PLFXpert

I forgot all about it....oops.

Well said, Lisa. I don't think very many people at all would mind jumping tandem with a female. It'd be nice if there were enough women doing it so that every dropzone would be able to offer that option for tandems of male or female tandem masters. Kinda on the same subject but not really: Just when I though women were *really* starting to level out a little more with the guys in numbers in extreme sports, I was dissappointed again. We went to this skate park yesterday called *Kona*. It is a well-known skateboarders/inliners park and is *really* incredible as far as the stuff they have their to ride on. There were a lot of riders there but in the WHOLE PARK I only saw 1 other girl riding. I was soooooo sad. We obviously still have a long way to go. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Okay, I love all the ones you mentioned except I'm not familiar with much Devo, They Might Be Giants, or Little Feat. But the Dead, Zeppelin, Marley, and Tool are all big faves of mine. We listen to a lot of Tool when we're out wakeboarding. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocites.com/skydivegrl20/

I love you all even if you are politically confused....ha ha ha...kidding of course

Frank,you are the sweetest. I think you understand what I mean although I'm not the greatest personal experience talker. Instead I'm a bottled up mess.....ha ha ha....just kidding. Zennie....he he he...too cute. Yes, I agree. I think most of my favorite bands have split up as well. It sux knowing you will never hear anything new from them again. I went to the Long Beach Dub Allstars concert (the new Sublime after Bradley passed away) and it was very cool but NOT the same. Rage really upset me b/c I think I have completely worn out all of their CDs pretending to play guitar in their songs...ha ha ha. They have the most amazing sound I have ever heard. I love the funkiness about it. The rest of the bands you listed are faves of mine as well although, like I said, I really love reggae, George Clintin Parliment Funkadelic, Jimmy Buffet, and ska as well. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Okay, I'll keep this short: I agree with Dan, pretty much. However, I disagree that a free-market approach is the way to go. Sorry, Zennie, we'll just have to agree to disagree. Karl Marx has proved the inevitable fallacy of capitalism (PS., I'm not for socialism either, which is the oppostie of capitalism) which is the inevitable creation of monopolies in a purely free-market, capitalist government which completely defies the idea of supply and demand and therefore the consumers would suffer in prices, be limited in their choices and variety of products, and have less opportunity for upward mobility. It's hard to explain what I believe politically but in a nut shell (help, i'm in a nut shell...ha ha ha, austin powers) I believe in a balance of the 2, a balance between just enough government regulation, and just enough free-market which is ideally what the U.S. wanted to be but isn't at all. A balance would prevent the inevitable fallacies from occuring. To be anti-government, as you claim, is the definition of anarchy. I'm not sure if that's what you meant or not but surely you can't believe that anarchy would solve any problems. Okay, so maybe that wasn't so short

Zennie, I LOVE Rage. I am so stoked you're into them as well. I listen to a lot of hard core punk, hard rock, ext. but then I also *really* love Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley and a lot of reggae as well. Rage is one of my absolute favorite bands...too bad about the lead singer leaving. All my favorite bands are forced to split up, like my #1 favorite, SUBLIME! Anyways.....back to SKYMAMA! WOW! I absolutely love your story. I think a lot of skydivers can relate as far as how it changed our lives. For me, I was severely depressed for over a year. I had a rough childhood but always managed to deal until the summer when I turned 19 a terrible, but all too common thing, happened to me. Anyways, for the entire year after that I had no desire to go on, literally, but my faith in God, kept me from making that ultimate decision. Long story short, on my 20th birthday last summer, I just decided to sign up for AFF. I didn't know anyone at the DZ and didn't meet many until after I graduated b/c I always came on the slow days when there were no fun-jumpers but skydiving itself, instead of giving me a way out, gave me a reason to live. To top that off, as you mentioned in another post, the people are absolutely AMAZING and accepted me right away and I met the man I fell in love with and want to be with for the rest of my life. Everything has changed since then. It's like I'm my old self again and a whole new person at the same time. Your story just makes me love this sport that much more b/c I see what awesome things it does for so many people. Welcome to our world! We all started out from different walks of life before skydiving but somehow we were all chooson to end up here, together, and finally it's like a family who just understands. I'm glad you're a part of it now too! (And I know I've said it before, but I can't wait to meet you here soon!) Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Zennie, I could find out for you their calulations on the 100x and e-mail that to you. The facts I stated are not from any political party, ext. They are from textbooks from many courses I have taken at Florida Universities (I say Universities, b/c so far, he he he, I've been a student at 3 since I've transfered so much) in political science courses and Sociology course. Most are Sociological. I agree that some special interest groups do come up w/ some bogus facts to support their agendas. As far as California. The problem there is privitazation. Privitazation is compenent of capitalism and big buisness which GWB supports. In this case, the companies that supply the electric companies with their facilities, ext. are privately owned and w/ no competition, they have monopolized the industry there and therefore can charge the electric companies whatever they wish and as a result, the electric companies can not afford to supply energy or have to give their customers ridiculously high priced bills. The answer, in my opinion, is for the government to step in and make some regulations so that these companies do not have a monopoly anymore. However, GWB supports a pure capitalist econonmy so he is for privitization and probably will not do anything about what is happening in Cali. Just my 2 cents. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

