Comments on: Dream a Little Death of Me

By: Jason Brozek

Jason Brozek — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:10:47 +0000

Don’t go chasin waterfalls…. please stick to the rivers and the lakes you are used to.

By: Marni Grossman

Marni Grossman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:19:34 +0000

Joi, I generally don’t do nature either. When I was abroad in Israel, I went on a 9-hour hike through the desert outside Eilat. I did this because I knew I’d regret it if I didn’t. The thing was, I also regretted it while doing it.

An hour in, I wanted to throw myself off the side of the mountain.

I feel your pain.

By: Zara Potts

Zara Potts — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:58:28 +0000

I’ll be there to document it all on my little camera, brew. No worries.

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:22:05 +0000

Let’s talk about this after Saturday, when I’m basejumping off the Auckland Sky Tower.

(if the worst happens, I’d very much like someone to write an obit for me titled ‘Death From Above’)

By: Joi

Joi — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:53:27 +0000

Ahhhh, so have you done some of these crazy death defying acts, too, like your countrymen? Did you hurt your back doing so?!?!

By: Simon Smithson

Simon Smithson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:18:14 +0000

We have to acclimate to the bush. It’s not out of our choosing - it’s because of all the damn drop bears and hoop snakes out there.

Make sure you let me know if you’re ever in Australia. We’ll find some rappeling for you to. I won’t come though. It’s not that I’m scared, I just have this thing with my back.

By: Joi

Joi — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:45:32 +0000

Thanks, Gina. I’m chock full o’ fears and neuroses (don’t even get me started about my rat phobia), I figure I have to at least try and get past some of them or I’d be living a pretty sheltered existence

By: Joi

Joi — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:42:59 +0000

haha, I’m not much of a fan of roller coasters, either, to be honest. I’ve been on the old school rickety kind (ie, The Cyclone) and that kicked my ass. I only ride it for nostalgia purposes. I usually feel on the cusp of whip lash afterwards. I’ve never been on a roller coaster that has gone upside down, though!

By: Gina Frangello

Gina Frangello — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 02:21:20 +0000

All right, I can’t compete with Robin–I have been on many a coaster, and have done some mild rock climbing and things of that ilk–but I am amazed and utterly impressed with anyone who takes on extreme activities like this. I’m actually even more impressed when someone is fairly terrified and does it anyway. You rock–um, okay, did not mean to make a bad pun there. But it’s true.
And yes, Zara, I’m kind of scared to even set foot in NZ or Oz for fear that just being there would cause me to bungee jump or some crazy ass thing, possessed by all the collective risk-taking insanity just floating around the air . . .

By: Ronlyn Domingue

Ronlyn Domingue — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:00:48 +0000

You are seriously badass for doing what you did. Period. And for wanting to try again.

A few weeks ago, someone was talking to me about the process of “turning fear into excitement.” She said, “You know, like when you’re on a rollercoaster.” I replied, “I’ve never been on a rollercoaster.” She barely managed not to laugh in my face. So I’m a dork AND a wuss.

By: Joi Brozek

Joi Brozek — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 07:44:54 +0000

Thanks, Mary!!!

PS. I want to try rappelling again! Why, because I am crazy.

By: Mary McMyne

Mary McMyne — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:38:28 +0000

I’ve been mugged at gunpoint. It wasn’t so bad. The whole time I kept thinking the barrel was probably empty.

I don’t think I would like to rappel.

Great story!

By: Joi Brozek

Joi Brozek — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:08:12 +0000

Thanks, Zara!!

And yes, it’s true, I’d say you guys are the most fearless, with Europeans close behind. I envy that! It sucks to have fear paralyze you

That said, I wouldn’t mind trying this out again, perhaps on a more beginner level first.

By: Zara Potts

Zara Potts — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:03:45 +0000

Great story, Joi! I laughed and held my breath and FELT for you, the whole time!
You are one tough bitch!
You’re right though, Australian’s and New Zealander’s do seem to take a perverse pride in our ability to do stupid, dangerous outdoor activities without batting an eyelid.
Here in NZ we are constantly striving to come up with higher peaks to throw ourselves off - it’s hard not to feel like the odd person out if you don’t like rafting/cycling/bungeejumping/basejumping/parachuting
or mountain climbing. Why can’t my countrymen and women just enjoy reading a good book or something?
Anyway -well done you! Brilliant.