Sydney: Unfiltered - Latest Comments

Re: Trans-Catalina Trail: Day 1

Jeff Hester — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 01:19:31 -0000

Sydney, LOVED the video! That first day is brutal, but beautiful.

Re: Trans-Catalina Trail: Day 1

John Fleuchaus — Tue, 03 Jan 2017 20:21:36 -0000

Well, I've never done anything quite as impressive and monumental as what you've done. The closest was to hike EVERY trail in the circuit at the Palisades Forest Preserve park out in Western Illinois along the Mississippi River; about 15 miles in all (I think) and all in one day, many along treacherous bluffs and rocky trails. Of course, that was way back while I was still in my early to mid 30's, so there is that 25 years gap preventing me from doing it again. However, I am on a health/fitness kick and am driving to regain my H.S. weight and rebuild my physical strength and stamina ... a work in progress to be hopefully realized by mid-year.

Revelations? Hmmm, probably, but that was half a lifetime ago ... gimme a break! If I recall correctly though, I was quite pleased with myself and it did launch me into a mode of "Do it until you can't no more; then keep going until there's nothing left to do". Of course that mode of operation has been tempered since then, but it has served me quite well through the years.

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

Bob Batchelor — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:44:56 -0000

The universe is guiding you to great things...keep listening...AND...let your amazing talent guide you. Congrats!!

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

David Williams — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 15:07:22 -0000

All good dahlin' 😇 Marta and I are in a unique/similar position to understand where you're coming from in your journey over the past year and a half/ two years. Enthusiasm for one thing can translate to another (or all) things. Sure would love to see ya in Austin. The guest room awaits.

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

Sydney Williams — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:59:28 -0000

Don't tell me what to do, PBJ.

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

Sydney Williams — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:59:18 -0000

I'd beg to differ, as I've been QUITE excited for the past 9 months, but totally hear you on the bills being paid thing. In a shocking development, the "real world" pays more than the skydiving industry. Who knew? No excuses here. Just a new adventure!

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

David Williams — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 14:49:36 -0000

Corporate life; unexciting but stable. Real world is the bills gotta get paid. Especially as one gets older financial security is a thing. No need to make excuses for survival.

Re: Boomerang: a love story.

patrickbjohnson — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 13:11:11 -0000

Keep kicking ass, homie.

Re: Welcome! And welcome back!

Sydney Williams — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 18:35:27 -0000

Thank you, @Bob Batchelor! Always a pleasure getting comment notifications from you! Hope you're well!

Re: Welcome! And welcome back!

Bob Batchelor — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 11:42:52 -0000

You're awesome Sydney! You continue to inspire and lead the way. I'm so happy to watch your dreams come true!! --Bob

Re: I’m moving out.

Bob Batchelor — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 21:53:44 -0000

I totally dig where you're headed Sydney! Your "evolution" has been astounding, wonderful, and downright inspirational! I love you dearly!! Can't wait to see what's next...

Re: I’m moving out.

Concerned Friend — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:26:34 -0000

We actually don't know eachother personally, other than seeing you around Skydive Elsinore, so it wouldn't matter that much if you knew who I was (and what's wrong with a cool mask?)

My comment was more on not really understanding the reason for the change. This blog is already called Sydney Unfiltered. You already are being unfiltered. So it's a bit... redundant?

Anyways, I'll let you be. This train has gone on long enough. Choo choo.

Re: I’m moving out.

Sydney Williams — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 18:41:53 -0000

Hi, "Curious Bystander."

Three things:

One, thank you for being here. As always, I appreciate you taking time out of your busy day, reading all of the words, (counting them??) and commenting. I do.

Two, in the interest of helping you out - if you'd like to not comment as Concerned Friend (or Curious Bystander, for that matter), there's a handy "log out" option on the Disqus comment form. At that point, you can log back in with your real name, and maybe even your face. I like faces and names.

Three, the winky face doesn't change what I would assume would be a little jab at the fact that this post is largely about a domain name change. (Fun fact: if I knew who you were, I would know if we were buddies and could laugh about how I spent so many words talking about a domain change, but I don't, so we can't.)

But you bring up a good point. So for anyone who is skipping down to the comment section: Hey everybody! This post is about a domain name change!

Doesn't change the message of the post - the reason for the change (and where to find said changes).

