October, in a nutshell:
I've gotten really good at sending packages and letters out this month. It's something that I used to find tedious and annoying, but the more I find I love people, the more I find out how great it is to send a smile-in-a-box (or in an envelope) their way. As I've grown older, I've realized the importance of showing love to those that may or may not be super close to me in proximity. I have a blast loving on them from afar.
The majority of this month (22 days) has been spent substitute teaching (mostly in K-3 grades). And I know you're reading this and thinking, "subbing made your month better? prove it!" Listen. Yes, subbing can often be painful and awkward and at some points you might end up hating yourself for choosing to even take part in the process of education...but when those moments pass, you (I) realize what an absolute necessity educators are and I feel special to be a part of that field now.
And, in case you were wondering, I've encountered my fair share of funny/troubling things while subbing. It really is funny and somewhat scary what comes out of kids' mouths these days. I shudder at times to think about what kids know now versus what I knew and understood back when I was younger. So, these might be "you had to be there" kind of moments, but a little look into the minds of America's youth today:
*Subbing in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorites (BJ): It was my first day in this particular classroom, and I was up at the desk receiving last-minute instruction. No sooner had the teacher left the room that BJ walked up to the desk where I was and began fervently poking my right arm with his tiny little pointer finger. I asked him his name and he politely obliged by telling me. I asked BJ what he needed, and the following is what transpired:
BJ: I have two secrets to tell you.
Leslie: What are your secrets?
BJ: One (holding up one finger). You look very pretty.
Leslie: Well, than(k you so much!)
BJ: (interrupting me). Two. You are invited to my birthday party in March.
Leslie: Well, that's great! I'll be looking for my invitation in the mail!
BJ: (smiles so sweetly and walks away).
*Subbing, again in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorite students (Marten) on tap: Marten walks up to my desk with the messiest/best looking hair I've ever seen. He puts his hand on my knee and says, "Miss Cafee (pronounced Calf-ee), can I tell the class a question (pronounced more like quesshun)?" I stare at him and say, "Well Marten, what is your question?"...we go through this back-and-forth because apparently I'm an adult and that disqualifies me from hearing the question, to which I enlighten him that no one will hear the question unless I do...he finally gives in... --FAST FORWARD (I've heard the "question" and have given Marten permission to tell it to the class)--Marten takes his place in the home living area of the classroom, spreads his arms open wide (think Leo DiCaprio in Titanic) and yells, "ATTENTION!" Obviously kids don't care what he had to say (they were running around like animals), so you won't either...
There are more stories where those came from, but that's enough for now. Needless to say, those situations outnumber the horrible situations, thus making substitute teaching something that I enjoy. And since I'll have my teaching certificate come December 2010, it's good to find that I can actually enjoy and do well at something that I'll be doing for a few years of my life.
And, in case you were wondering, I've encountered my fair share of funny/troubling things while subbing. It really is funny and somewhat scary what comes out of kids' mouths these days. I shudder at times to think about what kids know now versus what I knew and understood back when I was younger. So, these might be "you had to be there" kind of moments, but a little look into the minds of America's youth today:
*Subbing in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorites (BJ): It was my first day in this particular classroom, and I was up at the desk receiving last-minute instruction. No sooner had the teacher left the room that BJ walked up to the desk where I was and began fervently poking my right arm with his tiny little pointer finger. I asked him his name and he politely obliged by telling me. I asked BJ what he needed, and the following is what transpired:
BJ: I have two secrets to tell you.
Leslie: What are your secrets?
BJ: One (holding up one finger). You look very pretty.
Leslie: Well, than(k you so much!)
BJ: (interrupting me). Two. You are invited to my birthday party in March.
Leslie: Well, that's great! I'll be looking for my invitation in the mail!
BJ: (smiles so sweetly and walks away).
*Subbing, again in Kindergarten with one of my all-time favorite students (Marten) on tap: Marten walks up to my desk with the messiest/best looking hair I've ever seen. He puts his hand on my knee and says, "Miss Cafee (pronounced Calf-ee), can I tell the class a question (pronounced more like quesshun)?" I stare at him and say, "Well Marten, what is your question?"...we go through this back-and-forth because apparently I'm an adult and that disqualifies me from hearing the question, to which I enlighten him that no one will hear the question unless I do...he finally gives in... --FAST FORWARD (I've heard the "question" and have given Marten permission to tell it to the class)--Marten takes his place in the home living area of the classroom, spreads his arms open wide (think Leo DiCaprio in Titanic) and yells, "ATTENTION!" Obviously kids don't care what he had to say (they were running around like animals), so you won't either...
There are more stories where those came from, but that's enough for now. Needless to say, those situations outnumber the horrible situations, thus making substitute teaching something that I enjoy. And since I'll have my teaching certificate come December 2010, it's good to find that I can actually enjoy and do well at something that I'll be doing for a few years of my life.
Not only have I been having fun at home, but I've gotten to spend a few great days with some ladies I really care about. MeLissa and Erin are fun-loving, beautiful women that really know how to make me laugh and think. I couldn't ask for better trips to Nashville when I get to spend time with them. Nashville isn't ready for what will happen when the three of us are reunited for rizzaaaaal!
(me and Thad outside of Guaymas in Tiburon, CA)
(me and Sarah on Saturday morning modeling Ugly Mug)Nashville isn't the only Tennessee city I've frequented since I've been home from camp. Just last weekend, I got to make a trip to Memphis, TN to visit Sarah, Thad, Rusty, Jon, Sherryl and Angie. My heart is happy when I'm with them...laughing, acting ridiculous, getting dressed up, eating lots of fatty foods and just loving life. Yet another special group of people to help make October the greatest month of them all!
I'll be spending time with these guys (Coldplay) this weekend in Washington, DC and I couldn't be much happier about it. Add in MeLissa, Erin, Paul, Molly, a few friends I haven't met yet, and maybe maybe! Michael Phelps...and you've got yourself one killer time. This weekend promises major mischief, laughter and antics. I am unable to put into words how excited I am for what will take place.October. The tenth month. The greatest month.
I love it.
I love it.
1 comment:
I am also a big fan of the month of October, as well as a big fan of Miss Caffee.
Do you know we still have to go to bed two more times, wake up two more times before its adventure day? That is going to take FOREVER, but it will be so worth it. And maybe, you'll just decide to stay here. I'm always praying...
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