pyke

Not that "I" give a flying phuq.... but my Dad would hate me if I didn't point this out.... UT #2 A&M # eh hmmm..22 On an even lighter note though, Ag....my cousin's daughter is being raised in a "house divided" and at the age of 2 can already say "hook 'em horns" and "gig 'em aggies" (both with the appropriate hand gestures!) Of course, around all the uncles, aunts, and other cousins...basically anyone except her mother, she gets told that the second one is "bad, don't talk like that" How cute is that?? Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Hook, having been raised by the Navy (thanks to Dad) and flown all around the world, I can agree and disagree with you on both sides. (sound of a box scraping along the ground...Pyke steps up, and begins to speak...) 1) you're right, there isn't a team in the world that has the financial backing, incentives program, advancement structure, or the base salary that the GKs enjoy as being a part of our Armed Forces. Does that make them any more or less than anyone else in the Armed Forces (I know this wasn't your point) NO. Did you know you can join the US Marines, go through boot, and then sit for 4 years in a recruiting station in San Diego, or Hawaii...AND GET PAID for an 8 to 5 no different than anyone else!! Sure, for 3 weeks a year you have to go through further training (assembling M-16s, throwing grenades - FUN SHIT!!), but they're still Marines, and they are still considered our "elite". Would you consider this elite? Hell, I had best friend in H.S. join the Marines as an artist - drawing pictures for the Marines!!! - where does that fall under "elite". What they ARE - is part of a well-oiled machine that kicks into high gear when called upon. Personally, I can't think of a cushier job than to get all that stuff - AND STILL GET TO SKYDIVE (where do I sign up?)!!!! Mind you, they are a very STRONG recruiting tool that our Army uses, but as pointed out before..look at the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds, etc. Everyone has a recruiting tool! Hell, the firm I work for has one that is equally as ludicrious...and we have over 20 FULL TIME employees just doing that!!! (please, for my sake, don't insinuate I am pro-military....personally hated all the shite I had to go through as a kid, and refused to join - even after going through recruiting - BUT am not knocking those who did sign on the line) Other teams have it worse off, but they still get to skydive almost all the time. Is that exactly fair? I would love to skydive all the time....I don't see anyone volunteering to pay for my jump tickets (yes, the jealousy is obvious!) 2) On the topic of whether they should be allowed to compete...Sure - YTF not!! Again, as mentioned before...if we don't include everyone who can compete...then how do we know if the best are really the "Best"? I say let the compete...let them try to win (and they sometimes do!), but it goes to show you how when you have all those conveniences behind you - it still comes down to skill, athleticism, and heart!! I have met a few of the GKs (both 'old school' and new) and ALL have been upstanding, friendly, approachable people. Like anyone ("sport, non-professional, professional" skydivers included) they had their share of stories that the public doesn't hear about (and shouldn't!! - contests to see who can hit the center of the peas off the back end of a jeep going 30+mph...and SEVERAL bottles of wine!). These stories don't convey what our sport is about. Think back to this weekend (or any when you weren't at the dz), when your buddies were over enjoying the football game and getting drunk..is that what football is all about?? Certainly not, you don't think of drunken louts when you think about football (some do!)- you think of the game, the plays, the score. Same rule applies. It isn't until you're "indoctrinated" that you learn the "truth" - and then the unspoken, speaks the loudest!! So, while the flood gates may have been perverbially opened....I stand behind my words (and a really big "shit" shield).... The GK's are SKYDIVERS - and therefore equals among us - end of story. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