I'm still waiting for the opportunity to high five you for hanging out over here. But it's getting kinda awkward. Like maybe I don't have any room on the aforementioned couch (you read the post you inspired, right?), or we're out of wine, and you're making other people uncomfortable.

I'd much rather cheers to you and scoot over. But unless I'm having a masquerade party in my living room, I don't take kindly to strangers in masks. :)

Re: I’m moving out.

Concerned Friend — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:31:52 -0000

I'm looking forward to seeing how this goes! Hopefully this wasn't just a 1,200 word article about changing the domain name ;)

PS: I can't change my username here but I am no longer a concerned friend, just a curious bystander with high hopes.

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

Sydney Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:31:06 -0000

Welcome to my living room, Melissa! Can we have several Unfiltered moments on couches (in fields, during a slumber party, on a dance floor) next week? OH MY GOD IT'S HAPPENING NEXT WEEK!

Thank you for being here, doll. I cannot wait to pinch your cheeks next week! xoxo

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

Sydney Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:30:04 -0000

Yes, yes indeed, life is the longest thing I'll ever do. But I want to do it longer, Dave! :)

Thank you for being here!

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

Sydney Williams — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:28:47 -0000

I wish I could remember what Psych 101 was all about, but apparently that chapter of my life is a bit foggy. COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS TO SEE YOU!

As always, thank you for being here! :)

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

Melissa Monsky Melton — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 23:00:52 -0000

Your manifesto is awesome sauce and it completely resonates with me!! I say that as I sit here with my feet propped up, taking a seat on the roller coaster. And I don't normally enjoy roller coasters. <3

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

David Williams — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 17:59:09 -0000

They are called mantras for a reason. And yes there's a lot of repetition in life, intended to not. Buddha teaches we may live 10,000 lives before we achieve nirvana. I didn't get my shit together until I was in my forties. Life is short? No, it's the longest thing you'll ever do. Relax!! :)

Re: Life is not a straight line. And the Unfiltered Manifesto.

@ChrisCruises — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 15:17:18 -0000

There are a whole lot of people out there who took Psych 101 and would love to tag you and exhibit A with some rollercoastery malady. It gives their anonymous little world some order I suppose

Re: Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

Sydney Williams — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:50:28 -0000

You know, Melissa, that's kind of the idea, and thank you for bringing that up. We're creeping up on the 7th birthday of this little corner of the internet, and I've never really had an issue laying it all out there. There's nothing wrong with going through your own journey a bit more quietly, and if you're getting on board the vulnerability train, then I'm doing my job. :) Thank you for being here!

Re: Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

Sydney Williams — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:48:05 -0000

Thank you for stopping by, Hannah! What you said actually sums this movie up for me perfectly. There are a lot of things we already ::know:: and that seem like common sense, and even cyclical in nature as far as behavior patterns and such. For me, this movie was like a 2x4 smacking me upside the head and being like HEY SISTER, TIME TO RECOGNIZE SOME PATTERNS! And so it was. :)

Thank you for being here - we're long overdue for a wine night + slumber party. xoxo

Re: Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

Melissa Monsky Melton — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 14:37:18 -0000

Sydney, I have so enjoyed getting to know you and watching you go through this process with such authenticity. You say the things so many women think and are to afraid to speak. You have given me courage and hope and as I go through my own journey (much more silently!) you remind me it is ok to be vulnerable. Thank you for that!!

Re: Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

Christine Shirinian — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 23:10:50 -0000

Concerned Friend-
While perhaps your motive is genuine, it comes across as offensive because you hide behind a handle, it takes away from that credibility of a friend. As has been said below, reach out directly with concern. When I read Sydney's blogs I almost always have an urge to text her my feelings. I'm usually super positive about them, but if I wasn't and I was concerned, I would certainly check in with her to make sure everything was ok.

I think you come from a good place and I'm being defensive of someone who throws all the feelings out there for anyone to read. It takes a lot of courage to do what she does, so a name or a personal message would go miles!

Re: Avoiding unhappiness is not the road to happiness.

Hannah Betts — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 14:26:23 -0000

I think this piece is awesome.....really clicked for me and woke me up to some behavior I've been in denial about. Thanks for your honesty and writing approach....today you have helped me take some positive steps that I've been too chicken to make - thank you!