I hate to lose. Fortunately, i didn't. Even though I didn't get the votes to stay on as long as I hoped for. I won in every single way possible.
Five time I got to experience the rush/fear/excitement of knowing that when the music starts 20mm people were going to see me do something for 90 seconds I had never done before, and while I did it, I had to find a way to put that aside and love every minute of it. I did. Thats a win.
For 8 weeks I got to get up every morning knowing that no matter how sore I was, I had a goal that required me to challenge myself physically and mentally from 2 to 6 hours or more every single day. I did it. Ioved doing it, and I lost 30 lbs doing it. Thats a win.
Probably the most rewarding part of being on the show was just being able to be me. I had no say over the music , the video packages they did or how they presented me on the show.. The show people were doing what they thought would make great TV and they obviously are phenomenal at it.. ( I still haven't watched a single one of the shows. I hate watching myself . All I see are the flaws. ). All I had control over was working as hard as I possibly could, making as many friends as I could, and enjoying every single minute of the experience.
What it reminded me more of than anything was the feeling of being a kid and moving to a new neighborhood. The fear, the excitement, the uncertainty, the newness of it all. Not knowing if I was going to be picked first or last for the game and whether or not I would live up to either . Knowing that feeling again. Thats a win.
Thank you to everyone who supported me with their votes, emails, texts, posts and everything else. You motivated me and made it all the sweeter.
And thanks to Kym Johnson. I couldn't have gotten any luckier than having her guide me through this entire process. She is an amazing teacher and now, a better friend.
Thanks to my family , friends and co workers for filling in for me in so many ways to allow me to experience all of this. I know it couldn't have happened without your help , love and support.
What a Great Experience !
Recent Posts
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. Mark,
I voted for you every week numerous times. You brought fun, entertainment and a work ethic to the screen every week. I am a RN and was amazed as to how well you moved after so recent Hip Replacement. Kudos to you. You are definately a role model for
for our youth and many adults who don't know the meaning of hard work, commitment and a sense of humor.
Congratulations on your performances, you should be proud.
Linda
Posted at 5:23PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Linda McKinley
3. I still think you were robbed, Mark! Especially this week -- your "I Dream of Jeannie" dance was easily the most fun routine that anyone put out there.
Hey -- maybe you can do the DWTS touring show later!
Posted at 5:26PM on Oct 24th 2007 by J.D.
4. It was fun watching you show that there is more to a guy with an IT background by dancing your heart out. I wish all the best.
Posted at 5:29PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Mercy
5. Awesome job Mark - amazing you lost 30 pounds in 8 weeks - spokesperson for Jenny Craig next?
Speaking of crazy fun stuff - you might enjoy this Internet Controllable Halloween Display for Celiac Charity:
http://www.komar.org/cgi-bin/halloween_webcam
6. It was nice to see you put the effort in! Keep up the good work. I voted for you every time.
Posted at 5:29PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Gino Green Global
7. Congrats on a fine showing, and on dropping lbs. I only watched DWTS because you were taking part (although my wife is a fan of the show). Fun to see you getting things done, and having fun in the process.
Posted at 5:30PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Mike Solarte
8. Mark, I enjoyed you more than any of the other dancers on the show. I think you did a phenomental job, and you got all of my votes every week. Loved the I Dream of Jeanie number! Your ability to come back so soon after hip replacement surgery has been inspirational to many. I will remember you for this season of DWTS long after I have forgotten everyone else. Congratulations! You did great!
Posted at 5:32PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Linda
9. Sorry to see you ousted, you were fun to watch. I will continue to read your blog.
Idea: since you are looking to expand your horizons, how about buying my New York Rangers? current ownership is, well, not too swift. Hockey is the coolest game there is, and I bet you'd do a better job!
Posted at 5:34PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Susan Lewis
10. I didn't even really know who you were when I started watching the show but I ended up a huge MC fan. I too admired your work ethic and determination but more than that I consistently felt your remarks were thoughtful, gracious and down to earth. I also thought your "I Dream of Jeannie" dance was adorable and sexy. Well done all the way around.
Posted at 5:35PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Laurie
11. You were so much fun to watch and so inspirational. It was amazing to see you work so hard and have so much fun with it. I'm sorry you didn't get enough votes to stay another week but you get to come home just in time for the beginning of the Mavs season which is so exciting.
Posted at 5:35PM on Oct 24th 2007 by DallasGirl
12. You did great Mark-- I'm not the type to watch DWTS but even I enjoyed the last dance (and voted!)
Stepping out of your comfort zone is a pretty powerful and rewarding experience; thanks for reminding me of that.
Posted at 5:36PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Chris Youra
13. I will miss seeing you dance every week. You were so much fun to watch, I voted for you several times each week. I think it was very courageous of you to do something like this, especialy just weeks after hip surgery. Your work ethic is amazing.
Posted at 5:38PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Melissa
14. Mark,
You made us smile every time you were on that dance floor. To us you are a winner as you won us over, many times over! Thank you! Now.. may I suggest calling your dancing with the stars friends to have a fun, fund raiser get-together (once the competition is over) for the fire victims of California? That would really be neat I think.
Cali fan,
lindzy
Posted at 5:40PM on Oct 24th 2007 by lindzy
15. Mark,
Sorry to see you go from DWTS - you had ALL the votes in my house each Mon night - BUT look at all the positives you got out of your experience - new friends, new dance moves, losing weight, a bigger fan base and so on!! What an AWESOME experience for you!! And yes you can now tell your kids and grand kids how you danced in front of America - way to go MC!! :-)
GO MAVS!! GREAT win against Chicago!! I must admit that I kept switching last night between the game and DWTS
James
Posted at 5:40PM on Oct 24th 2007 by James
16. It's fantastic that you can savor the joy and the memory. Few people see the world that way anymore.
Posted at 5:40PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Jamiesl
17. mark,
thanks for doing this. more importantly, thanks for putting it in words i understand and find translatable to my life.
good luck on the upcoming mavs season.
Posted at 5:49PM on Oct 24th 2007 by blyx
18. Congrats on everything and sharing your journey with us. You were so fun to watch and I loved your authenticity you could just see radiating from you (as much as pixels and light can radiate)...
On a separate note, as much as I am looking forward to a new job in Oklahoma City in January, I am so very upset the Mavs won't be as accessible as they are to me now. When we were visiting KC during the playoffs, we had to call around to find a sports bar that was broadcasting it...
I'm hoping to have a going away party somehow Mav-game-centered. Thanks for making it fun!
Posted at 5:59PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Anne Jackson
19. At least Marie Osmond didn't get her claws in you. Then you would have lost more.
Posted at 6:02PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Joe Corey
20. Mark,
I'm sure you've heard this so many times (and will continue to hear it!) but I really, really enjoyed watching you every week on DWTS. You were honestly the reason I decided to watch this season (My husband and I are HUGE fans of you and the Mavs. He thinks you're the best owner in the NBA.) Your hard work, dedication and willingness to try something completely out of your experience zone was inspirational! It won't be the same watching DWTS without you to root for! Thanks again for everything you brought to the show!
~Sarah
Posted at 6:03PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Sarah
1. Way to go Mark! You are the man and it was great watching you on the show. You were fantastic, especially for not having any dance experience at all compared to most of those people on the show who have. Now go buy the Chicago Cubs already and sign A-Rod. :)
Posted at 5:20PM on Oct 24th 2007 by Jake