Okay, I have been pretty silent the last few months (6, gee, has it been that long?? How I have missed you all!!), but I gotta chime in here - and this thread is along those lines... WHAT THE F*^* IS WITH GIVING A GUY YOUR NUMBER AND THEN DISSING HIM WHEN HE CALLS??? I have gotten 2 numbers in the past 2 weeks (a personal best I might add), but BOTH have not returned the favour when called for the initial "hook up" Now, I will admit in both cases, they were virtually "unknowns" to me (passed a few looks, made some brief conversation, but nothing too deep) and then I expressed an interest in getting to know them. They give you their number and you think you're in, but wait theres more.....in one case recently - the number turned out to be her recently seperated BOYFRIEND!! Now, I am confident with myself enough to know that in the last case - she was not so much as dissing me, but using me to get to her ex - fine, took it in stride (she has issues!!) and moved on. But, these last 2....IF YOU WEREN'T INTERESTED IN ME RINGING YOU.....DON'T GIVE ME YOUR NUMBER IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!!!! There are much better ways to go about it than to give out your number ("thank you, but I'm dating someone", "I'm flattered, but not interested", "no, #$@^ off!") Any of you ladies out there (skybytch - I have always valued your "feminine" insight) care to comment? I guess with the invention of the cell phone, and the addition of voice mail- you screen your calls and reply to those you want to. Personally, I would rather only give out my number to those I was interested in ringing me, than to have everyone know my number and have my phone ringing at random times during a day!!! But that is just me. Anyone...... Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Kiwi, RB #926, AFF-I, FAA Snr. Rigger, RN/BSN/Paramedic

That's right....you heard it correctly - I am back...and after 5 months and 10 days...I can tell you it wasn't a MOMENT TOO SOON!!! Had the CASA boogie at Monroe this weekend and spent most of the weekend packing and trying to downplay my nerves for getting on a load. Winds on Saturday were sketchy at best and allowed me ample excuses for not jumping (hell, if they aren't sending AFF students up...I'm not jumping!!!). Only late in the day did the winds die down enough...but by then...I was exhausted and sore from packing. Sunday was different. Brilliant skies...steady 12-14mph winds out of the south. I decided by load 3 that load 7 was going to be the ONE (lucky number and all that!!). I asked around for any takers and sure enough...a few freefliers thought it would be a hoot to go. Next thing I know we have Eric Deren, one half of Atlanta Freeflight organising a hybrid jump. Sure enough...we get bumped to load 6 and I figure...it was meant to be. Exit the CASA in a 3 way flat and are stable IMMEDIATELY (damn if it isn't like riding a bike!!!). Eric is filming, as well as another....and then our third member of the base goes into a stand underneath me and the other flat flyer. And we're only at 10,5!! Both cameramen go into sits and head-downs alternately and next thing I know we are smoking through the altitude. I am all smiles and geeks to the camera! I couldn't have written a better way back into the sport....and I followed it up with a 7 point 4 way later on. Jumps will start off slowly from now on...but for anyone who questions what comes after a broken femur and a 5 month lay off - the answer is....... MORE JUMPS!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Good point Mama.... guess I should scroll down next time before I send!!! Sorry gale...but thank you too!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Sorry Phree....I wasn't aware that asking for some company meant having to barter....I thought going to the movie was enough of an incentive...but I guess I should remember who I am talking to here!!! Okay...okay... a free pack job is thrown in...there...you happy now?? Now...let's see...it has been nearly 5 months since I have looked at a rig..."what's this thing do?"!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Thanks dove.... Anyone else keen on going??? (just thought I would move this up again)

Okay...I know that this is DEFINATELY not the place to be doing this....but I am interested in broadening my social circle....and whatever gets flung here - well, I have thick skin! Skydiving ladies in the Atlanta region.... Pyke got lucky this weekend (no pun intended) and won tickets to a premiere of Spiderman. Only problem is....I have nobody to take the second ticket. Sister is out to town...and the only single people I know...are lesbians (not that there is anything wrong with that!!). Was wondering if any of these ladies would like to take advantage of seeing a free movie...and getting to know another skydiver in the process. If interested....email me, or PM me through the site and we can chat about it. If I get no replies....I fear I may just have to hand it away to someone else that night. Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Mass response follows.... Jessica...thank you sweetie...I am sorry I missed you while I was in TX the other week....was kind of hoping you could, um, comfort me. Oh well, might consider a move to Austin soon, so SDSM could become my new home. Catch ya then! Scratch...I would love to see you say that to Jonah's face!! Considering you got so close to him...what's wrong...SA'fers too pussy?? I got the privelege of drinking with a few of the 'boks while they were at a test at Carisbrook....bloody good blokes...just can't talk for shite!!! Chuck....dude...you're like the most photographed and quoted person in 'chutist now....what did you do...have an affair on your lovely wife with the editor? Anyway...only place I have been hibernating is in the gym...up to 70lbs on the leg press...and 40lbs on the extension. Squats kill, but I can do them. Ran on it today for 10 minutes....that BLOODY hurt...but it was good for it. Viking...thanks. I need to be hired somewhere. Should work out well pretty soon, so hopefully I won't have to eat my tax return and I can get a new container. And, to whoever asked about my Heatwave...yup...still got it. Thinking of going up one size to a 170...so if anyone wants to do and (even or so) swap for one.....I'm all ears! Dove...if we are soulmates.....then how's about PM'ing me...and let's find out for sure. Ask skymama or mouth...I am a decent enough guy....but who cares about that shite....I skydive and I get it!!! So "normal" people suck!!! Later all! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Hey all...just a quick note to say g'day and find out what the haps is. I had over 40,000+ messages waiting for me, so if no one is insulted (who am I kidding...this is dz.com...of course SOMEONE is going to be!) I will save myself the agony and just pick up from here. I see a whole lot of new names posting now...so before the rumours start flying again...Hey all! I am the transplanted Kiwi who broke a wing (femur) in December and have been in serious recovery mode ever since. Aside from that dramada...lost my job...girlfriend left me...but hey...FUCK IT!!!! I skydive and they don't!!! Hope to back in the air by late May early June...hopefully in time for the Monroe boogie - if not...then I will practice my paid packing skills!!! Anyway...I will be dropping in from time to time from now...but just to let you know....I missed my "FAMILY" so it is good to be home!!! Until then....peace, love, and soft fluffys!!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Hey all....just thought I would share the good news!! Dec. 9th...Broke R Femur Jan. 28th...Off Crutches COMPLETELY - still limping though Plan is to be in the sky by my birthday...if not sooner!! So, between now and the first week in May - it is all go in the show...errr - gym!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

I gave up a normal, un-broken skeleton!! Seriously...I gave up my messed up outlook on life and replaced it with a messed up outlook on others who don't LIVE!!!! Oh yeah....I also gave up *%&)loads of $$$$$!!!!!

HH, What about... onbelay.com ??????? implies the commaraderie of climbing...social aspects....all that shite!!! Just my thoughts... Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

# of jumps - 159 # of chops - 1 = jump# 75, text book line over (bow tie), uneventful landing under a Raven 1 # of "bad" openings - 12 ...did the S/L progression....most line twists ever had.......about 10-12...but, I had AGES to get it clear...and miles of landing room! # of broken bones - 1. It would have to be my bloody femur too - wouldn't it!!?? Oh well.....jump # 160 will be very sweet!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Here I am, sitting on my couch cripple and everything...and nobody has noticed that I am in the Rising Fallers for December!!!!!!! That's right...the only C licence issued in GA. They didn't use my "common" name, but that is me alright....then I had to go and be a dick and break my bloody leg...oh well, looks like my D rising faller will be a little longer in the making!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Tuesday - Well, after 9 days of having a broken right leg, breaking the "hardest to break bone in the body"....the sky is blue once again!!!!! It almost seems like it was fate....the day after I broke my leg - it rained for 3 straight days...then, it was sort of nice, then really nice, then rainy, and now nice again!! After seeing the second doctor, all of my fears and worries are put into perspective and/or alleviated. Bascially, this is what I can offer anyone out there who hasn't gone through this (yet!), but has the fear that one day it "MIGHT" happen....... SHIT DOES HAPPEN!!!! Nothing I could have done a week ago Sunday seems to have been avoidable (except going to the dz, of course, but how realistic is that?). I made an uneventful skydive, nothing out of the ordinary happened during the break off, or the deployment....I