Hey girl hey :)
Hope you are having a great week! I can't wait to see you this weekend for some skiiiing!!!
Earlier this week I was listening to a Christian radio station and heard an amazing story about an Olympic champion and brain tumor survivor Scott Hamilton... here is a video of his story:
http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/scott-hamilton/
What he says at 7 minutes and 19 seconds is unbelievable. He has many years of perspective... I can't wait until one day when we are a little bit older and are drinking coffee talking about life and you can honestly tell me that your brain tumor was the worst but best thing that ever happened to you. It may take a little bit of time but I can already see how it changed who you are, and who are entire family is- and for the better. Don't feel like you have to feel that way now, just some day I know you will be able to :)
You are Miracle Meagan!
Keep cruising girl! School, work.... I am so pumped and proud of you. See you FRIDAYYYYY!!!! You absolutely rock!!!!
XOXO,
Brooke
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
You. Make. Me. Proud.
Dear Meagan,
The purpose of this blog is solely to congratulate you on the amazing progress you are making! Most of the time going to school and going to work is an incredible experience. You look forward to seeing work friends, and you love learning in your classes- so that makes these activities fun... On top of that they help you feel productive and like you are going somewhere and doing something positive with your time and your life. BUT sometimes getting to class and work is a struggle because you just don't wanna go. Those are the days you buck up and do it, and normally everything goes just fine and you end up being happy that you went and made something productive of your day :) Tonight I just want to tell you that I am SO proud of you because on the days that you don't want to go- you have been pushing through more than you EVER had before. Sure you may have missed one class or so (who hasn't?). But for the vast majority this is the best attended semester you have had since your surgeries. AND you are holding an awesome JOB on top of that without missing any shifts (MAKE THAT MONEY)!
What is amazing is that this is just the start. You learned so much from everything you went through and honestly so did our entirely family and others around us. You came up swinging and I am so excited that you did! Like I said, the best part is that this is only the beginning- the background work. Right now you are working towards your dream- keep picturing the day when you get to LIVE it :) As a PT assistant or German translator helping others around you! You really have gotten your groove back miss thing and there is something I need you to do for me... right now... raise your right hand... and pat yourself on the back ;) You deserve it! I can't wait to go up north with you in a couple weeks! Bellaire is not ready for these sisters to hit the town!
Love you girl... hope you are enjoying Juan Pablo tonight ;) Aye Aye Aye!
XOXO,
Brooke
The purpose of this blog is solely to congratulate you on the amazing progress you are making! Most of the time going to school and going to work is an incredible experience. You look forward to seeing work friends, and you love learning in your classes- so that makes these activities fun... On top of that they help you feel productive and like you are going somewhere and doing something positive with your time and your life. BUT sometimes getting to class and work is a struggle because you just don't wanna go. Those are the days you buck up and do it, and normally everything goes just fine and you end up being happy that you went and made something productive of your day :) Tonight I just want to tell you that I am SO proud of you because on the days that you don't want to go- you have been pushing through more than you EVER had before. Sure you may have missed one class or so (who hasn't?). But for the vast majority this is the best attended semester you have had since your surgeries. AND you are holding an awesome JOB on top of that without missing any shifts (MAKE THAT MONEY)!
What is amazing is that this is just the start. You learned so much from everything you went through and honestly so did our entirely family and others around us. You came up swinging and I am so excited that you did! Like I said, the best part is that this is only the beginning- the background work. Right now you are working towards your dream- keep picturing the day when you get to LIVE it :) As a PT assistant or German translator helping others around you! You really have gotten your groove back miss thing and there is something I need you to do for me... right now... raise your right hand... and pat yourself on the back ;) You deserve it! I can't wait to go up north with you in a couple weeks! Bellaire is not ready for these sisters to hit the town!
Love you girl... hope you are enjoying Juan Pablo tonight ;) Aye Aye Aye!
