School:

The last two months of 2017 were super busy for me.  I earned an A+ and an A in my two Fall courses at the University of Louisville, with an overall GPA of 3.9.  I am only 3 classes away from completing my 2^nd Masters in Teacher Leadership and certificate in Diversity Literacy.  In August, I will also move up to Rank I KY Teacher Certification.

When I wasn’t studying, I took breaks to check out a few football games and a basketball game.  I had a ball tailgating with co-workers for the Clemson game. Murray State was a blow out, and the Syracuse game was on a rain delay that made me leave early. Seton Hall upset the Cards by two points in basketball.

Teaching:

While teaching can be challenging, it remains a fun and rewarding career for me. My Smootents keep me on my toes, and I practice what I preach to keep up with them. I have the Physical Education part down pat. I want to focus on professional growth by teaching a skills based health curriculum with restorative practices for behavioral management. I started a twitter account, @KelsieSmoot to promote what my Smootents are learning.

Running:

On Thanksgiving, I returned to the hills for the 38^th running of the Iroquois Hill Runners Thanksgiving Day Run. There are other turkey trots in the area, but IHR knows how to put on a race with plenty of cash prizes, giveaways, and food at the finish.

Results:

5 Miles- 42:57

3^rd Place age group $10 prize

51/336 Female Overall

During Christmas vacation, I ran the Santa’s Run for Our Kids in Winter Haven, Florida. The course was a double loop around three lakes and a residential area. The lake breezes blew my antlers off.

Results:

10K- 49:22

1^st Place Woman Masters (40+)

2^nd Place Female Overall

12^th of 93 Overall

Self-Care:

My brother Brad has been visiting Louisville more often now that he lives in Indianapolis. My Aunt Vera came to visit and show support to my cousin Maria who is battling cancer. I got to visit my Grandma before the weather got too cold. When I’m craving stuffed chicken, Ruth’s Chris remains as my favorite splurge dinner.

I’m still fostering teenage girls which seems like a revolving door sometimes. We were all that age and know the struggle. My job is to provide as much support and stability to help them transition into womanhood.

I went to visit my parents in Florida for Christmas. We did a 45-minute session in the Salt Room in Lakeland. My breathing was so much better when I raced the following day. My Dad felt relief from his breathing conditions as well.

We kept it laid back with most of my time spent pool side and enjoying the lake views. The beach shore temperatures were too chilly for me to waste a day playing in the sand. Between my Mom’s cooking and dining out, I ate plenty of good food.

We ate at Hash House a go go in Orlando for the first time. The chicken and waffles rival my Las Vegas favorite in Grand Lux Café. Harry’s Seafood in Lakeland was absolutely scrumptious! Shrimp and grits with Oreo beignets for dessert gave me life.

During the holidays, I was missing my Aunt Mary who passed away in Detroit back in July. She was always festive, immaculate, fun-loving and throwing down on some food. Her spirit lives through me.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

~KelsieLou~