prepheckt 0 #1 July 14, 2004 Well this has been an experience. After graduation from the Academy (I gave the President a high five, which was cool) I moved to Eloy on the 6 June to live out my dream that I've had since I started skydiving, which was to live on a dropzone with no worries after graduation. It has been totally kickass. In order to save money, I moved into the bunkhouse (which is free). I have been jumping, climbing, talking with the people here and taking trips around the country. I've climbed in Calfornia and seen it from the sky. I will be going to North Carolina very soon to visit a friend. Now with my impending departure next week to Florida looming before me, (the humidity there is going to kill me). I realize I really am going to miss this place. I'm going to miss the people (B^2, Airspeed, Greg Gasson, Airgord, NWS01, Mujie, MyOwnWay, among others) I'm going to miss the sight of a desert sunrise (which I still have yet to get up and see). I'm going to miss the sun setting over the mountains, as the twilight makes the sky seem as it was on fire, during the day, the sky so bright, it is almost white; the feel of warm desert wind on my face, the sky at night with stars shining so brightly, it makes the the night only seems darker and the perfect stillness that accompanies it. Many a night I'd go up to the beacon tower and just sit and think and listen to music (which is a luxury I never had the time for at school) or walk around the grounds. Sometimes I'd go in the pool and immerse myself in the water and float...alone....one perfect moment after another almost without end. I'm going to miss the smell of the dust of the desert, and the warmth of the desert sun, and the sight of desert thunderstrorm clouds being lit up with flashes from lightning, the feel of warm desert rain as it pours from the heavens. I'm going to miss my family, who I've just gotten to know again, after being away for so long. I realize my newphews and nieces are growing up faster then I ever thought possible. Before I know it, they'll have lives of their own. I realize I am moving away from the only home I've ever known. I now must become part of the world that I have only yet glimpsed, and am scared, but excited at the same time. I will test whether I have the skills necessary to survive, and whether I learned the right lessons from school as well as life. Does it really matter more whether I can do calculus or be a friend to someone and brighten their day in whatever way I can? What have I really learned at the Academy. Do I have what it takes to lead people my age or men and women who have been in the Air Force almost as long as I've been alive? Either way, I hope I can be worthy of those under my command. We'll see. Will I be able to apply those lessons? Will I grow into an adult my mom can be proud of? I have no idea. All I know is I will be giving it my best shot."Dancing Argentine Tango is like doing calculus with your feet." -9 toes Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bbarnhouse 0 #2 July 14, 2004 BB wipes a tear from her eye and says... Well done Pre...well done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #3 July 14, 2004 Dude - I just asked where you were today.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #4 July 14, 2004 I thought you said it (your post {not that, you pervert} )was really long.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
QuickDraw 0 #5 July 14, 2004 Hey Israel (or is it still Palestine ?) I have to sympathise with you on a few of them points about Az. walking around that desert was something i loved, but it just means that when you return for a visit or whatever, it will be even sweeter. As one of the friendliest guy's I met at Eloy, I'm pretty sure you'll be just fine dude... as long as you stay out of the bar. Good luck mate & keep us posted. -- Hope you don't die. -- I'm fucking winning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcneill79 0 #6 July 14, 2004 Good luck in Florida Mr. Goldfish... It was great meeting you at the American boogie. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunshine 2 #7 July 15, 2004 You'll do well wherever you go my dear. Hope to see you soon and get one of your famous massages. ___________________________________________ meow I get a Mike hug! I get a Mike hug! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
