PLFXpert

I have both around me, but still haven't dived (scuba) in four years. I, too, have made all my dives in the Carribean. My parents used to take a lot of trips when I was growing up. Being an only child, always mature for my age, they stuck me in scuba early on, so they could pretty much have the trip to themselves, and I would always be busy doing several dives/day wherever we were. I have NO complaints That's one of the perks of my family; not a lot of love or affection, but I've traveled all over the U.S., Canada, and S. America. Every family has pros and cons. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I usually drink 1-2 XL glasses of wine each night M-F. Over the weekend, add a few beers and lately, I've been sucking down a few of those green-apple Smirnoff Ice's, too. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Ahhhh, yes....I remember back in good ol' Seminole county when my high school closed due to a Hurricane. The reason? B/c all the portables were floating away...literally! Ha ha ha! Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

ACME, off the subject of cancer (and since I haven't been around the forums for a while, I also was unaware you had an autistic child): I'm not sure where you're from, but here near Skydive Deland (a good excuse to come) we have a place called Marineland; where they have rescued marine mammals and keep those who can not return and survive in the wild. They also do a lot of marine biology reserach, etc. etc. Anywho, some of the dolphins they have, that were not able to return to the ocean, are used for treating autism in an experimental technique. They say autistic kids, even the first time they're ever in the water with them (not always the first time, though), seem to react in ways they never would ordinarily and become quite responsive. Again, it's one of those "alternative" medicine techniques, but one that I truly do believe in. Animals and other mammals (like dolphins) can offer something to kids that adults can not (and really, offer things to adults that other adults can not). I don't think I need to explain further, but if you ever plan a trip down this way, bring the kids and take them to Marineland. You might have to call them first, yadda, yadda, yadda. I actually tried to get a job helping with that program. Despite all my work with animals, they require a different degree than mine so I'm still stuck mortgage brokering. But, a GREAT program, nonetheless

That was me My feelings exactly. It's like meditation under-water b/c it's quiet, you breathe rhythmically, every movement is fluid (pardon the pun)...I think I already said all that, but had to say it again. It's SO good for relaxation. Actually, maybe I'm alone on this one, but skydiving is also very relaxing to me, but in a different way. Skydiving helps me relieve my anxiety; ironically. I can't say I have ever been nervous to jump; not even my first jump. The only things I ever got a quick butterfly ever about were when the door first opened on my first jump (never been in a plane before and the door open; I guess I didn't think about how I was going to get out. Ha ha ha) and my fourth head-down jump; my third head-down I got, what's the word, very disoriented and dizzy for some reason. I had to flip to a sit/stand the rest of the jump; it was really weird and hasn't happened since, but I wish I knew what happened. Anyways (I tend to ramble sometimes)..my point is that I have a very high-anxiety/stress job Monday-Friday and after my first jump Saturday morning, I really feel like I just let it all out. Like I was holding my breath all week and finally went, "Ahhhh, that's better." Maybe it's just me, but skydiving is also a relaxation thing for me, rather than a rush; just a different sort of relaxation. I don't really get a "rush" very often from anything; always been into extreme sports. The one time I can remember, though, was kayaking with my boy-toy when the seas were REALLY rough and thewaves were over-head high. When we were first paddling out (I was in front. It was a two-man) we'd get just barely to the top of a wave and it would SLAM me down. It was the craziest thing and each wave that came I got a nice "rush" getting over it. I dont' know why. The worst that could happen was we'd be tipped and I'd have to swim to shore, but for some reason, I got a very nice rush from it.

I go by the "if it doesn't hurt, why not" philosophy. Scientists are still looking for cures for different cancers; whose to say the cure isn't herbal? I'm with you acme as far as being skeptical goes, though. Having recently lost two very special people to cancer, this definitely hits home for me. One of said people when he was diagnosed was given three months at best. He gave us three more years by fighting doing everything he possibly could; herbal tea, noni juice, experimental chemo at the Mayo clinic, regular chemo; EVERYTHING. So whose to say, all of that combined didn't give him that extra 2 years and 9 months? With all of those factors, you never know, but bottom line is he did everything he could. If it can't hurt, why not try it?

