Michele

Manhooters aside (really....) Hear, hear. I agree totally. I would add the concept that skygods are those who have forgotten they were once students or low number jumpers, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well put, Jen. Kallend, you're welcome to not purchase it and to support the JFTC however you choose... Jan, your intimation that the money raised will not be going to JFTC or to cancer research is unfounded. If you have any questions, one of us will be happy to try to explain it to you. Additionally, your tirade would have made more impact on the thread Angela started, regarding a summer full of cheaper jumps for ladies at a DZ. However, your personal issues with me are clouding your judgement. As you are not on the planning committee, you have NO idea what's going on, what the goals are, and how this is coming together. Have questions? Ask. Want to just denigrate the efforts we're making? Fine as well. If your position has been well communicated to those in charge of JFTC in years past, and you disagree with it so much, I have to wonder at your willingness to participate, and your willingness to pay out the entrance fees that you seem to be so against. Then again, perhaps I'm dense. It's your life, you run it as you see fit. I run mine, and spend my time, as I see fit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You are absolutely a survivor, Mar. And women like you - your strength, dignity, love, and joy - that is who this calendar is for. It is a recognition of what we as women are capable of, and it celebrates our femininity as well. If someone wants to denigrate a calendar that will help raise money for cancer research, let 'em. If someone wants to intimate that the funds raised will not be going to cancer research, let 'em. If someone wants to voice an opinion ad nasuem that has been heard over and over, then let 'em. The proof being in the pudding and the eating thereof, it's going to be a tasty pudding for sure when all's said and done. It's all good. Eye on the prize, Mar. For those that have continued to voice support, thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. We are looking forward to helping those raise money through the calendar, and being able to contribute in a tangible way to those who are remembered, and those the ladies are jumping for, and I know we will have a ton of fun putting it together. Ciels and Pinks- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Chicken and prosecutto ham ravioli, mixed with freshly steamed asparagas, broccoli, and peas, in a light, creamy parmesan garlic sauce. Ah, delightful. Ciels- MIchele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jan, you're welcome to not participate. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm unclear as to what started this battle, and how long it was waged before heavy firepower was called in. From reports I've heard, it was something like 5-6 hours of small arms firefighting, after someone launched an RPG at the US troops from that location. I'm not sure, if the above is correct, that the Sunnis were fighting for their temple, but were rather using the mosque as a hiding place, or a place to attack from. Further, Muqtada himself is an interesting person, who would not be free but for the US removal of SH. There are, indeed, huge complexities happening here, "plans within plans, feints within feints", and it is neither black nor white. My prayers with those who've died. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My brother and sister in law are going through the same thing, although there are two other children already. And their chances are much greater than 1/240. He's 40, she's 37. But know what? It's in God's hands. So leave it there, love your baby like you do, love your lady like you do, and know that soon there shall be a precious child to hold and cuddle and coo to. You're in my thoughts, and my prayers. Hang tight. And tell me what color your nursery will be done in... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I gave that to my brother for Christmas, with the codicil that I get to read it when he's done. February, his church did an entire month's study on it, and he says I can borrow it when he's done.... He makes me laugh...I'm not sure he will ever be "done". I look forward to reading it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Echoing that comment... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lew, darling love, you scared me with your title. Sorry for all the injuries...but glad it wasn't worse. Damned dangerous, that football stuff. Should be banned, or at the very least, heavily regulated. I'll never play it. Ever. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Knowing RippedCord as I do, I think he would deal with it well, notwithstanding your kind and gentle advice. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, he did eventually get over it. Although he still gets horrid stage fright, and if it's a live performance, he doesn't want to know if anyone he knows is in the audience. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You are very pretty, and much loved.

I didn't do a tandem. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh! No pics from me. BTW, Dovie, did I tell you I love your avatar? That scarf looks really pretty on you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"Where'd we stow the Thomas Guide again?" Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

