Go Wild! Go GREAT! The Journey from Now to WOWTM

Nip, Tuck and Knees in Costa Rica--Why U.S. Citizens seek Medical Care outside of home borders?

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4 legged nurse, Bucky

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Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

My hospital companion saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spent a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. Hot Tip:  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget Costa Rica's Modern Hospitals where rooms are equipped with Flat Screen T.V's, Room Service Menus and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.   

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hospital Gown in aHot Color with the Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  I will say that Clinica Biblica compensates for the skimpy garb, with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medical care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

About Pain Management: My Dr. puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when a new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  There should be some celebrating going on in more hospitals--we get well and give birth there.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com. Bring Rosemary's 1 and 2 day Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization and Take Your Business from Now to WOW!TM

 

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4 legged nurse, Bucky

-

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

My hospital companion saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spent a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. Hot Tip:  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget Costa Rica's Modern Hospitals where rooms are equipped with Flat Screen T.V's, Room Service Menus and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.   

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hospital Gown in aHot Color with the Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  I will say that Clinica Biblica compensates for the skimpy garb, with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medical care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

About Pain Management: My Dr. puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when a new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  There should be some celebrating going on in more hospitals--we get well and give birth there.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com. Bring Rosemary's 1 and 2 day Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization and Take Your Business from Now to WOW!TM

 

Rosemary Arriving Home 5 Hours After Surgery!  At left at home with the best nurse in the world, Lola, who has cared for our house and family for over 9 years and  4 legged nurse, Bucky

-

Having lived in Costa Rica for over 10 years this is not my first surgery in tropical paradise.  The first arthroscopic surgery was done over two years ago, by one of the best knee men in the business, Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez who works out of Clinica Biblica in San Jose, Costa Rica.    I call him the Dr. to the Stars because last week a U.S film crew was following him around as part of a documentary on why so many U.S Citizens are flocking to Costa Rica for both medical and elective surgery.   It was on 20/20! Costa Rica offers outstanding medical care at a fraction of U.S health care prices--something hopefully the next U.S president will be able to address.  It's really quite a concern when the citizens of a first world country like the United States are required to leave their borders to find quality care at affordable prices.  Today, it was time for the left knee surgery, caused by what my Dr. says is pure, dumb luck and bad knees!  I didn't tell him that when I'm conducting leadership, customer service and creativity seminars, I run around for 8 hours non-stop and even do management martial arts.  Nor the fact that my first injury was caused by watching a Billy Blanks Tae Boe Video and really embracing the concept of no pain/no gain.  When Billy  challenged me in his dog tags to push past it...I listened.  Unfortunately I pushed past my meniscus.

So Why Costa Rica and What Can you Expect from Surgery Here?

First, the Dinero!

The surgery that I had today cost me out of pocket slightly more than $500.00.  I have very reasonable and very good in-country insurance but if you were paying without coverage the cost would be $2,700.  Comparatively in the United States the same operation would be approximately $8,000 - $10,000.  This ratio holds true for most medical procedures.  Take for example, the woman from Florida who was going into surgery while I was in recovery.

My hospital companion saw that special on 20/20 and was having breast implants, full lipo including a tummy tuck and a face lift.  Her costs which cover hospital stay and two weeks at a luxury recovery center will be $11,000.  She priced it in the states: $40,000.   This procedure has been a dream for her since she lost over 100 pounds and wanted things to hang in the right places.  I believe we were bed mates for a reason.  She told me that all of her family and friends could not believe she was going to a foreign country to have this done.  Her mother waiting outside pacing the halls.  I'm sure she found it comforting that her bed was next mine.  Here's a gringa and fellow veteran of the medical war  who not only  speaks English, she is  seemingly coherent just one hour after surgery.  I also told her about the many other women I had worked with through Retreats Costa Rica that spent their first week at the Recovery Spa, and spent a few days with us, exploring the country.  Women use that extra time to attend personal growth and goal setting/health workshops, so that both mind and body are in harmony. Hot Tip:  Having work done" also means  an inside job on your own psychology including personal goal setting and techniques to replace unhealthy habits with healthy ones.   

