I Almost Went Crazy Until I Focused! After All, I Am Serious!

I have learned that penalty and penalty enforcement has a lot of confusing stipulations...I'm not hopeless about understanding, It's just taking a lot more effort than I have time for...

Blogging is a lot easier than studying at work... I really do still do my job (really well too). The more I read the more I remember and understand, but, WOWEE!!! I'm very overwhelmed right now about this test in two days...  Two days that I am either working or dedicating to skating, or helping set up, or taking care of my children... Luckily I have wonderful people in my life who are able and willing to babysit (kinda) my kids for free. I owe them a lot when I get my shit together!!

I asked myself when will I have time for this?       .    .    .   Well, i can study a bit at work, but it's hard for me to really soak in the information with so many distractions. I can study between work and derby for the next two days. I can study after derby if I'm not too tired. I can study while I have downtime at the boot camp on Saturday. I can also study Sunday morning right before the test.    .   .   . Is that going to be enough time to learn what I need to learn to pass the test (80% is a passing mark, and 43 pages to read all together) Last night I decided that instead of trying to keep studying longer tonight, I'd get up a little earlier than usual and get an hour or so of studying in before work.

So, back to memorizing the difference between major, minor, etc and what all the penalties are. Skimming through the pages of important information, I panicked... almost lost my senses, but i didn't. Instead I focused....as I was monotonously reading, I began to make a little more sense out of every sentence I read. I think that was the only thing keeping me motivated to stay focused. Luckily it's not as much memorization as it seemed to be. A lot of it is just common sense. If you get the point of the rules being in place, it's not hard to rationalize to get the right answer. There are only a few sections of penalties that i have to re read because they don't make enough sense.

I feel pretty confident, for now, that it was a good idea. i feel like I actually learned a lot. Now I feel able to manage the task at hand, without any doubt. I'm holding myself to those words too. I don't think I've ever wanted something so bad that just good enough is not an option. I'm gonna kick the shit out of everything I am asked to do. I'm pretty sure that if i just keep reading and re reading everything I don't understand... I will do great! Yes, not just good, or I will pass, I will do great!

Props To Freshmeat!

Well, what can I say? Between the awesome coaches and all the determined brand new roller skaters, I'm flabbergasted, to say the least, at the quality of both! Let me say first, roller skating is really hard! There are definitely people that are natural skaters, and people that have to work really hard to do what they do, just like any other sport or talent. Now, having said that, natural skaters work just as hard, but can often advance faster than someone who feels awkward on their skates. personally, I feel like I'm a natural skater... I can tell if someone is natural or not (I think because I was a dancer and it's kind of the same way), It's all in the confidence. It takes a lot longer to build if you have to work harder to be at the same level as the natural skaters. I LOVE that skaters that have to work really hard to do what they do keep doing it! I LOVE that those people prove that if you want something bad enough, you can do it, even if you aren't the best starting off.

I've been meaning to do this for a while. I want to give props to all the freshmeat skaters I've skated with. Every single one of them that regularly come to practice are determined, dedicated, and focused on getting better, and in the coaches case, creating ready, fit, and dedicated skaters. Just to list  few (Sorry if I miss anyone) Ali, Andy Anarchy (Amanda), Scourge Her (Trina), Teri Fying, Arlene, Rags, Torture Chamber (Lisa), Angela, Kaustic, Linzifer, Fiver, Unchained Malady, Lacee Longstalkin, Twisted, Fatal, Nomad, Cakes, Pappa Razzo, Ginger, The Jester, Lexisonfire, Lady Laceration, Vitamin B, and Taz. I also want to mention the girls I've only skated with a few times (I hope they come back), Michelle, Donna, Christina, and Wody (Mama).

I have nothing but good things to say about every single one of the people listed above. hopefully it stays that way as I spend more time with them. I've had an excellent experience in Freshmeat. Excellent coaches, excellent skate mates, excellent exercise, excellent learning experience, and an excellent growing experience.

