whaaaaat?

so i used to have photos attached to that last blog.
blogspot, why you do me wrong?

plus side, i'm in nashville.
and loving every stinking second.
October (the tenth month, the greatest month of them all) has been a great month, filled with people I love and things that I love to do. And this next week promises to be just as great...so great! I am shaking in my boots just thinking about it.

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.


One of the greatest days of the year (October 5th) brought about my jumping in age from 24 to 25. And what a good day it was! I didn't spend it doing anything too spectacular (shopping with mom and brother and dinner with mom, brother, and sister) but I had such a blast hanging out with them that day. It was a great way to ring in 25! I also got loads of phone calls, text messages and emails from people that make my heart happy...so that made the day extra special to me.


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.


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 have called you children,
i have called you son.
what is there to answer if i'm the only one?
morning comes in Paradise,
morning comes in light.
still i must obey,
still i must invite.

if there's anything to say,
if there's anything to do,
if there's any other way,
i'll do anything for you.

i was dressed embarrassment,
i was dressed in wine.
if you had a part of me, will you take your time?
even if i come back, even if i die
is there some idea to replace my life?

like a father to impress,
like a mother's mourning dress,
if you ever make a mess,
i'll do anything for you.

i have called you preacher,
i have called you son.
if you have a father,
or if you haven't one...

i'll do anything for you.
i did everything for you.


--for the widow in Paradise, for the fatherless in Ypsilanti
sufjan stevens, welcome to michigan

exercise your right...

VOTE.
please.


and if you aren't registered to vote, go here to learn how.
the deadline for registering to vote in some states is october 4th.
no calendar in front of you?
that's saturday.
other states (about 35) have a deadline of october 6th.
that is monday.
registering LITERALLY takes less than five minutes.
i know you're thinking hard about it, so here is that link again.

in case you haven't figured out...this election is important.
most people don't even know how they feel about issues today.

read up and learn about issues like:
the economy, health care, global warming,
terrorism, education, war,
government funding of anything and everything,
clean water/air, foreign relations, stem cell research,
abortion, gay marriage.............and the list goes on.

if you don't make your voice heard.
you've wasted your chance.

you only have a few days left.
register.
know where you stand.
vote on november 4th.

vote.
please.