Michele

Oh, Ed, I am sorry to hear that. Really really sorry. PM me if you need to talk. hugs to you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, Keith, I did... I am such a girl. I mean, really. So Nick comes over to save me from freezing, and I point him over to the floor furnace. He gets down on the ground, fiddles around, pokes his head over his shoulder, and says "there. It's on." All he had to do was turn the handle thing. That's all. And because I am such a great big ol' girl, I hadn't turned it hard enough/far enough, or whatever, and never got it lit. Then Nick, because he's curious, turns the other handle thing...and shuts everything down and turns off the pilot light, and then teaches me how to light the pilot light. So I know now what to turn off after an earthquake, and how to relight it if I need to. YAY Nick - and sad me...I'm such a girl. I won't even tell you how he changed a lightbulb for me because one burned out a year ago, and I hadn't changed it. So yes, Keith, Nick came over and warmed me up. But how dumb am I? Very.... sigh.... But at least I'll be warm tonight. It's still gloomy, but I think maybe I'll order a pizza and open a bottle of wine. Or maybe not the wine. I've had enough whine today.... Nick, you rawk. Thanks so much. As I lay there in bed tonight, I'll think of how toasty I am, and how kewlio you are. Hugs! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, Kai, this is the other Michele - one who had similar except girl stuff last week...man, I hope you're on your feet soon, and that all will be well. Hugs to you - and vibes... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What about those who know they don't know everything, want to know everything, ask/posit some questions/what ifs, and get slammed around by someone because they don't have enough jump numbers to "question" things? Doesn't that contribute to the issue rather than solve it? (and not saying you did that, at all...just making that plain here on this particular thread....) I look forward to learning from you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh man, that's the best offer I've had in ages. On several different levels even if you only meant it on one. LOL!!! I'll call you, Nick...'cause I just called the Gas company again and it's still "busy"...thanks for all the hugs, everyone. That's so nice to get. At least I'm feeling up to sitting and typing, you know? That was nearly impossible a few days ago...so things are, I s'pose, getting better. And for those having a bad time, my hugs go to you! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I've been a member for several years, and haven't received my Nov. issue yet, either. Sometimes, there's a lag, and depending on where you live, it can take a while to receive it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

IIRC, there was a lag time for getting the mag. If you need to see one, maybe when I get down there I can bring you the issue. I suspect you'll get the December one, though. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

That's why I love you so much - you really would. O.K., I took the advice. Dialed the 800 number. I was all set to whine and beg and plead and cajole and pull all the sympathy strings...but here's what I got: "Thank you for calling the Gas Company. We are experiencing a very high volume of calls at the moment. If you are experiencing a gas leak, please call (another number). For all other needs, please call back later today. Thank you for calling the Gas company.". And then it hung up automatically!!! I tried calling the other number, and it's busy!!!!!! Was there a gas explosion I don't know about? WTF is this??? Aw geesh, it's gonna be one of those days. Anyone got a spare rock I can hide under??? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL at those mocs. My cats would have a heyday playing with them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

OK., so it's monday. I've got stitches in my girl places, and it hurts. I'm bored out of my gourd. It's raining, which I generally love, but not today. It's gloomy, kinda like my mood. It's 53 degrees, and I can't turn on my heater (floor furnace) - it's either broken or the pilot light is out. I called the gas co, and seems like they can't get here until tomorrow or Wednesday because they are "busy". The cats are so cold they are laying under the blankets in bed. It's forcast to get into the mid 40's tonight. I'm out of the shower, and freezing, even though I've got on sweats and am wrapped in a blanket. Know what? This just sucks. (edited to add: I just realized I'm out of creamer for my coffee, too...which means I have to use that nasty powdered stuff which I save for earthquakes. Eyyyyyyuchhhhhhh!) Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! What's your monday bitching? Bring it on! Keep me company, please! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, I had surgery, and yes, recovery is going well. What sucks is that it's not yet over, but oh well. The inside of my house is getting really boring! LOL! Like I said, I understand what you were getting at with the posting - nothing wrong with sharing differing views, and I agree, you would say you agree if you did. I just happen to disagree with the post in whole, and especially the issues of the mourning of the demise of rec.dot. What I find interesting is where did all the "regulars" go, if they liked it so much over there? Did they fall off the planet? Stop posting all together? Or just perhaps find a place which fits their needs better and allows them more freedom within a clear set of boundaries to discuss skydiving and/or whatever? Seeing how this place has grown, I would suspect a migration - but why? Why go to a place that's worse? Because perhaps it isn't worse - and in fact, it may be better. For those who don't want to post here, it's all good. Let them post where they will...but here, in HH's house, there are rules and requirements. If they want to post here, abide by them. If not, there are other places to spend their time. As to the backstabbing that others have brought up, yes, I see it too. But skydiving is not a special group - we have all kinds, from saints to murderers, straitlaced to absolutely bizarre. But that's what makes the world go 'round, and if someone shows their true colors, either by backstabbing or belittling, then know it for what it is, and change your friendships accordingly, and let those who give you grief fade into the sunset. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yeah, well, you're a barrister/lawyer. Fits. Hey, Squeak? I guess pointing out you're married and all sorta explains the difference between our scores, yes? LOL! (just teasing you...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sigh...(repost from the other thread....) "Your soul is worth 74567 english pounds. That's $121,987.137" "For your peace of mind, 6% of people have a purer soul than you." And they all live in some internet unaccessible area where there is also no tv or magazines. Or in a convent, high in the alps (yes, I wanted to be "Maria" in the Sound of Music when I was little. So what???) And for your peace of mind, I answered honestly, they lie, I tell ya. Lies, lies, lies. Damnit. I will never be seen as a wicked girl. ever. My life is over. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Age. Got the pm. Gee, it feels good to try to help someone out. Who knows, maybe I can find him a good buyer here for the stuff. Nothing like helping out a fellow jumper - and tangentially this would be it! Thanks, all. I'll let you all know what transpires! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I will be happy to help SkydiveMilky out of a jam...but I can't get to his e-mail. If someone can, would you please pm me with it? Thanks! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh my word, that was so funny it hurt. Of course, right now, laughing hard makes the stitches poke, but still. That was worth it. Richard, I understand what you're trying to get at, but I wholeheartedly disagree. If they don't like the culture here, they are welcome to not post. What I find fascinating is, in a post on rec.dot which bitches about the demise of it's own self, and crying about how no-one posts about skydiving anymore, it's all about this site. I just found it rather sad. Brings to mind a quote of Deuces that I recall well..."people perceive change as death". I think the thread should be titled something like "things that make you go hmmmm...or not....". Ah well, they can post there, in their style, or they can come here, and post in ours. Frankly, I've never posted there...and don't believe I will start. Keep it rawking on, HH... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

