Holiday Wishes

Holy crap, it’s already 4 days before Christmas. Where on Earth did this year go?!

The holidays are always a funny time of year. Some people cherish the time they get to spend with friends and family, others dread it. I’m lucky to say that I fall in the former category.

Since college I’ve always lived hours from my family, who, for the most part, all reside within an hour of each other in the mitten (Michigan, for those of you who are geographically challenged) – weather by car or plane, I’ve been a solid 4 hours away.

The holidays for me has always reflected the ability to head home and spend some QT with the fam. There’s not enough time spent together for burnout. Arguments over the holidays are rare with my family, though most of us tend to let a lot roll off our shoulders, so that helps.

But what am I saying, this isn’t about me.

I want to talk about holiday wishes. Everyone has things they wish for during the holidays, weather it’s the latest, greatest TV on the market to appear under the Christmas tree, getting the chance to kiss that someone special under the mistle toe, or simply that the holidays will be happy and stress-free, everyone has hopes of what this time with family will bring.

For me, aside from wanting a peaceful, wonderful experience with my family and my in-laws (as I wish the same for each and every one of you), my biggest wish is that the JDRF will receive more funding than they’ve ever seen this holiday season.

As most of you know, diabetes research is close to my heart. Jump for Diabetes was founded to help find a cure for this disease that touches just about everyone, in one way, shape, or form, and I want nothing more than to see the JDRF succeed!

This year, I’m asking friends and family, rather than giving presents that may or may not get used, to donate to the JDRF and help find a cure for diabetes. Every little bit helps, and I know most are strapped during the holidays, but giving doesn’t have to just happen now. Any time of the year, a few extra dollars can really help take research to the next level.

So, if you’re feeling extra generous head on over to http://jdrfillinois.org and click that Donate button. In the special instruction, be sure to mention Jump for Diabetes so we can keep a running tally of how much this wonderful community has supported the cause.

Wishing you and yours a very, merry holiday season.

Love and blue skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes Round 3

Movie Monday

As you’ve likely heard me say before, Mondays are bad for me. They’re the busiest day of the entire week at the office and most of the time I’m trying to catch up with chores at home from being away all weekend.

The former still applies, however having kept close to home this weekend I was able to find a little spare time to put together a couple of promised videos – from the Work Stinks! Boogie and Jump for Diabetes (about time, right?)!

So, while I bust my butt at the office, you can take some time on your Monday to enjoy the highlights of two of my favorite skydiving events every year.

Jump for Diabetes 2010

Work Stinks! Boogie 2010

Blue Skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes 2010- what a blast!

Well, I’ve finally recuperated from a long weekend at Skydive Pennsylvania for the 2nd Annual Jump for Diabetes – just in time for another weekend of skydiving .

Let’s start with the juicy details: between raffles, sponsored jumps and generous donations, we were able to raise nearly $10,000 for diabetes research – and donations are still rolling in, so we may even surpass that mark when all is said and done!

I’m thrilled with the amount of people who stepped up to support this cause, from the gear donations throughout the skydiving community, to the incredible team of pledge jumpers who came in from all over the country to donate their time to the cause, to the participants at Skydive Pennsylvania – none of this could have been accomplished without your support.

So a HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all who contributed.

As far as raffles go, we gave away more than $10,000 in donated and discounted skydiving gear, local jumper Scott Diesel was the lucky winner of the PD canopy raffle and there were three happy winners in the Grand Prize raffle.

And guess what – we’re going to do it all again next year! We’re planning the event for Aug 12-14 at Skydive Pennsylvania once again, and we’ve already got 4 manufactuers confirmed to be on site. We expect it to be bigger and better than this year – definitely not to be missed.

Okay, so now that that’s out of the way …let’s talk a little about the skydiving, shall we?

Friday after set up we did the first Mrs. Potato Head jump of the weekend. A group of us freeflyers took it to our bellies in an attempt to put her together in the sky. Best part, she was a diabetic, so Rick had a needle-less syringe to stick in her ear. It was far from a success, with us walking away with zero pieces in place, and one lost piece somewhere in the LZ, but I gotta tell you, it sure was FUN! Thanks to Heather for bringing this tradition to Jump for Diabetes!

We gave away our first piece of gear on Friday too, a freefly suit from EG. EG suits came in from Jersey to attend the event. Thanks again EG, you were a hit at Skydive PA!

Saturday started off bright and early with long spots and off landings. We had a fun 2-way freefly practice jump to start out the day before diving into a weekend of incredibly fun freefly zoo dives, like this one:

Both mine and Rick’s parents showed up for the day which was awesome! My dad even got some great shots of me landing and packing. I’m not used to being on the other side of the camera!

The weather played nice until about 5 p.m., at which point our gear raffle picked up. This is where my dad’s height came in handy, as we were selling gear raffle tickets for $20 a body length, so a number of jumpers “borrowed” his 6’3″ frame to purchase their tickets.

(Grand Prize Raffle drawing, with Skylyn the ticket picker! *Photo by Suji Martens)

Saturday night 4 bands from around the Pittsburgh area showed up to play for us in the hangar…due to the rain. What an incredible party. The beer was flowing and we were even able to have a small fire with numerous smores consumed. Yum!