Let's Talk About the Quality of Patient Care in Costa Rica

Pre-Operative:  The week before my surgery, Dr. Oeding and Damarys, his able assistant were e-mailing me  over the weekend, not only checking on my discomfort from the injury but advising me of check-in procedures.  An MRI gave the Dr. a clear vision of the problem and he expedited all the paperwork that was waiting for me at the hospital.  Honestly, it felt like I was checking into a Hyatt, not a Hospital as Jonathan, My Concierge, AKA Admissions rep, had my arm band, paperwork and chart ready and within 20 minutes was taking my overnight bag and personally escorting me to pre-op.  I may coach him a tad on hospital humor.  When he saw My Dr's name he said  "Don't worrry Rosemary, you have a good doctor."  I asked him "okay, so when you look at the chart and see a bad Dr., do you tell  the patients that they've got a dog?"

Let us not forget Costa Rica's Modern Hospitals where rooms are equipped with Flat Screen T.V's, Room Service Menus and Companion Beds so that you don't need to sleep alone.   

Now regardless of what hospital you go to.....don't you just those hospital gowns?  Well they are breezy and hardly make a fashion statement even in Costa Rica.  (Hot Hospital Gowns to Go is my next idea for on-line marketing.)  Picture this, choice of Hospital Gown in aHot Color with the Hospital Logo and while allowing for needed access by the medical staff, keeps you under wraps.  I will say that Clinica Biblica compensates for the skimpy garb, with a hot blower under the blanket.  Yes, a toasty state of the art blowing machine that keeps you warm while you're under wraps is a treat to die for.

Let's talk state of the art medical care .... I have a video of the entire operation coming next week when I check in with the Dr.    In comparison to the Bad B movies I have been renting lately it will be a treat.  Makes me nostalgic for that old 60's movie where they shrunk the people and placed them in a human body.  My movie friend, Dan is here, and tells me the movie featured the Goddess, Raquel Welch and is called "The Fantastic Voyage"

About Pain Management: My Dr. puts a numbing agent in the knee during the surgery, so I'm in very little pain for the worst part of the recovery--the first three days.  Let us not forget that the first surgery gave me complete mobility so I have no doubt that my surgeon is a magician.

Finally, Party Time.   I have visited friends frequently in the hospital and we gringos have created our own tradition.  It's called the "Clinica Biblica Blues Party".    When someone goes in the hospital, friends and family gather with libations and tasty treats.  Somehow I'm thinking that would be against the rules in U.S. Hospitals.      I recall when a new mother here had her family in right after delivery,  cracking champagne to celebrate the new birth.  There should be some celebrating going on in more hospitals--we get well and give birth there.

I hope this blog helps some of you who may be considering surgery in Costa Rica including "having a little work done".  It may also be soothing to those of you considering a move to Costa Rica and evaluation of health care.

Or:   If you don't need to work on body parts, you can simply  get a "Life Lift" at Retreats Costa Rica.  For Additional Information on our Personal Growth, Leadership and Executive Incentive Business meetings in Costa Rica write us at www.retreatscostarica.com   Costa Rica is only a 2.5 hour flight from Miami, 3.5 from Houston and 4.5 hours from New York.  It also qualifies a s a tax-deductible location for business expenses.

www.retreatscostarica.com

For information on Living in Costa Rica and Real Estate  www.dreamincostarica.com

For information on Rosemary's new Book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard, visit www.gowildgogreat.com. Bring Rosemary's 1 and 2 day Go Wild! Go GREAT Safaris in Customer Service, Leadership and Creativity to your organization and Take Your Business from Now to WOW!TM

 

Penguins, Perilous Journeys & Presidents

  Okay so you thought I dropped off the face of the earth.  Not really but close enough, as  Barry and I indeed rounded the tip of South America this month---once a perilous voyage for explorers and home to "March of the Penguins".   First Trivia Question: Can you tell me the significance of the one earing worn by pirates? 

