Three weeks of Dancing With The Stars, and I’ve been interviewed every Tuesday on 101.5 The Eagle (Utah-based Country Radio) to share my thoughts about the show. I was a little apprehensive to the invitation the first time, but these interviews are getting better with practice.
I kinda find it funny that they’ve even got my picture plastered up on the radio’s Web site. I suppose this is a regular gig now. (That’s the reasoning behind the picture attached to this blog posting.)
Yeah, I suppose this is going to be a regular gig for the next couple weeks. I don’t know if that means I’m going through ’til the end of the show in November, or if I’ll get kicked off the same time my father does. Hopefully, that’s one in the same. But, that means that he needs your votes. (How did you like the subtle campaigning?)
So, for those of you in Utah, you can listen to the show on the radio at 101.5; or online at www.1015theeagle.com and click on the live stream. Either way, the show airs in the mornings between 7:30 and 8:30 MST.
I hope I’ll be awake for the interviews when I’m in California. That’s early!
October 6, 2009
Don’s ‘Dancing’ Debrief
October 2, 2009
The Neglected Blog
It’s been months since I’ve updated this blog, and I know it’s feeling the neglect.
So, I got to thinking… what is the purpose of blogging? Why do we blog? There are a plethora of reasons we could all come up with, but for me… self improvement.
I’ve notice that through the years, my blog has helped me get better in different endeavors — whatever they may be.
That said, it’s time that I start this blog back up again.
Wow! Three blogs that I’ve got to maintain. Do you think that I’m about to bite off more than what I can actually chew? We’ll see.
Now for the disclaimer. Don’t expect any amazing insights from this blog. It’s going to be more of a stew of mindlessness within the different aspects of my life.
Mormon Times and Deseret News will more of a professional facade… Who knows what this will turn into.
You ready for a trip?
September 7, 2009
Relationship arrogance is a killer
Six years ago, I worked for a company that focused on the importance of building lasting business relationships. During my tenure, much of the training revolved around theories similar to Dale Carnegie’s book, “How To Win Friends And Influence People”.
It was not uncommon for my boss to meander throughout the office reminding the staff to be aware of relationship arrogance — a term used to describe the superficial reasons we prevent, or encourage new friendships.
To this day, those words still linger at every networking meeting I attend: “Beware of relationship arrogance.” I’ve never forgotten it.
So, it’s no surprise that this topic came up during a conversation with a friend.
“People are only friendly when they want something out of you.”
Reluctant to agree with him, I could see his point. We’ve all experienced a run-in with a moocher or two.
“What happened to being nice, just to be nice?”
That spawned a long discussion of how relationships are formed: learning about a person from the inside out.
Society would have us believe the inverse; it’s because of what we think we know about them that we should want to befriend them — or not.
The wonderful thing about friendships are the unexpected gems we receive just by being a friend. Friends help us in many ways we would never imagine.
I mean, who would have thought that a guy I became friends with riding the bus in New York would have box seats for the Utah Jazz, and invite me to go to a game?
There are people we’ve been friends with for years and we find out new things about them all the time. There are so many people we become friends with, and later find out they can help us in ways we never knew possible.
That’s the beauty of friendship.
So, if Forrest Gump doesn’t mind, “(Friends are) like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get” — unless you befriend them.
The next time you’re about to walk out on an opportunity to be a friend, or you catch yourself saying, “I need to be friends with that person because …” Stop. Reset. Be a friend, just to be a friend.
September 1, 2009
Cleaning out our life’s closets
I ventured into uncharted territory the other day — my closet; the keeper of trinkets, nic-knacks and other superfluous treasures.
Known as somewhat of a sentimental pack rat, I’ve kept a lot of things throughout the course of my 30 years. It’s fun to look back at items and recall the memories of yesteryear.
However, last week’s expedition into my closet was not for sentimental reasons. I was on a mission, armed with a machete. It was time to get rid of the things I didn’t need anymore.
Rummaging through the closet took me on a journey through my childhood, into high school, on a mission, even into college — that closet was flooded with a spectrum of memories.
