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A lil South of the Border – Mazatlan, MX = Divertido

July 7, 2010
  

        I miss the sand on the concrete floor; I miss the way it was before – Stephan Jenkins (3EB)

                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

Well it has been an unbelievable past couple of weeks of work & life to say the least.  Judging by all the fan mail I have received I guess you guys have been missing me.  I will apologize for being so quiet (something absolutely impossible for me to do) but I had no internet or IPhone access on the 2nd half of our trip.  Let’s start off with that trip and go backwards in time.  I’ll just touch on the fact that having no sense of time or responsibility, no internet, and definitely no worries is the best feeling in the world.  I’m committing my life to living this way and won’t stop until that happens.  You should definitely do the same if you want to live the “chillen the most” lifestyle.  Wait, what the heck Ellison you live on the internet so what are you talking about.  I’ll take that one back because that did kind of suck.  I mean I missed you guys, so much so that I celebrated to oblivion the whole week, literally.

Where is this place I speak of huh, well that is the great Mazatlan, Mexico mi amigos?  This is one of the less popular beach destinations in Mexico due to the fact that Los Cabos, Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta exist.  It is extremely popular with the local population and I would estimate that at minimum 80% speak Spanish only.  Don’t let that scare you because that is what also makes this place truly unique in every way.  Mixing it up with the Mexican locals really made our trip so memorable amongst other things.  They love it when you show interest in their language and actually hang out amongst their rather large groups of friends.  My favorite thing about them is how much fun they have (duh, you know I love the fun.)  But one of their favorite things to do is the team chant, something I’m bringing back to Dallas without a doubt.  They chant and jump up about everything and it makes me so fired up, so much so that we just had to join in.  So the next time you are at the pool with Latin’s around just start up my personal favorite “Divertido, Divertido, Divertido, Divertido,” but watch out because if they start up one like this “Beso, Beso, Beso” then they want you to kiss someone, HAH could be a good/ bad idea depending on your nature.  The pool scene is a bit different from the Cancun pools in that they are absolutely loud & rambunctious.   I mean huge parties going on so much so that I’m laughing as I write this.  If you love a pool fiesta then this is a place you have to visit, we stayed at the Riu Resort there and it was very nice with great service.  The food is great if you love fish, that’s basically all I ate for the most part.  Oh and don’t worry, they have purified water there so do not be afraid of getting sick.  If you need extra water like us just find the bartender Tere, and say Agua about five times in a row.  She will think I sent you and probably look around for me (best inside joke ever.)  I love the Pacific Ocean and the beach here is awesome as you can tell from my award winning photography.        

 

 

We ventured out one night to the world famous Senor Frogs and oh was that an event.  Taking us there was a sweet limo (Nissan truck bed with cover over it) in which all 12 of us paid $2 for a round trip ride that was around 10 minutes away.  Not the most safe ride in the world but I guarantee you its one of the most fun.  Once there the party was crazy and I’ll just say the fun was abundant.  My friend did get her flip camera stolen in the restroom so watch your electronics when the shadesters are around.  The ride back was very interesting because it included my main man Alejandro “Alex” dangling from the roof of our limo truck while traveling at speeds of 40 mph.  He loves to push the limits you could say, wild man!  Quick disclaimer; Alejandro is the alter ego of Alex that comes out usually past 10pm on any given night.  I must warn you that he is wild, crazy fun, and does stunts not recommended at home.  He also sings, raps, & participates in Mexican jump chants with yours truly. 

 

Now that you know Alejandro lets tell you about his two major accomplishments while on this trip.  He managed to win a balloon toss contest at the pool which would seal his fame with the local crowds. After claiming his award in front of around 200 people at the performance hall he leveraged his success to earn a rap performance in the Disco teca for a packed club.  Epic to say the least as he danced on the bar and rapped Dr. Dre’s hit song “Wit Dre Day”  and set the place on fire.  Snoop & Dre would be extremely proud!  You better believe I have the video but I need to hang onto it for awhile until we get a production deal.  Yeahhhhhhh, fun is going on. 

