AFRICA Day 4 – OH MY WORD, Day 9

AFRICA Day 4 – OH MY WORD, Day 9

First off, where has the time gone? We have driven countless miles since we started hunting last Saturday morning. However, there is no way to really count the miles due to so many things going on around us.

Beautiful animals, from the size of a small dog to larger than life — elephants.

 Two nights ago, my PH and I were on a stalk, hoping to cut off the hartebeests we saw in the grasslands. Long story short, we did not cut off the hartebeests, due to giraffes coming to scope us out; I no longer call them giraffes, I call them SNITCHES!!!!

So there we were waiting for my brother and the prentice (Profession Hunter in training) to come extract us, when Rudy, my PH, and I started coming over a small ridge. As we started to crest, Rudy soft voice said, “stop.” I looked down to my left and what do I see, mountain zebras grazing.

Earlier, I told Rudy I did not want to shoot a zebra; but then I saw them, my heart started to pound, Rudy placed the shooting sticks in front of me. Before I knew it, I was on scope the breeze was gently brushing my entire face like a soft cotton ball, the wind was in our advantage. I felt my heart go from a freight train to a snails pace. My PH said, “last one crossing the road is a beautiful stallion, he is all yours.” Safety is off my finger on the trigger, right in my crosshairs it walked; to my advantage it stopped just off the road, facing NE. My finger was saying squeeze, my brain said look at the grace; on came the safety, still on scope, I watch as the sunset created a slight glow. I watched him for probably 4 minutes through scope but I seemed like hours. My PH, looking at me smiled and said, “thank you for not shooting.”

At that moment, I felt revitalized, almost at complete peace; I say almost because I was still pissed at the giraffes, — SNITCHES!!!

Back to calm

Since we, my brother and I have been here, we have seen creatures of amazing strength but gentle hearts, wild life that with one swift swipe or charge it is over, but at no time did or do we feel unsafe. Well, I do cause myself a large amount of fear when Rudy and I go walking through the bush, he is watching the game, I am watching for snake, I HATE SNAKES!!!!!

When the day is done, we see sunsets that no painter could copy, no camera can capture; it is just your eyes telling your brain, no asking your brain, is this really happening, is that truly a color?

 The cool night air holds and cools your body like water in a pool. You feel all your stress vanish, like a light being turned off — just like that it’s gone.

Just when you think it could not get any better, the night gods awaken the sky comes to life with stars that are so bright you would think you are in planetarium; so big and bright you want to reach out and touch them.

Jaw dropping is the night sky, because for far too long the night sky has been city lights or TV sets; the hustle and bustle of trying to get more things done.

Yet, as Rudy drives us back to the lodge I lean out the window and let everything just drift away as Africa does not care about your worries, it only wants you to be here and now.

More to come, more to see, more to learn and lots to experience.


Always Sitting, Always in Motion


Aaron

Day 2 & 3 Africa

Day 2 & 3 Africa

Day 2 — Okay we made it! We got picked up by the Afton House and it was an amazing facility. They had a BBQ for us with steaks, potatos ALL THE FIXINGS including scotch; which, well, never mind.

Day 3 — We arrived in Namibia and all our lugage was here. Down side, somewhere along the trip one of the airlines people  unplugged ALL the wires on my Action Track Chair, so it was and currently is dead in the water sort of speaking.

Oleofse Safaris picked us up and we drove the 4 hours to the ranch. Once we got there, we changed vehicles and drove another 10 miles through the bush to getting to the hunting camp. Along the way, we saw Black Wildebeast, Impalas, Worthogs, many others; and that is not including all the animals we saw getting from the airport here.

At the hunting lodge they showed us our room and might I sat, I AM NOT COMING HOME!

Food — they fed us an INCREDIBLE meal we had chutney glazed chicken, Kudu rolls wrapped in spinach and bacon good lord I can't remember what else and rice. Did I mention I am not coming home?

We are sleeping in tomorrow, my body is saying enough. Write more later but Africa will never be the same; nor will Jason and I.