Trying to determining what would stay or go, I asked myself, “Why do I keep this? Is it priceless, or just a reminiscent item?”
It wasn’t easy to throw everything away; I wanted to keep a lot of things. But, there isn’t enough room in my closet to keep it all. Besides, not every memory pulled from my closet was a pleasant one.
The realization that I was holding onto unneeded things from my past kept me from finishing my project, and even storing what was most precious to me.
Ten garbage bags later, I emerged from the inner sanctum of a once-cluttered treasure trove. Breathing deep, as if examining the new-found closet space, a sense of peace enveloped me.
Finally, my closet was no longer burdened with things from the past.
Moving forward, I now have place to store the upcoming adventures for my next 30 years.
It is interesting that sometimes we become so burdened with our past that it inhibits us from enjoying the present. Metaphorically speaking, sometimes we just need to grab a couple garbage bags and throw trinkets away.
We should all consider going through life’s closets from time to time — just don’t post what you find on Facebook.
August 29, 2009
Role reversal
Parents often dote upon their children’s endeavors, giving the youths hope for success.
Between soccer practices, band performances and extracurricular activities, parents cheer along the sidelines and lose themselves by living vicariously through their kids.
Even within my family, my parents are extremely supportive of my ventures — including the worldwide Antarctica blogger’s competition; my mother thinks I’m crazy.
The point is, when we are supported by our parents, we have a stronger sense of perseverance and dedication in everything we do. As a result, we feel as though success is more obtainable.
But, what about our parents? Who supports them in their endeavors? It seems odd to have the roles reversed. Just picture a youth soccer match with the parents playing the game, and the youths cheering while capturing the moment with cameras.
Well, as funny as that sounds, this fall is looking to be a lot like that scenario. This week, my father, Donny Osmond, announced that he will be on the upcoming season of “Dancing With The Stars.”
Because of this, I’ve received a few e-mails asking if I’ll be watching the show, voting, or even going to the tapings.
Of course! This is exciting. I don’t want to miss it.
This time, it’s my turn to cheer for him along the sidelines.
Sure, I’ll get a little over-zealous about voting for my father, but I’ll do my best to curb enthusiasm and keep the excitement on Facebook … and Twitter … and my blog.
Best of luck, Dad! I’ll bring the water cooler with the after-the-game treats.
August 24, 2009
Dateless in a Mormon Maiden Mecca
Last week, a buddy called me to complain about not having anyone to date.
“Dude, I just can’t find anyone to go out with.”
Trying to act sympathetic: “You live in Utah — the Mormon Maiden Mecca.”
“Yeah, but…”
“But what? You go to parties, ward and stake activities, institute. There is a plethora of women to meet.”
“It’s always the same crowd.”
“No, you just happen to hang around the same group of people. You’ve gotta branch out.”
I then recounted to him how my new calling as stake family home evening co-chair gave me reason to connect people.
Although my responsibilities were never laid out specifically, the stake high councilor left an underpinning thought with me — find activities that present opportunities for people to meet and date.
Taking that message to heart, every stake activity starts with a prayer, spiritual thought, and … my obnoxious salutation: “Glad you could all make it out tonight. Now it’s time to mix, mingle and find someone to date.” It usually gets a laugh or two out of the crowd.
But seriously, if someone isn’t doing anything to meet new people, what’s to be expected?
So, here’s my rant. (And, I realize this rests more on the guys.) Go to activities, break out of your comfort shell, introduce yourselves to someone new. Make a game out of it — the guy with the most phone numbers at the end of the night wins!
OK, maybe that’s not a great idea. Just have fun making new friends, and being a friend. You’ll be surprised what follows.
August 21, 2009
License, registration, autograph, please…
Last week’s blog got me thinking about a recent funny experience.
I was pulled over for speeding through BYU campus the other day. Seeing those blue-and-red flashing lights in the rear view mirror conjures up one of the most gut-sinking feelings on the planet.
