Michele

Wingnut: It isn't Freefalling (Tom Petty), it's something I don't think I've ever heard. I'll write out the words for you (another excuse to watch the video again, and again, and again....). Viking: I'm not sure I *want* to pull through it, but thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm having too much fun in the "blush of newness".... And Dutchboy, no, I didn't spring it on them....they were there for my first jump. My family still here in LA are very close, so I couldn't go do this without making them wait for me on the ground, and torture them when I got lost, and almost didn't make it back to the airport (Dad was trying to find out if there was a missing jumper - then got mad when I showed up, directly overhead, crossing the runway....but that's a different story....) Brother is all for it. He thinks it's pretty neat. Julie, his wife, just looks at me, and shakes her head. She tells me that if I ever try to convert my nephew and neice (2 years and 7 months, respectively), she'll kill me. I figure in 16 years, she'll have gotten used to it, so when I take the kids diving she'll get over it. Dad, tho, is a totally different story. He left a message on my machine the other day, wondering (his words): "when will you use all 4 braincells God gave you at once", and watched the video through splayed fingers across his eyes, mumbling "I raised her better, I really did". Naw, Dad's too old to spring it on (78), although I did spring the news about my first jump. Decided out of the blue, and chose AFF, not static or tandem. I'm not sure he'll ever get over it.

I think I'm in trouble. I went with my father to my brother's house for Father's day, and on the drive up, Dad commented on how I was uncommonly quiet. That startled me; I realized that I had been watching the empty spaces as we drove the freeway, wondering if I would be able to land in them. Went past a small airport, and wondered if I could jump out of one of the planes. Watched a bird, and thought, "turn into the wind before you land!" In my purse both my videos were waiting patiently for after dinner, when I could make my family watch them with me. Next to the videos were lodged the stills; my hand occasionally reaching out and touching the edge of their package. When we were in the pool, I was practicing my arch. I was thinking about what the difference could be between a "poised" exit, and a "dive". I had my nephew out on the side of the pool, and we would "ready, set, go" into the water - he thinking about swimming, me thinking about flying. I realize that this condition is out of control. I am in the middle of remodelling a family member's house. When I get on-site, I make the crew stop what they're doing, and look at my pix. I talk to the check-out girl at the market about weather conditions. I made the appliance men look at my photos. I had a dream about a kid playing with her toys, and she was making them jump, then yelling flare! flare! I repeatedly watch my AFF Level 1 and 2 videos, and now know the song which plays during their intro. And I walk around, humming it. In the corner of my mind, I think red, red, silver, red, silver, silver. Line twists, bi-plane, down plane, horseshoe.....bicycle kick, steering with the risers, landing with two out, cut away. PLF, long walk back. I walk around, fiddling with the area where the BOC is, and do practice throws. Oooooh, I got it bad! Thanks for listening. Hope you all had great weekends, whether landbound or airborn (and for all you fathers, Happy Father's Day!). bleau cieux Michele

[question]Can anyone tell me where I can get pix of basic gear - harness, container (are they the same thing?), parachute, etc.? (Everything except helmet and goggles - I know what they are). I haven't jumped but twice, so I am terribly unfamiliar with the different aspects of things... I have been reading so much here, and learning, but have nothing to reference with. I'd so love to understand more fully what is going on when I read about gear, mals, etc. Thanks a ton - and have great jumps this weekend...

It's not really the money issue - it's more like a time issue. I am in a position right now where I have three problem files (two sitting on the edge of filing lawsuits - not my fault - I inherited these problems from a co-worker), which are keeping me working about 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. Honestly, I thought I'd be jumping exactly once. I had no idea what I was in for - no idea this sport is so addictive. It's amazing, tho, how much I am thinking about it. Wanting to do it. Talking about it to everyone I see, whether I know them or not. I have remained current, but I do understand that consecutive jumps in a short period of time is important. I have been trying to figure out my work schedule so I can get more time on the weekends, or, lacking that, several days during a three week period where I can jump twice a day during the week (to finish up AFF, with allowances for repeating if necessary). FWIW, my form improved tremendously from jump l to ll. In the video and photos, you can really see that. From something which resembled a rag in the wind to an actually good, graceful, hard arch. From at least 4 body position corrections in level l to none in level ll. From legs at 90 degrees and zero awareness of that to a pretty, unbroken, arched line from my hips. I'm still "superman-ing" my arms, but that's being worked on. I appreciate your concern as an Instructor, and I will take to heart the advice you have given. I will try to truncate my training, so that I am jumping more often - but I can't promise how fast I can do this. Thanks, tho.

