Michele

High: Knock on my door, flowers and a teddy bear delivery...from my vet! Low: Surgery tomorrow...which is why I'm getting flowers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

OHMYGAWD that brings back some interesting memories... "Time Warp" RiffRaff: It's astounding; Time is fleeting; Madness takes its toll. But listen closely... Magenta: Not for very much longer. RiffRaff: I've got to keep control. I remember doing the time-warp Drinking those moments when The Blackness would hit me RiffRaff: And the void would be calling... Transylvanians: Let's do the time-warp again. Let's do the time-warp again. Narrator: It's just a jump to the left. All: And then a step to the right. Narrator: With your hands on your hips. All: You bring your knees in tight. But it's the pelvic thrust That really drives you insane. Let's do the time-warp again. Let's do the time-warp again. Magenta: It's so dreamy, oh fantasy free me. So you can't see me, no, not at all. In another dimension, with voyeuristic intention, Well secluded, I see all. RiffRaff: With a bit of a mind flip Magenta: You're into the time slip. RiffRaff: And nothing can ever be the same. Magenta: You're spaced out on sensation. RiffRaff: Like you're under sedation. All: Let's do the time-warp again. Let's do the time-warp again. Columbia: Well I was walking down the street just a-having a think When a snake of a guy gave me an evil wink. He shook-a me up, he took me by surprise. He had a pickup truck, and the devil's eyes. He stared at me and I felt a change. Time meant nothing, never would again. All: Let's do the time-warp again. Let's do the time-warp again. Narrator: It's just a jump to the left. All: And then a step to the right. Narrator: With your hands on your hips. All: You bring your knees in tight. But it's the pelvic thrust That really drives you insane. Let's do the time-warp again. Let's do the time-warp again. Hee hee, I just scared the cats with my - well, singing warble. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

