Well, about a year ago I posted this and misspelled "quandary." I've learned how to spell but I haven't really gotten better skate wise.

tonight was our B team game against Demo City and it really was fun. We very narrowly lost (85-82) but the DCRD girls were so, so, super nice (one DCRD girl turns to me while the pack is on the line and said "we're having fun, aren't we?" I was so speechless! i had to keep my game face on, you know! but yes.) and I had fun.

but here's the problem. I know I didn't do well. I tried, but I'm just not good. I only wish there was a way to play more often, but with lower stakes, you know? Like, recreation league roller derby. i don't know if this will happen, but if it does I'm on it.

i have fun, and that's important, but I do feel a little bad when the loss is that narrow a margin. If I had tried just a small bit harder, if I had been smarter about that hit, that stall, would we have won? it is a team sport but one can't help to internalize these things to an extent.

I'm going to try and keep playing as long as they'll let me, but the end is a little closer than I had hoped. I have a kneecap issue that can only get better with strength exercises done several days a week. Even if it gets better, it will always hurt on some level. My Sports Med MD even says that it's unfair that I can't do the falling drills that the rest of the girls do, but that's life, and I have to let pain be my guide. Truth be told I hate falling drills, but I recognize that they're helpful and i wish I could do them with the rest of the girls. Don't worry, it's not an injury caused by derby, it's only been aggravated by derby.

This is rambling. I'm very tired right now. it's 1:30 am, and while I have had nothing to drink I am just super sleepy. I'm not really sure where I want to go with this blog either, which adds to my frustration.

Meanwhile, Flash is here AGAIN.

Labels: roller derby

This weekend was the Stomp in Knoxville. The Stomp is an annual Tennessee derby conference where the three existing teams in TN (Memphis, Knoxville, Nashville) play each other and have fun mini-challenges. Our league started it last year, and next year I assume memphis will be hosting. In future years perhaps we will see fledgling Johnson City and Chattanooga leagues participating!

I am under financial restrictions, self imposed. I used some hotel reward points for the room (fancy!), and rode with the Splatters (I paid for a tank of gas which was considerably less expensive than it would've been for me to drive myself and pay for a hotel).

During Saturday's bouts Memphis won two, Knoxville won one, and Nashville won zero. I don't remember the exact scores but they should be on the Nashville Rollergirls site within a few days. Parting was done but not by me as we had our first B-team bout the next day! I took a long walk through downtown Knoxville with Macy for food and some alcohol. there was an abandoned home fenced off but I REALLY wanted to explore. Clearer heads (Macy's) prevailed so I skipped it. It was dark and my picture didn't really turn out but others have taken pictures--the boarded up windows and doors were covered in art (from flickr, not taken by me):



More from flickr (not taken by me):

Cape Sale with a little more of the house (and check out the artist's page.
From the front
Freaky
Whimsy

Later, at the liquor store, we were told that the building was definitely haunted by the spirit of a young boy who was abused and later died in the house.

So, our B-team took on Johnson City--except that it was only a few JC folk and mostly Knoxville girls, including a couple of girls who had played the day before on their All-Stars team. Hardly seems fair (there was more unfairness but it was rumor so I will not post it here), but at any rate we ended up winning. Again, don't remember the score, but again, check the site in a couple of days.

I missed the mini-challenges (saw a tiny bit of Amazons vs Shorties) because I really wanted to stop at the two French's (Frenches's? French'ses?) in Crossville as these are the originals and they seem to be the best! Yes, there are two stores, both on Main right off of 40, catty-corner to one another. One carries western wear and boots, one carries regular shoes, both have large rack rooms. The Splatters both seemed interested so I wanted to strike while the iron was hot and while the store was still open. I was less impressed this time around but that's ok, I still walked away with a pair of Indigo by Clarks (does this make me old?). There is also another further up 40, but we did not stop there.

I did get home, dog under the kitchen table (no, he was not there over night alone, he stayed with my parents). Off to bed.

