Don Osmond: In my opinion…

May 25, 2009

A day for the often-remembered-seldom-seen relative

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 2:25 pm

Mother’s Day was no more than a week ago, a great time to gather and celebrate our mothers. And for good reason, you wouldn’t be here without her. Father’s Day is just around the corner, and we’ll soon be honoring them.

But, what about the family members you think of often (are even grateful for), but rarely get the opportunity to see? You know what I’m talking about. You never call; you never write. They’re probably wondering if you are even alive.

Well after doing a little Web surfing along the Google wave, I found out there is a day set aside for the family members we often forget. Today is Visit Your Relatives Day (a.k.a. The Often-Remembered-Seldom-Seen Relative’s Day).

Who would have thought there is an actual date for the members of our families we often think of, but rarely take the time to visit?

It happens to the best of us. We love our families, but we get so caught up in climbing corporate ladders, hoping to make the next big deal, knowing that one day our boss will see how important we are; we forget about those around us who already recognize our importance.

We end up not staying in touch for months — or even years — because of our busyness. Of course if you have a large family, taking time to visit each one of them will keep you busy for months.

I’m grateful that my family (even though there are a million Osmonds) does a pretty good job at attending weddings and Mormon mission homecomings. Although I’m sure we could be better.

So, today is set aside to visit your relatives, but getting in touch with everyone could be a Herculean task. Believe me, I’ve got way too many in my family to even think about attempting it.

Don’t worry about it. My thought is, try to contact the ones you haven’t seen for a while, or even someone you may need to get reacquainted with.

I’ve moved around a lot for the better part of my life. My travels have put me in Canada, England, both coast of the United States, as well as a few places in between. And, if there is one thing I’ve learned in my short 30 years, your family is always there for you: immediate or extended.

Think about the longest friendship you’ve ever had. Chances are that doesn’t even come close to how long you and your brother or sister have known each other.

There is a strong bond that exists within a family. That old saying, “blood is thicker than water” is so true. Even the word family can stir a myriad of emotions: the great, the good and the not-so-good.

Your family has been there through thick and thin: the best of times, and the worst of times. They know you so well, they know exactly what buttons to press to make you laugh or cry.

Because of this, it’s true there are times when you get frustrated or disappointed with each other. But, the bottom line is family relationships are strong and lasting.

That is one of the greatest blessings about a family; familial ties are everlasting. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe that the family is central to our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. Families are centered on love, togetherness and respect.

If you haven’t done so in a while, take a look at your family tree. You’ll notice a long line of people who loved each other.

So, if someone has come to mind in the last five minutes, you may want to consider stopping by for a visit, or making a phone call. However, if you haven’t seen him or her for a while, may I suggest the phone call? They might get a little surprised if you stop by unexpectedly.

May 20, 2009

7,100 and counting!

Filed under: Health and Fitness — Tags: — donosmond @ 3:12 pm

I did it. I beat my goal.

I know I have been keeping good track of it on my blog, and I apologize for that. However, I’ve been keeping a running total.

So, Mort… I saw you additional 1,000 and raised it another 1,000, and it’s not even June!

Yipee!

May 18, 2009

Where’s my wingman?

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 2:09 pm

This one goes out to all my brothas in da quorum. (And that’s just another fine example of a white boy trying to act gangsta’.)

Talk about a week of parties and celebrations. Last Monday was Happy Star Wars Day with people texting, “May the Fourth be with you!” Tuesday was Cinco de Mayo — I’ve never seen so many Utahns embrace their Mexican heritage. Wednesday: a birthday party — Happy Birthday, Lyndee! Thursday … OK, nothing happened on Thursday. It’s kind of an odd day of the week. Friday: Does anyone need a reason to celebrate the return of the weekend?

With all of these shindigs, you would think one would get tired and take a day off to recoup from constantly partying. Well, that’s one of the blessings about being Mormon: no binge drinking. In fact, no drinking at all. No alcohol, no hangover. No hangover, more parties!

