TiaDanger

Your dogs injury is spot on with what I've been reading about luxating patellas...many times its playing around and one weird step and it will pop out. My vet said they can't move their leg until it pops back in. Some say its pretty sore after such event. I would definitely have your vet look at it. Repeated 'pop outs' wear the bone and cartilage down to where they have joint pain as well. I guess luxating patellas can also make the ACL tear more easily. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Thanks for all the replies! This seems to be a somewhat common issue, who would've thought? As with those of you who have had the surgery, it seems like it is very successful at correcting the problem. I talked to a third vet (great) guy who will be doing his neutering and will take some x-rays when he's out to see how bad it is. If the dog needs surgery, I will make sure he gets it. I think I just need to chill the eff out for right now. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

No, nobody gave him a 'grade', but I assume, by how the ratings go, he is a 1 or 2. I talked to two different vets, one didn't mention surgery much and the other mentioned surgery is the way to go. How about that for difference in medical opinion? That sucks about your dog too...back problems in any organism is crappy news I HATE knowing there is something wrong with my dog that could be painful now or later in life. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Whats wrong with this one? Its only 150 jumps old, and right near what you thought you were gonna pay for that new one... http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=96529;d=1 Or this one? http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=95886;d=1 Or this one? It only has 100 jumps! http://www.dropzone.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/detail_page.cgi?ID=93115;d=1 And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

I just adopted the most precious little 18 month old cocker spaniel from the pound the other day. I took him into the vet for this big first check up and boy, was he worked over-blood drawn, hearworm tests, heartworm meds, fecal tests (yes, he has a parasite), ear infection tests, rabies shot (apparently some people don't even care enough to give their dogs shots) Okay, I can deal with all that. Little Cooper is good to go for the new meds and shots. But I found out yesterday that he has luxating patellas, or kneecaps that slip out of place. He has given no indication that he is in pain and is always running around like a doofus. Vet said he may or may not need surgery, but it can become very debilitating if left untreated. I am beside myself with worry and concern about him being in pain...I mean, who wants their kneecaps slipping out when they move? Apparently, this is a fairly common abnormality in small breed dogs. I know there are a lot of dog owners here, so have any of you had to deal with this in your dog? If so, please speak up...I have searched a bunch of literature but would like some personal anecdotes. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Thanks, he is so awesome. I'm kidless, so this is the closest thing I've felt to being the mother figure. He was so neglected-super matted hair, ear infections and he's too thin.. and it pisses me off so bad that somebody could have an animal like him and not care for it. Let the spoiling begin!

:0:1 No jumps this weekend, BUT I do owe beer because I finally became a dog owner...I adopted the sweetest, most precious little guy from the shelter. I'm so proud that I had to include a picture And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

I got approved to adopt a precious rescue dog today and have an appt to go meet him and hopefully take him home. It was love at first sight when I saw him on Petfinder.com. I've been waiting to do this for six long years.

Seeing success in a concept like this requires honesty and responsibility from all parties involved...not saying that you won't find it, but just saying that everybody has to be trustworthy enough to pass something on instead of keep it for themselves. Say someone demos a piece of gear somebody sent them...what happens if they like it so much they decide not to pass it on? Perhaps people could only keep things for a limited period of time. I think its a great idea, but I think it would take a lot of work to keep the cogs spinning smoothly. As for books, I would rather buy and keep them instead of passing them on. I'm constantly looking back into skydiving books I've already read. Always nice to have them when you want to look something up. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Yup...typing too fast. Whoopsi. SIUCC! And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Let's see...30 years younger would make me....-4 years old...no bueno! I've flipped the head where its now the footer, but this one cant be flipped over. You know, I just hate when mattresses build 'dents' in them over time, even though you move around. No matter where on the edge you start, gravity ends up rolling you into the middle! I'll try the plywood. Maybe I just need to SUICC and get a firmer mattress. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Skydivers never fail to make a neutral subject sexual... Seems like plywood is the way to go...guess I gotta bust out my skill saw and safety goggles and get to work...or just have Lowest cut me a piece. Thanks! And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Damn! I have a box spring. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Thanks Monkey, but I can't have my bed trying to get dirty with me as I sleep...thats sexual assault! Plus, I have a headache And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

I know there are ways to make a firm bed softer, i.e., by using featherbeds, and soft mattress pads. But, is there anyway to make a soft bed more firm? Are there any mattress toppers, such as eggshell or something else that will help? I hate my soft mattress, but don't have the funds to buy another bed, or even have it transported to my house. No funds because I can't stop spending money on tunnel and jump tickets You know, priorities first. So have any of you ever bought a certain mattress topper that made your bed more rigid/less soft and plushy? And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Well, I'm actually happy for her. I mean, considering how she was in the beginning, i.e., not many friends, no romances, etc., if making some changes helps her gain confidence and truly feel better inside, then I say go for it.

