ImGunnaJump

Thanks for putting this up, because I was doing "huh" thing too when I heard they did a CD. And wouldn't have bothered with it...and look what I would've missed. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

You got it...you are wished all the luck in the world!! This is a promising turn of events for you...I hope before the summer is out we start hearing tall tales of your exploits at boogies and DZ's "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Ahh, good for you!! Years ago I used to know how to sign the alphabet and could communicate very s-l-o-w-l-y with a girl at school. And taking a course has always been on my master "to do" list (along with taking piano lessons, painting lessons, go to Hawaii, try skydiving...). This reminds me, I gotta get back to that list of mine! Keep goin'...you'll be great!!!

I hope they gave you Demerol and Verced. That's what I had and it was great - didn't know a thing was happening. My dr. asked me if I wanted to watch on the camera screen...I said "No thanks. Just knock me out, please!". He did

Well my experience with dialing 911 a couple of times on a cell just 15mts. outside of Chicago is that my cell call got bounced to the 911 center several towns over. That happens with cell calls placed to 911 sometimes. I guess depending on the weather, and volume of calls being placed at the same time, this can easily happen (as per what the operator told me), the call gets bounced around. So this experience has caused me to rethink getting my landline phone back - I've just used my cell for a while. It wasn't overly problematic to solve...the 911 operator was able to quickly connect me to my local 911 center, but it was confusing for a few mts. (she couldn't locate my street in her town and kept asking me where I lived...finally she asked me what city I lived in and we discovered what had happened). So I've learned that if I have to place a 911 call now on my cell (fortunately, hasn't been often), the first thing I do is confirm that I got the 911 center of the town I live in. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Thanks! Will do! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Thanks for all the ideas Boink! Your such a good puppycat mom!! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

I like this idea...my cat is also obsessed with water - tub, shower, toilet, fish bowl - water in all forms. Boinkys picture of the blue dishpan w/the whale made me think I should do that for Sophie, but if I put it in the tub it will be less messy. Now I gotta find some of those cute ducks or whales! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

I have to say I found this genuinely interesting because I fret over the sprawl, specifically the over-commercialzied sprawl. My friends laugh at me...I guess this is one thing they don't worry about. But I came from a smallish town in Indiana and moved just 1 hour and 15mts. away to just outside Chicago, and the differences between the two use to be obvious. It use to be I'd go home and get a chance to "breathe" (not talking about air quality, but stress level). There were open farm fields and corner stores. Sure, you could get to a mall but you had to drive some distance. I use to be annoyed by that until I didn't have to anymore because it all sprouted up in my old back yard. Now, when I go home to see my parents it's worse than where I live now. There was no planning there. Every available farmer's field has been turned into either a new residential development or a Target, Walmart, Walgreen's and/or a strip mall with the obligatory TGI Friday's, Starbuck's, Payless Shoes, and Marshall's. I do love Starbucks caramel macchiato but....c'mon. There's a stoplight every half block, it takes forever to get nowwhere fast. When you hear honking behind you, more times than not, when you look in the rearview mirror you see someone giving you the finger because you didn't block an intersection with your car to ensure they'd get through the light on this cycle. I'm getting a headache thinking about it. Don't even get me started on the increase in crime. There use to be none, now the attractive new banks and stores are robbed with some regularity, along with the neighborhoods by them. It just disturbs me that we've not only lost land to the strip malls, but also our collective community souls. O.K. rant over. You just hit a nerve with this thread -I'm going to be driving out by my parents tomorrow for business, and am dreading it already. Edited to add: Since you made a note about Seaside and Kentlands in Kentucky, I looked them up. They seem like ideal places - it would be interesting to know if any our DZ.comers have any personal experience with these communities. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Yes, you should absolutely take advantage of counseling. You had already said you made an appointment, and I thought to myself "smart woman". Some people try to avoid it, but you are doing a wise thing by going. Clearly you are paying attention to what you need and are acting on it. Your whole world has been turned upside down and you need to have some help to try to find a way to center yourself. I think it will help you a lot as you work your way through this. I'm so glad the victim's advocate is helping facilitate that for you. Good to know your connected to a helpful resource. Wishing you all possible grace and peace - Wendee "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

O.K., well I'm in for '08. Starting off s-l-o-w-l-y so I don't kill myself with pain and then stop because of that. I'm getting out and walking when the roads aren't icy here in Chi-freakin'-cago. I tried to persevere past the ice 2 weeks ago and fell down on my knees then, somehow, managed to roll down and over onto to my ass. A nice elderly gentleman opened his front door and hollered out to me "Are you O.K. dear or do I need to call 911???". So, rather than kill my knees and scare the elderly, I let the ice Gods win for now. I'll satisfy myself with workout tapes at home when the weather stinks, but I do love to get outdoors and hear the birds sing. Being outside is much more satisfying than trying to walk on a treadmill. Have changed my diet and am learning which foods really help my body run at it's best. Have lost a few pounds and have some momentum going to continue. I'm going to add something called Bickram (sp?) yoga soon - I have an Indian friend who swears by it. Apparently it's doing yoga in a room heated at higher than normal temp., not sure how hot, but hot. Says having the room extra warm makes a big difference, especially if you've have had injuries...we'll see Good health and progress to all! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