Labels: roller derby, travel

Well, I would like to day I've gotten my eloquence back, but it isn't so. here goes the ramble.

tomorrow early I leave for knoxville. eight hours of derby. oh, I'm just watching tomorrow. i don't actually skate until sunday--our b-team vs johnson city. rock on. i'm using free hotel points since i am broke as a joke!

and for the first friday in a long time I wasn't tired all day.

Labels: roller derby

there really is none! i'm still sore from our super-crazy practice yesterday! Regular day. screen printed a tee for the stomp this weekend. our b-team has a scrimmage/bout! very excited.

Labels: roller derby

so tired. rough practice. late meeting. forgot to update last night. off to bed.

Labels: roller derby

There's a dichotomy with me and derby. People keep telling me I'm getting better, and I'm doing just fine, and I should stay with it.

At the same time, the hard evidence doesn't reflect this. I'm not doing better. The stats sheets indicate this. The lineups don't reflect this. I don't mean my b-team status, I actually embrace that and enjoy it (life is easier when you aren't worried about rankings or standings).

I'm actually not upset with the interpersonal dynamics anymore, but i am to the point where I'm questioning why I bother. Oh, there's the obvious--that all my friends are in derby and to leave would be to lose friends. Wait. i've been over this before. I won't bore you with it. i just wish someone would be honest. sometimes I think they encourage me to stay in so they can have a laugh later. someone's got to be the worst, and it looks like that's me.

Please do not mistake this for depression because I'm not depressed. i'm just realistic. i'm happier than I've been in a long time. Why jeapordize my happiness by staying with something i'm not good at? I sucked at running and dropped it (but only after several months of trying).

There are other roles for me in derby that don't involve putting on skates. I'm thinking it's time to explore those options.

I know, you hate reading about derby, but between that and school that's what pretty much monopolizes my thinking and time.

Meanwhile, Flash Dog is here.

Labels: roller derby

we won! damsels of distress won their first bout EVER! Boy, was it fun. I even got to jam once! of course, it was the last jam of the night. and I didn't get through the pack once. and I got hit HARD. But whatever, my mommy and daddy got to see me jam.

more tomorrow.

Labels: roller derby

Today I saw two car crashes just a scant few feet from each other. they were far enough away that one likely didn't cause the other. the first one happened as I was sitting at the light and all I saw was an SUV spin around--I'm guessing someone was turning and hit a car going sraight (or vice versa).

Here's a diagram illustrating the proximity of the crashes and the order in which I came across them:

**|**
**|-2
**|**
-----
__1__

It was all very frightening!

So, it's bout preparation time here at the Dog Pound (although, given my derby name "tipi" might be more accurate--and more offensive). Friday I start with the feast of a thousand carbohydrates and the great water intake. Of course, I had an annoying practice tonight that had me wanting to yell back. Seriously--I was totally fed up.

Speaking of carbohydrates, I was in my parents' car yesterday on the way to the Ice Cream Crankin. I saw an ad in a magazine for a famous diet plan that promised up to 15 lbs lost in two weeks (as always, there was the note that results aren't typical). Listen, if you are losing 15 lbs in two weeks and you're not under a doctor's supervision in doing so then YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG. Well, I hesitate to say that because if weight loss is the goal then losing is losing, but that's just too fast. You're harming your body and setting yourself up to gain that weight back just as fast as you lost it along with a few extra. Also, whatever means you use to lose should be something you are comfortable doing for the rest of your life. Weight loss comes from permanent life changes, not temporary fads. And any diet that severly restricts or prohibits fruits and vegetables just isn't worth it. Any diet that doesn't allow you to splurge once in a while is setting you up for failure.

Labels: drama, food, roller derby

i'm in bed and flash seems to be gassy. that means stinky. for a small dog he has some terribly stinky gas.

Today was the roller girls carwash to benefit Robyn's Nest, and animal rescue. We raised a lot of cash for them! It was hot though, and I am a tad sunburnt. Afterward I got to see Mandy for a bit which is always fun.

If you live in Nashville I have to recommend Dulce Desserts. Their Boston Creme Pie cupcake tastes like a chocolate dipped ice cream cone. Yum!