XOXO,
Brooke
Friday, January 17, 2014
I... DONT... THINK... SO
Dear Meagan,
So this is going back a couple weeks now (to Jan 1st) but I still can not stop thinking about this amazing moment in the Rose Bowl game where MSU (go green) rocked Stanford to take home the 100th rose bowl championship game :) Woooo hooooo!
What I remember most from that game is this critical play. We were SO close to winning but Stanford had a shot if they could get just 1-2 yards on this play. Chris Ellsworth was in the game (I believe) covering for Max Bullogh who had been suspended.
The pictures below show the story... but he basically said I... DON'T...THINK ... SO! He FLEW I am not kidding you FLEW over all the men on the field and stopped the Stanford player like a brick wall. It was amazing!!! He was minutes away from winning the rose bowl and he took complete control. In an interview he told the reporter that the best way to stop him was by jumping over all the other players. Hey do what you gotta do I guess... here are the photos:
And of course there is a life lesson in all of this :) When you are on your way to success there will be close calls and instances when people try to stop you. Bullies of any kind... but like Chris Ellsworth you just gotta say I... DON'T... THINK... SO!!!
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because in a recent facebook post you talked about your tumor affecting your relationships. You said some guy stopped talking to you when he found out and some of your girlfriends stopped talking to you as well because they may have not known how to react... don't let these people or anyone else stop you from becoming the success that you are becoming. Say I... DON'T... THINK... SO!!! And carry on.
I'm so proud of you taking class and working! You have made such incredible progress. I love you schwester, see you this weekend :)
XOXO,
Brooke
So this is going back a couple weeks now (to Jan 1st) but I still can not stop thinking about this amazing moment in the Rose Bowl game where MSU (go green) rocked Stanford to take home the 100th rose bowl championship game :) Woooo hooooo!
What I remember most from that game is this critical play. We were SO close to winning but Stanford had a shot if they could get just 1-2 yards on this play. Chris Ellsworth was in the game (I believe) covering for Max Bullogh who had been suspended.
The pictures below show the story... but he basically said I... DON'T...THINK ... SO! He FLEW I am not kidding you FLEW over all the men on the field and stopped the Stanford player like a brick wall. It was amazing!!! He was minutes away from winning the rose bowl and he took complete control. In an interview he told the reporter that the best way to stop him was by jumping over all the other players. Hey do what you gotta do I guess... here are the photos:
And of course there is a life lesson in all of this :) When you are on your way to success there will be close calls and instances when people try to stop you. Bullies of any kind... but like Chris Ellsworth you just gotta say I... DON'T... THINK... SO!!!
The reason I wanted to share this with you is because in a recent facebook post you talked about your tumor affecting your relationships. You said some guy stopped talking to you when he found out and some of your girlfriends stopped talking to you as well because they may have not known how to react... don't let these people or anyone else stop you from becoming the success that you are becoming. Say I... DON'T... THINK... SO!!! And carry on.
I'm so proud of you taking class and working! You have made such incredible progress. I love you schwester, see you this weekend :)
XOXO,
Brooke
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
San Francisco Christmas Photo Memoir!
It all started with a little Karaoke in the airport
And a flight over the mountains to sunny San Fran
Where trolleys were plentiful...
But teeth were scarce...
The Sutherland's, Roman's and Van Oast's visited Napa in STYLE!
And took a fancy limo...
To three wineries (Chateau Montelana- photo 1, Tedechi- photo 1&2, and Frank Family Farms- no photo)
Lots of time was spent in the beautiful Belvedere:
The group also took a ride on a ferry...
To downtown San Fran!
All in all they had a lot of family fun!
But of ALL the photos... this is number one!
Love you Sissy!!! Had a great time on our trip :)
XOXO,
Brooke
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Working Girl! Working Girl!
Dear Meagan,
Last night completed your THIRD shift at your new j-o-b! I am so pumped for you and proud of you. Getting back in the work force is a gigantic step forward for you. You are such a role model to others who have struggled, you never gave up and are back to being a contributing member of society! Woo hoo! I love how you described your job to me, "I get to walk around and make the store look pretty." You have such a positive attitude about your new job and I foresee long and happy employment for you there.
