The Olympic's Olympic Drug Problem

The 2008 Beijing games have definitely not been found wanting. Throughout the competition records have quite literally been blown out of the water, trampled upon with lightening-fast speed and we've even seen the underdogs win in surprising match-ups (maybe now the Olympic committee will think twice about doing away with the "American dominated" sport of softball). However, I must say I am nearing the end of the games with a taste of doping disappointment.

Now, I know performance enhancing drugs have disqualified athletes from just about every sport--both winter and summer. I never would have guessed four particular drug throw outs. I was excitedly watching the Equestrian jumping event when I learned of an unsettling truth: four of the best riders were disqualified for putting drugs into their horses' systems. The horses were doped...horses...really? Are you serious?

Horses are some of the most majestic and powerful animals ever to walk the planet THEY DON'T NEED DRUGS, they just need a better rider. If that's the case, then I'm glad the riders were disqualified because they're not good enough to be in the Olympics anyway. Secondly, the athletes who drug themselves at least had the choice to do so, as wrong as it may be. I admittedly have an easier time justifying the doping of one's own body rather than drugging an unsuspecting, naturally powerful animal such as a horse.

Ultimately I feel if an athlete is even thinking about pumping up his/her performance illegally then he/she should not count themselves as an athlete of Olympic calliber for that time. I say 'for that time' because I believe people can have a change of heart and ultimately recognize their natural potential. This was ironically demonstrated in the gold medalist of this equine event. He voluntarly withdrew himself from the past two Olympics because of a drug addiction he, himself, was dealing with.

I believe the Olympics are represented by those of honor, strength and patriotism as the Chinese so beautifully alluded to during the opening of the games themselves. I just hope other people, especially the athletes, feel the same.

Sorry, for the little rave. I just had to get that off my chest. Also, I'm sorry for not posting for a while, although most of my fellow bloggers haven't posted in as many days either so I figure I'm good! :)

Tagger Ragger Do!

Yea...my first tag. My good friend, Whitney, from Rexburg tagged me on this one.

3 joys
1. Primary: I've been in primary for a while and, let me tell you, it is pure joy when I see them progress and learn in leaps and bounds.

2. Road Trips: These are joyous occassions probably because Daven usually does the driving. However, we always have some sort of crazy experience that makes its way to the record books (i.e. camping on an LDS church lawn or almost being struck by lightening)

3. Rex Family Reunions: When 300+ cousins, aunts and uncles get together for a weekend why wouldn't it be joyful?

3Fears
1. Drwoning/not being able to breathe. How scary would that be? I get freaked out if I put a snorkling mask on.

2. Clowns: Why...who said putting on an over-excess of white make-up, drawing fake tears and wearing a huge red nose is funny? Where in is the humor? Actually, my fear originates from a giant stuffed clown my cousin, Tiffany, used to have...remember that Tiff? Yeah...thanks.

3. Birth Deffects: I'm just scared I wouldn't know how to handle it; I would probably keep blaming myself

3 goals (these are long-term goals...with the exception of #3--not that I'm pregnant (ahem...Brittney :) ), but hopefully sooner rather than later.)
1. Run a marathon: I will of course work up to that; intermittently running half marathons and such.

2. Sing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir: I would love to be in the choir, but that requires living in Utah-- not that there's anything wrong with that, but as of now I don't forsee us living there.

3. Have four, or whatever is right, beautiful children.

3 Obsessions
1. OK, I'll admit it...I'm obsessed with the "Twilight" saga. I check the Web site everyday and I watch the trailers over and over.

2. Crosswords: I know tons of great Web sites for crosswords.

3. My mr. frodo

3 Random Facts
1. My cousin, Jenny, and I have matching moles on our right temples.

2. I can do the best Raptor impersonation you will ever see.

3. I absolutely love love love musicals. If you ask Daven he would say his marriage is a musical.

3 People I Tag

1. Marci: I really want to find out what her fears are.
2. Sarah: My absolute bestest V.T. companion; I miss having long talks with her.
3. Brittney: one of the most wonderful friends you could have.