Well according to legend, it's a right only earned,  if you have successfully rounded Cape Horn.  Since I did so and without  "HUA" excessive sea sickness, expect me to be wearing my new "aargh" accessory at the Leadership Workshop I'm conducting for for the Creative Problem Solving Institute in Atlanta (June 21st and 22nd)

   Now that I'm back in my home office,  I will be journaling about my learning discoveries  while teaching this past month From South America to California.  While I had a vigorous teaching schedule of 6 lectures that included "Wine Tasting and Relationships" and "Tango and Communications" there was still time to enjoy the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife.  I must admit after  14 days of cruise ship dining, it was hard to tell the Elephant Seals from Passengers but hey, that's what diets are for. Aargh!

      It was then back to Costa Rica  for a quick turnaround and off to a Dude Ranch in California frequented by the Hollywood Who's Who.  There I facilitated a 2 day Retreat for the YPO (Young President's Organization).  Stay tuned for learning how top CEO's of this fabulous international organization, embarked on their own journey to stay on top of their corporate game and how you can also use the practices of "Tribal Chiefs" with your Business Team.   Remember in the Journey from Now to WOW!TM there can be rough waters at times, but if you work it right, your might earn that earring!

     I'll close with a note about my absolute awe as we communed with the penguins on Magdallenas Island. One romantic pair that was close enough to touch  is pictured above.   There were thousands of penguins,  each paired off  with their "Mate for Life" in intimate caves of their own design. Yes, you could see  rare groupings of  adolescents, widows and orphans but two was the the most prominent number in the neighborhood.

The symphonic but unique sound of the thousands of penguins will forever remain with me.  You know when I talk about businesses and individuals finding an authentic voice, and being heard above the crowd, those penguins have it down!

You see, penguin couples are separated for months to find food and care for their young "Happy Feet"  yet manage to return and find each other amidst the  sea of black and white after months apart.  They do this amazing "feat" not through "Happy Feet", though I loved the movie, but recognition of each other's  unique and distinctive bird call.

Thought for the Day:  What is your Company's Unique Bird Call? and how is your company distinguished from a sea of competitors and advertising messages.  If you sound just like them, how will they ever be able to find you?

Forget Training, Bring a Learning adventure to Your Team!

For Information on Now to WOW!TM Team Building, Leadership, Creativity  and Communications Training. write rosemary@gowildgogreat.com

Rosemary's new book "Blueprint for Success" with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard is now available at www.gowildgogreat.com

Do you have Eli's Spirit of Success? Whatever it Takes!

Eli Manning--A Role Model for Leadership Excellence--Whatever It Takes.

First of all I want you to know we were always loyal to our New York team---Barry and I cheered for the Giants here in Costa Rica before, during and especially after the catch that made football history. Woo Hoo! After all, on any given Sunday, anything can happen, especially when you have the soft-spoken but driven  Quarterback, Eli Manning at the helm--a leader proven to do whatever it takes.

Manning who notes he might make bad decisions and might have a bad game, has that one ingredient key to success in any business or athletic competition "A commitment to constant self-improvement". 

It was therefore not surprising to hear in his moment of celebration yesterday his comments "I have to become a better quarterback--that's my goal.  I want to cut down on my mistakes"

Thank You Eli for demonstrating in your big moment that Leadership is the Life-Long Quest to go from Now to WOW!tm   Whatever It Takes!  and Congratulations to the New York Giants, you have proved your team is indeed "Resilient"

Take your Leadership Team from Now to WOW! with Go Wild! Go GREAT Leadership Training and look for Rosemary Rein's new book with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard entitled "Blueprint for Success" coming out in March, 2008.   Develop your team's Blueprint!

www.gowildgogreat.com

What do you Believe?

Rosemary Writing in the Jungle of Costa Rica.  Sure beats a Cubicle.

What is Your Belief System?

