Michele

My heartfelt condolences, and may the family find peace sooner rather than later. Rich now flies with angels in endless freefall. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes. Aside from many little trips, I was an exchange student to Belgium, and also was able to take a long "tour" through England and France (2 months). Like Val said, it does indeed show you a different perspective on things. OTOH, if I spent a long enough time in the south of the US, I'd discover things done differently; same with the midwest, Eastern Seaboard, et cetera. People often don't realize how diverse and different this country is. It is huge, and the diversity in climate, customs and culture is glorious and interesting. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

If he violated the Geneva Conventions or the law, I believe the sentence was a just one. As with anyone who violates the law, once convicted, there is a sentence passed. 10 years doesn't seem out of line for what he was convicted of. The topic of "who else" was involved does not abrogate Graner's responsibility in the matter. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Actually, I hate that both in skydiving and out of skydiving. When the ego takes over, bad things are bound to happen... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Congratulations! Love each other and work together, and you'll be fine. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Isn't that sad? I know when I was studying, it was weird being the only female of my rank. What was really funny was when the young whipper snappers got whipped by this snapper. They'd get all mad, claim they weren't "on their game", and then Master Lim would get in their face: Oh, so bad guys won't attack you when you're not on "your game?" Huh? They know? What is your excuse then? Huh? Come and fight me. I'm always on "my game."... I'd sit there and try really hard not to grin...LOL, but that was hard sometimes. Especially when a 17 year old, who told me I was old...I took him down twice, and then put him onto a wall with a back spinning heel/roundhouse combo (great combo if you can get the speed behind it... they don't expect the roundhouse stepping off a back spinning heel...and the momentum, if done right, can really make your presence known). Glad to hear you and Morgan are getting back into martial arts. It's a good thing. One word of caution though...never ever spar when you two have had arguments. That is not the time to spar. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You did that too? Me and my friends would "distribute" the flowers from funerals to those graves around it, making sure everyone had "at least one." And we made sure the girls got the roses and the boys got all the other flowers. Man, does that bring back memories. I also lived near an airport, and would "chase" the planes on my bike (with no helmet). I got a speeding ticket on my bike going downhill...seems I passed a cop car. Uh, no, actually, I didn't know how fast I was going. But it was fun! Until he "took me home" and my Dad got to me. My brother was in awe of me, though. LOL, yes, Sparky, we shouldn't have survived by today's "rules and standards!" Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I discovered a very full wallet once. I was camping at the DZ that night, and checked ID for whose wallet it was. I told a few people to find XX person, and let them know I had something which belonged to them, but not what. And I sure wasn't going to leave it out. I brought it over to manifest the next morning, 'cause I was gonna make a jump and then leave...I got a sweet note here from the person who owned the wallet, thanking me. So maybe there are still good people, and not just fucktards hanging out. Or maybe I'm simply anachronistic. I like to think there are more nice people than not, but I've had my share of disillusionment with skydivers, so who knows in the end. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Can anyone confirm this? I can't seem to find a story on it. From what I understand, Indonesia says that all foreign troops need to be gone by March 1...they are saying it's because they're worried for their safety, which may be true as they have a huge contingent of insurgents (their term) and and don't want to haveforeign troops there for too long, lest it rile them. Other people say it's because there are some serious human rights issues, as well as wanted terrorists that are being blocked from view, and the Indonesian government doesn't want them to be seen. However, they do not have the ability to reconstruct their country from the horrible tsunamis, nor distribute food, water, and medical aid. But they'll take our cash...and our supplies...and it won't get to where it's needed, at least not in total (or even mostly). Like I said, I can't confirm this...can anyone else supply a story link? If true, those poor people. Man oh man, those poor people. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yup...that's why they always come to us. Lovingly teasing you, dear Conway sir. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Ditto that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You are not losing. You're grieving. And what you feel is normal, natural, and appropriate. It's not a matter of strength...it's a matter of being human. Pm sent, my friend. And prayers and love sent too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I haven't really thought about it too much. I do know that I don't fear death, but I sure fear getting dead. I don't want lots of pain, nor do I want to see my family agonize over a lingering death. I am not sure...I just don't know the answer. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Eh, probably because we can't "pick him up with no problem" and are still looking for that SOB? That's been answered by cynics and supporters...but I like to think it's likely more along the lines that we are basically an honest country. Some may call me naive...some may call me something else. But I would like to think that honesty is the answer. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Oh, man, Jaye...your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there...and if there's anything else I can do, don't hesitate to ask. Hugs, darlin. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The best advice I've ever been given? ~Stand up for yourself; keep your integrity intact, your ethics on track, and your morals strong. ~Fight back only when in the corner, but then don't stop halfway. ~Fight as hard for yourself as you would for your best friend. ~Love often, with great abandon, and with joy. Should it not work out, it is not wasted...it is simply experience. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

My neighbor is 86 years old... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

HAH! I know what they are. And I know the rules to one of them. And I'm trying to get one of them, too....this summer for sure. Well, I suppose that makes me a new skydiver. I'll go 'way now.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Every time I've contacted someone about something for sale in the classifieds, I've had a great response. I'm working on a deal right now, and the seller has been more than helpful and completely generous. So I don't know what to tell you...but keep contacting them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I agree...which is why I specified that particular poster (who I happen to know pretty well). And I also agree - you're a pretty well educated man yourself. An open mind is as important as an open parachute, imho...and I hope that I often enough manage to keep an open mind to always learn. So there. We've agreed. ROFL. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, it is absolutely the case in the post that was linked. His knowledge base is higher than mine will ever be, I can promise that. Check his D number...it's real, it's accurate, and it's a correct reflection of someone who has done most of it and seen the rest. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Where I am, it is sunny today. For the moment, at least. I can't see any clouds, just blue skies. The ground is saturated, though, and I don't think it'll dry out fast... But at least there's blue skies!!!! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I do that, but not just in SC...I do it here, and in other forums I visit. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jim, isn't the Snoopy Happy Dance fun to do? Especially in this case. We'll go ahead and blame the meds for your being emotional...but I think it's just because you've got such a great big heart. I can't tell you how many times I've thought of you fighting this fight...and how much I had hoped for a post such as this. I am really really glad you're doing well. You're loved, never doubt that. And you're not alone. Hugs to you! ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well, I will say I am not nearly as sick as I've been these last few weeks, but I'm not yet ready to call myself better...still have some of the infection lingering in my sinuses, and man, I'm still coughing. Oh welll...as long as I'm not running the fevers, you know? Those are really yucky. Yep, that would be great. And we'll have to bake some cookies for Frenchy and others...LOL. We should plan on dinner soon...you, me and Rosa. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~