micro 0 #1 December 17, 2005 So maybe this should be in G&R, but hey... So I just bought my very first brand spankin new rig. I figured winter is a good time to buy, since I can afford to wait the 8 weeks it's going to take to make it. It's a Wings container, Fusion main, Super Raven reserve, Vigil AAD, Bonehead helmet, etc. etc. Everything Royal Blue, Navy Blue, White. Can't wait. I've really struggled w/ the idea of getting back into the sport. As many of you know, I have 4 kids. I've gone round and round in my head about is it ok to jump, should I give it up for their sake, etc. We've all seen those threads. The clincher for me was my wife... she totally gave me her blessing... "if it's what you want to do, if you do everything you can to be safe, have safe gear, go ahead. It's fine with me." The only thing we disagree on is WHEN. She didn't want me to charge the rig, but I didn't want to wait... I'm sure none of you ever have a problem delaying gratification, right? And my kids are jazzed about it too. The thing is, I don't want to live w/ regret any longer... I always wanted to be a pilot. It didn't happen. So when I was introduced to skydiving, it fulfilled a dream for me. And since I've been out of it for a while, I can't shake it. the longing for the sky is tenacious. We're big on telling our kids about following their dreams, seeking out their wants, desires, longings, skills. It's time I take my own words to heart again and get back in the sky. So... in mid-Feb, I should have pictures to share... It's not my first rig, so no there, but it's my first NEW rig, so definately I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyinghonu 0 #2 December 17, 2005 Welcome back...great to have the SO blessing, I'm still waiting on mine . Also great to have NEW gear, but I really would not know first hand . Stay safe. Blues.... "Excuse me while I kiss the sky..." - Jimi Hendrix Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuvToFly 0 #3 December 17, 2005 You come to that place in life when you realize that the grains of sand are running through your hourglass, and they will do so whether you choose to return to the sport, or give it up. Your children and your wife have a life that should be well spent, but so do you. The thing is, too many kids have parents that have long ago given up on any dreams - and what we end up teaching them is how not to believe in a difficult or impractical goal. Thank god that kids are not practical. What a boring world it would be if they were. It is part of their magic, their spontaneous joy. You'll recall that great Monster.com commercial that was on last year where these 10 year old kids were all saying, "I want to work hard and get a job that is completely unrewarding." We knew more about what we wanted when we were kids than most adults do now. Yes, a parent must be responsible to their children, provide for them, keep them safe, and teach them as many good things as you can. But one of those things has to be how to not give up on a dream; and in that light, I think you're doing a good thing. Show them it can be done, and show them you care by being as safe as you can possibly be while engaging in the sport. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #4 December 17, 2005 tom, you've captured it exactly! well spoken! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LuvToFly 0 #5 December 17, 2005 It's easy - speaking from experience.. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #6 December 17, 2005 You completely suck...but in the best possible way. Congratulations! Can't wait to see the pics. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grue 1 #7 December 17, 2005 You'll love the Fusion!cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #8 December 17, 2005 and someday, you'll "suck" in the same way... keep the dream alive... grue: tell me more about the fusion (mine will be a 210 as well)... I've read the reviews, but it'd be nice to hear some other first hand accounts... I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 December 17, 2005 So does this mean the next time I come back east I'll get to make a jump with you? Really???????? How totally wonderful. Lori is such a darling. And I am thrilled for the gang, too, because they also need to see their daddy doing something they love. I can just see your two oldest at the DZ with us, hooting and hollering when we land. They will love it. Congratulations, my friend. Rock on. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #10 December 17, 2005 QuoteSo does this mean the next time I come back east I'll get to make a jump with you? Really???????? How totally wonderful. Lori is such a darling. And I am thrilled for the gang, too, because they also need to see their daddy doing something they love. I can just see your two oldest at the DZ with us, hooting and hollering when we land. They will love it. Congratulations, my friend. Rock on. Ciels- Michele Yes, you REALLY will be jumpin w/ me, provided you bring your rig!!!! Lori is... coping w/ the fact that this is on a credit card, but I think deep down she understands that this is not frivolous. And I'm truly excited about sharing this love w/ the kids... and I want the kids to see their daddy happy and in love with life again. can't wait for that kiss pass!! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #11 December 17, 2005 Knowing Lori, I completely understand your feelings, her feelings, and the slight concerns she has. But the day she sees your face after you've landed, she'll remember again how much you love this stuff. And when your kids see your face, they will reflect it back to you; and they will shine! And yes, of course I'll bring my gear. No doubts. YAY you!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #12 December 17, 2005 QuoteSo maybe this should be in G&R, but hey... So I just bought my very first brand spankin new rig. I figured winter is a good time to buy, since I can afford to wait the 8 weeks it's going to take to make it. Order an Infinity and you're jumping it in four weeks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #13 December 17, 2005 I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #14 December 17, 2005 Quote Huh? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #15 December 17, 2005 just sticking my tongue out at you, b/c my order is already in, money paid, yadda yadda yadda... that's all... I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
grue 1 #16 December 17, 2005 Quoteand someday, you'll "suck" in the same way... keep the dream alive... grue: tell me more about the fusion (mine will be a 210 as well)... I've read the reviews, but it'd be nice to hear some other first hand accounts... Well, I dunno what you'll be loading it at, but the 1.15-1.2 or whatever I'm at, it's pretty zippy. It seems pretty responsive to toggle input, and while the front riser pressure is somewhat high, it's managable. The flare is ENDLESS. I made the amusing mistake of flaring it like the Raven IV I was used to jumping, and ended up about 20 feet higher than when I started the flare It still had more than enough flare to put me down safely, too. The openings...are... like... butter! Hm. what else... Oh yeah, the glide ratio is wonderful! Mine seems to pack a little large, but it's not impossible to handle. My next canopy will likely be the same thing, just in a 190 cavete terrae. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #17 December 17, 2005 Quoteand someday, you'll "suck" in the same way... keep the dream alive... I'm afraid my dream is already dead. My family was completely behind my skydiving, but they no longer are. I know it is my decision. I'm just weighing the risks. I just sold my skis the other day as I no longer plan to ski again. Skydiving is in that same category I think. I've had a good experience. I did AFF and landed a canopy by myself. I don't regret it. I knew after this accident there was a good chance I would not get in the air again. I think I'm ready to accept it. I don't think it was meant to be for me. I have my memories though, and they're damned good ones. You and Michele do that jump for me. That will mean a lot.Fly safe, Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charmsdroppop 0 #18 December 17, 2005 Awesome for you all around!!! I say you deserve to come back as a HAPPY Person and just rock on. So wanna make a jump????????is it dark yet Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrelr 0 #19 December 17, 2005 You CAN be a responsible husband and father while being a jumper. All it takes is balance from a time perspective. Regarding the risk: minimise that by jumping the best gear possible and it looks like you've gone that way. Too many of our community leave the sport when they "grow up", get married, have kids, etc. It's a damn shame. You've made the right decision. Enjoy the new toys! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #20 December 17, 2005 hmmm... i hope the dream isn't dead, but only you can say... I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #21 December 17, 2005 i'd jump w/ you any time! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
micro 0 #22 December 17, 2005 QuoteYou CAN be a responsible husband and father while being a jumper. All it takes is balance from a time perspective. Regarding the risk: minimise that by jumping the best gear possible and it looks like you've gone that way. Too many of our community leave the sport when they "grow up", get married, have kids, etc. It's a damn shame. You've made the right decision. Enjoy the new toys! Thanks for the encouragement! It certainly does feel like the right decision... I'm tired of living w/ regret! Let's skydive! I miss Lee. And JP. And Chris. And... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LisaM 0 #23 December 17, 2005 Congrats! My hubby and I haven't jumped in over 4 years now due to our son. Not really struggling with whether we should or not..but more or less busy letting him live a kid life and following him around. We told him soon enough he's going to become a dropzone brat again and have to start hanging out there wish us. He misses the dz almost as much as we do! ~ Lisa ~ Do you Rigminder? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
artistcalledian 0 #24 December 17, 2005 good call on the colours i ordered a whole new rig after 1 week in the sport and only having done 7 jumps at the time (still only done 17) i've ordered a wings container as well... all in royal blue, navey blue and white... also got a new jump suit in matching colours...about to buy a new open face helmat in navey blue too my container, reserve and AAD are here, just waiting for the main to come from Aerodyne.... If you've got the money, why have scabby rental stuff ?? ________________________________________ drive it like you stole it and f*ck the police Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
