Photography Friday: AFF Skydiving

Welcome to the first skydiving edition of Photography Friday.

About freaking time, right? 

I know, I've been terrible. With the beautiful weather comes skydiving, not photography. Which is precisely why I'm going to share a couple of my favorites from my adventures last weekend!

(Check me out in my jump suit and rig. w00t!)

Currently I'm in the Advanced Free Fall (AFF) training phase of student skydiving. I get to free fall between two instructors and ride down under the canopy solo. It's an exhilarating experiences to say the least.

These photos were taken by 'Danger' at Cleveland Parachute - mainly for training purposes, but they sure are pretty, too! Thanks, Dan.

(The climb out)

(Just out of the aircraft, falling between my instructors)

(Altitude check!)

(Deploying the 'chute.)

(Coming in for a smooth landing.)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you've ever considered, even for a moment, that you might want to go skydiving, you have to do it.

If you ever want to come out with me, let me know. Cleveland Parachute is the best!

Cheers!

-A

Can't get enough skydiving? Head on over to SkydiveChick.com to follow my adventures and learn more about the skydiving community.

It's WHAT day?

As I've mentioned before, I LOVE long weekends. But seriously - how on Earth is it Thursday already?

There's so much that still needs to get done. Yikes!

And I found out recently that I'll be headed back up to Michigan on Friday to help with wedding stuff. My big brother is getting married and it's a bridesmaid's duties to try on pretty dresses in the planning phase.

Okay, so there's more to it than that, but on Saturday, that's essentially what I'll be doing.

But with the short notice and my pre-planned skydiving adventures this weekend it's going to be a busy couple days. Looks like the weather is going to cooperate so if all goes as planned I should be able to head up to Michigan, do some wedding stuff, have sushi with some friends and see their new puppy - we all know that's a priority - and head back down for Sunday morning jumping at Cleveland Parachute.

It'll likely be exhausting, but totally worth it!

What do y'all have planned for this weekend?

Cheers!

-A

p.s. If you're interested in keeping up with my skydiving adventures or just want to know more about the sport and what's going on in that community, come on over to SkydiveChick.com - or follow theskydivechick on Twitter (that's me!) and check it out.

A complete blank

My mind is, at least.

The last couple days I've been thinking hard about the topic of today's post, and to be honest, I got nothin'.

Most of my weekend was spent skydiving - which I'm sure comes as no surprise - and y'all don't wanna hear the details of that, I'm sure.

But on the way in this morning I did think of something that might be of interest.

So as you might be aware I'm slightly obsessed with the Food Network and Bobby Flay. Well while I was in NYC last week a few of my colleagues and I headed out to Mesa Grill - one of Bobby's Manhattan restaurants.

I was surprised to see an item on the menu that was recently showcased in a Throwdown. It was a chile relleno. 

As you can see, the presentation was gorgeous - and the taste was even more sensational. It left me with a spicy taste in my mouth for the rest of the night.

We also indulged on his dessert sampler that consisted of 6-7 featured items on the dessert menu. Needless to say, my standard PinkBerry run was not needed this time around.

If you're ever in the NYC area, check out Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill. You won't be disappointed.

Cheers!

-A

The Three Day Weekend

(Editor's Note: with my 200th post I tried switching it up a bit and discussing a topic that's a little more serious. Well, with a whopping ZERO comments we can see how well that went over. So, it's back to talking about me I guess.)

Gotta love a good three day weekend!

With Memorial Day right around the corner I have decided to add to this lovely extended weekend by extending it just a little longer - yep, I took Tuesday off, too. w00t!

Normally I'd have something great planned for these four days, but to be honest, with my busy business travel schedule as of late I'm excited to have a little down time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely without plans. 

Tomorrow morning I have to get up early to head down to Cleveland Parachute for a little ground school and a couple of jumps.

These are the first two solo jumps toward my license. And I couldn't be more excited about it. Though I am a little nervous - going out on my own. But what's life without a little challenge, right?

The rest of the weekend is going to consist of relaxing, catching up on my reading, meeting up with some girlfriends and doing some much needed spring cleaning around the apartment. There are clothes in bins that I've had stashed away for way too long now.

Anyone know of any good second-hand stores?

Tuesday tentatively is reserved for a 'chute packing class. Girl's gotta learn sometime, right?

So tell me dear readers, what are you doing with your long weekend?

Cheers!

-A

Age 12 is just too young for that!

I just want to start this off by saying that this is my 200th post. And tomorrow is my 25th birthday. This week is just filled with crazy milestones. Where the heck has the time gone? Thanks for sticking around!