I encourage you to visit Stone Island if you ever go to Mazatlan.  It’s basically a very poor fishing village but the sites are truly unreal.  We took a boat cruise around the coast and saw some awesome caves & other cool stuff! Once there we loaded our group of 50 into pimped out stretch hummer limos (tractor pulling a trailer with benches on it) and cruised the dirt roads of the island.  Life on this island is very simple and the locals rely heavily on tourists to make a living.  You will think that you are in the middle of who knows where, and to be honest that’s exactly where you are.  I’m talking about hardcore MEXXXXICO, not Mexico like in Cancun or Cabo.  I’ll never forget that place for as long as I live and our whole group will tell you the same.  That’s realer than Real Deal Holyfield.  So we go back to this restaurant/ event center that had all kinds of fun happening.  I won’t name anyone but I got to see my two (NYC) friends crash a kayak in the ocean and then fall off a banana boat tube in the middle of the Pacific.  The funny thing about this was that when you looked out there the birds were circling them like a nasty buzzard would circle a dead armadillo here in Texas.  We couldn’t stop laughing on shore while watching this because there must have been 1001 birds up there.  Also, order the smoked fish because it’s amazing.  Perhaps my favorite thing about this trip was seeing my little New York City girls riding horses on the beach, although I will say I briefly saw this because I had the honor of riding Blanco Bandito; the islands biggest/ baddest/ fastest/ most awesome horse! Needless to say I spent a lot of time far ahead of the pack (my groin didn’t like the next day) but it was totally worth it.  Being that I am half cowboy you know I represented my Texas fans right. 

 

Of course the activities are a blast but I want to also discuss my favorite thing about any trip and that is the people you get to meet & hang out with.  I absolutely love people, almost as much as I love the Dallas Cowboys, but the Cowboys are people so I guess I love people more.  Follow me?  Ok, so I have to mention that I met some of the coolest humans that walk the planet on this trip!  Being around them totally made this trip that much better so I want to encourage you to meet as many people as you can when you vacation.  Let’s cover some of them now, hey.  (That’s Canadian lingo) 

Yep, our Canadian friends were definitely a fun crew.  Jovana, Jessica, and Katy thanks for the great hand stand beach memories and stepping up in water volleyball so that you could get crushed by the Americans.  Victory! 

 

The Williams family from Chicago; wow, what a great bunch you are.  I was so impressed with how close you guys are and how much love you guys have for one another!  Michael, De, & Sable you have a friend in Texas for life. 

 

Jim & Donna Marx from St. Louis, you guys are such a fun amazing couple and we had a blast hanging out with you, especially that infamous Friday in the pool.  Keep in touch guys. 

 

Bryan & Jodi Jenson from Utah you my party couple that rocked the straw hats in true fashion.  What a pleasure you are to be around.  See you soon travel friends. 

 

 

My Highland Park crew, you kids did it up right man.  Good luck to you guys next year in college and remember; if you need advice just call 1-800-Terry! Divertido, Divertido.

 

 

Andy G, man can you party it up.  We had a freakin blast with you, Texas boys know how to bring it. 

 

Mario Kasouto you are the man!  I knew you were such a likeable, hilarious guy that first day on the boat.  Everyone around you kept laughing when you spoke but I couldn’t tell what exactly the Spanish words were.  I can’t wait to come see you in Miami and get on your new boat!

 

Rafael & Erica, you are two amazing people and I am so thankful I met you.  You guys are so fun and kept up with us the whole time.  Your positive and driven nature really rubs off on people and I had so much fun hearing your stories, and island exploring with you.  Heck, I had fun the whole time we were there because of you guys!  I am thrilled to visit NYC and do it all over again with you real soon!  You guys stay Awesome! 

