crazymel

I beat you baby - 0.43....and an hour of work left. Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Since I don't have enough jumps to jump a birdsuit myself, my hubby (Courteney) takes me with quite often (in the form of rodeo) It is SO MUCH FUN!!!! I am trying to "surf" on his back currently, but couldn't manage yet. Our last jump we tried an "upside down" rodeo... Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Courteney got 5000 and Brunsie got 4500 from ground level. Mrs Courteney (that's me) LOVED her rodeo jump!! As I only have 165 jumps, I can only bum a ride... But it was AWESOME!!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Firtsly, let me apologise. I realised I didn't state all the facts (tried to kinda keep it short as internet cafe was about to close, but really needed to 'talk it over') I did talk to the rigger in question, but his response was that it is personal, and if it's war I want' it's war I'll get. I tried my best to keep things 'professional'. I first went to the club's chairman, and asked for advise. (Most of the governing bodies are at our dropzone - only have 2 clubs in this country, btw, not South Africa) He advised me to write letter to NSTC (which are four local skydivers). I talked it over (off the record) with one of the NSTC members, and he also advised me to write a letter to NSTC (also stating other incidents that was of concern to me). I was later advised that it was not the right way to do it, and I apologised for that. I had my reserve repacked by another rigger before I jumped it again. I also have to state that it is only one packer that is snotty, and the others are beautiful people. The one helped me sort out my rig (after I left it in packing area to get cooldrink) and found it 'messed up' a bit. (Turned container through lines) I do not want another dropzone. Most of what I know were taught to me by these guys. I loved this dropzone with all my heart (and the thought of seeing someone get hurt scared the shit out of me, hence the letter.) All I wanted was to address safety issues, to jump and KNOW that everything humanly possible was done to ensure a safe and fun jump. I do not wanna be scared to go for my reserve. I do not wanna repack my rig before every jump just to be sure some childish prick didn't mess with it. I want a dropzone that even a baby jumper like me can question the 'main guys' and discuss issues. I have never felt unsafe to skydive (or base-jump) till now. Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Wow, I haven't posted in what seems like forever. But I need to share my frustration. So, here's the deal. (Quick background - I am a baby jumper with about 135 jumps, Mirage container and sabre2 170 canopy) Okay, soooome time ago, Mirage recalled certain rigs with a possible defect on the reserve pin, and mine was one of it. My home COUNTRY rigger (and friend of mine) told me about it, and the next time I jumped at my local dropzone, I asked the rigger (also NSO) to please test my pin. He performed this test by manually bending the pin, and then bending it straight again with the help of a pair of pliers. Gave me the green light so I jumped! During a conversation with my rigger friend, I mentioned the test to him, and he almost had a heart attack. Told me to IMMEDIATELY have it checked out by different rigger. Which I did, and my rig was grounded. Mirage was nice enough to replace the handle at no cost other than shipping (US$60). But then a little red light went off in my head not to trust him as a rigger. The other day, my reserve was due for a repack, and I didn't want him to pack it, but as I leave my rig at the club, he did. Only thing is, the night before he was passed out drunk on bar counter. I realise he wasn't drunk when he packed my reserve the following day, but I didn't feel safe. I talked the chairman about this, got advise to write letter, and state any other facts/concerns. I thought we lived in a democratic world, but I was wrong. Ever since that letter, I received threats, my car was "vandalised" (skydiving stickers scratched off with key) and after my jump today (the one packer made snotty remark and said I can pack my own rig) I packed and realised the hectic line twist I had on opening was maybe more than coincidence. There was a figuer 8 knot in my one steering line. HOW DO I GET A FIGURE 8 KNOT IN A STEERING line THAT WAS PICKED UP EXTREMELY NICE ON LANDING ETC?? I struggled my ass off to "unwind" the knot down the line. I can't prove anything, but I almost never have linetwist on my canopy (and nothing that severe)... And my only crime was to state my concerns about general safety at the club. (But then again, I was told fun first by one of the senior members.) Rumours are being spread, people turned against me (real friends stand out hecticly right now) I won't go down to their level, but I seriously don't feel safe anymore. Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

And Girls, he is yummy!!!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Don't I have a HOT b/f?? Howdy all!! I'm still alive and jumping LOTS!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

I can't believe I wasn't there to share this with you (or at least the beer) Congrats!!! Can't wait to see her in August!! Will you let me touch her... Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Have a blast and skydive as much as possible!!! And I know the "no dz-syndrome"...it's a tough one!! Have fun!!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

South Africa - gonna go drive Scratch insane!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Howdy all!! Well, I've kinda survived the past month. I'm leaving for SA (as a jobless, homeless, single bum) next week. I'm gonna crash with friends till I've sorted myself out, and to all of them a BIG thank you!!! It is scary, but also damn exciting! There were times that I thought I couldn't go on anymore, but certain people made it their mission to make me smile and continue on this road!! (I owe you BIG time, Babboon!!) And to everyone else who posted on this forum and made me smile, I will miss you all! Blue skies and HAVE FUN!!!!! Last question - I'm getting a tattoo that says "passion" in Chinese, but don't have a clear design for this. Any ideas where I can find it on the net? Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

You bet!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!

Thanks Scratch - it's beautiful!!! Life is for the LIVING!!!!!