Michele

Was a little frightened to click into this - thank God it wasn't another Speedo shot! Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Curious George, First Space Monkey!!!!!!!!! Kewl! Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Congratulations, Jason!!!!!!!! Money coming in is always nice! Welcome back to the blue! Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Time to tell us you're o.k., now...... Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

My most sincere sympathy to Shane's family, and to you. Blue skies, Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

As someone who is not far off student status, yes, we get the message without the dramatics. Thinking back, if I saw the video at the time of my AFF-1, I would have thought that the position you demonstrate is the exact position I will go into if I forgot to do up the chest strap. When you are there in the FJC, you are paying so much attention, and taking everything literally. You can only rely on what your instructor says, as you have nothing to really compare it to. So if my instructor told me that the sky would be orange, I likely would have believed him. As it was, I got fixated on where the snakes lived, and not wanting to land on them (go figure). And no, I am not gullible, but in that situation, I will take the "expert's" word on it because I cannot make any real assessments based on experience - I hadn't any experience yet. And not much more now! LOL.... If you are doing it to demonstrate what will happen when a chest strap is not fastened, then keep it as true and accurate as you can. If you're doing it for shits and grins, I suppose my "I wish you wouldn't" will make no difference. But please post ASAP so we know you're o.k. *Disclaimer: I am not YOUR mother. I just sound like it on the 'net*....

Mine is the photo under my name.....need I say more? LOL!! If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

And I am anxiously awaiting all the public stories you can tell! (

Just my .02 worth, but I think what Magistr8 was saying was not the fact that riggers should be paid, but that the value to the rigger and client is the fact that a carefully packed reserve can and will save a life, and that no amount of money can accompany that attention. He's not putting down paid packers and riggers. Or the fact that riggers and packers need to make a living at rigging and packing, too (which they all do, except for the very wealthy who own their own thriving corporation and live off the land kinds - and there are some). He was simply saying that a person is worth more than the $$ to repack the reserve, and that extra $$ to make sure the reserve was packed right is a really horrible thing to have to contemplate. Kinda like the wealthy get better treatment, like in the rest of the real world. I *think* that's what he meant. BTW, my rigger refused a bottle, no matter how hard I pestered him (and I pestered him a lot!!!). I still feel like I owe him one. But no-one will tell me what he likes! (Perhaps a gift certificate to the liquor store?) (JTVal, I hope you can get your reserve repacked in record time. ) Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Kinda thinking along the same thought line as Skybytch and Lazer - but I'll take it a step further: It concerns me that there are people who, it seems, believe that tipping your rigger will get you a better reserve repack than just the regular fees will. I mean, if I tip someone, it is AFTER the service, not before. Payment before the service (in this case, using the reserve) is a fee for service. I personally don't have any equipment yet, so perhaps my perspective is moot, but I know exactly who will be packing my reserve - and that's the guy who packed it for the student rigs when I used the reserve there. If I have to tip a person who packs my reserve so I can be "assured" of better service, I am gonna go to a rigger who gives me that better service without regard to a 10 or 20 tip - because HIS integrity is intact, and he values my life as much as I value my life. Each job is the same - and I am assured that his work is about parachutes, not personalities. As for tipping my packer, he gets it after I am done jumping for the day - along with his regular $ for packing. Just my .02, though. Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Kay, this will be odd. Follow closely. In birth family, I was 3rd of 4, and possibly a twin (although the records are not clear on that). As for the adopted family, I was 2nd of two. (I was adopted at birth). Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Sangiro, you RAWKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (when are you coming to Perris so I can (finally) buy you a beer?) Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Chris! How wonderful you are! Here's a P.O. Box I have already set up for donations: JFTC P.O. Box 1778 Burbank, CA 91507-1778 And I promise that I will make sure everyone gets one of those pink ribbon stickers to place somewhere. Make sure there is a return address! You all RAWK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And yes, I'll make a start on gear for me, too. Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

I thought about this one. Thought long and hard. Which one, out of a total of 28, was the prettiest? All of them. Every time there is a good canopy over my head, it's the prettiest thing I have ever seen. And that reserve was so blue!!!!!!!!!! Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Couple of things (and yes, I am an expert in this - I'm a realtor - BUT I am not a lawyer...so I know what I'd tell you to do if you were my client, but it may not work in court.....how's that for ass-covering...lol) Magistr8: 1. Both names are on the lease. Is there anything which talks about subletting? In other words, can one party (him) sublet (re-rent) his share of the place to someone else without written permission from (a) you and/or (b) landlord? If there is nothing about subletting, you're free and clear in making the "new guy" leave - you have an agreement with Joe, and Joe sent Sam in. There is no agreement with Sam. Most places have something which state you may not sublet without written permission. Check it carefully. 2. You can't change the agreement once it's in writing unless both parties agree to it in writing. Which means good for you. If I recall correctly, the rent is *not* discussed as a pro-rated/split amount on the lease. You can call his fair share in, including the back amount, because it is not outlined in the lease (the ONLY written document) who pays what. The drawback to #2 is that you may lose a roommate, and end up with the entire rent cost on your own. Weigh your decision carefully, because the backfire may be more costly than a pinprick of pride. Kevin922 1. You can be legally responsible for the utilities on the place even if you are not living there if you have a written lease. However, the question needs to be asked: why did you evacuate your place? Was it "unliveable"? Did you request that the landlord make repairs which he refused? Etc. Let me know more in a pm, and I'll see if I can find a hole. Both of you (and all else who rents) Mos states have an Landlord/Renter's Rights commission in each largish city. See if there is one in your area. Check out the rights of the lessee (you) v. the rights of the lessor (landlord). Check in the yellow pages about it. You both may have greivances, but different kinds. Hope it helps - now I have to go to my office to get something closed. I'll be around later if you guys should have any questions. Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

