Explanation

On Dec 12, 1981 I was born with a heart condition called “Aortic Stenosis.” What this means is that my Aortic Valve was narrower then normal and will continue to get narrower over time.

That impedes Rich Oxygen Blood to flow from my Left Ventricle to the Aorta then throughout my entire body. The result in a serious condition is death by heart attack. After doing a few tests these past 7 weeks, they discovered my condition was very serious and were surprised I haven’t felt any of the side effects (light headed, chest pains, shortness of breather). Not taking any chances, I booked the first available date and it just so happened to be one day before Halloween… bummer.

For the procedure (I’m not going into too much detail), they make a small cut in the middle of my chest to get through both the skin and my chest plate to operate on the heart. Then they hook my heart and lungs up to a machine called “Cardiopulmonary Bypass Machine” which acts as both my heart and lungs regulating the oxygen throughout my body while my heart is stopped.

Once that’s under control, they replace my aortic valve with another from a pig. Yes that’s right! A PIG:-)

Knowing about this operation the past few weeks didn’t really excite me to do a lot of things. I was so scared the day before, I wrote that last post on my blog almost as a goodbye post. Thank god it is not. So here are some photos through my days of recovery in the hospital. The surgery was last Friday and I got home from the hospital by Tuesday. The main focus of my recovery now is the chest plate. I’m not allowed to lift more then 5 pounds for the next 6-8 weeks because more then that could break my chest plate open and then surgery starts all over again. Thank you to you all that wrote me personal messages and thanks to my friends and family for all the support. All of your messages kept me positive or focused on a speedy recovery.

-colt

PS Love Life

Me in the prep room just before rolling into surgery. The nurse was just going over how they have to shave ALL the hair from my neck down to my ankles... all of it. Just a little awkward before go time;-)

Just after surgery hooked up to a Oxygen machine that pretty much breathes for me until my lungs inflate enough to take over.

My brother Cody looking over me. It was a very emotional day for everyone in my family. I don’t think there wasn’t one Cannon that came in that I didn’t tear up looking at.

Another angle with me still sedated. Only this one you can see the tubes around my stomach draining the blood from my lungs.

A good shot of where the docs had to go into my chest to fix my heart. That cut is now the pain I'll be feeling for the next 4-6 weeks.
I couldn't really talk when I was in the hospital so I thought a thumbs up was appropriate to tell people I was good to go home:-)

Heart Surgery:-(

Sorry for the lack of updates but ever since I heard I needed this surgery my "care level" for online social networks went right out the window. The guy cutting open my chest replacing my aortic valve is the best. They nicknamed him "God" because he pretty much plays that role for the 40 minutes my heart isn't beating. Not a moment has gone by I haven't been terrified about tomorrow. I know I'm in great hands and I have so much support from my friends and family, but I still can't get rid of this fucking doubt I might not make it. Well before I go I'm happy to say I skated Sunnyvale skatepark today. My ankle is about 50% useable but I still had an amazing time cruising around doing nose manuals where ever I could.

Before I end this post, I just wanted to let everyone of you friends know how greatful I am that you were/are apart of my life. I wouldn't be who I am today without you and I thank you all for that. I've had some amazing experiences around the world but my favorite one's are at home with my good friends and family. I hope you all are well and if you can, say a little prayer for me. I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks

-colt

Which Ones the Kid:-)

The Hiddlestone Wedding

It has taken me a little while to get to this post because I have now just recovered from all the fun I had in Montauk. So here we go.

A few years ago when I was living in San Diego, I was introduced to both Ben and Candace before they merged into the Hiddlestone name:-) After a few nights and surf sessions with Ben, I could tell right away this would be a mate I’d keep around for awhile. As for Candace, I knew after my 5am cat scratching noises on the door to wake Ben up for surfing that she had a heart of gold and couldn’t be mistaken for anything other then an angel (Because only an angel wouldn’t kill me at that hour like most of the roommates).

A sad day came when my birthday showed up on Dec 12th of 2005. That was the day Ben was leaving for Australia (Actually we trespassed on federal property and got caught only to find out Ben over stayed his visa and got deported that day). We were told he would be in a holding center for 3 months missing out on Christmas with his family. It was Candace who stepped up and made sure Ben got home to be with his family for Christmas.

Over the years they stayed in touch. Candace would over stay her visa in Oz, so after that they flew to mutual meeting spots like Fiji. Taking this crazy journey together only made them grow stronger and it was about time for them to stop kidding the rest of the world and get married.