was just going to have to land out. NOW, should I have chosen another out - probably, but I chose one that made the most sense at the time, and it was too late to decide on something else SAFELY...so I made my approach and well, it didn't work for me. It could have even happened on a HUGE, SAFE out, but it didn't and perhaps that makes it easier to take. I broke my femur...and it is perhaps the worse bone in the body to break (except for perhaps the hip or back) as it makes you evaluate all sorts of things you didn't think you would ever want to evaluate. It asks you to evaluate why you do things you do, why you make choices you make, and who that affects. For me...after 9 solid days of thinking about, worrying about, being incredibly confused about it, breaking up over it....I can honestly say....I WILL BE BACK IN THE SKY!!!! I am ALWAYS going to inconvenience people - regardless of what, or where I ever am. I am always going to be a worry to my parents, family, friends, but if they all know that I am happy - as I am doing what I love and that makes me happy, then that should provide comfort to them. And it is healthy to worry some about those you care about! My job will sort itself out, my boss will get over the fact I couldn't make the meeting - someone will fill me in later. I will be back at work and I will be able to work long enough to build up more paid time off and I will be able to pay off the paid time off I "borrowed" as well. I will even have all of this done, by the time I get back to jumping - so what have I lost??? Not alot....I owe the kind people who spent their Sunday night and gave of their expertise to put me back together....and I would probably owe something similar if I were in a car accident next month - so what is a skydiving accident?? Nothing...just an inconvenience!!! So, if you skydive - there is a possibility of injury or even death.....but then again.....that is inherent in just about EVERYTHING we do....so would I ever want to give this up?? Nahh....probably not!!! So, I am going to hobble off to the fridge to get a drink, but I will leave you with this........ JUST DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT - THIS TOO SHALL PASS!!!!

Monday - Wow, was that just what the doctor ordered or what!!! I had such a good weekend in the end....got out of the house - did some shopping...saw some friends....and now, today, Monday, is when I see the second Orthopead to check on the leg. Can't wait....got all sorts of questions, all sorts of new energy. K, think I will check in with work....no fires...great. Means, I don't need to do anything. Think I will check out some online games and then get ready. Nearly one o'clock....better start getting ready...Sis is coming soon. K, sponge bath, wash hair, brush teeth, get dressed - WOW, that was fast....20 past...I'm getting better at this! Sis is running late, but no worries, I gotta ring the doc to check in anyway. K, here she is - and we're off! "What do you mean he has cancelled his afternoon appts? I just bloody rang in"....."Sorry sir, he is stuck in surgery and can't leave his patient" "Fine, when can I come back?" "Tomorrow at 9:30am - fine, that will have to do. Can I fill out any paper work to save me time tomorrow?" "Sure - here you go...just fill these two out and sign the back of this one". "K, here you go..." "Oh, it now appears he is going to be here - he just rang in - so would you like to wait....?" "Sure - that'll be great!" (reading a magazine article while waiting I see an ad for a Nissan Xterra that says: "The New Xterra...That which doesn't kill us - only makes us stronger....Critically wounds us, but doesn't kill us" I don't realise at the time how positive this is to me, but I notice it) Well, time to see the doc...."Doc - wanted to know about this....and this.....and what about the strength of the leg in the future?....and what about "normal" activity later?....and what about this...and this...??????????" GREAT!!!!! K, Sis has to run a few errands and then we are done for the day. "Wanna drink??" "Sure, and lets get some tea while we're at it - Great, I am starving!!!!"........ Oooops, too much beer!!! Feeling a little 'under', but nevermind - have felt worse lately! (phone rings)"Hi Mum, yeah, saw the doc today and he said......." Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Sunday - wake up to a phone call inviting me down the street to a "hood" breakfast. That's cool - I get to get out of the house again!! Sure - get my shoes on and away we go!!! Good to know that is it is 'formal' dress...as these new pajamas will work perfectly!!!! Hard to get comfortable here too - damn - this shit is getting old!! I just wish I could sit comfortably - after all - the leg itself doesn't hurt now as much as the joints at the top and knee. And, all the scratches from landing in a friggen briar patch have healed up and are all scabbed (no wonder I couldn't get comfortable in the hospital bed!), so they aren't a worry anymore. Well, I am done eating, and I can't get comfortable - so I am outta here! "Thanks for Breakfast....bye!" Not home for more than 10 minutes when my Sister asks if I want to go shopping with her today - SURE!!! Beats sitting around here watching oxygen convert to carbon dioxide!! Here, there, all sorts of places and shops....tiring, but doable. My leg starts to swell towards the end of the day, so Sis decides it is best to take me home and after 5 hours of shopping - I am back on my own couch with a starting to get sore leg up on pillows. Think I will watch some videos tonight..... Mmmmm...haven't seen "Snatch" in a while now - might see that one! Good movie!!! Wow, is it really 12:30 - feels so much later!! Oh well, time for bed. Might see what positions I can get in..... I can do the back thing - been doing that for a week. Errrrrh....Aaaaahhhhh.......Errrrrrhhh.......AAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH can't do that one......Errrrh....errrrrrh....okay, can do the stomach.......AHHHHHAA...not for long though....bloody hip....now it's killing me! Screw this...I'm taking drugs! Try to get comfortable, but this damn hip is killing me now....kick in...kick in...hurry up drugs....kick in....aaaaaaaahahhhhhh...that's it....yeahhhhhh......ZZZZZZZZZ Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Saturday - Well, today is supposed to be a day filled with excitement as I build up towards a huge party with all the dz buddies I have - instead I am stuck on this damn couch - nursing my fucking leg! Oh well - and it is a great day too! Man, what a gorgeous sun - think I will go outside and enjoy it some....hmm....wonder if a beer would fuck me up or not - shall have to find out. Wow, it is hot out here....this beer tastes nice though!

Friday - Well, yesterday sucked, but it helped getting a phone call from an apologetic "ex" partner who apologised for saying all she said, and that she was just scared due to not hearing from me for so long, but she is glad I am okay, and looking forward to seeing me for the holidays. Let's see - it is almost a week since I broke my leg - and I can actually move on it pretty good. I am able to "barely" move on one crutch, but I can get around on 2 really well! That is cool....what else can I do? NOTHING....everything else hurts like a bitch!! Well, it is almost the weekend....let's see - I had so many things I needed to do this week to get ready for, first the DZ Xmas party, then my partner's holiday visit. Ahhh, I can't do any of it!! Fuck it....maybe I can do some of it next week! Tomorrow is the DZ Xmas party - and hopefully I can go, but I don't want to be a burden to anyone there - so I should probably stay home and not worry about it. Besides, a couple of people have offered to help drive me to and from, but that is a huge inconvenience and I wouldn't want to do that to them. Oh well, I'll get some videos and watch movies tomorrow night. Man, time creeps when you have NOTHING to do...think I will play some online games and take a nap later. Wow, is it that time?? I guess I had better go to bed.... Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Thursday - Man, I didn't need that phone call from my "ex" partner in New Zealand. She rang up after having a few and she let me know what she "really" thought! On top of that, I get a ring from Sister who brings up all the inconveniences this is going to bring up to all sorts of people. People who didn't choose to be inconvenience by my "sport". Then, my Mum rings and asks how things are....well, that's all it took....here they come.....TEARS!!! Man, all this shit sucks - why me!?? why now?? why my femur?? I am so confused with what is going on...what is going to happen....how I am supposed to continue working...how am I supposed to clock myself for the last week? Man, WHY ME??? Fuck it - I am going to sleep and watch telly!! Today SUCKS!!