Last night I dreamed that my favorite lingerie store started selling clothes and had a closeout sale. great prices! unfortunately in wakefulness my favorite boutique didn't quite have the great prices the dream store did. Still, they have some crazy lovely clothes. I hope to save a bit of cash and go back.

Also dreamed that I was hanging out with Unknown Hinson. That was a bit strange.

Labels: dreams, roller derby

My very second derby bout ever was last night. It was maybe a little better this time. I don't feel all sad and tired and upset; I actually got up and decided it was time to clean.

Labels: roller derby

I guess I should blog about this, but I kind of don't want to.

I skated in my very first derby bout on Saturday night. It was fun, I was nervous, and afterward had a crushing sadness that I'm still struggling with. We'll get back to the sadness in a bit.

I was nervous weeks before. I thought about quitting. I didn't want to go to practice. I talked to everyone. I felt like a fool because after practice I was READY TO GO. Repeated this process about four times. I carb loaded. I ate right, practiced hard, visualised winning. I saw little signs that made me think we were going to win. I even dreamed that we won, although the whole thing was very disorganized and most jams were short a skater or two. I met with my teammates. I analyzed my skills and those of my teammates. I promoted the event, which was not easy for someone with the crippling social anxiety that I sometimes have. I emailed and texted friends. I ordered plus sized fishnets and a pink skirt. I painted my name and number on a swatch of t-shirt that mom sewed to my jersey. I made special panties with my team name on them. I put googly eyes on my helmet (if you watched the recent SNL with host Christopher Walken you'll get that). I helped set the track up until I was too sleepy to continue. I had the nervous poops. I pushed water. I showed up at the venue early, driving around the neighborhood so I wouldn't be TOO early.

So it began.

I was nervous up until we did our warm up laps, at that point all nervousness went away. As one of the weaker (probably the weakest) members of my team I was only in two jams. I'm not at all upset about this. I even told our bench coach that I would go in whenever she wanted but I wanted the win so I would put my ego aside for this event. I tried, I did ok, but I definitely could've done better. We lost by one point, but came from being behind 10+ points in the first period to
swapping lead in the second and third.

After it was all over it was very anticlimactic. Someone told me before it would be just like practice, only we've got costumes and there will be more people in attendance--and it was! I felt like I was nervous for nothing. Afterwards I talked with friends and had pictures taken (this took so long that I didn't help with cleanup and kind of felt like an ass for not helping, but dang it, I hadn't seen some of these folks in years).

Oh, remember the dream I mentioned above? Partially true. In my first jam we were short a skater. No, she wasn't in the penalty box; someone just wasn't paying attention and then the whistle blew and it was too late.

And here comes the sadness. While I don't blame myself at all for a one point loss, I do know that I could've done much better. I know I've done better in practice. No one blamed me, although one brutally honest skater gave me her opinion in a matter-of-fact way. I was not at all offended; in fact, I agreed with her, and was thankful for her honesty.

The after party was all right, I chose not to drink anything but water even though I should've been celebrating. On the way over I was feeling down and knew that to drink would only depress me more. I have a tendency to cry at extreme emotions and it was hard not to cry. I teared up a few times but couldn't really get away to get myself together so if you saw a tear I can assure you it wasn't just me sweating profusely from the hot weather. I cut out early with a teammate and her husband. We ate at a local diner and while we ate by the huge windows we got to see the Fan Fair fireworks--an ending to the evening that made me smile.

I woke up the next morning with the black cloud still over my head. I went to our open skate because I do love a good rink skate. Again, still sad and had to fight back tears when anyone would ask about the night before. I didn't feel like talking about it.

I'm still trying to figure out why I was so sad afterwards. Was it a result of not getting put in enough? No, since I was asked to speak up if I wanted to go in more, and I actually argued to be put in less (hey, I know my abilities and I wanted to WIN). Was it the build up only to have it be more mundane than I thought? Maybe. There's one part that's hard to talk about: after the other team's victory lap the hugs started, and I wasn't in those hugs. I suppose I could've been, but I'm not one to seek out and initiate hugs. Instead, I found my family who gave me hugs and congratulations. My sister even pushed me around the track.

