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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
I'm still here! I've experienced two death defying experiences since my last appearances a few wks ago.
The first, was adopting the Newfoundland/Old English Sheepdog Mix. What was I thinking?? The humongous dog who has no manners and runs at me with such exhuberance, I feel my life flashing before me when she runs at me full speed. At times when I wasn't quick enough to hide behind my car,trees or other large object I felt like I was being hit by a large truck. No regrets, but I now understand why the shaggy haired Monster was adopted, returned twice and why the towns people where she roamed for 2 years threatened to shoot her. Not that I understand that part but she does bring terror in the heart when her large body is charging at full speed. Even my two other dogs, an Old English Sheepdog and Pitbull/Mastiff get out of way when she runs. However, she's a sweetheart and so slowly I am learning to adjust as she is learning the rules not to jump on me. I've also learned to let her run first before letting the other two dogs out and only one at a time. She wears us all out. She was considered underweight at 105 pounds (same weight as me) but has now put on a few more pounds and is expected to grow to aprox 150 pounds.Oh joy! Hopefully by then she learns more manners. Ironically, once a leash is put on her she becomes a well behaved dog. After adopting Sally and seeing my life pass before my eyes I felt I could tackle other death defying moments. I went skydiving and jumped out of a plane at 11,000 feet and lived to tell the tale!! It was such an amazing experience!!! I'm hooked. I know I've read other Café members skydive. Would love to hear of your experience and of course I always look forward to hearing of dog adoption stories. Cheers! |
Mary Mowder Inner circle Sacramento / Elk Grove, CA 3659 Posts |
Glad you're OK Chrystal.
What would happen to your animals if You got hurt Skydiving? What would happen to you? "Look a mortgage in the face for thirty years. You sky-diving wimps". Roseanne Barr There are plenty of non-life threatening challenges (like pulling a DL in front of Card geeks). Seriously, be safe. -Mary Mowder |
lunatik Inner circle 3222 Posts |
Good on you for adopting a challenging dog, I'm more than sure that you will enjoy all of the love this dog has for doing so
As for skydiving, it seems like it would be a great adrenaline rush but I just have a problem jumping out of a perfectly good plane! I guess in reality if it was going down, most wouldn't be able to get out of it due to the G Forces. I'll stick to jumping out of bed for now lol
"Don't let your Dreams become Fantasies"
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Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
11k is a pretty high dive- see if someone else has you insured! Your topic title reminded my of the book by Steve Reeves... or at least as best I can remember. Glad you enjoyed your gutsy fall...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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Daryl -the other brother Special user Chicago 594 Posts |
Hi Chrystal. First of all Congratulations on the adoption. I'm sure Sally will calm down (some) as she gets used to her new family. In the mean time, eat a lot of pasta, and bulk up!
Quote:
On Oct 8, 2014, Chrystal wrote: YOU GO GIRL!!! I'M PROUD OF YOU!!! I assume you did a tandem jump (harnessed to your instructor). Remember when you got to altitude, someone yelled "DOOR" and you felt that rush of air as the door opened up? Remember kneeling in the doorway and looking down 11,000 ft to the earth below? Remember the thrill when you leaned forward, exiting the plane and entered God's playground? Remember the peace and quiet of being under parachute and soaring among the clouds? Remember the pride and accomplishment you felt when you safely landed ? Of course you do and you will carry those memories for the rest of your life. My first jump was almost 20 years ago and I remember those feelings like it was yesterday. And now, no matter how far you want to go with the sport, you have already done the hardest part. Once you do that first jump, it's all downhill from there! My wife and I did our first tandem on my 40th birthday, Halloween 1995. We both loved it so much we signed up for the advanced freefall course and became licensed skydivers the following year. Over the next 5 years we were not only regular jumpers, we were part of the skydiving family at our local dropzone. On Sept. 11th 2001 our airport closed down (along with every other airport in the country) and the drop zone never again reopened it's doors. I was 3 jumps away from 250. Again Congratulations on your first skydive. Your now one of the few that can look up into the sky and see it from a whole different perspective. |
Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Thanks everyone for the comments.
