Shindagrl

I have a friend that drives OTR, and he's gone through several companies because so many have left him sitting in a town for a day or more, waiting for the next load. He doesn't jump, but if he did, I bet he'd have some time to do it. Print out a list of US DZ locations and phone numbers, and keep it with you in the truck for easy reference. Good luck. Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

My, my dear, you need to relax!!!!! You didn't get this far by being an idiot (or even prone to failing, for that matter). Your negative energy could bring you down!!! Think positively and believe in yourself, for crying out loud. Sounds like you need a break more than an all-nighter. STOP! BREATHE! Do something FUN for a bit, then go to bed early. Get up early, take yourself and your study materials to a restaurant like Country Kitchen or IHOP, and sit there for hours drinking coffee, eating good food, and cramming your butt off. That's what go me through nursing school, anyway. I have a feeling you'll be fine. {{{hugs}}} Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

I'm so excited for you, and really wish I could have been there. This Micro Mini Leek better be worth all the WATCHING and not JUMPING in my future........ Blue skies and NO SNOW! Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

WAAAAAAAA HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Congrats!!! Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

Well, I'm sure someone will eventually persuade me to do a Naked Jump, but I'll look like a big dork because I'll still be wearing my shoes!!! Heck, I can barely walk barefoot in the street, much less land in Mother Nature with nekkid feet.......OUCH! Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

Welcome to the fold, Boomer. Have you put up your Christmas lights yet???? Yikes, it doesn't feel like the time, but it IS.... Hope you enjoy our world. It keeps me sane. Blue ones-- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

I'm watching "Cutaway", which I really like, I suppose b/c it has so many shots of actual skydiving in it as compared to other movies. I know very little about the different disciplines, since I've only made three jumps, but I think I've figured out a few things......namely, the tighter the suit, the faster you fall......the looser, the more freedom of speed you have, be it fast or slow desired (and in that statement, I may have answered my own question). So, here they are, a speed star team. The goal is speed. I notice their jumpsuits are pretty loose (and most are lacking the arm grip-thingies, which doesn't make much sense if you PLAN on grabbing onto someone). Do they not wear tighter suits in that disclipline so that they can alter their speed whichever way they need to???? Had I not read the notes on the creator of the movie and his involvement in the sport over the years, I'd just add it up to Hollywood error (like in "ER"). But this has me befuddled. Thanks, and blue skies to all---- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

This subject hits very close to home for me....except it's my hubby that isn't really too keen on my jumping (although he doesn't hyperventilate when we discuss it). You have quite a dilemma. I firmly believe that a couple needs to be comprised of two individuals with personal freedom, and I think it strengthens a marriage. She doesn't really sound like a tandem candidate, but I do think if you can just get her to the DZ so she can meet the other folks and see a bunch of people (you included) land safely, it might give her some relief from her fears. If she refuses to allow you to jump, you could always by a cheap set of clubs and "take up golf" . Actually, that's a bad idea.......she'd probably offer to drive the cart one day and you'd be BUSTED!!! Blue skies (with you in 'em)--- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

If you decide to try and file your claim on your homeowner's policy, keep this in mind....... Most people have a deductible of at least $500, so you're going to be out that. When you file a claim, will it really be worth not just replacing the canopy with one of equal value, with similar wear and tear? If someone fell off of my porch and the medical bill was $700, I'd just as soon eat the whole thing as raise my premiums for years over $200. Food for thought. Sorry it happened to you in the first place, but at least you're still here to tell us about it! Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

My last jump, two weeks ago, 3rd jump of my life.... Uneventful exit and opening. Due to radio issues, I had no contact with the ground until about 1800 ft. That had me pretty freaked out, and I was having trouble finding the airport, so I was checking out the landscape for SOFA's (of which there are many near my DZ). I was scared as hell by the time I got radio contact, and it was immediately apparent that I wasn't going to land on-site. My landing area happened to be a field full of cows, two pastures over from the DZ. There is nothing quite like that moment you're flying over a herd and they notice you when you're about 30 ft. up; I still haven't figured out who was more suprised, them or me. I'm praying to every diety known to man, "Please don't let me land on a cow!!!"---luckily they scattered to the other side of the field. I love cows and really wanted to pet them, but figured the DZO would NOT be happy if they trampled his chute, and I had already tempted fate enough for one day. I have learned four things from this: ~Navigation & flight paths need to be at the top of my list of Things I Need to Figure Out Quickly ~I now know how to get my gear over a barbed wire fence ~Cow #95 is very friendly and likes it when skydivers give her a diversion from the endless monotony of her day ~I can do a stand up landing in a crosswind Blue ones, but hold the cattle, please...... Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

Jennifer, my dad had the same concerns when he jumped with an Infusaport. He brought dressing pads and medical tape to pad his chest, but didn't do it because of where the harness hit him. In hindsight, it could have been a problem, but fortunately it wasn't. I love the idea of padding your jumpsuit. I think it would offer protection over a greater area than padding the harness. Take care of yourself first, and then go have some fun! Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

Welcome to the forums, Darren. This is a fun place.

Geez, that got me laughing harder than anything has all week. I have a feeling that's how mines gonna go............... Blue ones- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

There are scads of places that you can take a picture of yourself and have it turned into Christmas cards. You should definitely buy some beer for the jumper who would take your photo while in freefall, but how cool would THAT be?????????? Don't forget to smile!!! (like that'll be hard! ) Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........

I was referring to the links to "How parachutes work" and the skydiver's manual, etc. For some reason there is NOTHING to be found about skydiving at the bookstores in my neck of the woods. Since I'm very new to the sport, I really appreciate that stuff. Blue skies- Shinda An audience of 35 head of cattle was not exactly what I had in mind for that last landing.........