Hi, Ralf I exit the plane with my Assistant JM on the left and the JM on the right. We go out sideways, and after the initial panic (about 1.2 seconds) we're more stable, and I have gotten to the arch (last time it was ass over teakettle, then head up and arch then stable - great photos). I guess we'll be going through the different exits as I progress. JMs say I'm doing just fine. Still a little timid about turning more than about 45 degress at a time, tho. Only if my JMs say to do so. Last time really got the feeling when I was faced into the wind. "Knew it was right" - felt right. I'm good at straight- in- front flying, but have been scared of accidentally getting into some sort of trouble (hook or steep turn) way too low to the ground. I will make more of an effort to get more coaching on the canopy side of things. I will absolutely be continuing with my AFF. Want to graduate to solo by September. W/my schedule, that is about as early as I can see doing it. Then, perhaps I will be able to go more during the weekdays, when my schedule permits more flexibility. Thanks for the encouragement - I need all of it I can get. bleau cieux

Not worried about the skill set being learned/practiced in any regard. I worried about getting out the door last time, but hey, that's another story. I guess I was/am just curious on the consensus, because I have been reading so much on these boards about progressions, S/L, IAF, etc. I thought perhaps I was missing something. No second thoughts for me - just want more! Michele

Red (look), red (both hands) silver (look) red (pull) silver (both hands) silver (pull). Two hands each pull. No problem. In the harness room, in my head, no problem. Now I put on my gear, cinch the straps tight; guess what? I can't reach the handles with both hands. I am fairly large breasted and I can't reach across everything with my shoulders in a real rig when everything is strapped. So, when the time comes, it will be with one hand. Because of that, I have started working out again, so I'll be ready and strong enough to do it without worries (or without additional worries). Any hints from experienced divers? Bleau cieux Michele

I have just completed my AFF level II last sunday. I had completed my level I on May 6. I have never done anything but AFF (no tandem, no S/L, just pitched right out at 12.5k - wheeeeee). I have not had a problem controlling my canpoy, and have had safe landings both times (the first one I tanked and rolled, the second I stood and walked). I have had problems figuring out where I am in the air (the first time). I had a crosswind on my first landing (why I tanked), but not in the second. Would it be beneficial, or just confuse me, to jump S/L? Keep in mind that I am easily confused (lol) (I still call the toggles "those yellow thingies" under pressure). Thanks, and bleu cieux Michele

Hi, Lew and PTiger: I'm guessing here: AAD = automatic altitude deployment? As opposed to ADD = Attention deficit disorder, which is why we students need an AAD in the first place. As to the Cypress, if I'm tapping it, aren't I too close to the tree line?

No, Lew, I understood them all perfectly. The little thingy pulls out the big thingy, then you float. There's a bag and a container, one which has to do with something, and the other to do with something else. There's the main/bag, which is the first thing, and then another thing which has a container. Then there's the fishing gear: pins, hooks, lines and rigs. And don't forget the horseriding gear: bridle, saddle, and horseshoes. And the watchmaking stuff: spring, lock, and BOC (that's the wind-up thing on the side of an old time watch...) And somewhere in there, if I don't hold onto something, I owe someone else some money. See? I got it. :)

