January 23, 2005 - Fear is probably one of the most intense emotions that is universal throughout history and humanity. Riding on the Sandia Tramway, suspended more than 8 seconds above the ground in a box designed to transpot about 25 people from the bottom of Sandia mountain to the peak, I saw fear in the eyes of a woman who was outwardly expressing her lack of enthusiasm in the ride. I felt it myself, as the box swayed in the wind. Today I felt similar fear as the plane flew out of Albuquerque and had to lean hard to the right, giving me a good look at the ground below through my window seat. This is not such an intense fear that I wake up at night thinking about how horribly scary it is to experience this, but it is somewhat present. At the same time, I, and those around me sharing in the same plane ride or tramride all have faith that we will make it to our destination unscathed. it is that faith that allows us to continue on, to take steps, to live life. It would be interesting to live just one day with no fear, like the popular late nineties slogan "No Fear", or the tongue in cheek 2000's slogan "Ain't Skeered". Shows on television, such as Fear Factor, are able to dig into the hearts and minds of people everywhere with the uniting theme of fear. I made it on the tram and back, I made it from Albuquerque to Cincinnati, and new opportunities for fear to rule my life will constantly confront me and I can only hope that I continue to overpower fear with intelligence, decisiveness, and strength.