This is a very funny thread... My father, shy and small, managed to first vomit and then pass out at his Bar Mitzvah. Thumpbang, and everything he hit on his way down collapsed, including the Rabbi. He didn't go into Synagogue for about 20 years after that. This had me laughing out loud. My father did a well received and special short film called "Today You Are A Fountain Pen", about a boy and his bar mitzvah preparations and service. The premise - because it's a common gift - is the young boy didn't want a pen set, he wanted a bike...and his Grandpa (my father) gave him a violin instead of either pen set or bike. Perhaps something other than a pen set would be good.... And yes, as Pilot Dave said, the sum of life = 18. A gift certificate is a wonderful idea, but to a place like Circuit City, or one of the popular stores for electronics would be fine. And yes, going to just the party is all right, although it can be very special to watch a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, unless they get sick and pass out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Michael McGowan was recently (within the last 2 weeks) injured during an opening on his reserve (I think)...he had severe whiplash, as best I can recall (the thread's in TB, which is currently unavailable...) - and if not whiplash, the injury had something to do with his neck. Just so you have accurate information, Tink. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The title got me to read it, and then to watch the thread....although I do understand the concerns. I'm with da Bytch - I learned something here. I think, at my next repack, seeing as I use a PD193, I'll pull the cable, and then look for the "braille code"... And if I ever get down that way, Kolla, I will for sure come by and take the tour. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ori, thanks so much for donating blood. Along with what Kallend said, next time, try waiting more than 72 hours before you jump. In those 72 hours, drink more than usual. NOT more beer than usual, just water, juice, things like that. Eat better, too (no fast/junk food, limit sugary stuff that morning, et cetera). Try to not have any caffeine that morning, either (impossible for me - I'm addicted), because caffeine is a diuretic (makes you pee a lot...). If you can't go without your coffee, drink more water to keep yourself hydrated. If it truly worries you (and it sounds like it does), perhaps going to see your Dr and getting answers from them would set your mind at more ease. In any case, good for you for handling the issue, and happy Passover to you, as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Some of my more memorable instructors... Vinny: The guy who talked to me as I was screaming on my cutaway. His voice in my ear convinced me that actually using the steering toggles on the reserve would be wise. He'd take all the time I needed every time, explaining over and over how things worked. He's now one of my riggers Ed: Calm, cool, funny, sweet, sincere, caring. Managed to get me into the plane using all the tricks in the book, and inventing a few along the way (I was having a hard time walking to the plane once, so he turned me around while we were walking, ostensibly for a gear check, and backed me to the stairs and into plane....)...dude rocked. Clint Clawson: Most memorable moment was when we were doing the high alti clear and pull. I left first, opened into an empty sky...and then here he comes, zooming at me. Terrified me until I remembered it was CLINT! and he wouldn't crash into me. Played follow the leader through the sky, and I learned more about flying a canopy in that 12-15 minutes then I've ever learned since. Great smile, too... Michael Owen: Has continued my instruction, and makes time for me always. His confidence in me - even when I tried to kill him - is amazing, and has helped me continue to progress, even though I'm not in the air terribly much. Mary SantAngelo: Wisdom, friendship, and amazing strength. I can't wait to actually get some air time with her (May, right??) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Me either. Good to know. Thanks! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm one of those tight budget, low number people who'd love to participate...can you tell me more? (like dates, et cetera?) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And that, Shotgun, is the primary reason I'm against it. You think folks have a hard time with respect now, just wait til they start throwing around the phrase "I paid for this.." yada yada... If it's about donations, fine, let those who can, contribute. Castigating someone because they don't send in a donation really isn't good, and promotes an "I'm better than you, you lazy kitten poster you" attitude... Furthermore, donations are between me and the person/place I'm donating to. It's not something which will be done as a public declaration. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sangiro, I have a few thoughts I'd like to share. It's your site, it's done well until this last week, so obviously you know more than me. Asskissing done with (hey, it's better than taking you out back and beating you up).... ~Add several moderators to TB, and remove those who are "done" with it. ~I've seen some explanations posted on the bottom of the locked threads, and those seem to head the issue off at the pass. Perhaps have that become a regular thing, rather than just delete or lock with no explanation. ~Create a limit of how many posts a person can make on TB...say, 12 a day. Then, unless there is a major catastrophe (ala 9/11, the Spain bombings, one of our brethren's death), those limits are stuck to. ~If a person is warned, and continues the behavior, they are banned fo 7 days (first offense), and increase that if they don't learn their lesson. ~Don't punish the whole for the actions of a few. ~Remove all status titles, and put instead the time they joined. Look, if it's about respect, then that's something that's earned. We respect you, but that's been earned. If there is a continuing respect issue, perhaps it needs to be examined from both perspectives? From both sides? I know that TB is a very valuable part of this community - and not because it "sponges" the chatter from other parts. It's a place to make friends, develop resources (how many times have I gotten help with computer stuff??? About a bazillion...) outside the strict parameters of skydiving-specific topics. Some of the best friends I have I've never met - because they live outside the country, or the other side of the US - but I share my heart with them. I met them here, in TB. In re: politics/religion. These are topics which are important to me. I don't click on "are you HOT?" or "BOOBIES", "Single SkyCHICKS?" or "Football"...those are not important to me. I will say this: I've learned tons and tons from the religious and political threads. Different perspectives are important...I am not sure that eliminating that from TB would be appropriate. I find far more value in learning other people's political and religious perspectives, even if I vehemently disagree with them, then I have ever learned from BOOBIES or BEER threads... Just my worthless pennies tossed into the ring here. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Mailin, don't you go giving away any secrets now. Girl, geesh..... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~