So this is where were at with these photos. I got invited to Montauk NY to watch Ben and Candace tie the knot. I stayed with my friends brother Jason and his lovely wife Lauren. Probably the best place I could of ever stayed. We hung out on the beach, chilled in the backyard, tried on some clothes, learned some history and fell off a few statues. That house almost killed me with fun.

So as you can imagine, Ben and Candace had a lot to live up too. The ceremony was really relaxed and beautiful. Ben cried while saying his vows, which made Candace cry which made me teary, and I peed my pants (kidding). After the I do’s, everyone went nuts! The dance floor was full, the bar was packed, the good times couldn't roll any bigger. Sad to say, at least 14 gold fish got swallowed that night... still alive (sashimi style). I guess it's safe to say, everyone in that town, knew we had a great night:-)

Ben: You are a great person and friend. I knew the second we met you were a stand up guy. You’ve always had a great outlook on life and the people you meet in it. I don’t doubt for one second you won’t make Candace the happiest girl in the world.

Candace: You have the same great qualities as Ben only your way hotter haha. No seriously, I wasn’t kidding earlier when I called you an angel. You’ve always gone out of your way not just to be a friend, but a great friend. I wish you long and happy life with that funny guy we call Ben. hugz

-colty bearz

I Still Have a Chance

I'm guessing this man is about 35 years old. So that gives me a solid 7 years to get my ankle back into shape and start cruising the boardwalk. "You must risk the dark to see the light." Wait, that's not it. "You must live in the dark, until someone opens the door." Shit... I forgot the inspirational quote. Here we go, "Stop being an idiot, get the third surgery and rehab that bitch until your 110%." That's good for now.

VEGAS!!!

"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas... Except for Swine Flu." Haha, sorry Ms J after K;-) Anyways, back to our swine flu free trip. It was my friend Zack's bachelor party and he only had to go to the hospital once this time.... awesome. We stayed at the Venetian and pretty much partied our brains out. I stayed back one more day in the hospital just to make sure we didn't forget anything. As you can see from the pics, heterosexual men can still get close poolside for a photo. In the end, we all made it home safe and Zack brought back 5 shiny stables in his skull. Can't say I remember too much except for a broke ass bank account, but that's Vegas:-)

Montauk Babies

"I'm an alcoholic not a barbie doll"

Some People Cry at Weddings, I Just Pee My Pants

You Lazy Little Bitch

I don't know why I haven't made any new posts, but that's about to change. I'm now back from all my adventures I had this summer and am ready to tell the world about my run in with Martha Stuart (complete lie). I'd like to thank Eric for this beautiful photo titled "Colty Bearz sleeping with Care Bears." Very clever:-) I'd also like to thank Jason for supplying the Care Bears... our little secret. Hope everyone had a great summer, I still can't skate:-(

Baby Ice Secret Video Part

Most of you kids don't know this guy, but you should. Probably one of the best individuals I'll ever meet in my life and I'm so psyched he was the Circa team manager when I was on the team. Over many years he stashed his secret footy in hopes to keep his gnarliness a secret. After finding it in 2003, I put his gift in iMovie and made this part for him. Now it's time for the world to see this mans amazing skill on a skateboard. Baby Ice strikes again!

Does that Make You Horny?!?

"Slut"

Bonus Round on DVD

That's right kids. Tilt Mode Army's latest creation Bonus Round is now on DVD and sold at your nearest Skate Works. What's the plus side to this video? The bonus section! Hands down awesome for all the homies that didn't have a full part on the main video. The soundtrack is insane and the fun value is worth the purchase for this secret footy. Before I keep stroking this video off to you, I'd just like to say one thing. As a young skating growing up in the hood, I dreaming of having a skate part edited to Britney Spears. After watching the extra footage I had in the video...... I realized that was a stupid dream:-( Thanks Matt;-) Kids get gnarly!

Alaskan Wild Pig Race

First off I don't believe these pigs are from Alaska. Secondly, seeing these mini "babes" running around the track actually entertained me. Each section of the crowd had a pig to cheer for, unfortunately are pig didn't even get over the first hurdle. "Maybe next year Pinky!"

Cougar Call

Don't be scared, it only works when the Cougar is close by. I live in Los Altos which is the Cougar capital of the South Bay Area. Last time I used it I was surrounded and worried I might not survive. Thank god my brother was there to prevent the actual attack. So for kicks, check out Cougar Call on iTunes. It's only $.99 cents and worth every penny. Have fun!

