skyflower_bloom

and if you are a stay at home mom going from one play date to the next and see this non stop eventually you will believe it.... Some of us moms who go to playdates every day actually care about getting ourselves and our kids OUT of the house, and choose NOT to have a television set. Some of us actually like to provide socialization and change of scenery for our kids, which sitting in front of an F'ing tv box doesn't exactly provide. Some of us also study human development and psychology at the university and have read the research and discussed the issues surrounding child development, our children's needs, and the effects of media. Remind me again not to come in this forum... edit: oh and sorry my kid is only 2, so I can't say whether or not he likes to play soccer, but he does like to kick a beach ball around... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Personally I think that in my situation there has been a correlation between problems/cutaways, and rental gear, but not in a straightforward way.. if you are using the same or similar rental rig each time, I don't think that makes it more likely to have issues, and especially if you learn to pack yourself and do/get gear checks, with a focus on important components like correctly stowing the lines, correctly folding/stowing the pilot chute, pin checks, etc. it's less likely that you'll have an issue (but as others have said, you do have to accept that it is part of the sport and get comfortable). That said, silly things can completely throw you off when you are constantly switching gear. I think my progression went (#/times on each student and rental canopy) 4-1-3-3-18-1(first cutaway jump 31 and A license)-4-2-3-1-5. Now I just got my own gear this past weekend (haven't jumped it yet, but it is of the style I am familiar with, as far as the type of rig I have jumped and packed the most.) Basically I don't think it is a rental gear issue in that it is poorly maintained or anything like that (though you should check over any unfamiliar gear to make sure!), I think it is a twofold issue of gear familiarity not being great with new-to-you rigs and canopies, and the issue that oftentimes, renting gear coincides with less experience, so one might cutaway something that an experienced jumper feels they can fix, and you have a higher hard deck by which to fix it. For example, unstowing your brakes- if you pull down on certain kinds of toggle keepers ("pin" stow toggles? I don't know the correct name) like you do with student velcro toggles they get even further seated instead of coming out (lesson learned you have to pull them backwards not downwards). --If you pay a packer and then your pilot chute doesn't come out easily because they have packed it differently than you, or because you are on new-to-you rental gear and the BOC is tighter or different type of material, you may wind up with a reserve ride. --If you are transitioning from a student gear to transition gear or rental gear collapsible pilot chute, and you don't cock your PC, you can have a PC in tow (scary stuff ). --If you are jumping a collapsible slider and forget to uncollapse it, you can have a hard opening (which sucks, but can also break lines, damage canopies, etc. and result in issues). See the theme? (No, I haven't really screwed up in ALL those ways, hehe, just more examples to think about) Like I said, it's a gear familiarity thing as well as a comfort and experience thing IMO. So for me renting gear has had its issues, but it was mainly an issue of familiarity and my experience being low, NOT the gear not being properly maintained or anything like that. Each time you are on a new rig, take the time to look at it, take the time to learn to pack for yourself (and then do it every time!) and learn what to look for, take the time to talk to the riggers or rental staff about features of a new type of rig, etc. and as others have given suggestions, practice mentally and physically and try to get more comfortable with the process. My first cutaway was indeed fairly early, not as early as your post but one jump after I reached 30 so very close to that range, and I was aware of what happened and why and what altitudes I was at, and was surprised how automatic it was to integrate all that info. So while one really has a long ways to go with those jump numbers, EPs are something one should actually be very capable of very early on, because you never know when one is coming-- it's not really something you can count on putting off for a few hundred jumps It's good to try to avoid issues and there are things you can do, but you really cannot completely predict or prevent it. Note- I'm a newbie too, just sharing my experiences so take it for what it's worth lol. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Thanks!

Thanks!