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Wednesday - Man, that was an awesome sleep!! Turn on the tele - get up and get some breakfast.....Mmmmm, Honeycomb!! This is great!! Damn hospital food - and all that gas it gave me!! Finally, I can eat something other than mash and spinach! Check in with the office - and nobody needs me - good! I'm taking a nap! Only been up about 2 hours and I think I will rest some more! Damn, why this....why now....why me!!! What the fuck is wrong with me?? How this is going to fuck with my holiday plans.....my work plans....EVERYTHING!!!! Why did I have to break my FEMUR??? It's not like it is a small bone...it is the single LARGEST bone in the body....it is practically unbreakable and yet, SNAP, like a dried twig - it broke!! What is this going to do for my future? My legs are a different length now, I am going to limp for the rest of my life! I hope this second doctor performs the second surgery to fix the discrepency in length...I don't want to limp just because I chose to skydive!! Speaking of skydiving....... What the fuck was I thinking?? I mean, Yeah, it is cool to skydive - hell - it is like nothing else, but if it cost me a femur - is it worth it?? I have to take a week off work ( a job I just got), I lose all that revenue in my bank...I can't pay bills...FUCK!, BILLS, how much did all this cost me?? An orthopaedic surgeon, an anaethesiologist, surgical staff , 2 nights in hospital.....HOW MUCH??? Lets do the math - I have a little over 2 hours of freefall - that cost me roughly 2500 for jumps, and all the gear was another investment of 2500....so, for 5 GRAND I get 2 hours worth of fun - and in one moment I just went into debt for probably 12+ GRAND in surgery and bills, and I have 3-4 months away from the sport.....is that worth it??? Stop thinking like that - think about all the fun you had...... Yeah, some fun it is to sit here with a fucking broken femur while everyone else has their 'natural' femurs and probably always will...I have a fucking rod in mine!!! Arrrrrrrgggggghhh!! WHY!!?? Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

Sunday night - come out of surgery heavily drugged - notice that my sister and her girlfriend are at the end of my bed - say a few words - pass out!!! Monday - wake up to pain in leg...oh yeah - I BROKE MY FEMUR!!!! Fuck me - that WASN'T a dream!! K, well, this hurts like hell - and I can hardly put any weight on my right thigh....it hurts just sitting here in bed. Oh well, not much I can do! Nurses come in - bring breakfast...."mmmmm, I'm hungry - what is for breakfast??" "damn, I am vegetarian - and they serve me meat for breakfast - better tell someone this." What's on the telly? Hours pass.....hours pass....get a few phone calls from Mum, Dad, Sister, other skydivers!. Rigger comes in to see what's up - shoot the shit - and let me know that nothing happened to my rig and it is packed and waiting for me. They (nurses) try to take me for a walk and I almost pass out from just standing up. I walk around in a circle on crutches and DAMN!!! This shite hurts!!! I am bored - when do I leave?? Well, doc says as soon as I can walk around comfortably and my "activities" return to normal - I am free to go. Okay, well, I can pee on demand now, and I haven't tried walking, but I can sit up better now - when can I go?? Mmmmm, think I'll nap. Wake up to find out that it is like 9 o'clock and they can't release me because P.T. didn't want to wake me to walk me - so I have another night in the hospital....great!!! What's on tele?? Tuesday - K, I can leave today - as soon as P.T. comes for a visit. That is great....get them in here...I can walk!! I was up last night - I brushed my teeth - went into the toilet by myself - I am good to go - get me outta here!! Sis can either pick me up this morning, or late in the eve - as she has work committments....k, get me outta here. Can't do it. Fine, I will chill out here!! I get up, take a small walk, sponge off - put on a clean shirt - clean undies - brush teeth, get back in bed - Damn - this leg hurts!! What's on tele?? Why do all the young nurses keep coming in to give me more ice?? Oh well, whatever, I am laid up - not like I am "irresistable" right now...I am a bloody gimp!! Aahh..what was I thinking....why that out?? why that entry?? Did I flare enough?? Could I have chosen another out?? Why did I have to BREAK it?? Why not just a sprain - or a bloody torn ligament?? Aaaaarrrrrggggghhhhhh!!! Okay, it is almost 5 - Sister should be here soon - so get all the nurses to check me out. K, got all my stuff ready - let's go....... .....8:30pm Sister walks in....GREAT!!!! Man, what a welcome relief that is!! Let's get out of here!!! Ahhh....HOME!!! What a sweetie - she has arranged the couch and all the furniture to accomodate me. Well, this is where I will be for a while...so lets get comfortable! Check in to the office - check emails - tell boss what is wrong with me and that I can't make the meeting this week! K, time to lay down...need to rest the leg! Time for bed....no hospital bed to deal with! Ahh, my own pillows...ow, ow, OW...can't get comfortable there....ow, ow, OW....can't get comfortable there....Ah, screw it....I sleeping on the couch where I was comfortable!! Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