Unfortunately, it does mean you’ll remember everything you did the night before, and you can’t blame your stupidity on being intoxicated. So, this brings to light a “must have” for every party situation: the wingman.

Because we won’t dissect the supporting factors of a wingman, let’s just make a comparison between parties and the classic wingman example: Maverick and Goose from “Top Gun.”

Maverick is known for being a wild card, and he needs Goose for both work and play. Goose is always there to keep Maverick grounded if he ever gets carried away in the moment. But, they also play off each other so well they’ll sometimes pick up a microphone and woo the ladies with a little karaoke.

Similar to a dogfighting situation, flying solo into any party is a dangerous tactic. It’s like putting a MiG 28 into a 4-G negative dive — sometimes risky, but well worth the glory and brag rights.

The first matter of business upon walking into a house party is locating friendlies. Depending on whether you arrive solo or with your squadron, immediately establish radio contact with your wingman. Avoid engaging in conversation with any bogeys, you may get shot down in a blaze of glory.

You are now ready for the flyby.

“Tower, this is ghost rider requesting a flyby.”

Wait for your wingman to give you the all-clear before attempting this stunt. It’s pretty embarrassing when you find out “the pattern is full.”

Although flybys are exhilarating, they are no good if that’s all you’ve done by the end of the party. (And, we all know most Utah parties are just that — a whole lot of lookin’, and not much askin’.) Once a target is acquired, engage — preferably with your wingman, because there’s a good chance she’s not flying solo.

The two of you position yourselves accordingly, and obey rules of engagement. A real wingman always has your back and will take one for the team. During the scuffle, your wingman will distract the majority while you peel off to go one on one.

Typically, you’ll go head-to-head for a few minutes before you can get a shot off. Once locked on, release the can-I-get-your-number missile. If everything played out effectively, you can return to base knowing you’ve completed a successful sortie.

Remember to thank your wingman for his evasive tactics. You’ll be flying his wing during the next mission, and both of you will leave the party saying, “I feel the need, the need for speed.”

I’m sure nearly every single out in Mormondom is sick and tired of going to parties and leaving fruitless. And, it’s not just house parties; I’m including singles-ward activities. This happens any time the is a large gathering of singles.

Hopefully the next party you attend you’ll recall a short phrase: “What would Maverick and Goose do?” Party on!

May 13, 2009

My review of Star Trek

Filed under: Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: — donosmond @ 9:17 am

So, last week I went to see Star Trek with a few of my friends in Vegas. (For those of you whom I did not visit, please accept my apologies. I will be down there again sometime soon.)

I gotta be honest; I was a little skeptical about the move to begin with. Although I’m a closet trekkie, I was unsure about how this movie was going to play out. I decided to lower my expectations for the movie; as mentioned in last week’s tweet. Much to the surprise of most (John’s not one for these types of movies) we all thought it was quite good.

I was a little nervous when Leonard Nimoy made a cameo appearance, but writers did a fantastic job in scripting his part into the movie. I’m so glad they didn’t ask William Shatner to be in it. That would have ruined the movie.

…but that’s just my opinion. :)

May 11, 2009

What to do with Provo chicks

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 1:54 pm

Mormon culture never ceases to amaze me. And nowhere in the world is there a more defined Mormon “bubble” than Provo, Utah.

Between teenagers coming up with crazy, creative ways of asking a girl out to a high school dance and provident living food storage, there is bound to come a point when the two collide; little did I know I’d be living in it.

Straight from Provo — Chicken Coop Communities! Yes, the people of Provo now have the right to raise chickens. Really? I never knew it was illegal to begin with. But, in classic Provo fashion, where you need a permit to sneeze in public, P-town requires a permit to own chickens.

Well, it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. A few weeks ago, my nearly youngest brother wanted to be creative and ask a girl out for a high school dance date. Since his older brothers (myself included) have all experienced high school dating in Utah, we put on our thinking caps to recall the various, ridiculous ways we asked out girls when we were teenagers.

