Derby Day!



I LOVE this pic!!!



Roller Derby that is!!!

heck yes! Derby Band aides

Today's post ALL derby... why? Because I am excited! Last night I strapped on my skates for the first time since the end of may! I was a little wobbly at first but then I picked it right back up & it was GRRREAT! Oh how I missed it. Plus, today I am headed to Kansas City to meet up with some of my fellow crushers to watch the 2011 WFTDA Southwest Regional Playoffs, where we are going to watch our #1 KC Warriors take on some other great teams in our region (Nebr, Tenn, TX, Atl, etc). I also LOVE their logo this year... a COW and I love cows! The tournament will start out today, go through tomorrow, and play off on Sunday. Unfortunately, I have to work on Sunday & will miss the final title taking game.

Then the winner will head to Broomfield, CO for the Continental Divide & Conquer 2011 WFTDA Championships. I would love to go & had plans to fully attend & show my family this wonderful sport that I am involved in, only I don't think I am going to be able to make that drive this time. SO... any of you Colorado peeps should take a trip to the rink & cheer on your local gals & have a great time for me!



me at the 2011 St.Patricks parade



love pin-ups



Now, in these titles you may notice 'WFTDA' that stands for Women's Flat Track Derby Association. If you check out this site it has all the teams rankings, roller derby association rules, the community, a store, any sponsor information, a 'MVP,' & updating scores of Bouts being played all over. If you're looking for a team in your area this would also be a good starting place to find one. Just a note though, there are other teams that aren't listed WFTDA, as there are more recreational teams (for instance the Capital City Crushers are more rec than competitive - don't get me wrong we love to whoop a girls ass but we have a lot of mom's, full workers, & busy ladies that just want to play) and there are also 'outlaw derby' which are teams that play without minors (there are penalty calls: major & minor). Dead Girl Derby in KC is our 'local' outlaw team. I haven't been to one of their Bouts yet, but hopefully I'll make it to one & check it out.



gotta love a good T-shirt



The crazy thing about derby is that we are girls of all different colors. If you join a team you should be an open minded person culturally... I mean we have ladies that are teachers, nurses, animal care techs, students, government workers. We have country girls, moms, hard rockers, grandmamas, tattooed up ladies, afraid to tattoo ladies, lesbians, straights, older girls, young girls, the list is really endless but no matter what once everyone gets on their eight wheels & rolls onto that rink we are ALL roller girls & got each others back no matter what! I love all the different people I meat & I learn a lot & I wouldn't change a thing.



Embroidery pattern, I would change it to my name



I have also found with all these different fabulous ladies, comes tons of 'derby garb'... Socks, jewelry, tutus, tights, make-up, and a new name. Mine, I am Bruisin' Bourbon, number 125. Why you ask the name change? It's our derby persona, that's our alter ego. I love a good bruise, giving a good bruise, & a good glass of whiskey & the highest percent alcohol in a whiskey I have seen is 125proof. Oh & I better mention there are NO two names alike... we have a database where when you join & pick a name you can see if your taking someones or if you are truly original.

Also, here are some picks of just derby stuff I love & you can check out my derby board on Pinterest.

Well, I better get a rollin' to the big KC in the big Blue ... I had to barrow Paul's lovely ford b/c I don't think Black Betty will do good on an hour hwy drive & in the big city.

P.S. Please go check out your local roller girls & hell slap on some skates, get a name, and learn the game... trust me nobody knows the rules when they first start. :)

~ Cheers,

Brusin' Bourbon #125



necklace I found on Etsy





Luggage tag













My first BOUT!!!

The McCoys (Grey) vs. The Hatfields (Pink)

Family Feud was the theme for our first inter-league bout of the season... My very first Bout making an appearance as Bruisin' Bourbon #125.

 

As the clock ticked closer to 7pm my nerves were becoming a wreck! I warmed up with a little nervous sweating & shakes. Then we headed to the back, taped up, said our prayer, & lined up for introduction. Our team was who-hawing around on what we were going to do... So, I just decided I would do whatever the first person did... since I was 3rd on the program, I assumed that was the call out order... Nope, "and here for her first Bout playing for the Grey team... Brrrrruuuiiisssiiinnnnn' Boooouuuurrrbbbboooonnn!" Yep, I was called out first. I made it over the first light rope (they line the track with light rope- I was scared of tripping over it), waved & made my way around the track to our seats. Only I passed them & fell flat on my ass. 'Congratulations Bourbon' was all I could think of. Dusted off & was in place to high five my fellow Grey team mates.

After everyone made their grand entrances, the Bouting began & I was in the first JAM!!! I skate out to the pack line only to fall down again.... my nerves are shot, I'm shaking like crazy, & am on the verge of loosing it. Then, I remember what Ritz (newbie coach) told me, 'to clear your mind, & not to think just sing a song.' So, I began belting out 'Black Betty,' ... in my head of coarse. Next thing I knew the whistle blew!!! I made it through my first jam & the following one as well. Only let the jammer by once! Fourth jam was all virgin bouters which went pretty well too! On one corner, I'm not sure what had happened, I had just realized I was on the ground face down, shoulder stinging, then someone (later found out by picture- Lady Ricochet) fell on top of me leaving my shoulder burning & me yelling some 4-letter vocabulary.