I remember after my first jump, I decided to read more about skydiving (you think I'd've done that before I jumped, but no, it's me...). I spent hours (days?) reading back threads, information, occasionally posting, but mostly interested in the workings of skydiving, and the people in it. Then comes jump #3. And the mal. And the cutaway. And all that advice. And I landed safely (crying and screaming the entire time). Came home, posted, and lost my composure, went to bed. Came back, and read the replies. All the support. All the "right on's". All the help. The phone call from Albi. The hand-holding. Then the next jump. And the congratulations, the support, the genuine happiness of other people that I got out the door again. And then the rest of the student jumps. And all that other stuff in the interim. And the handholding in the solo days. And...and...and all th other things which confused me, scared me, made me happy...all were shared here, and answers received, information gotten, and long-term friends made. I wouldn't be jumping without this site, the information, and the people on it. Sangiro, thank you for bringing me the sky. Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

I was as clear as I could be, and I am only "warm"..... Yeah, my luck..... How about the thing which holds the parachute to a Suyuz rocket? (well, it's Russian...) Or the part which attaches to the plane when the stuff gets pushed out? (like a static line clamp, or something)? If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Um, I'll try....but it is a wild guess.... A P9 is a military piece of equipment/hardware that holds the parachute on a missle or other come-home-from-space things like test rockets, etc. I'm thinking it's kind of like a connector, crimping the lines in a stable point, or something to that effect. I can't be any more specific because I have no idea what I am talking about..... Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

Having just completed an airplane trip, let me tell you what I brought onto the plane in my overnight bag and my purse: ~Makeup bag with hairspray, nail polish remover ~manicure kit (you ladies know the tools in one of those things) ~A bottle of wine ~About 7 pens ~an emergency sewing kit, complete with needles, and safety pins I remember thinking when I got there, how'd I get these things through 2 airports????????? The only thing I was aware of was the bottle of wine, and thought that "might" present a problem, but not even one question. I did get a search, from a female, who complimented me on my perfume while missing some excellent hiding places (baggy jeans and a well developed chest makes for some, well, "delicate areas" I could have easily hidden something). When I asked why I was pulled out of line to be searched, she said "just because the FAA is walking around, and if I don't look busy and they see me standing here, they will give me a problem. Don't worry, it's not you! (giggling)." As for the security taking 2 hours, it didn't. I went right in on both flights, and sat around and waited. Nothing more time consumptive than taking a regular flight on a busy day. Safer? Not yet. Will I still fly commerically? Sure. Just my .02 worth- Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

You guys- I swear, some of you made me cry, others smile, but all made me feel good to be home. It's been a bit of a rocky road, and I forgot the supportive nature of everyone here. How stupid I can be! Thanks for all the love - I won't forget it again. Thanks for welcoming me back! Ciels and Pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

