you could probably kiss me if you like

October is rushing to an end, among other things.  On my mind: 

Today I went to the store, but my favorite Jonathon apples were nowhere to be found.  I had to settle for Jonagold.  

I think I am going to be a witch on Friday for real Halloween, which means a grand total of 3 costumes this year.  Yes, oh yes.  I'm also making homemade chicken noodle soup, which should be tasty.   

Third grade is where it's at.  I start a unit next week, which I'm not quite prepared for yet, but I will be.  Saturday is the day I've set aside to get everything squared away for that and, thanks to Mom, I've got a good start.  Teaching brings me so much joy; I love how inquisitive, kind, quick to learn, good-natured, curious, and sincerely funny my students are.  Please, don't make me ever leave.

Did some visiting teaching this week.  Oh how I love the gospel, relief society, my ward, my calling.  People are wonderful, and working with such incredible people is a privilege.  I hope they realize that their goodness doesn't go unnoticed.  Lately, I feel magnified; I feel humbled.  Every day I learn so many things.  

I think I'll miss this place.  Graduation is really going to happen.  (I know, because I ordered my cap and gown).  It's not the right time to be sad, so I'm trying not to be.  There's much to be done before then.  

Ozzy Osbourne just came on my shuffle, and if that's not hilarious then I don't know what is.  

Penny for your thoughts?

if you need me, call me. no matter where you are.

Today I am making a quick trip home to see Bailey in her school play.  Bailey is so fantastic.  Here are some reasons why: 

• she loves to swim, and she's awesome at it.
• she is a wonderful cook.  
• she is hilarious.
• she is gorgeous.
• she likes good music.
• she is an amazing singer.
• she has a knack for writing.
• she is excellent at science experiments.
• she is a very loyal friend (and sister).

Can't wait to see you, Bay!  Good luck.

AFRICA

Some news: I am going to Africa!  The story: 

Over the seven-week break this summer, I was having that "what-am-I-going-to-do-after-graduation" discussion with my mom.  I expressed that I did not just want to sit around and work a dead-end job before I start teaching in the fall.  We discussed some options, and I began looking for an adventure.  

A few weeks later, I was reading in our little community newspaper, The Holladay-Cottonwood Journal, about how the cast and crew of "Signing Time" (sign language videos for kids) went to Africa to meet and serve the Deaf community of students in Ghana.  They went with a program called Signs of Hope International.  I casually looked up the listed website.  

I watched the video and thought about it.  I read the testimonials and thought about it.  I looked at the pictures and thought about it.  I printed out a mission application and thought about it.

Needless to say, I applied.  The application process was interesting (and a little stressful: I still don't know my blood type).  They called for a phone interview.  I waited.  And hoped.  

Then, on Wednesday, they called to tell me I had been accepted!  And now I am going to Africa in May to teach in a primary school for the Deaf.  Thrilling!  Frightening!  Exciting!  And let me say this: Heavenly Father answers prayers. 

Now all I have to worry about is money and malaria.  Africa!  Drums. Baboons. Teaching. Students.  Sign Language.  I am just amazed.  

October Love List

• "Simply Apple" apple juice
• heaters
• pumpkin-cream cheese muffins
• Halloween
• live music
• Kayci's pumpkin lights around our window
• General Conference
• crunchy leaves
• when people say my name
• third grade
• naps
• the 50 lap relay
• coats
• brown cow yogurt with Dad's granola
• crisp jonathon apples
• Joni Mitchell songs
• books, not necessarily textbooks
• BYU-Idaho
• costume planning
• playing guitars; learning new songs
• pears
• naps
• Devotional
• texts from my Grandpa
• feeling "cozy"
• planning/hosting/attending classy parites
• lists
• post-its
• Relief Society
• art, music, concerts: culture
• receiving mail, or email
• when people whistle on their way to class

Laura Watts: friend, photographer, roommate (and giraffe trainer)

This is Laura. 

This is also Laura.  

Laura is my roommate.  She is good at many things, including (but not limited to): 

• sleeping while my lamp is on
• being a fellow hippee
• designing stuff
• having awesome short hair that I wish I could have
• enjoying $1 twist cones
• telling stories about childhood ambitions
• and, taking incredible pictures

Seriously.  Just look at these:   

I like her.

several thrills

OCTOBER was a beautiful month...when the birches in the hollow turned as golden as sunshine and the maples behind the orchard were royal crimson and the wild cherry-trees along the lane put on the loveliest shades of dark red and bronzy green, while the fields sunned themselves in aftermaths.  

Anne revelled in the world of color about her...

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.  It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?  Look at these maple branches.  Don't they give you a thrill--several thrills?"  from LM Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables

October is upon us again, and is proving to be a beautiful month full of: 

changing leaves

apples

pumpkins

also: 

Kaite's birthday

Halloween

apple beer

sweaters

General Conference

muffins

I think I take after my mother in my deep-rooted love for October.

quite possibly the nicest thing

The students are lining up for afternoon recess, and I am doing some monitoring.  For no apparent reason, Tyler, with his big glasses and kind disposition, comes and gives me a heartfelt hug around the waist.  "Thanks, Tyler," I say.  Taking a step back, Tyler blinks, smiles, and then looks at me and says sincerely, 

"You know what?  I think you'll be a great teacher."  

And now my confidence is restored.