As I have been preparing for the upcoming Go Wild! Go GREAT Winter Weekend Workshop in Atlanta, Georgia, January 26th and January 27th, http://www.gowildgogreat.com/go-wild-go-great-2008.htm,

I have been reviewing inspiring words passed on to me by friends, writers, and life coaches.  I have no record of who the author is, but I hope you will appreciate the power of their positive belief system.

What do you believe?  Do you have a mission statement for living your life in addition to your business? Make a Great Week Everyone and I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta as we Go Wild! Go GREAT! in 2008!

www.gowildgogeat.com and www.retreatscostarica.com

"I believe"

I believe...that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other.  And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I believe ..that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe..that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe..that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.  Same goes for true love.

I believe...that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe..that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe...that you should always leave loved ones with loving words.  It may be the last time you see them.

I believe....that you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe..that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe..that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe...that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe...that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe..that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and still have the best time.

I believe that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe....that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe...that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe...that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others, sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe..that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe...that background and circumstances may have influenced who we are but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe...that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret.  It could change your life forever.

I believe..that two people can look at the exact same thing and seem something totally different.

I believe...that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe....that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you-you will find the strength to help.

I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe that the people you care about most in life are taken away from you too soon.

...I believe that "the happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have".

Go Wild! Go GREAT!

www.gowildgogreat.com and www.retreatscostarica.com

   

"

Give Em Hell Harry! He's Back!

Yesterday I attended a party for our friend Harry (Pictured here a few years ago in a Feisty Halloween Mask next to his lovely wife, Joyce.)

Harry went in to the hospital for a few days of routine tests and quite to everyone's surprise, especially Harry's, contracted pneumonia and  ended up in the hospital for 5 months!  Gosh, perhaps that's why historically so many cemeteries were planned right next to hospitals!

It was literally 5 months of "Lights Out" for our Harry, as much of that time he spent in a medically induced coma, that was needed to save his life.  During this time Joyce never left Harry's side, talking to him about their life and the places they had been together, (including Cape May and Costa Rica). She posted a "visual storyboard" in the hospital room of the life they enjoyed together and shared the daily greetings and prayers of family and friends who were with Harry in spirit.  Perhaps more than anything, Joyce shared her love and unending belief that her tall and handsome hero would return and "Give em Hell Again".  They told me "you never know what he will hear and just talk positively to him".   

Awakenings--Harry says Hello after 5 months in a Coma

The months passed and Harry slept in the coma through birthdays and their wedding anniversary while Joyce learned medical speak, and did talk non-stop to Harry (Note:  On average, Men speak 12,000 words a day and women speak 24,000, but 0 words a day from Harry?) That's a husband and wife communication gap! She talked and talked to comatose Harry, ate comfort food and did what most women do to forget about problems----Bought shoes! lots of them and then a miracle happened... Harry Said Hello! 

I asked Harry yesterday what he remembered during the "big sleep" and he said " It was embarrassing Rosemary...All the Doctor's and Nurses were coming up to me and talking and crying and I thought who are these people?"  Well in ICU they don't normally have such a success story Harry!  You gave them a win!

At yesterday's party, Harry and Joyce toasted each other, their friends and their blessings with a belated celebration of the special events they had missed during life's unexpected holding pattern.  They were celebrating the special gift they had received from a higher power, who had decided Harry still had more Hell to give.  During the toast, I looked at the place card bearing my name, a photo of Harry and Joyce and their simple phrase "Life is short----Celebrate".  I will keep the placecard in my wallet always as a reminder that...

1)  Life is Short! Celebrate every day.  Caught up in day to day frustrations, it's so easy to forget that until something traumatic happens, when we suddenly we get  whacked on the side of the head and realize what's most important in life.

2) Positive Story-Board.  Your mind is paying attention even if you aren't and sometimes if you're not even awake!  Surround yourself in an environment of  positive thoughts, words and people and avoid "Negative Contagion".  You bet! Bring pictures and words to the office that lift you up even in the midst of crisis.

3)  Be Brave! and Believe! I told Joyce yesterday that I only hoped I was 1/4 as courageous, patient and with such unending faith as she had been with Harry, during this ordeal, should anything happened to my husband, Barry.  "You better be" Barry chimed in, or "I'll never talk to you again".

