airann

Well I did one finally, (case of real beer) and it was beyond awesome. We even had some CREW Dogs doing a stack and they landed it in the headlights. Bad ass Catfish! The event was perfectly planned, the pilot did 4 passes, so that no more than 3 solo or groups were out at a time. Plus at about 4 or 5 grand the pilot looped the DZ three times so everyone could see what the DZ looked like at night. There was great separation and like a minute or more in between jumpers landing. We had a briefing before in the conference room to talk about it and explain how it would be exactly. Previous night jumpers were asked to take care of the new night jumpers and Catfish made sure we knew where the DZ was. Every one of us. I personally was lit up like a Christmas tree. I think I was the only one with a strobe and chem lights all over me. And big fun, I lit my canopy by holding a flash light with my hand that is already in a toggle, but the slider got in the way alot. Next time a bigger flash light and move my slider down. I didnt see my shadow, that I was warned about, It looks like another jumper at night. So that was good. I wouldnt want to be running from my own shadow. The experience was wonderful and we all had a great time. Great ground participation. And briefing, I really think that was the key- we worked as a team on the plane. No traffic in the landing area at all. So no worries about landing or flying, the separation was perfect, 1000 feet apart at opening. All things were taken into consideration, canopy size, fall rate, experienced and not. Plus I got to freefly. Some places its belly only on a night jump. Whew, I dont think I could have done that, I forgot! (not really) But it was way great!! The biplane the crew dogs landed was incredible. They flew between us and the moon and it was spectacular. Then they landed it. Incredible. I cant say enough about this jump the air and ground safely was top notch. Zero worries. The drop zone: Skydive Houston Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I saw a guy one time ask his girlfriend to marry him up there. (I think that was the last good guy in the state of Texas.) He had a yellow sign with black writing, just two words: MARY ME! And it was about 4 inches tall and say a foot long. He bent it in half and pulled it out of his pocket in freefall then finally after she nodded her head YES. He stuck it back in his pocket. (small tear) Anyway hope that helps, oh, it was laminated. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

HEY, I can fling a bottle cap really far and on target. Would that help a dz.com record attempt here in TEXAS? I am in!! But, I am thinking hybrid dive. I havent done RW stuff for over 250 jumps. I guess I could break my record and definately get Zennie on it, and Ramone, and my other buds who post here. Maybe we will put our three tubes in it and have our record be a big way freefly, suitable for framing, Parachutist cover, stuff like that. When is it? Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

