Michele

I have had some really excellent coaching from several wonderful people since AFF. The way they approached things worked wonders for me. No yelling, even though I screwed something up, and it could've been a serious issue (like dead). This person chewed me out, but nicely, and in a way that I understood and learned from, and I thanked him for teaching me. Another instructor made it very fun to learn from him, and while I was laughing and having fun, I learned a ton. There was no disrespect, no condensension, and no humiliation. I contend that we are all adults, and do not learn well when being insulted or humiliated. Who will I choose to learn from? That person who takes the time to deal with me, and teach me, not the one who tells me I am stupid at the top of his voice. I am a very lucky person in that I have a dz that no matter what day I go, there is someone I can ask questions of, learn from, and rely on in sticky situations. I am also very lucky that I have been taught some wonderful things by the best in the business, and they never once found it necessary to yell, scream, disrespect, or otherwise treat me poorly. I, like most students, will pay well for coaching, for instructing. And I will always offer a jump ticket to the person who refuses to take cash. I can just as easily - and with better results - take that dollar/ticket and go to the person who does not find it necessary to be rude, but who instead treats me as an adult. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No answer needed... HUGSHUGSHUGSHUGSHUGSHUGSHUGSHUGSHUGS! And a

Whaddya mean this isn't the department's Rose Parade Float??? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, Michele is not. Please don't assume anything, Tonto. I asked for clarification. I asked because I wanted to understand the parameters of CBS's question. I answered from my experience. I said nothing about wingsuit, camera, et cetera. And the original question "if I see someone do something dangerous" indeed was about chest straps...not swooping. I know nothing about swooping. I do know about chest straps. This is an interesting thread. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What I find interesting is that you've assumed I don't already have the answer... therefore, you have assumed that newbies don't have answers. By this assumption, you negate all the experience I've had, listened to, learned, and absorbed. By negating that, you create an issue in confidence in the newer jumper. In creating an issue of confidence with the newer jumper, you teach them to not trust themselves. That can kill. If I saw someone with a chest strap undone, I would not wait for someone to say anything...I'd say something. (Done that.) If the winds are too high, I will back myself off the load. (Done that during a boogie for newbies, and 1/2 my group followed my lead.) If the jump is too dangerous - too many new things going on, I'll back off it (done that.) If someone is creating an issue with the landing pattern, flying badly/dangerously, I will speak with them about it (done that.) If someone asks me about flat turns, I will teach them what I know (done that). If someone is talking about going to a canopy which is, imho, too small, I will talk to them, and encourage them to go to a canopy class (done that. Most listened; the one who didn't broke his tailbone). If someone asks me about swooping, I grab their hand and lead them over to the school, and get them talking with someone. (done that...) Et cetera. There is a lot of information I can give...and a lot that I can't. I know when I am out of my league. I know when I don't know. And I do take that opportunity to learn when it presents itself, and will create it when it isn't presenting itself quite rapidly enough. For example, on my last jump, I noticed that there was a lower man during canopy flight. I saw him go into breaks while I set up. Both of us landed uneventfully, but I couldn't find him afterwards. I did eventually track him down (going through manifest, getting his name, getting his "group" pointed out to me, and going over there). I asked him what I had done that had caused him to hit the breaks...well, long conversation short, it wasn't anything I did, he just wanted to give me lots of room because he was the higher number jumper and I was the low one. And then he commented how pleased he was that I saw him in breaks, and came to find him later to learn... My point is that while I know I am not the one you are referring to, I am a newer jumper. I am not stupid. I don't like having my experience - short as it may be - negated by assumptive thinking, and I don't understand why anyone wouldn't listen to someone - no matter how many jumps - if the advice is sound. Further, I contend that high number jumpers have a problem, as well, in focussing on the tree while looking at the forest, and giving advice which may not be applicable to the newer jumper. I suppose my point is simply this: If I can't trust a person on the ground, I surely cannot trust them in the sky. If I hear a piece of advice which does not make sense, or does not work for me, I have a group of people I will run it by (some here, some at my DZ, and my rigger. My rigger has the last word, seeing as he was also my instructor). The balance which must be struck is both between the listener and the giver of any advice. 