A husky figure got out of his tailgating patrol car, and from my mirror, I watched him adjust his sunglasses as he prepped himself to deliver the standard lecture.
“License and registration, son.”
As if being pulled over is not humiliating enough, he assumed an overbearing fatherly disposition to put me in my place.
“Do you know how fast you were going?”
I sat there thinking snidely … Fast enough to get your attention.
Knowing better than to mouth off, I politely responded, “It was a little too fast. I apologize, officer.”
After gathering my effects, he moseyed back to his squad car, still flashing lights in a blaze of glory. The victor was waving his banner for all to see as he basked in the grandeur of his afternoon kill.
Five minutes later, the conversation became interesting.
He loomed over the driver’s side window and asked, “Are you related to THE Osmonds?”
Hmmm, do I lie and get this over with, or …
“Yes, I am.”
“Really? Can you get me an autographed picture of Marie?”
I considered this an opportunity to barter my way out of getting a ticket, but knew the officer wouldn’t budge.
He kept me there for a solid 15 minutes where I answered trivial questions about purple socks, white teeth and puppy love.
That afternoon, we both left the side of the road disappointed; me with my ticket, the officer without an autograph.
He wasn’t seriously thinking about scoring an autograph, was he?
August 17, 2009
Home teaching: the cliquebuster
It doesn’t matter if you’re single, or married; home teaching has got to be the most laborious responsibility in the church. Or, is it?
Contrary to popular belief, home teaching is actually rewarding and a great way to make friends, which is a must in any Mormon singles ward.
Singles wards are cliquish. (Don’t even think about denying it.) You’ve got your class of ‘07 passing notes during sacrament, the RMs speaking in Portuguese reminiscing of mission days, and the cresting-30 crowd desperately hanging on to that last year before being ostracized.
For this reason, we have home teaching — the cliquebuster.
Let’s be honest. You’ve been assigned to break out of your comfort zone and visit complete strangers. That makes just about anyone a little antsy.
So, how do we make those awkward home-teaching visit less uncomfortable?
Let me offer three simple tactics I was taught years ago: Keep it short; keep it real; keep it fun.
Keep it short. We live in a five-second world. No one has time to kill two hours on any given Sunday. Schedule your visit for a half-hour, tops! If your home teachees require more time, you’ll know.
Keep it real. The object of home teaching is to befriend people, and help them feel welcomed within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can’t be friends with a phony.
Keep it fun. Look, we all know we’re living in the latter days, and the world is going to be destroyed. Lighten up! Go read 2 Nephi 2:25.
Home teaching is just what you make of it.
OK, elder’s quorum is dismissed.
August 15, 2009
My two cents of $4,500
Last week, I thought about trading in my ol’ clunker for something a little nicer. Why not? The government is handing out money in a billion-dollar car allowance program. Did I hear “free cash”?
Sweet! Not only is my trade-in worth the government’s $4,500, but the dealership will throw in the car’s scrap value. That’s some money guaranteed.
Buying new cars — that should help stimulate our economy, right? Not to mention, purchasing a more fuel-efficient car is environmentally conscious. Who wouldn’t want to drive more miles on less gas, and save the planet?
Well, not to burst the perfect bubble, but I think this is the equivalent of putting a Band-aid on an injury requiring a tourniquet.
I’m all for being environmentally friendly and energy aware (and that’s the over-arching message of this program), but how can people expect to purchase a new car while foreclosures loom?
Maybe we should be a more concerned about creating jobs rather than finding experimental ways to spend credit. Logic would conclude; if we make money, we’ll spend money. Not vice versa.
Speaking of ridiculous spending, $1 billion started this program, and we’ve tapped that out in about a week. Now the government wants to throw in another $2 billion. Does money finally grow on trees? I love deficit spending. (Sarcasm.)
I can see the political cartoon already: Grown men sitting around the dinner table eating cars, and in the background, a toddler reviewing the bill.
Obviously, this only scratches the surface. Remember the old axiom: If something looks too good to be true …
It may be free now, but we’ll all pay for it later.