hajnalka

WOW - God help us all now. When you get your 100th planned, let me + Lyman know so we can plan to be out sick that day . Because both the jump and the aftermath are bound to be scary. Love you two beavs - glad (?) you're part of the family. Best, Dawn (editing to add: Beav 1 needs to learn how to pack, and so earn his OG Beav status.)

Sending a PM. Nadia's back in town? COOL!!!

Hey everyone - I have this pair of pristine Dr Marten's boots that have never been worn; were given to me brand new by a cool skydiving woman a couple years ago. I need to give them away. These are the original Doc Marts, handmade in England, beautiful burnt, dark-yet-bright orange leather, black soles, stitching, laces, etc. ... the original shit-kicking waffle-stompers. They're a size 7 or 7-1/2. Don't know the orig. English sizing, just that they're a bit too small for me (I'm a solid size 8.) I don't want to sell them but they're crying out to be worn/used, and I'd rather keep them in the family .... these are very valuable, expensive boots that could last someone a lifetime. PM or e-mail if interested. I'll TRY to remember to bring them out to the DZ this weekend. Best, D

Cruel .... yet strangely not effective. Most people I know would still do her in a second .

I thought we always blame it on Bolas .... c'mon, let's have some tradition here! Thanks to D & esp C and M for hosting the holiday party. I got home at 4:30, still rather tipsy, so I think it was a success (if I remember right.) Happy holidays, everyone. Stay safe and have fun. See you next year! (2007 - Year of the Tramp Night ) Best, Dawn

Liked that editorial. Have a problem with the use of the term "Christian" though. I still love Christians - followers of Christ (though I must admit I'm not one myself.) They're so humble. They never judge. They don't bother with labels or groups or individual sins. They do so much good behind the scenes - no chance of recognition or accolades for their help and sacrifice. They would deny it if it were offered! Most of all, they try to help people down on their luck - the outcast, the misfits, the downtrodden. They hang out with sinners. They're the first to acknowledge their own faults. They know the Gospels well, and they try to follow their teachings: Above all, they know they are NOT of this world, but for the next. So - why get involved in debate or politics? Answer: they don't. They'd never consider it. Jesus didn't, and he was pretty outspoken about this. So, they watch the world evolve as Caesar (read: government) does what it does. They sit and watch and wait for heaven/judgement (rather prosaically) and sacrifice and help anyone whenever possible and live good lives, the best they can. I've been watching world events .... and this forum .... for some time. I just found out that a dear man I've known for 10 years is deeply Christian - a follower of Jesus. You'd never know it - the most laid-back, coolest dude ever. Never judging, never preaching, always helping and enriching. A strong presence in many lives in the skydiving world. But now I think back to the gospels that I learned as a child, and I think, "OF COURSE!" I'll bet my last dollar that there are many, many others out there like him. I feel really sorry for them that "Christian" has become a dirty word for some (and almost for me, although I'm sticking with "religious right" for now.) I'm sure we'll never hear from him

Oh yeah, we almost forgot . Is that going to be done one of these Christmases? Can't wait to see that blue and orange monster. To the OP: Make yourself some useful tools to start. Freebag velcro line protectors and shot bags/weights are probably the easiest projects out there ... and they'll be yours, and you'll use them for years to come if you get into rigging. Next, you should be ready for toggles, risers or riser mods, etc. Once you have the basic sewing skills, see if you can find some old non-airworthy stuff to pick apart. This was a huge learning boost for me: how was it sewn - in what order - and why? Was that grommet there before or after that was sewn? Why was that zig-zagged and this other bar-tacked? Dis-sewing in order will show you how things are manufactured and how to sew/construct in order; may save you some mistakes. You've got to learn to patch canopies - get some F111 and ZP scrap material; start early and work often for short periods is my advice. If you get frustrated: stop. Come back to it later, or the next day.

