Running: A Poignant Metaphor for Life

This past weekend I competed or should I say ran in my first race in 22 months. Following sickness, injury, and “retirement”, I decided this summer I would run a half. I’d only run one official half in my life, and that was in 2007. I told myself I would do some long runs, and not make a lot of sacrifices, because I had sacrificed so much of my life training during high school and college. That was basically my training plan: Have fun and do some long runs.

As I toed the starting line last Sunday, it was a different atmosphere than I had ever experienced. It was dark, cold, and there were lots of people I’d never seen before. I’d always run with a team, or at least known half of the people at the race if it was in Baton Rouge. Standing outside shivering I wondered why exactly I was doing this and the purpose of it since I am a little OCD about everything in my life needing to have a purpose. For the first time ever in a race, I was totally anonymous. I knew exactly zero people in the race and knew there would only be one person cheering for me: my dad. Contrast this to the races at Highland where I knew almost everyone finishing in the top 25 personally and had at least ten people I’ve never spoken to cheering for me. But, this was fine, better than fine it was exactly what I wanted.

with my dad after the race 

For the first time I can remember there was no pressure, just the excitement of running through DC, VA, MD, seeing beautiful trees, conquering some hills and a beautiful bridge and having fun. Although I can never squash my desires for a challenge and a new PR, after so many years of being far from anonymous it’s nice. When you decide to do a race for fun, there’s an enjoyment in the process. You realize that 7:45 pace for long runs or 8:00 pace doesn’t matter all that much. You’re able to enjoy the conversations along the way. I had conversations with my run group about early childhood education at 6 am, saw the sun rise over National Cathedral, met someone appointed by the DOJ, a famous blogger, and had many worthwhile chats. People I would be unlikely to meet otherwise, I met on the run.

Woodrow Wilson Bridge

As I ran down George Washington Parkway with about 3000 others, I passed the beautiful fall trees and serenity of the sunrise. In the relatively rural area of Virginia, there were few spectators. The miles clicked away, I ran faster than I thought I should, but ran next a wounded warrior and a guy who would scream every time he saw a spectator. I prepared myself for the bridge at mile 10, and when I reached the top I was pleasantly surprised with a beautiful view of Alexandria and the capitol in the distance. Passing photographers, I attempted to smile. Seeing the strugglers, I knew it was my time to pass as many people I could. Struggling up a big hill at mile 12, I thought back to the hundreds of times running up the hill at mile 2.25 at highland and how every single time it had been hard, but I had made it. As a rounded the final corner and saw 1:37, I was surprised, thrilled, and exhausted. My only goal had been to run under 8 minute pace, but I surpassed it greatly, averaging 7:27 for a total of 1:37:43. And as content as I was with this, I cared the least I’d ever cared, because just finishing was enough.

rounding the last corner

Thinking back to last September, when I spent many nights crying not knowing if I’d ever be able to run again, I smiled (and almost cried) looking upon this small act that brings me so much joy and feeling more blessed than ever for the ability to run. To me, running is structure. Running is discipline, strength, and the ability to dig deep into your heart, legs, and lungs when your brain is sure you have nothing left. Running is a work ethic, determination, humility, and inspiration. Racing is joy, grit, and passion combined. Running is a poignant metaphor for life.

P.S. I'm still in pain, but just signed up for my first marathon. T-minus 122 days, March 15th, Rock n Roll USA, I'm coming for ya.  

Fall(-ing) for the first time and Chronicles of Pakistan

Happy Halloween Blog Readers!

This morning I commemorated this holiday by running through the congressional cemetery. It houses one of the scariest things to many Americans, Congress. Once again, like always, so much has happened since my last post!

Two weeks ago, I went to Shenandoah National Park with three of my friends from my program, The Washington Center. We awoke at 6am to take the metro and then a bus to my friend Kateri’s aunt’s house to borrow her car. Then, we proceeded on our adventure to the Western side of North Virginia (in DC lingo: NOVA) I experienced my first time driving on the DC beltway, and my first time driving in nearly 2 months. The highway was beautiful, aka much prettier than I-10 and I-55, and my many trips driving back and forth from Texas. Sorry Louisiana and east Texas. Our first stop was the battlefield of Manassas/ Bull Run. It was beautiful and we pretended we were watching the battle. Next, we drove to the park, and stopped at the visitors’ center where the rangers gave us suggestions. We resisted the urge to stop at every single overlook, because there is probably about one per mile and they are all beautiful. My friends laughed at me as I gawked over every single beautiful tree and wanted to find the perfect ones to take pictures of (they are all from places that actually have fall). We ate lunch at a beautiful lodge overlooking the valley, and then continued our journey and hiked to some waterfalls. After we spent another hour, ooh and ahh-ing, we finished our drive of about 55 miles along Skyline Drive. We continued on to an apple orchard in the middle of nowhere Virginia and bought some apples and pumpkins. Then we finished our journey, returning to Maryland to bring the car back around 9. We got back to the RAF, which I like to call the rat, where we live around 10. It was an exhausting but lovely day.

