Happy New Year! And what an incredible way to ring it in! Skydiving over New Zealand! There were twelve of us, mostly from the cast, who decided way back when to try it. Then, it came down to the actual day. Seemed like no time had gone in between, and no time to have second thoughts. The night before, I was strangely calm. The day of, same. The other cast members said I was strangely quiet. Not sure what that means. Now that I have seen the video of the jump, I know that inside I must have been terrified, just trying not to show it.
Needless to say, I think my life has changed in a matter of minutes. What a phenomenal experience that was! The fact that I jumped, okay, was pushed, out of a plane at 12,000 feet, and then landed safely on the beach is still difficult to really find the words to do it justice. I hope the pictures help.
What was the best and worst part, you ask, Mom? The best was the part after the parachute had opened, knowing that I was not going to die. The worst? Being in the airplane at 6,000 feet, realizing that we are only halfway to our destination. Then watching the person get sucked out of the plane before me, knowing that I am next. Wow.
And now I can't wait to do it again! I know my brother Mark would totally LOVE it. Not sure about Curt or Gregory, but I am sure they could be talked into it. It really is a life-changing experience, only I can't put it into words how things have changed. Just the best way to bring in 2010. Goodness knows with all the crap that the last three or four years have brought on me, I think 2010 will be better for all of us. Enjoy the pictures.
Amy, I started singing "Fly Me To The Moon" while I was up there, in your honor... not sure why, I just thought about that mobile that hung over the crib of Gregory and played that song... maybe my life did flash by my eyes without my being aware of it. And no, i couldn't remember all the words to it then, either. Such is life at 12,000 feet!
Love and miss you all! If you didn't know, my contract has been extended, to include a 42 day Asia Cherry Blossom tour. Looking forward to that! Happy New Year!
You did it. You really did it. My mind is churning out sailor cuss words of total admiration of you. Your face was beautiful, that grin, that smirk, whatever, it was a light shining in that cockpit. You've done the one thing I never in my life thought I would do. Bravo in spades. But you already know there have been and will be changes. That's the best of all. Wait 'til I get my hands on you, and your addictive personality. Love to the tenth power,
ReplyDeleteMichael
wow is the only thing I can say..WOW! Happy New year!
ReplyDeleteOh, dear. You were really high up there. That one photo looks like a shot out of the Shuttle.
ReplyDeleteYour description was fabulous. I could just see it all as it was happening. I hope the "life change" is that the world showed you it can be an extraordinary place and no time need be wasted on those who would make it feel otherwise. Here's to the Flying Toad....I love you, Frog