Skiing

Next weekend, I will finally be doing one of my favorite, if not the single favorite, winter activities; skiing. I would ski every day if I could and it would not get old in a million years. Beginning with the first glimpse of the mountain as you approach it from the car, it is a sight to be seen as small figures weave back and forth down the wide and steep trails like ants crawling down a wall. Once you finally get on the chairlift, there is nothing like the adrenaline rush you get when you zoom down the mountain. You can feel the fresh snow under your skis as you carve through it. The cold air and piercing winds that on your face is something that I welcome as I feel like a I am in flight, racing down the mountain. And when you want to slow things down, the view from the peaks is always breathtaking. Below is a picture I took of Lake Winnapesuakee atop Gunstock Mountain. On a clear day, Mount Washington can be seen in the distance. There truly is no better way to spend a winter's day, or any day at that.

End of an Era

As I was watching TV a few nights ago, I flipped on a documentary called Kobe Bryant's Muse. Kobe Bryant is a basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers and has played only there since he was 18 years old fresh out of high school. He is also considered one of the best players in league history, and he is the sole reason I have not seen two Celtics championships in my lifetime. As a die-hard Boston Celtics fan, I am obligated to hate him, but I truly respect and appreciate him. That is why it is sad for me to see that he can no longer play at a very high level, and he has decided to retire at the end of this year. This is now his 20th year in league, so he has been dominant since before I was born. More importantly, the era of Kobe Bryant, is the era I was born into as a fan, and the only era I have ever really known. It is strange and saddening to see that it is now officially over. I am happy that he can no longer rob any finals championships from my Celtics, but their is no greater show on TV than a finals match up between the Celtics and the Lakers. The greatest rivalry in sports will certainly live on, but it simply will not be the same when I can not boo at Kobe Bryant, the menace in purple and gold.