Always Sitting Always in Motion

Aaron  

Day 1 AFRICA

It was 2:15 when my alarm went off. Thousands of things screaming in my head. Do I have everything,  do I need to bring this or that? Either way, Jason and I are going to wheels up @ 9:00 a.m.

Sometime in the next 27 hours we will be in South Africa - Johanesburg  then off to Windhoek where the long drive begins; however, at that time I will be sound asleep or barely functioning, or lite and bright and screaming with excitement.

Had a great send off with family and friends last night, stayed up a bit too late but that is what plans are for - sleep.

Next post, sometime Friday, Saturday or Sunday.


Always Sitting, Always in Motion

Aaron

  

Nice way to end the week — Summary of my performance

Nice way to end the week; this was in my E-mail this morning — especially wonderful going into the "Emcee" position tonight for Ms Wheelchair Minnesota event:

Nice way to end the week; this was in my E-mail this morning:

Hi Aaron
Thank you again for the wonderful presentation at the
Potpourri Conference - below is a summary of the comments from the evaluation forms.
We request participants to rate sessions on a 4.0 scale.

We will connect with you about the video.

Aaron Cross 3.79
●Very good speaker that held my attention.
●I loved the support stories.
●Awesome!
●I would give this a 5 if I could!
●Entertaining and interesting.
●Excellent! X8
●Best part of the day. X3
●Aaron Cross is a very inspirational speaker and makes you think about what is important.
●Aaron Cross was very helpful for me, to keep on my target; going through a few changes in life and struggling some, but his reminder was a very great impact on me at the moment. Thank you.
●Aaron Cross was super awesome, very motivational and got me ready for being here on a Saturday.
●Aaron Cross’ presentation and his extraordinary support stories were the best part of the day.

Cindy Owen
Executive Director
Arc Midstate

Sound check at 7a.m. Looking forward to making people laugh this morning. 

Start your mornings off with the following, and your stress will melt away faster than snow on a 90 degree day — and without the mess.

Great breakfast, Monster Hug, and a laugh that keeps you laughing through the day.

Fast Paced Days

Fast paced days can seem overwhelming, but they can also be the days you accomplish the most.

Today is, the little chores that you need to accomplish in order to make the tours successful.
Laundry, hotel calls, making sure your school addresses are correct, maps and back-up routes, double and triple check sound system and stage needs. Finally, start working on the home so that when you come back it is not so stressful and you come back to what you want; not what you have to do.

Always Sitting, Always in Motion

Aaron

Hugs — Mr. Cross is that you? — E-mails

Hugs — Mr. Cross is that you? — E-mails

So, it is difficult to speak at times, when it comes to younger kids (PreK-6.) Don't get me wrong they are hilariously funny and they can make your jaw drop with their insight. 

However, today, I was at a loss; I just felt like I was not getting to any of them until the end (question and answer time.) As I asked the group, "Does anyone have any questions?" This little boy, (4, 5 or 6 years old) stood up and before the teacher could whisper sit back down, he ran right up to me and gave me the biggest hug EVER! Okay, I got to one today. :-)

I get to my hotel in Bismarck, ND tonight and as I was getting out of my car I hear, "Mr. Cross, Aaron Cross, is that you?" I spun around and said, "Yes."

WOW, it's really you, I was at your school you spoke to three weeks ago, here, let me help you get into your hotel.

Sometimes, the greatest gift is to meet people you have reached.

In my room I open up my e-mail to find this;

"Dear Aaron Cross,Your presentation was very inspiring. You are brave, amazing, inspirational and cool. It was amazing watching you shoot the arrow with your teeth and your bronze medal was sweet! Most people do not get bronze medals. You are an inspirational athlete. We were surprised that you went skydiving, scuba-diving, and skiing. We think you should write a informational/motivational book for kids.

Sincerely,
The Students of 4L"

Same school I thought I bombed today, I got a incredible memorable hug, and now a letter.

Hugs — Mr. Cross is that you? — E-mails, sometimes life is just AWESOME!

