Pages

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Above the Smog

I've recently been introduced to trail running. I love running, and I love hiking. The natural mixture would be to run on a trail. Well it took the generosity of a stranger to make the suggestion. I have already forgotten the name of the person who suggested this to me, but he is an upstanding citizen of Orem nevertheless.

These past few weeks I've caught a bad case of the winter blues. After all, 'It is winter and there is nothing to do out side'. Right?

This seems to be the sentiment this time of year. But today I found myself walking around, outside, without any sweater or coat, and I wasn't cold. It is a beautiful day, and I went running!

We all learn at a young age that Utah is a desert. This is true. We need, and love, our snow; however, this year is a little different. There is no need to mope. We are caught in some sort of autumn-spring continuum that doesn't quite equate to winter, and there is a silver lining. Take a look:

I know...right? Beautiful!

All you nature lovers, go for a hike. And if you don't like nature, your time for repentance has been prolonged--because now is the perfect time to start loving it.

It was easy breathing above the smog. (Which is good, because the view was breathtaking.)

Sure there was a little mud, and sure there was a little snow, but there was enough snow to avoid stepping in the mud, and the snow was stiff enough to make a good foot hold and stiff enough to not get any liquid in your shoes. Next time I go, I'll take a friend.

Only one word of caution, take some shoes you are less fond of.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Vision

I woke up a few mornings ago and had a vision.

It happened while I was getting ready for school; I began daydreaming--I am apt to daydream. I seemed to see my life in perspective, and this haunting question came to mind: What am I contributing?


Not much. I answered honestly.


What can I contribute? I wondered.

I figured, I need some sort of realm where I can apply the things I learn, a place where I can do my civic duty to let my voice be heard, some simple and consistent way to make a difference.

My day dreaming led to my love for talk radio and podcasts. (Yes, let it be known to the world, I love talk radio!)

Starting my own talk radio program, that would be a lot of fun!

What would I talk about?


Who would listen?

I arrived at the realization that I am not an authority on many subjects, especially on the topic of producing a radio program.

And then the vision came...

A blog--I could start a blog. 

Orem--I could write about Orem. 

I could pass as an authority on Orem. I reasoned, I mean, I have worked for Orem City; I have served on the Orem Youth Council. I've lived here my whole life, and not to mention my great grandparents moved here over 100 years ago!

I love this City! Don't you? Really though, think about it.

Have you been to the Orem library? Have you heard of C.E.R.T.? Have you been to the Timpanogos Story Telling Festival? Have you participated in Orem's Summer Fest? Orem City is second to none--"Family City USA". These are just a few things that make our city so special.

 And this is our purpose: To celebrate and maintain the tradition that is this City--Keeping it Orem!

Come here to stay up to date on news of the city. Come here to join in the conversation of current issues. But most importantly, come here to love Orem.

I consider this a project in its infant stage. Right now it is at a scale I think I can manage. A sounding board of sorts, a starting point. But as the title of this post indicates, I have a vision.

Stay classy Orem.