Rainbo 0 #1 August 18, 2006 As I go through yet another phase of life I have started to think seriously about retiring from skydiving. I'm really not looking for input,I am just kind of thinking out loud so to speak. Over the years I have been hardcore and laid back but at this point in my life I am really questioning my desire to spend my time in the air. Not the time that I spend with the many friends that I made over the years in the sport but just being at the DZ jumping. My kids are both in their teens now and very active with many things and I really feel I need to to be there for them, as they won't be looking for me to be there much longer as they start to take on thier own lives. And maybe I'm feeling that I have neglected other parts of my life over the years with my addiction to our sport, not that I really feel bad about that as it has given so much to me. I guess I'm just thinking...maybe to much...but I do have all fall and winter to figure it out.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #2 August 18, 2006 My friend, the sky will always be there. No one says you have to completely retire. However taking a step away for awhile to spend time with your kids? that sounds like a damn good reason to step back for awhile. You can always come back to the sky, it will be here. Take the time to spend the time with you kids now while they are young, cause that will not always be the case. The sky will be waiting for you when and if you decide to come back. Your friends should understand She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymama 37 #3 August 18, 2006 I totally understand where you are coming from because I have teens too. I feel like the clock is ticking on how many things I can do with them before they leave the nest. I think my dz friends are probably very tired of hearing me say, "I can't come out this weekend, I have my kids" but that's the way it is. I never jump when they are at home, only when they are at their dad's house. Many times I jump, leave the dz to travel to a soccer game and then go back. I never want my kids to feel like my hobby was ever more important than they are. I don't think you'll ever regret not jumping in order to spend more time with your kids.She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man, because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaM 0 #4 August 18, 2006 My son is 10 and we haven't jumped in 5 years for that reason.... he's only young once and soon enough will not want us around! The sky awaits our return and isn't going anywhere! ~ Lisa ~ Do you Rigminder? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #5 August 18, 2006 I have no wife, kids, or dog. Also no excuse for not jumping in 5 weeks except that i've been so tired from work. Made only about 35 jumps this year. I wish i knew what was wrong with me. But i know this stuff happens to the best of us. I'm enjoying other things and other groups of people. Yep thinking out loud also. I don't think it's depression as i don't let that bother me. No answers here, but i sort of know how you feel. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #6 August 18, 2006 Yeah i know that there is alot out there for me to enjoy. I kind of expected the chick responses but they are right on the money. As Eener knows though, my kids are almost always with me every weekend so that is not really an issue. More than likely they would be missed more than me at the dropzone. I am lucky that our DZ gives us a place to spend time together doing things like fishing, swimmin', canoeing, blah,blah blah. And I already spend more time with them doing those things than jumpin' at the DZ. I'm thinkin' that there is more to it than that but I'm having a hard time putting my finger on it. Maybe that pushing 50 thing and not having anything in my life other than my kids and jumping has something to do with it... Anybody out there looking for a middle aged fool that needs taming???Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cocheese 0 #7 August 18, 2006 Do you cook and do dishes and laundry? Now there is something i should try once in a while. Anybody out there that likes to do this stuff for a generous loser? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,584 #8 August 18, 2006 It sounds stupid, but I think you have to have a skydiving-shaped hole in your life if you want to jump. And it sounds like the hole in your life isn't so skydiving-shaped any more. Give it a try. Take a year off. Not going anywhere. And keep driving your kids nuts with your presence. It drives them crazy now, and in the long run (mine is 22) you get a better relationship. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rookie120 0 #9 August 18, 2006 I was thinking about giving it up at one time to. I thought about giving it up a lot of time to be exact. At one time between school, starting a career, getting engaged now not having a dz within 150 miles it had been hard. I ended up just taking some time off and not jumping as much or at all in that matter. Take a hard look at the situation and try to make a decision. I highly suggest just taking a break for a while, keep your gear and stuff and come back when your ready. Best of luck to you.If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thunderbow 1 #10 August 18, 2006 I took 7 years off to enjoy following my kids to their sporting events, school field trips, and just plain fun with them on weekends. Never was hard core but sure enjoyed jumping. Two years ago my youngest begged me to start up again so he could be the first one to jump with me. So I was on the plane for his first aff. It was awesome sharing with him on the ground. Never will be hard core but I still love every jump and the time hanging around at the dz.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lord, let me be the person my dog thinks I am. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tmaricle55 0 #11 August 18, 2006 QuoteDo you cook and do dishes and laundry? Now there is something i should try once in a while. Anybody out there that likes to do this stuff for a generous loser? And the return on this would be??? Muff Brother # 3883, SCR # 14796 ICD # 1 - Pres. Yeah, I noticed and I think it's funny! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #12 August 18, 2006 You're such an awesome father. Whatever you decide, you're stuck with me as a friend. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumpwally 0 #13 August 19, 2006 I took a break when my kids were little,,now that they are 15 and 20 and have their own lives going,,its easier for me to enjoy what i want,,its just what worked for me....glad to see your kids are with you at the DZ,thats big time !smile, be nice, enjoy life FB # - 1083 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DancesWClouds 0 #14 August 19, 2006 Man, it's so nice to hear others' stories on taking time off. I've been grounded for 4.5 years now (~~!!!!~~) and sometimes I just feel. . . like I'm old, washed up, a has-been —the sport belongs to the young, yada yada. It's great to know that there are so many other people that have been or are in my boat, and that many of you got back in when the time was right. Spend your time as your heart directs, Rainbo. . Dances Muff Brother #2169 "You can take the girl out of the sky, but not the sky out of the girl!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #15 August 19, 2006 Whatever is best for you is what you should do. Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