Got up, shook it out & later, Samantha (bench manager) had ME JAM!!! I was extremely nervous .... again (the nerves had just settled), because the last time I jammed in practice didn't turn out very good. I lined up on the jammer line next to Ice Cold, a girl that can squat to the height of my knees. Whistle blew, I take off, Ice ahead going for the outside, I take the inside only to get called "Back Blocking #125, Major," which is a penalty to the box. Back blocking is when you come up on an opposing player & touch/push them from behind... I am infamous for them because I just like to haul ass through the pack with out stopping before hitting someone. I was in the box for the whole jam. Sam had me go back out to jam when I was set free. I came up to the pack, weaseled my way through to get LEAD JAMMER!!! made it around again & had some awesome blockers, so I had a clear path. 4 more points on the board for the McCoys & I call the jam before Kappa could get through the pack! WOOHOO! I was extatic by this point. Everyone on the bench was cheering... Love you Greys!!!

Half time.

watch out Chicka-Vee

Second half, went well. Had some good plays, great blocks, even better falls. We were all out there kicken' butt & taken names & having a blast the whole time. After all there were quite a few of us whom this was our first bout. Some jams, penalties, time outs, & Ritz yellings later the clock came down to the minute where The Hatfields took the win.

We all skated around giving props to our adoring fans, then skated into each other smiling, congratulating, & 'did you see that's' .... just in a sweet adrenalin comatose! Of coarse then we got together for our Crusher picture!!!!

 Soon after this I skated over to my sweet lover, Paul, for a big sweaty hug & kiss. Then we were off to Specks for our after party.

All I can sum this up with is....

Thank you fans. Thank you Paulie. Thank you team-mates.

Derby love to all!

Project 365

PHOTO #34/365  Friday April 15th. 
A different door that I have driven by

PHOTO #35/365  Saturday April 16th
One of my good friends, Misty, with her sister for her bachlorette party!!! Good times!!!

  

PHOTO #36/365  Sunday April 17th
Before my FIRST Rollerderby Bout, Family Feud

PHOTO #37/365  Monday April 18th
Actually, didn't take a picture BUT I was looking at some from when I went home in March & thought this one taken at mom & dad's was worthy of the project. I love the colors!

PHOTO #38/365  Tuesday April 19th
Someone got a bath.....

Capital City Crushers!

Here's some photos from our article in Kansas Living Magazine and our schedule flyer!!!

The Team!

Raia Effin Sunshine

I Passed!

well, i've been meaning to write this entry for a week or so now & just havenmt had the time to get to a computer (that has blog access that is), so i just going to submit it from my phone. so you may notice the lack of capital letters or punctuation, that is because my phone doesnt agree with blogger in some aspects.

anywho... last week when i was finally well enough to go to practice i finally got to do my msts. which are the minimal skill requirements that a rollergirl has to pass into order to bout, or do anything of the sort. for instance, there were three other girls going theres as well. we started out doing our twenty five laps in five minutes. i was bringing up the tail; my legs felt like they werent working, but i pushed it just wishing and hoping i didnt fall. my counter announced lap nineteen and i was extatic then he said, two laps...i pushed it, wobbly and all, crossed that line floated around the tract, then ritz our newbie coach jumps out in front of me saying i made time! my time was 4:56, i shaved off 22 seconds!! my limbs were burning & i was about ready to hack up a lung! that wasn't the end though, we were off to finish the rest... crossovers, skating on one leg, derby stance,baseball slides, falls & getting back up without hands, skating as a pack. and then while we were skating as a pack they had the coaches husband & one of the other girls come flying at us trying to knock us down...basically seeing if we can take & or give a hit. through and through in the end i passed my msts!!! ... however, i still have a lot of work to go. i am super excited for what this will bring me this year! i hope you all enjoying reading about my new rollerderby adventures along with other random happenings

What Colors are Your Blood???

GREEN & BLACK!

Normally, before this past December the answer to that question would have easily been PURPLE however, being part of the Capital City Crushers it has morphed into green & black!

Being a member, not only do we skate & kick some major ass, but we get out in the community... you know fundraising, derby awareness, chili contest judges, parades, and of coarse the POLAR PLUNGE!!!

Saturday, January 29th, started off as a usual cold, breezy, Kansas morning, then it became a whole lotta crazy! The Polar Plunge is a major winter event here in Topeka, groups & individuals get together to raise money for the Special Olympics through a 5k, plunge, meal, & silent auction. The crushers brought four 5K strutters & 15 PLUNGERS!!! They raised around $29,000 for the Special Olympics and we won the award for largest group diving in at once!!! When you see the swim on TV, you'll see most groups dressed up with some theme or another. The crushers on the other hand dressed in derby gear with a more strippable ease to it. I'm talking about the less clothing the better! You wanted to be able to get out of those ice cold clothes as fast as possible! As it began, groups lined up, we were about middle. While waiting you notice things... like they had cut at least 10 inches of ice out of the plunge hole, how many coats the audience members were wearing, when you huddle you can truly feel the warmth & your goose bump count increasing tremendously...to numbers that you didn't even know were there! Honestly, the coldest part was the waiting. When it was our turn the whole park new it! Our captain led our chant then we charged into that frigid water with no fear. They made sure to have the side note of "Please do not curse when entering the water," and what was the first words coming out of my mouth .... ha! But hey if I was going to do the plunge I was going to do it! No, I didn't go under, but I made my way to the back & hi five those lucky bastards wearing the orange suits! Then I made my way back through everyone else going in (the rookies had to lead the charge), didn't stop for comment and straight into the girls tent to strip off those frozen clothes.

