skyflower_bloom

:/ Nope, we missed each other by one weekend. I'm still not super comfortable coming to boogies/bigger events (it was Escape to Elsinore, yeah?) Would have been nice to meet though!! We'll get our chance to cross paths eventually! I was there the week leading up to and through the weekend of the 13-14th(?). What's your and Vskydiver's travel/jump agenda looking like this summer? Elsinore's my home away from home but I could be persuaded to check out some other dzs too Thanks for all the great advice, the trip was tedious as I knew it would be but totally worth it! Anywhere in the Pacific Northwest is good by me

only if you bake good cookies and deedy says yes Deedy?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

only if you bake good cookies and deedy says yes Deedy?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

can i come?? i like three-way!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

final update- so i shipped rig and gear out (thanks dse for the info, as well as all others for the travel aspects and suggestions), all went well. was a little less meticulous with my planning on the other side of the jump trip (leaving elsinore and thinking i could get away with carrying on my rig etc. on instead of another UPS shipment home, since i wouldn't be there right away to sign for it etc.) well, lots of kind people offered to help me juggle my crap, and security was wonderful (i guess they were training a new TSA person and it took the experienced person all of 2 minutes or less to explain, this is a sport parachute system, this is what you look for, and a smile and back in my possession. no issues with the cypres or anything) i just wore it around and onto the plane and put it in the baggage compartment with handles secured, as i don't own a decent gear bag yet. i did get a lighthearted comment from another pax that i was making him nervous with the parachute, but the stewardess was joking with me (i told her as much as i trusted them all, that i'd be ready just in case, and she could just give me a green light signal when it was time to prepare to exit the plane she was funny about it, in a good way) i assume san diego int'l airport has plenty of experience with both elsinore and perris traveling jumpers, but i wasn't fully sure what to expect... yeah it was challenging shipping it there and then carrying it on the plane from then on, but i wore the kiddo in front pack, parachute on my back, and pushed everything else in the stroller which i then gate checked, like i said with help from caring strangers which was cool... (and checked two bags too LOL) so all was well but definitely overwhelming the second leg of the trip, when i had a whole extra bag of gear and the rig itself along with kiddo's stuff and our regular luggage... conclusion-- doable, but definitely should have planned to ship the gear and rig both in AND out. thanks again guys, and yeah, this time i had my nanny watch the kiddo at our hotel about 3 mi away which was more convenient for everyone than having him at the dz, i think it worked well.. thanks again mamas and papas and fellow traveling jumpers, the trip was a success and i am home in one piece now

I got to go to Elsinore's as DSE described, then got back home in time to make it to my home dz's Safety Day, which was all day today (up north, as stated dzs tend to do it a bit later March or early April). We had a contest where 7 different rigs were being worn and we had to inspect them and write down what we found with a gear check on each and the person who listed the most won, and four additional seminars on EPs, canopy collisions and control, pilot/plane stuff, and basic safety (exit order, separation, etc.). Safety Day T-shirts, a poker based game where the winner won 3 free jumps and second and third won a hat and a jump each.. good stuff, got to see a lot of people that weren't around over the winter up here, and they sent the cessna up intermittently so folks got a jump or two in too, since it wound up being nice. Last season my first jump ever was the Sunday day after a Sat. safety day at the dz I started jumping at (I obviously was too new to have benefited anyways, pre-training) so it was cool to be a part of it this year (twice lol). "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Well I did drink a coffee a couple hours ago, but it is almost bedtime now, lol... I always post here at night for some reason. Wanted to say hi and see how you are doing! Anything new? Hope all is well.. blue ones, skyflower "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

haha thanks DSE... but yeah, he'll be flying with me while the rig is brought by UPS as you suggested, should arrive friday, but kiddo won't really be brought to the dz so stand down w/ your tape haha. he is just flying with me to california and will be at the hotel when i am at the dz jumping, cause we combined a week jump trip with a 2 week family mom-son vacay and i can spend evenings with him that way, there is no one here i trust to leave a nursing child that age for that long anyways...

that was the first thought that popped into my head too! make the tape perimeter around not through the lines, it completely screams see if you can walk on me without falling over, like a sobriety test, lines be damned "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

haha fair enough- not worried about negative psychological issues so much as that knowing my child he would lie limp and i'd have to drag him anyway lol. anyways i am bringing the sling anyway so i can wear him if i need to but also got him his own lil backpack with a strap and caribeener (lol how do you spell that?) oh and i shipped the rig out. dayum. 180 bucks for all my gear and rig/canopies etc. and insured to 7 grand. oh well, easier than hauling that shite through a zillion airports!! thanks for all the ideas all :) see you next week in so-cal "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