But....but....Mary, it would've felt sooooooo good. I don't mind visiting lower levels, really. Geesh, sometimes having restraint sucks.... Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, Jeanne, that's it! We time warped!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! (And Airmail, that was very funny...) Yes, it happened to me, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bitter? Hell, lemme let you in on bitter... There I am, with one free personal attack. I can use it on anyone, for whatever reason. I wrote the personal attack out this morning, too; this is the first time I've seriously considered using it...but of course didn't post it. It was long, it was scathing, it was right on point, it would have verbally flayed some folk...and it would've made something which really is no big deal into something which would be a very large deal. And it would've been really, really relieving to post. I've taken some name calling and some attitude really rather personally... Instead, I backed out of the post. Bitter? Oh yeah...think about the satisfaction I gave up. Think of the ego I could've popped. Think of the peace I'm creating with my admirable restraint...instead, I sit here, chafing, wishing I could just let loose and let fly... Sigh. Pass me the bitters, please! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Keith! Do you know how much I want to be there? But alas, the Dr. says no jumping for a bit. Something about a bad landing or hard opening with things falling out kinda makes me think I'll actually follow his instructions. But the very first weeked I am cleared from the Dr. and have no clients to work with, I will be there. I promise. Prolly end of November at the earliest, most likely December. But I'll be there! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just gonna throw my .02 in here. I was able to go one single day - and only could make 3 of the jumps. I was very intimidated, but MJ and the group really worked hard to bring me to a comfort level I could deal with. In those three jumps, I got some coaching that I still rely on today - things that changed how I track, how I fall, and my exit techniques were just a few things I learned on three jumps only. The intensive coaching, and the excellent feedback, not to mention the dirt diving and debrief was really really good. That was some of the best coaching I've ever gotten, since student status. And best of all, it was really, really fun. I highly recommend it if you're heading this way during the winter, or if you're a local and want to check it out. It's essentially free (you're going to jump anyway, right???), and your learning curve will be spiked, I promise. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good for you!!!! Yeah! I have plans to, eventually, get down there and play...good to know "there" made it through, and that there is a there to go to! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Funks.... That's one single fire down in San Diego. There are easily 8 others in Southern California...Simi Valley/Porter Ranch; San Bernardino; Old Waterman/Crestline; Temecula/Hemit; Malibu; Lake Piru; the 3 in San Diego (sorry, don't know their names - I think one is Pendleton, The Scripps Ranch, and the one BillV is in the middle of - but not positive). So far, they are suspecting arson in at least: ~One in San Diego (not sure which one, sorry...) ~Old Waterman/Crestline (suspects seen) ~Val Verde/Simi Valley (suspicious circumstances) ~Malibu (suspects seen, fire contained quickly - only 25 acres...Thank God) People don't realize how farspread these fires are. They stretch from the border of Mexico to north of Los Angeles by at least 30 miles. I heard it described as an area the size of 1/2 of Rhode Island which has been burned...but I am not sure. Just trying to give you the larger picture... And the sad thing is there are lots and lots of places that haven't yet burned...and still may. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, there is a book - can't remember who wrote it or what it's called - where that is posited. Interesting read, but obviously not interesting enough for me to recall details! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I hate it too. Sorry you're not well...it's hard to concentrate when things are not right with your body. I know..... Why not just go home? I'm sure the work which can wait will, and greet you happily when you are up to returning. Everything else can be done by others, you know? Go home, get well... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Know what? I am pleased that people haven't gone that direction. Not everything that happens is caused by terrorists...and we have some seriously sick people in our midst, terrorist or not. It is at this time of year that we are on "fire alert". Traditionally, weather patterns have set up so that we have the Santa Anas, which, as seen, can blow at over 60 mph. Combine that with a dry winter (meaning we haven't had much rain this last year), and you have tinderbox stuff ringing the area. Wildfires rage with unfortunate frequency...the reason it came down into the residential areas was a dreadful combination of weather/winds/not enough firefighters. And traditionally, the arsonists in the area know that these weather factors combine, and will set them at this point. Additionally, some of the fires are NOT arson, but other reasons (arcing power lines, sparks from motorcycle pegs, etc....) None of that means it wasn't terrorists. However, because it is such a "regular" occurance, it's almost like blaming an earthquake on a terrorist, too...it is part of the area culture, part of the environment. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Vibes and prayers for you...and that the DZ is still there when you get there next. It's pretty bad all over.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kate, if you can't find your baby, try what I do. I make sure I have a full bowl of their favorite food, and their favorite toy. And then, because Pie is somewhat skittish, I sit there and wiggle the toy. When she comes close, I gently reach out a finger, and tickle her. Once she is happy like that, it's a full hand...and then I try to grab her. And get her as close to my heart as possible. They will vibe off of us, so be as calm and cheerful and peaceful as you possibly can be. Hope that helps. You get your baby and leave if you need to. I know about the kitties...and understand. But make sure you take care of yourself, too. And Bill, you stay safe as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Kate. It is my understanding that all aircraft must stand down at sunset, and cannot come back up until sunrise. However, IIRC, during the Glendale fires several years ago, they flew local county helicopters dropping water. I think, but I don't know, that the mandated standdown is for the Forestry Service, ie the Skycranes, and other huge aircraft, so perhaps it's a federal thing rather than a local thing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Aw, J.E....most of the time it's not so bad. I just lose my temper when I see what they do, for whatever twisted reasons that they have. Kiss me anyway! Lessee, where to start. No earthquakes just yet (or rather, nothing we can feel...) Lisa, the Temecula fire is bad, but not like San Berdo, San Diego or Simi Valley bad. It started near Lake (Skinner) just north of Temecula, and they are working very hard to handle it. If Dave needs a place, let him know he can come here. And yes, he must bring the dog. The cats will survive. South of Hemit, voluntary evacuations are taking place, so if that includes you, let me know to expect guests. Lew, if you come up the 15 to the 60 to the 57 to the 210, you will get through lots of smoke, but nothing burning and make it to S. Pas. That's part of the route I took home, and while it was nasty, it was driveable. It was also pretty crowded, so fill your tank and bring along water. It might take longer than usual. Simi Valley East is burning. They have made a stand on the 118, so that it doesn't cross into the San Fernando Valley at Chatsworth or Porter Ranch. It has become huge, and something along the order of 14 homes have been lost or damaged. The Ronald Regan Museum on the other side of the valley has been in danger for a long time, but the firefighters are making a serious stand, and have so far been able to protect it. The winds are erratic, changing direction frequently and creating a seriously hazardous situation. Val Verde is doing all right, considering. Ed, the phone lines are really crowded, similar to right after an earthquake, so just be patient and keep dialing. There will eventually be a free line. Jay, I feel really bad for your loss. If there's anything I can help with, let me know. As far as the Crestline/Arrowhead fires, it's pretty bad. The situation is exacerbated because of the dead trees (killed by a beetle infestation), so the fire is moving rapidly through the dead wood. It's been burning very hot. 25 homes there have been lost. The "old" fire (Waterman) is now merged with the San Berdo fire, creating a nearly 30 mile long fireline. There is 0% containment. (This is now blending with the Crestline fire). Malibu had a brief fire, 25 acres. They believe it was arson. There are spot fires pretty much everywhere. Stats at 6:00 ~Winds are expected to continue but lessen to 30 mph. ~6 fires are burning. ~Nearly 265,000 acres have been burned. ~14 dead, mostly down in the San Diego area. ~614 homes destroyed (??) (I am NOT sure I heard that number correctly) ~Burbank, LAX, and I believe Ontario airports are closed. ~School closures include some of San Berdu, and all of the Rim of The World district. Arrowhead, Simi, Moorpark, Etiwanda will not hold classes on Monday. ~Power is out to at least 50,000 people in various areas. At least 3 main power lines are down. Some power was interrupted intentionally in Crestline area, and in Idylwild. ~Road closures in this area are: 118 (partial) 126 (total) 5 (intermittant, and only in the north areas/Santa Clarita for smoke occlusion) 15 at the 210 210 at the 15 215 is shut down completely in the Devore area. 189 is partially shut down at highway 18 and Lake Gregory. Personally...I went to Elsinore, and as I was driving down, I was being blown in my 6 cylinder Jetta. That's a fairly heavy, low profile car. I spotted the sun, and it was blood red. Very very very spooky. The lights alongside the freeways were on, at 9:00 in the morning, that's how dark it was. At one point on the 60 freeway, visibility was, in my estimation, about 50 yards, with blowing smoke and debris. Elsinore was fairly clear, but the winds were wonky, so I didn't jump. It was spooky watching the smoke wall approach, and come over the lake and up to the Ortegas. I have been in many fires - or perhaps it's better to say, I have seen many fires in the hills surrounding me. I have never experienced something like this. Never. There is nothing anyone can do - everything is being done that they can do. If anyone wants to help, the Red Cross is in desperate need of clothes and other essentials (but bring them to the locations - they don't have any volunteers available to come get it). Cash donations would also be accepted. More as it happens. [eidt]: Not sure what's going on, but no less than 5 engines just hauled down the street, screaming sirens. That's more than what usually responds to accidents, etc. Sigh. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am leaving in a few minutes, but don't know if I will be able to jump. Winds are high... But I will be there, at least. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

