Aieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

As if I needed more proof to my parents that I am slightly insane, this Saturday I went skydiving. That's right, I went and voluntarily jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. Hopped out at 14,000 feet and plummeted towards terra firma. I did a tandem dive, and I can't even begin to explain the feeling. I wasn't really nervous about it at all. I had mentally prepared myself. Though the plane ride itself was a little unnerving. We were sitting on the floor of this little propeller plane. Crammed in there like sardines. I was the only person on board who had never done it before, so of course the others there tried everything they could do rattle my gourd. And then the door opened and people just starting jumping out like the plane was going to be shot down. Next thing I know, we are in the doorway and it was time. The instructor that I was strapped to was at least twice my size, so I really didn't have a choice in the matter. When he said go , we went. I can't even begin to explain the thrill of freefall. I was expecting to have that feeling like being on a rollercoaster. But it was nothing like that. Just the rush of the air (which was very cold). And the parachute ride itself was totally awesome. We could see for miles, and the instructor gave me the handles and let me fly it myself. Mind you, he also had a set of controls too, so I couldn't get all kamikaze on him and go into a death spiral or anything. The landing was damn near perfect. What a rush!!

Here's a funny little sidebar. I was at diving practice on Sunday afternoon, and stood at the top of the 3 meter board asking myself what I was doing up there. And just how did I think I was going to get down. That water was going to hurt if I didn't go in the right way. I could hit the board and be paralyzed for life. I could do a bellyflop. I could go in feet first and risk damaging the family jewels. Anything could happen. Never mind the fact that not 24 hours earlier I willingly looked possible death in the eye and said 'HA! I am Tim, hear me roar!!'. I can't wait to do it again.

Now if I can just get my mother to stop trying to have me committed to a looney bin...