When I Grow Up

Remember saying that as a child or even a teen? Always imagining what career we would have, where we would live, what our lives would be like. Well, I am grown up - I suppose - and there are still so many times that I wonder "What will I become?"  I love teaching and have an MS in Reading and Literacy. I love the non-profit that hired me a few years ago. I volunteered for the organization for several years before becoming a staffer. My family has benefited greatly from their participation, too. But still, when I am at loose ends, or just in idle moments, I find myself wondering "What will I be when I grow up?"

In the last 10 years or so my answer has run the gamut from professional quilter (with a full-size quilting machine to boot) to story-teller (I'm actually really good at that!) to mission teacher in a foreign country. I have considered these all seriously enough to research them.  My latest idle thoughts, however, have gone back to something I considered as a "side job" several years ago. Writing. Professional writing. I used to think I could be a novelist. But now I'm thinking more along the lines of non-fiction - reporter of how I see life, sort of thing. I know there are tons of those out there and I don't know if I could set myself apart enough to get published...if I ever got serious enough to actually send anything out.

I mentioned briefly in a previous post that I've dreamed of being an ultra-runner. I've even had the wild hare thought that I could run cross-country - literally cross....country, like Forest Gump cross-country - and cronical the experiences along the way.  Several people have ridden bicycles cross-country with little or no support.  Only, I'd really have to get serious about running ultras in the first place before seriously contemplating that.  And then I'd have to figure out if I would have a crew or just go it alone.  A long time ago, I read about a man who hiked the whole Appalachian trail.  To ensure a decent meal, shower, and bed at least once a week, he would make reservations at a fine hotel further down the trail and mail his clothes, etc. ahead. 

I could do that, right?  Only running the distance.  I'd probably have to run a few ultras to get used to the time on my feet.  Then maybe across the state.  Then build up so that I maybe could run farther.  So if I were going to write about this adventure, I'd probably need some sort of crew and vehicle so I'd have access to a laptop, food and a place to sleep so I'd have energy to run and write the whole journey.  Whose the first crew member on the bus to support this grand scheme of mine?  ;)  And how do I finance it????