Our imaginative minds concocted a simple, yet original, scheme. We hollowed out a chicken’s egg and inserting a note saying, “Will you go to the high school dance with me?”

Picture this. Since it was near Easter, we procured a basket filled with plastic grass clippings, decorated with jelly beans and candy; the crowning piece — our hollowed egg! We delivered the package to her doorstep with a note that read, “Crack me up, this is no ‘yoke’!”

The next week a similar package arrived at my parents’ home: It was a gift-wrapped box. The peculiar thing about this box was the repetitive chirping noise emanating from a small hole. Within the box was a little chick, which couldn’t be more than a couple of weeks old. In the best form of a true antithetic response, this young girl replies to my brother with a chick bearing a “yes” sign. Very clever.

Now, three weeks later, what is my brother supposed to do with this chick? (Don’t worry; he’s kept good care for it, so far.) He can’t keep it. Or, can he?

Well, according to a new Provo city ordinance he can. However, I’m not so sure the neighbors will appreciate this chick’s relentless, high-pitched chirping.

Though Provo City Council recently passed an ordinance allowing homeowners to raise chickens on properties, I understand this controversy is ruffling feathers on both sides of the fence.

Mormon culture is one of provident living, or at least it’s something we are taught. Owning your own chickens is a grade-A “eggs”ample of provident living. Add a garden to your backyard and that’s truly living off the land.

Apparently, there are a number of Provo families who have chicken coops. In fact, most are unknown in our community. I even knew of someone who owned chickens on their property for the past 10 years. (Note to Provo city officials: The family has since removed the coop and no longer raises chickens. Additionally, no one ever complained about smell or noise. So, don’t go looking for their permit.)

Since “Lloyd” moved in (Yes, we named the chick Lloyd), our family toyed with the idea of having a free-range chicken roaming our property. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have fresh eggs in the morning? (Oh yeah, the vegans.)

However, Lloyd is getting bigger and my mother isn’t too keen on the idea of more pets around the house. I guess that’s what she gets for having boys. Anyone in Provo want a chicken?

May 7, 2009

Wingmen

Filed under: Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: — donosmond @ 12:56 pm

Here’s a sneak peek of an upcoming article.

I don’t know if this is coming out next week, or not. But, I had way too much fun writing it that I just had to let you all know.

May 6, 2009

Twitter hacking

Filed under: Day in the Life of... — donosmond @ 9:30 am

Well, I didn’t expect to get an e-mail like this from Twitter today. And, I surely wasn’t expecting it twice!

Hi,

Did you forget your Twitter password? It happens to the best of us. Please open the following link in your browser.

(provided link)

This will reset your Twitter password. Then, you can login and change it to something you’ll remember. Hint: create a password with a mix of letters and numbers so it’s more secure.

Thanks,
Twitter

p.s. We sent you this note because your username or email address was entered into the “forgot password” field. If you didn’t forget your password, don’t worry, we’ll keep it safe for you.

Who tried to get on my account? :)

May 5, 2009

Cinco de Mayo

Filed under: Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: — donosmond @ 11:05 am

I’m a little late getting this one published today. But, like my English professor always said when I turned in a tardy paper, “Better late than never.”

Anyway, this is just a quick note to all my friends living in Mexico.

CINCO DE MAYO!

(ps. In case you were wondering, Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. That doesn’t occur until September.)

I hope you all find a way to celebrate today.

May 4, 2009

Successfully laid off

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , , — donosmond @ 1:52 pm

What once was a reason for despair has turned into a status symbol. (Probably more true if you’re single, rather than married.) Let’s be honest, losing your job is a traumatic experience.

It’s almost daily that we hear of another person being laid off from his or her job. Just last week three of my friends were let go from their jobs; the reason, company down-sizing to stay afloat during these tumultuous economic times.

Regardless of what may or may not have been communicated during the exit interviews, I’m willing to bet that the reasoning behind being let go had very little, if nothing, to do with my friends’ work ethic. It may have just been the “un-luck” of the draw.

