Whiskeyboi

This raises an interesting question...the DZ I did my jump at has an Advanced Freefall program you can do in a week. Not being much of a narcissist, I begrudgingly got the video of my jump last week. (I was told it was a good idea...and those who told me were right.) Maybe it's the OCD in me, but I have watched it again and again...and thought about the comments the TM made. I would LOVE to get an A license in one week...especially since I tend NOT to use my allotted vacation time...but I think I got a lot out of going home and watching it again and again - trying to drill my mistakes into my head so I don't make them again. Part of me just wants to jump in and do it, but part of me wants to have adequate time to study and reflect. I know...probably sounds stupid as hell. Any thoughts? Regardless, I hope you get it done and have a heck of a good time doing so.

Well, I place my trust and literary satisfaction in your (collective) hands. After all...these days, I'm just happy that people still read at all...

So…if you could choose your epitaph…what would it say? Here’s mine… “The check really WAS in the mail” 1976 – 2016

Geesh....way to try and run the odds against those of us who only supplied ONE entry. I guess Ed McMahon ain't coming to my door anytime soon...which, in retrospect, is probably good...

I'm hitting the Barnes and Noble tomorrow...so can I take your word that I will be overwhelmed??? I just read Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything" - which, if you're a history/science nerd like me, you will love...even though some of the Brits think he's a wanker. (He may be...I've no opinion on the subject.)

If you've had a Callie Cat, Kashmir, and Crayon...and now have a Ladybug...I vote ALECTO. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alecto Without knowing more about the cat, of course... And I had a similar situation years back...after about a week, the cat I originally had started "mothering" the found cat. They were fine after that.

How long you think it'll take until we're back to the 70's? Signs at stations with NO GAS written on them, lines around the block...Gerald Ford comes back into office...oh, wait...

So...by me in the Chicago burbs...$4.15 Things as bleak in the rest of the world? Any of the British care to chime in? Take a look at the pic...sigh...God, it seems like only yesterday...

The media...in response to the U.S. government... Move along...nothing to see here...

For what it's worth - in all sincerity...I have a hell of a lot of respect for what you kids do. And while I'll be forever branded a nerd, I've been reading posts, the SIM - even the incident and fatality pages. I know I have a long way to go - but I'm up for the journey. I want to know what I'm up against, and I want to be able to buy a sh**load of beers along the way. Actions do speak louder than words. Thanks for the posts and honest opinions. The last time I was welcomed so gratiously I was at an Amway meeting...and they made me feel REALLY welcome...

I gotta do 1,000 to be considered a REAL skydiver? Damn...you run one marathon and you're in. Gonna be a newbie for a while. Elitists...I tell ya... Thanks!

With the past 7 cameras I've had, in every case I've had better luck with a SanDisk or generic card than the one the manufacturer sold. Right now I'm on an Olympus...but it's too new to be known yet... You checked http://www.dpreview.com yet? Lots of good info there...

WHAT THE HELL? What if my kids happened upon this site? Oh wait...don't have kids... Carry on...

This is in NO way meant to take anything away from the TM I had...but why do I get the feeling I'm going to be treated slightly differently because I DID go back for another? I wonder...as instructors...how many people do you see who do just the one (just to do it?) versus people who sign up for AFF?

The usual reason would be to get out of the sport while you still have your money, your girlfriend and your "real" job. Skydiving tends to be a little addictive. So - what if I don't have a girlfriend, the "real job" ain't that great, and the money's just gonna get spent on another addiction anyway? Now...if I could only find a sugar-mama... (I can cook AND do windows...just saying...)

I appreciate the candor...seriously. Just don’t ever want anyone to be insulted or think wtf? I'd like to try and give SOMETHING back... Maybe I should play it safe and do both…

First off, congrats on the license. I hope to know that feeling before I'm even older. Second - interesting point about the alcohol. I never drank when I was in college (probably why I didn't finish) and used to bring cases of soda to parties instead. Got made fun of at the door, but I gotta tell you...instant friends were made shortly after. I am far from being attractive, but more women came up to me at parties because they didn't want to drink. (Also helped at the end of the night cause I was one of the few guys that was still vertical.) Congrats again on the license...and hopefully your wife understands that you were forced to succumb to peer pressure on this one occasion.

Hang on a second...lemme get this straight...am I to understand that people who skydive...like alcohol?

Makes perfect sense...except for one thing...Shiner Bock? sigh...no accounting for some people's tastes... Many thanks...any other suggestions?

I know this post could go in the bonfire, but I think it’s more appropriate here due to the intended audience. I apologize in advance if placing it here upsets any members or moderators…no offense is intended. What would you, as instructors, like to receive as a thank you/gratuity? I dare not use the f-word since shipping alcohol can be expensive, but you can see how many times I’ve jumped. I’d like to do something to thank the TM, instructor, and videographer who put up with my stupid questions, made the experience fantastic, and are greatly responsible for me going back for another jump in a couple weeks. (Hey…I landed safely, right?) So here’s where I could use some serious feedback: Is it allowed/encouraged/socially acceptable to tip or give gratuities? (I would hope so.) If so, what is appropriate/preferred? Money? Good Irish whiskey? Asking them would be awkward…ask manifest and pray they know? Speaking of manifest, everyone at this DZ was fantastic at dealing with me and the other newbies. I worked in three separate service industries in the last 14 years and I know people can be a royal pain. Is there anything I can do for the DZ as a whole? I’m not trying to be a stalker or kiss-ass (I almost prefer anonymity)…I just don’t like going to parties empty-handed. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated – serious…or hell, even otherwise. Thanks!

So glad i majored in accounting...so if we lose GAAP, what's gonna take its place?

Damn, brother...I thought it would have taken at LEAST 10 minutes for someone to chime in. Ah...see how we rush to the aid of others? (wipes tear from eyes)

Dear, God...CELP loans? So...international studies or one of those hippie art majors? Worse...the gov. considers you dependent until you hit 24. You'd be independent and probably qualify for some real aid if you'd marry a dirt poor guy...or have a kid that you would support. I'm sure SOMEBODY in these forums would vounteer and take one for the team for ya.

Almost forgot...that can be indicative of a couple of things. But if they offered ANY type of federal aid without giving you the option for federal loans...that's just damn sketchy. might need to look into the reputability of the school. I've seen one case similar to what i described above...and it worked out in the student's favor. Again...you didn't hear that from me...

cause i work in financial aid? or cause i work in financial aid and am actually trying to be helpful? Without naming schools, etc. - no summer classes? Or community college to pick up a couple cost-effective classes? Long as they transfer over and the schools have the same accrediting body. There are plenty of schools with open enrollment out there. Independent cause of age or family and screwed by the EFC on your student aid report? Depending on whether they're private loans, Stafford loans, or a combo of both...you SHOULD be able to get a continued forbearance...just have to apply all over again. (Or actually, there are several types of forbearance you can apply for.) And just make sure they know when you're back in school to get that in-school deferment slapped back on. If you've been in contact with them and are trying to do the right thing, they'll meet you a hell of a lot closer than if you ignore their mail and calls...and please tell me you're at least majoring in something beneficial...