One thing you want to do and what's keeping you from doing it?
 

I want to skydive again. I've done it twice on my own (static line). I was terrified beyond belief but I absolutely loved it - fabulous experience that was unlike any other.

what's keeping me from repeating - the stress! My MS is so quiet, I'm afraid to wake it up. That includes: skydiving, roller coasters, and having a kid!

What would you like to do and why aren't you doing it? (ie, what can we do to convince you to go for it ;) )

I guess this doesn't count because I DID do it. I had been a very avid fan of roller coasters and just didn't have the confidence after my dx. This summer we went to a local theme park, Holiday World. One might say since it is local that the roller coaster would be small. Holiday World has international honors for thier roller coasters and the park in general. They have three different levels of their wooden roller coasters. My daughter suggested I start out with the smaller one since it's been so many years. But the longer I sat and looked at the biggest one, the more I wanted to do it. It was so much FUN.

Yes, sky diving would be next on my list. I also wanted to snorkel but I tried it and freaked out trying to have that mouth piece in and breathe through it. Oh, a hot air baloon!!!!!!! I wish I were rich.

One thing I have always wanted to do and don't know how to do it is to see the inside of one those big truck rigs! I would just love to see their sleeping and living quarters. But what am i supposed to do, go up to a trucker at a rest stop on I 64 and ask him to show me where he sleeps!

Maybe this was more than you asked for here. Maybe you just wanted one thing!

Okay. I had a thoughtful reply all put together and you messed it all up on me, Doydie! LMAO!!!!! Just look for a dealer, dippy! Still LOL! I've seen a couple via friends' jobs and it was a rude awakening... a powerful reminder of how glad I am to be single! LOL!!!!!

I love roller coasters so much that even though I know I will suffer for half an hour after they hoist me out, I just have to do it!

Gret, what a thought-provoking question. Have you been in the FB again?

It's funny because as you know, I have been in a race against time and this disease for the last few years. I have put the bulk of my energy and resources into doing everything I ever wanted or hoped to do. I've had some feelings of reluctance over my roadtrip this fall knowing that it's probably my last one. I think for me, the majority of my struggles are now the kind from within. I think I've done most everything; I need to make peace with myself over the changes that are beyond my control, and the ones that I need to make, but don't want to face.

Gret, please believe me when I tell you that "wishIhadda's" seriously suck and regret lasts forever.

Dear Abby was really quite wise. Some guy asked her one time . . .

"I'm 35, and always wanted to be a doctor, but if I start now, I'll be 42 by the time I get my credentials".

She replied:

"You'll be 42 in 7 yrs anyway." "If you go for it now, you'll be 42 with credentials, not 42 without . . ."

I do everything that I want and can afford to do. In fact I do some things that I can't afford. :D I do weigh up the risks, and put a safety net in place before I do it though.

For instance, if you want to have kids (I did, with MS, 15 & 11 yrs ago), make sure you have a good support network first. If you don't, then it's not worth the risk, no doubt.

I don't do anything that might jar my spine, only because I pay for it later. I've learned that lesson. :rolleyes:

I avoid stress, but pick my battles. If it's worth it to me, I go for it. I try to make sure I have nothing else going on at the same time though. Like last year, I wanted to meet some people I'd talked to on the boards, and the original plan was for June. Things started getting tense around that time, so I cancelled. I ended up going in September instead.

Calculate the risks, build in a safety net . . . then JUST DO IT!

Cherie

Greta

Skydiving is something I want to do as well. The only thing keeping me from doing it is that other person that lives in my house. So, when you come out here to visit, lets do it. There is a great sky diving place not far from my house, so close I can watch them, and I know I great jumpmaster!

I've done the roller coasters and love them.

Hot Air Balloons! I love them. I used to be scared to death of them as I have this deathly fear of heights. I was ok as long as I didn't look up. I went twice. And I'd go again in a heartbeat! It was so much fun. We went skipping on the water and ended up landing in a neighborhood the first time. The second time we landed in an open lot. It was during the Boise River Festival and there were about 50 balloons up at the same time.

As some of you know, not much stops me and I do pay the price. But sometimes it's worth it. The only thing that I can't do now is fly solo. And that's because I am lazy and don't want to battle with the FAA medical guys. No need. I do miss it sometimes because it was my escape - flying. But I have found that I love my landscaping and it is almost as satisfying....almost.