Lol. I will post pics tomorrow, but I don't have it yet in my possession it's at the DZ!!! Sorry. Or did you mean boobie pics.. cuz I have those Just messin with you... Off to bed... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

So- I assume there are (as w/ most things in life) differing opinions, but I'd like to hear some of the rationale behind them. When you receive a rig with a reserve packed inside of it (assume factory direct) do you utilize it as your first reserve pack, or do you get it repacked immediately? Obviously if it is your first rig, you don't have much of an established relationship with a rigger anyhow (but if you've worked with them through AFF/A lic, you've got something to go on, and if you like me have a reserve ride/save from that rigger, you have some reasonable level of faith in them) and no earthly idea which rigger packed the reserve before shipment at the manufacturer.. is it paranoid or prudent, or just a personal choice, to have your home dz rigger do a reserve repack when they inspect the gear for you and do all those other lovely tasks (AAD, etc.)? Any feedback, yay or nay, or your own experiences are appreciated; I'll- of course- ask around my dz and my own rigger, but I am guessing she'll say that it is of upmost importance that I have HER and only her repack it at once ;) Naw, I trust her (morally to not take advantage, and technically as a rigger), and would gladly pay for her to do a repack just to know someone I trust did it, just not sure if it's overkill, or whether there are things she could do on inspection to ensure (as best one can) that things were done right? Or, perhaps check the seal, see if she knows/trusts that rigger who did it prior? Idk.. I will of course check with her, just wanted varying perspectives!! And I know more than I would like to that we are all human and all make mistakes, and any good rigger can screw up, just wanting to know what is standard, or what people think are the logical arguments for or against, or other factors involved. Thanks, blue ones, R "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Ok I know it's skydiving related thus "General Skydiving" works, but really, I may be an idealistic newb but I still know not many who want to see another "yay my gear is here!" post, wonderful as you all are, lol.. that said I couldn't avoid posting altogether (sorry guys) so here's a happy medium. Responses not necessary- I mean, a congrats is nice and all, lol, but, well, at least in bonfire, you can respond just to say boobies if you feel the need and it's just as legtimate. Or ignore it altogether. Regardless, I could not resist my impulse to create a thread devoted solely to my beee-yooou-tiful parachuting apparatus aka rig that will be in my arms (and my spare carseat while driving home, and next to me in bed...) tomorrow at noon! I did find out (GRR) that the used CYPRES I got on here on classifieds, good through the end of 2011 (mft 9/99), hasn't had *any* service done (I was given the impression 4 year was done) and no battery change since '02, so will need to get sent back to manufacturer Airtec in Germany after it reaches SSK.. I was going to hopefully demo a canopy in it tomorrow, but now without the Cypres to be installed (yes, I have naughty flashes of trying to convince my rigger to install it anyways, or jumping without... but I am pretty certain there will be none of that lol- I'll behave myself) So, may not get to jump my darling rig, but I will get to love it... and kiss it... and hug it... and squeeze it.... and tell it that I LOVE it.... Yay! Happy me! It's a Vector3 v348 or 350 (ok I should know this but don't recall what we ended up going with for size) for a main 168/170, with a Skyhook and all the bells and whistles.. color is black base color with the leg straps and top panel is purple, and then purple and white alternating triangles on the other-other flap (they're all flaps to me lol.. mudflap? please don't get muddy... Well, after tomorrow maybe I'll get to take some time with my owner's manual so I don't sound like a dumb-arse when referring to components of my own rig.. that would be a good thing. Anyway sized for and includes a PD 176 reserve but I don't know what color- should I have specified? Or would they have laughed at me? I kinda wanna purple one! But I really kinda just want one that'll save my arse.. Ok, and really irrelevant, but I had a nightmare last night that I had it but was in a hurry so I stuck in the back of my car, and drove off, then pulled over to take a look and when I pulled it out it was not my rig!! It was one of those standard/stock designs, really blah green V and black everything else, with a freefly pud handle instead of the monkey fist/hacky I ordered, etc. It was pretty traumatic actually lol I was like NOOOOOOOOO... then I woke up. Lol. /bragging and rambling p.s.

