Catching Up, Falling Down

Life get so busy sometimes, doesn't it? I feel like there are the times when everything is so slow and time sort of stands still. Other times it's hard to come up for air. Needless to say, I've been quite busy and haven't been able to keep up with my blog posts as much as I would like.

In addition to my current hectic schedule, I fell victim to, well, the sidewalk once again. I think the sidewalk likes me, wants to befriend me because time and time again, I'm laying down on it. If you remember, last summer I tripped the day after a bout and fell on the sidewalk while walking and I assure you that's not the only time something like that has happened.

A few weeks ago when getting out of my car, my leg got caught in the seat belt and I fell knee first to the ground. But it doesn't end there. The same week, this happened:

I was leaving for derby practice. It was such a warm and sunny day and I didn't take into consideration that come night fall, the weather would have gotten a bit cooler. I walked out of my apartment in a tank top and jeans and felt a chill rush over me. No time to go up and grab a sweatshirt, so I got into my car and drove over to the rink. Once practice ended, it was even cooler than when I had left my apartment. I drove home, parked my car and started walking to my apartment. I was SO cold and walking just wasn't getting me there fast enough and so I started running. Suddenly, I tripped and found myself airborne and then flat on the sidewalk. I tore open both knees and bruised one very badly. I also shredded a patch of skin on my right arm and my left hand. Skin came off, a LOT of skin. There was blood running down my legs and arm and everything I was holding, much like my body, went flying across the pavement.

I suppose I'm a bit of a klutz. Truth be told, I think I balance better on wheels than I do on shoes. I'm finally mostly healed, but my recent sidewalk skid left me too bruised up to put on a pair of skates, let alone walk up and down the stairs in a normal fashion for about a month.

As much as I don't like to fall and get hurt, I share these stories because first, I think they're kind of funny and second because I think (or hope for my sake) that other people can relate.

Anyway, I've got some posts in the works including one where I will share with you 25 random facts about one of your favorite roller girls. In the meantime I will do my best to stay upright while walking/running and will have more derby news for you soon......

One For NY, One For Mass

Here to give you a VERY quick re-cap on the bout from last Saturday night.

Winners of Men's Bout - NYSE (final score 134-83)
Winners of Women's Bout - Pioneer Valley (final score 120-105)

Thanks to everyone who came out!!

Boys and Girls

New York or Massachusetts? You decide!

This Saturday's bout is a very exciting one For the first time ever on Long Island, a FULL LENGTH men's bout will take place, followed of course by the wonderful women of roller derby. Pioneer Valley Roller Derby will travel from Western Massachusetts to Old Bethpage with both their men's and women's team. The New York Stock Exchange will take on the Dirty Dozen and Western Mass Destruction will battle it out with The Rebels.

As always, music will be provided by our talented DJ, Joe Jack and beer will be served by Long Ireland Beer.

So get your chairs ready and purchase your tickets now!!

When: Saturday, April 17th
Time: Please note the earlier start time - Doors open at 5:30, first whistle is at 6:30
Where: Skate Safe America

Can't wait to see you all on Saturday!!

Giving Credit

As some of you may know, The Rebels have their own social network on the internet. You must be a league member to have access to the network. Much like Facebook or Myspace, we all have our own personal profile pages and we also have a main board for messages. Our message board is filled daily with different ideas, questions, suggestions, information......you get the idea. A lot of the time we share basic information; practice time changes, bout information etc. There are times when some negativity does show up, but more often than not, it's all good. There are some posts though, that are truly encouraging.

Today, Captain Morgan took some time out of her HECTIC schedule (which she has done many times before) to let us all know how much she appreciates us. How she recognizes how hard everyone works. Not only skaters, but people who are behind the scenes as well. She gave props to girls who have improved in a short time, talked about the amazing amount of effort she has seen at practice and she also encouraged us to have a great season. This in turn set off a stream of positive messages from other league members.

I think Captain Morgan's got a pretty tough job. President of the league, member of the Board of Directors, Captain of the coaching committee, Captain of the league AND skater. Whew, I'm tired just typing all of that!!

We all work hard to make our league a success and it really does feel great when hard work does not go unnoticed. I think a good leader works their team hard, really hard. But a good leader also let's them know when their hard work shows and pays off.

So Captain, here's to you for your positive encouragement, all of your hard work and for keeping this league together. That's one tough job!!

Resident Talent

So what are you all doing this Saturday night? Nothing you say? Perfect! Take a ride on over to Kelli's and check out the very talented musical performer and fellow Roller Rebel, Whiskey Lullabye (aka Marcy Lang) as she performs live!! Also performing will be the band Andrejack.

The Roller Rebels will be there representing the league. Be sure to stop by our table to check out our merch and to purchase tickets to next Saturday's bout.

Kelli's is located at 2955 Merrick Road in Bellmore. Doors open at 8:30, showtime 9:00. $10 cover charge

Hope to see you all there!!