Afterwards, we all gathered, collected our goodie bags/sweatshirts and headed to the party for chili dogs & beer! This was my first ever polar plunge, so now I can check that off the "list of things to do in life" list! All-in-all it was a great experience and I plan on being dressed in the green in black in that sand in 2012!

In the car heading to The Vineyard for lunch... then Paul was the lucky one to warm up my feet!

Don't look down...

Open skate night... being on the derby team one gets to go to the open skate nights for free! Which is awesome eight wheel time!!! It teaches us dodging; between all those little tikes, texting teens, and lovestruck couples. One thing I also like to do is people watch and Saturday night some of the derby girls brought their boyfriends. A little wobbly at first with their short strides and choppy corners, while they listen to their gals... don't look down, don't think about it, just one foot over the other, use your weight this way, etc, etc. I found it very entertaining and cute... usually the male in the relationship is the trainer and the female the trainee. I cant wait to get Paul out onto the rink and show him the ropes! :)

Another group I enjoy to watch are the little kids. They are pretty cute out there rolling around... at least until they fall in front of you... guess i need to become a better jumper(note: I have not rolled over any toddlers or their fingers, yet). Some of them are even better then me...which isn't saying much.

If you are ever out in about looking for something to do there s always open skate night!

Some Time...

I am currently home in Colorado for the holidays! The past 4 days have been great, although I do wish that there was some Colorado snow on the ground. Christmas was a whopping 53 degrees! The family is good, just trying to stay busy. Today everybody else is either at work or judging practice (Tess received a chance to go to the Arizona Stock Show for a livestock judging contest:) so I have a few minutes to update you all on how everything has been going.
I moved to Topeka at the end of September, which brought my 125 mile round trip daily commute down to a huge 3 mile round trip jaunt! My ole jetta is loving me now. It has also improved some of my friendships with my Topekan friends.... it's nice being able to just drive over for dinner if someones having a bad day or just has extra food. Work is going good.
My personal life.... well, it was hitting a bumpy road for a while but I think I am figuring everything out. It's the first time I have lived alone since living in the dorms...even then I had a roomie. Now, I just have my crazy mutts keeping me busy! Oh, and I do have a new fellow in my life!!! I met him back in Colorado a while back, he works with my brother at a diesel shop. After my break-up, Paul and I began talking on Facebook (of course ;) then once a week turned into three times a week, turned into every day, then twice a day. We finally decided to call it what it was.... A Relationship!!! a long distance one at that! We met up in Colby, KS one weekend and he flew me out to Colorado another weekend, and now he's staying with me at my parents house for the time that I'm here. He's a great guy and could see something more out of this.... hmmm today is our 2 month anniversary!!! ;)
Enough gushy. Another big activity that I have started in.... yes, can't you tell I like to start random activities/projects/etc .... is Roller Derby!!! One day I was window shopping at wolf's camera & they had out some example products. Most were advertising some club or person. One just happened to be the Capital City Crushers! I checked out their web page, emailed their go-to person, went to the rink & checked out a practice. I enjoyed watching these girls skate around, hitting one another, & learning the aspects of the game. I came back the following Tuesday, strapped on some skates, & got myself out onto the rink. Whew! It has been at least 14 years since I had been on 8 wheels! I started picking it up better than I thought I would. So, I signed the paperwork and joined the team! Now, comes the fun part... practicing, making friends, working hard, and testing myself (watching those tendons of mine). Once you join the team you can go to any open skate night for free and get some practice. I went Saturday and skated for about 3 hours. Still need to relax & work on my balance. That next Tuesday, I got out there with the girls, warmed up, stretched and attempted the 25 in 5 drill. See you have to meet your MSTs to play in a bout (game). These MSTs would include, skating 25 laps in 5 minutes, different stops, slides, hits, jumps, and skating styles. I attempted my first 25-5, when doing so everyone has to try and stay together as a pack & help each other. One girl really helped me out, pushing me, giving me confidence and I finished my 25 laps in a time of 5min 54sec, which was apparently pretty good for a first time. My leg was burning!!! The rest of the practice some of the other players & refs worked with me on some of the other MSTs. I fell, missed turns, did things wrong, but you know I am determined and will eventually get it! Ha! as I was doing some weaving through cones I lost my balance & wham! ooo it was a good fall, it took me a little longer to get up from that one! I love it though and can't wait to learn more and improve my skills!
Other than that.... life is getting back to normal. I better get going.... since I am home I have chores to do!
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday and wish you all the best new year!!!