1. Does this make sense? 2. Will this hurt me? 3. Is this running before I can walk? 4. Will this risk others in the air with me? And similarly: 1. If I answer this question, will it contribute to the person asking it? 2. Will it put them in danger? 3. Will it risk them life and limb? 4. Is there someone else better qualified to answer this around right now? 5. Will this person die if I don't point out something (i.e. a chest strap, scary flight pattern, et cetera).... Do not negate advice/observations if they come from a low number jumper, simply because they have low numbers. Likewise, do not accept without question advice from someone with high numbers simply because they have high numbers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And if there is no AFF-1, TM, JM available? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Quick question for clarification... Say I see someone doing something very dangerous. Should I, a newbie, not say anything, and just let them do it? What if someone asks me something? Should I tell them "I don't think I'm experienced enough to answer you, go find someone else", or ??? This is not to provoke you, nor take one side or another. I am just trying to see where the parameters are in your question. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For many years, Christmas has just been yet another day for me. Many years. I really like January. All the hype is gone, all the "I can't afford to give anyone anything nice this year, sorry" while they are handing me gifts and telling me it doesn't matter...It does matter. It matters very much that I can't give those I love representations of my love and appreciation for them. It makes a huge difference when I can show them my love...and not just tell them. And so, it sucks. I hate the pressure, the pace, the angry attitudes, the overworked clerks at stores getting yelled at because the Barbie little Jane wanted isn't in stock any more. I hate the holiday frenetic pace, the reckless driving, the selfish, materialistic behavior I've seen. I would love to find a quiet chapel, a place undecorated, unadorned, and go there at midnight Christmas Eve. Just to feel the quiet worship, the solitary respect, that this day is supposed to be for. Just to feel the love in a quiet spot, just me and God, alone for a brief moment. It is not existant, this place, not anywhere I know. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hugs, Lis. Isn't it amazing who has impacted our lives, and how we feel when they pass? It's odd, and yet oh-so-wonderful. Godspeed, indeed. And love to you, and like I said, I really miss you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Unfortunately, one death has been confirmed, and they are searching for one additional in the rubble of a building in Paso Robles. Blue skies. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If you felt it, even just a little bit, the USGS has a page where you can report it. The only identifying information required is a zip code. Please go Here to report it. The information gathered is used to understand the different aspects of earthquakes, the energy dispersal, etc. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm familiar w/ Dr. Kate. She's cool...her and Lucy. Thansk, though, Quade. I didn't catch her interview. It just looks a bit unusual to me, but then again, I don't watch quakes like they do, you know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hearst Castle was evac'd, but probably just a precaution. It's a beautiful place... Ciels- michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting series of aftershocks. Not just local...A 3+ in Bakersfield, and now a 3+ in Cajon Pass (that is the "elbow" of the San Andreas fault). Nothing is "moving" north. Hrm. I wonder if they'll get down into my neighborhood...??? Also: Fire in Cambria, and a winery had some injuries when the wine barrels fell on them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wanna see the seismo for this buddy? Solid! Seismo Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Here is a list of the main shock and then the aftershocks... 