The Texas Health Expo
Friday, February 8th, 2008
What can I possibly say to put what I’m feeling into words? I’m flying back from my Dallas appearance, full of love and joy for the way the universe has opened itself up to me with opportunity.
I was not truly prepared for the amazing reception I was about to receive at the Health Fit Expo. Little girls, big girls, kids of all ages… So many people knew me and wanted to see me! I took so many pictures with fans, signed so many autographs, but most importantly I saw the look in the kids eyes when they came into eye contact.
I truly have a lot of power now, as TV is such a part of our lives. I’m invited into people’s living rooms to entertain during what little time we all have for each other. I pray that I can be a positive role model, a good influence; someone who makes others more comfortable in their own skin and gives them belief within themselves that their dreams can be attained if only they’ll pour themselves fearlessly into making them come true.
The NBC people I met were fabulous as well, so much fun to be back in my home state of Texas. I did some REALLY fun pieces with their 2 local sports reporters (which I will have on the website soon), such great exposure and comedic work…. For those who won’t see, I pick up and toss offensive lineman sized Randy McIlwain while being interviewed in the NBC suite while watching the Mavericks / Lakers game, then at the Fitness Expo, host of Sports Corner Derek Castillo and I do a full on challenge where I rope him like a calf, throw him from a kids obstacle course, pull him mercilessly from a rock wall, and end up with a dance off on a full arcade version of Dance Dance Revolution!
The other big deal of the weekend was seeing my friends from high school. They seemed quite entranced by seeing me in this light – it hasn’t really hit any of us yet that I’m now an official “celebrity”. Not even getting double billed with Jason Whitten from the Dallas Cowboys is making it set in, and when I read that my status as a professional athlete rose by 10,000%!
Another highlight of this weekend was seeing my friend Chris (who many of you know as the guy who went on Jenny Jones with me a million years ago). I started writing a program out for him and training with him when I’d go back home – and I inspired him to get his program together! He showed up to see me 50 lbs smaller and SO excited to be back in control of his life and well being. His company asked him to give a talk on his motivation and tips, so we spent hours talking about fitness, motivation…
It feels really great to be in the position I’m in. And I can’t thank enough all the people who’ve written such great things to me: on this board, in the media, and via email.
Now, time to get to the gym!