God, how I would love that! I've seen that, and the only down-side is that a skydiver can't invite someone they know to see how a parachute is packed. That's why I'm thinking that the exclusion should be limited to unescorted whuffos. I would tell a friend that they're welcome to join, just please don't touch or step on anything. That's all it should take. True. I was at Skydive Oregon/Molalla with a whuffo there for his first tandem and even though I was out of the sport @ the time due to a sprain, I accompanied him and took pics etc., and wanted to check out the facilities for future jumpage. Since I was still early in my jumping progression, and was not able to jump even if I'd wanted to due to the ankle, these signs were really kinda cold and off-putting, and I felt like I couldn't get a good vibe for the drop zone itself. Now, that is a new jumper trying to get a feel for a dz, not introducing a whuffo to the sport, but same concept perhaps- how can we get them more interested if they can't see certain aspects of what is going on?? "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Go through many keyboards? Just askin'. She always posts this much. If you think this is a lot, start exchanging PMs with her Love ya Robyn! You too Joe

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Yes, somewhat... JohnMitchell was flying in the cockpit in the jumpseat. I had all 4 kids in the back with me in economy seating. I'd say I was pretty much on my own with them. Does it count if we were going to visit family and happen to take our rigs to use while we were there? Didn't actually take the kids out to the DZ then. You are one tough cookie. Does it count? Sure. But still, you had another adult with you when you deplaned. I still don't know if the OP is a solo adult on the trip. I would never say it is impossible, but with all the stops she mentioned, it does seem a bit like she's stacking the deck against herself. Me, I'd never try such a thing, but I admit I am not the best parent to start with. So I'd naturally shy away from it in the first place. Seems to me that a lot depends on how much family is around at each destination. Any sort of mishap at the dz will quickly become a nightmare if her support is thin on that leg. Wow this thread exploded lol. This will be my fourth time flying similar trips (mid-west to west coast) with my son in the past 18 months. Just new factor of bringing the rig, and of course, of combining the jump trip with the family trip since we'll already be on the other side of the country and schedule works out.. He's now finally at 2 where he is old enough to use some of V's (awesome- thanks!) ideas, but in the past (yes, last trip was a skydiving trip, same flight duration, just did not own a rig then) we got one ticket and he was on my lap- still nursing, so he nursed a lot, slept a lot (we coordinate the flight times as much as possible for naps for him or nighttime/early morning sleep) I also took a trip when he was a younger toddler, perhaps 1 1/2, to Oregon for 3 weeks with him (planned for two and was going so well we extended it another week). No, I have no family there (I guess I have family, distant but that I could call in an emergency) in LA and in San Fran, but also family in mid-west would be willing and immediately fly out if there were a mishap at the dz-- which is a good point. I do always provide contact and insurance info to everyone at home and at the dz and trust the sitter/nanny with him until family arrived if I were injured, travel with my power of attorney for healthcare and living will, etc. but try not to dwell on it as long as everyone is informed and knows the plan should it come to that.. But, not trying to be cocky, I think I am fairly competent as a parent and know my kiddo's needs, and am not worried about the trip in general, just safely getting lots of precious cargo to far away places and such logistics! Kiddo does well on flights, I've gotten nothing but compliments and always am cooperative w/ flight attendants who in turn will give us the aisle seats for easy access for him to take a jaunt when needed if they can do so (or other passengers are often willing to switch), or an extra seat when we would buy one ticket (now at over age 2, we'll have two seats anyway- definitely a necessity anyways, age or no, because space-wise, even on my lap he sticks slightly into the other seat ("the middle zone") and that's never fun for the other person... lol) But I have booked all seats next to each other and by the aisle where I had a choice at least, etc. Basically this is a skydiving trip where we have a full time nanny each day at a location away from the dz while I am jumping, for a week. At my jump numbers I was a bit overwhelmed by my first jump trip. But going back to the same place I feel pretty safe since, while my currency is not up to par, I have gotten to know folks and coaches out there, and the lz is wide open so I know I can always land far out and walk back to avoid traffic, etc. In general I kinda would advise against jump trips as a new A license holder lol, but I couldn't wait with WI winter so I did it in November and now that I am comfy at Elsinore, and with our nanny there, it makes sense to me.. But yes-- I would 100% like to have my rig with me. I do though know Elsinore's rental gear and policies and they do have gear