Wow...that's cold.

I am not sure what I was expecting, but man it was really freezing. Possibly colder than I have ever been in my life. Cold enough to make me jump in a hot tub full of men I had never met before (some of them donning banana-hammocks) to warm up.

I am hoping to have some pictures of the event soon. Okay, that's a complete lie. I don't really want to see pictures of myself, but there have been requests.

I will say that I'll probably do it again next year. It was quick and is for a fantastic cause.

I should also be sleeping. I have been having these asinine attacks of insomnia. I don't think the lap top purchase has helped this at all.

I also went to a Brew City Bruisers bout on Saturday night. It was some great derby and a really good time. It was a long day, jumping in the lake and then making the trek to Milwaukee. In a snow storm. With out shoes. Okay. We had shoes.

Ouch...

Practice tonight was rough. Holy man am I sore. I am almost as sore as I was the first time I practiced. We were doing a lot of endurance and speed drills tonight. Which is good because I definitely need to work on that. I think I am getting faster but it is hard to tell. Captains don't often get compliments, they give them. I wonder if some one could tape practice so I could see.

Then when I get home late like this, I am still all wired from practice and hungry. Makes it hard to sleep.

That was a little whiny and woe is me like. I don't want to be woe is me.

I also think that it is important you know that I hate Activia commercials. Seriously, eat enough veggies and fiber and you'll poop. And what exactly does irregular mean? Are we talking frequency? Shape? Amount? I think it is just a stupid way to say constipated. Eat. Veggies.

I am not even sure where my train of thought is right now. I don't think that it has even pulled into the station . Good night my little lambs.

Busy, Busy, Busy

That's me! It's always that way the week before a bout.

Our Valentines Day Love Hurts bout went awesome. We had a great turnout, played some kick ass derby, and had a great time. My family came and some friends who had never seen a bout before. I hope they had fun, I know I did.

I need to start working on my endurance some more. I a not looking forward to this as it most likely involves sprints. And I don't so much like running.

Freezin for a Reason...

I am not sure how I got coaxed into this one, but I will be jumping in a frozen lake on February 21st to support the Special Olympics of WI. A bunch of girls and a couple guys from Roller Derby are jumping.


Once again, if you pledge, I will write a blog entry about anything that you request. ONE thing. Unless it's a really big donation, then maybe two. ;)

So thanks in advance for your support.
https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/pp09/pledge.asp?id_p=3890

TV Again

The Foxz were on TV again this morning. I love getting up at 330 am so much. I tried to nap on the floor, but it didn't work.

Here's a clip.

In other news, Cosmo hurt his back. Don't ask me how or when, but he's doing better today.

Word to your moms.

First Bout

Has come and gone. The Paper Dolls (my ladies) came out victorious winning both games we played.

Let me tell you this, we had a fan-fucking-tastic turn out. There were over 500 people in attendance, we had lights, we had a dj, we all kinds of stuff for sale. It was awesome. If you didn't make it, you should definitely come to our valentines day bout. It's sure to be a blast.

Photo Courtesy of S-Funk

Old, old, old...

Yup. That's me.

I actually pulled an all nighter last night. Okay...I slept for maybe an hour or so. I had to be at practice at 4 am. That's right folks, 4 am.

You maybe be asking yourself why I would create such insanity. Well because roller derby made the news this morning. Every year we get to an early morning live shot.

Enjoy...

Hot Pants

Slick and I sharing some derby love.

This will make sense I swear. And it's more of a thank you-shout out-recognition for my good friend Slick Nikki.

The rage this year (well who knows, maybe we're just catching on) for derby is Hot Pants. They are what you are thinking so I will spare you the details. I am seriously considering purchasing a pair. From what I understand they are very comfortable to practice in, so we'll see.


The point of this story is I was discussing said pants at practice Thursday and Slick came up to me and said (something to the effect of) "I'm so proud of you. Hot Pants on the girl who a year ago wouldn't wear shorts."

Now this might not seem like a big deal to you, but it was for me. This thank you is for two reasons. First, I couldn't believe that she remembered that. And second, I was glad she reminded me, since I had forgotten and I wear shorts quite a bit now.