People take losing their jobs personally. And who wouldn’t begin to question his or her work ethic? No one likes failure (being “let go” is a biggie!), but when it happens — because inevitably it will — it’s important to remember success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts — a statement often misattributed to Sir Winston Churchill, but still a valid statement.

For whatever the reason you may find yourself, it’s best to refrain from becoming bitter. The old adage, “when life throws you lemons…” is never more applicable then now. Think about the opportunity presented you by being laid off, especially if you are single — arguably the most resilient demographic out there. If you think about it, we really do have an enormous disposable income in comparison to our married counterparts.

You lost your job; is this really “unlucky,” or is it just a blessing in disguise? Personally, it’s just the beginning of a lifelong adventure.

So, now as a single who recently lost your job, what better time do you have for a clear self-evaluation of where you’ve been and where you want to go? Sure, it’s going to require a little bit of a lifestyle change, but you’d be surprised on how little you need to live on. (I’d bet on that, but I’m Mormon.)

“Kickin’ it” on your own isn’t going to be a walk in the park. During the last general conference, Elder Robert D. Hales said: “Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).” I would venture to say that would include the loss of a job as well.

I know you’re going to think I’m crazy, but being laid off may be one of the greatest things that ever happens to you. This is a time for reflection; a time to get away from all the traffic in your mind.

Often, we get lost in the busyness of life. We think “all’s well in Zion” until the rug is pulled out from under us.

I can think of seven friends, all single, who have recently lost their jobs. Most of them are a little nervous about their futures, but each has mentioned that this experience is bringing clarity and more focus for what they really want to achieve. They all have come up with different ways of moving forward with life. A few of them even have mentioned that being laid off has given them a new drive to pursue long-forgotten goals.

Think about this for a second: When was the last time you reflected on your goals and what you wanted to pursue? You know, the ones you used to dream about, saying, “As soon as I have more free time, I’m going to….” If you’re anything like me, it’s been a few years. But, circumstances the way they are now, the proverbial rat race has left you in the dust — remember?

Being laid off is a great time to serve others and network; start making plans for your future. Going back to school is even an option. Call it what you want, but this could be a second chance to create something meaningful in your life. Imagine that; working for a purpose, rather than just working to work.

You’ve got work experience. You’re young and single — no dependents. You can do anything you want. Now is the time to reflect on those dreams; go where your heart really wants to take you. Go to the temple. Seek your Heavenly Father’s guidance; he will direct you.

So, basically what I’m driving at is that everything is going to work out fine if you just “put your shoulder to the wheel” and “push along.” Remember what the Lord told Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in Liberty Jail: “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (Doctrine & Covenants 122:7)

My Provo Chick and Me

Filed under: Day in the Life of..., Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: , — donosmond @ 10:05 am

My chicken article was published today in the Mormon Times, and I thought I would share a picture of the chick I referenced with all of you.

This is the chick my brother received when he asked his date for the high school dance. I have to say, this whole to-do was pretty impressive. It sure beats some of the lame ways I asked girls out in when I was a teenager.

In case you haven’t read the article yet, here’s a brief as to why I decided to write about this chicken.

Though I was born in Provo, Utah, and have a lot of great memories there, the city just seems to come up with some really stupid laws and ordinances. Truth be told, all the blame can’t rest on the city; city officials just try to cater to its residents. We all need to point the blaming finger on ourselves.

…and of course, every city has its idiosyncrasies. I’m just voicing My Opinion.

But, don’t get me started on I15 traffic, or south of BYU campus parking restrictions, or the PoPo (cops) crashing house parties. (Did I mention that house parties in Utah rarely, if ever, have alcohol?) Yeah, who knew you could have so much fun without getting drunk, and the cops still show up?

(Note: I actually attended a party at a friends house one evening. Total number of people: 10. We were heavily engrossed with a game of Settlers of Catan — a board game. We had music in the background, and… you guessed it. The cops showed up to break up the party. Apparently, we look suspicious?)

Anyway, I digress. I wanted to post the pic of the chick, and you got more than you asked for.

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