Here's mine...I've gotten several compliments on it And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

meh - it's the culture change kids are handed life on a platter and, instead of being taught competition and striving and work, they are shored up in self esteem without reason. Rather than earning self esteem through their actions. How much lately have you heard kids still call adults sir or ma'am lately? or call their parents by the first name, or argue or interrupt because they consider themselves the center of the universe. It's because they are taught, without accomplishing anything in their lives to date, that they are equals to everyone that has accomplishments. I know families where the parents do their kids' homework for craps sake just because it's easier than arguing with the kids. Is it surprising that they ignore, or even treat with dismay, any opinion that doesn't shore up their little egos? (devil's advocate - I'm putting out a pretty extremely and harshly worded version of a legitimate viewpoint) Quote While I understand that this post is 'generalizing' youngsters in the sport, this is not always the case. How do I know? I am a youngster skydiver both in age and experience, but I can say with confidence that this does not describe me or many of my young jumper clique. I was not handed life on a plate...I have worked my ass off for everything. I'm still working my ass off, trying to finish my masters degree while working 2 other jobs. As far as ignoring advice in skydiving, it doesn't happen. I'm smart enough to understand the status of my infancy in this sport, and will listen to more experienced people when they tell me things. Is it because I'm a female and don't have surges of testosterone telling me that I'm a badass? I can't say. I could go on, but my point is while there are people my age that might be jackasses, there are also people who value advice and suggestions. So, all you experience people out there, please don't get tired of the jerkoffs and decide to stop giving advice to the next person that comes along. Please continue to help the younger people because you will find some that will literally value your opinions. On that note, I really am grateful for those who have taken the time to help me.

That is hilarious I might have to forward that as an email... And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Yes, things like house sitting, babysitting, and dog walking or pet sitting can be good side sources of "fun money" Especially say if you have a dog-- you aren't really going out of your way time-wise to walk another with yours. If you have a child, bring them to babysit. And well, living in a house is just living in a house, mail and plant watering- basically free money, as long as you can present yourself as a reasonably trustworthy and respectable citizen (doesn't have to be true, just has to *appear* to be... ) And yes, you will have to make sacrifices, as it seems you are learning :) Quote Nope, I don't have kids and don't want them. No dog either, which makes it easier to stay at others' houses. The big expense is the first year with AFF and gear, even used gear, or so I thought. I thought I was going to spend less money after that first year, but am probably spending the same amount buying jump tickets and tunnel time now. Fortunately, jump tickets where I jump are way cheaper than most places (if not all), but that just means I buy more of them! And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

In Reply To I housesit and dogsit for people as extra income. One wealthy family in particular who travels a lot basically paid for my AFF and rig :) Thank you Mr and Mrs Ewing! I guess J.R. is doing okay after that 'being shot' thing huh?! Quote I don't get it...am I missing something? I feel slow right now...please elaborate And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

I housesit and dogsit for people as extra income. One wealthy family in particular who travels a lot basically paid for my AFF and rig :) Thank you Mr and Mrs Ewing! I also stopped spending money on frivolous things like...food...you can live on rice and water for quite a while! Kidding, but I really did cut back on spending and have sold some of my belongings to pay for jump tickets. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

When I was doing AFF, somebody broke into my car and stole mine and my mom's backpacks. I was so jacked up from my jumps that day that we didn't even notice until we left the DZ:( My bag had ALL my MCAT study material in it, I was so pissed off. Months of notes and study guides gone. My mom is a police officer, and thank god she didn't have her gun with her, but she still lost her wallet, all police ID, and her federal concealed weapons permits. Talk about being discouraged right off the get go. They later busted transient illegals who were combing random parking lots for stuff to steal and sell. Even though it wasn't skydivers who took our stuff, I am now extra careful every time I go to the DZ...nothing gets left in the car and my bag is always zipped up so my belongings are concealed. And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

ROAD ID bracelets are excellent things. My mom bought me one for Christmas because I'm an avid runner and cyclist. The velcro is nice and sturdy and you can put several numbers on the bracelet. I now wear mine for skydiving. I suggest everyone get one of these. They are pretty cheap compared to the value of having your ID literally on you. No cards to lose or fall out of pockets, no sorting through waivers all the way at manifest. I'm getting one for my boyfriend who is a motorcycle rider and now skydiver! And for the record: the appropriate ranking of cool modes of transportation is jet pack, hover board, transporter, Batmobile, and THEN giant ant. D.S. #8.8

Skydiving rocks huh?! 1. Sounds like you tipped a good amount. Many instructors don't get tips at all, and anything is probably appreciated. 2. During AFF you will rent gear. You will probably continue to rent for quite a few jumps after that because you will be downsizing your canopy. Once you get to the size canopy you will be jumping for a while, thats when to buy gear. At my dropzone, it cost about $25 a jump to rent a rig. 3. Used gear is all over the place, you just have to know where to look and what you're looking for in a rig (size-wise). The classifieds section of this website is probably the best place to find a lot of used rigs. I bought my complete system off of the dropzone.com classifieds. But there are also places like square1 and other websites that have used gear. Also, you might find that somebody at your dz is selling something that might fit you. 4. Somebody can correct me if I'm wrong, but your main will probably be ZP and your reserve will probably be F-111. Its more important to find a canopy that is the correct size and type. Some canopies are made for experts and some are made for students/intermediates. You will buy a canopy that is designed for a beginner or intermediate to start. 5. You will have to learn to pack to get your A license. But later, it is your choice whether your pack or have a packer pack for you at a cost. Most people pack for themselves...saves money for jump tickets