So folks, that's what my self-esteem comes down to. Hot Pants. Derby has given me more confidence than I could have imagined.


(And mom or anyone else that cares, don't worry, I won't wear them with out tights).

Bumba De Da, Bumba De Da

So this summer, I have skated outside a lot. I L-O-V-E it. Which for any one who knows me is really odd. I don't so much like to be outside much less when it is warm out. There are two trails in particular that I hit. One is right here in my home town and is nice, paved, and flat. The kicker here is I normally skate around 10 miles on this trail. It's an endurance thing.

I also skate the "Friendship Trail" which is about 45 minutes from here. I love that trail as well. It has hills. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee hills. Hills are good because they force you to push yourself. I took some pictures of that trail.

These pictures were taken with my cell phone so please excuse the high quality. This trail has a trestle bridge that goes over a lake. It's about 3/4 of a mile long. It makes a cool noise when we skate on it.

This picture shows the trestle all the way across. Unfortunately, I don't know if we are coming or going here. Which isn't that odd.

Here are some more pics of the trail.
Look how fast I'm going!

Contact Sports/Sports in General

Oddly enough, my own body image has improved since starting roller derby. Or maybe it's not that odd.

I was trying to explain this the other night to a very good friend, but I don't think that I was getting my point across. One of the main reasons that I believe roller derby has helped with my self image is because I am now using my body to do something. So often girls concentrate on how their bodies look. This website http://www.about-face.org/ really takes a look at how the media portrays women and girls. It's very informative, so check it out.

Returning to sports and body image. Because of what woman of all ages are bombarded wtih, media wise, often diet and exercise are seen as a means to an end. I really do believe that if a girl is involved in sports, diet and exercise become that end.

As far as my body doing something, it's been huge for me. It doesn't have as much to do with patriarchy (although that is where it begins) or conforming to what men consider typically beautiful. It has to do with tasks that my body can accomplish now. Like running a mile in under ten minutes. Like hitting a girl with the right timing and force to get my jammer through. Like being able to keep up with all the girls on the track.

Exercise for me now has nothing to do with getting skinnier, flattening my tummy, removing the jiggle from my arms, or any of that. It has to do with improving my skill at a sport I have come to love. The other stuff is nice, but it's secondary. Trust me, I am much more proud of my new found skating endurance than I am of any weight that I have lost because of derby.

I do believe that if girls were encouraged to participate in sports (even more than they are) and especially sports that are not considered typically feminine, self image would automatically improve.

Later on I will talk about why some sports are better for body image that others.

It can be done...

Last night I went to open skate with a group of derby girls. We are on hiatus from practice and didn't just want to sit around. My friend Alabaster Mom joined us with A. A really doesn't quite get the hang of roller skating yet. I made the mistake of letting A Mom know "You won't even have to skate, I'll watch her". I have a back ache today, we'll leave it at that. It was a really good time and I do think A really enjoyed herself.


Unfortunately, I let the girls talk me into going out after we skated. I was not what you would call sober exactly.

BUT


The good news is, I didn't smoke. I REALLY wanted to but I didn't.



And PS: I ordered my skates today, but I got the black ones instead of the white ones.

I got nuthin'...

Yeah. I am a horribly boring person. I haven't smoked for 21 days, which is cool. But, like I have said in the past, I feel dumb announcing every single milestone that I hit now. What is fantastic is that a very good friend of mine has her quit date set for tomorrow. So, I am very happy that I will be able to provide a little guidance and support.

I am still having horrible insomnia. It has to be from the lack of nicotine, because I have been off the Chantix now for over a week. I have even stopped drinking soda after 6 pm. (I may have a slight diet coke problem).

Our last bout is coming up this weekend. I am glad to have some time to rest, since there are sore muscles that won't get better with out time off. I am also a little sad. I am not sure yet if I am going to try out for the traveling team (An all league team that travels nationwide to compete). Part of it is I am not sure I am good enough yet. Another thing is the cost. I am not sure how much the league covers and how much is my expense. I know I am going to continue to practice over the summer, I definitely don't want to have to retrain. I also want to work on my endurance since my lungs should get clearer and clearer week by week.