If I do take the position, it will be within about 2 weeks or ASAP. Its 50/50 right now. I can have the job if I want it but I am waiting out on this other one with way less stress and its here in Houston. Regardless, I am going to Gladewater, I know too many people from there including Levin Jackson who lives at my house in Houston now. I have seen ever conseiveable video from there up to about his 500th jump. Nice place. From those videos I think I might be able to get my skinny ass out onto the strut. I have always jumped Super Otters or Otters. I know its fun, I have heard that. But, my Dad used to haul me all around in both a Piper Cub then a Scitaboria, which is airobatics spelled backwards. I was a kid and all I could really see was the inside of the airplane when strapped in. And I had to stay strapped in cause he did all kinds of Split S's and Loops and crazy stuff, then I would get air sick sometimes. So, when I think about a small plane - Air Sick comes to mind. Other than that- Its all good. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I had alot of fun. And it was safe and good but I dont think I will do it again, unless it happens again. But what are the odds of the same circumstances happening again. Huh? My luck, likely next week. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Dang, the offer is back on the table again. I dont know!!!! The Pros and Cons are about the same. Another offer came in and I kinda like getting off at 4, to go skydive. And I can be at home with my dogs and the "freefly zone" at my house can remain the the big screen video review house and serious skydiving disscussions after beer. When someone leaves or arrives it is kinda unnerveing when somebody yells DOOR! If any of you are in the area stop by. The tube jumpin stuff is just awesome footage. And as freeflyers you know, we wind up with 7 views on an 8 way skydive. Its about to be 8 when I get mine repaired and mounted. Yippee. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I know a Dude who landed on top of of a Sonic. We call him Sonic Tom. He took me on my first skydive. And it was awesome. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I like the way you write. Wonderful and keep on laughing its the best way to experience anything. (except for if you are in bed with somebody, I wouldnt laugh then, bad manners. Then again I might.) I too have had the canal landings, briar patchs, soybean field, muddy plowed field, field with cows and without cows. I prefer without cows, shoes get icky if you dont watch where you are going or if it is dark, in my case. And if my cnaopy fell in a cow land mine, I would likely be upset, not to mention the fact that I would never hear the end of it. Shyt Canopy, I know that already, thank you. I went out one time made 3 jumps and 2 were off airport. Close but no cigar. Pretty sure it was Pilot error. Gave me a bad spot. I was doing him a favor for not asking for a go round. I am nice like that. Yeah, thats it, thats my story. I am pretty tough by now. Lots of scars, makes the girly girls in Corporate America leave me alone. They think I am crazy anyway. I tell you this, all of it, is worth the 50 or 60 seconds of human flight, plus the canopys up there with you. It is a beautiful thing. Especially the sunset load. On my 100th- we had a 11 way sit, at sunset. Never, have I seen such a very cool sky. It was first of all: raining men, (I was the only girl freeflyer forever, now there is one and 1/2 besides me). Second of all it was almost all of my friends up there! I passed my 200th sometime back, I dont know when. Getting close to 300, but losing that Protrack really messed up my log book by about 50 jumps. Dang it. I log my jumps, like every other month or something. Hey, I have to get my beauty sleep - I have riser scars on my right cheek, and I have to make up for that until they go away. Might be a couple of weeks. No jokes. Write some more stuff! My stuff is boring comic relief, strange but true stuff. Later on, when you get a bunch of jumps, you will know what I am talking about. Hard to tell, sometimes I dont know what I am talking about. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Our load went up yesterday tring to beat a thunderstorm. We didnt make it. It was raining on the DZ. So we went back down to 4k. Everyone who had sense, or a camera, or like everybody else on the plane, decides to ride her down. Pilot says hop and pop? I dont know, sounded like a jump to me. So, I was in the door and Levin is yelling, Ann, its RAINING. I finially turn around and he said something.. something .. raining HARD. By that time, I was 1/2 way out the door. At about 5 feet down the hill sure enough it was raining hard. Hardest rain I ever was out in, ground or air. I think sprinkles are better. Even frozen sprinkles. Anyhow, the other person out of the 12, besides me that jumped. Missed what I caught by seconds. He must have been able to see how to track over to the edge. Anyway, fully committed, convinced my face was bleeding. By the way covering your face with your hands and having just your goggles showing is not a solution. Getting on your back is. But I left the plane at 4k. I pitched as my 3rd ditter was calling. Right over the DZ with my eyes closed. Line twists, naturally, nearly pinched my head off. I wasted some altitude in order to land. But you should hear the pitter patter of hard rain on a canopy. Strange and Cool. Plus the driving rain passing you up is kinda cool too. Its like you are in a school of fish. All the rain going in like a 45 degree angle. Very pretty. Sky Bath is kinda cool. However, Ignorance is in fact, Bliss? After, I had my very good time leaving the wimps on the plane. And having my butt swoop landing in couple of inches of water within spittin distance of the peas. After all the laughting stopped, it was brought to my attention, that I should watch the winds off of those thunderstorms. They had to go get someone 7 miles away one time. The tandem kept getting higher. Few minutes after that and a mile or so down the road, a small twister touched down. Ok so, Anyway- I had a blast, alot of questions for me after. How did your canopy do? Great, pitter patter of rain on the roof! However, it did not function well as an umbrella. Was it painful? Duh. Let me think ........ Hell yes! Falling on the pointy ends of huge raindrops was the worst part. Note to self: Covering up forehead and chin with hands, having exposed only goggles, not a solution. = an unstable sit. I actually try this one everytime in clouds and stuff, and it really doesnt work. If you have more than 4k, turn on your back, watch your alt. Because I weigh 125, lately, under an unfortunate student decision to buy a Sabre 150. I didnt notice anything different with my canopy up there. Except for the flare. That canopys flare is horrible. Always has been. Rain or Shine. I am almost convienced it is absolutely the canopy, not the pilot. AirAnn, doing what most people would not do- To report back my adventures. Always looking out for YOU, my fellow skydivers!! Trying to be just that little bit of help in YOUR skydiving adventures. And as they always say, watch Ann, that would be what not to do. No, she isnt hurt, she does that all the time. It just looks like she crashed, caught on fire and exploded. AirAnn gives this manover a thumbs up for the something new and entirely different, and a thumbs down on the safety issue. So, dont try this at home or if you are semi-sane. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Levin my house mate and the red and yellow fellow that graces my web page alot. Started jumping at Gladewater. I think I have seen every video he took there. Nice group of freeflyers. I jumped with them recently here in Houston. The job is for a ton of money, but .... I think it would be too far from any "family" I could pick up some family at Gladewater, since I know almost 5 folks from there already. Someone said there was a DZ downtown Shreveport. And it was great for night jumps. I still dont know, there are too many things in this life that are worth more than money. But then again, I could afford to fly back every weekend and then, a new Sony camera, new rig, a 2nd new rig, new helmet for camera....... lots of jumps,........lots of coach jumps ....... Trip to Norway, Hi Espen! I dont know, I have another offer in town that is a real good onle also and I can still have the stuff I want and still get to be home, mow my own yard and clean my own pool. Then travel alot. Maybe that is the way to go. Biggest problem with Quasi- moving over there are my kids -Flea Flyer can go with me, the new jumping parnter, smallest dog in the world and smartest. Fetches at 10 weeks. But Skeet, my Great Dane, the largest dog in the world (both are spoiled inside dogs) would likely be more difficult to sneak around. And Flea and Skeet are a matching set. Another reason I got FLea, ex-boyfriend took his dog back, poor guy, the dog that is. So Skeet was looking for his friend all over every night, so I got Flea. Skeet was not impressed with his size. But Fleas screw you big dog attitude won him over. They love each other. Flea sits on his head and is teething on his ear, Skeet doesnt move, But his tail is sore from Flea dangleing from it. Skeet would not do well in an apartment. And he has to have a place to run, hence I have 2 lots on a cul de sac. He could stay here with Levin and I take Flea Flyer, but then they would miss each other. Decisions, they suck. Let me see my priorities are my dogs and skydiving. Hey, I finally got my head on straight. And this time, I am staying single forever. My dogs understand me 100%. The end. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

