Michele

Yes, I happen to agree. A man with Spank the Monkey as his avatar is, well, somewhat telling, don't you think? ROFLMAO! Have fun, Ed! Go get some jumps in, and try the Skyvan! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bazz, I actually want to thank you for being really aware and getting his attention and making sure he knew what was going on. Irrespective of why the problem happened (I wasn't there, I haven't a clue), when the problem was recognized, you handled it very well. I recall several recent jumps which we discussed freefall emergencies, such as the one you all experienced as well as others, and clarified (somewhat) for me what to do about it. Your post also teaches something, and for that, I again say thank you. If people are giving you grief for an accident, I am not sure that's warranted. Even I know that weird shit happens in a funnel, things get grabbed which aren't supposed to, people get conked, etc. If people are discussing how to prevent it, or what to do if it happens to them, then cool...if you had done it on purpose, then phooey on you...but if it's a matter of assigning guilt or blame, that is not how people learn best if there's something to be learned at all other than shit happens and exits can get wonky... So yes, Bazz, you suck, but only in the nicest possible way. And you'll be down on Saturday at Ptown, and if I can get out there, then let's suck together! We'll call it the "suck dive"....me learning my booties, and you, grinning and flying circles around me. Deal??? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am holding you to that (although I suspect I will like them, once I get used to it...)

Hey, 'Holio? From weatherunderground, there's better news... Whew. Seems the heatwave will be breaking on Friday.... Ciels- Michele Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not positive yet...but am trying very hard to be there. yeah, FINALLY!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Mandy, will you be there on Saturday? If so, and if I can make it, that will be the day......I'll finally meet you! After 2 years of missing each other at various dz's.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, it really is that hot. just off the phone with someone who works down there, and he said it was really hot. I asked about Dust Devils, and he said not too many to speak of this early in the season. And here in Burbank, it was 98 at 4 pm, which is very unusual this time of year. So yes, Cornholio, it is very hot...and blue, and perfect! Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hang in there, Petur. Get well soon! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFLMAO!!! Hello? And you even have a question? Geesh....and you can go home, get more clothes for tomorrow (don't forget the toothbrush and condoms and to feed the dog), edit all your posts here so Kate doesn't know what she's answering, and then voila! Life will be most excellent...and you'll be relaxed and happy on the DZ.com bigway record. There. Any questions? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

