Spatula

MOJO!!!!! WOOOO!!!!!!! ok....maybe i've had to much now!!!

Now that's a great approach to the situation....golf clap everyone...... Very impressive, very!!!

Ok, I read your original post again, and you didn't mention anything about this individual level of conditioning, physical stature (3'2", 5'8"....approximate weight, etc...). Those factors could play an important factor/reasoning in why he was using 55 lbs on the bench press. But if he was of average height/weight then I can see why you question him. And in that case, I agree with you. He's not necessarily gaining strength, muscle endurance, etc...but one the fact is...he's doing something. That alone to me, is great! He's doing more than that average joe that sits at home and does nothing that is physically active, and I applaud him for that. ...as a side note, I'm not trying to argue, but this has stemmed into a good discussion about the topic......

Outstanding points made (and Bill's). If people in general would just let go of ego's and know it all attitudes, and just accept that they will not know it all, and cannot know it all, but to always want to learn more, and be humble about it they would in turn learn more. I too at one point thought I was well versed in physical fitness but after my 1st certification and some classes, I soon found out I was an idiot who just got lucky and didn't get hurt. Now I've learned (and continue to do so) how to train and my achievments have not stopped.

I've found that (being on both sides, as a patron of gym, and a trainer to clients) that giving/taking advice to someone who works in with you (stranger/non-aquaintence) is tough. Most people think they know what they are doing when they train. Ego's play a large role in a gym. If gentlemen A for instance was to approach gentlement B, and say that they are doing an exercise improperly, g_A will either accept the advice and learn from it (it's its good advice) or in the back of his mind say (whatever, this guy doesn't know what he's talking about). People are stubborn in the gym. Everyone is an expert, or knows the best way to train. When a trainer approaches a patron, if done in a positive manner, most patrons will gladly accept the advice/guidance. I've seen too many trainers get cocky and think they are a know it all, and pick people out and tear they're form up to belittle someone and lose focus on they're job which is to help and improve others. Sorry for ranting, just an issue that I see time and time again....then again I may not have made any solid points...casue I'm at work.....

I got lucky, no degree but military experience put me in PM role, making more than I should be, BUT it's not what I want to do. It's an interm step towards my degree's and future career. So I guess my job is ok. I sit at my desk, listen to music, surg dz.com all day...get a lot of work done, and come and go as I please (pretty much).

I do that everyday.....I must check these damn forums at least 20 times a day.....

If I'm not mistaken (which is quite possible) the GI Bill is only eligible to be used for 10 years post seperation. Better hurry!!!

Yeah, that's what I meant! Thanks Icon!!!

Check the site, and when it doubt...call them....you never know!

I used my GI Bill for cert's with ACE, and ISSA, the latter being the better. Plus you can use it for continuing education credits. Good luck on hold....

Haven't thought about it in that manner. Have you contacted the Vet? On the websiteyou can do a search for accepted 'certifications/training". It lists everything from Personal Trainer certs/ etc....I've used it for 2 personal trainer certs before and it was pretty simple. For skydiving though...all I've been able to do it save the money while I'm in school (after tuition/books) and use it that way. I'd call the Vet directly and ask, because it's "professional training" and anything can be "waivered".

Thanks for the words! We had an official appraisal done (person came to the house, went through it etc.) My neighborhood is brand new. 100 homes being built. 2 have sold in the last month for 30k+ each. I'm going to do more research and press on. Thanks again for your help!

I need some help all. I'm new to home owning thing and have some questions....anybody with some knowledge/experience please respond. Bought a house a year ago, now want to take an equity loan. For discussion lets' say the house was bought for 150k and now is appraising for 180k. Went through the process, and the lender/underwriter requested a "field review" of the appraisal/property. Comes back and says it's not worth that much, but is worth say 155k. Now two house (similar in the same neighborhood) sold for 30-34k more than paid. If I put my house I could easily get 30-35k more than I paid. Question...since this first lender said it's not worth that much, should I just try with another lender, or accept it and move on? I'm confused as shit! It appraised at what I thought it would, other homes are selling for the same, but the lender said it's not and won't do the loan? Go somewhere else and try again? Help is appreciated. Thanks everyone! Oh, and some of the damn equity was going to get me through training and used gear..so it's a HUGE priority (along with landscaping/deck/etc..)hehe!!

This is so true!!! I've been battling with savings up the funds for jumping and used gear. A couple of times I've come close to just charging it all...BAD IDEA!!! Just go learky around the DZ (and be useful to the business) pack, manifest, clean planes, whatever...or just read this site 100x a day and save up the fundage!!!! Good Luck!!

I too have had (and am still having) issues with aquiring the cash to jump. I started a similar thread a while back. Check out what every had to say....lots of good suggestions, but packing is an awesome one. http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=post_view_flat;post=909213;page=1;mh=-1;;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC

Great shots!!! Is it me, or is he not wearing an alti?? Can't see one from the shots?

ME!!!! Thats right! I may finally get on with my training. I've had some serious financial issues with regards to jumping. I'll have the money, then something has always come up and forced me to make a painful decision to push it off for the good of xxxx (insert situation). This has happened about 4 times now over the span of two years. So it's been a frustrating road, but it's close and there are no road bumps in sight. Whats been frustrating is that I even had an oppurtunity to pack at the DZ( to make extra cash), but with business travel it wasn't possible to be up there much if at all. But business travel is done, no road bumps...just a beautiful summer....a great dz, great people....me and the sky!!!! FINALLY!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Thanks man, brain frat there!!!!!

A good site to learn more about USAF PJ's/CRO's is [url] Training lasts anywhere from 1-2 years, depending on how the schools line up. Go though indoc training/airborne/combat div/survival/MFF/Med (EMT B/P), PJU....amazing job.....check out the site for all the details... HOO-YAH!!!

Could you elaborate more on your reasoning for reccommending an audible? I'm very interesed in knowing (as a newbie!) Thanks!

Man, I can totally feel your frustrations.....but I also envy you in a way....(hear me out first).... At this point I would kill to be in your shoes, with 29 jumps, and owning my own gear. I have 2 tandems, and 2 Cat A's, under my belt. Did my first Cat A last year and was ready to continue training, then BAM! Other financial situations arise that must be dealt with. Cool, accepted it and said next spring it's on!!! So I just did another Cat A last month,and had most of my training cashola saved up...then WHAM!!! Again something else comes up. I've had an oppurtunity to train to be a packer @ the local DZ(hopefully they don't think I'm a shmuck) but my work schedule/travel has prevented me from being there consistantly as of late (another WHAM!!!). But through it all, I still day dream about jumping, and FINALLY achieving my goal of getting certified and becoming the best skydiver that I'm capable of becoming. So don't sweat it buddy.....we all have challenges, it's just how we each deal with them to accomplish what we want. You'll get your gear back, and get into the air.......Just press on, and it's gonna work out for ya and you'll be in the air. Sh*t, one day I'll be there too, and hope to see you around somewhere to jump together!!!

Thanks for the info...exactly what he's looking for!

A friend of mine just finished Military freefall training (along with many other schools) and wants to know how to apply for a civilian license? Does he need to go through training or does his military freefall training transition easily? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks

You asked in your original post, about insurance. As a nobody with few few jump here my thoughts. If your concerned about life insurance, check into before you start jumping. Do some searches here for threads on it. The topic has been discussed many times. I'm getting mine squared away prior. It may be a bit easier according to some. Just my 2c though. Gather your own research and make an informed decision. Good luck to you!