Goals: My goals for 2010 (first year) were to complete my A license this season, and not break any bones or other serious injuries. A few close calls but mission/s accomplished so far! 2011: 1) B license- water training and skills test, I am 4 jumps away from the 50 jump requirement. 2) Learn mantis position better and get proficient at basic novice to intermediate level 4-way RW. 3) More coach jumps for confidence in freefall with others/formations, and more hop and pops to build confidence under canopy and with patterns (now that I have my own rig, it should be easier to learn the ins and outs of my gear, over that of rental gear for sure!!) 4) Obviously-- Have fun! If I leave the plane smiling, deploy, and land safely, ultimate goal/mission accomplished 5) Not skydiving per se, but my first tandem paraglider ride! And see where that leads... 6) Consistently pack for myself- don't want to get into the pay-the-packer habit (though I may pay them to stuff it in the bag for me haha I can do the rest... ) 7) No cutaways in 2011! (haha unless necessary, then yes I'll do it...) 8) Stick with jumps I am comfortable with and not push too far outside my boundaries.. there's plenty of time to work up to that.. for now two or three ways are plenty. 9) Improve my manual spotting skills out of the C182 this winter. edit for ridiculous spelling errors... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Haha yes it's a bit morbid.. I guess I should qualify (while not the OP, I did expand on those topics) that I prepared those things before becoming a parent (while pregnant) and before I ever made a skydive. For me it was just a matter of bringing my already prepared estate planning documents with me when traveling, which I'd probably do traveling even if I wasn't planning on jumping-- but some would find that ridiculous too and I respect either approach- I figure, make your documents, plan for eventualities, get your insurance-- and then forget about it and have fun!!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Not into BASE, eh? Lol. I would be terrified. But it would probably be awesome anyway. In fact, lately I am terrified with TWO good parachutes on me back lol.. so I think the BASE world will have to wait awhile for me... They do have a no advertising/sales policy except in the classifieds. My facebook is in my profile. Bolas!! I am already your facebook friend!! Are you that easy that you'd agree to this little arrangement without seeing my pic except a teeny li'l orange parachute in the distance next to my post!? It is a pretty sexy parachute.. but still.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

First a, then b! In that order

This is rather true.. I mean, you hear about older gal/younger guy sometimes, but typically reverse is true-- that said I do NOT think it is all about man= time gains money, versus woman=time loses physical beauty or youth. Yeah that might be part of it talking on a general level within our culture as well as our species, but at least IMO, an older man is often more attractive in maturity/life experience/stability-- no not just money related- but also physically, I think many men are more attractive in the conventional sense a bit later than their counterpart women are at their physical prime.. don't have any scientific data, just me own two cents.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

If she's hot for me, she can pay for my trip as I can't swing even 1 ticket to Empuria right now. Or we can take a smaller trip now and go to Empuria later. Have her PM me and we'll figure it out. Haha, perhaps we can trade off then. When you have money, you can be my suga' daddy. When I have money, I'll be your suga' momma. oh wait.. that's more of a... relationship... I think we were trying to avoid those... I like your plan though! Soon as I find the main I want and have a complete set-up, we'll figure out where we wanna go.. don't think I want to try to make any jumps on a reserve-only set-up but hey, maybe you pay for a demo canopy for a few weeks and we'll talk.. (Are we going to get this thread locked..? Ok ok mods- and Bolas- I will PM or facebook all my solicitations from now on...) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

But don't you enjoy getting laid? Why does that have to be a separate category?? If you enjoy (hypothetical) skydiving in Empuriabrava, and getting laid, and a hot chick enjoys the same, why not go together and have the time of your life skydiving and getting laid? The imbalance is simply that while both enjoy both, the said arrangement implies the girl enjoys the travel slightly more than the sex, and the man enjoys the sex slightly more than the travel (which may not be a fair assumption at all, granted!!) but you see what I mean? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I am totally unsure how this transfers from UK-US so please ignore if irrelevant or ask an attorney, but in regard to your wife and your wishes, etc. I would advise 1) Bringing copies of your documents- power of attorney for healthcare, DNR if applicable, living will, last will and testament, all your estate planning stuff, basically- they can't follow your wishes if they don't have them- I assume your wife would have authority to make medical decisions if you could not, but if she doesn't do well under stress it may be best if you have these documents to bring them, both to acknowledge legally that she is your wife and you appoint her to make those decisions, and also to guide her in making the decisions you would want made (I have no idea if I was being overly paranoid, but when I went on a jump trip to CA from the midwest, I did bring all these documents) 2) Don't just rely on the emergency contact number listed on a waiver that you'll likely sign at the DZ here in the US- type something up to leave with someone you trust in the UK with contact info and details for folks here and there, and then type something up with the relevant info and contacts, the policy numbers and companies for any insurance coverages, etc. and put it on file at the office and leave a copy with your wife, and maybe one in your jumpsuit pocket? Just throwing ideas out there, maybe overkill, and I realize it is logistically very different internationally, but my feeling is, the more documentation and instructions, the better, and the more contacts, even if not on sit.. Esp. if you don't think your wife could handle an emergency or accident well, it will be useful if needed, god forbid. Enjoy your jump trip and best of luck, and maybe post up your findings and what worked on here for others in your shoes.. Blue ones. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

