steve1

I was bored one day, so I sewed some swoop cords on my old jump suit. It didn't have much loose material in the arm pit area so I sewed in some pieces of extra material to make it baggier there. I'm not sure if you want to do this on a new jump suit though. The thing was that I was sometimes going low. There were several people I couldn't stay up with. To tell you the truth I haven't even tried out the swoop cords yet. Just the extra material is helping me fly with people I sometimes went below. I'm also flying outer slots that I probably couldn't before. I haven't gone low since making this alteration. I like it much better than my slip on sleeves....Steve1

I have hard links and bumpers. I recently had the slider come flying down and instead of stopping at the bumpers, ended up flapping in front of my face. I can see how this could have led to a collision with another jumper because of obscured vision and the fact that I was trying to collapse it in front of my face rather than over-head. I was also wondering on people's thoughts, on stowing the slider in front of your chin. I've seen some pro-swoopers do this....Steve1

I remember conversing with an old guy at Perris that had a voice machine thing on his throat. (You know, the ones that sound like a robot talking) I wonder if it was the same guy. Too bad about his passing....Steve1

I agree. For so many years if you had this sort of problem you were looked down upon as some type of nut case. Particularly if you were male. If you mentioned you had a problem with depression you might be thought of some type of weakling or even crazy. After all men are raised to be rough and tough and to stuff their feelings, right? I don't know how many years I tried that one. (Having that attitude only made things worse). It's good to know that thoughts on this are changing and I agree, it is refreshing to know that so many others have been in the same boat.....Steve1

Clay, Glad your back. I could always use another experienced hand when it comes to working with sheep. I'll need someone to train them the right kind of tricks before I ship them out.....Steve1

I hear voices like that all the time. I wonder if it means anything??? Seriously though, the 40's can be tough to get through. Been there. Done that. As was mentioned earlier finding yourself a strapping young feller with a lot of cash, might be a good option. Or even an old fart with a lot of cash might work. Sounds like you need a change, though. Working at the same job can get really old. When my sheep whoring buisness takes off, I may need an office manager. I could hire you part time. I was thinking of hiring Sebazz as my sales manager and Aggie Dave as my chief herder and sheep boxer upper....Anyone else looking for work? (I'll keep you in mind) Steve1

I've read your entire post, and I'm having trouble understanding some of your statements. At one point, you mentioned that you can not see the difference between using alcohol, or pot, as compared to an antidepressant. Could you please explain this statement, because I totally disagree. It sounds like you are saying that taking a snort once in a while to even things out, or toking up when needed is comparable to taking an antidepressant. I've got lot's of relatives who started out doing that and ended up as full blown alcoholics. All I'm trying to say is that their is a big difference between self medicating with an addictive substance as compared to taking a Dr's prescription for a medication (to feel normal). Anti-depressants are not a medication to make you high or give you a buzz, etc......Steve1

I'm not a believer, but I'd be willing to visit your tent. I think most skydivers would be willing to listen. We may not all agree, but we're all skydivers and that says a lot.....Steve1

I agree....Steve1

In my mind there is a big difference between using alcohol, illegal drugs, or even incorrect use of prescription drugs in a self medicating scenario as compared to taking a medication to feel normal under a Doctors supervision. Although I have read some research that has proven that alcohol and drug abuse has kept some suicidal people alive.... But what kind of life would that be. Being stoned out of your mind to cope is a lot different than taking a medication to feel normal. (at least in my mind). Most of my relatives have taken the alcohol alternative though. I called my brother last night to congratulate him on his birthday. He was so drunk he could hardly talk. He isn't expected to live much longer because alcohol has ruined his digestive system. My father is the same way, an abusive drunk with nothing to look forward to. Yes, they are alive, but I'll be damned if I'm going to waste my life like that. I just think medication and therapy from a professional is a better route to take.....Steve1

I don't mean to put words in your mouth, I'm just saying that overcoming serious depression needs to be treated by a professional using proven results. I am willing to listen though, because it sounds like you have suffered from depression yourself and have been in those shoes. I agree that there is a lot that we don't know about how the brain works. With recent advances in technology this is changing at a rapid rate. In my own life, sky diving and other outdoor activities helped me deal with depression that came froming growing up in an abusive, neglectful, alcoholic family. (Maybe some of this was biological). But at any rate, skydiving, rodeo, hunting, etc. helped me cope, but they were far from the solution to my problems. What helped me the most was therapy and medication. These have turned my life around and made it worth living. I just have a hard time listening to people who have never suffered from serious depression talk about what people really need to do. (And this is not referring to you) I agree there are probably a lot we can learn from natural placebo effects in helping depression sufferers......Steve1

I've had some pretty crappy jobs! farm laborer timber faller hooker (in the woods) plumbers apprentice.....(this got real crappy, so I quit) construction laborer airborne trooper (Green Beret) National Guard senior rigger (in the 70's) rodeo star (rode broncs in the 70's) taxidermist teacher school counselor (I hope to start a sheep whoring buisness soon, and retire!)