JT, yes, sadly we are. There is a post in incidents about it. Jason, fly free and happy. You have made it to the other side, and now Lori has a new guardian angel. Lori, this will be a doubly difficult recovery for you. Know you are in my heart, and that if there is something any of us can do - anything - do NOT hesitate to reach out, and to ask. Prayers said for the both of you. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, I'm in the location area they describe, as are some other really good jumpers (which doesn't include me....). I wonder...should I? Shouldn't I? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Smile. Smile, if it's real, if it's not. Tight lipped, wide grin - doesn't matter....just smile. And then come back here and tell us all about it! Congratulations, and welcome to the sky. You will never be the same again. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just bumping this for all those who haven't seen it... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wholehearted agreement. Huge thanks to all. What I found amazing was watching Mr. Tonnesen - he had come to a peaceful place...if you look at his face, and hear his voice, as he is being asked if he's ready to skydive, you can sooooo tell he is. What a wonderful man. Hugs to all, and thanks so much again for helping the Tonnesens come to a place of healing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I get up really early. But it's not like I slept much, anyway. I mean, I read most of the night, some intellectual forensic treatise on Jack the Ripper, replete with photos. Not the best choice, I'll agree... Into the office, sign the waivers - and you think skydiving waivers are extensive? - and get the first of two pills. Down the hatch with a single sip of water and then I sit there, wondering what effect this pill is supposed to do. Soon enough, I am holding my book sideways - and still managing to read; unaware that my name has been called to go in, I get a nudge. Hrm, the pill worked. The doorway is sideways. Another pill, with another sip of water, and I am giggling. No fear, none at all. I don't care. Who cares? Not me. Oh, look, the pretty yellow dressing gown. I look better in pink, can I have one in pink? No? Oh. I think you should have some in pink. It's a woman's center, after all. We're all pink. Through that door? The one which keeps moving? I grab the edges, and sidle through it, because it won't stay still. And compare it with exits from the Otters. I tell them it's nice they have head room and we can stand straight, and then try to explain how to exit from the Otter. And demonstrate: Ready! Set! what? Hey, look, a big old surgical table. Wheeeeeeeeee....how do I climb on it? Where's the step stool? No stool? O.K., I'll jump. Hands help me up....and I sit there, high above the world, and really think about how I need to get my legs up there. I talk to my legs - right one first, and then left one. This is a different table than I'm used to, this one has halfpipe-like cylinder things to lay my legs in. And a strap to go over them. Huh. And then I lay back, and the nurse comes at me with a big needle, and tapes it to me. I don't feel it go in. And then the needle in my hips - I feel those, but not to bad. And then I fall asleep.... ~~~~~~~~~ And now I'm in the recovery room, whimpering. I need something to drink. Please, water. Coffee? Any coffee? Water's fine. Oh, man, my head aches. The Dr. talks to me, and I hear him saying that he thought it went well. He is smiling. These are all good things. He is optimistic. Well, me too. I fall asleep again. Sometime later, I wake up, and this time it's for good. The nurse walks me to the potty, turns her back while I use it, and then lets me get dressed. My hips are numb; I can feel my legs from top of the thigh down, but between there and my waist there is no connection. But I manage somehow. And I don't pee on myself. Discharge paperwork signed, pain pill in me, and to the car they wheel me. And I slide in, and go back to sleep. I make it home, and Pie is fascinated by these weird smells. I have packing in my private places, and I'm walking like an old cowboy with glass in his joints. But I get inside, and get something in my belly. I call those I need to call, (and seemingly post, as well), and then crawl into bed. I hear the phone ringing distantly, but I don't care - too much effort to get up. Sleep....sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep....and now the pain is coming. I wake in pain, but the Dr. told me to expect that. He won't let me take a pill for some time, because there is so much shit in my system anyway. Not until 8, he says. O.k., I'll wait. I can't really find a comfortable position with this stuff inside me. I waddle from chair to sofa to chair, looking for something I can handle, a position I can find which will let me rest a bit. I am in my jammie bottoms and a teeshirt, and feel like an exploding balloon... And then a