It seems that the further I progress in my studies, the more I am given the chance to engage in conversations dealing with "modern day topics"; not that the locker room gossip wasn't exciting in my younger years.  Of course through the course of time I have picked up a few "favorites" to discuss, but it seems lately I have been constantly returning to the question of: "How does our environment effect us?". 

 

If you haven't guessed it by now, I am from Utah.  Where it is not uncommon to see snow in June and shorts as soon as the temperatures rise above freezing.  Utah is home to the "Red Rock" Country, many a ski resort and who could forget the Trax train.  There isn't a Starbucks on every corner.  Rather, a Jamba Juice (smoothie place).  The infamous "Utahn accent" is proclaimed with our "Mount-en in Lay-en".  A "fun time" to most would be considered a night out with friends, probably to a bowling alley, movie theatre or a staying at a friends house playing games. 

 

I am used to this.  It is my environment, my culture, and it has shaped the way I live my life.  Sweaters in April (and June) are surely nothing new.  Though I may not have beaches, I have lakes and rivers to which I can adapt to (i.e. learn things associated with these.  Fishing, tubing, white water rafting...).  The mountains have allowed me to learn how to hike, observe and partake in the ocassional hunt. 

 

If I had lived in Cuba or even Cancun since I was born, do I think I would still be the same individual?  No.  Because if I were to live in either of those places, surely "snow" would be a foreign word to me and surfing one that I knew well.  (Well at least boogie boarding...)  The environment, though ideal in many ways, would change the way I lived my everyday life.  My dialect most likely would change, the way I carried about my daily activies as well as job pursuits I established for myself.  (It is much easier to obtain education in certain subjects in different areas...)

 

So no matter if you are enjoying sunsets under palm trees, watching the busy city life around you or enjoying the mountains; just think about it, would you still be who you are today had you of grown up in a different place/culture?

The time is again upon us.  The torch has been ignited and for a month the word of "olympics" is bound to scape your mouth at least once.  I have a hard time admitting it, but ever since I was young, the olympics have meant one thing: Ice Skating. 

 

Perhaps it is the fact that the athletes in this sport not only have to have talent, but a decent artistic side as well.  So by simply watching it my analytical side of my mind is entertained by the perplexity of the moves while the music and style muses my somewhat creative side.

 

What I think amazes me most about the games, is the fact that the athletes have most likely spent a good 2 years of their life preparing for one simple moment.  I don't think many of us can say we know what that feels like.  I highly doubt that many of us have spent more than a year preparing for a minute or two event.  Because certainly something with that much diligence is the definition of dedication.

 

This year, I think that it is certainly fitting that the Winter Olympics theme is "Passion Lives Here".  As without passion, I am sure I couldn't keep myself motivated for four years of training.  Passion gives an individual the motive to do something for its pleasure rather than for the work that is required to do it.  It is something that lives within a person and through works is spread and made to dwell in other areas.  This year, Torino merely had the chance to be the lucky recipient of that very special brand of passion. 

 

Now excuse me, I must check the TV guide to inquire when the Figure Skating will be premiering................