Jumping to New Heights - Nov. 2018
The refinery Turnaround (TA) experience changed my world. I made more money in 2 months than I had ever imagined, PLUS I got laid off for a few weeks to enjoy said new found cash. Getting laid off may sound terrifying to some but this is normal in TA World. After the conclusion of each project, most contractors receive a lay off and move on to the next event. If one is lucky, they stay with the same company or Supervisor that keeps them busy. I was laid off from the first company and already had a second project lined up for later in the year. Hello security and wealth! (Rest assured, I also started a high interest savings account, 401K, and paid off debt.)
During the first TA, I met a man I'll call Bowser. He was handsome, successful, and an avid skydiver. Basically, everything I wanted in a man and for my future. What heartbreak did I have again...? To be fair, there were so many incredible men during my first project. I knew that my future would be more than I had originally imagined for myself. I learned a great deal from as many people as I could. Bowser stood out though. He wanted to show me more of the world, his world. He kicked off my adventurous spirit with a jump. A tandem jump at that. As he was an avid skydiver, he paid for my first skydiving experience for my birthday.
What. A. RUSH!! I always knew I wanted to skydive but I had no idea what it would be like. After a small training course, you watch for your jump heat (group) and then board the plane. After a LONG short flight, you reach altitude and strap on to your instructor. Together, you maneuver to the edge of the plane and look out the door. Oh. My. Gosh. The ground is forever far away and the world is MASSIVE. After a brief count, you jump. Soar. It's exhilarating. Freefall lasts about 60 seconds and my brain went blank. I paid for the video package and honestly, I was so busy looking around I forgot I was supposed to interact with the camera. I watched my altimeter for the 6K mark and pulled my shoot. WHOOSH!! I'm being blown back up with force.
iFly Indoor Skydiving - Houston Memorial
Now I’m frrreeeee, free fallin’ fallin’ - John Mayer
Peace. Pure and total peace. Once we got the harness situated, I could sit and see for miles. The view took my breath away. By pulling on the cords, we gently banked left, then right. Swaying in the breeze. This was incredible. I completely understood why people did this for fun. My guide let me have my moments before he started to engage our descent to the drop zone. As we neared the ground, I tucked my knees and we landed with running grace. Go me, not falling over!
I was giddy. I hugged my instructor and the man who videoed my jump. I tipped them and went to watch Bowser, who had jumped right after me. I hugged him and thanked him for the experience. After we chatted, we went back to the trailer park. I learned a great deal about the skydiving community that day.
Drop zones (DZs) are where skydivers land after a jump. Most drop zones have a place to camp on or near the site. One can get discounts for frequent fliers (think membership style). This set up allows for unity. Skydivers are extremely tight knit, like bikers or Jeepers. I never knew. We all hung out at the trailers for the rest of the night. Fires, drinks, food, so many wonderful travel and jump stories... We all had a blast. It was just like the groups of TA crews.
The next day Bowser and I headed into iFly, which is a wind tunnel. This is where skydivers train to freefall with accuracy and style. Some of the jumpers I met the night before were there as well. They encouraged me to try. Freefalling is NOT easy. I had no idea. Just to keep yourself flat and level is crazy difficult! I didn't even imagine how hard my instructor from yesterday had to work to keep us from spinning out of control. I gained a great deal of respect for people who skydive for fun or as a career. Bowser did his training and I watched, hella impressed. His instructor put him through the ringer and by the time the hour was up, he was whooped.
We stayed around the DZ for the rest of the week, enjoying and learning. Too soon it was time to move on to the next job and Bowser had to go. Off to the next adventures...