WikiHow posted, "How to be a good employee" (http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Employee). Although you are a stellar employee already, I thought I would share their tips and tricks with you! Use this blog as a quick guide but check out the link above for a full description.
1.Behave professionally
2. Learn to take criticism graciously
3.Learn to do your job, and do it well
4. Cultivate good relationships with the people in your organization; they are experts in their departments
5. When you get the opportunity to learn a new skill, receive training for a different activity, or take a study course paid for by your employer- do it!
6. Maintain a clean job performance record
7. Be on time
8. Ask your supervisor what the expectations for outcomes are
9. Be part of the solutions
10. Don't drag your feet
11. Be quiet and work (aka no gossiping)
12. Always be productive
13. Dress appropriately for work
14. Hold your head high and be confident
15. Volunteer or be active in projects to get the job done
16. Don't spend a lot of time on personal phone calls/texting
17. Use the last 15-20 minutes of your shift
18. Offer junior employees guidance and encouragement
19. Acceptance (of company policy) is key
20. Be appreciative, always say thank you to bosses and co-workers
Make sure to continuously evaluate yourself as an employee using these traits. It is great to have self-awareness so people don't have to tell you where to improve, you can work on it on your own! You are kicking butt lady! Keep it up!
XOXO,
Brooke
Last night completed your THIRD shift at your new j-o-b! I am so pumped for you and proud of you. Getting back in the work force is a gigantic step forward for you. You are such a role model to others who have struggled, you never gave up and are back to being a contributing member of society! Woo hoo! I love how you described your job to me, "I get to walk around and make the store look pretty." You have such a positive attitude about your new job and I foresee long and happy employment for you there.
WikiHow posted, "How to be a good employee" (http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Employee). Although you are a stellar employee already, I thought I would share their tips and tricks with you! Use this blog as a quick guide but check out the link above for a full description.
1.Behave professionally
2. Learn to take criticism graciously
3.Learn to do your job, and do it well
4. Cultivate good relationships with the people in your organization; they are experts in their departments
5. When you get the opportunity to learn a new skill, receive training for a different activity, or take a study course paid for by your employer- do it!
6. Maintain a clean job performance record
7. Be on time
8. Ask your supervisor what the expectations for outcomes are
9. Be part of the solutions
10. Don't drag your feet
11. Be quiet and work (aka no gossiping)
12. Always be productive
13. Dress appropriately for work
14. Hold your head high and be confident
15. Volunteer or be active in projects to get the job done
16. Don't spend a lot of time on personal phone calls/texting
17. Use the last 15-20 minutes of your shift
18. Offer junior employees guidance and encouragement
19. Acceptance (of company policy) is key
20. Be appreciative, always say thank you to bosses and co-workers
Make sure to continuously evaluate yourself as an employee using these traits. It is great to have self-awareness so people don't have to tell you where to improve, you can work on it on your own! You are kicking butt lady! Keep it up!
XOXO,
Brooke
Friday, November 22, 2013
Tattoo Lady!
Dear Meagan,
TATTOOED LADY! Woo hoo... you got your survivor tattoo and I absolutely LOVE it!!!
I love that you got the gray brain cancer ribbon on your neck, close to your head... and of course with the word SURVIVOR! This is a perfect location, and every time someone sees it they will have some understanding of the incredible struggles that you have overcome! I love how much meaning your new ink has! Also the heart at the top of the ribbon... awesome!
I'm sure XS gave you a lot of care detail but remember not to let any sun beat down on it for a couple months to prevent fading. Also it is going to scab up soon... DO NOT PICK IT! When you pick it, it will pull the color out and you will end up with a splotchy ribbon. I was religious about this and ended up with no spots of missing color, but I know a few people who picked and have color missing at those spots now. Also make sure to be really good about the cleaning regimen they gave you! It's like having a nasty wound that you want to heal perfectly, you have to take care of it in order for that to happen!
Love the new ink, love, love, love. And love you too!
XOXO,
Brooke
TATTOOED LADY! Woo hoo... you got your survivor tattoo and I absolutely LOVE it!!!