I think the modern arrangement of a "sugar daddy" or "mutually beneficial arrangement" is more common than many realize. Basically a cross between a "standard" relationship as a couple, and an ongoing "regular client"/escort relationship. The woman knows she is expected to meet sexual needs, and enjoys doing so. The man knows that in order for the woman to keep up the outfits, pedicures, physical appearances he likes, the lifestyle she needs or wants or both, the hours at work or school to be available around his busy schedule, whatever it may be, that it takes $, thus he is willing and more than able to help support her. Everyone's happy. I actually have very few if any moral issues with this type of relationship, of course granted that it is consensual, that both parties actually enjoy their roles and are on equal footing and mutually respect one another, etc. If the man has the money and enjoys spending it on keeping his girlfriend happy, well groomed, and available, and the girlfriend enjoys trying new things, actually likes sex, and actually likes the man himself, they actually do fun things and have new experiences together, etc. it seems like a win-win. If everyone is up front about the fact that they are not looking for a long-term relationship with some of the strings that may come with traditional relationships (i.e. knows this is not leading into a marriage proposal- though in some cases it could), it can still be a respectful and meaningful interchange in my opinion and is quite common among college students and young just out of college women, in my own observations. And these are empowered women, no shame, no pressure, who enjoy their boyfriends but also the freedom that comes with such and most are actually working or in school, saving up, planning for the long term, these are not women who want to snag a "trophy wife" status and show off their bling.. I guess that conceptualization is a more dating-type arrangement than, say, the stereotypical "stand on the corner and hop in whoever's car" ridiculousness, but there is still an element of exchange acknowledged, and it is different from the exchange of lifelong commitment/marriage. But, my two cents, such less than stereotypical "renting" is much more common than realized in my view as a woman. And not all women want their boyfriends (or fiances, or clients, or whoever the fruck they're frucking) to buy them a big ole rock for the finger... I, for example, would take a custom rainbow ZPX Pilot 168 to put in my new Vector 3 container with PD reserve and CYPRES... the last missing link in my set-up... any takers? (And to those empowered women, and horny men, who think I am actually offering up my own price, apologies in advance and tongue planted firmly in cheek...) "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Thanks- it's true, a lot of things to be aware of.. I brought my log book and they did check that as well as my USPA card. So far I did ten minutes in the tunnel and going again tomorrow evening, but no jumps due to weather-- it's been kind of nice in some ways, just to get a feel for the dz, talk with instructors, pilots, jumpers, etc. and get all that stuff out of the way so that when it does become jumpable, I have more insight on how things happen.. I definitely plan to ease into it as well, with the briefings and all on landing, and just do a solo or two to feel things out, let everyone know I will be pulling a little higher than normal, etc. so am hoping that it will work well, it's just hard to tell with the transition because not having yet seen a jump day "in action" i don't know what to expect fully, but will certainly observe a couple loads too, before manifesting for my jump.. As to your situation, it seems like knowing the plan as far as whether multiple planes are flying is important, for communicating such things.. I easily may not have thought to as well.. I did ask and was told that despite having the two planes, a normally run jumping day usually only utilizes one, so while the capacity is larger than I am used to, at least I know I on the only plane