There's been a lot of hype in the news and in blogs about the sexting craze that seems to be happening among teens - talking dirty via text, and whatnot.

This is something that parents are all in a tizzy about, but I'm starting to think they are missing the bigger picture here.

I've heard stories from my friends who have siblings still in high school about conversations they overhear between these teenagers about "getting laid" last night or giving a "BJ" in a janitors closet.

One of my teacher friends has even walked into a middle school bathroom to find two students having sex in a stall. We're talking middle school here people!

I didn't even understand the mechanics of sex at that age, let alone how to have it standing up, balanced between a mop and a floor waxer. My excitement consisted of waiting for the bell to ring and dismiss us from class so I could walk by my crush at his locker and pass him the note I wrote him in study hall.

"Will you go out with me? Circle yes or no." And no, "out" did not mean to the girls bathroom to hump it out.

Okay, so my lame past is totally not the point.

This behavior is definitely something that won't be remedied by taking away your teenager's (or pre-teen, as the case with middle schoolers) cell phone. There's definitely a deeper issue here.

I've always believed that kids should be properly educated about sex. Now I'm not just talking about preaching abstinence and showing grody pictures of STIs to scare kids out of having sex. No, what the public school system really needs to do is discuss the options - maybe then we wouldn't have so many "oops" situations on our hands.

(Editor's Note: I've heard that some schools are educating on contraceptive options, but where I grew up, in podunk Michigan, they did not.)

It seems like texting is the ICQ of our days - please tell me I'm not the only nerd who used this technology. Best IM ever!

Anywhosits. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe it is all about the sexting, and if we take away the cell phones the rest of the behavior will stop too. 

But I tend to think that kids these days (I'm sounding older already) are starting down the path of finding their sexuality a lot sooner than we ever imagined doing. 

With all the crazy MTV shows that portray drinking and drugs and sex as glamorous, who could blame them right? So maybe, let's take away all technology and kick the kids of today outside for some fresh air - after all, that's what our parents did to us, right?

What are your thoughts on the teen sexting issue?

Cheers!

-A

It's already a quarter over!

My life, that is.

This week I turn 25. Ugh, just looking at that statement makes me throw up in my mouth a little. What the hell happened to "the best years of my life" or whatever?

Rather than dwell on the fact that I'm now an adult - with the ability to rent a car at standard pricing - I've decided to make some changes and set some goals for myself along the way.

Sort of like New Year's Resolutions for the 25th year of life, if you will. I'll be damned if the quarter-life crisis is going to overtake this girl. *insert double thumb point in my direction*

It's time now to take a look at the direction I'm heading and make the necessary alterations. After all, I really only have 5 more good years in me before things stop functioning properly.

Hello adult diapers!

I kid, I kid.

But by the time 30 hits I'd like to have accomplished a lot and be well on my way to having the life I've always dreamed.

Like, for instance, focusing my attention on the people in my life. I've spent the majority of the last three years focusing solely on my career - and the four years before that on getting a career, and the four years before that getting into school so I can get a career...you get the point.

Now, with the addition of the SO and his wonderful family, planned trips with the old college crew, my brother getting married to the love of his life, and my beyond supportive friends and family who have seen me through moves across the country and back - and are still in my life, mind you - it's about time I threw a little of my positive energy in their direction.

The older I get the more I realize just how important the people who support you are to your success. It's true that I'm not going to be lying on my death bed wishing I spent more time working. Thank heaven for my employers encouragement of a work/life balance.

Here are a few other goals I intend to accomplish in my 25th year of life:

1) Run a 1/2 marathon. I've been saying it for the last few years and have been hindered by injuries every time. I think I've got the training figured out - now it's time to follow through. Chicago, here I come!

2) Get my skydiving license. I'm going for my A by the end of the summer. Then I can jump anywhere I travel. Maybe my B license by 26?

(I dream of one day being on a team like this)

3) Take on a new challenge at work. I need something to get me out of my comfort zone, that's where I grow the most. I will find this project.

4) Get my finances in order. Lately, I've been a whole lot of talk and not a lot of action on this front. And with my rather expensive hobbies saving hasn't been easy. To be out of debt and living comfortably by 26 is the goal.

5) Read a book every month. This might be a long shot, but I really want to get back into my reading habit. 

6) Focus on my health. This is the time to get and stay healthy. It won't always be this easy.

 

I'm sure there are more, but that's a good start, and I've got a couple more days to lay out all these goals.

So tell me dear readers, what are some of your goals for the next year?

Cheers!

-A

Little bit of everything

Today feels pretty random, so here's a random mess of stuff about today.