Darin - Thanks for making this public. I wanted to, but since you guys are hosting I didn't know how "public" you wanted it to be . Welcome home, Tess! See ya Thurs. Huge respectful thanks to David (our OG Track Boy) for helping coordinate/communicate/facilitate the bus 2.0 trip to DC Tues. You rock, Dave! Hope you got your laptop back ... It was very disappointing that BP&RR (or BUS - "the artists formerly known as") didn't win, but I was glad to see firsthand as I mingled that the thing was rigged/political and it WASN'T for lack of talent or fan base (as did almost everyone else in the place - fans, staff, musicians, etc. ) It was especially gratifying to meet so many musicians from bands who had been eliminated in previous rounds -- as well as some who were still in the running -- and hear the respect & accolades they had for Big Pretty (BUS.) Their set was absoutely amazing - Joe was on fire. I say next time they play in CH we all show up in a huge show of support. Oh, and the whole $20, bumpy bus ride and putting up with Nick at his most annoying was well worth this quote: Zoli (3/4 drunk, spoken to our 350+ lb. white waiter at a Denny's, somewhere in VA, sometime after 2 a.m.): "I'll have the 'Moon Over Mi-hammy,' HOMEY!!" (I have pictures.) Best, D

Absolutely. Minimum requirement: skirt and heels .

Dude - You have the strangest, yet most interesting fetishes. ("Published" anything new lately? Still grooving on the thought of having 8 arms and sorry I missed you/your costume in GA - Lyman had his tunnel camp weekends confused .) I think the 15th for Tramp Night sounds excellent ... just sorry Tess can't make it. Soooo - the 15th, at Frankie's? Marion? Whitney? Would love to see as many of our hot CSS chicas out as possible. PM or e-mail me, or I'll see you this weekend. Best, Dawn

I NEED a tramp night, too. Does Fri Nov 17 work for everyone? Dinner, games, go-karts, miniature golf? OH! and if we get Kelly out and lie about our weights, maybe the indoor climbey-thing! PM me or e-mail me on Yahoo and I'll work to arrange it. If I forget the venue, I know Freefly Pete will remind me

Yeeesssss! Congrats, chica. Now: how long before you can wear 5" heels? -D

PM sent. This guy was the 2nd person I met in the sport; he was an important part of my life for 10+ years. Made me laugh to the point of pissing my pants on so many occasions ... oh - the stories we could tell. He was crazy, loving, always in the moment, and real. I only knew him as a skydiver, never knew/saw him doing BASE jumps. I will miss you, baby. Serious thanks to anyone/everyone who was at Perrine and helped with the scene. Much respect, D

YES!!!!! I WON - kinda. More ethereal tacos ! (Should've started a betting pool with Nick and Greg.) Love ya Eric, and I'm very proud of you. I remember the days when you were doing IAF jumps with Sarah, and just look at you now . Someday soon I hope we can sit down and look at your pictures. On a different note: USPA ELECTIONS Ed's done a lot of amazing campaigning, and has been a presence at CSS this past year. I admire his efforts. That said: John Lyman and I will again be supporting and voting for Tony Thacker as our Regional Director. Tony truly loves and lives the sport every day, and he's an awesome human being. Sometimes I think the man must be triple-jointed; the way he bends over backwards and forwards to keep skydiving possible, safe, competitive, real, honest and FUN. Hopefully some of you CSSers who don't know him will get to meet him at Thanksgiving. Most important: VOTE. Fill out your ballot from Parachutist and send it in. Trust me: Your USPA voting will make much more of a difference in your life than anything you'll do in the national elections next week . VOTE, dammit! Best, Dawn

We'll be there - we'd love a discussion on tandem harnesses. Strengths/weaknesses/ways to improve, etc. See you in Reno! -d

For those who care/wonder about Jack: He's walking much better, only using his cane occasionally, driving alone long-ish distances, totally independent, as opinionated and funny as ever, working out & going to the gym like a fiend, and spending his weekends at The Farm or Skydive Atlanta . He STILL is not in rehab down there. He'll be seeing a neurologist this week and getting evaluated for it - but I have a feeling they'll say there's nothing more they can do for him that he's not doing himself. He sounds VERY happy. Although he's not jumping again ... yet .... (I think we still have January at CSS for a goal) Skydive Atlanta is putting him to work with tandem instruction, etc. I'm thinking about going down there for their big Halloween freefly fest/party - anyone else planning on going? -D

Nick got a msg from Greg yesterday: "We all lived to drink again at Dirty Ernie's" so it sounds like the CSS contingent had a good day. I'm glad - we heard that someone went in??? Eric - can't wait to see you and hear all of your stories! -D

