TriGirl

I especially liked the sub-labels! Very clever. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

Okay, I need a cigarette now. And I don't even smoke! See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

I know what that's like! Between work, injuries, other responsibilities on my demo team (I was one of the primary DZSOs, so I was usually pulling dirt during team jumping days), and other hobbies, it took me quite awhile to get my license! Keep plugging away, though. Don't let anyone give you crap about taking some time to get it done, either. Sure, I got some good-natured ribbing from the DZ folks, but that's it. Just do what you do, and stay safe when you DO get in the air! Good luck. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

Two songs, both by Rise Against: "Injection" (AFF students can probably relate) and "Ready to Fall." I also get "Survive" in my mind when I'm in the tunnel, but that's for the music, not necessarily the lyrics. Last Z-Hills scramble I found "Sober" by Tool in my head, but again, probably for the riffs more the lyrics. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

+1 (or whatever number we're up to). Been there, done that. Luckily, I listened to similar warnings from others and cut away before it was too late. To look at it from another angle: you had this perfect image of her for so long, that it's tough to see the real situation. However, as noted by others here, the details you chose to post (and those you did not post) speak volumes about where you really are in this situation. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

Point of reference: The bridge is outside Twin Falls, not Idaho Falls (BTW, in between is American Falls ). A slightly longer drive from Salt Lake, but not much! See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

I second Skymama's comment. Over the course of about a year I went online and read a lot about all the different types of canopies, and during that process had several extensive conversations with my riggers about what that all MEANS. I jumped the rental gear at the DZ until after I got my license, and only bought my own gear at that point because I was getting ready to leave the country and wanted my own stuff to jump elsewhere. I definitely recommend getting your skills down first before trying to put a kit together. I'd also say that at least at my home DZ, the rental rigs are well suited for a jumper your height and weight. If that is a trend across the country, then you'll be very well served sticking with that gear for awhile. See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

I was with a group that did a lot of tandems for newbies. The advice I gave to them before going up about breathing was this: when you feel like you can't catch your breath, force air out. It seems to make all the difference in the world. Not sure if it's the relaxation that comes with the exhale, or they're just hyperventilating, but when they came down, every single tandem passenger told me that technique worked. Hope it is the same for you! See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

You forgot my favorite T-shirt saying: "I just did a 3-way with your boyfriend!" See the upside, and always wear your parachute! -- Christopher Titus Shut Up & Jump!

I'd say if the connection is good in the first place, the "quality time" will be just that -- quality. Then again, if you can't communicate your issues when physical intimacy, well, isn't, then I'd question the quality of the relationship.

From one Marine to another -- welcome to the sport! I've met some of the most amazing and really the most varied people since I started jumping. I also did my first tandem several years before really getting into the sport. I didn't get video for myself, but I didn't need it. More than a decade later I remembered every moment! I was glad to get the opportunity to continue recently, and have loved it ever since. Feel free to drop me a private message or email if you want to chat more about military and law enforcement in Florida who skydive. T