I'm currently in love with:

-Anberlin. I can't get enough of their music. Especially from the Cities album.

-The West Side Market. This has become a regular Saturday morning venue.

-Skydiving. But I'm sure y'all know that by now. Solo jump on Saturday!

-The Tweetie iPhone application. I often update from my phone even when TweetDeck is right in front of my face.

-The SouperMarket. Not only some of the best soup on the planet, but they have fabulous salads, too. My favorite is the Tomato Ginger with a Market Greens salad. There's one in Ohio City and Lakewood. Score!

Confessions:

-I often read my horoscope. Today's is spot on as it addresses my desire for change. It suggested wearing lavender eye shadow today. So I did. That's slightly embarrassing.

-When SmartWater is on sale I buy it because I think it tastes better than any other water - even though deep down I know it's from a tap somewhere.

-I cheated on my vegetarianism this weekend with lots of meat and cheese. And honestly, it wasn't that satisfying.

-Most everyone I know thinks I have no brain to mouth filter. In reality, there's a lot I consciously don't say.

-Ice cream makes my stomach hurt, but I eat it anyway because I love it so much.

-Mornings are extremely productive for me, but if I were you, I'd never, ever talk to me before I have two cups of coffee.

-I've had to start wearing my glasses at work. I think my computer is ruining my vision.

I wish...

-...I had the money to visit Dallas every couple months. I miss my friends.

-...there were more hours in the day so I could have more time to be lazy. (That should probably be in the confessions section, eh?)

-...I could see my dad every day.

-...there wasn't so much clutter. It feels like I'm always cleaning.

-...I wasn't turning 25 this week.

-...someone was watching over my finances, making sure I could stick to my budget.

I'm excited for:

-Dinner at Mesa Grill on Wednesday.

-Finishing ground school so I can solo jump this weekend.

-Visiting my family at home this summer.

-NHL playoffs. My 'Wings have a good shot at the cup again this year!

What are some of your random tidbits this morning?

Cheers!

-A

And of course - we can't forget the random comic of the day. In honor of Monday - Dilbert!

Sleep is underrated

Seriously underrated.

When I was a Dallasite and, let's just be honest here, my personal life borderline sucked, I would get a full eight hours every night - after a solid workout and a couple chapters from a good book.

Sounds nice, right? Well after the 80th consecutive day it gets a little monotonous, trust me.

This is so not the point.

Lately sleep has taken a back seat in my life. Between work, running, skydiving, spending time with the SO, NHL playoffs (which are WAY more important than the NBA playoffs, in my book) and trying to keep up with chores at home, there isn't enough time to get even 6 hours, let alone a full eight.

This week it caught up with me as I passed out in the middle of a DVR'd episode of Gossip Girl, face down on the arm rest of the couch, at which point the SO carried my sorry ass to bed and recaptured the remote to fill his weekly 24 fix.

Looks like I just revealed another guilty pleasure of mine. Oh shut it. You like Gossip Girl too, just admit it!

Then last night, I made plans to head to the gym and wrap up some chores that I've been slacking on all week. I was determined! That is, until I ate a pre-run bagel that put me into a near coma on the couch - only to realize what happened when I awoke to a phone call two hours later.

Needless to say my apartment is still a disaster and my thighs aren't getting any smaller on this carbo-load / nap combination. But I do have to admit that the sleep was needed and I felt pretty amazing after. And I was able to knock out a few chores post-nap so all was not lost.

But I got to thinking this morning, as I got out of bed feeling more refreshed than I have in weeks, this whole sleep thing is way underrated.

I've always stuck to the belief that I'm a bad napper - once I drift off to dreamland it's over, I'm dead to the world for hours. Power naps have never been my specialty, and I've never been good at waking up.

This is something that can be learned, right?

I mean, all it takes is a good nap and I'm rejuvenated and ready to kick some ass - figuratively, of course. Any of y'all who know me in real life are well aware that I'm not kicking anyones ass, ever.

So maybe, instead of giving the SO a bunch of crap the next time he suggests a power nap, I should shut up and surrender to the blissful sleep that's calling my name. After all, a little nap never hurt anyone, right?

In need of a change

There are two types of people in this world:

1) The ones who fear change and,

2) The ones who embrace it.

I fall into the latter category. Not only do I embrace change, I thrive on it. 

In fact, without frequent change I get bored and uninspired and restless. So for me, change is more of a need than anything else.

Yep, change is an addiction.

Is there some sort of support group for this? Probably not, eh? With people like me we'd get bored with those supporters way too quickly.

