You Want Me to do What?

As a teacher I have been required to read a book called Ten Things Every Child with Autism Wishes You Knew. As I read and catch up on the reading for our meeting I have realized sadly that I may fall under the category of those who sometimes always instill the "cant's" in children. Now don't get me wrong it's not on purpose. I don't have a dream that all children can't do certain things, but I wonder if I just don't have enough confidence in them and their abilities. I have had children with autism in my classroom and have fallen deeply madly in love with them! I love their zealous of life, their inability to see things as cant's, their true unconditional love!

Two children in particular come to mind and they always have a spring in their step. One student was in my classroom and the other spends time during recess with us. I love both of them as they run to me with arms wide open wanting that daily hug..."Hi Mrs. McDonald!" They always say hello with a smile on their faces, and seem to be carefree.

So when we as society place labels on them as oh they won't be able to.... Or I hate that they will never...we need to stop and realize that If we continue to think that about them they will live to those expectations. If you know me you know that I have HIGH expectations for my children in my classroom and I have learned that in 10 years what you expect of them is what they will do! Just minimal expectations will get you minimum work, high expectations will produce high work effort! Turn the can't do's into can do's.

So whether you teach, work for a business, or own a business have high expectations and watch them soar!

Addictions...

Ok first I must apologize for not being a good blogger since the end of December.... Since then though lots has somewhat changed internally...mentally and physically.

Many of you know that in August I began running. I never had run before. I was the type who had danced for 15 years, went back and taught for another 8, but never had I run before. Then my friend Ashley Ruff mentioned that we should try this 5k group was starting at Fleet Feet in Greenville. I was hesitant at first but I thought I would at least give it a shot. We started with the group and I hated running. Yes I said it hated it. I couldn't understand why in the world anyone would ever want to run, get out of breathe, and then go back for more! I stuck with it though because things I start, I finish! When we completed our first race the Spinx 5k I sorta caught the bug. Ashley and I ran three races total all 5ks and then we were told of another opportunity. There was a 10k training group! Sign me up. I will succeed! So now we reach my first addiction. RUNNING! I love it. Just being a beginner I am not supposed to run everyday and it's killing me. I love to break through the wall and get that high of running forever. As of today 7 months later I can run 6.2 miles! Thank you Lord! I find myself wanting to run every race that is around. Next being the Reedy River and Cooper River Bridge.

I am amazed at how running takes you to a place of relaxation, crazy I know, but I just can allow an hour of my time to not focus on my issues, my stresses, and run. Run until I just can't go any more. The accomplishment at the end of a run is something that I can't explain. Which brings me to my next addiction.

Bucket list! I am not sure why but over the last few months I have gotten the urge to make a bucket list of things to accomplish in my life. Leaning to sew, learning to knit, running a half marathon, baking more, going to Vegas, going to Alaska, sky diving,.... The list could go on and on. I'm not sure if it is because I'm getting older.. Realizing that life is short and that I need to take advantage of each day....

I am amazed that God has given me the ability to conquer my first addiction and literally after ech run I thank Him for blessing me with a healthy body to run with and here's to hoping I can accomplish the bucket list which grows daily