Rdy2skydive

Yikes! That's a tough situation. The best thing to do is say what you mean and mean what you say. Stick to your guns. Breaking up with someone is never easy - especially when the person you're breaking up with doesn't want to accept it. And unfortunately, hurt feelings are unavoidable. No matter how kind you are, there's a good chance someone will get hurt. Mail her stuff back to her or give it to a friend. Don't take her calls and don't return them. It will be hard for her at first but it may be the only way she will realize you no longer want a relationship with her. Anytime you talk to her or agree to see her, it plants the seed of hope in her mind and she will continue to hang on to you. Make a clean break so you can both move on. Good luck!

EXCELLENT!!!!!!! It reminds me of many of my landings - including one during my canopy class in July that's still being talked about. Thanks for sharing.

IVAN!!!!! What's the matter?????????????????? How about a jump this weekend? Will that make you feel better? See you at STL around 11:00.

LOL... I write too and I have piles of blank journals that I get as gifts every year. I HATE those FUCKING things!!!!!

My Spectre opens in 1000-1200 feet if my packer packs it and in about 700 feet if I pack it. It's always a nice soft opening. Much better than my Sabre 2 that often used to yank me and then pitch to the right.

I jump at two different drop zones. One is an hour away and the other is three hours. It's worth every minute and every bit of wear and tear on my car.

I'm a Libra and definitely busted. [laugh

I did my AAF Level 8 graduation dive at the end of last December. We were getting on the sunset load and it seemed a little windy. I questioned my instructor but he said the winds were fine. By the time I opened my Manta 230 I was over the drop zone and being blown backwards very quickly. As I blew over the DZ and over a residential area, I realized I was in trouble because there was a wooded area and then a semi-frozen lake beyond it. Somehow I managed to get myself over an open area surrounded by trees. I landed safely as the sun went down. My radio wasn't working and I had no idea where I was so I picked up my chute and started walking back. A few minutes later a forest ranger drove up and started yelling at me for trespassing. Apparently it's illegal to be in a state park once the sun goes down (like I planned it that way). When he was done yelling at me, he asked if I was I skydiver. I told him that I was and really didn't plan to land in the park. He then offered me a ride back to the DZ and said that he would make sure I wasn't fined for trespassing. When I got back I realized no one was around - they were all out looking for me. My instructor had gone up in the Cessna to see if he could find me. Later I got a 2 hour lecture on canopy control and had to repeat level 8 the following April. Needless to say, I never get on a plane if I think it's too windy for my abilities.

I would definitely call American Express and get them involved. I've never had a problem with Para-Gear but had a similar experience with another company. American Express called the company to find out why nothing was being done to resolve the issue. Amex told them to resolve the issue with me or they would prevent any future sales to be charged to American Express until the matter was settled to my satisfaction. Two days later, I was a happy customer. Good Luck!!!

I've always hated: "You're going to hell in a handbasket.!"

I've beaten cancer twice. It's the scariest thing I've ever had to deal with. The best advice I can give is to put yourself first when you are dealing with a major illness. Surround yourself with family and friends who are supportive. There's no room for people who aren't. The other thing to do is to learn as much about the illness and treatments available as possible. Do research, ask questions. It's my experience that an educated patient is a partner in his/her treatment. Understand what is happening to you and why. Many many many hugs and good vibes to your friend!

We can only be manipulated by others if we allow it to happen. That being said, it sounds like this is a casual dating relationship for you and a more serious relationship for her. The truth is, if you really wanted to see her you would figure out a way to be with her. Be honest with her about your feelings now, don't wait another three months. You'll both end up feeling played and manipulated.

That's a lot of weight. I love my weight belt but can't wear more than 8 lbs in it, even though I could use a few more. On my next repack, my rigger is going to put some weight in my container. That my be an option for you. I would definitely recommend starting with a few lbs and then adding as you need it.

That's happened to me. Other jumpers with a few more jumps than me doing some very scary stuff. There's no intention of doing anything dangerous - just a blatant lack of awareness (which is sometimes even scarier). I brought it to the attention of staff and was told the following: - If you didn't get it on video then it didn't happen - Shit happens at other dropzones too so learn to deal with it. My solution: I have found another dropzone and when I jump at the other one I avoid the loads that those people are on. I also cross my fingers that no one gets hurt.

LOL... I started jumping at 35 (closer to 36) and the mid-life crisis comments all the time. My response is that at least I'm living life and not just existing. Those 20 somethings tell me all the time that I look good "for someone who's 37." It makes me laugh - but wait until they start calling you M'am. Congratulations on your mid-life "correction." You may be broke but you're not crazy.

I would love to entertain everyone with my funny Whuffo stories but I'm just too busy explaining to them: No, you can't eat in freefall. Yes, you can steer your parachute where you want to go. And my personal favorite: The reason I'm more tan in the summer is because I'm outside at the DZ all day, NOT because I'm closer to the sun when I jump out of the plane. WHUFFOS - Just gotta love them.

"Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wing on the way down." Kobi Yamada

Don't let that stop you. I did my first tandem alone and then AFF by myself. My friends all thought I was crazy and wanted nothing to do with my skydiving. It didn't matter, I've met so many new people, and I've made a lot of new friends. I'm glad I didn't wait until someone went with me or I'd still be waiting to make my first jump. Now, the only time I'm alone is when I'm in the car on the way to the dropzone.

867-5309 Heard it on the radio this morning now the voices won't stop singing it.

Since I've started skydiving many people have said the most ridiculous things to me but this one takes the cake. Not long ago a co-worker approached me and asked me if I could eat while I was skydiving. Assuming she was referring to the stomach butterflies I experienced during my days as a student I told her that it was now possible for me to eat and skydive on the same day. "No," she said. "I meant, can you eat while you're jumping? While you're falling?" Still not sure where this was going, I turned to her and said, "You mean, can I jump out of a plane and plummet to the earth at 120 mph while munching on a ham sandwich.?" "Yeah," she said. "Can you eat while you're falling?" Not believing what I was hearing I seriously responded, "No. The owner doesn't allow food on the plane." Her response - "Oh, that's too bad."

I know exactly how you feel. It took me 7 jumps to pass level 3 for the very same reasons. I couldn't relax and I wasn't breathing. Some time in a wind tunnel helped with body position but I was still very tense. Finally another instructor told me that I should take a little more time on my exit. When I lean out of the plane, before starting the hotel check, look at the prop and then take a deep breath, exhale and then start my count. I do it on every jump now and it makes all the difference. Good luck.

Yes. This is completely normal. Now you must immediately call your bank and arrange to have your paychecks and savings deposited into your dropzone's account.

OH IVAN - I KNOW WHO YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!!!! Don't forget about the time on the plane when she leaned over and asked me how much my custom jumpsuit cost. I told her $325.00. She said, "That's expensive. That's as much as your new rig, isn't it?"

FYI- I'm 120 lbs (142 out the door) and bought a Sabre 2 150 right off student status. My instructors all said it was the right wing loading for me but I'd only had one stand up landing. 13 jumps and several crash landings later (plus a neck injury), I put my Sabre 2 up for sale and now jump a Spectre 170. Even with a lower wing loading it's a fun canopy to fly and I even stand up some landings now. Regardless of the wing loading, a smaller canopy is always a faster canopy. Learning a lesson the hard way is not always fun.

LOL... I sucked under canopy when I first got off student status. My first solo jump after AFF I landed in a swamp with my canopy stuck in the surrounding trees. I was immediately dubbed "Swamp Thing" by friends and co-workers. The instructor that helped me retrieve my gear told me that "if I was going to be stupid then I'd better be tough." I wouldn't let it get to you.