A good man. (Not even gonna add the blush...and yes, that was my outloud voice!!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Heya, Tonto. I hope you don't think I was saying I did a gear check on a tandem guy! LOL! We were loading, and the TM was there, talking to a student. I saw something which, to me, appeared odd or out of place, and I got someone other than the tm (who was busy) that knew what they were doing to eyeball it. He pronouced it good, explained to me why it looked odd, thanked me for getting him, and off we all went for a successful jump. I didn't touch the rig, and wouldn't have. Had this other waaaaaaaaaay experienced jumper not been there, I prolly would've said something to the TM, but I would not touch something I had no clue about. Just clarifying. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I wish you could be, as well. I suspect I will learn a ton (maybe even how to handle booties!!), and stay with a tracking dive...and tons more stuff that I don't know yet. I will have a full write-up on it when I get in. It's gonna take me away from earning a living for a full weekend, but I think the trade is worth it. I do think that all young jumpers should come out to this. It's the first thing I've seen which is directed at those of us at this stage, and designed not for bigways, but for those who need more instruction (and who couldn't use more instruction, especially at these jump numbers?)? I hope to see a bunch of you out there, even if you're not posting. It's a great opportunity, and I for one plan to take full advantage of it! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Emma, that's it exactly! A lot like AFF-1 without the JMs and a bare understanding of what was going on...I will have someone doublecheck the fit, but that was done when I tried it one for the first time and it was pronounced fine. I am confident that I will eventually conquer these little pieces of fabric, and I will fly the suit, and not vice versa, but still, it was discombobulating at best...thanks for sharing your experience. Made me feel less like such an idiot. Hey, JP? And happy feet...happy happy joy joy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You have learned about that by now, haven't you? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I do get gear checks. Beginning of each day, I look at everything, and then each time I put it on, I have someone else check it out, too. And have seen others get them, and even one unsolicited one (she wasn't finished gearing up, and someone thought she had forgotten her chest strap). I told that guy he could yell at me anytime... I've even pulled someone aside when something looked funky on a tandem. He saw what I saw, looked closer, and it was o.k. Just looked weird to me. It's all about preparation and safety...you're not anal. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ah....that makes sense then. I couldn't find the right cost, so had to base it from an old post... Thanks, BB...I will make the decision shortly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Lou. So, if I pm BB with my name, as "possible", then I also incur the registration costs of $25 (isn't that the right cost??). If I do my usual three jumps, plus the registration fee, I will be spending more money than if I just go and pay regular fare ($67 v. $60). I mean, it's only $7 more, but that's gas money, or lunch or whatever. And I still may not be able to get there. It would make sense if I was going to be there for more than one day (not likely), and/or if I was going to make more than 3 jumps (again, not likely).... That's the concern I have... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kay, perhaps I'm slow on the uptake...but if Perris already has all my info, and I may or may not be there (still not sure) or only going for one day, why can't I just come when I can? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOLOLOLOL gasp...LOLOLOLOLLLLL! I needed help getting them on, as well as off, on my first jump...I felt like a 3 year old with untied shoes... I will say that I felt the difference in the tracking dive - flatter, smoother, easier, floatier...but that first jump was wonky... I think I'll give it a few more tries before I get out the machete... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Let's see. I smoke. When I am at someone's home who does not smoke, I don't, either. If I want one, I excuse myself and go outside. If I am around a child, any child, I will not smoke. If I am babysitting my niece and nephew, I go outside to smoke. I drive and smoke, but the windows are open and air is coming in. Even in the rain. If I am in a non-smokers car, I will not smoke. No matter how bad they drive. If someone I am with asks me to not smoke near them, I either move or put it out. However, the respect and politeness they show me in asking me is reflected in my response to them...and yes, Lisa, I have used the "please move away from the only ashtray in 20 yards..."... I am a polite smoker. I expect that should someone find my smoking offensive, politely address that. Rudeness, fake coughing, attitude, holier-than-thou-ism, lectures and dirty looks garner very little response from me, and most certainly not the one they anticipate. Now, is it child abuse? I echo Lisa's statements above....no more so than being sent to bed without dinner for sassing back, getting smacked on the bottom for whacking my brother over the head, and most certainly far less than someone who allows their child to ride unrestrained in the car... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Lisa. I dunno if I can squeeze a trip to Big 5 in this week...I'd very much appreciate it. Now, just how do I fly the freekin thing instead of being at it's mercy??? LOL! Time and practice, I guess... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hey, all! I am going to do this, and I know several others here will, as well, not to mention that some of our regular posters will be teaching/conducting seminars (from what I understand). The following is taken from the handout they gave me about it! Oh, this will be good.... ***************** Bridge The Gap Skydive Elsinore , June 7-9 This is an opportunity to meet other jumpers, learn about equipment, get coaching and work on fundamental skills. The event will include seminars about canopy flying, packing, gear maintenance, and selection. Who? Jumpers with less than, or around 300 jumps who have a desire to experience the most out of skydiving. The Plan *Seminars from PD, Master Rigger and USPA Course Director. * Professional Freeflying, Formation Skydiving, and Canopy Flight Coaching for two days! *Goodie Bag (lots of cool stuff) * Raffle with UNBELIEVABLE[/B] prizes from major vendors. *Jumps are regular price (yes, you can use your block tickets) *Pizza Saturday evening. The first semianr will be friday evening at 7:30 pm. Saturday morning we will group up with your coaches for the weekend. Saturday meet time is 7:30 am. Registration Preregister by May 31 and pay $35...register June 1 or thereafter and pay $40. Call Skydive Elsinore or e-mail them Slydive Elsinore **************** I will be there, and will be staying the whole weekend. I plan on getting there in time for a jump or two friday evening, and using the bunkhouse. There are still beds available, so reserve them soon. I am going to learn so much!! And believe me, I need to learn so much!!! I've heard great things about it from last year's participants, and so made the decision to go some time ago. See you there!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Where do I get shoo goo? Thanks, guys...I think the adjustment period will be longer than I thought. I appreciate the comments and suggestions... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi... This might get better response if it were posted in Talk Back. That way, we can post our thoughts there without it being conflicting with the purpose of this particular forum. Thanks for coming here and posting. Edit to add: my prayers and thoughts, and hope are with Deuy, you and your family. Please let us know how we can help... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If I could get there, I would snap up that ticket so fast it would make your head spin. And, I'd buy you beer!!! However, seeing as I'm here in Burbank, I suppose the drive would be a little difficult to accomplish in the next 20 hours or so...damnit damnit damnit! Good luck! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~