 

 

Last but not least, how could I not mention the great Jessie G & Paola.  I cannot believe that we were so lucky to have met you that Wednesday in the pool.  I’ll never forget that as long as I live.  Jessica you were so full of happiness and fun & I instantly knew you were such a great girl!  You crack me up every time I look at pictures with you and I know you will go and spread your bright personality with the world.  I so look forward to my NYC tour with you and eating a dirty dog at five in the morning.  Don’t forget we have to ride that train, OK……….Never stop being so amazing friend! 

 Paola, just like Jessica I knew immediately that I liked you.  You just smiled from ear to ear the whole day and I could tell you were one of the nicest people I had ever met.  My favorite word to describe you is peaceful, but kind, caring, and genuine perfectly fit as well.  You are truly unique and I will always be your friend!  Keep making me smile forever girl; you’re just so good at it.  There are so many memories I’ll never forget about being around you girls so please know that you have impacted me in such a great way.I can honestly say that our trip would not have been as memorable had we not met you girls.  I’ll see you both shortly and absolutely cannot wait. 

 

 

Trip Summary- go to Mazatlan and meet as many amazing people as possible.  It’s an unbelievable place and somewhere you will never forget.  Those mixers they pour in your mouth are great and will automatically increase your fun factor times ten. Oh yeah and the Pacific Ocean is right there as well, Duh……

To get all 200 pictures from this trip just facebook friend request me, you will laugh for days! 

Ellison-

Hectic Week of Work- YaYY

June 17, 2010

So I have been convinced once again to take on a research project spanning 10 days and over 5000 miles.  Yeah yeah, it took a little twisting of my arm but first stop is……..Ahhhhh one of my favorites.  You see when you love F-U-N as much as myself (clean fun that is, and legal to) then you have to go out and explore certain destinations so you can come back and tell everyone all about it.  You know, I recommend this place to stay, or this event to attend yada yada its off the hook crazy.   It just so happens that my photographer (William)  and I will be visiting the world-famous “Las Vegas” tomorrow so that we can cover topics such as the most fun pool parties, best hotels, best clubs, as well as  an expert review of The UFC scene that is ever-growing out there.  It’s a difficult job but hey, somebody has to go do it right? 

To all my fans around the world, including you China guys, do not worry.  I will be back with great reviews and incredible ground breaking stories in a week or so.  Ya know, I’m working so you guys be patient.  Check out my twitter (ellison303) for random yet genius updates.  Heck, I’ll even include a free tip of the day for you guys.  I’m saving our second stop as a surprise on my next article.   Until next week keep it real and make it happen!  Have fun, you know I will! 

P.S. Tip of the week- If you want to be cool this month I recommend getting the new Drake album.  It will give you 15 more cool points than you already have!

Peace,

Ellison

FFF- Family, Friends, and Fun

June 14, 2010
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I feel lucky, extremely lucky.  Do you ever have one of those days where you just think about all the great things this life has to offer?  Well that day was today for me because I just had one the most fun, amazing weekends of my life. 

                                                                                                                                                                                               

“Make friendship a true art, give thanks for your blessings and ask for guidance every day”

                                                                                                                      – Coach John Wooden

                                                                                                                                                                                                   

It was the perfect storm this weekend in my hometown and man was it a blast.  Now if you do not know where Gladewater, TX is (because obviously you know its big brother Swamp City) then let me set the scene for you. Make a mental picture of small town East Texas where you know everyone and life is simple.  Wow, are there some great people in this town.  It just so happened that there was so much action there this weekend I missed getting to hang out with tons of friends that had all come back home.  Taking place was the world famous Gladewater Round Up Rodeo (yeah, they ride bulls there), Class of 2000 reunion (this group is WILD), my sister’s birthday party, my brother in laws birthday party, and my Dad’s wedding. 

This article would be 20 pages long if I went into all the details but just know it was as much fun as you can pack into 2 days.  I mean my FunOmeter literally exploded.  The main thing I feel so lucky about is that I have the most amazing family and best friends I could ask for.   I have to encourage you to stay in touch with your friends, especially the ones that care.  I got to be around six of mine this weekend that without a doubt will always be there for me.  But you know what; I will always be there for them just like I was back in 2nd grade.  I can’t tell you how powerful and untouchable that will make you feel.  Try not to miss things, go and see them, let them know how much they mean to you.  Make that call even when you are busy because you never know when they may need their spirits lifted.  Today it is more than easy to stay connected with social media, text messages, and email.  So do yourself a favor and share this open road of life with the ones that care. 

I’ll never forget this weekend for as long as I live.  I got reminded of how much those guys mean to me, how awesome my family is, and how that little town helped shape me into who I am today.  To top it off I even got to lift up the Greatest mother I could’ve ever imagined and most of my crew was right there with me.  That is what life is all about – Giving, great people, fun, and combining them all together.   Now go rock this world because this dang sure isn’t a dress rehearsal. 

Just Keep Livin……… 

           

Dad, Mindi & Sunni

 

 

E for Ellison

 

Forgive even when mistakes ruin perfection

June 4, 2010

As I was eating breakfast today I noticed on ESPN that last night there was yet another perfect game, or was there?  I talked in recent posts about the greatness of a perfect game in baseball and how rare it happens, yet there have been 3 this year.  Regardless, the vast majority of pitchers in MLB will go their entire career without achieving such.  For Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers this was his shot at history, the most proud moment of his career, and a first perfect game in the ball clubs history. 

Well, sometimes in life things don’t always work out the way we want them to right?  It just so happened that on the final out in the bottom of the 9th inning the umpire Jim Joyce (one of the game’s best) actually blew the call of a lifetime.  People make mistakes and this is a gargantuan one.  Joyce said after the game “It was the biggest call of my career, and I kicked the (stuff) out of it,” Joyce said, looking and sounding distraught as he paced in the umpires’ locker room. “I just cost that kid a perfect game.”

What would you do in a situation like this one?  Imagine the most proud moment of your entire career flashing right before your eyes and gone in a second due to someone else’s error.  You see things like this happen in our lives on a smaller scale all the time.  I am blown away by some of the things people throw fits about.  Today I saw a perfect example of a positive mental attitude. Galarraga did not argue, cuss, or throw a temper tantrum.  He smiled, shook it off and then went and got the final out on the next batter. 

I was blown away at his interview after the game.  The forgiveness and understanding he had for Joyce really got to me.  Galarraga told reporters that Joyce apologized to him after the game, adding that he had no instinct to argue the call. “He probably felt more bad than me,” Galarraga said. Smiling, he added, “Nobody’s perfect.”

Wow, this was a class act to say the least and a true example of forgiving others.  Work on that in every day events and you will feel stress start to leave you and grudges will vanish. 

Forgive and you will be forgiven – GOD

Time to go all in. What is your “Why”?

May 28, 2010

Watching my 10 year old nephew Colby play little league baseball this past weekend was really special.  He happens to be on a select travel team that luckily played here in Dallas so I jumped at the chance to see him.  It opened up my eyes a bit to the fact that he is 10 years old and I am not as big a part of his life as I want to be.  That goes for my other nephew Cayson, and the rest of my family back in East Texas.  I am to the point now that my mind is made up and I am going for my dream life.  I have to be able to just go to whatever game I want of theirs whether it’s on Tuesday night or the weekend.  Doesn’t matter, I just want to be around them more and my current job just won’t allow that.  We are here once on earth right, so why do we just take so many things for granted?  People would rather stay doing what’s comfortable and just existing, rather than learning all they can about their mind and then putting what they learn into massive action.  You do realize that that is the absolute only thing in life that we can control right?  Our thoughts and our mind is all that is ours.  Think about that before you come up with some argument because it’s true, we have no control over anything but the mind so you had better make it the best mind that it can possibly be. 