I'm getting closer to joining team practices, although, if I can ever go to freshmeat after I benchmark on Sunday, I'm going to go. I'd like to go to keep perfecting my basic skills, and be a good example to new skaters at the things I really excel at. I truly believe that I can be a great mentor to future freshmeat to come. I am finally taking my final steps toward becoming an official RDRDA skater. It's very exciting.... I've been waiting since August!

In addition to the original topic, I have been to two freshmeat friendly league practices now, and I learned new and different things that freshmeat practices... more about the actual game. It's very important to go to freshmeat and learn hoe to skate properly for as long as it takes, but once anyone perfects their basic skating skills, I suggest everyone go to a few league practices before attempting to benchmark. I learned an amazing amount about the rules, game play, and strategy... also I got the opportunity to perfect skills that are a bit more advanced, like jumping, blocking, laterals, 360's, whips, and snaking. Those are the ones for me, that I'm really glad I got the chance to get more in depth practice on. After going to just two league practices I'm 100% sure that I can benchmark this Sunday. Thanks to Lip Lash and Razor Recked It for heading up those two practices. They were both awesome. And thanks to Hej Clip Her, Malady, and DM for helping us freshies.

Catching Up

I know I haven't posted for a long time. Unfortunately, a series of events that were beyond my control temporarily took over my life... I'm back, sort of... I'm trying to be at least! I have had a few things happen in the last few days, pushing me to force myself to write this post. I actually have many things to share, just not the time to get it out! One of my biggest downfalls is that I LOVE to share. Yes, I said downfalls... how do you figure that? you ask. Well, I am constantly sharing stories, feelings, and things that maybe not everyone wants to hear. The great thing about a blog... if you don't want to hear me share, don't read. Simple! So, needless to say, I think I'm driving everyone crazy with my "I'm talking/complaining your ear off" kind of sharing.

I have a few major derby things happening right now. this weekend is the Skate And Destroy boot camp! Saturday... boot camp, Sunday... Benchmark and my first Rookie game! yes, that's right!! MY FIRST GAME!!!! I'm beyond excited for this shit! I need a new mouth guard (again), a pair of knee high socks, shin guards, and blue shoelaces (to match my wheels because that's cool!) I'd love some sticker letters too so that I can have my name, "Serious Lee" on the back of my helmet! I don't want to be distracted by my mouth guard trying to benchmark or play in the game! this is the lineup for my game. See my name at the very bottom  :) GO Team Red!

Bout 2
Team C (Red)
Eliz a deth Elizabeth Pullan
Shear Destruction 66 Joanne Bokitch Bow Valley Roller Derby
TheMon 32 Monica Evers-Harvey Bow Valley Roller Derby
Bitch Amen 1176 Nadine Jennipher Pearson Chinook City Roller Derby League
Ella Straytor, #2H Kristine Astop Chinook City Roller Derby League
Big Kahuna 2517 Sarah Hampton Chinook City Roller Derby League
Mad Madam Mim 5150 Jacqueline Boniface Chinook City Roller Derby League
Sweetie Darling 74 Amal Cohen CRDA
DeVotchka Thrash 33 Jessica de Groot East Kootenay Roller Derby League
Puma Thurman 8 Virginia White East Kootenay Roller Derby League
Lucy Lug Nuts #1/2 inch Jessie Haggard Gas City
Five Hole Cindy Randford-Steinwand Heartland Rollergirls Association
AubTMiss Prime #113 Aubrey Shpaiuk Lil Chicago Roller Derby
Serious Lee #33 Trina Rhine RDRDA

Team D (Black)
Tonya Lowe Bow Valley Roller Derby
Roe'd Kill Rachelle Honeyman Bow Valley Roller Derby
DING DONG AV-ON CALLING #24 Andrea Vaughan Bow Valley Roller Derby
Mayne Squeeze 1010 Sara Mayne Chinook City Roller Derby League
Judge JenAcide 25-2Life Jennifer Jeans Chinook City Roller Derby League
Ru$$ian Rollette #18 Sonia Stauch Chinook City Roller Derby League
DAZZLER #130 ALDERA CHISHOLM CRDA
Negative Nancy #138 Carla Fedje CRDA
Hart Knox ♥ Shelley Lawrence East Kootenay Roller Derby League
Ziggy Bonedust 255 Hope Landry East Kootenay Roller Derby League
Muffy Merkin #2-15 Judy-Lyn Sylvester Heartland Rollergirls Association
Backseat Roll'Her Krystal Baker Heartland Rollergirls Association
Low Key # 3.14 Keely Lucas OCDG
Linzifer Lindsay RDRDA

There it is!!!!! Yes, I'm that excited! I'm also excited to benchmark. This means that I can go to the Nightshades practices soon. I think I'll start going Monday's and Wednesdays (and maybe Thursdays... yes I'm crazy) Hopefully i can still go to Freshmeat.... Malady?