Before this bout all the new girls would talk about the "fire" that they got after their first time. I kept waiting for the "fire" but it never came. Maybe this explains why I was so sad? I'd been with this for a year and a half almost to the date but I still didn't have it. I knew that this would be make or break for me, and it's looking more like a break.

It's sad to put a year and a half into something only to realize that you've not made the progress you intended, and to realize that you may have to just end it. And then it's sadder to realize that you've made a lot of friends in this

endeavor and that to leave means to lose a large chunk of those friends (and don't start with the "they're not really your friends if you lose them when you quit" because that's just unrealistic--when you lose the common thread that keeps you together then you pretty much drift apart).

So my future participation in derby is way up in the air.

Labels: roller derby

Today I posed for an artist. It's part of an installation that features the roller girls and will open next month. If you're interested, email me for details and I'll tell you where to be and when to be there.

I showed up at the appointed time in my derby finery. The artist, Brenan, was lots of fun and quite talented so I really enjoyed my time standing in odd positions. It's going to be a great show, and the early versions look great. I desperately want to buy them they're so good, plus they're me, and I'm my favorite subject in the art world. So my guess is they'll be out of my reach financially but we'll see. But what if they were purchased by someone else? Seems odd to think about it. It's my image, right? So it's kind of personal. If this were the case it would kill me not to know why the person bought it, what they did with it, and what people thought of it. Is it me and the part of my personality I put forth? Is it the artist's interpretation? I'll let you know how it turns out. There are two pieces, one is Comanche in action, and one is Leah the knitter who likes to skate. I can't wait for you to see them.

Then I decided to check out a certain local cupcake bakery that recently opened. I know that this cupcake craze is several years old so we're obviously a little behind the times. I'd heard mixed reviews. Some people raved that they were sent from Heaven, some said they weren't ALL THAT (but beautifully presented). I had to try for myself. Verdict: meh. Artificial taste, dry cake, boring icing. I know some folks are absolutely thrilled with a 'cake junt in Nashville but I think the joy is a little short sighted; after all, two of my favorite bakeries (Dulce Desserts and Sweet 16th) sell amazing cupcakes as well as other baked goods. In fact, both places offer better cupcakes than this newcomer.

Labels: nashville, roller derby

My bottle of Two Buck Chuck and personalized dogtags from the end of year roller derby spanquet. It was fun. Well, it was fun until my crippling social anxiety decided to rear it's ugly head. Sorry, y'all.

Labels: pictures, roller derby

I've been slightly new agey lately, and I thought I'd share.

Sage Smudging
After a vacation that left me not relaxed but even more hopeless. See, it was around the time of my birthday which is NEVER a good time. No matter how great things are I seem to feel very down. I stayed on the couch most of the time, even TV was boring and TV is NEVER boring. The week before I bought soem sage smudge sticks at the local metaphysical store and looked up the process. I opened everything except the fridge and the one window that doesn't have a screen and proceeded to do my own thing based on what I'd read.
Result: Things have been increasingly positive. Money is all right, I was selected to hair model at a hip, cool salon, and I was selected to go to Iowa to help with the caucus there in January. My mood is better and I'm not crying constantly. Just intermittently.

Chiropractory
Ok, that may not exactly be the way to say it, but I had an adjustment with a chiro. The roller derby league has an official chiro who comes to pratices, so her most recent visit I decided to see what she'd do. I casually dated a dude a while back who promised to fund a chiro visit but I soon lost contact with that half-ass and nothing ever came of it. So, this lady's doing free adjustments and I get in line. She had me laying on the massage-like table and did some feeling around to see what was going on. I had some tension in my back and one hip out of alignment, something I attributed to the scoliosis diagnosis I'd gotten ages ago (remember scoliosis scrrens in gym class? ugh. Not that they discovered it there, but it's just a girl thing I relived just now). After much cracking and twisting I got up feeling a little bit lighter.
Result: I skated so much better that night and felt like the weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders. I was able to pop right up after single knee falls and even joined in a falling drill. This may, however, be better attributed to my newly lathed wheels, giving them a grip they hadn't had in a couple of months. Seriously, good wheels make the difference.