that fits me, but I really want my own along. Instead of then flying back, we are taking two additional weeks of family (as in, my son and I, being a family unit, not "to visit extended family," trips, without sitters but with friends and activities planned in other cities but also playing it by ear. It's not new to us and i am comfortable w/ most aspects and with solo travel with a young one, and have been two two of the three cities on our itinerary with kiddo for extended trips-- just the whole toddler plus rig thing with airport travel had me a bit baffled. Yeah, V and others, it makes sense to buy certain things- diapers, stroller, etc. on the cheap there. Thanks! in the past I have always had kiddo in the Ergo pack ON me and the stroller is useful not for him in the airport, but rather, for baggage- instead of paying for one of those dumb carts for luggage haha... that said, you are right V-- now that he is going to be over 2 and is growing up fast, making him/allowing him to walk will help him feel in control, and he could indeed wear his own carry-on back-pack, and that will help wear him out for the plane ride (though I'll certainly bring the Ergo sling for if he IS sleepy or I need more hands). I like the idea of special toys- last time around that was something I definitely made note of as far as needing to do next time- toys that are special for on the plane only.. i remember as a kid, for longer car rides, my mom would make us each (sibs and i) a special bag of snacks and toys we couldn't open except for the car ride and it always kept me occupied! Idk about the leash/harness, have to think on that one, but if he has a harness backpack I can grab when needed that could work... Thanks for the great feedback so far everyone, I really appreciate it! Still deciding re: mailing the rig versus carry-on, but I do know I want it with me- week one is purely a skydiving vacation and he'll be with a full time nanny off the dz, plus I am dying to break in my new rig :) Though, maybe this weekend... it's warming up here in WI woohoo! Anyways gotta finish reading through just wanted to reply to V in particular (thank you- sounds like you have BTDT-- times 4-- and you have my respect! Thanks for your willingness to take the time to offer ideas and suggestions) and to "reassure those who think this is a recipe for disaster that the only concern I have, having taken multiple 1.5 to 3 week long trips and similar flights with this same child, alone, without family, for jumping and non-jumping purposes both. My main concern is the logistics of all the stuff being transported and the safety of getting rig from pt A to pt B-- but of course, now that said kiddo is getting older, general toddler travel tips are more than welcomed as well! Last time (Thanksgiving) was manageable, but he's getting more into tantrum zone, so we'll have to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best I guess. People have been surprisingly helpful and kind though-- offering to help carry things, complimenting the kiddo etc. I know before I had kids I would groan inside anytime I was seated next to someone with kids (and I LOVE kids! lol) so I always pre-emptively apologize but others have been very understanding and helpful of travel with a little one.. Hmm.. hope this addressed everything so far, I have a few more replies to read, but have gotten a lot of useful info so far and am glad to have a few weeks to plan etc! Thanks again all! Oh and DSE/Andy-- that was a trash can, not a shipping crate- slightly more offensive lol. But, shhh, don't give him any ideas! No, he'll be the hotel with L "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Haha.. thanks! With all the posts on travel with a rig I sorta assumed that there was a reason people didn't do this regularly.. or maybe they do just don't have reason to post about it like with TSA and shit.. *shrug* Sounds like the simplest answer may be the right one.. all those logistics make even my head spin lol. Thanks "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Granted, at my home dz/club, the tandems/whuffos don't go anywhere near the packing area, it is separate from the gear-up room and kinda back out of the way, but I've visited a couple other dz's and never noticed someone walk on the lines. That said, one of the packers, on the day of my FJC (at another, smaller dz I started at)- politely informed me that if I told a child that it's probably not a good idea to "step on those ropes" again I would get my ass laughed off the dz and that the correct term is "lines." Lesson learned. But, see, even then, FJC student, I knew and was telling a child (who wouldn't know) that it's potentially not smart to step on any piece of parachute equipment.. so idk, maybe the ones that do it are just a bit oblivious in general? Or I guess maybe all wired up from making/watching/getting ready to make a tandem? But really, I would indeed be dumbfounded if I saw any person over the age of, say, 10 or so, obliviously walk through a packing area stepping on lines and who knows what else. It's a common sense kind of thing in my mind... *shrug* I'm thinking of Security guards.. girls.. cheerleader type *raises hand* I'm a girl! I'll do it as long as I get a sexy outfit, a paddle, and free jumps for life! blue ones, skyflower "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

yeah, first off, i know... bad idea. but inevitable. second this is a long post so get over it. skip to the bottom if you want the gist but don't have kids or haven't traveled with the rig and the kid and don't want all the boring details of the physical items and set-up. finally, i get that "travel with rig" topics come up every week or so, and i get the basics (thanks for everyone's input on prior threads!) and perhaps i am the first human to attempt this feat (since it's probably going to wind up pretty ugly, lol) but just in case-- any experience or speculation on travel with a toddler and a rig??? details (stop reading if you don't want 'em, if you are a parent who has traveled with kids it might help you make suggestions or think up your own ideas): so pretty much, we are combining vacations, my jump trip (with a nanny at a separate location for kiddo that he knows while mama jumps) and then a family/mama-son trip elsewhere in OR and CA... now this trip will involve like 7 separate legs of travel LOL, and the rig is only to be used (mostly) on the first one, the week in elsinore... nanny will stay at hotel and around town with toddler while i jump at elsinore, should work fine once we are there, and we'll have a rental car etc. still deciding if we wanna do some road tripping or all flying, and whether we'll try to mail the rig back after week one of jumping, or actually haul it all around (depends on round 1 and how the logistics work out i suppose...) that leads into i suppose- tips for shipping an entire rig? insure it damn well, i assume.. anything else, packaging? not a good plan? usps or private? OTOH i might like the spontaneity of getting to use it throughout the other journeys and make a jump at san diego or molalla... but, i could always rent if i find myself in the position after elsinore to make a jump.. but yeah-- thinking through the last few times we've flown (sans rig; midwest to west coast), it is always a struggle physically- i have a lotta stuff and i am not that big or strong a person. typically one big checked bag with all my and kiddo's clothing (he counts as a separate person--duh but i mean he also has his own ticket and seat- so we need to pack for two, but he can't carry his own stuff so that job falls to mommy of course, lol...) then i bring the stroller (since we'll want it at the destination) and wind up using an Ergo (back or front pack like toddler carrier, and then just dumping the carry-on bag, "one personal item" which winds up being about the same size as the carry-on itself (diaper bag), usually some sort of food and drinks, and occasional additional items that don't have to fit in the carry-on, in the stroller (so-- kiddo is not actually in stroller, but it;s useful and we then use it for intended purpose once at our destination if that makes sense). so, picture-- 26 lb toddler strapped in Ergo chest pack, wheeling checked bag until check-in counter, then pushing stroller over-flowing with carry-on luggage while babe rides on me (kills my back now that he's big but at least it's better than a kid leash LOL). then picture-- arrive at plane's boarding gate, take everything OUT of stroller and gate-check it (the stroller), haul child and all the baggage onto plane and collapse into the (tiny ucky) seat. rinse and repeat. last time i was so tired and sore i hardly wanted to skydive. ugh. so i am a bit apprehensive about doing this all with a rig. now, again thinking "aloud" here-- what if i mailed my rig both TO and FROM my destination- is that ridiculous, in terms of risk, or cost, or does anyone do that??? now i know this is super long, sorry! but bear with me if you have ever had kids and tried to accommodate jumps and li'l ones you understand the logistics involved... i am wondering, specifically, if i travel with the rig and wear it, and wear the kiddo as usual, i could envision possibly "doubling up" i.e. wear rig like a backpack, with the yoke and harness and all just going over the harness straps of the "Ergo" front pack toddler pouch, but it is custom and snug/narrow so this might not fit ideally.. furthermore it would mean carrying 20-some additional pounds on my back in addition to the 26 already on my front, and i have back issues... don't want to throw out my back before a week of skydiving :( i also worry if i do this that handles are in reach, and attracting attention. i know i could tie the reserve down and plan to, but at a busy airport with so much stuff, i can't keep an eye on both of mister grabby's hands/arms at all times and that rig is my baby #2, i don't want a mishap or something even worse unnoticed but which damages the rig's airworthiness somehow and causes me to die (well, ok, i am not that paranoid, but i would certainly like to travel in a way that ensures my rig's safety at all times). more generally: to carry it on (a rig), would i then have to forfeit my right to carry on an actual carry-on bag (i.e. the rig is your carry-on, or is it a "personal item"?? (i could stuff it all in the diaper bag) but i suppose since i bought two plane tickets we are entitled to twice the carry on baggage (it's just that only one of us does the actual carrying!) i have also heard reference to certain types of bags that prevent handle mishaps, unwanted attention, etc. and protect the exterior from dust and dirt, etc. and may want to invest in that.. just don't know with my rig (a bigger one- a vector3- v350) if the size would be a problem if i try to put it in an additional bag- i suppose unless that additional bag were not shaped, but soft, if you know what i mean... like a BASE stash bag kinda thing? but then i don't know how i would carry it with baby attached to me and a bunch of shite in the stroller and arms pushing the stroller... ugh sorry thinking aloud these logistics are mind boggling.. i would just send some stuff to elsinore but then we are extending our trip onward and i don't want to be mailing things all over the place LOL... but i might have to?? anyways, pretty much, anyone ever traveled with both a child and a rig? ways to protect the rig itself from the child, the child from the rig, and the parent from dying of exhaustion and frustration? maybe i should have bought 3 tickets and told someone they could have a free ticket to elsinore and back if they help me carry all my shite haha, any takers? so: short version: logistics of getting gate-checked stroller, carry-on bag, diaper bag, checked bag, new rig, sling (Ergo pouch) and toddler through multiple flights without killing my back or having a mishap with my rig or the airlines? or should i simply go for a plan B and mail myself a bunch of stuff, potentially including rig (i've got time)- pro/con? thanks... i know, not the typical situation, but please do spare me the lecture on kids and dz's, he'll be fully accounted for and supervised at all times, and at a location several miles away from the dz at that.. so.. yeah "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

+1 mainly that. and some college textbooks, and my retirement acct i'm only 23, i don't need that right? oh well... worth every cent and second!! "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Nah, remember that all experience is relative to the person background. What you may think of as a fast canopy may be slow as hell to the guy that rides a crotch rocket to the DZ on one wheel. That does not mean that the ability to control the canopy transfers... Just the feeling. So, just open a bit higher and play around on the canopy. 1. See how much altitude you lose in a full turn 360* turn and compare it to a half braked 360* 2. Practice a few flares up high to see how long it will take for the canopy to react. Listen for the drop in airspeed. 3. Try to see if you can stall the canopy so you know when it will stall (A 7 cell should stall more gently than a 9 cell everything else being even... but it could still hurt you if done wrong.) 4. Look at the ground and see how much penetration you are getting for a given drop in altitude. (In most cases, a 9 cell will have a better glide ratio than a 7cell.) Take it easy and enjoy it.... The Tri is a good canopy. Thanks Ron! I'll certainly consult the folks at my dz too, but it's nice to have some concrete ideas from folks for specific maneuvers to try up higher that will give me a distinct feel for the important differences, compared to what I have jumped prior. Appreciate the reply, and can't wait to finally jump it!

and +1 (and another +1? or should that be +2? lol) ------------------ Newbie myself, so take this as only my own experience and what others have shared with me-- and sounds like you maybe have a unique situation (a physical disability? in need of larger rig/mods as mentioned due to size/for wingloading? sorry if I don't know the back-story here.. ignore if irrelevant..) I think Andy and Amazon (and it sounds like DSE too) are spot (haha pun intended ) on, you did not FAIL. and those folks know what they are talking about too unlike us newbs but when three or more experienced jumpers/instructors say that I'd tend to take it to heart . It's not a natural thing for your body to master in the first jump. It will come with experience and time. First, your instructors have worked with plenty of new AFF students and know what to help you with and how. And if as it sounds DSE is one of 'em, then he's done some coach jumps and instruction with me when I was out at his dz, and I'd tend to take his word on what he tells ya needs to happen.. he's a great instructor and skydiver. As another newb said, sounds simple, but breathe- really focus on breathing if you feel yourself hyperventilating/stressing? It gives you something calming and natural to focus on while you are listening to or thinking through tasks that to a normal human are anything but "calm and natural" lol. Sounds so straightforward but it is so useful and essential and we don't usually possess a conscious awareness or control unless we intentionally do so- skydiving in my limited experience is much about intent, and is more mind than body (but they integrate thoroughly of course). Also for me, visualizing each step of the jump with whatever those small muscle twitches are called (moving slightly as you simulate how you plan to perform) can help-- but don't mind-fuck it either lol. Oh and as another said, smile if ya can! Endorphins are good, and "fake it til ya make it," 'er something like that

This thread has been helpful to me. Don't want to hijack, move if needed, but it seems along the same lines and is based on the prior postings. I was looking at a Sabre 170, and wound up choosing a used Triath 175 instead, as my rigger and instructor agreed it would be a good choice for me (ok, and I loved the colors, and it was a bit cheaper.. yeah yeah lol), and I was told it would be a bit more docile which is definitely good for me right now as a beginner. I understand 7 vs. 9 cell via this thread and other discussions, in that it is NOT just number of cells that matters, but so much more than that, and have gained a lot of valuable feedback and things to discuss with folks at my dz already. I am sure my instructors were speaking specifically because we were discussing two specific canopies, NOT simply generalizing "7 vs. 9 cell" (i.e. they said either is good for you now- i said i am leaning towards the triathlon- they said, more docile tri is probably a good choice and that they would support that canopy for my first) So, I have only ever flown 9 cells. And I can logically understand certain things, but I understand to really "get" it, I have to experience it in the sky. But I am used to jumping the obvious AFF student Navigators (unless I am totally oblivious and student canopies are 7 cells but I am thinking not and too lazy to search to find out now, so forgive me if I look like a dumbass, but I am reasonably sure I have jumped all 9 cells including student canopies!), then mostly Sabre 2s (like those a lot) and also demo'ed a Pilot for three or four jumps (loved that one), and now I am nearly lacking currency due to the f'ing snow and my general laziness with winter jumpage in WI- but the rig I own now does have my 7-cell tri packed in there for next jump occasion. So-- any tips, beyond the theory of it, and testing things out in the air, up high, for someone who has only ever jumped a 9 cell and has now purchased a 7-cell triathlon for a first canopy? i assume since it is a bit bigger and slower than what i have been jumping there are not huge safety issues in that general realm, but if certain things need to be handled differently or pointed out, I'd love to hear more. Blue ones, and thanks again for the time you guys spend posting info like this thread for folks like me to soak up!

also i think i get door fear mostly now when the door opens low to let a low pass/hop and pop out (or god forbid, i'm the hop n pop smooshed in the open door that "low" lol) i loved the skyvan, thought it would terrify me in the door thinking (over-thinking) it during dirt dive, but now thinking back, it was a 5 way exit, and once the door opened and we did our thing, no fear... mighta gotten the heebie jeebies a bit if i had to open it myself, spot myself, and then exit solo! i will say i have total cessna door fear though, lol but that's for verifiable, personal, and highly legit reasons and since i am one o' those spoiled turbine brats, i deal when i have to, which luckily is not often.. blue ones. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Haha yep.. although actually my first and only skyvan jump i did at perris i wasn't afraid at all because i liked the idea of just stepping back and falling into oblivion lol.. but, at my home dz with the PAC 750 and occasional cessna 182 jumps, i still get it now and then. i HATE being first out sometimes, and other times i just get anxious waiting and counting and figuring when i am supposed to go.. lol go figure. but, i am a newb. i do NOT like opening/closing the door, sitting in that spot, or spotting beyond sticking my head out to ensure i see the dz and no traffic (i know i know i need to get more comfortable w/ it) but mostly, my "monster" is opening time monster more than the "door monster" lately lol... a few mals didn't help gain any confidence in that arena, but hopefully getting comfy on my own rig and more jumps will kill off the door monster and the pull monster, at least for the most part

+1 To me, no distinction between alcohol and pot if used while NOT jumping or instructing or driving or flying. It's not a safety issue- it becomes an issue of obedience and image. And I actually have a fair amount of respect for people who consciously choose, if they have the opportunity and desire, to break certain laws if the laws are completely unjust. Sit-ins/civil rights anyone? Marijuana which has medical benefits and which a test cannot distinguish use 3 hours from 30 days ago is schedule 1 "no medical use and extremely dangerous;" and COCAINE and oxycontin are schedule 2? No logic... just craziness.) Drug laws that make no sense to me are the next civil and constitutional rights issue. Though impairment and safety are key in the sport; I simply agree with those saying such drug testing does NOT ensure this safety in any way and legal drugs can be more dangerous... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi

Wow, I might steal that! there is no reason i should be accessible by internet or phone at any time, other than my own desire and convenience (or when on call for a birth obviously). this day/age of presumed accessibility of everyone, all the time, drives me crazy (and yes i am 23, and yes that is weird, and yes i don't have a tv which is even weirder lol) But really, people get MAD when you don't pick up immediately, or if you take a day or so to call back? geez i have a life too... it involves interacting with REAL LIVE people (for the most part haha) so hard to comprehend eh?? wtf. I love that, Jim.. "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi