Cascade Mountain - Provo, Utah

Have you ever done a hike that takes you to high places? Recently, a friend and I climbed to the top of a mountain called Cascade Mountain in Utah, and the hike is difficult because there is no trail. It took us 12 hours to go up and down back to the car, and the hike is hard on your body.

You can read a complete description of my hike, plus watch a video, at:

http://www.hikinginutah.com/cascademountain.htm

Randall

School Uniforms: A good idea?

Many schools around the world require students to wear uniforms; however, there different opinions on the benefits they have for both students, parents, and schools. What do you think? Is it a good idea to require uniforms, or should students and parents be able to decide what children wear? Why or why not? Share your ideas.

Randall

Wahsatch Steeplechase: One of my Greatest Physical Challenges

Everyone---sooner or later---will face great emotional, physical, spiritual, or financial challenges of their lives. As part of life, we can escape this. However, there are times when we purposely take on challenges to test ourselves---to see how much we can do.

Recently, I participated in a physical challenge called the Wahsatch Steeplechase in Salt Lake City: a 27 kilometer trail race that goes up one side of a mountain and then goes down the other (here is a picture of me with only 12 kilometers to go). And you have to finish it in under six hours. The trail is hard, there are places where you have to climb over rocks, and there are times you have to run through deep brush---but it's "fun." The reason why I like trail runs is that it challenges you physically and mentally. You can read my complete report of the race at:

http://www.hikinginutah.com/wahsatchsteeplechase.htm

However, not everyone's challenges are the same. For some elite runners, the race I was in would be like a short jog in the park; for others, it would be beyond their current abilities. However, everyone has some challenges: they might even by physical disabilities that affect our ability to do simple things others take for granted.

So, what about you? What are some of the challenges you have faced in your life? What did these experiences teach you?

Randall

Super Powers: What if . . .?

If you had any super power (e.g., fly, lift heavy objects, etc), what would it be and why? Personally, I would like to run a little faster than I already do. I enjoy running in marathons or other similar races that are away from the city, but I wouldn't mind going a little faster, not because I can win a race, but because I would have more time to enjoy the scenery around me and take pictures. I could run for a while, stop, rest, and take some pictures and still be able to finish in time. You can see my recent run in the Wahsatch Steeplechase HERE.

So, what about you? What power would you enjoy having?

Randall

Divorce and Failed Relationships: What are the causes?

When people start a relationship, particularly in marriage, most aren't thinking that divorce is inevitable or likely. ("It happens to other people, but not us. Right, honey?") People are happy and excited about the future. However, all too often, relationships end, and this is often a traumatic or emotionally difficult time. So, what are possible causes for troubled relationships? What can people do to improve relationships before problems occur?

Randall

Raising Teenagers: How much freedom should they have?

Being a teenager and being a parent of one present some unique growing challenges from an emotional, financial, and educational standpoint. For the teenager, is a new time in their lives when they are seeking for self-identify; for the parent, it can be a difficult time as teenagers exert their independence and no longer want to be managed by parents.

So, in light of this, how much freedom should teenagers have their own lives to make their own choices (and accept the consequences for their actions)? What was it like as a teenager growing up in your family? How can parents and children develop a positive relationship during this time?

Please share your ideas.

Randall

Rising Gas Prices: How do you deal with them?

The price of gas in many parts of the world is continuing to rise, and as a result, is affecting life for many individuals and businesses. Now, there might be a number of things that countries can deal with the issue include encouraging individuals to conserve, increase production, and developing refining infrastructure, but my question is this:

What can individuals (you and me) to lessen the impact on our lives, increase gas mileage of our vehicles, and conserve more energy? Please share your ideas.

Randall