bluefingers 0 #1 April 22, 2003 Guess what people! I am officially no longer a student. After a year of plodding through s/l progression, going uncurrent, going backwards and forwards between the rope and 3 sec delay, I realised that if I was going to be a skydiver, I would have to start showing a lot more commitment. One static line jump a month just wasn’t going to get me there. In January this year, I made the decision to go for it. My previous, very weak excuse, was that I never had any money. A plan can always be made. In my case, I’d transfer jump money across into my credit card before I spent my salary on anything else, not to be used for anything else other than skydives. Nothing. I picked up the pace, and surprise surprise, I progressed, and eventually got my A licence. I thought that was the happiest day of my life. It was, up until yesterday. Last weekend, we were discussing the boogie that is happening down the coast, and I was told the minimum requirement was A licence, Cat 1. Damn! Hauled out my trusty plastic, and manifested myself onto the AFF and tandem loads. I had to get to Cat 1! Yesterday afternoon, I did my spin test (the last test in the progression), landed in the pit, and walked back to the hangar with a huge grin. I had it! Then the jump master tells me I didn’t spin fast enough. Failed the test. WTF??? Not fast enough? The horison was a blur! The more I tried to get him to tell me how to go faster, the more he stalled, until I was on the verge of bursting into tears out of sheer frustration. At which point everyone in the hangar burst out laughing and congratulating …. Gotta love these guys! The best part is that I'm finally learning how to do stuff in the sky. And because I was getting onto the high loads, I'd get my tasks done, and then practice my turns. THey're definitely getting better! So far my favourite tasks have been the backloops and Deltas. Fun fun fun fun! I owe lots and lots of beer. Next weekend, I’m going to my first boogie, will be doing my first two way, first jump out of a King Air, first jump at another DZ ….. and my first jump with a DZ.commer. Ernokaikkonen is on his way down to Durban as we speak. This weekend is going to rock! Kerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tasadin 0 #2 April 22, 2003 Wooohoooo big congrats "If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tonto 1 #3 April 22, 2003 Hey. Well done. Now when you finally come and visit you'll be able to enjoy to full potential! Tell Erno I said Hi. t It's the year of the Pig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #4 April 22, 2003 Hey Kerry, Congratulations!! Have fun at the boogie and be safe. Shark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #5 April 22, 2003 CONGRATULATIONS!!!__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
slotperfect 7 #6 April 22, 2003 Sending huuuuuge congratulations your way! Determination and planning got you there . . . may the joy of feeling the blue sky up close and personal keep you there! Arrive Safely John Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fudd 0 #7 April 22, 2003 Go Blue, Go Blue Isn't it wonderful to be a full blooded skydiver? Congratulation!!!! There are only 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,584 #8 April 22, 2003 Congratulations! Enjoy the fruits of your labor, you've earned them. And do say hi to Erno. 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
bluefingers 0 #9 April 22, 2003 Thanks Wendy. Will pass the hello on. I dropped him off at my flat this morning, and had to get back to the office. Poor thing is probably bored already. Or sleeping. Kerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #10 April 22, 2003 Congrats, kudos for all the hard work that really paid off! Enjoy the boogie, and the King Air. -Lenny Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
charliezulu 0 #11 April 22, 2003 Congratulations! CZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
highfly 0 #12 April 22, 2003 Well I'm chuffed to fuck for ya Blue. It's about time that you got it with all that hard work and perseverance. Looks like you maybe giving me my first kiss pass. www.myspace.com/durtymac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jraf 0 #13 April 22, 2003 Kerry you lucky little bugger Congrats all around!!! Have fun at the boogie and remember to bring lots of aspirin. 'Em Finns drink like fishSay Hi to Erno from me. Next time you all have to come to Florida!!! jraf Me Jungleman! Me have large Babalui. Muff #3275 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #14 April 22, 2003 Congrats for all of the hard work and determination and welcome to the club. Hopefully we all can bump into each other at the various boogies. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pablito 0 #15 April 22, 2003 Kerry congratz, Be safe, have fun and enjoy the boogie!!! Cielos Azules "If you don't overcome your fears they will overcome you first" Shady Monkey/6Segundos Rodriguez/AKA Pablito Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mouth 0 #16 April 22, 2003 Way to go. Congrats and have FUN, FUN, FUN. -- Hot Mama At least you know where you stand even if it is in a pile of shit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jessd 0 #17 April 22, 2003 Congratulations!!! "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyhi 24 #18 April 22, 2003 QuoteThe more I tried to get him to tell me how to go faster, the more he stalled, until I was on the verge of bursting into tears out of sheer frustration. At which point everyone in the hangar burst out laughing and congratulating …. Gotta love these guys! Kinda like when Dad use to tease ya with the power tools, huh? You can't buy memories like that. BTW, what does: QuoteWell I'm chuffed to fuck for ya Blue. mean? Congrats and have fun at the boogie.Shit happens. And it usually happens because of physics. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bluefingers 0 #19 April 22, 2003 ah memories .... on one of my jumps this weekend I was on a load that didn't have a JM or senior (more beer!). So I asked who was going to be spotting and what the exit order would be. Not a stupid question right? The answer I got? "dry your eyes and get out!" and as for "I'm chuffed to fuck for ya Blue" ...well, Matt's known for putting his foot in it .... he means well ... really ... Kerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #20 April 22, 2003 YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Bluefingers!!!! Took a lot, but you did it, you made it! I'd say something that had chuff in it, but I am not sure what it means....Good deal!! 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
SkydiveMonkey 0 #21 April 22, 2003 CONGRATS !! ____________________ Say no to subliminal messages Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nacmacfeegle 0 #22 April 22, 2003 Well I'm "Chuffed" for you Bluebedoo, but be warned the serious learning starts here!. Michelle, chuffed means pleased, proud, and fair tickled. -------------------- He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ladyskydiver 0 #23 April 22, 2003 Congrats!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