First, let me wish you all peace, strength, love, and comfort possible to come your way. I've been away from the forums for a while, so it was with great shock and sadness that I came to realize what has happened to the guy I knew as Skinnyshrek on DZ.com. I don't know you, and I didn't personally know your husband except from his postings here. He and I never exchanged PM's, not sure if we even responded to each other in a thread or not, so I feel awkward stepping in. But I also feel a certain connection with all skydivers, and wanted to extend my deepest sympathies. He was definitely a favorite around here, even to those of us who didn't know him personally. His threads and posts were highly entertaining, and apparently only surpassed by a big heart in why so many cared for him. I can't imagine how immense your grief must be now. If I may, I did work with a grief support group for quite some time and saw it do a world of good for people as they tried to get to their "new normal". If you have one near you, I would highly recommend giving it a try when/if you feel up to it. Hopefully, there is one near you. I found out, when trying to help another skydiver here locate one, they're not available in all areas. For your sake, I hope there is one. I will be more than happy to do the leg-work to find one in your area if you like. Feel free to PM me and let me know...I don't want to intrude where not wanted or needed. But it could be a great respite for you where you can feel safe in discussing your grief months, and even years, down the road. The people there will "get you" and your ups and downs. So, let me know if ever you feel like this is something you'd like to give a try, and I'll get right on trying to locate one near you so that will be one less thing you have to do now. Finally, I think what Lawrocket wrote echoed what I was thinking when I read your thread. What you've been through is horrible and heartbreaking. And grief is a process that unwinds in it's own time and in it's own way, unique to you and your situation. I lost my brother in August - which is not the same as loosing a mate, which has it's own unique ache - but I do know something of loss. And to keep it simple, what I do know is don't be hard on yourself, and take all your friends up on their offers of support. You've been in my prayers (truly), and as I hit "post reply", I say another for comfort and strength to see you through today. Wendee "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

I love that song...it's nice to see they are stepping up. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

$99/mo. for high speed and expanded basic with the evil empire known as Comcast...I hate them, but I have no other reasonable choice where I'm at. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Unfortunately, I cannot help you with the pictures but my heart goes out to you - it's tough to loose a loved pet. I hope someone can come up with eithers pics or vids for you... "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

You have my deepest sympathies...a prayer sent up for you and your family, as well as a hug. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

I actually perform these at work...like the others said, no big deal. Takes 15-20mts. at the most if scanning the femur and spinal colum. It can be hard for some people to lie flat on a table if they've had spine fractures and/or curvatures, but otherwise no problem. Sorry to hear about your bones - heal fast! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Prayers sent up for all concerned. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

My deepest sympathies to you. I wish you peace and comfort. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

I'm heartbroken for you. I saw your post this morning just before I went to work but didn't have time to respond. I thought about you all day. I know the pain you feel, and the horrible doubt that you did the right thing. I put my sweet cat to sleep in Feb., and I agonized for 5 mos. that I did the right thing. I wasn't ready to let her go, but it was about doing the best for her. And that's what it was about for Anakin too...you came to realize that when you saw all the tubes and listened to the statistics. You can only do the best you can with the information you have, which I believe is what you did. I believe people and animals have souls. And because of that, I like to think there's as much of a chance of an animal having an afterlife as a human. And I'd like to think that in God's presence they somehow get an understanding of the love and care that the people in their life gave them....and if that's true, my cat and Anakin now understand what happened on their last day, how we were trying to help them. If that's not true, well...my heart and mind are still comforted by the knowledge that they are not suffering anymore. I'm glad your family was there for you. A prayer of peace and comfort sent up for you... "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

You Cali folk take care...my brother used to live out there and had to dodge a couple of those fires with the clothes on his back, carrying a freaked out cat. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

No, no we shouldn't. I lost my oldest brother Aug. 29. He'd been in bad health for a while now with multiple problems (heart disease, cancer, diabetes to name a few), and my head told me after he was hospitalized the last time about 5 mos. ago he probably wouldn't live out the year...you try to prepare yourself. But there was never a timetable given for when he would/could die, and you don't want to live morbidly, so you just try to carry on day to day doing the usual routines with him. And, then, one day...you get the call. And when it happens, you're never ready to let go. One saving grace we got was that he died in his sleep without struggle or fear. We get a real sense of comfort from that. I also take comfort in the fact that he knew I loved him. Skydivermom: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...I hope you all get to experience something in the way of a 'saving grace' that will help all of you as you go down this road. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

The Eagles. I know you said only ONE, but that went out the window a long time ago!, so other favs: The Allman Bros. Led Zepplin Van Halen (Sammy Hagar years - can't stand DLR) "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

"... I sure didn't consciously remember that, but I wonder if I had ever heard that at some point when Grandma was alive and it was buried deep in my subconscious somewhere when I looked at her and said "She's a Daisy."*** I wouldn't doubt it...psychologists, analysts,etc. always talk about painful things people have in their subconscious, but there's great stuff in there too! "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson

Daisy's adorable! I'm sure Franklin is (or will be - it can take a little adjusting) happy to have a playmate. "...I've learned that while the "needs" in life are important (food, water, shelter), it's the "wants" in life (ice cream, chocolate, sex) that make it worth the effort." Kbordson