I love the quote from Ann Landers, Cherie. And I followed that a few years ago when I went back to school to finally finish my Bachelor's Degree. Right now I am seriously considering going to law school. I have one obstacle. Working on removing that one.

Good question!

That's hilarious because I've always wanted to see the same thing but you are so right! You can't exactly go up and ask to see their rig. I bet they have hottubs in there!:wink:

Um..No, I mean yes, I mean it's Kendall Jackson and I had to go through a lot to get this wine! Suffice it to say it included a small furry pug getting locked in the car at the liquor store...)

I love your roadtrip stories - I think of all the wonderful adventures you've had and it makes me smile. I actually don't really have any regrets, this was more of a curious question designed to let me see what people really want to do/what interests them. Sneaky, huh? I've already skydived so doing it again would just be a bonus, I don't really miss the roller coasters, and you know about my work around for having a kid - in the end, it's all good and it's what I truly want. I do overcompensate I think. I worry that I won't be able to do something in the future, so I push myself to do everything that interests me now.

cherie - I too loved this column. I remember coming back to it when I was trying to decide if I wanted to apply to PT school. It took me a long time to understand this, but when I finally did, I was good with it (and it made me realize that I didn't want to give up the next 3 years of my life to pursue it, no matter how much I wanted to be a PT). It wasn't the time it would take, it was the loss of it and the impact to my family that sealed my decision. Very freeing.

Silly girl, now why would you want to jump out of a "perfectly good airplane"!?

I guess we can go, as long as you aren't the pilot as well. Remind me to tell you of my first jump. I think the pilot thought he was going to have to land with me hanging off the strut. Much to my dismay, I learned that you don't actually "jump". You have to climb out onto this little step while holding the strut and then let go. Ack. I think I need another glass of wine now. You do have yourself a deal though.:D

Oh, darn . . . my apologies to Ms Landers for crediting Abby. They were both very good though.

Cherie

Oh, You guys, I would love to go sky diving :Boy(angel-flying): . I dream about it. :Zzzz: ...I'm such a chicken and always have been, but the older I get, the more guts I get...LOL, so who knows, may just do it.:D

I know I've missed a lot in my life, but I have no regrets for not having done something that I wanted to do. I'm a pretty content little chicky and having such limitations now, it's a good thing..huh!

My SSon John goes skydiving and wants me to do it. We'll see..:cool: ... Have fun, You two...Wheeeeeeee!!

You know what Cherie, it very well could have been Abby. I just typed Ann Landers out of habit. Hmmm...maybe a little homework on my part is due! LOL! I just noticed that! :o

I think we need to all make a date to go sky diving or hot air balooning! And on the way, lets check out some big semi!

Right now what I would like to do is to go to my friends house tomorrow. A bunch of us 'old nurses' get together once a year. It was to be tomorrrow. Between this heat, my Moms excess errands and the beginning of a bladder infection, I am wiped out. So i called the hostess and concelled out. She made me promose that I felt better tomorrow I would change my mind. I hope I can.

Anybody for riding in a horse race?
Or even just a match race - only 2 horses running so less chance of big crashes.
If I still had my wonderful palomino gelding {RIP Shannon aka Filbert Albert Delbert} - I'd do that again - running full speed {45mph} out in a open field racing my brothers on their motorcycles LOL what a feeling!!

Or sailing a catamaran with the sails full out and the wind in your face- it is soo cool. I had one in my 20's very fun!:D

Good times good memories- thanks

and you don't have to jump out of a plane :eek:

That is what I love to do, ride a horse. I've never done it. I was told that when I was 2, I was put on a pony and cried. I find that hard to believe. So if the opportunity presents itself that is what I would do.

I'd love to skydive even though heights terrify me, I figured if I could that, I could do anything. So when we get together, count me in. :)

Beth, please go to the Jimmy Heuga Can Do program in Vail this Oct. It is absoltely AMAZING!!!!!! You spend a whole week with MSrs and nationally recognized experts in all areas, from cog to swimming. I did it many years ago and still use things I was taught there. They have scholarships and they are generous with them.

Check it out: http://www.heuga.org/programs/can_do

Also, you are in the right place if you want to ride! Look at Breckonridge!

I'm not answering that question, Gret!! I am a WIMP! I don't even like second stories in a bldg... SKYDIVE????:eek: I would die B4 I even got on the plane....:thud:

And, forget the roller coasters too! I don't even like playground swings.

I will come back later after giving this question some thought..
Oh, what would I like to do???? Geesh, I feel so sheltered....

