#pkout

Going to this jam has made such wonderful memories. I will never forget. This was my first jam outside of my home state Texas. I met so many wonderful people and all of them inspired me in some way or another.

I loved that there were so many women there, all unique and strong in their own way. Even though I know I should be inspired equally by any traceur, male or female, being a girl myself I can't help but feel especially inspired by the women who were there. I loved that the group discussion that occurred before the competition, someone asked "Should there be a separate competition for the girls?" and immediately I heard girls reply "No. Do not segregate." That really motivated me to not feel limited by my gender. Even though I did not stay for the competition, that little bit of discussion will stick with me as I train harder. 

This was also my first time camping. Even though it was just in someone's backyard (which I know some say that doesn't truly qualify as camping since you're not totally out in the wilderness) the experience really made me appreciate home and the little things that I forget to be grateful for. 

There was one morning that the hosting family served chocolate chip pancakes, and never in my life have I been so happy to eat breakfast. 

Another day, we went swimming to a local pool. I was debating on whether or not to go, and I'm so happy that I did. Can anyone say warm showers for the win?! 

On a day it rained, I stayed in my tent and enjoyed the sound as I napped. I put my hand against my tent wall and felt the cool water caress my skin. 

I can't say that I was happy the entire trip though. In the beginning I was so tired, exhausted and dirty. I couldn't imagine being in a tent for any longer, but I knew I wouldn't be happy with myself if I didn't go through with it. A different day I ran smack dab into a playground pole…. wasn't even doing anything. I was just looking at my camera watching some footage and then BAM. I was scared I was going to have a black eye… mainly because I'd have to explain that to my family once I got back lol. Thankfully, no black eye. Big thank you to Loki for helping me.

In the beginning I was scared. Excited, but scared. I don't like bugs that I can't see, and the thought of sleeping near bugs really bothered me. The first or second day (we got there early on saturday before everyone showed up on monday) I went up into the treehouse of the campsite and teared up. Nervous that I wouldn't be able to handle the outdoors. I also teared up when I banged my eye. I went away and sulked then came back to see all the girls having a dance party under the cottonwood pavilion haha. At first I felt really uncomfortable just joining in because I still had a bad attitude.

This trip taught me many things. One, the great outdoors isn't so bad, in fact it is beautiful and good for me (computer nerd speaking here). I know thats kind of a big duh, but being from Texas, the summer weather is SCORCHING so being inside is pretty much a requirement to avoid heat stroke. Two, I love my team PKOUT. Jenin, Sake and my hun Blain. Three, I am capable of more than I give myself credit for. I never really thought that I could be outside for that long and be happy. Four, being in the moment is important. I tend to escape into lala land with my technology. Five, I need to travel more. Waaaayy more. 

Since I returned to Dallas, I already miss Colorado and the wonderful people I met. The parkour community is amazing and I don't think I met one mean spirited person there at all. Since the heat is real bad back at home, I've had to stay inside during the day (if not be outside for limited amounts of time) or just go out when the sun isn't lol. I know I need to adapt though.