I happened to be around a scale. So I figured I'd weigh myself.
80 F*cking Kilos (176Lbs)
That's right. On a brighter side; I've been working the 'From couch to 5k' app. AWESOME!
But still...80... Geesh...
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 9 - The Virtue of Sock Derby and Gold Stars
Last night we merged the Fresh Meat group and Home Team for plyomterics followed by some sock derby.
We started by telling the girls we would like to reward team spirit, so we asked them to vote for the person they thought had shown the best team spirit after practice. Each week the votes will be counted and the winning girl(s) will receive a gold star. If a girl gets ten gold stars, she is entitled to a derby gift from the coaches.
We then started with a good half hour of plyometrics in which the girls spotted and coached each other through series of heavy repetitions. They all did great!
As for myself, I liked being able to finally work my body again. Though I felt kind of alone not having a spotter. I tried to sneak my way into other duos, but the girls were to fast for me, and didn't wait up (I guess mainly because they weren't really aware of my trying to keep up). Another sure sign my stamina needs a lot of work.
After that we divided the group into to two teams. Each team got a captain. The captain would decide which girls would play the jam. The remaining girls would decide what strategy the team would try to follow. Then the jam would be played while the non-playing girls would ref the jam. Immediately after the jam the captains would explain the chosen strategy, and all players would analyse their play. I think it was the perfect way to build more confidence in our players, work towards a stronger team, and try out plays with everyone. It seemed to lift everyones moods.
I am very much looking forward to distribute some gold stars this Saturday at practice.
We started by telling the girls we would like to reward team spirit, so we asked them to vote for the person they thought had shown the best team spirit after practice. Each week the votes will be counted and the winning girl(s) will receive a gold star. If a girl gets ten gold stars, she is entitled to a derby gift from the coaches.
We then started with a good half hour of plyometrics in which the girls spotted and coached each other through series of heavy repetitions. They all did great!
As for myself, I liked being able to finally work my body again. Though I felt kind of alone not having a spotter. I tried to sneak my way into other duos, but the girls were to fast for me, and didn't wait up (I guess mainly because they weren't really aware of my trying to keep up). Another sure sign my stamina needs a lot of work.
After that we divided the group into to two teams. Each team got a captain. The captain would decide which girls would play the jam. The remaining girls would decide what strategy the team would try to follow. Then the jam would be played while the non-playing girls would ref the jam. Immediately after the jam the captains would explain the chosen strategy, and all players would analyse their play. I think it was the perfect way to build more confidence in our players, work towards a stronger team, and try out plays with everyone. It seemed to lift everyones moods.
I am very much looking forward to distribute some gold stars this Saturday at practice.
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 8 - Self Censored
After quite some time I finally got back on skates for practice this Saturday. I felt very unstable, stiff, and after half an hour my ass started giving me crap. The muscles that I had avoided during my recovery of the tailbone episode were NOT amused. And I felt like I had to learn everything again. Which is interesting as I was training Fresh Meat. Well if anything, they could tell I could relate. In many many ways.
The Fresh Meat group, by the way, is what keeps me in derby these days. I love how they are supportive of one another, overcome their difference in skill levels, in fact use that difference to everyones benefit, how they are patient with one another, friendly and communicative. I was able to have them do pack exercises, even though there is a huge difference in skill level. It just shows that there is no difference in their comprehension of the game and of the concept of team-play.
*missing text due to self censorship and sudden attack of sense*
I guess I am praying for a derby miracle.
The Fresh Meat group, by the way, is what keeps me in derby these days. I love how they are supportive of one another, overcome their difference in skill levels, in fact use that difference to everyones benefit, how they are patient with one another, friendly and communicative. I was able to have them do pack exercises, even though there is a huge difference in skill level. It just shows that there is no difference in their comprehension of the game and of the concept of team-play.
*missing text due to self censorship and sudden attack of sense*
I guess I am praying for a derby miracle.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 4
Only after I had entered my office building I realized that M . had been trying to help me out this morning in urging me to take my bike to work. I had misread it for hysterical weather and distance positivism on his part.
So now I realize, I even subconciously avoid exercise...
I decided to walk to my physical therapists appointment later this afternoon, in a half-assed attempt to make up for not getting the hint.
Slight consolation there.
:)
I decided to walk to my physical therapists appointment later this afternoon, in a half-assed attempt to make up for not getting the hint.
Slight consolation there.
:)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 3
Today is a bad day.
I deliberately slept in 'till way too late and then really took my time to get to work, thus missing an appointment, and lying about why I would miss it. (I did make sure to call upfront, that I did)
And I just felt a tiny pang of conscious guilt there...
Then I made M. take my bike to work, so I had to take public transport to work and the meeting later today, thus ensuring I didn't have to actually exercise today.