I soooooo dread those no wind days....ha ha ha. I LOVE speed but funny how I love it more in my car or on a bike downhill or street luge which are all already on the GROUND....ha ha ha. No, I'm not chicken, I REALLY want to learn to swoop eventually b/c it's the most beautiful thing in the world to watch my boyfriend do but for me, it will just take TIME, BIG TIME! Ha ha ha. I will get there. I will learn to stick those no-wind landing, I VOW! Ha ha ha ha ha......

As a funny note, I should add that it's nice to be talking about this subject b/c my boyfriend isn't ever thrilled when I go off on one of my tangents about how certain people (homosexuals, minorities, the poor, the enviroment, women) are mistreated and prevented by glass ceilings. Needless to say, I'm sure he's glad I'm talking about it somewhere else for today....ha ha ha. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

The problem I see with your statement is that we (U.S) have the ability to take care of both but b/c there are certain selfish, self-motivated, profit-sniffiing politicians running our country, we do not see either happening. I will not go into detail unless you so desire, and if so, I won't clog up the thread with all the information, but instead e-mail it to you. Let's just say the U.S has enough $$$ w/out hurting it at all to take care of all of our hungry plus the rest of the world's hungry as well. Instead, this surplus of funds goes to things that do not need it. Like I said, if you'd like, I can e-mail you details. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Well said, Zelda. Thanks for not posting "annonmously". Ha ha ha. I will add to what Zelda said: I have studied a LOT of politics and Sociological issues. Things like the enviroment, wellfare of humanity, and injustices are *very* important to me. I can tell you some facts and let you guys form your own opinions. If you'd like references to the facts I state, let me know and I'll e-mail you the documentation: 1. Although, like Zennie said, the U.S. has the most restrictive environmental regulations (by the EPA) we are still the leading producer of environmental waste, ext in the world. 2. A U.S baby born causes 100 times more stress for the enviroment than a baby in most other industrialized nations and a lot more than that for the unindustrialized ones. 3. Although we have the EPA regulations, big buisneses find their way around these by transporting their wastes to many 3rd world countries who allow it b/c they're so desperate for money. 4. Because the regulations for worker healthy safety and enviroment safety are so strict here, many big buisnesses only set up their headquaters here in the U.S. and set up their factories in 3rd world countries where they don't have the same restrictions and are therefore allowed to submit the workers there to things such as asbestos and other harmful, life-threatening substances. 5. Some argue that at least the above creates jobs in 3rd world countries but that is misleading. Because of technology, very few workers are needed in the factories b/c technology has replaced manual labor and is more profitable to use for the buisnesses. I am not Republican nor Democrat but I do tend to side more often with the Democrats which, like Zelda said, I will probably get a lot of flaming for. To answer the question, I am not sure what the treaty entails so I am not sure if I support George W. Bush's position on it or not. All I know is that he does not favor the enviroment and I'm disgusted with that. And if you really want to know how I feel about him taking away funding for family planning programs in foreign countries in desperate need of them b/c of huge population increases(which do not necesaarily include abortion but instead, simple birth control methods such as the pill, condoms, ext) then we can start another thread about that. The facts I stated are real facts however, the comments made are only my opinions and I respect anyone who has differnt opinions. Trust me, my whole family are strict Republican wealthy folk except me so I take a lot of abuse for my views already but obviously, it's no mystery that so far, I do NOT like George W. Bush and I did NOT vote for him. That's just my 2 cents. Feel free to flame me. I am VERY open-minded and can handle criticism. Although all the facts I stated about the U.S. are negative, the U.S. overall truly is a wonderful place to live. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

