Ready for more adventures in Lodi

I vividly remember my first trip to Lodi — and probably will for the rest of my life.

It was 2006 and I was coming from Colorado to California to help celebrate my sister's 30th birthday (or make fun of her in person might be more accurate).

That's when my brother-in-law came up with an idea to do something new and exciting. Somehow skydiving in Lodi was the selected choice.

I thought I was game for hurling myself out of a fully-functional plane, so I agreed. Although when I look back, I fail to see the logic of my decision.

As the plane cruised higher and higher into the sky, I was sure that we were closer to outer space than the ground. That's when the guide strapped on my back said it was time to jump out even though I distinctly remember saying no.

Despite the fact that my legs were paralyzed with fear, my guide managed to talk me into moving toward the abyss-like door — and by talk me into it, I mean he picked me up and carried me over there.

Then came the leap of faith, or how it seemed to me at the time, the plunge of death. For the few brief moments I could open my eyes during the seemingly-forever freefall, I saw a beautiful, picturesque canvass below me — one that looked just as nice when I was peacefully gazing at it through the window from inside the plane.

Once the parachute was deployed and I went from dropping like a cannon ball to swaying back and forth like a feather, my heart slowly reverted back to its regular pace instead of that of a humming bird.

I enjoyed floating back to the earth, but enjoyed having my feet touch it even more. I am not sure if I would ever jump out of a plane again on my own free will, but the experience was nevertheless unforgettable.

Having now returned to Lodi as a sports reporter for the Lodi News-Sentinel, I am hopeful I can create some new memories that maybe I don't have to risk my life to create.

I have been a sports reporter for seven years, most recently in Glenwood Springs, a small mountain town in Colorado. Writing about high school and community sports is an occupation I feel lucky to have and a responsibility I don't take lightly.

I am excited to be here and look forward to getting to know about the people and atmosphere of the area instead of just knowing what it looks like from 10,000 feet in the air.

Joelle Milholm is a News-Sentinel sports writer. She can be reached by phone at 369-7035 or by e-mail at joellem@lodinews.com