Just wait... just kidding actually, not you specifically, but in general most people have NO IDEA, I mean NO IDEA when they are being or have been taken advantage of. I'm a mortgage broker; ie: I work with a lot of sleaze balls...people sign papers for hundreds of thousands of dollars and have no idea they've been ripped off. But, there are a lot of good people in this business or any business as well, but the problem is, you never know which you're getting. I consider myself one of the good ones, but again, read the "good person or bad person" thread regarding my opinion on that. I couldn't sleep at night if I did what some people I've seen do. Edited to add: If ANY of you are looking to refinance, or purchase, or anything, PLEASE pm me before-hand and I will help you with any questions, and even tell you what things to look out for. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Scuba is not as much for a "rush" as it is for relaxation, in my opinion anyways. Rhythmic breathing, gorgeous scenary, fluid motions; it's like meditation. But, I did get a nice rush when I saw JAWS coming right for me off the reefs in the Cayman Islands. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I TRULY believe anything that sounds too good to be true, IS. I found this great job opportunity a few months ago, that seemed legit any way you look at it. I googled it 100 times, 100 ways and came up with absolutely no indications it was not all it was cracked up to be. So, then, I put a call in to the Federal Government, seriously. I explained the job situation, and they said they hadn't heard of it and put me on hold. Basically, it turned out to be a HUGE scam, but a new scam. I don't know what they did with the information, but I saved myself a lot of wasted time and energy. Some people might disagree with the way I live, but it has always seemed to save my bootie. I trust no-one and am skeptical of everything. I research the hell out of anything before commiting to a purchase. If I'm signing up for a Blockbuster card, I fully read the agreeement and if I have questions, send it to my lawyer. I'm that ridiculous. But, *knock on wood*, I have yet to be ripped off or taken advantage of. I have even talked my way into getting HUGE discounts on things. I even went WAY over my cell minutes one month and was charged $200 xtra, legitimately. So I sent in the payment in full, called, and got them to credit me for the next four months bills. I'm always skeptical and I always believe that "it never hurts to ask". That's just me...to each their own Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I think he looks at it as an *investment* for a BIG return later Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

He will argue with me on this, but I still stand by my claim that it was ME who first hit on my boy-toy, four years ago. I heard his sexy, surfer-style voice on another AFF jumper's video. But, really what caught my attention was how funny he was on the video, even though I never saw him since he was behind the camera. I simply had to meet him. I played the Jessica Simpson card and pretended not to know how to pack my parachute, even though I had just learned. I needed to practice anyways. It worked out well, b/c I've never packed my own chute since; he does that for me But, I do things for him, later Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Excellent points you and wildblue make. I'll be the grasshopper who comes knocking on the ants door if that happens Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Generally, there are entrance and exit sites that you might not see, but if you walk the premisis with the exterminator, he can point them out to you, if there is evidence. I believe a termite-bond is a good thing to have. It will cost you up front, but every year after that, it won't cost much at all. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Thanks, arlo! I'm one of those "it will not happen to me" people. I've lived in Florida my whole life, and on the beach for three years. I know one day it might bite me in the bootie, but I really never prepare for these things. I might fill a tub with water, we always have batteries and a full pantry, and hurricanes don't last 5-7 days, so I can't imagine why you would need to stock up that much. I would say three days MAX. Anywho...follow arlo's lead, not mine Better safe than sorry. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

My philosophy is: There is no truly good or bad person. I believe everyone is born with both potentials. A generally good person, might do a bad thing and vice versa. I couldn't call myself a good or bad person. I have done some very sneaky things that I was fully aware of (generally not hurting anyone, just helping me), yet I also donate a lot of money to charities, volunteer and generally do a lot of nice things for people, as well. Call me good, call me bad, but I really don't care if you call me at all, is my feeling