I never had a moments hesitation when the door opened and I had to jump. For me it was a dream come true since I was 14 and so I had a big goofy smile on my face. All caught on camera by another diver with a camera. I paid for the gold package ,meaning all the bells and whistles to have it caught on film from all angles and a professionally made vid complete with techno music which I can show to family and friends. The part where I jump out was shown twice - once in slow motion which is kinda cool as I never made OMG what am I doing face! I was beaming throughout. Finally following one of my dreams on my bucket list. I have backup with the animals should something happen to me and I had good insurance - ha ha. Although never once did that thought cross my mind. I researched the school and found it had the rep of having the safest record. It was even used on an Amazing Race episode. Daryl, you got those feelings bang on! I was interviewed before and after and I said the exact thing you mentioned! The first thrill of when the door opened- I was seated right next to the door so had several moments to glance down before getting into position. The thrill of jumping into the clouds, the wind...oh the wind and flying through the air was awesome! Then the total peace and utter quiet when the chute opens and slowly descends and you float down. I hope one day you can go again. It's been only a few days since I went and I can relive those moments over and over. The weather was beautiful, sun was out and it wasn't cold at all. Sally, the Monster dog on the other hand, has given me some moments of fear. I did bring one of the dogs to meet her and all went well. I was told she was "good with small animals" but that statement means she views them as a food source. My dogs protect all the small animals in the sanctuary so they've (the dogs) had some altercations (butt nipping) and lots of barking but nothing serious. That was what I feared most, that she would chase one of the smaller animals and my dogs would fight to protect them. I really worried about having to break up a fight with giant dogs. I wore heavy gloves for days until I saw that she is learning they are part of the pack. I'm so glad she's part of the pack as well. Enough rambling - thanks again for the comments! |
mastermindreader 1949 - 2017 Seattle, WA 12586 Posts |
Good for you, Chrystal!
But, personally, I never understood why anyone would want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane that still had fuel and no mechanical issues. |
tommy Eternal Order Devil's Island 16544 Posts |
Well done! It sounds and looks cool but very scary. Great thhrill I imagine. I was in the air cadets as a kid and did few things, gliging etc, but we never got to jump.
If there is a single truth about Magic, it is that nothing on earth so efficiently evades it.
Tommy |
imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
I hurt myself during patachute training in the Air Force (rigging harness, mock jumps, how to release, etc) to the point I never had a desire to try an actual jump. But admire those that do. Good on ya!
And good luck with Sally. Your Patience, attention, and love will bring her around. I was walking out little 8 pound mutt in park other day when ran into neighbors with 8 month Newfie (a mere 90 pounds!). She jumped up on me and almost knocked me down. We thought we'd let the dogs say hello so I let mine off leash. He's a spry little guy we rescued from a farm in Kansas where he ran with big dogs. So he thinks he's big. Well he takes off running, and being small and white, he looks like a rabbit running. The Newfie took off after him. We all had a moment of apprehension thinking what'll happen if she catches him. Fortunately our little guy can cut corners like crazy and she never did catch him. But I was surprised how much playful energy Newfies have for being such big dogs. Keep at her and y'all do fine.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
I've really enjoyed hearing about your skydiving experience, Imgic. I also enjoyed hearing about your adventures with your little canine and his big friend.
Tommy, I hope you someday get the chance - never too late if that's what you desire. Mastermindreader- good one! Here's Sally and Merlin. https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/h......57428d2c |
imgic Inner circle Moved back to Midwest to see 1336 Posts |
Some good looking pups.
"Imagination is more important than knowledge."
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ringmaster Inner circle Memphis, Down in Dixie 1974 Posts |
Quote:
On Oct 11, 2014, imgic wrote: Some good lookin' skydiver.
One of the last living 10-in-one performers. I wanted to be in show business the worst way, and that was it.
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Thanks Imgic and Ringmaster.
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