I won’t stand for it any longer.  People look at me and laugh when I talk about how much more I could do.  But Terry, you have such a good fun life going right now, you have nice things, you are healthy, and you have so many friends.  While all that is true, and things could be worse if I lived in the remote parts of the Amazon jungle for example, I am very unsatisfied.  I should be so successful that I actually get to help build houses for those in the jungle or provide food for starving kids across the globe.  Imagine the possibilities that are available to us and the number of people we could help if we just went for our dreams.  We can do HUGE things if we help each other and dream big.  Stop thinking that you have to have an ordinary job or lifestyle.  Big things are happening right before your eyes.  They say the average person has 3 separate opportunities of a lifetime cross their path, but never even notice one of them.  Well I’m telling you I just found one and I want to take you to the top with me.   Let’s make a difference in this world! 

 

We have a chance as humans to participate in the miracle process– Jim Rohn

 

Colby & Cayson deserve for me to be there more and that is what I’m going to do.  Anyone want to come with me?  Freedom is real is you actively seek it and take massive action.  As Lil Wayne would say, I’m goin in…….Time to go all in.  You should think about what that means for you. 

Make it happen,

Ellison

Control your mind & set world records

May 18, 2010

My mind constantly races and thinks about the current conditions of the world.  The more books I read and the more successful people I talk to proves to me a lot of things.  Why do some people always win, while most people always seem to just get by, or even worse fail constantly?  Well actually there are many reasons why this is the case but I want to point out one today in particular. 

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The only limitations for your life are the limiting beliefs in your mind –

                                                                                                                Matt Morris

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Why do so many people believe in their mind that they cannot achieve great things?  This is one of, if not the major reason only 2% of the world is not both financially & time free.  Successful people are positive, fearless, and do not worry about every day obstacles.  The main difference between winners and average people is that the winners believe whole heartedly in themselves, their faith eliminates fear, and their will to succeed is so strong that they always hit their goals.  Napoleon Hill, my favorite author, spent his whole life studying the similarities of successful people and went on to write some of the best books on success the world has ever seen.  He says that you first have to have a clear concise mental picture of how you want your dream life to look.  Once you have that you will need a white hot burning desire to get it.  You have to believe your dream life is possible and then you have to eliminate all distractions.  Go all in and attack with everything you have until you get it.  Focus, be consistent, and tell yourself in your mind that it can be had.                              

I am going to be writing some articles on this subject with more depth in the future but I want you guys to really read into this.  Control your mind and you will start to win in all aspects of life.  Cut out all the skepticism that is flooding our streets, rid yourself of any all negativity in your life, and sucker punch negativity in the mouth like Mike Tyson did Alan in The Hangover.   Be an uplifting person to others and they in turn will help you get to success faster.   But most of all don’t quit before the race even starts.  Take control of your mind, dream big, and you will go places that your mind once told you were not feasible.  Some of you will say- Terry, you aren’t living your dream life yet, nor have your major goals been met.  I will tell you that is correct, but I will also make you a promise that I will never limit my mind in what I can achieve again.  My clear concise mental picture will be a reality sooner than later.  Are you coming with me?

 So let’s get you guys an example of the week.  Many of you know my fascination with the best of the best.  In particular I love the world’s most elite athletes and one of my favorite is of course, Usain “lightning” Bolt.  Well this is not about Bolt but rather the number 2 sprinter in the world, Tyson Gay.  The lesson I want you to take from this is that hard work pays off and you can do things unheard of if you believe in your mind it is possible.  Mr. Gay just broke a 44 year old world record for the straight 200 meter race. Now, this race is not run as much as the traditional 200 meter half track which Bolt owns the current world record in.  The point is that he went out and did something that hasn’t been done in almost half a century.  Tyson Gay, you are a bad- bad man………..Enjoy this 19.41 seconds of adrenaline and use it to control your mind so that you too can do huge things in life.  