Labels: roller derby, therapy

My first injury! And how! I was skating in a drill and all of a sudden I'm airbound, landing mostly on my face, my glasses flying into the fray. one of the first things we learn in derby is how to fall, but "on the face" is not a preferred way. I notice that my face is bleeding, apparently in the process my glasses broke, causing a tiny cut near my eyebrow. If you've ever had a cut near your eyebrow you know that it's going to bleed profusely. It did, scaring the heck out of everyone (me included).

One girl told me that boxers get hit there all the time. One told me that I was the first girl to spill blood on our track, thereby making it officially "ours." Our male ref came over terrified by the sight of the blood, thinking I had lost a tooth. One girl ran over with a camera to get a picture--before you think she's cruel know that I requested this (perhaps I will post it later).

There was a bit of an arguement, as yet another girl ran over with an antique first aid kid, telling us that it dated back to WWII (I think), which concerned someone who thought that the items within would be outdated; luckily only the box was antique, the first aid items were new. I was informed that there was a book in the kit that told us how to do sutures with a needle and a strand of human hair, but I was glad that this was not necessary.

One of our girls is an RN so she took care of things. Most girls just get interesting bruises. I get a nifty scar.

Damn. Look at that eye. Do you see a crow's foot? Do you see a bag? Hell no. This is what 31 looks like, bitches. Don't hate.

Labels: pictures, roller derby

IT is worth noting that this Saturday's bout went very well, very well indeed.

If you weren't there you won't get it. It was action packed, super fun, and you better be at the next one. Maybe there will be a different band (anecdotal evidence indicated that the crowd wasn't crazy about the band who will not be named here, you are welcome to google to find out).

Tonight at practice we were run ragged but in the best possible way. I fell (unintentionally) more than once but got right back up and kept going. One of my falls was on a butt cheek, one was on a boob. Not as much fun as you'd think.

Still, I'm beat. Good times.

Labels: roller derby

I will post more about Saturday night's bout later on. It was lots of fun. But here's a quicky.

My sister was witness to a drunken dude asking me some question. She said it was no mere conversation but a hit-on. And it was no mere drunken dude but a local columnist.

Oh, and he got picked up for DUI early the next morning.

Labels: roller derby

it's cool, though. I will definitely keep trying. it was my falls.

Labels: roller derby

So remember the skills test I'm supposed to be taking on Monday? Well it might not happen. I changed my wheels from my good pink Radar Tuners to the crap Chicago wheels that came with my crap Chicago skates, as I don't want to mess up the pink wheels. So I go in the garage and practice my stops and I'm doing great, just great, right? Seriously, I have it down. So I skate up the road and do just fine and try to cross over but it was too sharp a turn and I fall. No biggie, though, I fall on my knee and elbow which are heavily protected thanks to my gear.

And then Dr Gay shows up. He's going to take pics which is very much welcome. I say ok, but before you take a picture here's a demonstration of what I'm trying to do. Then, as I try to show I fall, and not in a good, controlled way. I twist my knee and ankle a bit as I'm falling. Right now they're wrapped up. I'm putting ice on it when I think about it. I'm doing 4 ibus every four hours. Here we are.

I'd planned to spend all weekend practicing but nop, now I'm spending all my time with my leg elevated. I'm still hoping to tke the test monday. We'll see.

Labels: drama, roller derby

Derby skills testing on Monday. Here's the minimum skills.

Labels: roller derby

The new skates are A. Maz. Ing. For reals. You'll hear more about it on the podcast but yes, I love them. They literally stick to the floor when needed and huggle my foot like a mama bear hugs her cubs. Of course, being new there are still hot spots where they hurt but that will change.

Last night I was involved in a few drills with the big girls. I kept up as best I could but had to drop out a couple of times because my endurance sucks.

