Wow, last week was a tough one to be a celebrity sports figure with a compelling backstory. Lance Armstrong, widely known for his Tour de France wins and Livestrong Foundation, just admitted to cheating and making accusations against innocent people.

Have you ever taken a close look at your family history? In a way, many of us are reminded of family history during family events and holiday gatherings.

I’ve had posts about role models before, and this time it’s your turn. Mothers are among the most influential people in a child’s life. Research is showing evidence of this with how healthy her child eats.

On the first night of the NFL draft, my thoughts have drifted again to role models.  So many different sports figures end up being role models to kids, whether or not it’s a good thing.  I’ll throw out a few thoughts and then I’d like your input on good sports role models you see.

What a fascinating opportunity we have going on right now. The Olympics come just every few years, and they are in full force right now. Being the non-athletic musical person that I am, I’m in awe of the physiques and obvious skills these athletes have honed. The dedication and perseverance is worth recognizing.

In lieu of some fairly questionable role models in the world, I’d say the Olympians are a pretty decent lot to emulate. Granted, the Olympics has had its share of bad sports (Tonya Harding) and tragedy (Israeli athletes in 1972), but overall this is some of the best TV out there for families. What always astounds me about Olympic athletes is how their entire family adjusts to the lifestyle. Elite athletes don’t live like you and me.

I realize I’m kind of going around some territory that been stomped on a lot.  But this Heidi Montag surgery thing just has me prickling.  Remember my post earlier about bad role models?  Well, you don’t have to just be robbing stores or looking ridiculous at an awards show to qualify.  I read fellow PsychCentral blogger Alicia Sparks’ post about Heidi and felt that I need to share my own thoughts.

Plastic surgery absolutely has its place.  Procedures that correct problems and address health issues are welcomed by so many people who need them.  A few members of my family have been through some procedures for those very reasons – well advised and positive for their life.  From what Heidi said, it sounds like at least part of her nose procedure was to reset it because it broke and healed incorrectly.  If that’s all she did, I could probably defend her from anyone calling foul about her surgery.