FreefallingCari

135 is it for me. Great openings, flies well, love it. I love my 7 cells though... Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

No hate here!! I just sort of laugh at myself for thinking "weeeeee", when YOU are definitely going weeeeee ;) Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Thank you!

Thank you! I am such a goober being excited about a 1.14 WL when people are out there screaming in on 2.1.. Bahaha I can enjoy my cute little over 1.1 :P (In had a little surgery last Friday, so I am a little goofy, don't mind me) Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

That is a good idea!!! I have realized that I downsize FAR more conservatively than most, but I like my legs, arms, torso, and boobs. (Cannot forget the boobs, they are fake because the real ones tried to kill me) Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

We need LIKE buttons here.. I ROFLMAO .. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Wow, That Sabre 1 150 (with a sabre 2 150 slider) is amazing! I feel like a small "Big girl" with that 1.1 WL. We have had so much fun! I took another canopy course, because "Hey, it is a new canopy, why not". The landings are awesome, great openings, and the flight characteristics treated me well. I made 105 jumps with that 1.1 WL. We even took our Wingsuit FJC together. We still fly together with that wingsuit, and we love life, she is not for sale. I kept thinking back to my Spectre though. The 7 cell canopy I learned on was so wonderful. I can land accurately and safely with my Sabre 1 150 9 cell, BUT that 7 cell was amazing. I could literally sink it anywhere, of course, it is a 7 cell!! I needed another Spectre. I craved playing around with my 7 cell. Lo and behold, there was a spectre 135 for sale!! Now, I had lost 10 pounds due to finally being off of the chemo steroids, but I was nervous.. WAS I READY?! I made 5 Jumps with 15 pounds of weight just to 'feel' it out. The day came that I went for it. With the advice of my trusted man, with whom I did most of my AFP jumps with, I demoed it. I packed it, kissed my rig, and asked for a 6k hop n pop to play in the skies. WOW!!! I felt that! I performed several canopy drills like I did in previous canopy courses. With my weight loss and such, I am a 1.14 The landing?! RIGHT IN THE PEAS WHERE I CALLED IT. 326 skydives now. I believe the 135 is the limit, after all, I have a wingsuit ;) **I still have not flown a camera, maybe one day.. I downsized AGAIN...AND I LOVED IT. ORIGINAL STORY BELOW Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Well done! You are alive! Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

It was jump number 29. It was a hop n pop because I wanted to work on accuracy. As a new jumper, I listened to the experienced jumpers who really emphasized canopy skills. I was at a .85-.88 WL, depending on the day. I realized that I totally screwed up, I was way over my target, so I decided that I needed to just land safely and check out the map to try again. At about 35 feet off of the ground there was a wind shift, and my "little adjustment" to land upwind turned into an almost 100 degree turn... AT 35 FEET. In that moment I knew I had fucked up royally. I needed not to be sideways to the earth, so I corrected a little to get canopy over my head. I flared, PLF'd, and prepared for a hurtin'. I lied still for a brief second to see if I hurt, then stood up to daisy chain my canopy and walk back to the hangar. EVERYONE at the DZ ran at me "WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING?!".... After hardcore, and deserved, "what the fucks and chatting", I realized how lucky I was. I was lucky because people have gone in like that, as well as broken major bones. My canopy's size, being a .85 WL, and the fact that it was a docile 7 cell which does not like to maintain a dive, really saved me. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

It does not matter what someone believes, terrorism and mass shootings are all equal. They are all the same, whether someone is christian muslim, hindu, or whatever. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Here is Nurse Cari's Idea for healthcare reform.. **Subsidies are in I actually do not mind the idea of a subsidy to assist people in paying for insurance premiums. This means that the gov is not directly paying out claims, except for medicare and medicaid. **Health insurance companies must be Non Profit I do not like the idea of a single payer, but I also do not like the current state of health insurance. We all like to make a living, and I certainly like to eat and live under a roof. I do not expect for the claims adjusters, Nurses, and the other staff at the insurance company to work for 'free'. With this being stated, Not for profit does not imply that people who work for these companies cannot be paid fairly. **Malpractice reform We all see those commercials "Were you injured by XYZ Mesh, or ABC Vagina surgery".. Guess what fuckers? A 5% complication rate means that someone will have s complication even if the physician follows perfect protocol. People should not be allowed to sue because they had a known complication. Malpractice is for negligence, it is for wrongdoing, so we need to keep it there. **Price check on aisle 3 Every physician, hospital, etc, should post prices. Sure, insurance may cover a more expensive hospital or physician, but prices can change if more people choose quality care for less. I use a less expensive hospital system because their quality is actually rated better than our higher cost hospital. **Not an emergency, sorry, see your primary care doc Allergies acting up? The ER is not your place. Everyone will receive the basic "Is it an emergency check" Vital signs, review of symptoms, how long these have been present, to ensure that no one with an emergency is turned away. Not an emergency? Referral to an Urgent care clinic or PCP can be made right there. **Hospitals are for getting better, don't like it, then you are discharged for "Non compliance" Seriously. I have seen Type 2 Diabetics that weigh 400 and 500 pounds stay in the hospital for one MONTH because their BS levels are insane. They are on IV insulin, meanwhile their family, friends, and whomever, bring them cake and crap. It is their "right" to have what they want.. Guess what? If you do not want to get better, and you are given time and help to make changes, then you are discharged for "non compliance". You get paperwork, and statements showing why you are being discharged. Everything is documented, and the person is informed that their discharge could ultimately lead to their demise, but that they would not follow medical advice or treatment. ** No one would be penalized for participating in sports that some may deem as "dangerous"... Just a few of my ideas.. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Ahhh, sounds about right! Seriously, the IRS makes everything so much more difficult. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

I do not intend this with disrespect, but I believe you may not understand me/insurance. Trust me, I wish I did not know about insurance as much as I do :P It can be a mind fuck. Okay, so you have a policy, we will call it Policy A, with Anthem. Your doctors accept Policy A. They do not accept Anthem policy B, C, D, or E. Anthem offers those policies both on and off the exchange for individuals, BUT the exchange allows for a subsidy and buying directly does not. So, anyone with those policies cannot see your doctor. That sucks, but everyone with Anthem B, C, D, or E, cannot see your doctor. This is whether they buy on the exchange or directly, like I do. Basically, IF you ever needed the exchange, you/a person, would need to pick an insurance carrier that offered a policy your doctor covers. And it is worth saying, but Anthem policies offered by employers have FAR better benefits than individual Anthem policies.(On or off exchange) Does this make more sense? Insurance is finicky, and a few states like CA, CO, take the cake when it comes to insurance nightmares. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

This is an easy one. Employer offered coverage is different than 100% individual coverage. Anthem for employers is going to cover specific doctors. Just like BCBSNC employer plans will. I do not have an employer plan, I own my plan, it is individual. Now, if you had to use the marketplace because you qualify for a subsidy, and lost employer coverage, there would be a plan which can suit you. For what it is worth, I learned to do insurance billing when a coworker went out sick. All insurance policies, to my knowledge, allow for "negotiated rates". You may have a deductible to meet, etc.. But you can choose your plans and deductibles. I am referring to the individuals which the ACA is attempting to cover, and those are INDIVIDUALS. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Correct, subsidy requires specific qualifications. I figured that would have been implied , but I should have made it clear. :) People have had such an easy time with the subsidy, but the IRS tax credit issue seems to be a problem. This is from what I am told by various people. Anecdotal, but it is my experience. For everyone, or whomever. People do not have to purchase individual coverage through the marketplace, they can also purchase directly through the insurer if they will not be eligible for a subsidy. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Yes we do have a triage system, but it is insane to visit an ER because you do not want to pay 1$ for a pregnancy test elsewhere. I believe some people should be allowed to be turned away. Here in the US, our ER's are not typically filled with trauma unless it is in specific areas. Our common patients have asthma flare ups, which is 100% understandable, or patients with the Flu, colds, or sniffles. My ER had a LOT of homeless people and a few "frequent fliers" who came in 2-4 times a week because they were 'in pain'. We HAD to see them, but they are not given always given pain meds unless there is trauma or something specific. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

***There is no reason a single pill for pain in hospital should cost 50 bucks. Yes there is, to *some* extent. I am a Nurse, so they have to pay the Nurse's wages. They have some overhead costs which must be taken into account. Now, with this being stated, the markup of 500% IS insane. Everything is market up because ER use in the Hospital is one of the biggest drains on their resources. Ex: I cannot tell you how many times a week that we have women come to an ER for a fucking pregnancy test. They do this because they know we will give them one, and then it is standard protocol to give an ultrasound. **Remember, we cannot turn anyone away! Dollar tree has a pregnancy tests for 1$. Planned Parenthood gives them out for free... ** But the ER is FREE if I do not pay my bill, or I have the medicaid card. Planned Parenthood accepts medicaid, so do family planning clinics, but people want their test NOW, and they want it for FREE. Oh, and allergy sufferers come to the ER too. Seasonal, stuffy nose, cold symptoms, with no fever or complications. ER should be able to turn people away if their vital signs are stable, and they are not experiencing an EMERGENCY. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

I'm curious as to the amount the ACA reimburses (about same as Medicaid, according to your post) vs. the amount that Medicare pays. I use a doctor/practice that doesn't accept ACA coverage, but the great majority of their practice is old folks on Medicare. As a Nurse, and someone well versed in insurance, I just want to touch base on what you just stated. The ACA is not some magical insurance. The insurance offered on the ACA Marketplace is the exact same plan off of the Marketplace. Doctors offices accept some insurance, and decline others. Ex: Gynecologist X takes my insurance, but Gynecologist Y does not accept my plan. A person who purchases my plan ON the marketplace has the exact same plan as I do, they just happen to receive a subsidy to cover their monthly premium or their deductible. That is it. I use individual health insurance, and I have preferred this over employer offered coverage. I have been with BCBSNC for 15 years on the individual market. When the ACA change happened, I simply picked a plan from the new structure. You know, the Bronze, silver, gold, and platinum metal offerings. BCBSNC, and other companies, offer the exact same plans on and off of the marketplace. Again, I am trying to stress that the Marketplace is not some magical insurance that no doctor accepts. The company itself, BCBS, Coventry, United healthcare, etc, all contract with physicians as to what they provide. The government does not actually have any involvement with this, it is the insurance companies. So, person with *Cari* Plan, that is me, Can see ABC doctor, and reimbursement is XYZ. Someone who purchased Cari Plan on the Marketplace can see ABC doctor too, and their reimbursement is XYZ too. Your doctor accepts insurance, and it could be that your doctor just so happens NOT to accept the insurance COMPANIES or PLANS on the ACA. I have BCBSNC Blue Value Plan. My doctor does not accept BCBSNC Blue Local. BOTH plans are offered on the ACA Marketplace, both can be purchased off of the Marketplace, but doctors are able to choose which plans and designs they accept. :) Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

I can totally NOT fit the curved pin head through my loop. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

I was looking at that, and really pondering it. To get that entire closing pin through that loop seems like the problem to *me*. I would think it would be deliberate, as in someone was not paying attention and just put the entire thing in. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Before you even think about downsizing, you should be able to land that canopy anywhere and everywhere. Need to bail in someone's back yard? No problem. Have you landed crosswind and downwind? I was at a 0.85 WL for 188 jumps or so. Then went to a 1:1. Yes, I am conservative, but I also had a few experiences before 50 jumps that made be realize the importance of conservative flying You will not regret being conservative. Oh, and I was jumping 5-10 jumps a week and I downsized after 188 jumps. Experience takes time. I can look back at my 38 jump self and shake my head. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

At first my husband was worried that I was going to die, he lightened up a bit when I discovered I had cancer.. Life is too short not to have fun. Perhaps you can reassure her that you will always be sure to provide for the family. Knowing that you will spend to the family's detriment may help. I work FT, and I am debt averse, which helps. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

I want to second the EXCELLENT decision. I flew a .85WL for 180 jumps. I have a post regarding my downsizing to a 150, a true 1 to 1 WL. I am likely not going to downsize again, however my personal mark is to downsize at 500 jumps IF I wish to downsize further. You want something forgiving, trust me. This is your ass we are talking about. There is nothing cool about breaking a bone. Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/

Let's see.. -Always keep condoms handy.(I never go into battle without cover) -If a specific VERY experienced skydiver takes herself off of loads due to wind, I do too! -Boogies are awesome. -Being a skydive chick is awesome, everyone makes me feel like one of the guys...but with boobs. -A good PLF is valuable -ALWAYS PRACTICE CUTAWAY ROUTINE Skydiver Survivor; Battling Breast Cancer one jump at a time. DX June 19th 2014 I have been jumping since October 5th 2013. https://pinkribbonskydiver.wordpress.com/