I love that you got the gray brain cancer ribbon on your neck, close to your head... and of course with the word SURVIVOR! This is a perfect location, and every time someone sees it they will have some understanding of the incredible struggles that you have overcome! I love how much meaning your new ink has! Also the heart at the top of the ribbon... awesome!
I'm sure XS gave you a lot of care detail but remember not to let any sun beat down on it for a couple months to prevent fading. Also it is going to scab up soon... DO NOT PICK IT! When you pick it, it will pull the color out and you will end up with a splotchy ribbon. I was religious about this and ended up with no spots of missing color, but I know a few people who picked and have color missing at those spots now. Also make sure to be really good about the cleaning regimen they gave you! It's like having a nasty wound that you want to heal perfectly, you have to take care of it in order for that to happen!
Love the new ink, love, love, love. And love you too!
XOXO,
Brooke
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Improving your Memory
Dear Meagan,
You have come so far in your journey of recovery! You are now using your days productively and are a self-starter! I am so proud of you and how far you have come :)
Even though you have made unbelievable progress, there is still one challenge you face... your memory. So this blog is all about how to improve your memory.
The first recommendation I have is to spend 15-20 minutes per day on lumonisity.com to do some brain training! When you had your surgeries a lot of brain pathways were broken. The amazing thing? They have the power to re-wire and become good as new. So RIGHT NOW set a DAILY alarm on your phone to do your lumonisity training. Sometime mid-morning may work best for you. Seriously STOP reading and make the alarm!....
Ok the next thing that I've read can improve your memory is an exercise you do at night right before bedtime (maybe as you are brushing your teeth, etc). Before you fall asleep recall everything you did that day. From morning until night, as detailed as you possibly can. At first it will be VERY rough and you may only remember a thing or two but STICK with it! So RIGHT NOW put a sign near your bed or on the bathroom mirror that reminds you to recall your day. This is supposed to be a great exercise.
Another important component is to EAT properly and SLEEP properly. Sleeping properly means on a schedule 7-9 hours a night and maybe a nap during the day ;) Eating properly means fruits, veggies, whole grain, healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, lean meat), beans, lean dairy, and fish! In fact taking Omega 3 vitamins on top of regularly consuming fish would be a great idea for your brain training!
So start this journey by taking these three steps. Play on lumonisity, recall your day, and eat/sleep well. Once your memory is improved I truly believe you will be able to accomplish your goals of being independent :)
XOXO,
Brooke
You have come so far in your journey of recovery! You are now using your days productively and are a self-starter! I am so proud of you and how far you have come :)
Even though you have made unbelievable progress, there is still one challenge you face... your memory. So this blog is all about how to improve your memory.
The first recommendation I have is to spend 15-20 minutes per day on lumonisity.com to do some brain training! When you had your surgeries a lot of brain pathways were broken. The amazing thing? They have the power to re-wire and become good as new. So RIGHT NOW set a DAILY alarm on your phone to do your lumonisity training. Sometime mid-morning may work best for you. Seriously STOP reading and make the alarm!....
Ok the next thing that I've read can improve your memory is an exercise you do at night right before bedtime (maybe as you are brushing your teeth, etc). Before you fall asleep recall everything you did that day. From morning until night, as detailed as you possibly can. At first it will be VERY rough and you may only remember a thing or two but STICK with it! So RIGHT NOW put a sign near your bed or on the bathroom mirror that reminds you to recall your day. This is supposed to be a great exercise.
Another important component is to EAT properly and SLEEP properly. Sleeping properly means on a schedule 7-9 hours a night and maybe a nap during the day ;) Eating properly means fruits, veggies, whole grain, healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, lean meat), beans, lean dairy, and fish! In fact taking Omega 3 vitamins on top of regularly consuming fish would be a great idea for your brain training!
So start this journey by taking these three steps. Play on lumonisity, recall your day, and eat/sleep well. Once your memory is improved I truly believe you will be able to accomplish your goals of being independent :)
XOXO,
Brooke
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