Sunday started slow because of rain and low clouds until about 3 p.m. This gave us ample time to finish out the raffles before completing the weekend with a couple more fun freefly jumps – starting with Justin’s 200th.

The last jump of the weekend was a 6-way freefly turned into a hybrid, rodeo, backfly, sitfly combo. Was one of the funnest jumps we all had that weekend…guess you had to be there!

I’m still working on a fun Jump for Diabetes video to show the highlights from the weekend, so stay tuned for that.

Thanks again to everyone who did their part to not only make this an incredibly successful weekend, but for making it a BLAST too!

Blue skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes – THIS WEEKEND

Shocker! I’m talking about Jump for Diabetes. But, the good thing is, you’ll really only be hearing about this one last time. And of course, likely once after…gotta do a recap!

Anywhoosits – as if you haven’t heard this enough already, I’m putting it short and sweet – here are the reasons not to miss this event:

• High Altitude Jumps
• More than $10,000 in gear giveaways
• PD Canopy Raffle
• Onsite vendors including EG Suits and Guaranteed Wellness
• 4 live bands Saturday night
• RED BULL GIRLS
• Food vendors
• Oh, and HELLO – skydiving!

Needless to say, it’s going to be an incredible weekend. We have 10 sponsored jumpers who will be out jumping their asses off for the cause – myself included.

Fingers crossed for beautiful weather!

Can’t wait to see y’all there!

Love and blue skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes Update

It’s Friday, and it’s beautiful out! This weekend is looking incredible for some quality skydiving .

So I’m going to keep this short and sweet. Here’s what’s up for Jump for Diabetes:

• We’ll be out at Skydive Pennsylvania this weekend, selling PD Canopy Raffle tickets for $100 and allowing people to pre-register in person, rather than online. Cash or checks made out to Jump for Diabetes are accepted. Pre-registration for skydivers is $30 and guarantees you a t-shirt, goodie bag and raffle ticket for he general raffle (which includes thinks like a FREE Freak n’ Suit, a Bonehead Helmet, a pair of Gatorz, FREE freefly pants from EG Suits and much more)! If you decide to register the day of the event it’s $35 and you’re not guaranteed a goodie bag.

• Grand Prize Raffle Tickets recently went on sale: $5 each or 3 for $10. Find out more here: http://jumpfordiabetes.com/blog/?p=21

Those are the big updates for Jump for Diabetes this week. If you’re interested in purchasing any of the tickets, registering for the event or donating to the cause, email JumpforDiabetes@gmail.com and we’ll get you set up!

Blue ones!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes update: Pledge Jumps

It’s about time for one of those updates on how Jump for Diabetes planning is coming along.

I’ve got one word: Incredible!

We have more than 15 skydiving manufacturers who have donated and/or are going to be in attendance. This is much more than we ever expected – and it makes for a pretty great raffle drawing as well.

Should be a great event.

One of the thing I’m doing to help raise money for diabetes research is participating in pledge jumps. From now until the event I’ll be collecting pledges for the jumps I make that weekend from those who also want to support the cause.

Donors can pledge anywhere from $1/jump on up and no money will be collected until after the event – after all, it’s per jump, and I haven’t made those yet .

My goal is to make 10 jumps each day, for two days of the event. This is going to be quite the challenge, but I think I’m up to it! After all, it’s for a good cause, right?!

So who out there wants to pledge me to make these skydives? C’mon, you know you do! Help a chick (and the diabetes community she supports) out. It’ll push me to reach my goal and it’s something you can feel good about!

Email me if you’d like to be a part of my pledge team! (theskydivechick@gmail.com)

Also, be sure to check out the web site to enter the PD canopy raffle, submit donations and pre-register for the event. Skydivers who pre-register for $30 will be guaranteed a goodie bag including t-shirt, raffle ticket and other skydiving goodies.

How do you plan to take part in the event and support this great cause, even if you can’t physically be there?

Blue skies!

Ashley

BASE Week: Rick Simenc

Well, this is the last day of BASE Week, and after an interview with Miles D, how can it get much better?

Let me tell you how…with an interview from my freefly partner! He’s also a former BASE jumper so it ties in .

*Photo by Ashley Mead

Y’all have heard so much about Rick in the past 9 months or so, it’s only fitting that you have a chance to hear the facts straight from him. Some of you may have read the article in the Jan/Feb issue of Blue Skies Mag that discusses diabetes in the world of adrenaline sports – this interview is nothing like that. We’re keeping the topics on the lighter side today.

I struggled with these questions, Rick, as the regular readers pretty much know the basics about your current skydiving career – aside from those days you sneak off to jump without me

That aside, I think I’ve come up with some compelling questions to get your wheels turning and keep the readers entertained. So, here goes nothing!

SDC: Let’s start with the standard question – how did you get your start in skydiving?

RS: To make a very long story short, from day one on this planet I’ve been the epitome of spontaneity and this was one of those last minute choices .  I told myself I was going to go skydiving. So I did a static line jump for my 18th birthday.

SDC: Obviously we know your favorite discipline is freefly, but tell us why.

RS: I guess because I’m the black sheep.

SDC: Ah, “dark side” – black sheep. Makes sense. Regular readers know that we travel a lot, tell us about your favorite trip, dropzone, experience – whatever.

RS: Here comes the cheese….I will have to say that my first date with Beans (aka SkydiveChick, aka Ashley) is my most memorable skydiving trip. We went to the Work Stinks boogie last September. Too much fun! All beer has already been drunk! Our first 2-way head-down, first Heli-jump, Ashley’s first sit-fly, my first otter and our first boogie.

SDC: Aw, that’s sweet! Y’all remember this picture I assume!

*Photo by Norman Kent

SDC: You were once a regular BASE jumper. What triggered the switch to skydiving?

RS: I wanted the dirt to look smaller.

SDC: Alright, now I’m really going to put you on the spot…what’s your favorite part about being my freefly partner? (yep, I’m making this one about me…I know you can respect that )

RS: Reverse cowgirl.. LOL! I love when you ride me out the door!!

SDC: Hahaha! For those who are unaware of what he’s talking about, see the video below!

SDC: We’ve had a lot of great opportunities over the past year, what are some of the things you’re looking forward / hoping to accomplish to this season?

RS: My 500th, D license, coach and pro-rating

SDC: Jump for Diabetes is fast approaching! Tell us a little about where the idea came from and how you made it work last year.

RS: The idea came from another fundraiser that was held at a DZ in Omro,Wi while was still a student. It involved jumping out of planes, raising funds and promoting awareness for Lupus. It was fun for all and it was a good cause. I told myself, when I’m able to stay on my feet when landing, I will coordinate an event like that one and try to do the same as them. And I gave it a shot…WTF, ya know?

I’m really looking forward to this years event. I’m very lucky to have Beans and Apt3 Studios on the Jump for Diabetes team. This years event would not be happening if you guys didn’t step up.. PROPS!!

SDC: What is your most memorable skydiving experience so far?

RS: Probably sit’n relative with you.

SDC: So as one of those freeflyers who falls into that oh-so-subjective “intermediate” category, and the person who taught me how to sitfly, let’s hear your advice to all those aspiring freeflyers out there.

RS: Challenge yourself and don’t give up. When you think you’ve done everything you can to get it.. and don’t, push yourself to keep going and achieve your goal. Once you get it, you get it.

SDC: Anything you’d like to add?

RS: It’s been 3 days and I’m jones’n for some ff (freefall).

Thanks, Rick. This was fun.

For anyone who was curious about something and didn’t find out in this interview, feel free to send questions my way. After all, we do live under the same roof.

Blue skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes: PD Canopy Raffle

(Love the new logo! Thanks, Nick Bagnoli)

Alright y’all. It’s time for an exciting announcement from the Jump for Diabetes (JFD).

As some of you might know, I’m a huge advocate for this cause, what with Rick being a type 1 diabetic and loving the sport of skydiving (really?!). Two of my passions in one event – that’s pretty freakin’ awesome if you ask me.

Anywhoosits – this year Performance Designs has teamed up with JFD to give away a custom canopy to one lucky donor.

I know, right, that’s huge!

Just by being one of the first to donate $100 or more to the cause you have a 1 in 100 chance of winning a custom canopy from Performance Designs. BAD ASS!

The coolest part about it is that all the proceeds from the raffle go to benefit diabetes research and help find a cure. That right there should bring you some warm fuzzies .

Check out the JFD blog to find out more info. Or simply send an email to jumpfordiabetes@gmail.com with your name, address, email and phone # to get the process rolling. Donations are collected via PayPal then you’ll receive an eTicket. Winners are drawn at the event, but you don’t have to be present to win. So anyone, anywhere can enter to win!

The raffle is being kicked off today, so don’t delay in making your donations…wouldn’t want to miss out on your chance to win that new Pulse you’ve been eyeing, would you?

Don’t forget to visit the Facebook fan page for the latest updates as well.

Happy hump day, jump day!

Blue skies!

Ashley

Jump for Diabetes

As many of you who follow me on Twitter are probably aware – more like irritated, as I’ve crammed this announcement into your TweetDecks everyday – this weekend is the inaugural Jump for Diabetes at Canton Air Sports.

Organized by skydiver, and good friend, Richard Simenc, this event supports a great cause. With a goal of raising $20,000, all proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Association to promote awareness and find a cure.

This event is more than just jumping from airplanes. We’ll be having bands, raffles, auctions and giveaways including a free skydive or airplane ride every three hours from 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 through 10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 16.

If you have interest in helping support the ADA by pledging jumps or buying raffle tickets (you don’t need to be present to win the grand prizes that include a free A-license package, jump credit, and cold hard cash to name a few) e-mail me: theskydivechick {at} gmail {dot} com.

For more details on the event, visit http://www.jumpfordiabetes.com. 

Better yet, come on our to Canton Air Sports this weekend and support this great cause in person, meet some amazing skydivers, and jump with me!

Blue Skies!

Ashley