(I posted my story about AFF level II, "Lesson at 5,000 ft". I thought I'd give you the story of my AFF level I.) Take a breath, jump out the door, squinch my eyes shut really tight, peek really quick at my jm, legs out, o.k., now for my assistant jm, he nods, look straight forward (why is my jm tugging on my jumpsuit?) Oh, o.k., arms out - no, in - o.k., knees together, o.k., hey videographer, move over, you're in my view - what is this three fingered hand signal - peace plus one? No, not read between the lines, oh yeah, PRCTs', o.k., yeah right, not with my left hand, silly; now what do you want - o.k., I'll look at my assistant jm, no, that's not what you mean - AH YEAH THE ALTIMETER - well, looky there, it's over at 6k - tell my jm, he nods, I nod back, life is great, time to pull - wait, not yet, o.k. now - PULL!!! What the heck was that slam? Scream in delight - I can see everything - it looks really neat. I can't breathe, but that's not a problem. Oh, right, look up, see the shape spin float, what're those yellow loops - oh yeah, the steering thingies - grab them, shout in exuberation - wait - where's the hanger? Where's the airport? Why are there houses under me? Look, there's a pool - just the altimeter, cool, 4,000, I have time to find the airport. Tug a little to the right (like 3 degrees), more houses. Tug a little more, there's a highway. Tug a little more, there's the sun in my eyes (ow). Tug right harder, there's a park - 3300 - o.k., I should figure out where I am. No airport in sight, shouldn't land on top of a house or in a pool, there's wires near streets, cars zipping on the highway, let's keep turning - oh, look, a pretty white airplane over my right shoulder and really far back - that must be where I should head!!! Tug harder, turn, cruise right over the road, school, runway,restaurant, spectator area, right over my family (my 2 year old nephew was not paying any attention) look, now the radio crackles - "there you are Michele" I try to wave, but my hand's got this strap around it. Oh, look, the windsocks are pointing the same way I am. "O.K., Michele, turn when I tell you to, not before"; I nod, hoot and holler "Hi, Dad" from about 800 feet. "Stop talking to your family, Michele, listen to me" comes into my ear. Oh yeah, I gotta land this thing. "O.k., turn hard, harder, pull that toggle now, turn", and I do, and then the wind is in my face, and the ground is about 250 under me, turn, hold, "Wait, wait, wait, wait, Now FLARE", and I do, and I can't get the toggles all the way down and then the ground is right there, and I get it pulled, wait, why is the ground moving sideways? Oh, I'm gonna tank, legs together, roll, ow, foxburs, why am I still moving? Why am I being tugged around? Oh yeah, I have to let go of one of these toggles, but they didn't tell me which one, so here goes the right one, "Run around the back, Micehle, get behind the chute, girl, Run already" doesn't he know I can't breathe and this pack is heavy but I get around it, and now it's blown into my face and I am laughing and shrieking in joy, and trying to find my way out of this chute, and it's all just so incredible and wonderful and fantastic and exhilarating and freeing, and I jump and get out of the chute and there's my jm, and I hug him, and take off my helmet and goggles and hug him, again, and again, and jump up and down, and try to calm down enough, and walk back to my family and now my nephew is pointing at me and laughing "Noni bug" which translates to Auntie is a bug and I pick him up while holding my chute, and drop him and the chute and he cried and I get the chute back in my arms and try to pretend like this was no big deal when I go back to the packing area to drop off the chute. What an amazing birthday present to myself. Life. Way cool.

I will go check it out. Thanks!

Hi, Zennie "I'm real fussy about my equipment. I like my bridle just so near my hacky (as in making sure as little is exposed as possible)." Now, just where did I put that dictionary? (frantically trying to learn new terms...)

Broken neck= problems. Broken finernails=no problem. They were getting too long, anyway!

Hi, Zennie " I'm real fussy about my equipment. I like my bridle just so near my hacky (as in making sure as little is exposed as possible)." Are these new terms to use? Could you translate for me? It would seem I have an entire new language t learn. Where's the dictionary?