So how do I start? Do I start by explaining my long absence? Tell about how my father came out of remission, and chemo sucks, but he seems to be just fine now? Or about how after two surgeries on my right eye in the last 90 days left my doctors telling me I wouldn't have the depth perception to jump again? Or do I start by telling about the financial challenges I have had, being on commission and having to take the time to sit in a dark house waiting for my eye to heal? Or about getting my credit cards stolen at Christmas, so that if I do get the nerve to jump, it going to be a cash experience? Or maybe about how I had thought about quitting, because I was out of practice, and how scared I had gotten again? Or do I tell about how the Doctor cleared me on Friday at 4:20, and at 4:21 I was on the phone calling Perris and scheduling my recurrency, right in front of him? Do I tell about going to Perris, and seeing everyone from dz.com, ready to take the record from Texas? Do I tell about suiting up, and riding the plane up, and then riding it down again because of the winds? And about how disappointed and relieved I was about that plane ride down? Do I tell about how I figured I was not going to jump, and happy that the winds were kicking up? Or about how, when they called my name on the loudspeaker, my heart plummeted into my shoes, and I knew I had to make that decision? How about telling what it was like to get a big canopy, and crawl into the blueberry suit which announces a student? How about the relief that it was to be Ed White who would take me into the air? Or how about me telling you once again how scared I was, how worried that something would go wrong. That I would get out of control, that I might slip and fall out of the plane on my exit. Or that, well, I dunno, an airplane emergency or something. Maybe about dirt diving with Ed, choosing a diving exit, falling straight down, and seeing how it goes, and Ed stressing that this was nothing more than getting my knees in the breeze, no pressure, nothing but pull, at altitude, and land safely. Or about goofing off in front of the guys from DZ, who were all waving and smiling and playing with me? Or about the long walk, the noisy airplane, finding out that I had to sit at the door. Or about trembling so hard I almost couldn't stand when the door came open and it was my turn - first out? Or maybe I should start with my goggles getting fogged, but I had my eyes squinched so tightly shut that I had no idea until Ed poked me and lifted them off my face? I think, though, that I will start here: I jump out into the incredible blue, reaching, stretching my body out along the path of the sun, bathed once again in its' glorious gold. I look up, and Ed is right there. I smile - as usual, once in the air I am comfortable, at peace, sailing along the edge of the world. He smiles at me, and I do my 3 touches, slowly, gently, relaxing . I check alti, and, as I have been holding a heading, I waggle my finger at Ed, and motion that I will try a 360. I do, and it is exactly as I remember it. Easy, drop the knee slightly, come out early, and coast back to face Ed. And then do it the other way. And then, just float there, belly to earth, waiting, waiting, waiting for the high pull. Now. Time to pull - I reach back, and with no fumbling or searching for the BOC, I grab pull throw - yank! Owie! And there, over my head, a beautiful, full canopy (but an off heading, oh well…). I sit there, cruising the winds, waiting for it to sink in - I have come home, I have flown. I look for Ed's chute, making sure he is good to go (as if there was anything I could do about it from up there, but still looking, anyway). His canopy opening and circling is reassuring to me. I love to watch canopies down below me. I see the instructors way low under me and the other students far above me. I am trying to remember everything about landing patterns, as I watch Ed and Mike play tag in the delicate sun of the late winter afternoon. And now, now it's time to play. I reach back, use a rear riser to turn towards the dz. Sweet air, bright skies, pristine day. I spiral down, first left 360 and then into a right 360, feeling the bite of the student leg straps and know I will have a bruise. But I don't care! I am flying - despite my head, my fears, my doctors, I am flying again. I sashay across the landing area, and then do a few flat turns (not totally right, but good enough for the first time back). I am again in the winter-washed sky, high above the desert floor, drawing on the ground with my shadow, enjoying the triple partnered dance of the sky and the wind and me. My eye is bothering me a little, not too badly, just like a little toothpick in the back of it, but my vision stays intact. I circle slowly, and enter my downwind leg. I float peacefully, quietly over the landscape, resting, storing up this feeling, knowing it may be a little while before I am here again. I am busy making memories, and let the downwind leg go a little long. I turn and head back to the circle, and realize I am not only a bit short, I am not yet directly into the wind. I am moving crosswise, but I am only at 150 feet. That's a little low for me to turn, but I quickly toggle right so I am directly into the wind. And, then, most all forward motion stops. Despite the 240 (or perhaps because of it), I am going almost directly down. I am just outside the circle, and know I will not make it. I see the spot I will land in, and then - wait, not yet, now - all the way, flaring hard I touch down, taking a single step. I wrestle the canopy onto the ground, but it is refilling again, so I race the wind to the canopy's backside, and it wafts up onto my legs - I am fine, my eye works, and I did it! I climb into the truck, gasping in exhilaration, prouder of myself then I have been in a long time, and more peaceful in my life, than in anytime in the last 5 months. I have so missed the sky. Or maybe, I should start and end by saying I am back. Ciels and pinks- Michele If you really want to, you can seize the day; if you really want to, you can fly away... ~enya~

John, I am so sorry for your loss. And I am glad you were able to celebrate his life, and help him find the freedom of the sky. He is where he belongs, and he will always be with you, too. And thank you to Jack and the Swiss guys who helped you through this time. Blue Skies, Snowflake's Dad, Blue skies. Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

It has been said that the average skydiver is above average in intelligence. I know that little factoid has been borne out in my experience of skydivers - they all seem smarter than the average bear..... So, my question for the evening is this: Why are we all clicking on a post which has announced itself as deleted??? And why are we posting to it????????? ROFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

bbbbbbbwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahhhahahahahahahahaha... Sharkie, the nekkidness would about fry his poor little brian, let alone his poor little wanker. Hahahahahahahahahhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhahahah...ahem. And would he be doing a sit in his tunic? Might make it hard to find the handles. (hey! Now, that might be an idea........) "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~

I discovered a spinning problem on #5, too. Perhaps not as severe as yours, because I did not get line twists. We reviewed the tape, and discovered that my right arm was planing up and back, elevating that shoulder just slightly, but enough to turn me to the left constantly. I did not get that problem resolved immediately, and I still, when I'm not exactly balanced, I turn to the left. I always check my shoulder position when I find myself turning without meaning to. Hang in there, you'll make it. If you can, spend some time in the wind tunnel - I would love to do that, and I hear it does work wonders. Ciels- Michele "What of the dreams that never die? Turn to your left at the end of the sky". ~e e cummings~