silent_pumpkin

Some people shouldn't pole dance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8X9onwThyI `````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Q. How many ADD kids does it take to screw in a lightbulb? A. Wanna go bike riding?

Yes! Although not as a question, but my father-in-law stated bluntly that "you just DON'T jump out of perfectly good airplanes!" He also loves to tell me "only bird shit and idiots..." Interestingly enough, he came out to show support for my first solo jump off AFF and I was praying that he would stfu or risk having a skygod beat his ass. He played nice and might actually do a tandem next summer, ha!

Rented 3 apartments in California and 2/3 required proof and the other did not. I think its interesting that one complex that required proof is right across the street from the one that doesn't...? I would be a fool to not get renters insurance, even if it is optional (for our current residence).

Production chemist - making external diagnostic controls for numerous infectious diseases, such as: Hepatitis A/B/C, HIV 1/2, Syphilis, HPV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, etc I mix potentially infectious plasma and components, then test/fill/label/kit it. Basically, the one job where you really don't want to take work home with you!

A little more info, if it helps: -Live in SF east bay area -We DO shop at discount stores. My method is to purchase produce at the local produce stand, frozen/canned/bagged/boxed items at Target or on sale at Safeway/Luckys/Nob Hill. Milk/ground turkey/chicken from Costco. -Not into organic, too expensive for our budget right now. -We brown bag it for lunch. We also make large batches of dinner for the two of us - so we have dinner for the next few nights and some lunches covered. -There is the occasional takeout or restaurant meal. Whole Foods does have good quality products, but for normal staples you would probably find that even Safeway carries them for a few dollars less. And prepared food is going to kill your budget with crazy markups.

We try for a maximum food budget of $75/wk or $300/mo for me and my my husband. Usually are under that by $15-20/wk.

Considering the economy, counties are not as lenient with reducing/absolving traffic fines as they once were. However, I will tell you my story and opinions from a 2003 infraction and hope that it may help you. I was pulled over for a red light violation and paid the (GINORMOUS) fine with the court clerk, then made an appointment for traffic court. In court, the officer stated the facts and I stated mine - in the end my fine was reduced to barely a smidgen of the original amount and I still had to do traffic school (online ~$30) to get it off my record. ALL the defendants before me had their original fines upheld...which leads me to wonder why mine was reduced: I can only remember what I think pushed things more in my favor - dressed professionally, did not admit guilt ("I honestly don't remember if I came to a complete stop while turning right"), stating that the fine was already paid (maybe causing the court to realize I had some guilt, but wasn't just trying to be cheap??), and did not come up with random crazy ass stories to explain my alleged actions. Hope you can fight it, best of luck!!

I have to politely disagree with your last 'like'. As a newbie, I actually enjoy talking to manifest. I only know a handful of people at my dz and am still socially awkward with all the skygods - maybe with time I will feel differently...

Fine here too...

I didn't see the gum going out, but you definitely weren't chewing it at landing. Are all S. Arizona videos edited that way? Just seemed like hella film for the ride up, maybe I'm used to quick convos and main footage of freefall/landing...

good one! get it on video?

I felt the same way during my first tandem and was doing the head to the side thing, as well. I think it was adrenaline/opening my mouth/my sinuses hurting like sob (didn't clear enough before the jump). For my second tandem, I made a point to breathe through my nose and only opened my mouth slightly (~clenched). I also sat next to the door and this helped to alleviate any nervousness or anxiety that may have been my problem. If you are serious about AFF and have access to one, you may want to try a wind tunnel (iFLY). It might help with the breathing and aid you in body position prior to your first student jump. Good luck!

I can't comment on whether it is safe to wear one during freefall, maybe if you had a full-face helmet... My response lies in your at-home care. I suffer from major teeth grinding at night and have to wear a Rx nightguard (~$600) to keep my teeth from wearing to nubs. Prior to wearing this, I had bouts of pain during the day - eating, brushing my teeth, even heavy kissing - and my TMJ would feel inflamed. Now, it is barely noticeable. SO! My question is whether you are doing anything to prevent further TMJ damage while at home - if you grind, do you wear a nightguard? Best Regards.

I just finished AFF today and that was my biggest problem. Remember to: Listen to your instructor(s) and PRACTICE!! Arch hard - point toes/hips forward Smile and relax!

I am in the same boat as you!!! I started AFF today and should be done with all jumps by tomorrow. BUT!! Winds were picking up in the afternoon right after ground class, so no jumps today. I hate having to take off more time from work, but it gives me more practice time. And now it appears the wind might be here till Wed...oh well. Good luck with the weather and your future jumps!

Sweet, thanks for sharing.

...and I am grounded with a head cold. No AFF until I'm better, major bummer! Oh well, more time to study and prepare... Thanks for the welcome everyone!

I guess I should introduce myself after lurking and learning a lot on here: I had my first tandem jump in July thinking it was a one-time experience to celebrate my 2yr wedding anniversary with my husband at Lodi. My cousin, who has ~150 jumps, did a solo jump after my exit and she actually did a two-way with me. What a surprise when I felt my world awaken and as soon as I touched ground I knew I needed to try more of that - extremely life-changing! Since that wonderful day, I have made plans to get into this further. Wind tunnel time next week, another tandem after that and AFF starts at the end of this month. Getting so close! If you see me around, please say hi...I'm kinda reserved and a little nervous about meeting new people with established groups/experiences. Looking forward to jumping and hopefully seeing some of you out there, as well.

How would this work with a straight atheist? As long as the civil union covered all legal/financial items that marriage currently does, then ok. If you would still need to be "married" (ie only a church man/woman ceremony) for those legal rights, then drop it like a radioactive hot potato...

I couldn't agree more, nice and succinct!