Beautiful Picture of Shenendoah 

Shenendoah 

My favorite pumpkin!

Some of the delegates from Ford Scholars

Bull Run/Mananas Battlefield 

Giving a speech at MUN

This past week I competed in National Model United Nations-DC, with my classmates from Ford Global Scholars. My partner, Monique and I, represented the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the International Conference on Population and Development after 2014. We spent the weekend giving speeches, listening to other countries; there were around 95, and forming alliances during informal caucuses to successfully write resolutions. We wrote a resolution that passed, which was mainly about human rights and using urban planning for successfully developing communities’ infrastructures. It was exhausting but very fun and we made lots of new friends from around the country. We also got distinguished delegation, which is the second highest award, and the highest The Washington Center had ever received. So with that, this quote about somes up my thoughts for the week. Next on the radar, NYC  and my half marathon.

Ode to the Women of the Senate

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/16/collins-government-shutdown-women-senate-deal/2994803/

Today as the clock struck noon, a fellow intern and I trekked over to the Senate Floor in hopes of seeing a vote to reopen the government. Unfortunately that has yet to happen, but instead we were delightfully surprised with some inspiring floor speeches from senators across the aisle. After Senators Reid and McConnell gave their opening statements, there was leftover time and senators began giving impromptu speeches. They spoke of their efforts to reopen the government and the turmoil it has caused throughout America. I watched Senator McCain walk in and give Senator Klobuchar a hug across the aisle. Then as Senators Pryor, Manchin, McCain, King, (all men) spoke it became increasingly apparent the crucial role women had played in the attempt to reopen the government. Senator Collins (R-Maine) spearheaded the effort and Senators Ayotte (R- NH) and Murkowski (R-AK) were the first to reach out and help. Then, the efforts reached across the aisle to Senators Heitkamp (D-ND) and Klobuchar (R-MN), these are all women… They quickly included men from both parties and one independent, but women still made up half of this coalition of 14 senators to reopen the government.

The women of the 113th Senate

Most women senators juggle so many roles of mother, wife, and senator, while facing more scrutiny about looks and their personal life than their male counterparts. 1992 was the first year there were more than two women at the same time in the senate. A mere 21 years ago. We now have 20 women: 16 democrats and 4 republicans, who began their own caucus to talk about issues over lunches, who repeatedly have met to find bipartisan solutions to problems, and who consistently support one another.  I do not brand myself a feminist, but I do believe there is something we can all learn from this teamwork. Whether it is that women appreciate their service more because they were just newly given the opportunities, I’m not sure, but hopefully this bipartisanship will continue extending to their male counterparts and across the aisle. I have been lucky to work for two amazing women senators, who serve as role models every day.

A few of my favorite women in power

"What I find is with all due deference to our male colleagues, that women's styles tend to be more collaborative.”- Senator Susan Collins

Because I Knew You, I Have Been Changed for Good

I believe that everyone has a story. That listening is more important than talking (even though I’m not the best at that) and more important than just listening is learning. I believe that everyone enters our lives for a reason, for a purpose. When we listen we learn things we could never imagine and appreciate what we have in our lives that much more and hopefully are impacted enough to start addressing societal ills in whatever way we can.

It was great seeing Hugh Jackman, meeting him and his wife, the Tuohys from the Blind Side, the Vp of Ford, executives from Southwest Airlines, 3M, BB&T, Senators Klobuchar, Nelson, and Grassley. Seriously, this week was really great.

But my favorite parts of this week were not meeting celebrities and hearing their adoption stories. My favorite parts were spending time with the Foster Youth Interns, Senator Landrieu, and the organization and teenage boy that won Angel Awards from Louisiana. On Monday, at the advocacy fair for our legislation: Children in Families First, (visit our website childreninfamiliesfirst.org and like us on Facebook please!), I was able to meet angels in adoption award recipients from around the country. All of whom have done something influential for adoption in foster care. I met Elijah Evans, a 15 year old from Lafayette, La, who started an organization to help foster kids get Christmas presents and has raised over $15,000. Here is an article about him (http://theadvocate.com/home/7110959-125/abused-as-a-child-adopted) Moments such as seeing my Senator cry in a meeting with her angel when talking about foster care are the ones I cherish. I was also able to talk to one of the foster interns from the summer, Alan, who is getting his masters from Pepperdine. My mom also came in for the Angels Gala. It’s these moments that make an impact on my life more than any fancy event.

