Michele

Check the Walking and Chewing Gum thread in S/T...and then you'll get it. What I don't get is why someone would buy two kayaks. Two rigs I understand - back to back loads....but I don't think that's how it works in kayaking...but what do I know...I've only been kayaking 3 times... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Then your sig line... Yes, well....I think that says it! LOL!!!! Made me giggle... I think Rhonda is actually looking for someone on behalf of a third party simply as a favor. Maybe a message can be passed to the person that they are being looked for, and if they want, they can contact her through here via pm. That way, all parties are protected, and privacy is respected as well. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL....o.k., let me try it this way: How much altitude should one expect to lose in a really good flat/braked/"pivot" turn? Nope, not looking for approval. Just checking to see if it needs more work according to people who know what they're doing... It is an important skill to have, and I started working on them on jump 14...but not sure if it's good yet. It's not like landing, where the data is immediate and objective - you crash, you didn't do well...Tiptoes? Good deal... That better? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Curious as to instructors' thoughts and everyone's experience on braked/flat turns. I actually refer to what I do as a pivot turn, and don't know what it is really called....what I do is bring both brakes to between jaw and shoulder level, wait for the canopy to slow down, and then bring one toggle down about chest level. The canopy generally stays quiet and controlled, and it feels like I pivot rather than turn. I also use a gauge (a bush, a building) to determine sideways movement, but I'm not so good at that yet. In my turn, I have noted that for a full 180 degrees, keeping the canopy level with the horizon, I lose between 50-75 feet. For a 90 degree turn, less than that amount although it's hard to tell with my alti (it's not digital). And I could be wrong - I may be losing more than that, but I don't think so... The return to full flight is not a "recovery arc" feeling, but rather just a building of speed forward; it's not "fast", there's no "rushing", and I am not penduluming out from under/behind the canopy, so I think it's fairly stable and controlled. If this is not good, how can I do it better? What is the general amount of alti one should lose during a 180? I've done a 90 degree onto final as low as 200 feet, and made it to where I wanted to land (edge of the grass at Perris, starting from the canal ridge)...but haven't tried a 180 that close. (And don't plan to, but there are times things happen which are not planned....and one needs to be prepared for it...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am helping, Boobie. I just wrote an e-mail to Snopes suggesting that it be researched. If the company gives you grief for trying to stop a crime (and credit fraud/identity theft is a huge crime...), they need to rethink their position. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Boobie, damned good deal. I wonder how many people have fallen prey to jackasses like this? I suggest that we send e-mails to our local media (or national, as well), or perhaps to the security sites and maybe even Snopes to spread the word as far as possible as quickly as possible. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And so I can be held completely blameless...I haven't got an avatar!!!! And you all thought I was just shy. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lauren, I've just pm'd you. If you look on top of the page, there should be a red number. Click it, and you should see the message. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And you would know this how, JP? Are you a ladies' room lurker? Is there something we should know? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