I'm really building my derby muscles. It's been a few practices now. I hurt less and less at practice, and I hurt less and less after practice. It's great. Physically aside from some non-muscle related problems, this is the best I have felt in a while. I am definitely gonna blame that on derby! Even lifting the chairs up onto the tables at work is getting so much easier. I feel like a much stronger person all around now... inside and out!

I'll spend the next week or so catching up, in more detail, on all the things i wanted to share!

Getting Back Into It

WOW! I had the best practice yet tonight. they really just worked us so hard.. by the end of it I think I was wheezing! (time to make some lifestyle changes) I really want to just dance around and jump up and down shouting "roller derby is fucking awesome!" Seriously! I got to introduce my self as "Serious" when we were doing stretches tonight. It made me feel like I was starting to embrace my alter ego, really becoming another whole person in a sense... still me yet " Serious Lee"... intense, dangerous, powerful, and genuine.
My skates are great... way better than the ones I was using... but I need new wheels. I need some wheels that will give me speed and control. I feel like I'm tripping over the ones I have now, they really are too wide for what I want to do. I have so much to learn about the gear still. My pads and helmet seem to be great though! I still need a moulded mouth guard... mine is so distracting.

I learned some new stuff about stops today, which is always good. I'm determined to be able to stop really quick if I have to. I seem to be getting good at the tee stop, which isn't really used all that much oddly enough, but I'm also getting better at the hockey stop and the plow stop! I'm not sure which one is more valuable on the track yet though.... anyone know?

I also had the pleasure of learning from two skaters I haven't been coached by yet... Bert and Taz. They are both super fast, agile, and downright dominant skaters. I feel privileged to have been coached by them both. Bert and Taz really are people I can learn from, I hope they both go to many practices to come! I'm planning to be out of freshmeat soon but I know that other freshies that aspire to be jammers can learn from these two cool cats as well. Also I have to say that Nomad is quite the cat too! This is one guy that really knows what hes doing... and even though he may

We did the coffin drill tonight. It was really, really hard, but good training and a bit of fun. Starting on your back, arms crossed on your chest, and wheels flat against the boards, we wait for the whistle to blow... then get up as fast as we can and RACE to the other side of the track, knee drop and slide onto your back in the starting position while attempting not to slam into the boards on the other side. For anyone reading not familiar with roller derby.. you might have to read that a few times to understand what the fuck I'm talking about!

This is my derby wound for the night. I'm REALLY sorry it's a pic of my stink old derby foot. And I'm not complaining.... I'm sharing!

I do have to say this is definitely one of the biggest blisters I have ever had the pleasure to have. Just on the one foot too, because I mostly only skate around the track in one direction. Anyone have a good remedy for blisters?

Fun Skate Was, Well, Really Fun!

Several of the RDRDA skaters have been helping out to turn an old arena into the RDRDA Rollerdome. Although I wasn't there for every night of the renovations, I do feel like I was there as much as I could be to help get regular practice start as soon as possible. The work that everyone did is unbelievable! The floor couldn't be cleaner and smoother. Good job everyone!!

I finally got to take my skates and cruise on the track! Up until tonight I had only my small linoleum floor to skate on. I didn't get to go very fast in the confined spaces around my house... although I did get lots of practice maneuvering and stopping! The cement floor downstairs was a little more like the one at the Rollerdome, but it's often strewed with toys, books, and storage items.