Anywhosits.....I've found that with regular change, I tend to operate at optimal performance levels.

Why this is has remained a mystery to me, but the more frequent change occurs the happier I am. And the larger the change, the more productive I am.

Stupid, right? Maybe it's this constant need to adapt new technologies that my generation feels that's driving my desire for something different every day. It's a good thing I'm in marketing - we're always up to something new every day.

Even still, it's not enough. I've found that I seek out opportunities for change - from small things like new workouts that are bound to encourage soreness the next day to more substantial changes like moving across the country. 

For the last two years I've lived and worked within a 5 mile radius. Just reading over that sentence makes me shudder a little. You might as well have told me I've been locked in a padded room - it's essentially the same for this adventure-driven girl.

I've settled for minor changes like becoming a brunette and slowly blonding (yes, that's a word, I just made it one) back again, picking up new hobbies like rock cli

mbing and skydiving, eating at new restaurants every chance I get (lucky for me the Cleve is filled with awesome restaurants), and even dabbling in the cooking arena myself.

But lately I've been in a rut and I'm starting to feel the change itch coming on.

This is where you come in. I need HELP. Desperately. 

How do I fulfill this need for change without doing something drastic?

So tell me dear readers, how do you satisfy your need for change? What have you done differently that you've enjoyed?

Cheers!

-A

p.s. As promised - here's my value add for the day. Inspired by one of my favorites, Anna's daily read, Pearls Before Swine.

Whoa that's hot!

LIAR!

My pants are on fire, but just a little bit. Hey, I never said it was going to be a long break. 

What can I say, I couldn't stay away! Blogging is just too much a part of me to give it up for very long; even if I don't really have anything interesting to say.

I'm still wondering how I bring value in to y'alls lives, cuz it's certainly not my brains or my wit.

Maybe I'll start posting a comic strip every day. That's valuable, right?

Growing up I loved Garfield. Okay, so it was more of an obsession.

I still miss the days where I sat in the living room before school, eating my cereal and watching Garfield and Friends.

Oh that Jim Davis, he gets me every time.

But I never did get into the Garfield movies - they just weren't the same.

These days, I'm a big fan of Dilbert. My friend and colleague Luke Armour often shares these with me. Definitely makes my day.

The SO is a big fan of Calvin & Hobbes. HA!

It is pretty cool that he's from Chagrin Falls, OH. Gotta love a good Cleveland shout out every now and again. It does explain why the comic takes place in the winter for 9 months of the year.

So tell me dear readers, what's your favorite comic of choice? Who knows, it may just appear in an upcoming blog post.

Cheers!

-A

Break time

It's become obvious that a little time away is needed.

Things just aren't operating as smoothly as they should. It's mostly my fault - too much time is being focused here when it should be devoted to other aspects of my life that, frankly, have been neglected as of late.

A little time off is definitely what is needed right now. In the end, it's a benefit to all of us.

It's important for you to miss me, to be happy to hear from me, to crave what you're missing when I'm not around.

Right now, that's not the case. 

Maybe it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate; to take a look at our options. Is this going where we want it to? Are we benefitting from the current path we're on? Or is a change of course in order?

All things that have crossed my mind from time to time, though there hasn't been sufficient time to work through these thoughts.

I used to get caught up in life, now I'm absorbed in this whole new world and maybe I'm missing out, maybe I should be approaching this differently. There are endless opportunities, so many paths to choose from - am I headed down the right one? Or is there a better option, one that is beneficial to me, to you?

Yep, re-evaluation is in order. Time to take a step back and really look at what I want from all this. Just as importantly, probably even more so, what is it that you want from me? 

Am I giving you everything you could hope for? Are there things that are missing? I hope you use this time to think about that, too, and give me constructive feedback so I can be the best you've ever had. I want you to want me.

Yep...I'm singing that in my head now, too.

Knowing me, I won't be able to stay away long. But hopefully, in the time I do take, I'll have an opportunity to figure everything out, and come back stronger than ever.

But just know, I'm still here. You know where to find me, if you miss me too much.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. 

You're the best.

-A

Hard work? What's that?

This morning on the way into work I was listening to what is typically a mind-numbing morning show that forces me to turn to my CD player in disgust and listen to REMs Greatest Hits, again.

For some reason, I continue giving these Cleveland morning shows a chance - after Bob and Tom got replaced by Rover my morning commute just hasn't been the same...or nearly as funny. Regardless, today's show did more than make me feel dumber for listening, and I'm glad I tuned in.

The hosts were discussing a recent issue they had with management regarding the cancellation of an anticipated event and the ensuing action that was taken to resolve this issue.

