Michele

This is a greatly entertaining thread. Thanks! Ceils- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dewd, you have no idea what you're asking for. When I was with my ex, he had a Rottie/Dobie/Weimeraner mix. Sammi. Sleek, fast, fearless, ferocious. Leapt tall fences in a single bound. Chased all the cars, kids, and wind she could. She ruled the world. Enter BK. In two days - count 'em, two - that cat had Sammi trained. That cat could literally walk on top of Sammi to access the couch without having to jump...and Sammi would let her. BK one day decided that her dinner had mysteriously made it into Sammi's bowl...silly human error, no doubt...and Sammi was eating. Well, that is, Sammi was eating until BK approached her, and simply stared at Sammi for a bit, When Sammi backed up, BK stood at her bowl and ate her fill of dog chow. There were innumerable times when the cat slept in the dog basket, and Sammi took the floor. Yes, you could say that Sammi was pussy whipped... (what?)...but it was the BK who did the whuppin'... So, bring it on, Josh, bring it on! ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As the proud slave to three cats, and contemplating adopting a 4th (Penguin, the neighborhood stray...), I am happy to inform you that they are not all demon seed...and mine at least are cuddly and sweet and generally loving. Well, except for Bitch Kitty, who tends to like to stir the pot and see what floats. But she can be cuddly when she wants to be (usually at night), and often snuggles when the others don't. (Yes, she's reading this over my shoulder right now...positive reinforcement is a good thing. She thinks I need to feed her right now. And I do...) Anyway... Cats are kewl. And so're dogs. And most other fuzzballs we bring into our homes. And they love a lot, in the way they can. And it hurts when it's time for them to leave... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Travis True dat! Then you'd love to watch me make sure my straps are tight....! LOL!!!! Flexibility has it's bonuses Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Hi, Mary! True. But I think that at Squeak's jump numbers - and indeed mine - if we had to get out lower than 2500, we'd be pulling silver first. At least, I know I would, with a fairly lightly loaded Spectre which is slow to open on the best of days in perfect body position after a decent speed is reached. An emergency procedure as we are exiting the aircraft is a different thing, (isn't it?) than going out at 4k, getting stable and pulling... As for a regular HnP, why not go at an alti which would challenge you, but still allow for the first (or 5th) time nerves? And lastly, Squeak, I understand what you mean about being at a lower alti w/ the cutaway. When I had mine, by the time I figured out I was not gonna land this chute and got the reserve out, I was still above my decision alti - barely. I am sure that the next time I cutaway, I will respond more quickly to the situation, but at the time, I was unsure...for a while. It's that "while" that would've killed me had I been lower.... Just my .02 though, and granted it's from a far more inexperienced level than most posters...

I did a hi hopnpop, 11.5K during the canopy control class. It was great, but really cold (yes, I'm a wimp). Everyone knew I was doing it, and it was in the middle of the week. It was a lot of work, but that's cause I had a coach up there with me, getting me to really work the canopy... The trippiest thing I remember was seeing the plane UNDER me when it was coming back down. I knew the pilot knew I was there, but I was kinda nervous nonetheless...it was still very, very weird to see the plane below me. They're valuable and fun, but watch your spot (we were let out way west of the DZ, but made it back just fine.) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Rawk on, Narcimund!!! Go get 'em, dewd! Get yourself free tickets, and the value of your vacation. Let us know! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Frank - like I told you last night, I think what you did was a wonderful gift to both Jackson and your family. As a child I was not present when a wonderful dog of mine was put down. I was not able to say thank you, I love you and goodbye to this incredible family member. You gave Jackson the dignity and honor of letting him go in the arms of his family, surrounded by sights and smells that he knew and adored. You gave yourself and your family the opportunity to guide him out with love, in security and in peace...and allowed you all to have the opportunity to say "thank you, I love you, and goodbye" to someone who'd been there for the girls' entire life, and much of you and your wife's life. It is an admirable thing you did, my friend. I had a cat die, in great pain, in my arms, on the way to the third vet that day. If I had been given the choice, I would have put him down with love, instead of the terror and immense pain of congestive heart failure. Needless to say, the original vet should've put him down. Tron had no chance, but I didn't know - and there, on the freeway, I held Tron, and tried to console him and comfort him, and let him go. Tonto, your behavior and attitude is atrocious. Get some grey into your life - some love, some compassion, some caring for a fellow human. Your post could be taken no other way than as a harsh judgment on a man who, had you lurked and watched, is a man of huge heart and gigantic spirit. You'd be best served by watching Frank and learning from him. Frank, you are loved. You did the right thing. You will continue to be in my heart with this trying time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