I see both sides but I think I would lend it to her. Quite a few times at my home DZ when someone would have a reserve ride and they'd still want to jump more that day then a jumper who wasn't jumping that day would lend them their rig. Also, a lot of times jumpers lend each other their canopies to try out when they want to try a different kind/size. I wouldn't loan mine out to just anyone but a good friend, I would. On the other hand, I see your other point. My rig is my baby and it'd be REALLY hard to let go of even if just for a few days. And the guilt if something happened to that person on *my* rig would be difficult as well but that you just have to accept b/c that kind of stuff can happen on ANY rig. I'd go for the loan, espcially when she's willing to pay for your cypress check. Nice deal! Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Tee, I'm not sure what boogies I will make this summer but I know for sure, one weekend I'll be at The Ranch in N.Y since a couple very dear friends of mine from Skydive Daytona are leaving this weekend to move up there and work from now on. Yes, I know my b/f rolls mine in too to give a bit of a snivel but I don't like the long ones. I like it just enough to not jerk me and that's it, pretty much. Now you've got me thinking that a 135 is a lot closer than I thought. When you got it, what size were you jumping on student gear, previously? I was jumping a 220 during AFF b/c the 170 was always taken already so when I bought my rig, I bought a 170 and I'm definitely ready for smaller but I figured a 150 would be the natural step smaller. What do you think? Skyhawk~ congrats! And thank you for the welcome

Saturdays OR Sundays??? He he he...both

Ha ha ha, Grogs

Grogs, Yea, that non-terminal at 1800 is what my boyfriend said too....he he he. I understand that but all the same, it's still low enough to make me nervous as hell knowing my b/f is doing that but I would never stop him from making his own decisions b/c I trust his judgement. He's a smart guy. Frank and Craig, I didn't mean I'm okay with them making that choice but what I was saying was, there's not a damn thing I can do about it but pray for them. I agree, those who make bad decisions, do so at the expense of the sport. Unfortunately, there are those who would rather not consider the safety of others when they're thinking about doing things they find amusing. Zennie, I see your point about the Cypress firing when the main is out. Just the more reason, why I believe, there's no reason to pull that low. Most Cypress' don't fire until about 800 feet to my knowledge but they all vary. I also agree with you 100% about being yourself, who you are, and stating your opinions. That was my point exactly!

Skymama, I definitely hear you about getting lost in Deland. I feel the same way. I am from Skydive Daytona but they closed (hopefully temporarily) so a lot of my DZ jumpers are in Deland and Sebastian now. I LOVE Sebastian but Deland is more convenient to be my regular DZ. I actually have come to know quite a few of the regulars there but all the same, you can still get lost easily. I prefer smaller, more user friendly DZs but Deland is pretty cool too. I'll be stoked to meet you and will introduce you to the rest of my Skydive Daytona family that jumps there

Hmmmm.....strange thread. My lowest pull was at 2500 and I plan on keeping that the lowest. I usually pull about 3 grand. Personally, I do not see any purpose to pulling lower than 2500. It about drove me crazy hearing that at the Houston Para-Performance games, my boyfriend and the rest of the swoop competitors were hop-n-poping at 1800 feet b/c of cloud ceiling. I really do love the Para-Performance Games, ext. and it's organizers and have no other complaints but I do not support hop-n-pop's that low, especially at an organized event. That is just my opinion and of course I feel stronger than some about it b/c that's my boyfriend up there and I understand that the competitors still have their own mind of whether to go along with it and jump or not. I am all for freedom of choice and if you choose to pull low there isn't a damn thing I can do about it except pray you don't mal. Personally, like I said, I do not see any purpose to it whatsoever. 2500 is a good # for me to pull by. Also, the guy who posted how much he loves to pull low mentioned he doesn't have a Cypress. In general, I think everyone should have a Cypress although, had I not had the $ for one, I'd still be jumping without one myslef. However, in my opinion, if you're going to pull low b/c for whatever reason you find it amusing then how can it hurt to have a Cypress as a backup??? My last point, really has nothing to do with this thread but is anyone else a bit annoyed with all the "anonymous" negative comment posting. If you have an opinion, why not own up to it? I personally, have taken some bashing for stating my own opinions here but they are still my opinions and I am not ashamed of them and one of those opinions it that I find it somewhat cowardly to post a negative comment "anonymously" to avoid having to own up to it. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Well, Tee, a 135 is not far away for me. I will probably get one that size this summer. I have a 170 now and am definitely ready to go smaller since I've finally become consistent under it and have done about all it can do so I am trading it for a 150 and then I'll be at about 1:1 ratio (I'm 122 pounds + gear.) We also sound about the same size weight wise (not sure your height, I'm 5'7") so that would make for some fun jumping since we probably fall at about the same speed. My b/f's stilleto is a 92 or 94? but still way too small for me right now, unfortunately but it's soooooo easy to pack and stuff b/c it's got a couple thousand jumps on it, if I'm not mistaken. I LOVE the "old reliables" that are broken in. I don't think I'd ever want to buy a brand-new parachute. The one I have now, I bought with 200 jumps on it and it still is a little too crisp for me as far as packing is concerned. So, I pack my b/f's and he packs mine although sometimes, he just packs them both....okay, most of the time he packs them both....he he he. I'm spoiled rotton but I vowed that when I get a smaller one that I will do all the packing from now on. How are your openings on your Sabre? I have mostly good ones but they vary from a loooong sniffle (which I don't really like long sniffles) to a back-snapper (which I don't really care for either...ha ha ha) but for the most part, it opens right in the happy middle which is cool w/ me. Yes, I definitely hope to run into you at a boogie sometime soon and gain a partner in crime

I agree with FFF, altimeter, definitely. If you haven't already, goggles too. They are pretty cheap and you don't have to wear the narley DZ ones. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Skymama, Congrats! I'm stoked b/c it sounds as if I'll have a chance to meet you (and you'd be the first from DZ.com I've met) in Deland. I should be there every weekend jumping starting April 14th weekend (2 more weekends.) I currently live in Orlando but am moving at the end of July to Jax beach. I'd be really stoked to meet you! Congrats, again! Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Skydive Deland is about 20 minutes away from the Volusia County Airport in Florida. The airport is not a major one but it isn't super small either. The weather is sunny most of the time with an occasionaly overcast in the afternoon but that still leaves you plenty of good time in the mornings to jump as they have a full load ready to go in Deland by 8 a.m. I don't have any suggestions in any other state b/c I have only jumped in Florida but in Florida, as far as proximity to an airport, I'd say Deland is your best bet. Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/

Thanks for the welcome back's guys

Ha ha ha. Well, the first week I remembered my bikini but after I'd come home for a day before deciding I didn't want to be home, I wanted to be there for my b/f, I re-packed very quickly and headed back up, forgetting my bikini. But of course, who needs a bikini, right????......when you have a good t-shirt, what were you thinking???? Ha ha ha. My two weeks weren't packed w/ much adventure with all that was going on w/ my b/f's Dad but we did manage to do quite a bit of shore fishing, beach biking, and trail biking, and looking around at places on the beach since I'm moving there this summer. We found one, a 2 bedrrom, 1 bath. Very nice inside and a block up from the beach. Also for a really good deal since it's owned by a friend of ours who just said we need to collect the rent from her other tenants in the places nearby every month and we can live there at expense. We really lucked out since my cost for living is extremely low and beach property runs a little higher. For St. Patty's Day a bunch of the Skydive Daytona Beach crew came up (sorry Joe, I would have called but they showed up at my door 2 hours after they called to tell me they were coming up to Jax beach) and we went to this little Irish Pub on the beach where a skydiving friend of ours was playing the Irish drums and picalo in a band. It was very cool to get out for the night b/c my b/f had been staying overnight in the hospital. Speaking of which...what did everyone else do for St. Patty's Day? Anybody get really drunk and crazy? Much love and blue skies, Carrie http://www.geocities.com/skydivegrl20/