There is a job offer I am considering in Shreveport. First I will keep my house & pool. But have a small apt there. Stay there Sun - Thursday. But the main thing is where to jump? My career depends on this!! Tell me where the DZ's are and do they have a real plane? Tanks! Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

17,000 something........can you say High Pox e-ah! Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I have 2 pair of SportRx the especially for skydiving ones. Smoke and Amber for sunset loads. They do not affect your vision to the side. The only thing is be careful, I keep mine in my gear bag and they get ruffed up a bit. But they have lasted me almost a year with no serious scratches. The foaming around the eye is the only thing that needed to be replaced often. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Zen - I had this problem twice. Once when I nearly landed in the pond and carved away instead, and landing on wrist and side. Beat bad, well no more than usual, really. But I was sore longer thats for sure. The other time was just stupid, I was last winter, again, and I was slipping upon touch down, so I reached out my hand and naturally turned my canopy with the toggle in hand. That was the other wrist injury. And left lower leg separtated tibia and fibia, plus the McRubber twisted ankle that I had to wear air cast on last winter. Moral of the story is listen very closely to the post here. Dont do what I did. Now, its an additional $5 a jump for me cause I can not pack. And worse, this very day, I almost took out a 10 way freefly jump cause I was outside float, next to last in a sit fly train, in door, and had I had serious trouble hanging on to the bar. My grip is terrible. With all the guys hangin on to me and everyone else, and the wind, I nearly lost my grip. And that would have been really bad. (And then the count was like forever to get 10 people in the door) I thought I was going to die. If I took it out, oh man, the token freefly chick takes out a 10 way. Yipee, where is my hole to crawl in. And RW grips, no can do. So you see I was meant to freefly. Another Moral: Fix that bad habit ASAP, you might not be flying your canopy as well as you could be with your wing loading in winds if this keeps up you might break an arm or worse, so fix it now. I kinda hold me toggles when flaring slightly out to the side and closely beside lower hip area. However, if you gotta be in a crosswind these findings posted here on the forum are great. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Oh yeah, Cyber: Found that site you wanted me see. Humm... I got the download to secure my system, but Oh Dear, Porn sites Galore. I wondered how you found this program. Oh My!!! (I bookmarked it, for a rainy day) Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

You are killing me right now FFF, LOL! The levitating rock would likely land on my head, with my luck. And hell, I am Irish. Guess that gene pool was too corrupted to let the Luck of The Irish get passed down. Or maybe the Scottish part took up too much DNA. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Sangrio, this is stupid but I lost about 50 of my posting credits. I am a NEWBIE again. I didnt know the rankings until it changed at 50 or something. What do you get for being a newbie twice. Is that like a first or case of beer, I think. Anyway, Just so you know. I dont know if it happened to anyone else or not. Thanks Babe, Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

So.... Ummm...... You Skydive?? .... That is Awesome. Hi, My name is AirAnn, Ann for short. I skydive also. How about I book us a one way flight to 14k? How about the 2.5 mile high club? LOL I get asked that alot, but the guys RUN. I guess they think I am either lying or a really gutzy blonde. Prob would make them look like girlie man next to the stuff I do. Especially my legendary landings, its stunt work - relax S&TA, it only looks like I crash, catch on fire and explode. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I said "almost" every rock. I havent looked under the rocks on the East coast yet. Oh Well, so many rocks, so little patience, I still give up. I am SO DONE. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Jimminee Crickets, Cant we all just get along? I know a bi-sexual dude, a woman who loves women, (a couple of those, very nice people by the way) And a swinger type guy. And 2 gay men. All of whom are very nice. Lucky for them. Cause I am freaking SINGLE and there is no good men companions anymore. Anywhere in the entire world, cause I have looked under almost every rock. I give up. So whatever you are into and you are happy then I am happy for you. Now more importantly this: ""Where is Cyberskydive with all his 'feel the love' stuff?? :)Pammi"" I want to feel!, ....gotta go to the airport and board the plane for Georgia, oh yeah, bad weather, never mind. By the way...AirAnn is all about the topic of "lack of women skydivers" that is why I started it. I could write a book one the topic. But alas, who has time with a new puppy. I found out my great dane is a little big for tandem passenger. We would be in a terrible wing loaded state, he weighs more than me. So I got him a buddy, a Mini-Toy Rat Terrier. He will max out at 7 lbs. Working on Flea Flyers tandem rig right now. It is purple, which matches my stuff. Skeet is 150+ lbs at one year and gaining and Flea is 1.5 lbs right now at 8 weeks. Now THAT is whatcha call an odd couple!!!!!!!!! So it is not all Wht guys, you have at least one white chick with a DOG, jumping. It takes ALL kinds, and we should greet them warmly. Doesnt mean we all have to agree on the same damn thing. That would be boring. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