4)  Medical Miracles Do  happen!  If you know of someone who is faced with a serious medical situation share this "Givem Hell Harry Story"

Life is Short--Celebrate!

Meet us in Atlanta, Georgia this coming Weekend!

Want to get a Life-Lift and Celebrate This weekend in Atlanta, Georgia?   Go Wild! Go GREAT! in 2008 and live the life you so richly deserve.

It's a Wisdom, Wellness and Wine Weekend Retreat in Atlanta, Georgia January 26th and January 27th.

Jump-start your Mind, Body and Spirit!

http://www.gowildgogreat.com/go-wild-go-great-2008.htm

or visit Rosemary at www.gowildgogreat.com

Retire in Latin America--Top 10 reasons why.

Retire in Latin America (Today's Hot News from AOL)

That's today's headline that caught our attention on AOL news today with this notation:

"It's got the good weather of Florida, but a much cheaper cost of living. And it's a lot more adventurous than Daytona. Politically stable, Costa Rica has a thriving industry of recruiting American retirees. Thousands of Americans are spread throughout Mexico, Panama and the rest of the region."

As residents of Costa Rica for 10 years, we are often asked the reason why we moved to Costa Rica .... so here's our Top 10 list for those of you contemplating your own adventure ,living, working and or retiring in Costa Rica.

10), Climate, Climate, Climate.  You can almost pick your preferred temperature in Costa Rica and we selected 72 degrees year round at our home in the Central Valley Mountains.  But what about the Rainy/Green Season? Sure, we have about 2 hours of rain during our "winter" months each day, but most mornings are beautiful and sunny. That sure beats Fargo in Winter and Phoenix in Summer!  We also happen to delight in that expected afternoon rain in green season for a few hours.  In fact if you haven't experienced the sound of rain falling on a tin roof, with a good book, frankly, you haven't lived.

9) Nature Lover's Paradise: From rain forest to crisp mountains to experiencing the "Gifts from the Sea', Costa Rica is a Nature Lover's Paradise.   Each morning Barry and I hike out our front door to the countryside where following a cow on the road is as common and much more delightful than interstate traffic. 

8) Health Care:  As Business Owners in the United States faced with staggering insurance costs, we sought out a location for retirement that would provide, quality, affordable health care.  Costa Rica has U.S. Trained Dr's with state of the Art Hospitals and Medical Facilities.  It also has a thriving medical tourism industry.   When we first moved to Costa Rica, private insurance cost $1400 annually for the two of us covering most of our medical costs and prescriptions.  What this meant was state of the art care when hospitalized. Third World?  I  don't know about that.  In my private hospital room, I had a flat screen t.v. dining menu options and a companion bed for my husband to stay with me.  While our insurance has increased slightly as we have aged, I believe the care in Costa Rica unbeatable.

7) Adventure:  We probably saw too many Raiders of the Lost Ark movies, but we wanted the next chapter in our life after the rat race to be a True Learning Adventure !  Flying through the Forest Canopy, White Water Rafting are just two examples and we have a long list of adventures still on the list. Every day, daily living in Costa Rica is an adventure from exploring exotic fruits to rescuing a sloth.  I have to say it beats going to Wallmart.

6) Social Community: We could keep ourselves entertained 7 days and nights a week with Costa Rica's busy and diverse ex pat community.  There's a club for every interest (Birding, Hiking, Bridge, Gourmet Food and Wine, Volunteer Opportunities) just name it and it's here.  Foreign residents find each other at social centers and hubs and groups like the Newcomers Organization that help with the transition of moving to a foreign country.

5)  Safety: While we now look back to the good old days when there was virtually little crime when we came to Costa Rica. Sadly we are not immune to the increasing crime rates that you find almost everywhere in the world, much linked to the growing drug problem.  Still crime tends to be more property related than violent and so we have added precautions like a home security system.  What should be noted is there is more violent crime in most major U.S. Cities in one day, yet the media will spotlight any violent crime against U.S Citizens that occurs outside of her borders.  Costa Rica ,it should be noted , is also a peace-loving and stable country with no Army, often referred to as the Switzerland of the Americas.