Peace,

Ellison

Awesome Mom and a former Red Raider dominates – Go Figure

May 10, 2010

Happy Mother’s day to all.  I know for me I am so lucky to have my mom- better known as Randi, in my life.  She has raised the three of us kids so well and has impacted literally thousands of kid’s lives during her career as a school counselor.  She really gets a lot of the credit for me being so positive and thinking that I can do anything I put my mind to.  She told me this my whole life growing up.  Another favorite quality of hers that I love is how much love she has in her heart for other people.  Most anyone would tell you that she really puts others first.  It always makes me feel good when her former students that I meet at random smile at the sound of her name.  I get new stories all the time just by meeting kids that she has impacted.  I hope you had the best day ever Mom, you are loved very much so.

I have a great mother’s day story for you.  This is fresh off the press and that’s how I roll here at the Hybrid Mind.  My boy Dallas Braden of the Oakland A’s threw a perfect game today.  For those of you that don’t follow baseball I’ll save you the search.  A perfect game basically means he utterly dominated the Tampa Bay Rays, Major League Baseball’s hottest team.  This is so huge.  Basically, no batter reached first base in the entire game.  I used to sit by Dallas back at Texas Tech University in a couple of classes.  He’s a nice guy and I also need to give him credit for being one of the first baseball players in college to wear the “flat bill” hat in a game.  Google it, it’s the new trend.  Anyway, this is a very special day in many ways for him because he actually lost his mother in high school to cancer.  Great work Dallas, you have clearly put forth great effort to establish yourself as a solid MLB pitcher.  Hard work and determination to win always gets you to extraordinary places.  Wow, you have really blown my mind today. 

Greatness…..

Rock music and chasing Freedom

May 6, 2010

I love music.  More importantly I really love rock music.  Something about the energy really makes me feel happy & energetic.  Most rock bands are better at getting a crowd really excited than other forms of music.  I’ve been to massive sporting events, NASCAR races, and other adrenaline heavy things but they just don’t compare to a great rock show in my opinion.  Judging from the crowds at these concerts and the lack of buy in from the majority of my friends, most of you will think we are crazy.  I laugh about this and maybe we are, but it just really makes me happy.  I turned to my main man Alex halfway through our favorite band, “30 Seconds to Mars” set  and asked him, how many of our friends do you think would be miserable right now?  Answer is most likely 98% or close to it.  Being soaked with water, sweat, and who knows what else- not to mention packed in between 10,000 crazy fans is just insane to most people.  But to me and Alex, we thrive in those situations.  I really get a kick out of the testosterone filled young males that like to push each other around & rough each other up in the so called mosh pit. 

Let’s just show you a quick example of what I mean…….

Who’s shaking their head now? 

Point is that we should all have a hobby or something we do that makes us happy.  If you aren’t living life then what the heck are you doing?  This was a big message in my last post but it’s so important to me I just wanted to touch on it again. 

All successful people that are free, time free, and financially free, they all say you have to have a “WHY.”  Why do I sacrifice, why do I risk my money on businesses, and what am I going through all this pain for?  The reason is because the things they love to do in life are worth it. My mentor told me something that completely sums this up.  He said Terry, all things worth having in this life comes with sacrifice & pain.  What he means is that to get something worth having you really have to work hard and give up things that do you no good. 

I met a man in his 50’s just last night at an event that my team has each week.  He was having a drink alone so I went to introduce myself.  Long story short, I asked him what he loved to do and if he ever traveled.  He told me that he doesn’t like to travel because he works way too much.  Guys, this really impacted me because most of us are doing the exact same thing over and over with little satisfaction.  Most of us are not happy with our lifestyles.  We keep going to work each week but are not financially free to come and go wherever, whenever or to whatever we want…….I challenge you to take action now, stop being so skeptical of things & opportunities that are all around you.  This world we live in right now is becoming so beaten down with the mediocre way of living.  Stress is at an all time high.  The economy & financial markets are getting bombed.  What are you doing to set yourself up for success and a lifetime of happiness? 

If you are bored and unfulfilled in life right now then its time you did something about it.  My “WHY” is much more than just going to see all my favorite bands but this is just one example of what I love to do.  We had such a blast last weekend and that is what we all should be doing at all times.  Go and chase freedom, I promise you it will be worth it once you get there.

Peace,

Terry

Scenes from the weekend.