Shoulders are a bit sore today as yesterday I shot 3 scores, totaling 210 arrows; little bit much, but i'll tell you what, the shots were going great! My closest friend was helping me out and it sure made life easier, not easy, but easier.

Sometimes just knowing that a friend will always be there is one of the greatest gifts in the WORLD!!!! In fact, it beats any medal, any score and any award.

The best thing in the world is when the put their arm around you and say, "I'm right here and I am not going anywhere — i've got your back." Today, thank a friend, your child, your wife/husband and or mom and dad; it's a great day to do that. Thanks Carisa Andy Rasmussen for all your support and help; you are truly a blessing.

Thanks Shawn Woods, without you my life would be "WTF"

Thanks to my brother and mom and dad (step dad and step mom) All the people who have said to me "get up," take one more push Aaron; without that, it would have been so much harder.

Thank someone today for the gifts they bring to you.

School hosts Motivation on Wheels by Del Bartels

School hosts Motivation on Wheels

by Del Bartels

      An assembly at the Philip school gymnasium called Motivation on Wheels was held Monday, September 10, at 9:00 a.m.

      Philip senior Thomas Doolittle volunteered to hold a small clay pigeon to be shot from his fingers by an arrow shot from a wheelchair-bound quadriplegic who had to draw back the bow with his teeth.
As part of the Dakota Assemblies program, Aaron Cross gave a motivational presentation about staying positive and going after one’s dreams. Cross is a three-time paralympian in archery. According to his Dakota Assemblies program promotional, he has visited schools in many states, giving a down-to-earth message that is meant for all ages.

      Cross first told of the bicycle race in which a support van stopped directly in front of him. At a speed of approximately 38 miles per hour, he struck the van and snapped his neck in several places. A medivac helicopter ride, an emergency room, a surgeon, his father ... all blended together. On that day in 1991, the doctors told Aaron and his family, “The best thing you can do for him is get him a good color television and a good remote.” He was a 15-year-old Olympian bicyclist hopeful who could run a mile in 4:50. “Just like that it was all gone.”

      “You cannot feel your best friend’s hug, you cannot feel any hug ever again,” said Cross. Admitting that he was probably depressing the audience, he related that his friend reported back to his school, “Don’t worry. Aaron is a little shorter and gets better parking, but he’s just fine.” Upon returning to a reconditioned home, he found out that his own school wasn’t going to have him back and he would be going to a rival school. His friends got 375 signatures of fellow students who would transfer as well if Cross had to. His school allowed him to stay. Later his friend stated during a school concert that honored Cross, “You’ve brought us together. We are closer as a class than we have ever been.”

      After the accident Cross began working on getting his arms to function. Back then, it took him three hours to get undressed, showered and redressed. Now, it takes him 28 minutes to do that and get in his vehicle to drive somewhere. “Twenty-one years of focusing on your target; twenty-one years of believing in yourself,” said Cross.

      Using humor, Cross told of his learning to swim, “It’s pretty simple; sink and swim.” Because of his friends, he has learned to parachute, scuba dive, hunt and do other activities. He told the audience, “Leading the pack or coming in last – it’s about finishing.” He also stated, “Remember, someone always cares about you.” One day his friend even thought it was a good idea to put a weapon is his hands. Cross has been shooting the bow and arrow since.

      As well as the Olympics, he dreamed of being a Navy Seal. A while back, the Seals invited him for a visit. “The Seals brought me into a training course. Beat the living snot out of me! It was beautiful!” said Cross.
According to his website; Aaron Cross, born in Waterloo, Iowa, in 1975, graduated from Augsburg College in 1997. He competed in the 1996 Summer Paralympics and in the 2000 Summer Paralympics, but did not medal either time. He went on to compete in the 2002 wheelchair archery world championships in Nymburk, Czech Republic. Finally, as a member of the American team he won bronze in archery at the 2004 Summer Paralympics.

      Cross told the Philip students of his FOCUS – friendships, obstacles, caring, unity and self-esteem.. His website states, “Always sitting, but never not in motion” and “Because life is about living, not wondering.”