Putting on all my gear for the first time at the arena, I felt a surge of energy run through me. I was excited and scared... I was scared that the confidence I felt on my lino floors at home would turn into a sticky mess on the arena floor. I knew my wheels were great on the lino, but what about cement? Turns out it is pretty different. Skating out there for the first time I felt slow and a little awkward. I was lucky enough to have Scourge Her (the other Trina) skate at the same pace as me and keep me company as I learned my new skates. She is another fellow freshie. She will be benchmarking with me at the end of October.

After a while, I really started getting the feel of my skates... I started going faster, and faster. The only downside to that was that I wasn't perfectly comfortable on them for about 15 minutes, and there were a lot of people on the track. It was a fun skate, so they were also putting out obstacles, jumping mats, and a ball! At first I was scared of the ball (with or without the new skates), but I got brave and kicked it a few times. I also zig-zaged around the obstacles (I had to go around every second one, but I did it). Once there were fewer people on the track, I decided to get some practice on my lap speed. Now, this depends on several things... first, I wasn't sure yet if I could do a proper crossover in my new skates, hell, I wasn't sure I could do a proper crossover at all... second, my skates felt really sticky and slow, I thought I might just move the wrong way and have my wheel stick in an awkward position (this possibly means a big fall if at a high speed)... third, there were still about 8 people on the track to maneuver around at a high speed. Lets not forget, I'm a freshie (inexperienced). All this being said... I didn't fall once!

I met some new people tonight. Everyone seems really willing to accept me as a new skater. I have to say, they have made me feel very welcome! All of them. I got wowed by a few little ladies (and gents)... honestly, these girls (and guys) are amazing! Some I have already met... Mortu Mary, Nomad, and Ginger... and some I just met tonight... Bert, Gigi, Bitch Slap, and TyeDie (hope I spelled that right). I'm sorry if I forgot anyone that thinks they should be on the list... it's been a long day.

It's All Coming Together!!

As I lift the chairs and put them upside down on all the tables, I can feel it getting easier and easier as the days and weeks go by, I can almost do it with one hand now. I even started noticing that cans, bottles, and jars are easier to open. It also takes less energy to go up and down a flight of stairs.. I remember before starting derby, all it took was one flight of stairs and I was out of breath. Doing housework and cleaning at work is getting much easier... I can vacuum and mop the entire lobby floor without feeling like I need to take a break half way through, I can clean the whole bathroom now without breaking a sweat, and I can now carry my laundry up and down two flights of stairs with much more ease. I have less general pain than usual and my muscles are already starting to firm up, especially in my legs. I've noticed that all my jeans are getting a bit tight! This is all the result of getting my muscles back in action, all the important ones, my core. As long as I keep exercising regularly and going to my two hour derby practices, I will keep getting stronger.

Yes... I Finally Have A Pair Of Skates To Call My Own... I Also Call Them "My Lovely's"

So... I finally got my own skates... and my own gear! It seems like it took forever! I just want to throw out a huge thank you to my wonderful boyfriend, Dan, who bought my skates! I wouldn't have them yet without his generosity. I'm a very lucky derby girl!



As soon as I got my skates I had to try them on to see if they fit. They fit perfectly! I was fortunate enough to have a lovely lady, Teri, let me try her skates on at the last practice. It's a damn good thing I did too because otherwise I'd have ordered the wrong size! Since her size three's were a tad bit small I decided to order a size four and hope for the best.

Once I put them on.. they didn't come off for 3 days... except to drive, sleep and work. Everything else I did, I did with my skates on my feet! I made meals, cleaned the house, had a few friends come over, went up and down stairs, and even went to the bathroom with them on! The way I see it, I'm not just breaking in my skates, I'm getting my feet used to them too (breaking my feet in). Yes, by the third day my feet hurt a little, but all for a great cause!

As I was skating around my house relentlessly, I discovered I can do EVERYTHING better in my new skates. I can stop better, skate better, and turn better (I can pretty much do pirouettes in my skates!) I absolutely can't wait to get out there on a real track and see what my skates can really do!! 30 laps in 5 minutes... here I come!!

I'm buying outdoor wheels for my skates tonight too! Lacee is going to show me how to switch them out so I can skate outside. It all seems to be coming together for me now.. .I'm well on my way to becoming the derby queen I want to be.