What happened, you ask? Well, I'm getting there - hold your horses.

That's the first time I've ever written out that statement, and now I'm not so sure I understand...

Rather than resting on his laurels, like most people might expect a morning show host to do, he took action, used his brain, came up with some ideas, presented them to management and BOOM, they're back in business; event un-cancelled.

With a little hard work, brain power and creativity they came up with a solution that benefited everyone.

So, what's the point?

Well, most who are reading this right now probably don't get what the big deal is because y'all are hard-working professionals who bust ass everyday to complete work that you're proud of and to have a flourishing career...or maybe just to pay the bills, whatever.

But there are so many people out there who aren't willing to put in that kind of effort, who will do just about anything to avoid doing real work. We'll call this type Lazy Man (LM).

With news like this, the LM would have said, "oh well, that's just the way it is." Or even worse, would have been happy because now he doesn't have to put in the work to pull off an event.

People like this piss me off.

I've encountered too many of them in my short career so far. LM pawns off the hard work, or comes to a roadblock and says that it just can't be done. And this happens at every level, too. From the receptionists and administrative assistants, to interns and entry level employees, all the way up the food chain to the executives.

What gets me the most is when people are not terminated because of this. Laziness is not in your job description, people!

Though I've found that the interns and entry level folks who do this don't last long - at least not in my industry. But that's not the point, now is it?

There are just too many good people out there looking for work, especially in these times, for people to be able to get away with hard work avoidance. The market is flooded with smart, hard-working individuals who are willing to bust their booties for a company - at way less than market value, I'm sure - and yet the LMs of the world are still employed.

WHY?!

So as much crap as I give these morning-show hosts about the daily mind-numbing topics they often discuss, at least they're working hard to keep their careers afloat. And in looking at it, with all the lazy, unthinking people out there, the content of these morning shows caters perfectly to the general public.

All I have to say is this - no one is going to do it for you, people. It's time to get off your ass and take your career into you own hands. For those who don't really care about this path, please, I'm begging you, at least do something to benefit the rest of us. No one likes a waste of space - especially in the office.

Stepping down from my soap box....now.

Thank you.

-A

Quiz or obsession?

I have a confession to make.

You know those little quizzes that seem to be popping up by the minute in your Facebook news feed?

Secretly, I love them. And no, it's not because I give a crap about your answers...kidding, you know I love you... But I complete them every time I see a new one that catches my eye.

Though I never, ever have them published - just so no one knows my little secret. Until now that is.

I'm not sure what it is about these things, but they are just so much fun. In high school I was always the girl who would get those really long e-mail surveys, fill them out with gusto and forward on to all my friends. It was an obsession, to say the least.

And now, Facebook isn't helping my need to find out stupid personality quirks based on questions like: what's your favorite Jelly Belly flavor? It's tutti-frutti in case you were wondering.

Anywhooo...

Given that I've never made these public, I thought this might be the perfect venue for sharing. So without further adieu, here is my personality according to Facebook.

Q: What breed of dog are you?
A: Golden Retriever

You are fun, loving and kind to others. You are very outgoing and love to meet new people. You are a faithful friend and sympathetic and understanding of others and their needs. You can be full of energy, but know how to relax and take it easy as well. You thrive when you are around the people that you love. You are golden in both personality and heart. You are something special, so don't stop being who you are!

And this is totally one of my favorite breeds ever.

Q: What color is your heart? (who comes up with this crap?)
A:Violet

The Violet Heart is resourceful, thorough, dependable, responsible, loyal, patient, placid, stable, sensual, affectionate, comfortable, solid, earthy, strong, money-oriented, practical, productive, cautious, musical, and artistic. They can also sometimes be stubborn, indulgent, insecure, acquisitive, possessive, rigid, stodgy and slow.

I dunno about the slow part, but I'm definitely stubborn and indulgent!

Q: How Texan are you?
A: A little bit Texas

The whole not owning a gun thing definitely set me back on this scale. But there's so much more to being a Texan at heart.



Q: What Periodic Element are you?
A: Iron

You are strong in character, emotions, ethics and physically. People who know you believe you are reliable and steady. You say what you mean and you will follow through with it because you weighed the positives and negatives of the commitment before you even said yes. Life may though difficulties your way but you are able to cope with them because of your strength.

Iron seemed scary at first, but I like what it's got to say.

Q: What Hills character are you?
A: Whitney Port

I'm not a regular watcher, is this good?

What Facebook quizzes have you taken lately? Oh c'mon, fess up. You know you have!

Cheers!

-A