at that point! Thanks for the feedback! Appreciate it, and I understand that there is much new information to be absorbed at a new place early on.. It's just, WI is COLD now, lol, and for reasons both skydiving-related and completely unrelated, I was ready to get away from cold and snow. So, here we are in Elsinore, and definitely trying to keep a good pace and learning from the folks here! We'll see when we finally get some jumps in (weathered out) which will certainly give me greater insight into the challenges or issues with jumping at a new place and how to best account for those changes, but i think it will be a good experience as well, learning more about jumping and how things are done on the dz, though some things of course vary from one dz to another.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Good! Otters don't have those pesky cessna steps! You should be fine jumping one of those I got some ropes I'd like to show you Indeed, no step and strut on the otters.. i'll have to find some other way to mess up i guess. jk.. And about those ropes... YOU are the one who said he didn't want to go jump in SoCal. I suspect you are not in proximity to this dropzone at the moment. Hence, if you were here, you could be showing me all the ropes your heart desires! But since you are not, we've had to make do without those particular ropes. Other than ropes though... if you happen to have any non-rainy weather you could demonstrate for me it would be very much appreciated! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Just a thought, kinda off topic, but it would indeed be nice for the mamas and papas to know *how* child-friendly a DZ is ahead of time and easily accessible-- from those where the DZO's children and others have play areas built etc., to those where children are occasionally welcomed with supervision, to those where it is fairly unheard of or specifically unsafe for some reason. I chose Elsinore over Perris in SoCal as our "base," in part because I was planning AROUND having my son with me (smaller in size seemed better, and was told it was accepted there- I did not ask Perris though, to clarify, just seems bigger/busier, and I do plan to visit for part of a day if there is time). I can certainly let other parents know in our review after the visit how child-friendly we deem it to be from our perspective. I did call ahead to Elsinore and ask manifest as well as the person helping out with the kiddo, who is currently living on the DZ, but it would surely be nice to have basic objective facts to base decisions on where to go (number/age of kids on a typical day who are present, any equipment for, or hazards to, children) as well as jumper attitudes though this may be less important (not to disrespect anyone, just saying that, barring an official owner/staff statement pro or con, I guarantee you there will be jumpers on ALL dzs who take issue with children, and those who have them and may bring them, but I say if ownership is okay with it, parents take full responsibility i.e. specific responsibilities designated and someone responsible ON THE GROUND at all times, etc. then some people will potentially have to deal with things in life they don't like (as we all do at times). It's up to parents to communicate with their child and dz staff and make good choices; I just think in the case of the OP, myself, and many many other parents some of these basic types of info would be helpful to mention in reviews for example, or a separate thread? Also any other info from other parents who have traveled with children to a dropzone, may be useful even though the thread OP decided this situation would NOT bring the 4 year old.. just a thought :) (Oh yeah and for those at Elsinore get ready for a toddler... haha... sorry in advance if some of you are pissed about my child, but I happen to like him, and planned ahead and received permission, as well as reserving a separate bunk room for us, so don't hate ) OP. enjoy your time with your lady and your jumpage, and it sounds like the little one will do fine at his other house while you are gone!

