Documenting a Lifestyle

For those that have known me for a few years, then you probably know that I thoroughly enjoy writing. I have been writing various forms of poetry and even stories since elementary school, and to me it feels much bigger than a hobby. It's more than just words on paper or on a computer screen; it's the way language can be portrayed as art. However running is the activity close to my heart, as corny as that sounds. I enjoy running long distances, which is an activity I got into in June 2011. I ended up joining the school's cross country team that year, and I have grown to love and remain an active and supportive athlete through it. However I don't only run for school competitions, I have signed up for other races as well. In September 2011, I ran the 5K (3.1 mile) Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in San Francisco, and after that I felt very inspired to sign up for longer distances. In October, I ran my first half marathon in Downtown San Jose, which was a continuous 13.1 mile run. This past Thanksgiving I ran the Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) again in DT SJ. I also signed up recently for another half marathon in San Francisco for this coming April. My point is, I thoroughly enjoy running, whether that is for a challenge or just for fun. I doubt I could ever pursue a career as a professional runner, however I still want to run. (My current goal is to run a marathon before I graduate high school.)

If a professional running career is too far from my reach (most likely), I'd still like to encourage others to get up and go outside or run. So far I have persuaded about five or six students to join cross country or participate in a city-held race.
IMPORTANT: Anyone's running ability isn't based on how fast one can run a mile or how many miles they have completed, but how hard one challenges him/herself to reach a goal. If you see a runner struggling, encourage them. It really makes a difference.

I often find very motivational stories and tips in running magazines such as Competitor and, my favorite, Runner's World. Most of the authors/writers in these magazines are runner themselves, which give me a thought. I love writing and running, why not combine the two? No, that doesn't mean running a mile and writing a poem, mind you, fellow reader.
The people who work for athletic magazines have a common goal: to positively influence and help other athletes. I think of myself as an enthusiastic person, one that thoroughly enjoys helping others, too. Besides, I'm sure my writing capabilities are worthy of being published in a magazine, especially if I still have plenty of time to improve.
If I were a writer for an athletic magazine, I'd work to motivate others and persuade as many people as I can to get up and go outside. Plus it would be nice to document my various running encounters and experiences, too. Perhaps this is my dream job or just an idea, I've still got time on my hands, along with numerous opportunities awaiting me.

Photos include: Me and some cross country teammates, and another of me post-13.1 miles.

Another Mark on the Map/Intro

I guess you could say that I'm being a little late, since I didn't write a formal introduction. For some of you that have read my last post, I would just like to make it clear that this blog will not be dedicated to motherhood or parenting. I simply had an idea and chased that thought, and I am currently unsure of what type of career I would pursue. However my ultimate goal is to have a job that would benefit life, whether by helping residents of third world countries or those who need recovery after natural disasters, or even helping the environment in remote locations. I find importance in variety (whether that's a cultural thing or a matter of biodiversity) and safety for everyone around the world, and it would be a pleasure to provide that for all walks of life. I definitely wouldn't mind doing some exploration and traveling while doing so.

Moving on to other topics, I'd like to introduce another idea for future career options. So this summer was the first since 2008 that I was able to return to Europe. Doing so brought back so many memories from my trip to Germany, and it made me realize how much I enjoy traveling and how privileged I am. Not many people can admit that they've been to Italy and Germany before the age of eighteen, nevertheless I am so grateful.
My interest in travel began at a young age for me, since my mom has had several jobs that involved her traveling, my dad as well. Her expeditions all around Europe and Asia have inspired me to learn about the cultures and lifestyles of the people living in these foreign places.

Recently I have been exploring university options outside the United States, in countries such as Ireland, Italy, and even Australia. If I were to ever have the opportunity to travel to these unique countries and receive an education of a different type of system there, I think I would be able to increase my knowledge of culture. The best way to learn from something is to experience it yourself, right?

Over the years, I've had a growing interest in learning multiple languages. I already know Spanish quite well, but I would like to improve by traveling and possibly living in a Spanish-speaking country. If I had the chance to, I would like to return to Italy and learn Italian, since it's simpler and similar to Spanish (which I already know). Besides, I love the Italians' lifestyle and it would be wonderful if I was able to interact with them.

Finally getting to the point, I would like to pursue a career which will allow me to travel to foreign countries and help or work with its citizens. A job that would enable me to use another language to communicate with a larger audience would be preferable. Although one of my worries is getting the proper education, I think I would worry most about not having a "home" in my future. What if I'm such an avid traveler that I don't stay in one place for too long? I don't want to be a nomad but I still want to explore without being tied down to a house just yet. Being an avid traveler does have its advantages though. For example, all of the cultures and worldly concepts I could learn from and learn about, plus all the people I could meet. I've made friends from my trip to Germany and I still talk to them up to this day. I met some very nice people in Italy, which I will most likely meet again if and when I return. I think having international relationships with people could provide insight into others' thoughts and behaviors. Expanding not only my own judgment but my knowledge as well. Pursuing a life abroad is definitely a dream of mine, one that I hope to fulfill, so I can do my part to help the environment and all that exist in it, man and animal alike.

Is Motherhood a Profession?

As a child, I had told myself I never wanted to have my own kids. I grew up believing that having children will only hold me back, that taking care of little ones on a daily basis will complicate life. I told myself that my younger brother would be the one raising his own children one day. I was afraid of being an adult with too many responsibilities to be a fun loving and adventurous person. Plus it takes so much to be a parent; the responsibility is almost frightening. Imagine being the person that brings another life to this very populated world, being the person who decides upon the endless of choices of names that will title that child's life forever, being the person who introduces that child to any language, family, and culture. Perhaps this is what I am afraid of, becoming the one that will influence this unborn human's choices and values in life.

However, my whole life I have been told that I have motherly traits. In middle school, classmates would call me "Mother Kayla" because of my instinctive behavior and actions.  I agree with that statement, I do act the way a mother should. I care deeply for people, in a way that shows my need to keep them safe and happy. I take care of those when they're injured or sick, or when they need some "motherly advice". Even my own mother has told me that I'd grow up to be a good parent. She told me last week that I have a way with children, that I can be gentle and kind to them, and still keep adult conversation with their parents at the same time. She tells me that perhaps becoming a teacher will be something to strive for, if I still don't want my own children as I age. I do enjoy babysitting too; it makes feel like a role model, and the one that can be trusted with the lives of children. That's simply it however, being the temporary parent of children.

I always thought that "stay-home moms" were lazy, that they made the fathers work while they spent time with their children. It's really disappointing how I thought this once; I realize now that these mothers choose to help develop their children's lives instead of their own. Sure, motherhood will make a woman grow as a person, but deciding to raise her own kin instead of working a dream job is anything but selfish or lazy.  I think being a mother, or a parent in general, should be considered a profession. Especially since so many mothers have jobs, or multiple jobs, of their own and continue to be an active part in their children's lives. Making the choice to become a mother is as reasonable as wanting to become a doctor or a teacher, in my opinion.