rnicks

Thanks for the link. That had some info, but what was more ironic, was that my now husband, who I did not know at the time, and who will be doing this trip with me, commented in that thread!

I'm looking for advice from anybody who may have summited Kili. I'm having a hard time finding a reputable company to go with you. I want to make sure the porters are paid well is my main concern. My internet search over the last month has left me with more uncertainties than answers. Any advice is appreciated.

3?? That's great! I remember when you got your first one, and before that when the one you were going to take home was adopted out when you back. You seemed so nervous to get one. And now look at you...3 of them!! Cats really are awesome.

That is the most ridiculous thing stated in this thread. While YOU are physically able to take care of your own hygiene, MANY, MANY, people are not for various reasons. To say they "deserve" harm is cruel. I'm not saying I'm pro circumcision, because I'm not. I'm just saying your argument not only holds no water, but is mean spirited and a reflection of your personality.

Haha! Excellent points! I always think that too. I don't get the whole, "don't touch my gear." My gear is not that special. I'll let anybody check it, jump it, use it for pillow.... whatever. It's not that delicate! A simple pin check is not hard to do and I'd welcome one from anybody with a license.

He's right in that skydiving is not for everybody. Based on just what you said though, it's too hard to tell. I also threw up after my tandem and was sick the entire day. (I too am prone to motion sickness.) Didn't stop me for signing up for AFF, and now I have over 1000 jumps. It's different when you are the one flying the canopy. I still struggle with the plane ride up on bumpy days though, so be prepared for that never to go away. Good luck with your decision and possible training.

No, no, no!!!! Go adopt that precious kitty now! Many older cats sit in cages for far too long because everyone wants kittens. It's so heart breaking. I would adopt them all if I could. I admire your dedication to the cat and doing your homework first. Too many kittens are adopted and then dumped when they get big. I wouldn't get a second cat anytime soon. Let the cat get used to you and the new move. She will be fine, but it is true, that older cats have less coping skills than kittens. When you're ready for a second one, a kitten would be much more accepted by Princess than an older one. Good luck and enjoy the heck outta that cat!

I'm having a hard time understanding the negative comments to your situation. Mind baffling is more like it actually. Theft is theft. Dollar amount doesn't matter. I say good job to you. It makes it safer for the rest of us. Not sure why anyone would not only not appreciate that, but put you down. Good luck.

I know a lot of skydivers who say coasters just aren't the same anymore. I don't get that at all. Now, I love skydiving, but I think coasters are ten thousand times funner and waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy scarier!! I love the anticipation you get when climbing the hill or waiting for the launch.

Glad to hear it is not serious. If you have any trouble medicating him there is a one time injection of antibiotics called Convenia, that lasts up to two weeks and actually works better than oral antibiotics. Is that antibiotic a first choice or a backup plan? I have a FIV+ kitty that gets sick once in a while. It would be nice to not have to fight her and stress her out more!

Lisa is on to something. I've lived in every region in the US. The only time I didn't have allergy problems, were the few years I lived in Spokane.

I get that you were hopped up on adrenaline after just almost having a serious accident, but screaming and swearing is probably not the best way to handle it.

I find it extremely disturbing that a teacher kisses their students. If it were my child, I would ask her to stop immediately.

I hope you are not implying those girls should have controlled the canopy. That's ridiculous. Maybe I am misunderstanding you.... Rnicks - he's being ironic. Its a European thing. Oh, well in that case, I retract my initial reaction. It's so hard to convey tone online.

I hope you are not implying those girls should have controlled the canopy. That's ridiculous. Maybe I am misunderstanding you....

I'm hesitant to give advice to someone with much more time and experience than myself, but your comment caught my attention, so I will just tell you my experience. When I was a newer jumper, I bought a spectre based on it's reputation of soft openings after many hard openings on a triathlon. While it never opened really hard, I couldn't believe the difference when I switched to the pilot after 300 jumps on it. The pilot has the softest openings and IMO far superior openings to the spectre. I guess my point being, I'm surprised to hear you want to switch from a pilot to get softer openings....

I'm curious about this. You make it sound as if this is not how it is suppose to be done. This is the way I practice, (with both hands on each handle) before every jump. Is there a better way? I know a lot of people do the one hand method, but that feels uncomfortable to me. Is there a safety reason I shouldn't be using two hands?

Really? Why is that? To me, it would seem if a company offers a discount for whatever reason, they would be proud to do so. Because then more people will ask for it, more people would lie about military service to try to get it, and for some manufacturers more people would order direct instead of going thru a dealer. How's everything going over there? Most people who qualify for it can produce a current ID card. just Sayin" Those were my thoughts too. I would most likely frequent an establishment if I knew they gave discounts even if I didn't qualify for it. ie: senior, military or student.

Ha! That's funny. Zhills is my home dz but I go to Summerfest every year. I think their is humidity is waaaaayyyy worse!! Funny how people interpret weather differently.

Really? Why is that? To me, it would seem if a company offers a discount for whatever reason, they would be proud to do so.

While it may have looked like this to you as an outsider, you really don't know why he was there or what "expensive cancer treatment" he was there to receive. As an employee of a large NCI, my experience is that people without private insurance do not get the latest and greatest treatments. So try to take comfort in knowing that he was likely not there to receive the same treatment you were denied for. Good luck, I know the insurance companies are frustrating.

Funny how some men said it was OK and some said they didn't care. I bet you won't find one woman who says that look is acceptable. Not even on old men!

Thanks Jennifer. I may take you up on that offer as I think of more things. I also recieved another really helpful PM from somebody who lives in Wichita. That's double the population I thought actually lived there!! Sure. As long as I still get my daily requirement of 13 hours of sleep, continue to do a minimum of 200 jumps a year, and don't have to touch it if it poops or cries, I'm game!

I could've sworn the plan was for him to leave and you stay and keep the house maintained. Just remember, when you find your new rigger up there, give them a Nelson laugh for me when you drop your rig off. I tried. Infact, I begged, pleaded, threatened, bribed, and at one point flat out refused to go! But he's not having any of it. I'm sure I'll be kicking and screaming, but I'm going. Oh but don't you worry, I'm sure my travels won't slow down. I'll be back plenty. You can still be my rigger.

I wondered if anybody would quote my favorite movie of all time! The only reason I have heard of Wichita is because of when Neal page's wife exclaims, "Wichita Kansas???", completely and utterly horrified!! That is the best movie ever!