VanillaSkyGirl

I extend to you an offer of visiting Skydive Chicago if you ever come out this way. It's a big DZ too and I do some organizing for low time to intermediate skydivers. I'd like to jump with you. And if I get out to the west coast I'll be sure to look you up and jump with you. That's a deal! I'd love to! Oh, please do not forget that I expect you to run after me after every jump to find out if I am having a good time...

Hey, my 81 year old mom likes to hang out at Elsinore, Perris and Lodi...

Well, I've visited Perris myself and it was as friendly as any other DZ I've been to. Good for you. That is your opinion. We have had differing experiences. You have also never read my first post back on May 2nd in this same forum. It explains somewhat why else my experience there was just not good. Like I said, I was stating that this was only MY experience at Perris. My point is that your experience is what you make it. I wouldn't wait for anyone to come around chasing you down to make sure you are having a good time. Are you kidding me? You are prejudging me based on absolutely nothing. I never said that I would want for ANYONE (emphasizing) to do anything of the sort. Being shy, I feel uncomfortable if too much attention is being called to me. You must not understand that by "being friendly", I mean a smile or "Good luck" back at my smile/"Have fun" on the plane or a "Hello" back on the ground. Geez. By friendly, I mean basic courtesies. I went to Perris about 4 or 5 times, and I just felt that out of all the other DZs that I had visited that it was the least friendly at the time. I seriously think that I am not alone. Just as there are many loyal Perris people, there are many that have had bad experiences. It differs for everyone. I am not bashing Perris. I still feel that it is a wonderful DZ, which is why I want to go jump there now every now and then. Btw, shyness and social phobias are real. They can affect us non-whuffos, too. We are just skydivers jumping out of a plane. We are not perfect and invincible.

You've accepted the challenge of jumping from an airplane but now you are scared to walk up to a stranger and talk to them? Jesus Christ! First, do not YELL at me. Second, I said that my experience at Perris is just that MY experience. Third, who says that I didn't walk up to people at Perris? Walking up to people/talking and having them be friendly back are two seperate things. Furthermore, I always have fun IN THE SKY because I am there for me and my enjoyment IN THE SKY. I have been to many dropzones (AAW, San Diego, Taft, Elsinore, etc.) by myself, as usual, since Perris and had a fabulous time jumping solos or jumping with others. Also, I was still a student at the time that I went to Perris. I was at the mercy of the school and the wind. It makes people anxious to have to be ready to jump out of a plane at a huge, new DZ at a minute's notice. I wasn't trying to think about making friends as I was waiting to be called to jump. Like Wendy, I am also naturally very shy, but it is not always obvious. I struggle with it every day. I was THE smart, nerdy grade-school girl, but then I went through puberty at 14. That is when I began to get a lot of attention and did not know how to deal with it. Therefore, I am still shy many times, although I have improved at my social skills tremendously over the years. (I'm 32, now.) Anyway, what does being shy have to do with jumping out of a plane? There is no correlation. You can be socially shy/scared and still extremely courageous in other areas of your life. I do not think that every person has to be classified a certain way to be called a skydiver. That seems a just bit weird to me. I never said that I wasn't weird.

Just in case, I am also posting here. I have never done a tandem, so I would love to know more about them as they are a unique experience for many people. The "tandem forum" is a GREAT IDEA!

I have NEVER done a tandem, but I would love to know more about them as they are a unique experience for many people. This is a great idea.

Or you could use that 'old Inca' method aka the hammer and nail. Um....I was born in Peru. I know that you are joking, but the Incas were ahead of their time. They even performed brain surgery...of course, they also chewed on "coca leaves" to stay strong in certain altitudes...

My past experience with Perris was also sadly not very good. I only have gone as a student, and, at the time, I felt that they did care more about the financial part of it too much. I may be wrong. I was frightened away from there as it was very difficult to feel at home in a new DZ where no one was really friendly to me. I felt so insecure. Being shy and a female student did not help. I was going to go to Perris today, but I am sick still (began antibiotics again last night). However, I have an urge to go next Sunday and conquer my fear of Perris. After meeting Frank and Dominic in the gear store and seeing the friendly face of a female instructor that I had met there before, I think that I may be able to feel less intimidated. I may jump there every so often if it goes well.