Kids at Heart

haha epic

Keep the Good Times Comin

It has been back to back weekends of enjoyment! First runner up was South Lake Tahoe for the 4th of July. My friend Marisa was kind enough to invite me along with her brother (Brian) n' friends and it just so happened they had a keg (Awesome). Good thing I didn't get a bed because I actually can't recall sleeping inside the cabin.... hm.... weird? So aside from the sprinklers waking me up on the lawn and the 2 miles walk of shame, it ended up being a 4th of July I won't ever forget (as long as I have the photos).

Second runner up was Christy and Danny's wedding in Simi Valley. Not gonna lie, one of the most beautiful receptions I've been to and the altar couldn't of been more perfect. I was trying to cry but the sun was right in my eyes so I had other issues. I got to meet plenty of cool people and danced the night away with most of them. The brides parents were awesome and the big man (Mike) gave a great speech for his daughter. Thanks Nicole for the invite (good times my WO-man). Over the course of these two weekends I have learned that food is needed to survive, you can't fake an accent if you like someone and don't get upset if you can't party after a wedding. Thank you to everyone that made those weekends happen and for those that made them great.

Good Old Footage

My friend Kirk Dianda posted this clip on the Club Mumble website. He was right, I never saw this footage until now and I'm so psyched that I did. Brings back great memories.... especially finding out where he slept later that night. You can follow Kirk on Twitter or checkout his site. Either way, thanks for the footage buddy. Hugz!

Confederations Cup Finals

We lost to Brazil 3-2 in the finals, but it's amazing we even got there. No matter the loss, our performance in this tournament gives us hope for a better World Cup out come from last time.

Michael Jackson

Forgot!

Go to epiclytrife.com for more Bonus Round pics

Bonus Round

Insane insane and insanely awesome. You can't beat a video that screams "Your girlfriend is mine tonight". Hm.... maybe it screamed something else. Anyways Bonus Round was amazing. All the homies showed up to support another Matt Ev's masterpiece. I'm sure a few others had their hands in the cookie jar for this flick and I'm so psyched to be apart of it. Thanks Matt for taking me off the list, I know you meant well. Checkout more pics at the Army site or my new favorite Maronesj.com. Peaces

Cat Herding

I have no idea what EDS is, but they through me back in my seat with this commercial. Do I have bad taste in humor? You be the judge. enjoi

Bonus Round

Read the flyer kids, you'll get laid if you go or feel like you did after you see all the amazing footage the Tiltmode Army throws down.

Thanks for Thinking About Me

I'm sure you will all agree it's nice when people go out of their way to say hi. It's as rare as hearing how much your family loves you or how much your friends value your friendship. The other day, my friend Ryen sent me this photo. He didn't say much, but I know in my heart, he was thinking about me. After careful consideration, I erased his number and am now filing a restraining order against him. So the lesson of the day kids, is sometimes you gotta cut the cord. No matter how many interchangeable attachments are on anal douche.

SHREDWOOD Contest

That's right kids. Skateworks proudly presents Shredwood 2009. If your a newbie to the Shredwood experience, it's OK, hugs are all free. Last years contest was insane and if you don't believe me, checkout this video from Ricky Flip Productions I just got awarded the honorable position of judge. So if you kids want high scores, bring your older sister which has to be 18 or older. Scratch that, 21( were going to the bars after). See you kids there! 

Holiday Cannon's

So I'm going through some old family footage and come across a classic Cannon family moment. It's not very often we play drinking games, but when we did this time, we got it on film. Enjoi the re-edit of our family playing Moose.

Almost Famous

Los Altos Breakers Pet Parade

I know I'm gonna get a lot of heat for this post, but I don't care. I think it's hilarious I live in a small town that has Pet Parades. Getting together with fellow Los Altoians walking pet's around town made me smile the entire day. I'd like to give photo credit to Jake the Snake for taking the worst photos ever (top one is his)! Dave, it was an honor sharing the battle field with you. Till next year:-)

Moms Around the World Unite

I hope everyone had an amazing mothers day! Krisit, thanks for setting up a wonderful day with the family at The Mountain Winery. I think all 400 photos prove we had a great time. I love my family. hugz

AT&T...We Have a Problem

We had no internet at the house last week. Once we got internet is was slow as hell and productivity levels were at an all time low. Were back on track no thanks to our service provider, but I know all three of you that read this blog (Mom, dad, Ryan) were worried about the lack of posts. I'll give you a hug next time.