Number 3

So I decided to go big for my first accomplishment from the 30 Things Before 30 list.  That's right, number three on the list.  I went skydiving.

It was amazing.

A-maz-ing.

I don't really know how to describe such an incredible experience, so I'll narrate through pictures.

As you can see, I was terrified.  They practically had to stuff me into the plane.  Actually...I'm pretty sure I smiled like that all the way up and down.

Don't worry.  I stayed clear of the propeller.  Thank goodness for the warning signs.

It's not skydiving if you don't have to chase donkeys off the runway.

There's quite a bit between the donkey/runway picture and the next one.  Unfortunately, it's difficult to take pictures when you jump out of a plane at 10,000 feet. One second we were in the plane, and the next we were gone.  Just like that.

If I had to describe the free fall in one word, I would say wind.  Lots and lots of wind.  

I never felt like I was falling or hurtling to the earth at breakneck speeds.  It mostly felt windy.  And incredible.  Oh, and maybe I didn't smile much during this part.  I think it probably looked more like cheeks flapping in the wind.  

After about 45 seconds of free fall, my guy (the one who was attached to me and making sure we didn't die) pulled the shoot.  We had four or five minutes of canopy time, which was so quiet and beautiful.

I even had enough time to chat with my guy.  We talked about where I work, what he studied in college, and how he got into skydiving.  Turns out he was a philosophy major.  I bet you can be pretty philosophical when you jump out of a plane for a living...contemplating life after death and such.

The landing part was super easy.  My guy said, "Bend your knees a little, and I'll tell you when to stand up."  And then all of the sudden, we were back to earth and I just stepped onto the ground.  

So there I am.  Safe and sound.  Now wasn't that fun?!?