That could be understood in a totally different way! Ha ha ha! A dirty mind is a terrible thing to waste. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

YES! What he said, that's what I meant Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Farmed fish are fed some sort of enzyme or something (sorry, I'm no scientist and can't think of the name) that they can not digest that is in their feed. It passes through them and hurts their systems a bit, but not enough to damage the meat so it can not be sold. When we eat it, however, we are then consuming the same enzyme (or whatever it is) they digested. Ask any guy behind your supermarket fish-counter, or even the FDA, the news. I do my best to take care of the environment in every other way I can; no pesticides, limited use of cleaning chemicals, recyle, reuse, etc. etc. etc. I think I'll make the exception for ocean-caught fish. Yes, I'm aware of the net issue, as well. But, I mostly eat salmon (three times a week, at least). Not only have I always genuinely LOVED salmon, but it's the best fish for you AND it's not generally caught where other mammals are at risk in the nets. That's all what I tell myself anyways....

Ha ha ha! That's hilarious. I didn't know that. It's worth the $180 to me. If I'm going to be nakie, it will be for Playboy, and Playboy only b/c at least they pay a few hundred-thousand. Everyone has their price....but so far, I've been successful enough w/ my clothes on, so I'll stick with that for now. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Yes, I was a college student AND a rookie skydiver so I was poor all the way around. Not only did I sell my scuba gear, I sold three surfboards, two wakeboards and all my gold jewlrey. It wasn't a bad deal, the surf and wakeboards I actually got for free from back in the day when I was cool. I never hardly ever wear yellow gold, and since my father ALWAYS brought me home gold from Turkey or wherever the hell he went on business, I had a ton I never wore. So, really, the only thing I missed and miss to this day was the damn scuba gear. But NO regrets. I can buy new gear, but couldn't have gotten through the rest of college w/out skydiving...it really helped my mind seriously

Yes, but nakie jump=free jump. You don't think she was aware of that? Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

I scuba (PADI--open water)...but honestly haven't since I started jumping 4 years ago. Not really on purpose though. 4 years ago is also when I met my boy-toy (after I graduated AFF) and he isn't licensed and since I moved in with him, I don't know anyone up here who does. Excuses, excuses, but no more excuses this Fall after my hunny gets certified I'm very excited b/c I am jones'n to go Oh, and I actually sold my scuba gear (I had it all) to help pay for my AFF; go figure. But, unless you go more than a couple times a year, there's no sense in having it anyways. I will probably buy new gear, though, once my hunny gets his license. Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

No, not catty, I applaud her for using her body to get what she wants. To each their own; but if you're going to put it all out there, then you are opening yourself up for sarcasm Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

If your goal is freeflying, my advice would be to buy a freefly suit made for you, specially. Then, buy a used belly-suit if you can find one that fits OK. I have both. I knew the suit-maker so I got my belly-suit for free since a girl my size had ordered it and then didn't want it. But, I am so happy that happened, b/c if I had bought one it would have been a big waste. I 90% freefly (the other 10% is usually tracking) and I wear my freefly suit for both. Either that, or no suit at all; it's so hot in the summer here, so mostly I freefly sans suit and go for board shorts and a tank. It doesn't seem to hurt my flying any, but for some people it would, just b/c they need the extra drag or whatever. (edited, as always, for spelling) Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.

Ha ha ha! Perfect. I've discovered most guys actually find these mishaps very charming. I think it's something about seeing a women who looks like she has it all together, and then trips or drops her glass, or whatever. Men, they're so easy to figure out I know of one accident I caused. I literally watched the guy staring over at me and crash into the car in front of him stopped at the light. Looking back, I probably shouldn't have been laughing so hard, b/c I'm sure he already felt bad. Now I have blacked-out windows; mostly so people can stop laughing at me though; I am a BIG TIME sing-a-long-to-the-radio girl Paint me in a corner, but my color comes back.