:hit-safe:

We talkin panty or garden??

:D :Thats-Funneh: Smart-A...LOL.

Give DM enough Rum and Diet Coke's and we'll get her in that airplane...no problemo!

Sheltered? That doesn't even begin to describe her.

Hey DM...you remember that guy I was talking to at the Club in Toad Hollow? I bet he would take you up flying...not push you out, but he would take you flying. I don't remember his name, but he sure was a nice guy.

Now get her bee-hind out and do something a little on the edge. You know what they say, if you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space! :hug:

I had to read that 3x before I figured out the sp problem LOL eessh:o
What would you do in a panty hose race or a garden hose race??
I wonder......:D

In college I was a rec director for a large campground, when they wanted a theme, I came up with something!

In a garden hose race, I think everyone would get very wet. Could be a lot of fun!

pantyhose race...hmmm...I can see the guys trying to put on pantyhose! Get the small sizes, and the ones that are control top so they don't stretch so easy and sit back and watch the fun! LOL!

I never figured it out. I though AMN had fallen off her rocker. My bad. :(

Thanks for s-p-e-l-l-i-n-g it out for me.

I concur. I get so dizzy on the swings, I enjoy it for a couple minutes, then have to sit on a stable surface for a bit or longer. It is so much fun to swing though. :)

AMN, thanks for the reminder. Back in Ohio when I was in better MS shape, I had gotten a scholorship there, but couldn't come up with the cash to get there. Since I now live out here, it has never occured to me. :Doh:

I guess that is why I'm not master of the obvious. :winky:

:hug:

I should mention for others that they bring it to cities all over the country. I did mine in MI and it was an extremely positive experience.

No way Cheryl!!! Me no get in lil plane.... Me no sky dive!!

But, me do like Rum and Diet coke.... Awww, you remembered...

Oh, and I think the man's name was Stan. I wouldn't get on a sidewalk w/him, let alone a plane..:Sinking:

Hey, we need a little airplane icon!! Who's in charge here?????:mad2:

WOW~ this place is keeewl! Ask and ye shall receive.

Do ya see that lil plane, Cheryl??? Da Plane!!! Da Plane!!!!:p

That's the way i looked (i think) the first time my husband pushed me out
of the plane, I just loved it did it again. Going up in a hot air Ballon
with my son was enough last year...:eek: Sue

Hi Greta,

Last week I had an offer to go skydiving for free. This young handsome salesman that comes into the office every year selling us advertising offered to take us up, and we'd jump tandem with him. I pondered but said no. DH would have a cow if I did it, I know... :eek:

My youngest son would want to go with me though.... :D

My oldest brother learned to skydive in the army. I can still see his wistful smile describing it to us around the kitchen table when he was home on leave... :)

Now, I'd like to start writing and maybe write a book someday. What's holding me back is inspiration and energy. Maybe when I finish with my classes I'll give it more thought.

Wiz, as a single girl, I have no concept of getting "permission" from anyone else when I want to do something, so please forgive my ignorance here; what is DH's problem with you doing something you genuinely want to try doing? You wouldn't try to make him do it too, right? Jumpmasters take very good care of their novice clients, and let's say you twisted your ankle, well, okay, you won't die and it will be a pain for a bit, but hey! you went skydiving for cryin' out loud!

If you have something on your heart that consitutes a book, you'll write it, I have no doubt! You are a driven, dynamic woman and there is no reason to miss your opportunity!

Hey Wiz

Come on out here with Greta and I. We're going to go and you can join us. Not sure of the date yet, but my DH has said no and that just makes me more determined to go!

As for Greta's question...

I want to go to Law School. And what's keeping me from doing it? My H has forbidden me from going. Those of you who have been on these message boards with me for awhile (and who have met me in person) know that I am known for my tenacity and when I want to do something, I usually find a way. :D

I am looking for that way right now. I have a plan, and believe me, he's not going to like it. :p I am tired of being unhappy and it's time I got "me" back. It's not the MS that is in my way, but I know that having MS is going to make it difficult. I was in the second semester of my junior year finishing my bachelor's degree when I was diagnosed so I am not naive about what it's going to take. Plus I am no spring chicken. :eek:

I am going to need a good support system.

;)

Cindy,

It's not so much that I need his permission, because he knows the new Wiz well enough to know I'm going to do exactly what I want to do.... :icon_twisted:

So, it wasn't fair of me to just put it on him not wanting me to do it, but, I'm frail and unsteady and I hurt myself easily, and I'd be really ticked at myself if I broke something or hurt my touchy back.