This guy already needs an ADD. Automatic Doggie Device. He is diving off the couch like no problem and he is only 8 weeks old. He is doing advanced stuff for his age. Going to the bathroom outside! The most amazing thing is he stands up to Skeet who when at ease is waist high from his back. His head is bigger than mine. His ear bigger than Flea. The whole dog is bigger than Levin. BUT, when he accidently gets too close to Skeet's stuff, bones & giant toys, Skeet will growl at Flea. Flea shakes his head and growls back. He also bites his tail, he jumps up to get at it. And chews on his back feet. Skeet is gentle with him cause he has to be with the cats. So, he kinda thinks he is a funny smelling cat. Animals are my thing! EXAMPLE: Brittany. Just kidding. Or even better EXAMPLE: ZENNIE At any rate everyone in this house is spoiled rotten even Levin. But dont tell him I said that. We have the 2 dogs Skeet, Great Dane and Flea Flyer, Toy Rat Terrier, Monster, Target, Oscar & MultiCat are the 4 cats. Levin wanted me to get an Emu, Bear, Cougar, or a Monkey. Then last night he says get a shark. Ok, no more watching Animal Planet TV. Skeet has a winter coat, Royal Blue and a rain coat- red with black fur collar. Great Dane Dog Coats are big and hard to find. I can find a rain coat for Flea EZ, I hope. Neither one likes to go out in the rain. Neither would I. Thanks for the Pud Picture. I am hoping that Derrick will rig Flea Flyer's harness for me. (rigger) Or at least make any modifications to rig as needed. I want to make absolutely sure he is not going to wiggle out or etc. Levin says the way I am about animals "I would go in trying to save Flea". Thats is why it has to be perfect. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Hey, we talking about my little friend, Brittany. She is getting major coverage on my page now. She has been jumping with me at Spaceland starting last week. I was suposed to meet her at SLand Sunday but I had to go and pick up the next worlds greatest DZ dog, besides Skeet, (Great Dane). So I told her we would jump this week with Flea and then again this weekend at the boogie. We did a three way, 6 way with a tube and a 2 way with Brit skysurfing and myself sitting. Its cool we already have team colors and team shoes picked out. We jump with our team sandals now! he he he! Cause we be bad ass! Flea is short for Flea Flyer. He is a Toy Rat Terrier, like the guy on Frasier except 1/2 as big or a 1/3 as big. He will be about 7 to 10 lbs. In direct porportions to Skeet being massive, Flea is very small. So we are designing a tandem harness for Mr. Flea Flyer right now. We hope to jump Wed. for his first jump or on the weekend at the Boogie. His first jump pictures will be on the web site and maybe his first jump video as well. Anyway goggles may be a problem at 8 weeks old I will have to get doll glasses for him. His harness will fit on my chest strap and anchor again on my leg straps or around my waist. Since I will be sitting till pull time, Flea Flyer will likely not get too much wind till then. I have talked to him about it and Skeet too, (since technically Flea is Skeeters companion), and they are ok with it as long as the jumpmasters ok the harness as sound. And everyone agrees he is safe in harness. I agree with Skeet and Flea Flyer, if we are good to skydive -- then we skydive! If not we dont. Zennie: Brit will be out alot. And she is good people. As soon as I can get the camera on my head we are going to be throwing out some serious female freeflyin footage. Yahoo! Right On! Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Ramon almost had his name in the incident reports. It is an incident I will never forget. Ramon the human cartwheel. But he almost nailed the accuracy spot, with his right shoulder I think. I had a nasty view of it. EeeeKkkkk! Its all good now Ramon is quietly becoming one of the DZ's best freeflyers & freeflyin video dudes. He is on his way to Eloy in a week or so. (dog) Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

Austin! That has a wonderful piece of imaginary (vs) the way it is flavor to it and I really like it alot. I am copying it, I will let you know where I put it. Hey, if you dont like it in the living room, bam, straight to the kitchen. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com

I know a guy named Rabbitt, I bet it was him. He is a funny kinda guy. I know you would like him. Clear Blue and Extra Alt, AirAnn http://www.AirAnn.com