Another Reason...

I don't want kids.

I really want these skates. Does that make me a bad person?

Chicago

Was so fun. When we finally got there.

First things first, I had to pick a friend up at the airport. Got her and then we were to head to the Chicago Diner. Which is easier said than done. Got to the diner, ate a really good Philly "Steak" and Cheeze and mashed potato's and a shake. There was a mix up with my food, so I also had to pay nothing to eat this bounty.

Okay, on to our hotel in China Town. Now that I know where to go, I can't believe we got as lost as we did. I will say this, the words "Three hour tour" have a whole different meaning to Sarah and I now. Here are the highlights of our Tour of Chitown:

1. A sign that said "Big Buns and Pitas"

2. A flock of Segways. Not kidding like 20 of them.

3. A combination tanning salon/movie rental place.

4. Northwestern U. (Yeah, I know, this is in another town)

We learned that if you are following signs, make sure you know what CITY the downtown sign is referring and pointing.

When we FINALLY (and this is pretty much my fault) got to our hotel in China Town it was three hours later and we were woofed. Our hotel was pretty much a dorm room. Two twin beds, a closet, bathroom with shower stall, and a tv with a dresser. But it was clean, in a okay neighborhood, and for $90 a night, totally worth it. We were even able to find a parking spot so I didn't have to pay to park. Score.

That was essentially Thursday. Friday a bunch of people went to the Cubs game, but my friend Bri-ON and I weren't into it. He and I were going to go to a Hookah Bar, but they were all closed. We went to a regular bar instead and got drunk on PBR and he kicked my ass at darts. We ate at the diner again. I almost got sick. OOOH I also bought a really cool bike messenger bag (even though I am a poser) that I have been using as a purse. We went to a little get together at a friends apartment, got some puppy lovin and some Teese. We also tried to find a bar on Friday night which was easier said than done. Apparently downtown Chicago shuts down at midnight. We took our only scary bus ride back to China Town and crashed.

Sat we slept in and then went to Soul Vegetarian. Our food was sooooooooooooooooo good it is getting a post all it's own. It was kind of hard to find, but so worth the trip. I haven't had vegan food like this anywhere. We then headed to Veggie Bite, a vegan fast food restaurant. I was still full from Soul Veg so I didn't eat anything, but it is completely cool that they have vegan fast food. We headed to the Windy City Rollers bout, which was amazing. They make us look just a tad slow (insert sarcasim). Then we found a bar, drank, and then went home again. Oooh we also stopped for diner food at a place call The Pick Me Up Cafe. Can you say vegan french toast, pancakes, and hash browns? YUM.

Sunday, I came back. Essentially it was a weekend of eating and drinking, but it was nice to be around vegans. It was nice to be around people that were annoyed by the same things and had the same eating habits and not having to ask if there is dairy in this. I learned a lot about public transportation and can navigate a subway like a true city girl. It was also great to meet people irl that I have been talking to for over a year online.

Yay Chicago!

I am leaving for Chicago tomorrow to meet some freaky vegans. I am vair excited to meet some people that I have socialized with virtually irl as the kids say today. I am also excited to go to the Chicago Diner. Somebody asked if I would mind going twice. Um, no. Could we go twice a day for the four days I am there?





I went shopping for food tonight and I am not a model vegan. I am taking A LOT of junk food with me. A lot.








We are also going to a Windy City Rollers derby bout so I am pretty excited for that. The only bout I have ever watched is the Exposition bout of our league and it was everyones first time. They were derby virgins.

My Tenderloin

Bet you never thought you would see that in a vegan blog post. Ha.

So here's the dealio. I am not going to apologize for sucking. I mean I know I suck at blogging, but I feel like chicken little.

So here is the story of my tenderloin. I thought I pulled my groin. I wasn't even aware that girls really had groins until I started derby. Anyway, I thought I pulled it. It hurt a LOT. Like tear inducing a lot. And I don't like to cry, especially around the other derby girls ;).

I met with the chiropractor about two weeks ago and it turns out, its not my groin. It is my psoas. Here is an illustration.



