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That time in the tunnel was so great for me. My coach was extremely patient and I accomplished what I went in there to do. And I could have stayed there for hours just watching everyone!

Great descriptions! You and malooper have been great to "watch". I can't believe how fast you both have progressed - so encouraging! Even though I had a negative/whiny/melodramatic/gonna die attitude when I started this thread, I'm glad I went ahead and posted because I've gained a lot of wisdom, learned to laugh at myself (and yes, still laughing at mattjw916's post), and now I'm looking forward to going instead of second guessing myself. YAHOOOOOOOO!!!!

Definitely worth the reward! Thanks for the support!

Wow! I feel like a new person after reading all these posts. I'm encouraged and excited about next week. Haven't felt that for a few weeks. There's so much wisdom in this one thread. I think I can feed off of that for a while. This is pretty much my only support, as there aren't many people (actually, only one that I know of) who skydive in my very-rural area. I get a lot of "you're crazy" remarks! Got another one today, in fact. Anyway, I'm super excited and so looking forward to this!

STILL laughing.

Great advice. Yeah, I noticed that about all of us talking about fear. I think we're all just needing a little reassurance from those of you who have been there. And all of the posts have been extremely helpful. Even tonight, I am feeling less stressed about it after reading these posts.

Still laughing at your post. You're both right - I'm taking all the fun out of it:)

Thank you. I felt so much better after the wind tunnel sessions. Just slipping back into my doubts. I can do this.

http://youtu.be/jMrGXCEIikk I've never posted this publicly before. I've only sent this to a few people in emails. Last year, I did 3 tandems and then this jump. The rest of the story is that I was spinning so fast in the freefall, I got line twists after I pulled. Then it got worse and I knew I was going to die. I should have cut away, and I definitely will next time. That time, I pulled the risers and kicked out of it. I got stable at 1000'. I couldn't find the drop zone (later found out I was about a mile north), so I was able to land safely in a small field. I know I should not have survived that jump. But I am excited about starting again. I am posting because as I get closer to my start date (next Friday), I am getting more nervous about the freefall. I did spend 2 hours in a wind tunnel last month, and I was finally able to maintain stability. I have been working out, reading the manual, and trying to be calm. And I am starting from the beginning again on Friday with the first jump course. Any suggestions on how to stay calm for the coming week?

***No one has mentioned a natural call to the sky. There really is such a thing? One time I posted that I felt like I belonged in the sky, went back & read it again & thought it sounded so ridiculous, I deleted it. I have done 4 tandems and one "accidental solo". I will start the AFF again next week!

USA

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I'm not even worried about a high deductible. I need to get busy & finish following up on all these leads. I only have a week from today. Wow, I hope that's even possible.

That would be my preference:)

Thank you. Glad you mentioned it, because I had completely forgotten about the medical power of attorney.

Obsession is right. I wish I could go one day without thinking about it. And I am also trying to get everything done before the weather keeps me from going. Although here in the south, it's not too bad most of the time. I'm reading, as instructed, the USPA manual. What a great resource. 14 jumps. Wow. Maybe I'll catch up with you. Or better yet, maybe I'll jump with you someday:)

Thank you. Actually, a living will is another thing I need to address, so I'm glad you mentioned it. I want to enjoy this without having to worry about being a burden to my husband. I know that's corny, but it's true. Getting all this information about possible insurance options has helped tremendously.

So exciting to hear you are doing it together! Have fun, be safe and keep the updates coming!

Well, as far as life insurance, I figured I could just get cremated & have a skydiver spread my ashes. I'm sure my husband could sell my truck to pay for that. On a more serious note, I am seeing that getting this insurance issue finalized would be a great relief to me, so I really appreciate all the suggestions. I am excited and apprehensive at the same time. I start on the 20th in Dallas. Every time I get nervous, I just tell myself I can stop at any level.

Thanks for the replies. I'll check it out. I have no children at home, and my husband is working also. I'm more worried about a serious injury that would include surgery, long hospital stay, etc. I checked out a few policies. Even rodeo riders are considered a risk. And probably bass fisherman who go 60mph in a boat are also. If I get in my truck and drive home, there's no guarantee I won't get in a wreck. I don't see the difference, but I guess the insurance companies do.

I'm not worried about life insurance. Just health. We are self-employed and not a part of a group plan and our insurance excludes extreme sports. Any suggestions? I have searched and think I found a few companies, but can't really evaluate which ones are good.

I've have been on just a little here and there, so I can't remember if I saw this post before, but congratulations!!! I'm sure there are a lot of us who would like to hear the details!

Ok, so now I'm hooked on the wind tunnel too. We're just getting home & I want to go back already. I think Arkansas is a good central location for one. Anyone up for that? I had a great time, learned a lot, found out it is possible for me to get stable and I'm ready to start the course again. I spent a little over 2 hours in there & I know that was probably one of the best decisions I could have made. I wasn't even sure I would be able to withstand that much time physically, but I had been working out & that helped tremendously. I'm a little sore, but not like I thought I would be. Thanks for all the advice & encouragement!

Where did you stay when you went to Colorado? I've been busy at work and haven't even searched much for lodging until this afternoon. Wow - was I surprised. I'm about ready to just pack up my backpack & camp out in my tent:)

Perfect! That's exactly what I was looking for. Just something to help me understand the dynamics of the tunnel before I arrive so I can make the best use of my time and understand my coach!

Ha! Good point. Guess I'll have to be patient & wait til Friday!