"Because it makes me happy", I say, and I show them a picture of me - huge grin, the kind you don't see on the ground...the incredible blue sky, the kind you can't see from the ground, and the fact that there is nothing else around me...just blue.... And then ask them have they ever seen me happier? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

North San Bernardino has been devastated by what is thought to be an arson fire which has spread to something like 17,000 acres. Power outages to many communities in the hills is the least of the problems...road closures, the entire San Bernardino National Forest is closed, and firefighters are coming in to the area from all over the state, and indeed from the nation (I think we have some folks from Montana on their way) to help out. We simply don't have the manpower to handle this. It has hit residential areas now, and the worst is over 200 homes have been destroyed, and an additional 1000 are being threatened. The fire is about 20% contained. Thankfully, no people have been killed, and only three minor injuries have been reported - a bee sting, a sprained ankle, and embers in an eye. Additional fires include the Val Verde fire, which has jumped Route 126 and is heading toward Simi Valley and Moorpark, and one that is in the Waterman area. Several thousand acres in each of these fires are estimated. There are ashes and embers as far west as Huntington beach. In my neighborhood, we have ash coating everything. The Burbank Hills are easily the driest I've seen in years, and I expect them to go up in flames too. And the winds are ferocious. Estimated steady at 30, with gusts up to (and by one report, exceeding) 68 mph. These are the Santa Ana winds, the dry, hot winds which flow through the canyons and passes from the high desert. The person who set the first fire is a motherfucking asshole. Vibes to all those affected. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I got 0. No, that wasn't a typo. Zero. As in none right. I think I'm doing something wrong. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I will set mine back in the morning. It's easier for me to wake up and be confused than go to sleep "early". But thanks for the reminder... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Richard, BETO was quoting someone else...just posting to you 'cause you were last in the comments. No issues...and I understand your problems with pm's...I've seen it done too. As to the mods, you guys do a great job...and I appreciate it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, Narci, you're so cute. I'm here all the time....BTW, can I still come up on New Year's Eve? I promise I won't bore you with lots of boring skydive stories. None of my stories are boring! ( The original post describes me, with the single exception that I don't take time off during the winter. Still and all, I maybe get 3-5 jumps per month in if I am very lucky, and in the 2+ years I've been jumping, I've got all of 78 jumps under my belt. I do what I can to limit the difficulties that this inability to jump creates...i.e., canopy control class, big main, choose my jumps carefully - if the conditions aren't acceptable, I sit down - and I am very particular about who I jump with (I worry that I might hurt them because I am not terribly skilled...) and the jumps I do - the largest I've done was an 8 way, and that was with very very experienced jumpers in the other 7 slots (and that was jump #78...and won't be repeated soon, even though it was fun). I pull high, and land far out if needed, and simply remember that I am not as current as I would like, and so make sure that I create no additional issues for myself or others. If I have questions, I ask them...and I review my emergency procedures often. All that being said, I don't perceive anything about skydiving as casual. I know that's not what you meant, but I thought I'd make it more plain...there is nothing casual about jumping from a plane 2 1/2 miles in the sky...nothing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

O.K., where do I start? With the anti semitism? The attitude you have? The fact that she doesn't drink beer is a problem to you? The fact that you call her names, i.e. tool, and basically tell her she's useless and worthless, except to fuck when you want to? Geesh. So, she's bad in bed. Yet you...."9. I've "hit it" in every way immaginable with her and no longer feel any interest in previously achieved sexual exploits. I mean, its only fun when you think your gonna get smacked, and I didn't, so shes just another notch in the belt now. " You, dear boy, have no idea what a relationship is. And have absolutely no idea what a "tool" you appear with that post. You just want to fuck. So go fuck. But don't complain then if it isn't a good relationship. And don't go whining around when she tosses your ass for another man, who actually knows something about relationships. "Here's an interesting idea....when you tell a story, have a point." The only point I see you making is that you're fucking just to fuck, and not giving a shit about the girl who's under/over you. And then having the nerve to bitch about it. Think about this....I am the only daughter of a semi famous jew (that makes me a JAP...). I have never had any of my lovers walk away unhappy - and every one of them have come back for more, and they usually know enough to bring me some wine coolers. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~