Hi. (Just so you all know, I am so new I had to look up "whuffo"...) I e-mailed a friend of mine about my jump yesterday, and she told me you all might be interested in reading about it. I did my first jump ever as AFF on my birthday about 5 weeks ago. My dad came to watch, and nearly had hysterics (I got lost, couldn't find the airport let alone the landing target, and scared the he*l out of my jm and my family - the videotape commentary from my family is too funny) when everyone else had landed, and I was nowhere to be found. I finally found the airport (the airplane taxi-ing down the runway was a clue...), and came cruising in with the wind to my back, about 400 feet, flew right over the runway, and tanked in the dirt. I was hooked. On the video, you can hear me hooting and hollering before you can see me...way funny. I had been set to go for my AFF level II last weekend, but got weathered out. I went skydiving yesterday - absolutely georgous day for it. Azure skies, light wispy clouds, winds about 8-10 knots, great friends at the drop zone, just a miraculous day. In more ways then one, it turned out. For some reason, I was scared to get on the plane. I was truly, really, honestly scared for the first time. You could see it on my face in the plane on the way up. But you can't just pretend you're NOT scared -it doesn't work that way. You just kinda accept it, acknowledge it, take back the control, and move through it to the other side. That's with fear whenever you feel it. If you let it take control, you will become paralyzed (literally), and in my case today, that might have cost me my life. It did take me almost 20 seconds to get out of the plane (sorry about that, Koji - the videographer). I got a serious wake-up call with the chute. I had felt "odd" about this chute; it was balancing "oddly" on my body. But it passed the two ground inspections, and the two in-flight inspections, but it kept feeling odd, off, weird. I put that aside because everything feels off when you're leaving a perfectly good airplane, no smoke in the cockpit, all systems go and the pilot is healthy as an ox. Jumping into the sky at 13,200 feet is odd, no matter which way you slice that particular cake. When we left the plane, we end up ass-over-teakettle. Head down flying I am not ready for. I hit the arch, and we stabilized. What I didn't know then, but would find out in about 50 seconds, was that my right leg strap was not as tight as it should have been. So there we are, falling through the sky, and I'm loving it. I'm going through my level II test stuff. Great form, excellent control, beautiful execution of all requirements (on the video, I'm grinning fit to beat the band). I do my practice touches, and the cord is there. No problems. We hit 5,000 ft, and I reach back, and the ripcord is not there. Just not there. Not where it was just literally 30 seconds before. Gone. On the video, you see me flapping around, reaching, hitting my hip, and getting a great handful of nothing. You can see my jm grab my flapping hand, toss my hand away, and with both of his, he grabs the cord, and yanks (you can see my body shift in the air) - and boom, there goes the pilot chute, and then the main chute opens, just as perfect as you please. The opening felt like I had been in a 35 mph head-on car accident. I bounced around for a good few seconds, while trying to check to see if the chute had it's form, and whatnot. The ride down was superb. No time to worry about what had happened, because now I'm trying to control this airfilled parachute, matching windspeeds, looking for the airport, finding a landing spot, setting up to land, turn, set up, here I go, the ground is coming up fast, a quick look to make sure I'm not landing on someone or on a rattlesnake or in a pond or on a tree, and then a perfect 3-point landing (I still don't know what that means) on my feet, drop the toggle, reel in the chute, and holler in sheer joy that I landed. Then I sat down really hard, right there in the dirt, parachute in my hands, and burst into tears. Mind you, all of this to the tune overdubbed on the tape of "I feel free" by the Go-Go's (bum-bum-bum-bum, I feel free, bum-bum-da-bum). My jm comes running over, and pulls me to my feet, and checks one small strap on my right hip. It was loosened, causing everything to shift just enough to make everything right on the edge of problematic. Know what I learned today? Trust myself. If it feels off, it is. What else? Know that you know. And don't think just because you're new, or not as experienced, you don't know. You know anyway. And take action to resolve that knowing to where you feel secure. And if you feel as if something is off, don't jump until you're sure everything is as normal as it gets. I have the most glorious bruising on my thighs, left chest, left shoulder, and neck - because the harness had slipped to the left, and my entire (and not inconsiderable) weight was absorbed on that side. The most beautiful markings straight across my chest under my breasts. I even have bruised imprints of ,my (ahem) bra straps. And I am just fine. The worst thing that actually happened? I broke two fingernails. If this is the worst that I got from this lesson, aside from some minor bruises, then I am truly one blessed girl. I can't wait to get into Level III. And this time, if it feels odd, I will tell someone. I promise. Blue skies (what does that mean, by the way?) Michele