I think that it can be good to arrange with another family to trade off if there are other jumpers- wish I could do it with ya, but I have my one jump trip of this year booked for Friday out to Elsinore

(bolding mine) +1 If I could pick my ideal canopy it would be a rainbow (in fact I have longingly filled out the order form haha, but I want used for ease of packing lol) And I have a great deal of admiration for (aka, I "dig" those) who jump rainbows at my dz! What? Get a life! If you think that the colours of your canopy, jumpsuit, car or even your clothes define anything at all about your sexuality or other lifestyle choices, then you have some growing up to do! The rainbow may have been co-opted to signify gay and lesbian events in more recent years, but it's also been used throughout history for a wide range of things. The bottom line is that you are not defined by the colours of your canopy, so get over it and jump! And.. another +1. Ya know, nature kind of invented the rainbow.. spectrum of light.. all of that.. not sure what gender or sexuality/identity has to do with it, other than symbolism like so many things, that mean so many things.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

ketamine can be a great social drug; if you get invited over to three- or moresomes over it with really hot chicks! that could be very very bizarre.. wow.. you'd be stumbling all over each other, how'd you even get undressed? haha.. (and to the post prior to yours--> +1) USE vs. ABUSE it is unique in its addictive properties, but MAPS has actually funded some studies on utilizing it for humans unrelated medical conditions, as well as overcoming other addictions and depression! promising so far... hey there just a sec.. i happen to like tofu, but it doesn't stop me from living it up and generally making the most of every day i am blessed with! tofu is a good protein source to keep you going for a long day of jumping and post-jump shenanigans! if we ever cross paths i promise i will make you a tofu dish you will like.. it just gets a bad rap due to cultural connotations. Good point made. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

i don't think it is cannabis the plant, as more harmful than ketamine, a synthetic. rather, i think it is the fact that smoking *anything* is not ideal health-wise (not sure if they accounted for financial/prison costs in "harm to society" category, but obviously no one is going to rob a store for weed money, it would just be possession or distribution.. which, imho, is a waste of jail space and resources and a human rights abuse) ah victimless crime... i believe if they took edibles, herbal preparations, vaporized, or even water pipes into consideration of cannabis, the "harms" of cannabis would drastically decrease, in rel to ket as well in general. have to read the information more closely or request more data to know for sure i guess.. ketamine is fairly middle of the road to benign but not something one would want to mess around with carelessly.. ketamine is simply the only drug that has both disassociative-anesthetic properties, as well as psychedelic/entheogenic properties, that can be considered addictive, or "more-ish." (though other straight disassociatives like DXM and PCP can indeed be addicting, ketamine is unique as many do also class it as psychedelic, and most psychedelics are by definition not addicting) hence that is the one problem with it.. but as far as i know it was not made to kill felines, only to sedate them? an overdose or k-hole will simply anesthetize you, knock you into your own world (have never been there, just a topic i have done much research on in my past, a lil rusty lately) i think it would have to be very intentional or reckless to take enough to cause cessation of breathing or brain damage- i think you would just pass out and wake up. of course there are risks, not advocating it to anyone!! but i don't think it is intended to kill any animal and most over-estimation of dosing simply puts someone in their own little world for awhile, disassociation/internal trip. again i am a bit behind on my knowledge of drug policy atm though. (btw responding to multiple posts not just the one i hit reply to) anyways, heroin is remarkably safe.. the dangers are: arrest (simply because it is illegal, so that doesn't even count), overdose (due to impurities/unknown source and dose/having to use alone or hide where you are/impediments and roadblocks to obtaining the proper narcan/naloxone to reverse such a situation-- again due to legal status), sharing of needles (both legal status, and culture contribute- i.e. HIV and hep b/c), and of course addiction. But there is a line between addiction and dependence, and methadone programs and Swiss and Canada (I believe) trial programs with heroin instead of methadone, both opioids acting on same receptors, found increase in functioning in all domains and better physical and mental health, social responsibility, etc. once stable with a regular and legal source of medication. btw never k-holed or seen it happen, like i said i just like for my DARE generation to spread real facts. erowid is an awesome resource if you are interested in some of the myths you may have been told as a child and some intriguing "trip report" first hand stories too.. as to heroin-- besides perhaps constipation and pinned eyes, one could use opiates every day and have no organ damage, some people do live functional lives like this, though addiction and accessibility, legal status, obviously make the crucial determination as to outcome etc. alcohol and tobacco can cause very clear damage to the body very quickly ALONG with the addiction risk- and legality doesn't hardly play into it!! someone i know always found it easier to buy weed than cigs because if a drug is illegal, how on earth do you expect age limits enforced!? ironic, ain't it? (i never smoked cigs either, still adjusting to the fact that many at the dz do but occasionally would try to get some for a buddy) what a skewed world we live in.. /rant. glad to have gotten past my crazier days, but this is a serious cultural and academic interest of mine, without having to imbibe to compare effects blue ones, R "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Haha oh dear. We need to write some BSRs for this type of situation, it is rather serious "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Rub it in, why don't ya?!?! +1 grrr... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi