LuvToFly

Thank goodness for this post! Here I thought I was the only one going through this. Donald Trump has been mentally harassing me for years - ever since I can remember. And frankly, I'm tired of it. I wonder what Sanchez' schedule looks like next week, and it we could wrap up a quick financial settlement... Also, it's important to note that aluminum foil doesn't work. I've alternately tried steel-wool earmuffs and full-metal jackets, but that bastard still gets through. He's got to pay, I tell you! Here a question that's been bugging me though; can't figure out why it's only rich people or celebrities that seem to pose a threat to this woman. Isn't there any poor folks or no name harassment going on there...?? hmmmmmmmmm "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Been a nickname ever since I flew my first hang-glider in the 1970's, which at the time, was actually made from of bamboo poles and plastic, and you really did hang on parallel poles under your armpits. hmmm... come to think of it, it should have been "LuvtoCrash" if you count that. That baby flew like a stone! "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Make it fun. Just think of it like a video game and you have to dodge bullets. Okay, wait, er.. that's not such a good idea... It can't be as bad as my experience - When I was like 18 years old I went over to pick up a girl I had been seeing. She was of Greek origin and just my luck she was late getting ready. So I went in and her mother and father sat across from me while she was getting ready upstairs. Asking a few probing questions, they leaned forward and said, "you seem like a nice kid... however, you're not what we had in mind for our daughter." Talk about uncomfortable. Never saw her again as they called off her dating. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Friendships made years ago can have a very different texture to those established today, and some of the reasons are based on the changes in society. Both of my older brothers rode with colors and you're right, it was surely a brotherhood. But people coming into riding today don't seem to have that same connection. With the relative affluence in the US, we have come to need each other less and less. My parents, and my grandparents before them told me great stories about the extraordinary ways even neighbors used to help each other. And these were not neighbors you necessarily knew that well. Leaving a child with a neighbor for a few hours in those days was not unusual. Each did for the other, and when times were lean, they helped each other. This, while not universally true during the 40's, etc .. was very prevalent. Now, many live in sterile neighborhoods, with each member of the family having their own car - so even interdependence within a family is largely a thing of the past. It's not unusual today to see a modern housing development with houses built just 20' apart and many, many people still don't know their neighbors. This affluence has created less interdependence, and as such, has affected all areas of life socially. When I was a kid, it was enough to be interested in the same things to make friends. Today it is different and we tend to be much more selective in who we choose to let into our world. Not only because we can afford to do so, but also because trust has eroded over time. Do I think this is healthier? Not at all, but it is in many cases reality. And while not a terrific reality, we humans have survived by adaptation - and part of that means accepting the fact that things do change. You clearly have depression at work in your life and that's a really tought spot to be. I've been there myself. The, "everything sucks" mantra is something that most fall towards when they do deep depression. But there are still many good things, and yes, good and decent people. I don't know how many of them are in the skydiving community, but I do know there are jerks everywhere. I like the previous poster's advice to try to contribute to someone else's life to get you back on track. In a way, skydiving might not be a great place to look for the type of comradarie that you described. It's not like a soccer team where each member is interdependent on another (Airspeed, etc excluded) When you stop and think about it, we are taught from the very beginning of the sport to depend on ourselves, alone. We are responsible to take care of things single-handedly, from packing to pulling - and everything in between. In an air of such self-reliance, it might be the wrong venue to expect such brotherhood. Sure, getting on a big way might seem like a connection, but nothing like what you are describing. In a sense, it is a very isolated sport as there is no one but you in the end to take care of things or get you down to the field without breaking a leg. One thing I would say is I'd avoid spending any time blaming others for feeling miserable though. It will only prolong the depression you are feeling. Once we make others responsible for our bad feelings, we have no control over the situation to bring ourselves out of the funk - "other people" control us at that point and that's not good. Perspective sounds too easy, but let's face it, that's exactly what it is. One person sees something as a wonderful opportunity, while another sees the very same situation as a burden. There are probably equally as many motivations of why individuals skydive. And yes, I am sure that some of them are pure ego. But you'll find those kind of folks in any endeavor. My original instructor reminded me to smile on my third AFF. I wasn't scared or unhappy - it just didn't occur to me. When I asked him why, he said if I wasn't having a blast, to quit because why do it? It's true, and if you're not having fun, I'd try something else. Sounds like you've made some poor choices in the past. I think everybody has in some way. What you do with what you have to work with from this moment on is all that really counts though. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Now those guys could teach a thing or two about how to PLF!! "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Both my son, and a female friend have been hosts at restaurants in the past, and both of them independently told me that this is a constant problem - female servers in particular were whining to them if they dared seat people in their section, or complaining about whose turn it was next to get people, etc.. Both my son and friend after some time concluded this was not a personality situation - it was that these servers would rather sit around and drink and do no work, then to actually be earning money while they were there. My son in particular did not get this one. He thought they would want to make money?? One of the best things they told me is that the servers would insist that no one be seated in their section if it was, say, an hour before closing time. They did not want to do any more work that night, and would tell the hosts plainly. In either of these cases, the servers would get REALLY ugly about these things. They also told me of how commonly servers would come into the kitchen bitching and swearing if someone at thier table asked them for literally anything. A little extra catchup, some butter, etc. Is it so hard to believe this is true? You're dealing with people that don't want to work in the first place in regards to the server attitudes referenced. Serious bunch of slackers, I tell ya' Both tried to accomodate the bitchy servers the best they could, but in the end, they just ended up seating people the way they thought they should seated, and took a tough-luck attitude with the servers involved (who always seemed to be the same people). These servers continued to bitch, but who really cares? Who can really deny that some people will bitch no matter what you do for them? Reminds of the talked-about survey that came out recently where 4-8 year olds were questioned about what they were planning to be when they grow up. (remember we used to say, astronauts, moms, fireman, etc?) The overwhelming majority said the same thing. They wanted to be either Rich, or a "Star/Celebrity," neither of which actually entailed doing any work in their minds. Oh, oh, sounds like I'm bitching now. Okay, I'll back off... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Regarding some of people's comments that have posted on this thread, while I am sure well-intentioned, it is impossible to know what it is like to parent children if you have never done it. Only when you are responsible for them 24 x 7 do you know how high a calling that is. Only when their safety and well-being are in your hands do you know that unique blend of joy, guilt, love, worry, pride and a host of other emotions you will go through as a caring parent. Only when your patience and endurance have been tested to the wall will you know what it takes. When you have worried about each time they hurt themselves, held their heads when they got sick, or nursed them back to health while sacrificing huge portions of your life gladly for them will you understand how-gut wrenching it is to be concerned about your kids making choices with dire consequences. Kids can run circles around most adults when it comes to absorbing knowledge, but often leave common sense on the door step each day. We're talking about the toughest job in the world to do well because you cannot put yourself first and be a great parent. It's easy to co-habitate, it's another thing to try to turn out great kids that grow into great adults. So it should be said that I applaud you even paying enough attention to your kids to notice that they changed. You have no idea how many parents are so busy doing their own thing that they would not even notice significant changes, let alone subtle ones. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Definitely wholeheartedly agree - I have actually known a couple who took the no-snoop advice and turns out their daughter was arranging to meet a much older boy/man. The bottom line is, she is not around anymore - permanently. When it comes to matters of your child's possible safety or vicitmization, nothing is off limits. It's your job to protect her, even if she hates you for it. You may help her to live long enough to become a parent herself, where she will finally understand the love in what you did for her. TOM "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Michele, You've asked for a Christmas miracle, and yet I saw that miracle in the midst of your post. I know so many people that did not get along with their parents growing up - people that now live in terrible regret that they never patched things up prior to their parent passing on. But not so with you. It's clear that you and your father have cherished times to hold onto. And in the world of unforgiveness that could have been yours, there is, without doubt, a Christmas miracle in that. We would all like to keep those we care about around forever because of the cherished time, but the most we can really do is to show love and caring while they are here - and it sounds like you have done just that. It may not be the miracle you asked for, but it is probably the one means the most in the long run. Will keep your father in prayer. TOM "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

It's easy - speaking from experience.. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

You come to that place in life when you realize that the grains of sand are running through your hourglass, and they will do so whether you choose to return to the sport, or give it up. Your children and your wife have a life that should be well spent, but so do you. The thing is, too many kids have parents that have long ago given up on any dreams - and what we end up teaching them is how not to believe in a difficult or impractical goal. Thank god that kids are not practical. What a boring world it would be if they were. It is part of their magic, their spontaneous joy. You'll recall that great Monster.com commercial that was on last year where these 10 year old kids were all saying, "I want to work hard and get a job that is completely unrewarding." We knew more about what we wanted when we were kids than most adults do now. Yes, a parent must be responsible to their children, provide for them, keep them safe, and teach them as many good things as you can. But one of those things has to be how to not give up on a dream; and in that light, I think you're doing a good thing. Show them it can be done, and show them you care by being as safe as you can possibly be while engaging in the sport. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

If going the Naptha route, use very adequate ventilation as it is a known carcenogin - "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

A study all unto itself... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

There's training, looking at the flash cards, and discussing it - but it really hits home the first time you have significant line twists. Remaining calm and just doing what you were taught to do seems to be key, and sounds like you did that. I'd caution you though. Keep that up and you'll be a full-fledged skydiver and broke as all get-out "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

It's a nice thought, but in the paper-pushing CYA world of corporate politics, there are few willing to take the chance. A friend of mine who is an HR president told me, "If I hire someone and they turn out to be a real loser, and they are degreed, no one will blame me. But if I take a chance on someone without a degree and it doesn't work out, I'll have to answer for it." Then again, this guy's a bit of a weasel - (as I like to remind him) In my experience hiring people in the corporate world, I've seen some absolutely terrific and brilliant people come on board and run right past the folks with degrees in some cases - and I think that's because they have no distinct end to their learning to acquire a degree - they just keep at it. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Heck no! I didn't understand some of the things going on in that movie, but it was quite satisfying enough for me to sit and watch Charlize prance around in tight black spandex for an hour and a half. Who the hell needs a plot? Oh no! Don't tell me that was a movie. Here I thought I was in a relationship with her and that's just the way she dressed. Okay, now I'm bummed... "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Anyone piloting skydivers should have both a regular or even a hook knife at arms reach. In a skydiving environment, there is little excuse not to. The jumper would have been cut away in no time as it was clear from the re-enactment that the pilot did have enough reach to cut him away (and the pilot said as much in the interview afterwards) "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Oh, and can't leave out Charlize in Aeon Flux. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Caroline Munro, in the Golden Voyage of Sinbad. pic attached! "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

That's an awesome site. I downloaded and listened to the latest program with Brian Germain. It was good stuff - Thanks! "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Complete with threats of outsourcing from the boss, pizza and system bug eradication! For all you tech folks like myself Feed I.T. Guy "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

I don't usually start discussions about skydiving with Whuffos, but decided to let a friend in on my sport by send them a few pics of me in freefall, sitfly, etc. Here is the copy and pasted response I just got - no kidding: "YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MIND!?!?!?!? Really, you need to have your head examined, I am getting nausious just looking at the photos. And you call this fun? The view is spectacular, but not meant for a human being hanging around up there..............." It sort of took me back for a minute when I read this as it's pretty extreme. Granted the person writing is pretty much afraid of everything - but still? Actually it gives me some kind of sick pleasure to know that others think it's crazy - ya' know? "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

Do NOT mess around with anyone over 70. They will certainly kick your arse - Clicky "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

King Air Otter Skyvan (In that order) "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky

1)All these comments about the trouble attractive girls have because they are attractive is making me gag. This does a discredit to all women in this sport because it is to play the helpless female card, and I don't buy that. I know too many very together, attractive and terrific women to ever accept that. 2) Honestly, it's like people never have any homework. Why is it the people shift the burden onto their instructors in this sport? It is EACH person's responsibility to constantly pursue continuing education in this sport. There is no end to the lesson plans, no completion, no arrival, ever. There is always something more you can learn about the wind, the weather, technique, emergency procedures. It never stops; you never arrive. 3) Let's take responsibility for our own actions. As I mentioned in my response to the other thread, I saw Marcus Antebi's torn up feet in the Skydiving Survival Guide as he advised people to always wear shoes when jumping. Ignoring it is one thing. Saying we did not know is inexcusable. This world is crawling with information. You just have to be willing to reach out and get it - if not from an instructor, from studying text, videos, or incident forums, whatever. And even then, something may happen-the complete unforeseen. This was not one of those. Accept the situation. Don't bitch about it - learn from it and be better. No one has to know you well to understand this life-principal. All I can say is that if someone canopy collides with me and tells me later (if I live through it) that I should forgive them because they were atrractive and therefore had impaired training I am going to be really pissed. "The helicopter approaches closer than any other to fulfillment of mankind's ancient dreams of a magic carpet" - Igor Sikorsky