-30-

Newsweek (09/13/12)

Photos by Del Bartels

Special Thanks goes to Philip H.S. Staff and Students

Always "FOCUS on YOUR TARGET" 

Celebrating Entrepreneurial Spirit!

Cross receives award for entrepreneurial spirit

Aaron Cross a local, self-employed businessman was nominated and selected to receive the 2012 Judd Jacobson Award for entrepreneurial spirit. Nomination and support for Cross came from the Cambridge Minnesota Workforce Center, Cambridge, Minn., along with Accessible Homes and Midwest Stair Lifts, St. Paul, Minn.

The Judd Jacobson Memorial Award is named for the late Minnesota business leader who became a quadriplegic as a result of a diving accident. The award is administered by Courage Center, with funds made possible by Daniel J. Gainey, a lifelong friend of Jacobson.

Established in 1992, the Judd Jacobson Memorial Award recognizes pursuit or achievement of a business entrepreneurial endeavor by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment. The award recipient receives a special plaque, a $5,000 cash award to advance his or her entrepreneurial business endeavor and is honored at a special event October 3rd at Courage Center in Golden Valley, Minn.

Cross, a quadriplegic resulting from a bicycle accident at the age of 15, owns and operates and nationally known motivational speaking company, Motivation On Wheels Professional Public Speaking. In 2011, Cross added Life Skills Training to his business; and in 2012 he added Assistive Technology Training, working with persons of any age and ability to learn, create and become successful in all they do.

Cross will use the grant to obtain specific certifications enabling him to work with more clients and create more opportunities for them.  

Walking for the first time

Sand Pines Pheasant Preserve is an official rep for Action Trak Chairs and as you can see, I was standing and rolling.

Motivation on Wheels Keynotes for Disability Awareness Month at St. Paul College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 25, 2012

Contact:  Aaron Cross

320-241-5908

aaron.cross@motivationonwheels.com

Motivation on Wheels Keynotes for Disability Awareness Month at St. Paul College

St. Cloud -- St. Paul College has booked GL Berg Entertainment’s Aaron Cross and Motivation On Wheels Professional Public Speaking for the keynote presentation kicking off Disability Awareness Month at St. Paul College, St. Paul, Minn. Aaron’s nationally known and award-winning presentation “FOCUS on Your Target” will target the stage Monday, Oct. 1, 2012 at 11:30 a.m.

For the last 21 years Aaron Cross, in some way shape or form, has been entertaining and leaving audiences inspired with his power-packed performance of overcoming adversity and disability, by creating opportunities through his abilities.

Many people around the country say that, “… if Cross’ accident happened to me, it would have easily been a life-ending accident.” However, this is where Cross is different than most. “It was not a “life-ending accident; it is a character-building accident,” Cross says. He goes on to say, “My chair didn’t end my life; it helps me create my life.”

Cross, all be it “jaw dropping” at times while on stage, tells a story of tribulations to triumphs, heart breaking moments, to heart pulsing, you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me emotions, and his archery shot will make you stand on your feet to not miss a single millisecond. Aaron’s performance of persuasion and personal power will keep you at the edge of your seat.

Aaron Cross takes passion, performance and presentation to a whole new level of inspiration — 60 minutes to change the way you think, feel and live your life.

-30-

focusonyou: “It is going to be a great day!”

focusonyou: “It is going to be a great day!”: “It is going to be a great day!” It is going to be a great day! I did something yesterday which most people think I do eve...

“It is going to be a great day!”

“It is going to be a great day!”

It is going to be a great day! I did something yesterday which most people think I do everyday; no it is not walking (my friend Carisa says I’m faking this whole thing.) No, I actually followed my calendar and finished everything that was on it for that day, including all my chart notes — “It is going to be a great day!”

Most people look at others, myself included and ask questions such as; how do they get everything done, what are they doing that is so different than me, how do I become better at this? These are valid questions for anyone and by anyone that wants to be great at something.

Answer: Are you sure you are ready for this answer? You might be shocked to what it is, you might even say something to the affect of “What! That can’t be it!” My response to that would and will be, “I’m sorry, but that is the answer.”

Here it is — Ask for help.

“It is going to be a great day!”

Always Sitting Always in Motion

Aaron

Told you, it is that simple; just ask for help.

PS. Carisa, yeah I really can't walk

Tosca Reno: Eating Clean is a Life Changer - For Family Too!

Tosca Reno: Eating Clean is a Life Changer - For Family Too!


It has been awe inspiring for me to watch my friend create a new world of opportunities, not only for herself; which in my opinion is the most important, but also for others.

Yes, I might be slightly biased, however, having first hand experience of watching Kristi's passion help others to create, excel and bring to fruition is nothing short of life altering.

The choice to change is a hard one. One of my closest and most cherished friends made the decision to work with Kristi. Personal drive made my cherished friend want to change; and with Kristi's guidance, I believe she has made it.

Always Sitting Always in Motion
Aaron

“Because it Feels Good”

Lately there has been something eating at me; a sense of, well, dare I say disgust. Not towards others but towards myself and as many of us know, having a negative sense of self-worth only leads to a negative lifestyle.

I have always said that I would be brutally honest; not to mention outspoken when I write these blogs. My writings are not to offend, but to actually give people the clear vision that life is not always satisfaction and glory. In fact, like many things, it’s a real pain in the ass! I know, shocker, right? What most people do not know about me is, I have a very low self-image of my appearances — particularly my “Quad Belly.”

In the past, I eat right, done/do athletics; from swimming to racing, weightlifting to shooting sports; but it never seems to be enough. Meaning, I have yet to accomplish my desired look (weight.) So like most people, I start out like gang busters train eat right and try and get myself to my desired look.

For the last two weeks, I have been going out in my racing chair with a long life friend of mine — we will call him Brad. I have got to be honest — IT SUCKS DICK!

All the hassle, getting up early, adding something more into my schedule, the frustrations of getting in and out of the chairs and to top it off; being out there and having to keep going and it not being like it use to be. “It just SUCKS!”

Yet for some reason, Brad and I are out there trying to better ourselves for many different reasons. What it came down too today, I had no speed, I felt way overweight and it was just damn frustrating — but we finished.

Finish because it makes you feel better; Finish, because you started. Finish because, had we not gone out this morning, a sense of failure would start to set in; and of course, that leads into missing another day, then another and then we get to start all over again.

My ramblings today might be confusing, but today, I wanted all of you to know, that everyone has crap days, everyone has bad performances; everyone at some point starts to think about stopping; don’t! Just get back out there again. You started for a reason — “Because it Feels Good.”

Bad day, Bad week, Bad year, we all have them; just get back out there, “Because it Feels Good” in the end.  

True Spirt, Ture Love

http://www.godvine.com/Boy-Does-Something-Unbelievable-for-his-Little-Brother-1579.html

Have a Fantastic Day

A new day a new dawn and life is great - challenges are going to arise and set backs are in the future; however, knowing that, and accepting this fact makes it so much easier to move on.

Become the success you want to be and "Have a Fantastic Day!"

Today, see all the positives in your day and life; taste your morning coffee, hug your family, call your kids, laugh with your parents and friends, put a caring note in your loved ones car, send flowers — not because you have too, but because you want to; surround your self with positive emotions and thoughts.

"Thoughts create emotion and emotions create your attitude." — Unknown, but I say it a lot

Always Sitting Always in Motion

Aaron

Stories Parents Find Out Later

So as I write, I try and write about topics that persuade my readers to try harder and live better; well, sometimes that comes from "Stories Parents Find Out Later."

When I was 14, I wanted to drive, like most kids do — seeing their older sister/brother driving just drives you nuts as you want to follow. On a cold October night, my parents went out for a night on the town, my brother was off somewhere and I was left at home. Snow had fallen already and there was plenty of it; so yes I decided it would be a great idea to go practice driving up and down my parent's driveway —After all, my parents let me pull in and pull out the car so what's the big deal?

After playing for, oh, I guess 20 minutes, I looked at the car clock and thought I better get this high speed Dodge Omni racing car back in; now I'm not sure what I did differently accept to say, uhm, yeah, I did it wrong!

I backed the car right into the snow that my father had so neatly plowed — just missing the huge pine tree getting the car stuck, and I mean stuck! After some futile attempts to get the car out and the clock ticking till my parents got home, I did the only thing I could think of, I called my best friend over to assist me. Now in order to protect the innocent, I am just going to say, he was huge, strong and his name was not Woody Sanky.


My non descriptive friend gets a call and (tidaaaaaaah) the calvary to the rescue; but since he could not drive he brought his mom — one problem at a time please.

My Non-discriptive friend tried and tried; but nothing was going to work the Ferrari of which I was driving was toast, I was soon going to follow. Yes, I was going to have to take my situation and face the fact, I was, well I was in trouble — big trouble.

I took one look at my best friend, the same one that vowed to be there in time of need and vise-versa; and he said a (cuss word); he then proceeded to walk behind the car, lift with all his "HE-MAN and the Masters of the Universe" strength because, yes, YES! "He Had The Power!" Out of the snow came my jet blue Ferrari of a car.

We, nope, sorry about that, I put the car back in the garage and proceed to wipe off the marks from the pine tree. My non- descriptive friends mother asked me "Your going to tell your parents the truth right?" I looked my second mom in the eyes and said "Oh yes, I've learned my lesson." Side Note: ARE YOU HIGH? As my now accomplices left, I saw the cluster of mess in the what was a neatly plowed driveway.

Yes, I took the snow plow out and cleaned it all up making it look nice and neat; stored the plow and got back inside before my parents got home (6 minutes WHEEEW.)

Parents where happy to see me and like normal gave them hugs. I set my plan into action by asking "Did you see the driveway has been re-plowed?" My dad, said "Yes, whats that all about, did you get in trouble at school?" "No", said with a convincing voice as I did not get in trouble at school. I proceed to tell them that I, in fact, had to get a stuck car out of the snow bank and had to call my Non-Discriptive friend over to help. "Dad, I couldn't believe it, the Jehovah Witnesses stopped by and when they were pulling out, they drove right into the snow bank; just missing our tree. Dad's response was, "Are you serious? (laughing all the way) some people don't know how too drive in the snow.

Moral of the story: We pull some stupid stunts in our lives, making bad decisions; but yet we also make good ones; thus forging our selves to who were are today. Take some time for good laughs today, and remember the tricks you use to pull — laugh and have a great day.


Always Sitting Always in Motion

Aaron

Practice What You Preach

Wow, I can't believe it is Thursday, oh how the time flies by when you are playing catch up. I'll make this short and sweet; the Endeavor Games were amazing to watch and learn, but not really satisfactory for me shooting wise.

I have some great excuses for why I did not shoot well, but it all came down to, "I didn't shoot well." I am taking my own advise, I am doing what I told all of you that read my blogs, "Assess and Move On."

As I sat in my plane seat working on items for my clients, I found myself thinking of what I did right at the shoot; notice I wrote, "what I did right." After my list had more than 20 or so items of success on it I started to think of what I could have done better or might need to change in the future (shooting wise and travel wise.)

When I got back home, I did something completely opposite of what I use to do, meaning, if I shot badly, I would come home and devised a painful and very lengthy training schedule to figure out what I did wrong. However this time, I took time off (said with a smile on my face and light hearted "no worries" attitude) and focused on work, which I had plenty of.

Last night I had leagues with the St. Cloud Archers Association (1/2 900 round; four days since I looked at my bows) and you know what, I shot relaxed, with a smile, I even laughed when between ends; next thing I knew we were done and I had shot my average again and I was happy.

"Practice What You Preach," I "Took Five," I realized "It's Okay, It's Just You," "Assessed and Moved On" and that brought me to my good/great shooting again; not to mention a new relaxed drive inside me to get things done.

"Practice What You Preach" success comes from many set backs and dare I say, from some very  unenjoyable moments; but learn from them and successes are right there in front of you.

Today, "Practice What You Preach!"


Always Sitting Always in Motion

Aaron