Don Osmond: In my opinion…

June 15, 2010

New recruits to the singles ward

Filed under: Cresting 30 — donosmond @ 9:32 am

Attending a singles ward was never meant to be a permanent lifestyle; the assemblage roster rotates rather rapidly.

I know this, and I’m reminded of it every year.

Each passing summer, most singles wards experience a little something I like to call the “fifteen freshmen” — the reciprocated phraseology should help to illustrated that it’s not what you think it might be.

Summertime is preceded by high school graduation, which brings an incoming recruitment to any singles congregation.

My ward (as with a majority of other singles wards) is affiliated with a stake that encompasses a few traditional family wards. These family wards filter their growing youth into marriage factories — singles wards.

Each year, these young budding single-ettes (usually about 15 in number) find new residence within a singles ward.

Last Sunday, our bishop announced the new recruits and welcomed them into our ward. He invited the new attendees to stand and be recognized — a good portion of the congregation stood.

I can’t believe it! Am I getting too old for this scene?

Fifteen new “pre-mi’s,” and “cresting 30″ is cresting 31 — the age of reckoning. I can picture it now …

“Brother Osmond. We’ve noticed that you’ve been attending a singles ward for nearly 13 year. Isn’t it about time you got married?”

It just goes to show … you can act young, you just can’t always be young.

Here’s to you, my new recruits.

December 9, 2009

Caesar’s Bellagio Fountains

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: — donosmond @ 10:14 pm

A crash of my father’s computer sent me to the Apple store this evening. The quickest location to run to is across the street from the Flamingo: Caesar’s Palace.

Running through the Forum Shops, I arrived with laptop in hand.

(I’ve gotta hand it to the staff there. Even without a reservation, that got me in pretty quickly. Thanks be to the Genius Bar!)

I was hoping for a quick resolution to our crash; however, as with any computer problem, it was going to take a few hours.

(Sorry for bailing on you this evening, Noelle. Now you know what happened.)

Anyway, while chilling at the Apple store, people started noticing a puddle forming in the middle of the store. It wasn’t anything big, but that quickly changed.

This minor drip-drop began its spouting; threatening some of the computer displays.

Pretty soon there was a mediocre curtain of water falling in the middle of the store.

Most of the staff dropped everything they were doing to take care of the miniature deluge.

I’m sure this frustrated the manager, but it made for a little entertainment while I waited for the computer issue to be resolved.

The entire ordeal lasted for about 30 – 45 min. Just thought I’d share.

By the way, I’m still here. And, we’re still working on the computer. It’s been about 2.5 hours. And, I think it’s going to be a little while longer.

Blogger’s note: I don’t want to hear one thing from a PC user, jesting about a MAC crash. It was user error… umm… just don’t tell my father I said so. :)

November 20, 2009

Jean Surgery

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: — donosmond @ 11:24 pm

Seven years ago, I purchased a pair of jeans. Nothing fancy, just classy.

The faded look has allowed me to keep these jeans for so long, but after pulling them out of the laundry yesterday, it could have been the dying day for “ol’ blue.”

Literally falling apart at the seams, had I not have a sewing kit nearby, they would have been left in the bin.

Leaning upon all my junior high home economics class training, I prepped the needle and thread.

For the next 15 minutes, I began the painstaking process of stitching the seam back together again. (Yes, I know how to sew: even darned socks before.)

I’m so glad my jeans came through the surgery. It would have killed me to go shopping for another pair.

Men don’t like shopping.

November 6, 2009

The Simple Successes

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: , — donosmond @ 11:12 pm

Holy Cow!!!

I’m new to this Wordpress stuff, but I’m learning. (…might be better to say that I’m willing to learn)

It’s been told me that the best way to learn something is to jump in head first and just give it a go. Well, that’s exactly what I’m doing, and simple projects are taking a lot of time to complete.

For example, I just added “Clark”– my Twitter bird. Do you have any idea how long it took me to figure out how to add him to my blog? Nearly two hours! (All the html gurus are smirking.) But, give me a break, will ya? I don’t know what .css or .php are. Still don’t!

However, I’m bound determined to figure out Wordpress html code. There will be times when I need expert help, but if things go wrong on my blog, I want to be able to fix it. I don’t have IT staff on board right now.

I wonder what I’ll learn next. In the mean time, say “hi” to Clark. :)

Oh, the simple successes we like to enjoy.

November 3, 2009

The sounds of the city

Filed under: Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: , — donosmond @ 2:43 pm

I’m here in California working and, when I get the opportunity, enjoying the city. This morning, I awoke early to chat with Keith Stubbs, radio personality with 101.5 The Eagle, and talk about last night’s Dancing With The Stars performance. But, that’s not what I want to write about.

Since I was up so early, I was able to enjoy a little peace and serenity before the city began its rush hour cacophonous symphony. The contrast between the hours of 6 am to 7 am was astounding. Within minutes of the clock striking seven, a whole host of noises echoed in the streets.

Car alarms reverberated between the various levels of the parking structure across the street. Hotel hops blasted their whistles in an effort to hail a taxi for waiting suits. Bus brakes squealed in agony as the drivers positioned their vehicles precariously close to the curb as awaiting pedestrians jockeyed for position in an effort to be on time to work.

If it had been any other day, I might have begged for another hour of sleep. But, today was different. Today, I realized the excitement life has to offer; so long as you get out there and do something.