See, my question is do you guys get instruction? I mean, does Grampa pull you aside as a small wee child and explain it to you? The conversation was fascinating. There was discussion of comparison, hand use, where the eyes go, what happens if there are mirrors, and stall usage. I mean, I never realized the pressure men are under when they pee in a public restroom. And it's across the board, too, like an unwritten lesson in kingergarten, when we girls are sent out of the room, and the boys get the primer on potty etiquette. Us girls? Hell. We trot in in pairs or trios, chatting, laughing. We continue our discussion through the stall walls, and, should the need arise, "borrow" paper under the stall dividers. If there are only two stalls, and it's a trio, we wait, talking all the while. And then we wait for the trio to reassemble, free from the contraints of a tight bladder, and then go back to where we came from. Shoot, should the need arise (a stadium or such like), the group grabs the handicapped stall and crowds in together, and handle our business. And we always wait for the other group members. ALWAYS. No-one left behind, you know? I don't think there's ever been a time where I've turned down a lady running to the potty who "asked" for company. I also don't think I've ever been turned down. This is not to say we can't use the facilities by ourselves...but we do travel in pairs. There are times where it isn't usually appropriate to go in a group, however. Seminars, the only girl in a group, etc. But mostly, it is a group that trots off to the loo... But! We can goof it up. For example, if two go, and there is a third lady, now we've left her alone with the guys....and she realizes she's missed the unspoken Potty Call. And if it isn't a Potty Call but a "Fresh Air/Gossip Break", then she is left to find you. Which can be confusing. Run to the bathroom, check under stalls, wrack your memory to recall shoe styles today...nope, not them...o.k., into the bar, tour it quickly, o.k., not there...must be outside..."Phew, I found you guys! Why'd you leave and not tell me??" So yes, somewhat akin to standing next to the big guy peeing, it is a social faux pas to declare a Potty Call psychically and leave a woman standing (or sitting) by herself. This is a seriously funny, and decidedly odd topic. Perfect for my birthday party discussion group! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, yeah...as if...look, there's a definitive reason I am behind the camera...far less risk of breaking it that way (although I wish I had the courage to stay in Dave's path a little longer - he's kinda far up there...or maybe I should ask Santa for a zoom...) I have one roll of film I forgot to take in, us at the restaurant...I will develop it shortly, go through the whole rigamarole of scanning it, and post should there be anything worth posting... Thanks for looking - yeah, there are some fun shots...I really like how Grasshopper's turned out... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kewl! Will you toast me, too? Raise one and shout "there's one for the Bitch!" Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Small. Like 78 square feet (is that even a XAOS size? It's like 77, 78, 79, something in the upper 70's...). I tried to get JP to let me jump it, but we decided baby blue and white didn't go with my outfit, and I wouldn't look cool, so I prolly should avoid using it... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Blue skies, John. Thanks for giving so much of yourself to others, and showing them their lives from the sky. You made a difference, and your loss echoes through the clouds. Mary, I am sorry for your loss, as well. But he'll never be farther than the next errant breeze blowing through your hair. Look in your heart, and you will find him living and smiling and loving... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope, Lisa, sorry...I had to give my liver a break...first night I've seen 9 pm stone cold sober since Thursday evening....and that's an unusual stretch for me...but I toasted you several times. I usually said "Well, there's one for the Bytch" and then laughed. Typical for me. Sit there and laugh....doesn't even have to be funny. I just laugh.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I love watching his expression change from exit to when you two are together. How cool that must be - to have your Dad in freefall with you. How very cool that must be. Tell your father Congratulations! for me.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Last group for now... Jonathan is 4, and Kayla is 2 1/2. They are my joys.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And more....

So, as you all are aware, there was no jumping for me on my birthday because of the storm and the wind. While I missed that quite much, I had a ball playing with old friends, and making new ones. Here are some photos of the day...and I've thrown in my niece and nephew for good measure.... There will be several posts of photos....bear with me while I try to get them loaded up. And if they're scanned badly, blame Arim at my office - he showed me how.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thank you kindly for the offer....but my 4 year old nephew did the honors...once. In the face. Told me he was 'pankin' me for my birthday, and then popped me in the mouth. Gawd, I love him...but sometimes, his aim is a little off. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Nope...Sorry, VoodooDude....I can paint my own house.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Rosa! First, thanks for the compliment about "classic"....I am anything but classic (perhaps neoclassic, but who actually knows what that is??? Not me!)... Yes, we live near each other, and I would adore meeting you and hanging out...let's get together via pm's and figure out a time! And I did miss you being there, but it's o.k., we can jump another time! It was fun even though it wasn't jumpable...nothing better than hanging with friends who share a love of the blue...even when it's grey. I'll get a post up when the photos are developed... Thank you so much!!!!

I own the camera. I own the film. I am developing said film. I have sole discretion on how that picture gets used...ahhhhhhhhhh, power!!!! Oh, really? And you think I have a price? (I do, but it's terribly expensive, and you all are poor skydivers...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cora is an awesome lady....no question! No question at all... If you get a chance to meet her, grab it. She is a doll!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~