You see, in my head, I'm still a daredevil tomboy, willing to try anything once, but the reality is, I'm prone to dizziness, breaking parts of me and stuff. I'm a klutz living in a once athletic body. I wouldn't even go parasailing with DH a few years back when I had the chance. So, this isn't just him, though I know he'd worry and try to talk me out of it, it's mostly me and my very real limitations that aren't apparent when looking at me. The cute salesman skydives every weekend and takes people out and he sees the exterior that still has a smidgeon of athlete left.

I think I will try my hand at writing though, I have good ideas sometimes, and I can get very emotionally charged about a topic and put a lot into it. It might be industry writing at first about telecommunications issues and then who knows? I have so many ideas.

Well, I love the thought of being out there with you two, thanks for the invite! That would be a great experience! But as I answered to Cindy, it just isn't in me anymore to do things such as skydiving.

In two weeks, I'm going for a family get-together with my sister, nieces and their families. They're going to drive me in my car, and we'll spend one night in a fancy hotel with a water park and have lots of fun with all the kiddies. That sounds pretty easy to do and relaxing right? I know I'll enjoy it, but even that sort of thing wears me out! DH is concerned cause he knows how I drag for days after the simplest exertions such as this.

I'm hoping the Tysabri will give me some of my energy back. Or, maybe I'll win the lottery and I won't have to work anymore so I'll have extra energy for having more fun. :) (I suppose it would help if I'd start buying a ticket.)

I want to see pics of you and Greta on your jump if possible!!

And, about you becoming a lawyer, I can't think of anyone who'd be more qualified!!! I hope DH will support you in your efforts! Tell him to think of the big bucks you'd make! You could support him in the style he's accustomed to. :D ;) And you'd be famous too! He'd be on the arm of a high-powered attorney!

LOL, more like under the Prada of...

Support???? You got it, girlie.... :hug: :hug:
As my DH always says, This Ain't no dress rehearsal. Go for your dreams, Cheryl! But, I'm still not going skydiving!!

You've got that right! Do they make flats?!!! :p

Wiz, you do what you have to do. We all have to achieve the goals that are attainable for each of us.

I am learning not to set the bar too high nor to lose sight of the bar. He is not supportive at all of anything I want to do. That's the problem. It has been for a very long time.

Lately the things that come out of his mouth when I take on a new job are absolutely incredulous. He says things like "is it the MS that makes you do stupid stuff like this?" I just look at him dumbstruck. I have no answer because there is no logical answer for an ignorant question like that.

For Christmas, I received a gift certificate from Amazon.com. I used it to purchase the LSAT books. Everytime he walks into my office and sees the books sitting on my desk, he just looks the other way. He will not acknowledge them. His family motto is if we ignore it, it will go away (or it does not exist). Therefore, we do not talk about it. He has spoken and therefore I must obey. In other words, I have been told I cannot go to law school. In his mind I have wasted money on those books. Ha!

DM, you don't have to go skydiving. No one will force you. And yes, it was Stan! Thanks for the reminder! :wink:

I saw you post about your dog. I am sorry...it's rum and diet time...shall we????

20 years ago, I went for a nice alternative for those who aren't quite ready to JUMP, but like the scene. Sky divers are a fun breed, indeed!
When I went to a dropzone with a pal to watch her first sky-dive, I didn't go for it myself. Never got the urge,not even since my DX seven years later. But what I did do that day (for a nominal fee, and wearing a compulsory safely chute)was go up with them in the passenger seat,next to the pilot,staying in the plane the whole time. I got to see the drops, experts at 10K feet, down to static line newbies at 3K. Very cool.
That said, there aren't many things of that type I'd like to do but can't. My limitations are a bit more everyday in nature.. I used to love to ski..but my balance is not great these days so have given it up. Plus I was a good fast dancer.. loved that.. now I take it a bit easier..One thing I really can't do as easily is go down a flight of stairs fast..I used to be so fleet of foot.. Oh well-- I can't complain really-- as I've said on other threads.. I have a light case.. I'm lucky.

Ayup. These are highly styly:

Thank you! :D

I DIDN'T BUY THEM FOR YOU!

I wouldn't buy those ugly things for anyone! (maybe for a certain someone's wedding wear...) I digress, $417 for ugly tennis shoes you couldn't even wear for tennis!?!:eek:

You think I'm extravagant!?!