New Designs are HERE!

Check out my latest designs! 3 Ring Necklace now features woven designs in both leather and even hemp. Knot Crazy is making a debut too.

Of course, any design can be custom made to suit your individual tastes. All designs are available in animal-friendly materials too! Blue skies!!!!

GOALS for 2010!

Resolutions anyone? For me, I don't make New Years resolutions. I make GOALS. Last year, my goals were to:
1) lower my body fat percentage
2) become a tandem and an AFF instructor
3) run a 5K
4) fly camera

I have achieved all of those goals when I:
1) lost 10 pounds
2) got both of my instructor ratings
3) ran in three 5Ks
4) fly camera when I'm not throwing drogues

This year, my goals are:
1) scuba trip (I already have my open water cert)
2) wind tunnel trip (Skyventure in Denver)
3) boogie trip (TBD)
4) run a 10K

I plan on making a trip to a boogie to sell some necklaces, make new friends, do some jumps, and celebrate the good times. I'm not sure where or when the trip will take place, but it is certainly going to be this year (how vague is that?!). I'd also like to get some more tunnel time and make some jumps in Colorado.

All the best for your 2010 goals!!

Facebook Profile

I just created a Facebook Profile for 3 Ring Necklace~ Become a Fan today!!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/3-Ring-Necklace/204810590215?v=info#/pages/3-Ring-Necklace/204810590215?ref=mf

Check it out! If you already have a 3 Ring Necklace, take a picture and send it to me so I can post it on our new Facebook page. Email pics to 3ringnecklace@gmail.com

I'm back!!!

It's been a couple of months, and I have been working hard to get my elbow back in the game. After much physical therapy and even some minor setbacks, I am back doing tandems. I even took a guy who is 250 pounds yesterday. I only took him because the winds were 25 mph. I told him, "You came to the dropzone on the right day because any other day I would not take you!" I made sure the harness fit him right, and emphasized arching on exit and symmetry in freefall. I took extra care talking to him the entire ride up to keep him calm and relaxed. He ended up doing an excellent job and had a really great time!

I have even accomplished a major goal of mine- I got my AFF instructors rating!!!!!!!!!! It was an extremely nerve-wracking, challenging, rewarding experience. But I knew it was something that I could accomplish and there was no reason why I couldn't do it. I have yet to do a real AFF jump, but I'm sure I will get to one soon. Next stop on this crazy train, who knows? Pro rating (yeah right)? Rigger's ticket (hmmmm....maybe)? Instructor examiner (a real possibility but very far down the road yet)?

The holidays are coming and a 3 Ring Necklace would be a perfect gift for the skydiver who has everything- or nothing- it's a perfect gift for anyone! They are custom-designed and handmade. Match your rig colors or have no beads at all. Place your order now to have it in plenty of time for putting under the tree (or menorah, whatever).

I got an ouchie

Ok, so I screwed up a little bit. Two weeks ago, I dislocated my elbow on a tandem landing. I did it to prevent my student from being injured. My student walked away injury-free, while I was taken to the ER, put under sedation, and it was popped back in. Each day my elbow gets better and better. I still can't jump, but I'll be back in the game in no time.

Brandon and I went to The Deadman's Boogie at Skydive Temple over the Labor Day weekend. Because I couldn't jump, I sold necklaces instead. I met a lot of great people (Hi Roger, Fanny, and Ryan!) along the way too. Sure I was bummed because I couldn't jump, especially because I missed opportunities to jump with new people, and jump out of an Otter (I've been jumping Cessna 182s for a year now). But I don't regret my decision and I know that this setback does not make me a bad instructor. I look forward to my next skydive (probably a hop and pop), which will probably be in about 3 or 4 weeks. Blue skies everybody- and stay safe!

Gotta love this Texas heat!!!

I now have over 75 tandems, all out of a Cessna 182 in the Texas heat. Yes folks, it has been a hot summer with many days in the 100s. But I have been toughing it out- still staying postive and energetic towards my students. I make a conscious effort to make them feel relaxed and upbeat. When my students are hooked up to me, I can have a better feel for their breathing patterns (are they breathing fast and shallow? Are they breathing up in their shoulders and chest?) and muscle tension (are they stiff or lose?). It gives me a good idea how nervous they are. Students that are too nervous = not arching in freefall. I don't want them to take me for a ride and I want them to have a good time. By reading their behavior, asking them how they are feeling, answering their questions, and explaining what is going on will make for an easier freefall and a fun experience. I even took a student who was 216 lbs last weekend! He was no problem because he was so relaxed in the plane.

Lately, I've had to almost "defend" my credentials because students and wuffos ask me things like, "You've done this before right?" It's so funny when they ask questions such as, "When we exit, am I going to me hooked up to you?" I love it when they give me that look, "You're my tandem instructor?" Being a tandem instructor is very empowering!

My work at the gym has paid off. I have been getting a lot more upper body strength and it shows. I can flare by myself on a more consistent basis, and steering is a lot easier too. I'm landing closer to the pea pit more often, and I'm having more stand up landings too.

I did it!!!

I got my tandem rating!! Yahoo! After busting my ass in the gym 8-10 a week, I finally am able to flare. I even consistently landed near the catchers. My biggest concern is my position in the door, but that will get better over time. I haven't taken any students yet, but I'm sure that is when the REAL learning begins. I'm very nervous and excited! I'm guessing this summer is going to be filled with tandems and video flying. Sounds like a summer of fun to me!