Maybe no one is lying, just different points of view. Sparky You are so wise, Sparky.

Thank you, Sparky. Actually, I know that Will is at Cal City. That is not what I was referring to. He has his plans of which I am also aware. (Go Will!) I was talking about the property that AAW was operating from...the new plans for THAT piece of property. I heard from the "horse's mouth", so to speak. Edited to add: I meant to write to the guy that missed AAW. Also, I am still new, but I love Elsinore and Otay the best, although I may go to Perris tomorrow for a change. It's not my fav place, but still...

Oh my God. ((((((((((((((((((((((VIBES))))))))))))))))))))))) Please be OK, Lew. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cute pics, girls!

I miss Air Adventures West in Taft, because we would get 14K! And AA west is now closed. Wounder why? I do not think that I know you, but AAW was my original DZ and closed when I was just beginning. (At the time, I had passed all levels and was beginning my solos.) Anyway, I was speaking to George (instructor/pilot) the other day about it. He is an instructor about once a month at Elsinore, my new home DZ. AAW WILL REOPEN. Nobody really knows in what time frame, though. I can let you or anyone else know what little I do know in a confidential PM.

(((((((((((((((((((VIBES))))))))))))))))))) You know, I understand your sadness at not being able to jump today, Chris. I was going to go jump at a 2-way camp today at Elsinore, but I decided to ground myself for the day or (if I still do not feel good) until next weekend because I have been sick on anti-biotics AND my knee/leg is a little funky. I am really sad, but I also feel relieved that I didn't go today because if I get worse... I may go tomorrow to fun jump a couple of times, but ONLY if I feel that I will not be hurting myself in any way. P.S. I like Wendy's vibes. I want some of those! Also, Chris, I have seen a very experienced skydiver jump with a teeny-tiny sinus problem and have to ground himself for weeks. It is quite serious.

and all along ive voted republician simply because i like to think for myself and keep government as far out of my life as possible... perhaps if the Dems figured out they dont need to shepard absolutely everyone they might win more often... Hmmmm...we agree, again, Zen. Blue-eyed also makes a whole lot of sense...

OMG, you guys are making me with this "sweaty one" talk. Geez... do you really think that sounds very complimentary? She does have the one where she is "glowing" up still, though. Chris, you are a freak...Just kidding! Press refresh, baby.

Aaaaaauuuugghhhhhh!!!! No, stop these vicious rumours... Bye-bye!

Hmmmm...I just saw that both Blue-EyedMonster and Yardhippie are downloading attachments right now. What could this mean...!?!

You're fibbing! You know you opened it.

I agree! I had a BF who introduced me to spending lavish evenings eating and drinking the aforementioned which he would have waiting for me when I came over. Sigh...do you enjoy Opera, as well? I used to go by myself when I was younger, but it's been a while. I even TRULY enjoy dressing up in my gowns and going with my parent's to their charity events! LOL!

I happen to love brie, on a good tablewater cracker. There is little in life as decadent. I also love fine, soft cheeses, especially brie, on fine table water crackers. Oh yes, we must consume some together if we ever meet. Perhaps with fresh, thinly sliced salami, beluga (or not) and a glass of vintage Port. Mmmmm.... haven't found it to taste much like cum. A lot less salty, in my opinion. Ummmm....DITTO!

Hooty Hoo back to you, you sweet girl!

Geez...I step away from the website for a minute and Ronnie is on here talking about Bytch-slappin'n'stuff. Chill dude, you wouldn't lay a hand on me or Mama, and you know it! Besides, don't you have to go and (British royalty accent) draw the bath for Haley or something! LMAO!

Ok-dokey, then.

Damnit, it's supposed to turn you all off so I'll stop getting suggestive pm's! Yeah, from creepy dudes... I am a sweet, litttle , but if you mess with my Skymama... I just may have to come on over and BYTCH-SLAP your punk-arses! Ahem...the nice guys may PM Andrea all they want...