Don Osmond: In my opinion…

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.

October 2, 2009

The Neglected Blog

Filed under: Day in the Life of..., Musing and Writing Projects — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 12:24 pm

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

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 7:14 pm

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

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 6:56 pm

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 24, 2009

Dateless in a Mormon Maiden Mecca

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 6:44 pm

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 17, 2009

Home teaching: the cliquebuster

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 6:24 pm

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 10, 2009

What happens in Vegas…

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 5:43 pm

…stays in Vegas.

A line that epitomizes what the city is all about. It’s no wonder the coined nickname is “Sin City”.

When I told my friends my 30th birthday would be celebrated in Vegas, eyebrows raised and questions abound.

“How do you celebrate your 30th in Vegas when you’re a Mormon? You do realize we’re going to see it all on Facebook.”

At that moment, I was so grateful I wouldn’t be embarrassed to share what was planned for the week. However, getting “tagged” on Facebook pictures didn’t excite me, but the imminent photos loomed no blackmail over my head.

It’s unnerving to think that nothing is secret. Anything we do is often forged into the tablets of the World Wide Web by innocent bantering friends.

Although our actions can’t always be perfect, we can try our best to make sure we are doing what is right.

So, the week in Vegas is over. I’m 30; here begins a new decade. No regrets! (Except for that really awful picture Jeremy took of me — can we get that off Facebook, please?)

I suppose the point of all this is: Whether we are aware of it or not, we’re accountable for everything we do — to ourself, family and God. Thanks to the Internet, the realization of accountability is that much more tangible.

What happens in Vegas, may stay in Vegas; however, the electronic evidence is there for all.

August 3, 2009

Flirt to convert

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , , — donosmond @ 10:58 pm

I’ve recently started getting e-mails from faithful readers on different topics. Some tell me stories about their conversation as it pertains to my family; others are a little more curious about my dating life — insisting on lining me up with their daughters.

Truth be told, I do enjoy reading those e-mails. Some of them spawn concepts for my blog.

The idea for today’s blog, for example, came from a young woman’s e-mail who is frustrated about dating. She read my Cowboy article and mentioned how disheartening it is for her to find a good LDS guy.

Her solution to the dilemma was to start dating guys that aren’t LDS — broadening her dating pool.

She asked my opinion about dating someone of another faith, and supplementing her statement with, “hopefully he’ll convert and we’ll get married in the temple.”

It’s a dating tactic often referred to as flirt to convert.

Well, I’m no Dear Abby; however, I can provide my thoughts.

First off, you don’t crest 30 years old without having that notion cross your mind once or twice. And, being LDS, the constant reminder of eternal marriage looming over one’s head is intimidating, to say the least.

So, have I thought about the flirt-to-convert tactic? Yes. I’ve dated girls of other Christian faiths, and at times even considered taking those relationships more seriously.

Converting to another religion solely based on a love interest may not be the best foundation to begin a marriage.

Although, does flirting to convert work? Sure. I’ve heard success stories. Those relationships take extra time and are fraught with challenges, but what relationship isn’t?

I guess, in the end, each of us makes our own dating decisions. What will work for one doesn’t always work for another.

For the young woman looking for her cowboy … define your goals through sincere prayer and let your heart guide you.

The path of life isn’t always lined with silver, but the wisdom gained through experience is worth 10 times its weight in gold.

July 27, 2009

A tribute to our pioneer heritage

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , — donosmond @ 9:27 pm

Pioneer Day is quickly approaching; I just love an excuse to shoot off fireworks!

Even though in Utah we’ll all be enjoying a day off work filled with exciting parades and flashy fireworks, there is a deeper meaning behind our celebration. It’s a time for us to remember our heritage.

Our Mormon pioneer ancestors taught great lessons of courage, faith, devotion, commitment and sacrifice through their example. All we have to do is open a journal from yesteryear.

I did that the other day. My extended family is amazing with keeping journals and telling stories. My mother’s brother, Mike, is probably one of the best family historians — but I’m not biased. For the past I-don’t-know-how-many years, he’s been compiling our family history.

As I was thumbing through its pages, I came across an amazing story of the familial bonds of love. Doing a little research and fact checking, I was amazed to find a number of similar accounts online of the same story.

In 1846, Meltiar Hatch (my fourth-great grandfather) was recruited into the Mormon Battalion. Since the loss of his parents, Meltiar felt compelled to look out for his younger brother, and convinced the company to enlist Orin as well.

During their enlistment, the company would marched daily, often for many miles, toward California. The arduous and consistent marching, along with the difficult tasks they were required to do, would often leave the soldiers very weak by day’s end.

Orin, who was only 16 at the time, became very ill during the trek. The weary traveling weakened his body and he contracted a fever, which left him unfit to continue the march. Tending to his needs would only stifle the company’s pace.

Seeing the strain the young boy inflicted on the whole company, the commanding officer ordered that Orin be left behind.

Just as the company was leaving, Meltiar promised his brother that he would return.

That evening, and after a lengthy trip, Meltiar and a close friend retraced the soldiers’ march with the hope of finding young Orin where they had left him. With their help, Orin made it back to camp later that night.

The next day, the commanding officer was shocked to see Orin — still infirm. Again, the officer ordered that Orin be left by the wayside. But, Meltiar’s determination to protect his brother was unwavering, and returned to assist his brother again the following evening.

These events repeated for a few days before the officer, seeing Meltiar’s commitment to his brother, offered his horse until Orin was well enough to march with the company.

Our ancestors may be gone, but their legacies live on forever within us. Enjoy your Pioneer Day.

Blogger’s Note: A more complete account of this story was originally published in the July 1994 Friend magazine.

July 20, 2009

Simplifying celebrity

Filed under: Cresting 30 — Tags: , , — donosmond @ 9:10 pm

Events within the entertainment industry hit my family pretty hard during the past couple months. Untimely deaths often give reason for reflection, especially when they involve those whom we’ve had a close relationship with.

Most everyone knows my family associated with the Jacksons throughout the years, as well as entertainer Danny Gans, who co-produced the Donny and Marie show in Las Vegas. However, when a celebrity is lambasted by the limelight of media attention, sometimes the simple things they do go unnoticed.

Interestingly, when our time is up, it’s the kind and simple things we are remembered by.

During Danny Gans’ memorial service, personal stories were shared of how he always looked for ways to give back to a community that gave him so much.

One such story described his daily trip to the theater. He would travel the same route every day, and would regularly visit with a man who had been left homeless.

Often, Danny would take a couple minutes to stop and chat. During these visits, it became apparent to him that this man had difficulties walking. Danny decided to purchase a wheelchair the following day, and give it to him.

No one ever heard that story until Danny’s memorial service. Why? Because those stories don’t sell magazines and newspapers. Those stories are not what the media thinks the public wants to hear.

When Michael Jackson died, the media kicked into a whirlwind frenzy. They unleashed the stories of yesteryear and tapped every aspect of his life.

Now I’m not here to vindicate or condemn a celebrity for the way the media portrayed them. And, thankfully, I’m not the judge of salvation — I leave that job for God.

However, I don’t think any of us realize the private lives of a celebrity until we hear a young girl say, as Paris Jackson said of her father, “Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine, and I just want to say I love him so much.”

Michael’s sister Janet Jackson summed it up best when she said, “To you, Michael is an icon. To us, Michael is family and he will forever live in all of our hearts.”

These comments struck me, and got me thinking.

Life is not about celebrity, or being adorned with countless accolades; it’s about the legacy we leave behind. May we all consider the lives we touch well before our time is called.

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