30 Seconds to Mars
Alex living for the moment

Glitter shower

She is finally home

May 3, 2010

Wow what a busy and hectic two weeks it has been.  When we last talked my grandmother had just over come a major surgery and was in recovery as a result.  I left the hospital in complete confidence that all was well and headed back home.  Sometimes in life we get curve balls thrown at us and this is one of those times.  A minor stroke after a surgery can really derail your plans.  Needless to say, I said goodbye to Great Gene for good, two Thursdays ago.  Obviously I am going to miss her dearly but I want to point out to you some things I learned from her.   You see, when family or friends pass away it is devastating, and her funeral brought tears to many.  But it also brought smiles to 100 or so that were in attendance. 

She was an entrepreneur that started a successful company and ran it for most of her adult life.  Even at age 88 she stilled worked three days per week.  She was a leader and member of four separate camping & square dance organizations.  Dancing was her hobby and passion.  She loved being around people and living life.  I addressed all in attendance at her funeral and let them know that she gives us all a reason to smile.  I want all of you to never stop doing what you love in life.  She didn’t, and that is what helped her stay happy for so long in her life.  It made her funeral more of a celebration of her in spite of the sadness.

One of her friends from the camp & square dance crowd spoke about her and it made me feel overwhelmingly special to be her grandson.  He talked of how she would light up the room when she walked in, no matter what the mood of everyone else.  Or how about the fact that she was not scared to drive her 32 foot motor home all over the country, sometimes by herself.  This is so funny to me if you could just see the size of the thing.  He also talked of her consistency.  The only time she missed a group outing was for something her grandchildren or great grandchildren had going on.   She loved other people and helping friends out.  She was sassy, independent, & successful.  She lived her life to the fullest each day no matter her age.  Square dancing one weekend, gone the next…..Live for today friends, for tomorrow is never a given. 

Goodbye Great Gene, I have learned so much from you and will make you proud.  See you soon!!

Much Love,

Terry

One tough lady

April 22, 2010

I want to tell you guys about a quick little lesson in faith, and the act of always having faith.  Now, I know that things don’t always go the way we want it but the power of believing, and having positivity really helps reduce stress & worrying.  This is an extremely hard thing to do, especially when it involves the health of a loved one but you have to just free your mind of doubt.  

Currently I am sitting in the lobby of Good Shephard Medical Center with half of my family since 7am this morning.  The reason I am here is because my grandmother “Great Gene” had a minor heart attack on Tuesday.  When they brought her in they discovered that 90% of her heart was blocked resulting in the need for quadruple bypass surgery.   Did I mention that she is 88 years old?  At that age they give you a 20% survival rate due to the  duress of the heart.  To make matters worse, right before she was to go in for surgery she kinda let the Doc know that she was having a dizzy spell or two. She had been tough and hard headed about it, totally forgetting to mention.  The surgeon goes to recheck the evaluation and finds that 80% of her carotid artery (neck) is blocked and that needs to be fixed as well. 

Great Gene is a very active and cool grandmother.  Her favorite thing to do is travel around to these square dance events and party all weekend.  She drives with her friends in a motorhome that’s like 50 feet long and it just makes me laugh thinking about it, I mean this thing is HUGE!!! She is very strong, stubborn, and sassy but you have to love women like this.  She actually told me earlier that she knew she would survive this surgery because she is so active and dances all the time. 

Now the lesson I want you to learn is this.  Do NOT worry.  Great Gene was scared inside but remained confident up until the minute they wheeled her away from us.  She asked the Doc if he had a good nights sleep so he’d be ready and was chatting us up the whole hour before surgery.  This positive mood carried over to us in the waiting room and I never for a second doubted that she wouldnt wake up.  We kept getting funny looks all day while we were telling stories, laughing, and  being loud.  Who says the lobby has to be all quiet & sad at all times? 

I encourage you to always have faith & believe things will always work out.  You will start to control your mind and fears if you can get good at this. 

Believe,

Terry