knock on my door. I holler "hang on", thinking it's my neighbor Angela...and open it. I nearly fell over - it's MJOSparky! Come in, and I can't believe he's here. How sweet of him. 80 miles one way to check on me. How kind he is, how blessed I am....and then the phone rings, and it's RippedCord, and he comes over, too...and we sit and chat, the three of us, and I am so thrilled to see these guys, my friends, my skyfamily. Of course we talk about skydiving, and slinks and everything, but I sit there on the sofa, amazed that these folks thought enough of me to come by. I feel a tad high, but try to follow the conversation as best I can. And then they leave, and I take my pill and fall into bed, and get up this morning to see the Dr. The pain is wrapping itself around my hips and back. I hurt, badly. But no meds, because I am driving. I had not considered the fact that I drive a stick shift, and so the drive there is interesting to say the least. I hobble into the office, and get ushered into a room... The Positive: He got all of the exterior stuff on my cervices and vaginal vault, no doubt. It took longer than he had thought, because of the double cervices. Used two stitches, dissolving kind. I should be recovered from this soon. I've had no unusual bleeding, and so I am unpacked. Which means I can close my legs. Which means I can walk. And pee without worrying. The Negative: He could not enter the smaller of the two cervices, and could not get either to dilate properly for a visual inspection. Because he has a concern that there's something inside the cervices that he couldn't get to, I am not out of the woods yet. He is talking about, if we need to, injecting radioactive dye into both cervices, to see where they lead, and to determine if there's something there. He pap-ed me while I was out on the one cervix, but not the other. He is having a seriously difficult time getting any tools to fit in the smaller one. He is considering surgery to eliminate the small one, or reconstructive surgery to combine the two. He is not sure yet what he wants to do, but there needs to be something done. And so now the waiting begins. The state pathologist will take about 10 days, and so I will know more then. My Dr. is still fairly confident that I will not need chemo, but has backed off a bit on his certainty. That's a decision we will make when the time comes, and that time is not now. And still I am bleeding, which is the reason I went there in the first place. We have discontinued the Pill, and changed meds. We will continue chasing that issue down while we chase the cancer away... After all this, I come home. I see my screen door propped open, and think "too much mail or something." I am moving better, but the pain is enormous. On my front porch, I find two beautiful bouquets - one from my office, and one from Muenkel. As I arrange them on the table under the window, and add all the cards I've gotten, I realize how lucky I am, how very lucky I am, to have such kind and wonderful friends, and such a wonderful group here (Jessica, you're sooo funny!!). ( I am behind on returning pm's - I think I got something like 25 yesterday - so if I haven't answered yours, be patient with me, please? It hurts to sit.). Hugs to you all - and thanks for all the vibes, the notes, the flowers, the chocolate, and most especially, the intensity of friendship I've discovered from all over the world. You all RAWK! No doubt. And soon, JT, we shall funnel another jump. I promise! And now, I need the sofa. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The only thing I know for sure is to not type while under the influence of major drugs. LOL! No panic, Keith, but man, Deuce was right. I was totally wasted. I just got back from my "morning after" visit, and the Dr. is positive about part of it, and negative about the rest. When I get some energy, I will get a post up about everything. I hope that once I get something into my belly I can actually think somewhat normally. But for now, my sofa is calling, and I need to lay down and enjoy the boquets I have been showered with - 3 so far, as well as about 6 cards. I think I will lay there, take a big pill, and contemplate the center of the lilies. Thanks for thinking of me, Darius, it is *very* appreciated. All the vibes and thoughts and prayers are. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dos cervecas mas, por favor! Donde es la bana? Gracias. Bueno mondo vibos, Malo Esteban! And that taps my spanish. What? Mondo is a spanish word, right? Best to you, Steve. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You all are wonderful. Thankso much, i do reallly apprecuate it. I need to get into bed.. but I'm home, it hurts, but the dr thinks it went well. I think that's what he said. I don't really remember. I can't fit my fingers on the keyboard very well. Love you all gotta sleep. My kittues are here and purring, all is well in ethe world. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~