Anti-depressant medication doesn't have the effect of making an individual high. It helps a person feel normal rather than like crap. I've heard that an anti-depressant like Zolof will not affect how you feel unless you need it. I'm not a medication expert, there are lot's of different types, and they affect some individuals differently. Earlier someone mentioned that the FAA may not approve of such medication. I really don't think this is the case, because I know a lot of skydivers out there who take anti-depressant meds. (including myself)......Steve1

I don't mean to be argumentive, but I really disagree with this type of thinking. For many a panacea drug is what is keeping them alive. If all it took was inner strength and a little nudge from a helping hand to overcome depression it would be simple to cure. Maybe in mild cases this could be effective. But anyone suffering from severe depression will tell you, it takes a hell of a lot more than that to overcome. In my mind people suffering from depression are not weak individuals. It may take years of therapy and anti-depressant drugs for them to overcome their problem. Often it is something they may deal with all their life. I wish it was just a matter of saying "suck it up Bucko", but as anyone knows who has been there, it's not as simple as that. I admire anyone who can beat depression whether through therapy, drugs, or even skydiving......Steve1

Sebazz, This is off the subject, but is there much money in the sheep whoring buisness? I've been looking for a new vocation to support my jump habit......Steve1

I'm glad Y'all made it back.........Steve1

Lurch, It's inspiring that you have overcome so much through skydiving. I hope your life continues on the right path. I also feel that therapy and medication play a vital role in helping many. They are both being overprescribed much of the time, and there are many ineffective counselors, but they do have their place......Just my opinion.....Steve1

Person A, who previously thought of him or herself as a healthy human being, now has this label to fall back on. Failure or "bad" behaviours are now qualified by this lable. This provides an easy excuse for continuing the behaviour, rather than putting for the effort to make a positive change. Was the disorder there before being diagnosed, or did the diagnosis essentially -create- the disorder? reply] This is an interesting concept that I haven't heard of before. (maybe I need to take more psychology classes). I'm sure this could happen though. It's just another reason not to take labels too seriously. or maybe labeling can do more harm than good. I know a lot of professionals who have trouble agreeing on what the label to pick, to fit a certain person's behavior. I also know of at least one school psychologist who is great at giving tests to troubled kids (to determine a label), yet they appear not to have an ounce of human understanding.......Steve1

This is an interesting subject to say the least. I wish I knew more that I could contribute. I've seen a lot of people who were troubled by depression or other problems, who found meaning and happiness in life through skydiving. It may not have to be an extreme sport though. I've seen some folks who have done the same thing with an outdoor activity or even running. Some might call it an escape from the pressures in life. I've followed some of my pursuits to the point where the rest of my life was out of balance though. To the point where a certain past time was addictive and consumed most of my free time. It might have been an adrenaline fix in skydiving, hunting, or even being obsessed with exercise. There are worse things to be addicted to though. Today I spend a lot of time trying to figure out what my motivations are (or what makes me tick) and work to keep things in balance. At any rate, it's an interesting subject that should be researched further.......Steve1

I think Quade about summed it up. But if it works at a bikers rally it ought to work at a boogie. Lost Prairie might be a good place to try it out. I've got a sermon I've been working on, if you need a guest speaker......Steve1

Good news! My friend who owns the jump operation called USPA for legal advice. He then threatened to sue the airport for lost income, if they refused to allow jumping at the airport. Fortunately the airport board backed right down and they are still jumping in Laurel, Montana. Thanks for the advice!........Steve1

Wingnut, Sorry for your loss. We had a jump pilot back in the 70's who did almost the same thing. He went over to his ex-wife's house and shot her boyfriend while they were in the sack. He was a good guy and you would have never suspected he'd do such a thing. As far as I know he's still in the big house.....Steve1

I'm 5' 7", and all boy. And yes, I may be vertically challenged. But I also have quite long and thick appendages, if that accounts for anything......Steve1

Hookitt, I know the Fort Benton area well, and yes there are some very cute looking sheep in that area. I was once considering joining a Hutterite colony there, but they don't jump, so I didn't join up......Steve1

Sebazz, There's lot's of them there furry white critters here in Montana. I'll try to box one up and mail it down to ya in Californi.......Steve