I previewed this post and discovered it is really long with a lot of unnecessary stuff. That's what happens when I am giddy. So I made some Cliff's Notes for those that don't want to read the whole thing. Don't worry, none of this will be on the mid-term.
Cliff's Notes
Wed: Had an epiphany.
Sat: Great dive with Dive Monkey @ Potlatch
Sun: Two great dives with Grateful Diver @ Redondo
No longer feel like a headcase.
Thank you, everyone.
Full Story
I thought I would jump back in here and post a follow up.
But first a story (I like telling stories). When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark. Every night I had to sleep with the hall light on. It used to be the closet light, but I had this ventriloquist dummy that lived in the closet and after seeing "Poltergeist" I had to keep the closet door closed. Anyway, it was 2 days before my 13th birthday, and I turned the hall light on before retiring as I did every night. I was just about to get into bed when it hit me, "This is really stupid. I am almost 13 years old and I am sleeping with the hall light on? This is just ridiculous!" So I turned the light off and I went to bed. I wasn't scared of the dark anymore.
Yes, this story has a tie-in. Be patient.
So last Wednesday I was sitting in the Zen Room waiting for my LMT when it hit me, "This is really stupid. What am I freaked out about? I know how to dive. I've had a hundred great dives. This is just ridiculous!" I started to remember the good dives I've had, and how it
felt to be doing those good dives. Then I started to think about my upcoming dives I scheduled with Grateful Diver for Sunday. I didn't know what to expect so I was unable to visualize the dive step-by-step, but I just visualized myself being in the water. Then, pulling on my old acting training, I super-imposed the emotion of the good dives onto the imaginary reality (if there can be such a thing as an "imaginary reality") of my upcoming dives. I kept going back to that for the rest of the week. Emotional memory recall can be a wonderful thing.
So the next day, Dive Monkey calls and says "What are you doing Sunday? I want to go diving. Do you want to go diving? I want to go diving." I said, "I am getting in the water with Grateful Diver on Sunday." Monkey says, "What are you doing Saturday? I want to go diving on Saturday. Do you want to go diving on Saturday? I want to go diving on Saturday." (Yes, I know I am making Dive Monkey sound like a hyperactive 7 year old, which he definitely is
not, but it makes for a more colorful story, and I like stories.
Forgive me Monkey.)
So Saturday, Dive Monkey and I went to Potlatch for a dive. I was a bit apprehensive at first (Ok, so I was hanging onto the line for dear life), but after a few minutes I forgot about it, relaxed and had a great dive. Thanks Monkey!
On Sunday I met Grateful Diver at Redondo for a couple of dives. We discussed my goals and the new gear. Then we got in the water. We worked a little (okay a lot) on my buoyancy and trim, then we went off to explore some. During the surface interval we made some adjustments to the gear and Grateful Diver gave me some things he wanted me to work on for the second dive. We got back in the water and went on a tour of Redondo. It was a great dive, and I got to see the VW Bug, which was awesome! I am really feeling much better in the water. I have a lot of things to practice, but I am off to a great start. You da man, Bob!
Seriously, though, thank you.
So I am back on track and I don't feel like a headcase. I really can't describe how much of a help everyone who posted here has been. You all kick major ass! I look forward to the time when I can meet each one of you in person and shake your hand. I may even buy you a beer (or beverage of your choice).
Now I need a nap.
Squishy Duck... no, Duck... that's Duck.. with a "u"