Gorgeous form, boy! Have FUN at Ottawa - I'm jealous. That drop zone used to be our home-away-from-home and it absolutely kicks ASS. I'm so glad Nationals will be there next year. I wasn't going to go to Bridge Day but Jeff is trying to talk me into it (I'm sure he just wants me to pack for him .) Plus, I just found out that Triax backed out of doing the DVD, so I might ask a "certain someone" if he'd be interested in his company doing it .... that would be awesome. If I don't see you, have a great birthday. Spork nearby, D

Hell, yeah, I'll join that petition. Fri, Sat, Sun or Mon would rock for my reverse-weekend life. Maybe once a month? I miss you guys! (Marion: Miss you; love you. Hope you're getting some zzzzzzs and your sinuses are better) - seems like I haven't seen or talked to anyone in weeks. I'm out of town again this week so will miss movie night, but I really want to cook for everyone one of these weeks. I'll be back Fri .... and hopefully we'll have good weather this weekend. -D

Stop it!! You're a pathfinder, baby. A maverick. A true lodestar indeed, and I still love you immensely. Not bad for an ancient Pisces .... (- ducking and running - ) Eric - I guess 1125 or 1134 .... both have significance but if I have to choose I'll say 1125. Yeah baby! Hopefully next time I see you, you'll owe me a few crispy tacos AND $10. (.... you didn't forget about the tacos, did you?) Hope the weather shapes up. Signed: Keeping my Moab spork nearby at all times, D

Eric - Thanks for the updates! - keep 'em coming. Hey, even if the weather's bad you can soak up the gorgeousness, scenery, geography and good tidings and hobnob with the big names, right? (GOD I miss the West. In 5 years I want to be out there on an e-x-t-e-n-d-e-d vacation with Jason, Lisa, Paulie and Ruth, just climbing, hiking, 4X4ing, doing ground/packing/sewing if they need it, and getting lost for weeks on end.) Which freefall footage did you do - the reporter's tandem or the other story? Did you get Jay's 280 ft2 swoop in those winds?? Miss you, but I have my Moab spork nearby at all times. Take care and HAVE FUN - this is quite a trip you're on. Make memories . And get as many of those memories as possible on film. Meanwhile, while you're gone, Dave is acquiring some "Mad Skillz" as a rigger. Seriously - he amazed me this last Mirage repack. Looked way better than mine, and he's mastering those wicked closing tools. Bolas - just STOP. Quit being cute - what's a kiss, after all? Best, Dawn (Antiliscious)

Way belated, but big thanks to Terry for your help on this one - that was exactly what we were looking for. (Rob, thanks for your offer as well.) John and I greatly appreciate it! Best, -Dawn & John Downwind Carolina

Whit - count me in for hockey, definitely. Sorry your recovery has been so frustrating! Matt - I knew you'd be sore in the morning after that spectacular bounce, but damn!!! I am seriously really glad that it rained the night before; I'm convinced that saved you from much worse. Please let us know ASAP about your leg. And no thanks necessary - we were happy to help. (Gave me a nice little excuse to kiss you on the mouth to boot, did you notice?) Your rig is all back in one piece, but I think Rob is going to have a little class with me on how to tell a reserve handle from a cutaway . Take care and heal well, everyone. -D

Marion - WHEW!!! .... thanks for cropping that pic ! Whit - "Malleolus" = hammer-shaped; like a mallet, get it? Sounds like they had to repair a heel ligament. Man, you're tough, girl. 8-12 weeks? That ROCKS - you should be OK for holiday boogies! So - official countdown to next tramp night = 28 days? (Tess - wanna borrow my 4" heels? or my 6" stainless steel ones? Oh, never mind - even I can't walk in those.) Marion and I were talking about going to the place we went for Keith M's bday - the Italian restaurant/video game/go-karts/miniature golf place, the name escapes me. But as Whitney might not be up for that, I think we should all try to come up with ideas. I say this should be open to ALL CSS women .... and it really is a challenge to outdo Casey on Tramp Night, believe me, ladies. Yes, I'm throwing down a challenge here - not only did she have the shapeliest legs, she made our waiter comment: "And here I almost called in sick today."

This is rather late notice, but some of us are going to Goodnights on Thu the 21st: http://www.ticketbiscuit.com/goodnightscomedy/EventPage.aspx?EID=4782). Casey still has 5 free passes. If you want to join us, call or PM. You'll get to see Casey, Whitney, Marion and I dressed up like ..... ummmmm, "dressed up." -d