6th graders

Hardest day yet. I feel so disrespected and unappreciated.

On a different note, here are a couple quotes:

A sixth grader explaining a friendship: "He's my brother from another color."

A six grader explaining the worst thing about middle school: "Drama. Because people build thereselfes up and let other people tear thereselfes down!! Drama is like fighting but with ur mouths. <3"

A sixth grader's quick write: "If I had to stay home alone I would be very scared, and I would scream bluddy marry... There would be no electtrisity, no games, bath... with noting insept food and drinks, and no clothes."

sapped

Exhausted and tested

and buried

over my head,

but in love

with all of it.

Life'll leave me
contentedly, wholly, richly bankrupt.

Friday, Friday, Friday

Yesterday was my first "observation" whilst student teaching. One down, five to go!

Delightful day. Delightful set of belated birthday packages form a delightful father. Delightful three hour nap. Delightful game of spades with Anne, Rachel, and Michael.

phew

Guys guys guys. I'm so into this teaching thing. This is my jam. It's such a go-go-go job. CONSTANT multitasking!

Normally, I'd ramble excitedly about the successes and funnies. I'm so tired, though. I can't even. I just can't. So here's a picture of a gerbil.

Hey girl,

Ryan Gosling's "Hey girl" stuff is so popular. Bloggers and networkers everywhere have discovered the formula,

A photo of Gosling + a comment aimed at an artistic chick = viral magic

Now they've got a "Hey girl teacher" tumblr. If you ever want to know how to compliment a teacher, take a leaf out of Gosling-photo's book:

Currently, Zach and the ladies are over for "girl's night," an illy-named movie night. I'm working and occasionally quoting...

Jocelyn: Anne, it's girls night. Make some chocolate.

Zarneson: Oh good. I've got some cocoa beans in my pocket.

Anne: Oh good, I've got... all... the other stuff.

Anne: If I lived in Medieval times, I would be a blacksmith.
Zarneson: No. You'd either be a nun, a peasant, or a wife.
Anne: No. It's girl's night. I would be a blacksmith.
Zarneson: You're right. It's girl's night. You could be a blacksmith. You could be a husband. Whatever you want.
Allison: Zach, you would be a wench.
Zarneson: It's girl's night. No drama on girl's night.

They woke me up after summit

I went to bed before 8. Kayla, Anne, Emily Larson, Kyla, and Rachel woke me up at 10. 

Emily Nichols is working the desk. She told Anne to enjoy her pizza. Anne said You too. Emily Nichols didn't have pizza.

Lindsay came over!! We watched our spring break video from last year, which was fun. :)

Emily's wearing my socks. I like that about her.

Here's something I think is funny:

it is (definitely) well

I'm really freaked out about going to my 2nd placement. How am I a Christian in the classroom, when Christianity isn't allowed? You can feel the warmth of a fire even if it's hidden from view. I think that's the answer.
A moment of doubt and fear and self-pity and then -- 
I am immersed 
in the freedom of a community 
of believers who release my fear 
into God's hands 
before my grip can tighten. 
And over me washes 
the realization of the grace 
that has already come and that will continue to come forever.
And it sounds so Christian-y 
but it feels so good because 
it is more real and more hopeful 
than a thousand selfish 
worries, whose itches I had wanted to scratch for a moment of relief 
until I bled. But
now He's bled.
He's bled 
an aloe eternal 
for every worry to come.
So now I have no excuse
because I know
He saved me from the desert
and gave me family away from family
and said "I will send you"
and allowed me to say "Choose someone else"
before He has said,
"Who makes you deaf or mute? 
Who gives you sight or makes you blind?"
and I have no excuse
because I know
He is the "Who"
and who am I to say that
"I" am useless 
by the power of "I Am"?