tigra

Hey man- I KNOW everything I see on 24 is real! Don't be dissin' Keefer!

My rigger takes care of all of that for me!

Have you looked into HUD owned properties, other foreclosures, fixer uppers and/ or estate sales? Or not so great but "up and coming" urban areas, ethnically "diverse" areas? What about buying on contract or renting with an option to purchase? Just throwing that out there- I'm not really familiar with that market, but these suggestions work for more affordable home ownership in the Chicago area where prices are also pretty darn high. Also look into any federal or state "first time home buyer" programs which may provide down payment assistence or forgiveable second mortgages to people who qualify. Remember also, in areas with relatively low housing costs, the income or income potential also tends to be lower. I remember years ago, I had friends move to northern Wisconsin because they were able to buy a big house there for very little money. They were thrilled with their house, they had two little girls and they wanted them to have a house with a big yard! But they had to move back a year later because neither one of them could find steady work. Finally, talk with a real estate professional, tell him or her what you are looking for and your price range. They'll let you know if they can or cannot help you and will probably make some helpful suggestions. If you've already done all this, then I'm sorry for the repetitve information! Good luck whatever you decide!

Geez- its so good to have such nice friends looking out for me!

Thanks! Its way better today and was more "outer" than inner. I sneeze daily, but that's normal for me!

I got some over the counter drops which seem to be helping. Its really not that bad, I just don't want it to get worse!

A friend of mine has been using monster, and the bulk of the correspondence (up top the interview, I guess) is anonymous- she doesn't know what company she's talking to. Whith my luck, if I did that. I would end up emiling my resume to my current boss- how embarrassing would that be?

Yes, outer ear. Maybe trapped moisture from wearing tight earmuffs out in the frigid weather? Maybe sinus related? When I was a kid, we used to put a little rubbing alcohol or witch hazel in our ears for "swimmer's ear". I may try that!

I hear ya! That's exactly what I need to do. We've been busy at work so they bring food in- like pizza. And then I do what I tell people not to do-skip breakfast and let myself get really hungry. I keep gaining and loosing the same 2 pounds!

Thanks Mike! I'm hoping it will go away on its own- I'd sure hate to haul all my gear down there and not be able to use it. Not that it would be so tragic to spend a week laying on the beach sipping pina coladas! My sinuses never bother me in Mexico and I think this may be sinus related, so I'm crossing my fingers!

I'm still the same- down 3 from when I started! My eating habits have improved- way less junk- but I'm having a hard time staying away from bread and other temptations! ....sigh.... My clothes ARE looser, though!

I think I feel one coming on and I'm leaving for the Ixtapa boogie Saturday where I hope to skydive AND scuba dive. Does anyone know of a quick cure?

Hey Jeth, what did you buy and is it new? When both me and my rig were "new", I used a packer for a long time. I finally started practicing at home, but I'd bring it in mostly packed (but looking really bad, IMO) and dump it out right in front of my packer and have him redo it. He'd always be happy to take my money, but he was also quick to point out the job I did wasn't that bad and it would have opened! You've got til at least March to practice anyway, right? There's a video- How to Pack Like a Pro- that might help too. You could order it from Para Concepts or Paragear.

Hey Chris, Have a Jack in the Box taco for me while you are there too! maura

I got a really cheap rental car when I went to LA for a wedding. The LA area really sucks without a car, IMO. (Hate to be so judgemental since I've only been there once.....) But seriously, the rental I got was super cheap- something like $15.00 a day. Don't remember the company but I booked it through Orbitz when I booked my flight. Look into it- you'll be able to see and do more with a car, and it shouldn't break the bank either! maura

Unfortunately, its been covered. Blatantly offensive racist and bigoted statements are allowed in as much as they attack "group" of people. Calling someone a racist for making said statement is a "personal attack" and therefore not allowed. just one of the quirks of this site.

Sorry, I just know what my "little" guy did! He likes the washer and dryer too. Its only fair to warn you since you're new to this whole cat thing! And I can't even tell you how many hours my oldest has spent locked in closets!

My youngest kept climbing into the fridge, but now he's close to 13 pounds and STILL growing! Kind of hard for him to sneak in there anymore. She's such a cutie! Pay closer attention when you open and close your fridge, OK?

I'm referring to statements made about "spanish" people, poor people, black people, gay people, and er white people, among other things. Pretty much anything that starts _______People and lumps those people into a stereotypical group. See, I kind of thought as a society, we had sort of evolved past that kind of crap, and that although as skydivers we are a pretty diverse group from a variety of backgrounds, most of us are pretty free thinking. Silly me!

Michele, Some people have a hard time swallowing such blatant racism. Its makes them angry and frustrated. Its amazing how "personal" attacks are not permitted on this site, but blanket and obviously bigoted statments about "groups" of people are OK. I personally find the hatred and intolerance I've seen expressed in this forum to be both offensive and frightening.

At least you got a bit of freefall before you impacted with the ground, right?

Yeah, I could use a calendar and manually count the days too! I was looking for a quick and easy way to tell, especially when you know the due date is really, really close. Thankfully, someone already posted the link to exactly what I was looking for!

I don't think your campaign is working out so well!

Count me in!

A few years back, at the old Skydive Chicago, someone did something similar with his fiancee's parents and knocked his almost mother in law off the picnic table. The woman was only shook up and bruised, the jumper wasn't injured and didn't seem to think he had done anything wrong. Someone else- we'll never know for sure who- thought differently and pulled his reserve handle so he wouldn't go back up and do it again. I hear his fiancee dumped him too! I think this guy got off easy with a broken ankle and being "shaken down" for beer money! Hope he's learned his lesson!