4) Cost of Living: Indeed there are financial benefits of being a U.S. citizen living in Costa Rica. One of the attractions for us in selecting and moving to Costa Rica was the benefit of the first $75,000 of foreign earned income being tax free; Another? property taxes on our new contemporary home in Escazu, Costa Rica   were a whopping $100.00 a year.  That sure beat $6,000 a year property taxes in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. .  There was also no heating or air-conditioning expenses to contend with and the real kicker indulgence for me was massages were $10.00 an hour. I remember saying "I'm so there"  There is no doubt, that we could not afford our current lifestyle in the United States and while Costa Rica is unfortunately being increasingly discovered and developed, there are still affordable options for creating a quality lifestyle at a fraction of U.S. prices.    

3) Warm and Hospitable Costa Rican People.  Pura Vida!  "That's a Costa Rican expression that means "pure life".  Sunday morning is our favorite day for walking in the barrio...Mothers and Fathers walking hand in hand with their children to church reminding us of our own childhood.   "It's like the United States in the 1950's" .  There is tranquility and a commitment to family.      

2) Connected: Today's Ability to Work and Live Anywhere.  Yes, we have wireless Internet and low-cost phone service in Costa Rica that enables us to work from home on the deck with parrots flying overhead.  It's not everywhere in the country and certainly not deep in the rain forest, but technology has enabled us to work and stay connected with our offices and families and friends.  Just 2.5 hour flight from Miami and 3 a.5 hour flight from Houston, we are closer to many relatives and clients than they are with others living within U.S. borders 

1) The Mangos, The Monkeys, The Magic: I love to watch visitors in our learning retreats discover their own magic here while staying amidst the jewels of the Costa Rican rain forest.  Forever changed from their journey to paradise, their discovery is almost child-like.  I developed the brand for my speaking and retreat business from the voices of those who have discovered their own passion here.  On seeing lava flow from an active volcano, a child-like WOW would be uttered competing only slightly with the volcanic rumble.

So why visit/live in Costa Rica?

"Go Wild! Go GREAT! Embark on the The journey from Now to WOW!"

Rosemary Rein is the author of "Go Wild! Survival Skills for Business and Life" and a new book to be published in January 08 with Dr. Stephen Covey and Ken Blanchard entitled "The Blueprint for Success and Survival"

Contact Rosemary for Leadership, Teambuilding and Personal Growth retreats in Costa Rica.

4th of July and A soldier's recipe.

I am writing this at BWI Airport, having just shared breakfast with a young man returning home after a year in Afghanistan.  I am delighted to share with you that Dean Alexander from Columbia, South Carolina is on his way home to his wife and children.  As we chatted in line at Wendy's about what this returning soldier missed most, we talked about the simple pleasure of  "Hamburgers, Ice, and  yes Green Grass" .

Of course most of all "Family".  I was touched by this soldier's expressed regret that he had not told his family every day how much he loved them before being deployed. Dean told me that he knew he had changed this past year and certainly his family had continued on in life.  However he hoped that one positive transformation on his part was a deeper appreciation for both his country and his family.   

On this 4th of July weekend, as we celebrate Independence, I want to share with you Dean's secret recipe for Drunken Chicken.  Yes, this soldier like many Americans will become master of his barbecue..

So, Thank you Dean Alexander, for sharing breakfast, your secret recipe and perhaps even more your warm and open heart on returning home.

-Completely Coat a Full bird with 1/3 Salt, 1/3 Ground Black Pepper and 1/3 Garlic Powder.

-Take half a can of warm beer and put two sprigs of Rosemary in .....

-Pour that mixture into the bird's back side and sit him on the barbecue throne....but there's an important notation.  Plug the other part of drunken fellow with a potato, so it's sealed.

-Roast for 2 hours on the Grill!!!!

HAPPY 4TH OF July!