With that said, I got to thinking about my next blog for Mormon Times. Don’t get me wrong, I love Provo. But, for those who may haven’t gotten out of The Bubble to experience new surroundings… Well, I’m not going to give my article away. Watch for it next Monday.

November 2, 2009

I shaved… for now!

Filed under: Health and Fitness — Tags: , , , , — donosmond @ 9:25 am

What is so intriguing about men’s facial hair? Why do people take such an interest in it?

I wish I knew. Regardless, it’s got me doing something silly for the next four weeks throughout November, or should I say… Movember?

That’s right. I’ve teamed up with a few of my friends from the Dancing With The Stars group to support Movember. Movember is an annual, month-long celebration of the mustache, highlighting men’s health issues – specifically prostate and testicular cancer.

The idea for Movember was sparked in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. (So, this goes out to all my Aussies!) The guys behind it joked about 80s fashion and decided it was time to bring the mustache back.  In order to justify their Mos (Australian slang for mustache), they used their new looks to raise money for prostate cancer research… never dreaming that facial hair would ultimately lead to a global movement that would get men talking about a taboo subject – their health. Well, looky here… I’m half way across the globe, and will sport my Mo, but I’ll need your help. I’ll explain later.

A Mo Bro starts Movember – the month formerly known as November – clean shaven, and grows a mustache all month long, garnering support from friends and family in the form of donations.  What’s more, a Mo Bro is a walking billboard for the cause as his new look opens the door for him to talk about cancers affecting men – making the mustache a symbol, much like the pink ribbon is for breast cancer.  Each Movember culminates in a Gala Partè in major cities around the globe where Mo Bros dress up to match their Mo, channeling the likes of Tom Selleck, Ghandi and Ron Burgandy, vying for the ultimate accolade:  Man of Movember.

While growing a Mo is left to the guys, Mo Sistas (women who support their guys) form an important part of Movember by recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated Gala Partés.

So, here’s where I need your help. I’ve developed my MoSpace page (a Web page that will keep you updated) where donations can be made, as well as suggestions. Suggestions? Yes, suggestion on what I should shave into my beard. You see, I’m not quite sure what type of mustache I should be sporting. I’ve decided to leave that up to you. I’ll grow the beard, you design the art. The suggestion with the most comments win, and I’ll post the photo at the end of the month.

Check out my MoSpace page; all ready posted my first pick. I’ll keep it updated.

October 28, 2009

Carry-on… My Wayward Son

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: , — donosmond @ 11:31 pm

I’ve been traveling between Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Salt Lake City so frequently, I don’t know where to call home. My life has become a roller coaster of craziness, and I’m loving every minute of it.

There is something about traveling that I love. It’s probably due to the fact that you have to simplify everything.

Traveling forces you to live simplistically: packing lightly is key! Yeah, I can pretty much travel for a week and a half with only a simple carry-on bag. With TSA always on continued heightened alert, why would anyone want to deal with baggage screening; let alone paying for check bags.

Last week, I flew home (wherever that was) and checked one bag for the flight. I figured it would be easier than lugging two carry-ons. (I broke my cardinal rule.)

Aside from having to stand in line at the check-in counter, I also had to wait for my bag when I got to my destination. I think the cumulative time spent waiting for my bag accounted for 3 hours of my travel time.

Never again!

October 22, 2009

Different Styles of Music

Filed under: Music — Tags: — donosmond @ 10:16 pm

I met Cameron Rafati at a single’s social last summer; a function I was responsible for setting up and finding entertainment. Well as luck would have it, and through a network of friends, Cameron came highly recommended. He’s a one-man show with a comfortable stage presence; ideal for live music in a casual setting.

Cameron and I have kept in contact for the past few months, and he’s been telling me about a new single he is releasing. He sent me the YouTube video just this evening, and I wanted to share it with everyone reading my blog.

Aside from bubble gum and cookie-cutter produced music, most artists come with their own unique sounds. Cameron is no different. This is his new single Mausoleum. Not your typical music, but very intriguing. It took me a couple listens to pick out the intricacies, but it’s kinda catchy.

Anyway, take a listen, if you’d like.

For info on Cameron, check out his Web site.

October 15, 2009

Going Dancing?

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: — donosmond @ 9:15 am

I’m sitting here at a group dress rehearsal for Dancing With The Stars. Just watching all my friends learn how to dance is causing me to think about taking a dance class.

While in college, I did take a country swing class. But, that’s been years ago, and I’m sure the dance steps have left me. Besides, I’m looking for a dance with a little more finesse

I suppose this means I’m going to have to find a willing dance partner who can help teach me ballroom.

October 8, 2009

Famous by Association

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 2:03 pm

I’m sitting here at the dance studio, working on my articles and a couple other projects; just killing time, really.

This is kinda becoming a regular for me; go to the studio and build shop for a minute to work. That’s the flexibility of working anywhere these days. All I really need is a computer and an internet connection.

I digress.

During the last taping of Dancing With The Stars, I was asked if I’d be willing to do a short interview for next week’s show. Apparently, they are planning on doing a short segment called “Dancing Daycare”. They are planning on filming a lot of the celebrity families as part of each dance intro.

I don’t think I’m daycare material, but if there is a cute dancer that wants to take care of me, I’m more than willing to acquiesce.

So, here I wait for…

Oh, gotta run. I’m being beckoned.

Fame, but only by association. :)

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