3.9 2003/12/22 19:52:40 35.808 -121.235 4.8 19 km ( 12 mi) NNW of San Simeon, CA 3.3 2003/12/22 19:51:25 35.703 -121.045 9.2 15 km ( 9 mi) ENE of San Simeon, CA 3.2 2003/12/22 19:49:23 35.664 -120.857 0.1 8 km ( 5 mi) SSE of Lake Nacimiento, CA 2.6 2003/12/22 19:48:34 35.678 -121.056 5.8 13 km ( 8 mi) ENE of San Simeon, CA 2.9 2003/12/22 19:48:00 35.584 -120.975 15.7 11 km ( 7 mi) ENE of Cambria, CA 3.4 2003/12/22 19:46:38 35.589 -120.852 2.2 13 km ( 8 mi) WNW of Templeton, CA 3.6 2003/12/22 19:45:37 35.650 -121.051 3.9 11 km ( 7 mi) NNE of Cambria, CA 3.2 2003/12/22 19:43:50 35.722 -121.079 0.8 13 km ( 8 mi) NE of San Simeon, CA 3.4 2003/12/22 19:42:33 35.671 -121.034 6.4 14 km ( 9 mi) NNE of Cambria, CA 3.4 2003/12/22 19:41:04 35.547 -120.853 0.9 12 km ( 8 mi) NNE of Cayucos, CA 3.3 2003/12/22 19:39:58 35.667 -121.051 0.1 13 km ( 8 mi) E of San Simeon, CA 3.6 2003/12/22 19:37:44 35.589 -120.971 5.6 11 km ( 7 mi) ENE of Cambria, CA 2.5 2003/12/22 19:37:24 35.736 -121.114 5.4 12 km ( 8 mi) NE of San Simeon, CA 3.3 2003/12/22 19:35:28 35.563 -120.878 4.4 14 km ( 9 mi) N of Cayucos, CA 2.9 2003/12/22 19:33:58 35.602 -120.930 0.1 15 km ( 9 mi) ENE of Cambria, CA 4.0 2003/12/22 19:31:05 35.541 -120.853 5.4 12 km ( 7 mi) NNE of Cayucos, CA 4.4 2003/12/22 19:30:10 35.597 -120.982 0.0 11 km ( 7 mi) ENE of Cambria, CA 3.9 2003/12/22 19:29:39 35.557 -120.842 2.5 12 km ( 7 mi) W of Templeton, CA 4.7 2003/12/22 19:26:07 35.627 -121.020 0.0 10 km ( 6 mi) NE of Cambria, CA 6.5 2003/12/22 19:15:56 35.706 -121.102 7.6 11 km ( 7 mi) NE of San Simeon, CA 1.2 2003/12/16 22:59:26 35.801 -120.357 8.7 13 km ( 8 mi) SSE of Parkfield, CA Significant aftershock activity. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Felt it here in Burbank. Long slow roller, really gentle. I thought I had gotten dizzy - really like a head rush, or standing up too fast. The cats didn't do anything unusual. I was on the phone when it happened, and didn't even realize it until I saw the news. Big one...damage reports are pretty scarce right now. All the general emergency procedures are in place. More as it comes. More: Report out of SLO...slooooooooo rocking. Damage to things, not people. Probably a slip fault rather than a thrust fault (thrust being the Loma prieta, Northridge). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, darn it. The only one who knew all the words was the chef...and he was busy! Channuka dinner for 28, as well as a birthday cake for the hostess.... They had a really fun rottweiler, as well. Luna...short for Lunatic. She chases shadows. Makes for interesting moments during a party. (and BTW, Happy Channuka to all!!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah. Still stinky, but two day old poop. But not me. I got all dressed up and even used my perfume..."Romance", Ralph Lauren. Yummy. And I had to sit there with Pauly Shore's dad and Fivish Finkle sniffing my hair. That will be a funny photo, but still, somewhat embarrassing. Oh well. Such is Channuka in Beverly Hills.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! Very well done!! Welcome home, girl. I can't wait to jump with you!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You know, sometimes when that happens, I've heard that not wearing the aluminum shoes while wearing the tinfoil hat tends to filter the voices. You can make the decisions better that way, too. HT, thanks for the laughs. I came back from a Channuka dinner, and find this thread gone to hell in a handbasket...same shit, different day, literally. Rueful LOL... Ciels, Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I received this in my email from my boss...I thought I'd share it with you all. (and yes, it's safe for work - it's from my broker!!) Click all the reindeer, and Santa, too, for the full effect.... Merry Christmas Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The little guy is absolutely adorable. I'm not good at naming animals that aren't mine - but I like Crouton. You could call him Monster, though. Or Fearless Frank. Ciels- michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope. Let's see. You registered under this name, w/ D17112, 3000 jumps, using a velocity 96 and a PD 113 reserve. Date of registration is March 20, 2001. There is another registered user with your full name, identical license number, 2000 jumps, using a stilleto 107 and a PD 113. Date of registration is October 17, 2001. (User has never posted....) Either you have a double/imposter with your identical license number, using very similar equipment as you have now (and you have mentioned using this gear the past...), or you have a second username. Since you're all about being "straightforward"...I think you either forgot, don't care, or dissembled. In any event, it's not "BS". It's against my personal rules, and those are the rules I live my life by. Therefore, your demonstrated lack of integrity proves once again that you are not interested in being "straight forward" as you claimed...additionally, the baldfaced denial of a second name simply contributes to my already secure understanding of your integrity. If you don't care, why are you belaboring the point? As for me jumping to conclusions, Ron darling, not at all. I did not ask that question without already knowing the answer... At no point have I refuted that, nor will I. I simply pointed out that posting pm's is not in good form; at no time did I discuss - nor will I discuss - the safety aspects at your dropzone. "Good grief" yourself. And happy holidays! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hot damn! Well done, Time! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~