Here are some pictures from the week:

Lunch with the VP of Ford

Some of the inspirational Foster Youth Interns I met this summer at the reception at the Senator's house

Ford Global Scholars with our advisor and the VP of Ford

Senator Landrieu and some of her amazing staff

Me and Senator Klobuchar at the TWC Gala

One of the best FYIs, Lexie 

My mom and I at the Angels Gala

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives, for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them, and we help them in return.”- Wicked

Lockdown, Shutdown, and Everything in Between

I’ve failed at blogging lately. I realized that it’s been almost a month since I updated my readers on my life! In preparation for this blog, I had to even look back through my pictures to remember everything that has happened!

So let’s see, I went to my first Nats game, to a festival with 20 countries, a Turkish festival, a Jamaican festival, a neighborhood festival in Noma, and my mom came to visit and we went to the book festival. That’s a short recap. Now for the big highlights.

The government shut down (if you don’t know that, than you’re probably living under a rock ;), then there was a crazy car chase and shooting outside my window, then someone set himself on fire. Seriously crazy things are happening in DC. And the shooting was probably one of the scariest moments of my life. Terribly sad, but it is over now.

Yes, I’m still working and am not shutdown. CHIFF was introduced, that was exciting. Everyone should go to childrenandfamiliesfirst.org and check it out. I still read lots of articles on adoption, the good, the great, the bad, and the ugly. Mostly good though.

Right now, I am in the midst of 3 fancy events in one week! Last night was The Washington Center’s gala and it was awesome. As a part of the Ford Global Scholars program, I was required to go and talk with donors and participants in the gala. Lucky for me, one of my favorite senators, Senator Klobuchar was receiving an award. She happens to be one of the principal co-sponsors on our CHIFF legislation and a really cool person. So, of course I stalked her and got a picture with her after the gala was over. Also, we were able to have lunch with Ziad Ojakli who is a lobbyist for Ford and used to work in the bush administration. Luckily, I was able to sit next to him at the luncheon and talk to him about his career path. He was a really cool person and had a really interesting life.  Right now, I am helping the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute with their annual Angels in Adoption gala. It’s a really cool event where senators and representatives come together and nominate people in their district who have done big things in adoption in their communities. There are so many inspiring people who are getting awards and I can’t wait for the event! 

20 Reasons I love DC (and why you should too)

"Washington is a city of Northern Charm and Southern Efficiency."- John F. Kennedy

(I have to say I'd reverse that comment (southern charm, northern efficiency)

 

1.       There is a festival or event for absolutely any occasion… I kind of expected this to only be true in the summer, but I was wrong! From a Turkish festival to random concerts on the capitol lawn, if you can’t find something to do you’re not trying.

2.       There is actually a season called fall, where the weather changes.  I had heard of it but one morning a couple of weeks ago, I woke up and it was about 45 degrees. I thought, what? This is winter. Nope, there is actually a place where the leaves change color.

3.       Where else can you see monuments with oversized humans daily?

4.       There is something called a mall, and it’s not for shopping.

5.       You’re likely to hear just as many people speaking languages you’ve never heard of as you are people speaking English.

6.       There are about twenty different neighborhoods with individual personalities. Some of them you never want to go to, but most of them you do.

7.       The metro and bus system. Although it can be highly unreliable, most of the time it works decently and it’s nice not to have to look for a parking spot.

8.       Congress. This is a controversial one. But, today I was on the elevator with this super friendly old man who was a representative and I had to include it. Ultimately, it’s why I’m here anyways.

9.       The endless amounts of running trails and roads. Although the mall never gets old, it’s neat to get to go so many different places and have trails.

10.   Diversity. Once again, there are so many interesting people from around the world.

11.   Lots of random kinds of good food. Except Mexican, that one has yet to be discovered here.

12.   People. No, everyone does not have an inflated ego. In my experience most people don’t and want to be your friend.

13.   Free Everything. DC might be one of the most expensive places to live but at least most of the site-seeing is free and there are endless events.

14.    Stories and Jobs. Many people have interesting stories and jobs doing things you’ve never heard of, which is always interesting.

15.   Progressive-ness. DC is in a constant state of change with neighborhoods evolving.

16.   Bike paths and friendly-ness towards pedestrians. Although I’ve had a few close encounters with cars, it’s pretty nice to be able to walk to work and the grocery store… except when you have to carry heavy grocery bags home.

17.   Embassies. Embassy Row is so cool and I love walking past embassies of countries I’ve never heard of.

18.   Young People. I’m pretty sure the average age is in the twenties. I guess that wouldn’t be cool if you were older but it’s good for people my age.

19.   Proximity to other cool places, like Alexandria, Mount Vernon, and Shenandoah Park.

20.   It’s the capitol of America. I feel like that should be enough right there.

Actual update on my life coming soon...