But honestly, sometimes I get the feeling that I'm not sure i'll do this. It's not that I don't want to, but more of the I'm not sure I'm outgoing enough, or maybe I'll never get used to the fact that I've got to pay attention to ten things at once when I'm in the pack. I think eventually the strength and the stamina will come but the camraderie, the skill may take longer. I've been at it close to two months, you'd think I'd be there now. I've watched bouts, I've watched scrimmages, but I don't know.

Labels: roller derby

So I gets a lot of spam. The law of probability states that I'm going to get some that I'll actually open. One time I got an email from a sender with a name two letters different from my granny's. Now, my granny doesn't have a very common name so even with two letters off my curiosity was piqued. Of course, Granny doesn't use email, but still.

So I get another email with the subject line that shares a title with this post. I thought it HAD to be someone emailing about the blog but no, just your run of the mill spam.

So, my skates are in. I'm very excited to get out there and skate. They'll be super fast, I can tell. I'm not crazy about the pink wheels but tht's ok. I wore them around the office today and got a few compliments. I couldn't get the toe stops off in order to put the toe guards on but that's ok, we had crafty night at Kazu and Kazu himself was able to fix that. I had planned on doing that at the skate shop but they were closed when I stopped by. I'll keep you posted.

I'm watching Growing Pains right now and it's one with Mr Brad Pitt. But that's not the point.

As you may notice I'm elaborating a bit on the picture mails I've posted. I know, picture mails are no substitute for real posts but, well, that's what I can do right now.

Labels: roller derby

Labels: pictures, roller derby

Check this out! i'm not pictured and I can assure you that most of those things aren't guilty pleasures. I mean, honestly! Denny, a guilty pleasure? whatever. Dr Gay, check out the byline while you're there...

Labels: roller derby

So last night I was taking a quick break to catch my breath and discovered that the sweat pads in my helmet are removable. They're held on by velcro. Those of you more athletic than I may have known this. I had no idea...I thought that they just got stinky and maybe you had to replace them frequently depending on how sweaty you are. Being a sweaty, sweaty gal I thought I'd go through a couple of helmets a year. Seriously. You can remove the pads. They're only held on by velcro. This was news to me.

Also, my new pads (did I mention my new pads? they're made by triple eight and came in a clever mesh bag.) are absolutely wonderful. For reals. Last night I practiced falls and barely knew I was falling. My old pads hit right below the knee leaving me with super-classy bruises, these pads are gigantic and padded like no one's business. Seriously, it's like I've got a small army of tiny people holding soft pillows to catch my bigger-than-Tyra bulk.

Labels: roller derby

Because honestly, I don'treally care about the Super Bowl. I always liked when MTV had the annual Butt Bowl but those days are long gone. This year's halftime show will be FUNKY, on account of it's Prince. I prefer the puppy bowl with the kitten half time show. I am totally dog crazy, I fully admit it. I love my dog more than anyone and if there's a puppy around pretty much nothing else exists.

I mean, seriously, how can you not love puppies? This may be hard to believe but I was terrified of dogs until I was in my early teens. No kidding. I remember one summer spending most of my time indoors because the neighbors had two dogs, one a pinscher, who constantly got loose and would chase down any unlucky pedestrian in the neighborhood. I was even afraid of my cousin's pomeranian, he'd attack your ankles if you walked past a certain spot in the hallway.

Oh, and in the grand tradition of me keeping my finger on the pulse I've finally discovered smoothies. My mom brought me one the other night due to my sore throat and my mind was officially blown. In the last four days I've had a total of four.

And finally I've got new pads for derby practice. they're super nice, I could get shot in the knee and never know it--that's how thick the foam is! Think I'm going with the Riedell Wicked skates but still deciding.

Labels: dogs, roller derby

Where the hell have I been??? Honestly, it's been a long week here. Every night has been packed, this is the first night I've been at home before 9. Dang.

So, last Thursday meant Alcohol Stuntband and Black Diamond Heavies. Pictures and more to come.

I visited the maternal side of the family this past weekend. It was fun. My Pappy has mobility issues, he's now got one of those clever power chairs. My uncles built a ramp on the front of the house. My grandparents have lived in this house since my mom was a young girl so this is a pretty big change. Apparently the power chair is lots of fun so I decide I'm going to take it for a spin. See, I've never ridden in one of these and should I ever end up in one it won't be for fun and games. It jerks and moves a bit too fast but I manage to make it outside and down the ramp and back up again. As I drive back up the ramp I pass the kitchen window where my mom just happens to be standing, I give her a wave and receive a shocked look in response. I manage to get it back in the place where it started but that thing had some kick to it. So later in the day I find out that it has multiple speeds, and apparently the family watching (and laughing at) my struggle probably knew this.

Monday night was my most successful roller derby practice yet. I did a couple of crossovers--this is a big step (no pun there so shut up). I also proved to be a master of weaving through cones and t-stopping. It was the first night I really felt like I COULD do this. WANTING to do it was never a question. For those of you who don't listen to the podcast I'll be Comanche Red #FF0000.

I'm so tired. There was a roller derby benefit last night so I skated my way around the Mercy Lounge while listening to some fine rock n roll and drinking a dirt cheap PBR.

As soon as I get my tax refund I think I'm going to buy better skates. Heck yeah.

Labels: family, roller derby

I feel like a slacker with my lack of updates. it seems as though when I'm at home I'm doing something so I'm taking time out of my lunch break to talk to you. how lucky are you?

Saturday and Sunday nights I spent the evening reading. Which is to mean I met Steve at the Belcourt Theatre for a few films in their Janus series.

Saturday night was "Knife in the Water," or as I like to call it, "Male Camel Toe." it was very subtle but still quite good. It was an early Polanski film so it was in Polish with subtitles. Weird, though, that it seemed as though a lot of the dialogue wasn't subtitled.

Sunday was "Black Orpheus," or as I like to call it, "Brazillian Crazy Legs!" It was a retelling of the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and was quite good. The trip to Hades part was especially cool. In addition, the lack of activity in Saturday's movie was more than made up for in this one. To give you an idea it took place during Carnival, so tons of music, celebration, and sweating. I think you'd like it.

Last night I pulled my leg muscle again. I skidded and almost fell, and in the process pulled it and sat out for the rest of the night. Ugh. can i do this? seriously.

Labels: movies, roller derby

This morning I found out that my partner in derby training, Strawberry Stompcake, has a torn ligament! Very sad to hear. Let's all pray for a quick recovery.

Labels: drama, roller derby

Good: Thursday I did manage to go back to Roller Derby practice. There will be more details in a podcast I'll post later today.

Bad: However, I did pull a muscle. I'm kind of freaked out...roller derby is something I really want to do, but I'm afraid I'm just not in the right shape for it. I'm sure one day I will be but right now I just feel like an out of shape asshole. I had to sit out most of practice most of the time which...

Good: ...allowed me to watch the travel team practice. I got to watch strategy, body mechanics, that sort of stuff.

Bad: I didn't get to practice crossovers or two knee falls. So I feel like I'm behind out of the gate.

Good: I ordered a Wii. Yes, thanks to the message boards on amazon.com I found out that Circuit City had a scant few available for sale.

Bad: I'm kind of broke, I shouldn't have bought it but I did.

Good: So now I'll shut up about it.

Bad: My muscles are still achy and I've got to go to the laundromat to wash some comforters.

Good: My super hotness is still in tact, and I think next friday I'll start a new thing.

Labels: roller derby, wii

Two days after my very first roller derby practice and I'm still sore. Seriously.

Short version: I went, I skated, I learned stuff.

Long version: This is going to take a while. I didn't realize how out of shape I was. For rills. My thighs and bum muscles are all achy and I have practice #2 tomorrow. I tried to learn how to fall but do you know how hard it is to learn to fall? You're basically going against everything you've been doing your whole life, meaning you try all the time NOT to fall, now you've got TO fall. So I didn't do so well. In the process of falling on one knee I ended up falling on my tailbone twice.

Still, I'm going back. I'll be in fantastic shape in no time.

I get there and there are some girls doing their skill test. Another new girl showed up and we learned a little bit about everything and participated in strength training. We then did a little skating and learned stuff.

Mark my words: in two months I will be a bad ass.

Labels: roller derby