My first 'Practice' :)

So, I showed up at practice... and was incredibly nervous! I sat in the parking lot, watching some of the Bellingham Roller Betties heading inside. I took a few deep breaths, as it is quite unlike me to do something so bold all by myself (meeting new people). I then decided it was now or never. (I realized that it was a good thing that I had to drive 30 minutes to get there, otherwise I might have decided NOT to go in :) 

As I walked into the building, I tried to clear my mind, and not think about who I needed to talk to or what I was going to say. I walked through the door and smiled at the first lady I saw. She was standing by the door, as if she were waiting for someone. I asked if she was a Betty. She said she wasn't, but that she was a ref (just the person I needed, seeing as how being a ref was my decided first move). I introduced myself to her, and told her that I was showing up to inquire about becoming a ref. She told me her name, Kat, and began to tell me who I would want to talk to. She explained that we were still waiting for everyone to show up, and then took me over to the Ref table. A few girls introduced themselves to me. I realized at that point two thing, 1. I was not going to be able to remember everyone's names (as I looked around there were about 40 women there), and 2. I was no longer nervous. 

Soon after the rest of them showed up, Kat invited me to come out onto the rink to assist in taping the track. It was an immediate acceptance of me, the new girl. I assisted in taping the track, answered and asked the preliminary questions, "What brought you here?" "How long have you been a Ref?" Etc. I enjoyed watching all the Derby Girls skating around the rink, warming up for their current practice. Once the track was finished, I was invited back over to the Ref table, where I was immediately assimilated into this exciting new world. I learned some Ref signs, and found out that my being there had made the Ref 'team' complete. I also learned a lot about the number of Refs involved (18), their positions, that there are skating and non-skating refs, and that blowing the whistle was actually an acquired skill. :)

Towards the end of the meeting there was a lot of talking about the commitment involved. I asked a few questions, and voiced some concerns. I still needed to free up my Tuesday nights, which I was pretty sure wouldn't be a problem. I also was missing a few essential items I needed, like a helmet, skates, and wrist braces. One of the ladies informed me that she always brings an extra helmet and wrist braces, and that skates could be easily rented... 

Needless to say, I left feeling like the Universe was guiding me toward my goal, without much effort put in by me. The only thing I had to do was muster up the courage to show up! 

The night before First Contact

So, I found out that my idea of 'Open Practice' was not exactly what I thought it meant... It simply means that anyone can come to observe them practice (insurance purposes). Makes sense. Now I am a little disappointed, and a kinda relieved (seeing as how I was a little excited and kinda nervous before!).

Tomorrow night I will be going to inquire about the prospects of becoming a Derby Girl. Interestingly enough, I found myself at the YMCA signing up so that I could start swimming laps (an easier form of exercise than skating, just because of the hours of access). As I went to stand in line, I noticed an interesting looking lady with a mohawk at the end of the line. Walking behind her to take my place, I noticed a Bellingham Betty Sweater adorning her back. I couldn't let this opportunity pass me by, so I introduced myself to her. She told me her name, and had a wealth of information for me. She was friendly, and toward the end of our conversation, I found out she was a captain (newly appointed). Her advice to me was to begin as a ref. Then I could learn a lot about the rules, and get to know the teams, etc. Although I desire the sensation of diving in head first, I believe that my impatience gets the better of me, in many situations. So, this time I am going to try to take it slow (and milk out this Blog for as long as I can! ;). 

As for the random contact? I'll take it as a solid sign from one of my Ancestors, and I will continue to take the next step. Then the next after that. Etc. 

Wish me luck!