In other words, it is in a really hard place to stretch. When the chiropractor works it, it looks dirty. As I often do, I looked up my psoas on the internets and part of the wikipedia definition includes this:

Significance in Western Cuisine
Based on the anatomy and physiology of a cow, this muscle is the tenderloin, and tends not to be called upon to do a lot of work, thus it remains underdeveloped, resulting in a cut of meat that is known as the most tender. It forms the basis for several succulent dishes, including chateaubriand, filet mignon and Beef Wellington.

Gross. Although it is fun to say that I am stretching my tenderloin.

Derby, Derby, Derby....

We had our first bout on the 29th. YAY. I don't think I have mentioned this but here is how the roller derby leagues work. It's sort of like bowling. Our league has four teams and through out our season we play against each other. I am a Paper Doll. (Cos we're from the Paper Valley). And guess what folks, WE WON!

It was so much fun. The crowd was awesome, hitting was awesome, everything kicked ass! I can't wait until our next one. I even have the husbandito into it now too!

I am sore as all get out. I have a couple of good bruises, but none in area's I feel like sharing ;)

Did I Mention I Suck at This....

I think I did. It's been more than a month.

Work has been crazy. Derby has been crazy. Life is crazy. Hopefully after next week things will calm down a little.

Razz caught another rabbit last night. It's getting old. If anyone has any advice on keeping the little buggers out of my yard, that would be fantastic. I think that was at least rabbit number three, could have been quite possibly four.

Since I have last posted I passed my WFTDA skills test, so I will be skating on 3/29 which is totally exciting. Here is the info:



I have finally started hitting, and let me tell you it is soooooo fun. So fun. I love it.

Blogging

I wish I was better at this.

I have been vair busy. I really want to pass my WFTDA minimum skills test. This mean's that not only am I going to derby practice three nights a week (unless we have a snow storm, more on this later), but I have also been trying to attend Speed Practice two nights a week as well. Speed practice deals more with technique, and well, speed. It kicks my ass and is a great work out. The good news is yesterday I did 23 laps in 5 minutes which is 3 more than required. And it was after we had already completed a 10 minute skate.

Since my last post the Foxz also had their first exhibition bout. I cannot wait to skate in a bout. It was so much fun. You can view some pictures here. Our first official Bout is scheduled for 3/29 at Skater's Edge in Appleton. There will be beer if that encourages any one to join us.

Fuck snow. And cold. And dry skin. And did I say snow. Seriously, it can stop at any time. We have had enough.

In other news, I am seeing a dietician on Wednesday. I will let you know how that goes. I really would like to lose some weight, and nothing I seem to do helps. Or something. The dietician/nutritionist I am seeing is familar with vegan diets, so I've got that going for me. I also have to have my cholesterol, glucose, and thyroid checked. All these damn tests make me feel old.

PS: Spell check isn't working and I am a horrible speller, so sorry.

Ask and you shall receive

So a very nice thing happened the other day. Okay yesterday. I got my new skates (yay). They make skating so much easier. I can actually do cross-overs and my back doesn't kill quite as bad. I was able to find vegan skates online at a very reasonable price. Problem is as a derby-girl, you beat the ever-living-piss out of your skates. Last night we were practicing falls and the toes of my brand new skates are all scuffy. :(

They make "toe guards" for speed skates. Unfortunately I can't find anywhere that makes a vegan version. All of them are leather. I had the rink owner tighten my toe stops and she pointed out that I needed the toe guards. I explained my dilemma. She then proceeded to tell me that she had some faux suede material at home and she was thinking she could do a couple layers of that with some plastic (like flexi plastic) in between and we could see how that would work.

Needless to say I was completely flabbergasted and very impressed.

In other derby news we have our first "bout" on February 2nd. I haven't passed my safety test yet, so I won't be competing but I will be skating during a half-time demo. If you care to see me make an ass of myself, come on over. Shit, you should come just for the fun of it. Here is the info. Tell your friends, tell your enemies. Bring a chair and come out for a good show!

Now I have to go study for my test on roller derby rules.