Thrill of a Lifetime...Skydiving!

So due to recent events I have ultimately come to the conclusion that life's too short to let opportunites pass you by. I think life's a gift that is meant to be unwrapped and enjoyed. I want to be optimistic about outcomes and taking chances rather than let fear dictate my choices. I want to take risks and I've also determined that I'd much rather live with the pain that comes from being hurt than the pain of regret (at least that means I'm living life). Skydiving has been on my "to-do" list for a long time and this just seemed like the right moment in my life to just go for it. I want to be a "yes" girl and live life to the fullest. I am so glad that my family supported me in this crazy endevour...what would I do without them. We decided to make it a fun road trip for everyone by riding to the Ogden Skydiving Center in the RV. Brooke and Travis were so cute to come with--especially since it was their anniversary. This whole experience would not have been possible without the help of my mom and step-dad. This was their early birthday present for me, and it's something I will never forget. Hayden was such a good sport to come along. Even though I had explained to him earlier what I was going to do, it didn't sink in until he saw the airport hanger and some of the other people leaving on the plane. Then he cried because he was so worried about me coming back. Eventually we got him calmed down and I convinced him that I needed him to be happy and to cheer me on.

Hanging in the motorhome

The Ogden Skydiving Center

Getting on my gear

Getting some instructions before getting on the plane

Posing with Hayden who really did try to smile through his tears

This is one of the instructors/experienced divers that I was going tandem with

Halfway up in the air (about 6,000 feet at this point)

Jumping out at 12,000 feet off the ground...aaaaaahhhhhh

This is the point where I think the "Free Falling" song was going through my head. Also, I realized how challenging breathing was and how exhilerating it was to feel like I was flying.

I tried so many times to give a thumbs-up--this was the least sideways looking thumb.

We were free falling for about a minute before opening the chutte

Yes, I was relieved when the parachutte opened. It took about 5 minutes to get to the ground after that.

Landing safely with no injuries (another sigh of relief)

Letting Hayden know that everything's okay

Afterwards, we went to an early dinner/late lunch at TGIFridays--the same one I ate at before the Ogden Marathon

So who knows what's next...hotair ballooning, indoor surfing, taking up skiing again, triathalons, and possibly more skydiving. I guess the possibilities are endless.