Free-Fallin'

About 9 months ago (judging by how long Andrea has been pregnant :) ) we visited a drop zone South of Houston to watch the intercollegiate nationals competition for skydiving.  We got to see some of the teams practicing and AF Wings of Blue was there - so Justin got to visit some of his old coaches. At that time, I thought, maybe, just maybe, I might like to give skydiving a go.  I didn't say it out loud as I thought I would think it over for awhile.  One day, I told Justin I knew what I wanted for my birthday - a tandem skydive - I think he was surprised, but excited for me to try it.  After I'd said it out loud and committed... I tried finding some other half brave/ half crazy soul to try it with me - no go.  They all had excuses like... "I'm 9 months pregnant" or "that terrifies me". While it would have been an incredible experience to share with someone (especially Justin, but he's not current to jump at the moment) - I loved every minute of my 7 - 8 minute ride from the door of that plane back to ground.

I arrived at the drop zone with no idea what to expect...  I had a 15 min video on the basics, waited 2 ½ hours, got the call I was up next, met DJ – my awesome instructor with 7000 jumps and 4000 of them tandem jumps under his belt - he'd only been thrown up on 2 times. I picked a red jump suit so they could spot me from the ground - not realizing it actually made me look like a convicted felon.  He practiced a bit with me on the ground – going over the steps we would take – and we were off.

We loaded, flew to altitude… although at about 6,000 feet I had to take a few deep breaths when I thought that we were plenty high and we were still not even half way up! We talked and joked and next thing I knew everyone was OUT of the plane and I was next. Ready, Set, Go - I jumped and I arched.  DJ did the rest...  The free fall was incredible… I still am trying to remember details and process it all. It’s like I barely remember it – I was just doing exactly what I was told. I never looked down or saw anyone else until the shoot was open. Oh, and when the shoot opened… I pulled the rip cord after a few half seconds of fumbling for it… but I PULLED IT! Then a few seconds later, I looked up and it looked kinda funny on the outsides of the parachute and I said, “Are we okay?” and I heard, “Uh, uh… now we are!” The “uh, uh” had me doing a quick double take, but the lines cleared up before I even had a chance to get worried and we were soon on our way… swooping around. I spotted the other divers who jumped with me – they were so far away! I spotted the drop zone below. DJ gave me a set of handles and we practiced pulling down… left, right and together. DJ said, “You like roller coasters?” and I said, “Yes I do!”. We did a 360 to the right and then two 360’s to the left. Flew around toward the drop zone and came in for a gentle landing. A-MAZ-ING! Proud to say, we landed on our feet! Go team!

I tried loading my video, but its too huge and I don't know how to get pieces out of it and make my own...  But here are a TON of pictures.

DJ, my instructor, giving me all the info...

Family picure and kisses before mommy jumps

Thats my plane!  There is no safer feeling that sitting in an airplane with a parachute on - you really don't care if the plane has issues!

My freefall - I loved it!  Top right picture is me reaching for the rip cord.

Weeeeeee!!!!!  Doing a 360!

A most excellent landing!

I did it!

Safe, back where I belong!

Can't wait till my next jump...  Who is coming with me???