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!

A week before my first practice

I sit here, a week before my first practice, thinking about how nervous I am to be meeting all these new people. I have no idea what to expect, however I DO know I CAN skate, since I just went to the rink yesterday, and whipped out the moves! ;)

Although I am super sore today, I am still very excited about the prospect of joining a team. I haven't been on a 'team' since middle school. I remember liking it, and crave such closeness and camaraderie in my longer years. I am also attracted to the benefits of joining the local derby team (Bellingham Roller Betties) because I recently moved to this area about a year ago, and have found myself with only 2 friends (and some countless co-worker type acquaintances) which is way less than I traditionally have.

With that said, I have other motives as well. The physical aspects alone are enough to drive me to join the derby team. In 30 minutes of roller skating, one can burn upwards of 600 calories. Which, if you are as big as I am, may be even more. And speaking of being big... the Roller Derby girls are one of the only teams who will allow women of my size to join their team. Maybe it isn't so much that other teams would exclude me, but I certainly wouldn't feel as capable in their presence, nor excepted.
So, here we have it. The Roller Derby team has many things I am after; Other women, camaraderie, physical exercise, and acceptance. Oh, and did I mention a socially appropriate form of Bullying?? I love to be a bully, and now I finally have a reason! So, watch out opposing teams, cause you're new hardest hitter has just grown a pair big enough to come kick your asses!

-Keep posted on the continuation of my attempts to become a Roller Girl!