tigra

Don't forget the WATER! Seriously, lots of it! All of Val's advice was good. (I also have a tendency to "forget" to eat during the day- really not too smart. Keep a few of those "energy bars" with you, or some fruit, if you don't want to take the time to sit and eat a real meal!) Have fun! maura

You know, I once had a packer complain that my Spectre 150 was too big! He was the teenage son of one of the camera flyers, (his dad taught him to pack so he'd have a packer all summer, plus his kid would earn his own money- smart dad, huh?) and he's used to packing those itty bitty hp canopies that all the video guys seem to fly at my dz! (Whining doesn't earn the tips and cold drinks!)

Well, my guy and I both take pretty good care of the packer we use. Its more like an "adoption" arrangement- we jokingly refer to him as our surrogate son! He, in turn, takes pretty good care of us.

I usually only use one packer, and I like to think I take pretty good care of him. I tip. I also set my own brakes and cock my pilot chute when I lay my rig down. I also will sometimes buy him lunch or bring him water or gatorade during the day. He's a nice "kid" and he works hard, and he does a good job. If I need to make a quick call, I know he'll take care of me.

Sounds like sinus problems to me, too. Or maybe the very beginnings of a summer cold. (I'm not a doctor, but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express!)

Lisa, I thought it was kind of funny too! maura

I've got to agree, SDC has an awesome fireworks display every year. There should be lots going on this year.

Gawd, I remember landing so far out one time, and my guy didn't even know I was missing until I got back all hot and sweaty from my "wilderness walk"! (someone else went looking for me, though!) Some days at the dz we are both doing our own thing, other days we jump together with the same group. Just depends on the day!

I'll watch his openings and landings (if I'm not in the air with him) but I'm not compulsive about it. When he was doing world record attempts a few years back, though, I was very worried about him. (small HP canopy, no cypres) So much so, that even though I took the whole week off work and there were lots of planes to jump from between attempts, I didn't want to jump. He did get hurt on one of the attempts, getting snagged and cartwheeld by some beans. After that, a good friend of mine loaned him his rig (cypres equipped with a slightly bigger canopy) just to make ME feel a little better. Now, that's a good friend! And if he does get his fat a@@ hurt doing something stupid (like last weekend), I'm not going to baby him! I give him hell for being such a moron! maura

Just watch what you pay for it, and have a rigger you trust inspect all the gear. Keep in mind, if the cypres was made in 1995, then it only has 4 more years on it, plus its due for the 8 year check. (around $250.00, plus batteries). So, you've got to spend around $300.00 (give or take) just to be able to use it. Since you can get a new one for around $900.00, this one doesn't add much to the value of the rig. That's just something to think about. maura

jumprunner, Sorry to say, you are wrong here. Currency is important for jumpers at ALL levels, especially for students and low time jumpers. And it is far easier (if your budget can handle it) to do your student jumps close together. You DO retain more. Its not a ploy by the dzs to get more of your money. The dark conspiracy is actually all about making you a better, safer skydiver! And Anne, I just got back up in the air this weekend after a LONG fall and winter. I hadn't jumped since September. One thing after another has kept me from the dz on "jumpable" days all year. (looking for and buying a house, moving, a sick kitty, family obligations,,,, yadda yadda yadda.....) Anyway, for me, the butterflies were going big time on that first jump. I chose something simple and relatively low pressure, bypassing the big ways with the "sky gods" for another weekend! All went well, and the whole weekend was a ton of fun! You'll get there, honest! And what you are feeling is normal! blue ones...... maura

They are beautiful!

Is that a good thing??

Not that I disagree about basing the competition on talent and not superficial looks, but Ruben is overweight to an extremely unhealthy degree. He has a hard time getting through an entire song! A concert for him right now would be out of the question. So, on that level, I'd have to say, he isn't "idol" material, but yes, I like his voice and the fact that he seems like a genuine down to earth nice guy.

That's kind of harsh, but you could say the same thing about almost everything on television. Good for you if you never watch TV, but most of us do, to one extent or another. I guess I'm just another loser with no life......

Actually, I think the performers on Nashville Star were way more talented. I'm not really into country music, but I came across the show one night while I was channel surfing and left it on. I was pretty impressed with the talent I saw. Its a good reminder of just how hard it is to break into show business! The performers on Nashville Star were musicians and songwriters, and had an opportunity to perform their own material. The producers also did not limit their talent search to the under 25 crowd.

I got sucked in to American Idol because so many people at work are into it, and I wanted to be able to contribute to the "water cooler" chatter, you know?? But the front page of the paper? Top news story? That's a little over the top! And Buffy has been a guilty pleasure of mine for a while now. I liked how they ended it, but I'm kind of sad to see it go!

The "evidence" looks pretty inconlusive to me. Unless you caused the funnel, I don't see how it could have been your fault anyway! The important thing is you recognized the situation and dealt with it. You're being a good sport to offer to chip in on the costs for the cutaway pillow and repack.

Michele, Congrats on the new suit!

We try to do the chick trip to Mexico every year, but we don't do all inclusive. There are way too many good restaurants to eat at, and fun places to explore! Its all about personal choice, though! Hope you have fun!

I've used them to get to Mexico a few times. My friends and I are "budget" travelers and usually stay at the 2 or 3 star resorts and we get great deals. In fact, for us, they are usually the cheapest way to get to Mexico. Usually, when we start planning our trip we go online and look for their specials. If they've got a good price "air only" for some place we want to go when we want to (or can) go, we'll do that and make our own hotel arrangements- (not a problem for a budget traveller in Mexico.) But we've also gotten really good deals with air and hotel included. Once we find the trip we want (at the price we want) we call a travel agent and make the arrangements. You have to use a ttravel agent to book an Apple vacation. We don't usually do any of their tours or activities, though, because we have found it is much cheaper to make our own arrangements with the locals once we are there. Where are you going?? maura

I think it kind of depends. These days, you can search online for best flight prices, but a travel agent has even more resources at their fingertips. A good travel agent will search for you for the best price and best arrangements, and it won't necessarily cost you anymore than doing it yourself through the net. You have to use them if you're doing an Apple Vacation or something like that, and they do sell the trip insurance which some people find to be useful. But a short trip and you know where you are staying, I guess you could just search and book online and save a few bucks.

Happy Birthday!!!

Actually, its the HOMEOWNER's (or renters) that should cover it. I think it covers your things even if they were in someone else's car. Still, its custom gear that will take a while ot replace, and that sucks! maura

Awwwwww! Right back at ya Jess! YOU ROCK! maura