Bearcat. Technically speaking, the Bearcat legacy ended with my Great Aunt Reesie in 1959—well since I rekindled that fire, that leaves room for future generations in my family to keep the legacy alive.

And I want to say right now: My entire family notwithstanding, I was not at all surprised to see my former kindergarten teacher Mrs. Martin, nor was I surprised to see Pastor and Mrs. Clark, Mother Davis, and Brother Hawkins. However, I was really taken by surprise when I saw Mr. & Mrs. D and Pastor & Mrs. Rich in attendance. And what a thrill it was for me to introduce Mrs. Martin to Mr. D… and y’all already know that Gramma Jewel took a picture of me, Mr. D, Mrs. Martin, and my fellow alumnus Craig.

You know, I would love to talk about every little detail that took place yesterday afternoon, but we would be all day. With that said, I’m gonna have to cut today’s blog post short, but I promise that I’ll have more to talk about in the days (and probably weeks) to come. Until then, y’all take care and be good.


Smooches,
Natasha

I Am So Scared Right Now!

Hi, Y’all!

So, I’m back from my evening festivities as a graduating senior, and I’ve decided to write a little somethin’-somethin’ right now, because I may not get this chance tomorrow.

Can I be honest with y’all? I have officially come to grips with reality—I am a fickle little girl. Four years ago, when I first arrived at Rust, I was kvetching about how I wanted to go back to L.A., or at least transfer to USC after I completed my freshman year. Well, here it is, four years later, and I’m kvetching again, but for a different reason: I just realized that I am closer now than I’ve ever been, and I don’t wanna leave Mississippi. Yes, I know that this was only temporary, but as y’all know, I’ve made some great friends and I’ve got some great memories stored up in such a short time. I can’t deny it any longer, y’all—Rust College has become such a huge part of my life, and I am eternally grateful for every experience, both academically and personally.

In addition to everything else, the scenarios have changed, but my emotions are still the same—I am scared out of my mind, y’all!

Oh, sure—I’ve got a great future ahead of me, but what scares me is the fact that I’m about to go to the next level. Once I receive my Bachelor’s Degree tomorrow, it’s all over. No more dorm rooms, no more assemblies, no more talent shows, no more evening runs at McNasty’s, and no more kickin’ it with my peeps at our table in the cafeteria. When I return to Southern Cali this Thursday, I won’t find another group of people like Theo, Ruby, Azalea, and Craig. Everything will be different… well, even more so than it already is.

I tell y’all—just when I get out of one storm, here comes another storm.

Well, this is it, y’all! For obvious reasons, you may not be hearing from me tomorrow, but I guarantee that you’ll hear from me sometime on Monday. In the meantime, please keep me lifted up in prayer—I’d really appreciate it.

 

 

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Clock is Really Ticking Away, Y'all!

Hi, Everybody!

Well, as y’all can see, today is Saturday, April 23, 2016, and y’all already know what that means—I am getting closer and closer to tomorrow. When I woke up this morning, I had a touch of a panic attack. Fortunately, I recognized it and immediately started practicing my breathing exercises, then Ruby gave me a glass of water and Azalea started fanning me like I had a hot flash or something… hahaha!

So, earlier this afternoon, I and my fellow Class of 2016 had our graduation rehearsal, and I gotta say that my peeps and I got some of our silliness out! The Dean of Students called our names by major, so I was somewhere towards the end. Would y’all believe that when Neo Theo’s name was called, he actually moonwalked halfway down the aisle and did the Michael Jackson yell and everything… hahaha! Then, when Ruby’s name was called, she sashayed down the aisle like a supermodel, blowing kisses and doing the queen’s wave. Azalea’s name was called next, but instead of reciting her poem (as per her plan from a few days ago), she started singing “This Is It” by Kenny Loggins.

And of course, when they got to the Elementary Education majors, Craig’s name was called first, and he ran down the aisle yelling “Yes! Yes! Yes!” like Daniel Bryan. And to save the best for last—little ol’ me! When I heard my name, I kept true to my word and imitated Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson—I thrusted a fist in the air while Theo, Ruby, Craig, and Azalea chanted “Vipress.” Most surprisingly, the Dean of Students was rather tolerant, but he did caution us to be serious come the actual graduation.

Suffice it to say, we had a successful graduation rehearsal… and for the record, I did ask if I could wear some plum shoes; I drove home the fact that my shoes would be dark. Well, the Dean said that he appreciated my efforts, but the shoe colors were etched in stone.

Well, at least I tried.

So, now I’m back in my room with Ruby and Azalea, but we’ve got the senior service of blessing and consecration at 6pm CST. Now, I have it on great authority that Brother Hawkins will be accompanying Mom, Dad, and Gramma Jewel this evening when we have the reception at Dr. Beckley’s house. Oh, snap—my peeps will get to meet the man that my uncles have affectionately nicknamed “Brother Hawk!” I keep tryin’ to tell Rust that they ain’t ready for my family—when we throws a party, we throws a party!

Okay, y’all—I gotta get ready for the consecration ceremony. I’ll try to holla at’cha if I can, but until then, y’all take care and be good.

 

 

Smooches,

Natasha

The Last Friday Freestyle... Before Graduation!

Hey, Y’all!

Before I get into today’s blog post, I do want to announce that I am two days away from my graduation from Rust College. The excitement is definitely in the air, and it seems that every second that passes by, I am that much closer to receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. And I have it on great authority that my entire family has safely arrived from L.A. and are chillin’ in Memphis right now. I also have been informed that Pastor and Mrs. Clark’s flight should be landing sometime this afternoon or this evening. I gotta give my pastor and first lady credit—they said that they would be in attendance at my graduation, and doggone it if they didn’t keep their word. I gotta admit, though, that there’s one person who is missing in the equation, and that’s Mother Harriette Fields… but then again, she’s got the best seat in the house up there in Glory!

Oh, and I’ve already picked up my cap and gown this morning, which garnered yet another signature on my card. Now, check this out: Tomorrow is the actual graduation rehearsal, and y’all already know that my peeps and I are gonna practice strutting up the stage—heck, we may even cut a jig or two… hahahaha! All kidding aside, though, I do have a touch of a problem with the dress apparel: According to protocol, the ladies are to wear black or navy shoes, no jewelry, and little makeup. Now, I don’t wear a lot of makeup anyway, nor do I wear any jewelry other than my earrings. However, I was planning on wearing my lavender shoes to match the dress that I’m gonna wear on Sunday. Now, I don’t mind following protocol, but I hope that Rust is ready to hear me grumble about how my shoes don’t match my dress—I’m just sayin’!

In other news, this has been a rather trying week for the entertainment world. It is often said that certain terms of events happen in threes—well, we lost three entertainers within the course of five days. It began this past Sunday when Doris Roberts (who played Marie Barone on Everybody Loves Raymond) passed away at age 90, then Joanie Laurer (best known by wrestling fans as Chyna) passed away two days ago at age 46, and then Prince (the legend who sang Purple Rain) passed away just yesterday morning at age 57. On behalf of my family, we send our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of these three greats.

Well, I guess that’s gonna do for today. If anything else comes up, I’ll be sure to let y’all know; otherwise, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Either way, y’all will be hearing from me soon, but until then, y’all take care and be good.


Smooches,
Natasha