d_squared431 0 #16 August 19, 2006 I am raising a five year old and have decided until he is older I will keep my feet on the ground. I can't wait till I can really get involved in this sport but for now he comes before anything else.TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1 I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #17 August 19, 2006 QuoteI am raising a five year old and have decided until he is older I will keep my feet on the ground. I can't wait till I can really get involved in this sport but for now he comes before anything else. If kids really love you, they'll share you with the sky. Our kids are cool with mom and dad both jumping. Kids are happy when the parents are happy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites d_squared431 0 #18 August 19, 2006 I am adopting my little brother and right now I am all that he has so until things settle down and I can secure his future I will put certain things on hold.TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1 I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #19 August 19, 2006 QuoteAnybody out there looking for a middle aged fool that needs taming??? I guess you didn't get the memo that I sent you about how "hot" I think you are. Gee, I guess I need a two by four to hit you over the head with There is more to life then skydiving.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rainbo 0 #20 August 19, 2006 You dude have got your priorities right. I think back to when my kids were that young and the pace that I jumped at was very slow. Exactly because of their need to have me just to survive. Now they can really do that on their own if it were critical. You should be very proud of what you have taken on and it speaks volumes to who you really are. Mine are now at an age where the influence of others is more scary then anything I can imagine. I know, I was their age and I know what I got into because of lack of proper supervision. I came through it ok but many "friends" did not. I want to make sure they have a leg up on me from this perspective. I told Alex what I was thinking last night and was surprised by his reaction. He looked at me strangely and was unusually quiet, which is unusual for him. They have grown up with me at the dropzone and seeing me go to airshows for jumping and PYRO, so it is really what they expect of me, and that is pretty cool.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rainbo 0 #21 August 19, 2006 And a friendship that I will truly always treasure, as with so many of my dear friends, but you especially, my kinda big daughter.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rainbo 0 #22 August 19, 2006 Does this mean that I have a secret stalker!?! I think my day was just madeRainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites eeneR 3 #23 August 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteAnybody out there looking for a middle aged fool that needs taming??? I guess you didn't get the memo that I sent you about how "hot" I think you are. Gee, I guess I need a two by four to hit you over the head with There is more to life then skydiving. eeneR hands Mar her 2 x 4.....She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Rainbo 0 #24 August 19, 2006 If I end up with splinters I'm gonna come lookin' for ya. I might have a smile on my face but I'll be lookin' Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites flyangel2 2 #25 August 19, 2006 Thanks. Now I guess I'll take my conversation with Kevin to PMs and he might get the messageMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
d_squared431 0 #18 August 19, 2006 I am adopting my little brother and right now I am all that he has so until things settle down and I can secure his future I will put certain things on hold.TPM Sister#130ONTIG#1 I love vodka.I love vodka cause it rhymes with Tuaca~LisaH You having a clean thought is like billyvance having a clean post.iluvtofly Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #19 August 19, 2006 QuoteAnybody out there looking for a middle aged fool that needs taming??? I guess you didn't get the memo that I sent you about how "hot" I think you are. Gee, I guess I need a two by four to hit you over the head with There is more to life then skydiving.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #20 August 19, 2006 You dude have got your priorities right. I think back to when my kids were that young and the pace that I jumped at was very slow. Exactly because of their need to have me just to survive. Now they can really do that on their own if it were critical. You should be very proud of what you have taken on and it speaks volumes to who you really are. Mine are now at an age where the influence of others is more scary then anything I can imagine. I know, I was their age and I know what I got into because of lack of proper supervision. I came through it ok but many "friends" did not. I want to make sure they have a leg up on me from this perspective. I told Alex what I was thinking last night and was surprised by his reaction. He looked at me strangely and was unusually quiet, which is unusual for him. They have grown up with me at the dropzone and seeing me go to airshows for jumping and PYRO, so it is really what they expect of me, and that is pretty cool.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #21 August 19, 2006 And a friendship that I will truly always treasure, as with so many of my dear friends, but you especially, my kinda big daughter.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #22 August 19, 2006 Does this mean that I have a secret stalker!?! I think my day was just madeRainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 3 #23 August 19, 2006 QuoteQuoteAnybody out there looking for a middle aged fool that needs taming??? I guess you didn't get the memo that I sent you about how "hot" I think you are. Gee, I guess I need a two by four to hit you over the head with There is more to life then skydiving. eeneR hands Mar her 2 x 4.....She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #24 August 19, 2006 If I end up with splinters I'm gonna come lookin' for ya. I might have a smile on my face but I'll be lookin' Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #25 August 19, 2006 Thanks. Now I guess I'll take my conversation with Kevin to PMs and he might get the messageMay your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