(this is not directed at anyone in specific)... I have 46 jumps. I touch the handles in the plane...a lot. Someday, maybe I won't touch them as much. Til then, I will (sadly) continue to annoy those who have nothing better to do than to watch me touch my handles. It's not mindless. But maybe you wouldn't realize that. I will always make sure everything is where I left it when I got onto the plane...and that the straps are as tight as when I left the ground. And yes, I have been known to check where they are in freefall, as well as the remaining two are while I'm under canopy. I see no harm in it. I'm sorry if you find my checking for my handles annoying. I don't. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good deal, Squeak! Well done. You're learning...and that's what you need to do. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thank you, Cora. Wanna know something scary? In the last 5 weeks, I've been able to do more business than I had in the prior 4 months. None of it's closed, though, so no counting the chickens before they've broken the shell, but it's feeling more "normal" - instead of going to work to do things which will not actually bring in $$ but must be done, I am actually going and doing things for which I am to be paid! And, come January 1, thanks to you, I'll be on the referral list for the first quarter of the year, and thanks to Bwilling, I will be on that list for the 2nd quarter of the year. I owe you, girlio, you and Bryce! Ciels- M ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, thank God!!!!!! I thought that as I hadn't been able to buy any books, that I would miss the release...and while I still might, at least it gives me 9 months...honestly, I hadn't been looking because I know I don't have the ability to NOT buy it if it were out. LOL, I can be such a wimp about books... Luna - sorry about not replying to the e-mails. Hopefully either tonight or tomorrow. Been kinda busy at work (again, thank God!!!) and have been neglecting friends and family alike... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The Rainbow Bridge, Author Unknown Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... (the website is www.petloss.com . It is a great site for people who've lost a pet.) Frank, it is never easy to let go of our four-legged family members. It is especially difficult for children who've been around them all their lives. But how special and wonderful that Jackson had you there, and was able to go in peace at home, among those he loved and knew best. My most sincere condolences, and speedy healing to you and yours... Blue skies and rabbit chasing forever, Jackson. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Heya, Seedy... There are two more that are not published yet, and are marked "forthcoming"... Dune: The Machine Crusade Dune: The Battle of Corrino Butlerian Jihad is, as stated, a bit slow, but gives you a sense of the thinking machines and what transpired. I think I'll wait for the paperbacks of the ones mentioned above, rather than buying the hardbacks. But I will read them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Making my way through the Prequels to Dune, written by his son and another Sci-fi writer. Bulterian Jihad is a little slow. House Corrino, House Harkonnen and House Atreides were interesting. Also just picked up another copy of Bridge Across Forever by Richard Bach. Every so often, I read through his stuff again...Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Illusions... Patricia Cornwell has a book out called Solved: Jack the Ripper which I'd like to read (she is the author of the Dr. Kay Scarpetta stuff - interesting and absorbing)... I am thoroughly jealous that you have a gift certificate to B&N for $100 - man, I would spend it in a heartbeat. I have had the urge to re-read the Shel Silvertein stuff - out loud to my nephew, but still and all, re-read it for me, too... And of course there's my old favorite, Stephen King. Dunno if he has anything new out, but I heard that the latest Gunslinger was supposed to be out right about now...sigh.... There. I just spent your whole gift certificate! LOL!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dewd, if I could afford it, I would in a heartbeat! Sorry... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

O.K., so that I understand. How about keeping tabs on what you're "borrowing" from folks (i.e. a night on the sofa, etc.), and later, once you've re-established yourself in a new job, buy them little things, like j/t or movie passes, for every night you slept on their sofa and used their potty? That way, it's a whole lot less "depending" on them. What is depending on really mean, though? Does it mean "if you don't buy me dinner, I won't be eating tonight?" or does it mean "I could buy top Ramen for dinner tonight, but since you've invited me for burgers and beer, hell, I'm on my way!"...? You are a highly skilled editor, and you would benefit any paper you chose to work on. How hard would it be, honestly, to get another position? A week? Two? Three? 6? Is there a way you can set aside some funds for that time period? And is there somewhere you can stay for that time period? Sure, it's really really scary, moving into a new position. But if you don't look at it now, really consider it, and take the 6 months ahead of you to prepare for it, I don't know that there will ever be a "good" time. I'm 37, and I made the career switch right before I split with my ex. I could've gone back to secretarial, or I could keep charging ahead, looking towards the rest of my life. And although it has been hard (at times impossible), leaving him and staying with the career switch was the best - and scariest - thing I'd done to that point in my life. Financial security is a good thing, Jess, don't get me wrong. But when the need for security costs more than the value it brings to you, then is it worth it? And the last thing I can contribute is: The old phrase comes to mind: very few people regret going on adventures when they're old. So when you're 80 years old, will you regret not summering at a DZ and/or having that adventure? Will you wonder "what if", "maybe if I had", "I wish I"... If not, don't bother. But if there is the possibility of regret, then jump out the door and fly, baby, fly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Working. Thank God! And pretending that I will have enough money sometime to buy gear, I shall also do a little gear shopping...err, dreaming... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Whhhhhhhoooooooooohhhhhhooooooooooooo! At least some part of me is gettin' some... Airtime. I was referring to airtime. Geezzzzzzz.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jess - Why not? Is there any real reason (perception of other people does NOT count) that would prevent you from taking some time off during the summer and dz-ing it? If there is a real reason, kewlio. If not, again, why not? As to the researching the novel, absolutely. Perfectly good explanation as to the "hiatus". Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

God must've listened...I did get a lot of paperwork. Now I'll be working over the weekend, too. YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

>>> Best of luck, my friend. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cora, this is a wonderful idea. I'd do it in a heartbeat - but only if Narcimund told me what to put into the basket. ... Otherwise, it's beer and crackers in an ice chest....! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sounds good to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks...as the saying goes, from your lips (or fingers...) to God's ears! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I won't list you, unless you have a house to sell.... Listing is getting the contract to sell someone's home. Selling is bringing the buyer to the table. Having a listing appointment means going to someone's place, evaluating the price of the home as compared to the houses recently sold in the neighborhood, assessing it's marketability, setting the price, and getting the signatures on the contract so that I can offer it for sale to the world... In this situation, the owners and I have been talking for about a year. They have what they consider a "fixer". My job today is assessing the actual things we 'need' to fix v. what a buyer will want to change once they move in, evaluate the costs of any repairs, determine a profit base for the sellers (if any), and help them decide what to do: fix prior to getting it on the market, or sell it as is (cost v. benefit analysis). The last listing I took was December 17th, and I had a full price offer on December 18th (it was on the market a total of 6 hours), opened escrow on December 20th. I am hoping to have a similar situation today/tomorrow...but who knows. Wish me luck - it would mean a paycheck in February (or thereabouts), and that would be a good thing! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~