Ms. Spring is a...............

GIRL! (It isn't a mystery, read on!)

Yep, welcome to the world of autistic students. I don't teach them in my classroom during the school day, but I do talk to them in the hallway often. (I really like these kids, they are intriguing and loveable in their own special way) Part of being autistic means your communication skills lack in some form or another. So, Harry, one of our many autistic kids, was taking swimming lessons at the Y while I was swimming. I didn't really expect him to say Hi, as he's pretty selective about who he talks to and when he talks to ya. However, his swimming teacher used to teach in my building, so she encourages these kids to talk to me. Anyway, Harry saw me before I saw him, and he kept waiting for Mrs. M to let him say HI. Finally, we met, and he saw me through his goggles, and he looked at me and said, "Hi, Ms. Spring. Ms. Spring is a girl!" Then he touched my hair. He's always had a thing about my hair and calling me a girl. He is a jewel. At the end of my swim, he couldn't let me leave without saying "Goodbye". I walked away smiling. It is cool to be in these kid's world. I love it!

Oh, I got good news yesterday! I got my contract for next year (Yippee!) and found out I will be teaching Summer School! Yeah, this is a very good thing, as I now have the car payment, and need the cash. I can do anything for 21 days, and actually, I really like Summer School. It's really laid back and fun. I am excited!

So, I sit here tonight, pondering tomorrow night. For the first time in my life, I'm a finalist for something at school. Well, not at school, in our district. This wouldn't bother me, as I was blessed back in November with a little something. However, tomorrow night, if I win, I have to make a speech. How do you do that? I mean, if I win, that doesn't mean I'm better than the other 1000 teachers in my district. It seems "Thank You" should suffice. And, I walk with the limp, and my leg tenses up when I'm in front of crowd, so everyone's gonna see this goofy gal with a limp walking weirder than usual. It's gonna be an interesting night, that's for sure.

When I was in eighth grade, I fell walking up to my choir concert in front of EVERYONE, parents and classmates. I just pray I don't have another "ba dump" moment!

I want the night to be memorable, but not like that! :-)

I'll keep ya posted. Have a blessed day!