What it is like to break the "hardest to break bone in the body" while skydiving!) Sunday - I hadn't planned on skydiving today, but as it is our dz Xmas party next weekend, I think I will go see if someone wants to "go in on some floor space" for the room I have reserved. And...while I am there...why not!! 2 jumps only, as I have a report to do for my boss by tomorrow morning, and he is a hard ass for work - so I better give myself the most amount of the day to work on it. Get up early - go to the dz - do a 4 way and only get one point. Oh well, it felt good to be in the air. Jump #2 - a 3 way FF with Dirk and Tom (a new guy from another local dz). K, a lawn dart into a sit - I think I can handle that. Leave the plane - blow the lawn dart - HOLY SHIT - I can sit fly!!!. Ooops, this doesn't look like what I normally open over - oh, the dz is over there. Well, I ain't going to make that - so I had better suss out someplace else to land. Looking...looking....looking....looking.....left...right....behind...in front.....left - right - infront - behind.....DAMN - is that place the only "good" place to land?? Ok, I think I can handle this - I have to do a tricky turn to get in on final, but I think I can handle this. Line it up, and that last turn should be done.......now...okay and start to flare and here comes the ground....and impact (SNAP!) [what the FUCK was that?? my ribs?? my leg?? a stick I landed on??? stop rolling and find out what it was.......HOLY SHIT - It's my FEMUR!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH (presence of mind - get out of rig - DON'T let them cut it off!! Get help from locals who have come to help - they get rig off - GREAT!!!) Okay, where does it hurt...just the leg - and a little on my sides - possibly broken ribs - nothing too serious....K, FUCK!!!!...MY FEMUR!!!!!! Ambulance ride to the hospital - consult with doctor as to what happened/going to happen - get Xrays - get surgical consult - talk with friend from dz who came in to sit with me - entertain her with glove "chickens" - okay, well, it is time to go to surgery - so I hope like hell someone gets in touch with my sister (who was out). And, away we go...... Kahurangi e Mahearangi, Pyke The Kiwi Lesbian!!! USPA C- 31879

First of all, thanks to all who have posted their concern and thoughts - very much appreciated!! In fact, it is amazing to find out just how "close" the skydiving community is when something like this happens. Status report: Broken R femur, no other breaks, however I require a second surgery to fix a 1cm discrepency between my legs - seems like young doctors AREN'T the way to go for something this serious - although, I am grateful for what he has done - just a damn big inconvenience!!! Landed in a recently mowed briar patch, so the break isn't nearly as bad as the scratched to shit leg that it is in! Recovery is expected in 6-8 and they presume I will be in the air in 3-4 months. Incident Report: After my first successful FF and actually accomplishing a sit, I pulled low for where I was, but not low by any stretch. Blame a bad spot (although, no blame is on the "spotter") and a low opening for the lead up to a rather painful experience. My head was on a swivel trying to sort out the best possible landing areas, and while the one I chose was not "bad", my approach was perhaps (obviously!) wrong. I executed a 90 degree turn on my final to line up for the most amount of landing room, and it wasn't until I actually hit that I realised I wasn't in control. I had been getting used to the Heatwave response, and thought I was in for an ugly, but ok landing. Once impact occured, I heard it (I had always wondered when people said you could "hear" it, man, if you have been there, you KNOW) break. It wasn't until I stopped that I realised how much pain there was! An eyewitness raking his leaves said I hit a tree, but I am not sure how accurate that is - however, I was not looking up at the time. I flared late, and well, you can guess the rest! As for some of the comments: Sure, why not use this as an excuse for some extra BJs from the missus! Isn't that what injuries are for?? I load my Heatwave at (what I think is an unimpressive) 1.26:1 and have managed several brillant landings on it back to back to back....etc. They always say, it is never ONE big thing that leads to accidents, it is an accural of lots of little things - well, this is a textbook example of some little things turning into big things. However, (as someone pointed out to a family member upon hearing the news) at least I had enough experience to "just break a leg". And with that, the recovery begins!!!! Oh, and to not lose sight of the reality of it all...... First successful FF = BEER First skydiving injury = BEER