And instead of keeping to my diet I ate not two, but three powerbars during the day, because I am, by now starving and constantly craving fast food. In huge portions.
Three power bars will upset your stomach. And I am certain they give you gas.
It just hasn't been that good of a day....
Damned Derby Depression
I deliberately slept in 'till way too late and then really took my time to get to work, thus missing an appointment, and lying about why I would miss it. (I did make sure to call upfront, that I did)
And I just felt a tiny pang of conscious guilt there...
Then I made M. take my bike to work, so I had to take public transport to work and the meeting later today, thus ensuring I didn't have to actually exercise today.
And instead of keeping to my diet I ate not two, but three powerbars during the day, because I am, by now starving and constantly craving fast food. In huge portions.
Three power bars will upset your stomach. And I am certain they give you gas.
It just hasn't been that good of a day....
Damned Derby Depression
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 2
Food is constantly on my mind.
I wished diet shakes weren't so nasty.
M. has convinced me (much to my stomachs and tastebuds delight) that he will cook me healthy non-fat and carb-free dinners, so I can shake my way through the day and have something to look forward to in the evening. Last night he made me beef satays and green salad with tomatoes. I almost ate the plate.
I haven't cried over food. Yet. So I guess I am doing fine.
Pretty soon it is time for 'lunch'.
Food is constantly on my mind.
Sigh...
I wished diet shakes weren't so nasty.
M. has convinced me (much to my stomachs and tastebuds delight) that he will cook me healthy non-fat and carb-free dinners, so I can shake my way through the day and have something to look forward to in the evening. Last night he made me beef satays and green salad with tomatoes. I almost ate the plate.
I haven't cried over food. Yet. So I guess I am doing fine.
Pretty soon it is time for 'lunch'.
Food is constantly on my mind.
Sigh...
Monday, September 12, 2011
Eight weeks towards public scrimmage; Day 1
Start cardboard shake diet for the gazzilionth time these past few months - Check
Go to physical therapist and get pushed, bent, stomped into shape - Check
Make workout plan for coming week - Check
Think of naked self while bending over everythime chocolate craving pops up - Check
I gues I am almost back on track people! HA!
No, really...
Go to physical therapist and get pushed, bent, stomped into shape - Check
Make workout plan for coming week - Check
Think of naked self while bending over everythime chocolate craving pops up - Check
I gues I am almost back on track people! HA!
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Road trip to Malmö; The Battle of the Nordic Light, the road back home September 5th 2011
The next morning we took it easy. Got up late, showered, cleaned our messes up and wet on our way. Pixie would drive the first part. Before we even left the street, I noticed something sitting on the front window. Was it? Yes it was. A parking fine. Great.
We decided to pray the Malmö authorities would never find out where Pixie lived and tried to forget about it. The way back to the boat in Denmark seemed longer than on our way in. Or was it just that we were tired?
On the boat we got sausages and fries –very expensive ones at that, but hey, if you are the sole provider, you can drive up prices like there’s no tomorrow, right? - trying to soothe our tired bodies.
Once in Germany, Pixie and I traded places at a gas-station, and we found an eighties radio station to accompany us on our race home. Somehow I had gotten the knack of driving the Twingo and as it was daylight my eyes were okay, so I stepped on it and raced –as far as is possible with a loaded Twingo- getting us closer to the border.
When darkness started to fall Pixie took over again, and I figured it was time to find out whether Bambi, Furrr and I could still catch a train home from Eindhoven. After just crossing the German / Dutch border we found out we had little over 30 minutes to get to the station. If we wouldn’t make it, we would be in trouble, as we all had to work the next morning. Bambi and I even had our annual reviews scheduled for that day. Sleeping over wasn’t an option as all our clothes were smelly and not work clothes and all our files and stuff were at home. While the three of us held our breath and silently prayed, Pixie like a real trooper stepped on it. Hard.
Two minutes before the train rolled in, we got to the station. We ran out of the car, shouting goodbyes, leaving Pixie with a good mess of stuff on the floor, as we emptied her entire trunk trying to get our luggage. We ran to the platform and made it just in time. Due to this rushing I hadn’t been able to get a train ticket, as Bambi and I still panting explained to the train officer. He was obviously in a good mood and not put off by our smell, and he let me stay on the train without paying. Awesome! An hour and a half later I finally got home, where M. awaited me with some midnight sushi and wine. Home sweet home.
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| 400 Swedish Kroner down the drain... |
We decided to pray the Malmö authorities would never find out where Pixie lived and tried to forget about it. The way back to the boat in Denmark seemed longer than on our way in. Or was it just that we were tired?
On the boat we got sausages and fries –very expensive ones at that, but hey, if you are the sole provider, you can drive up prices like there’s no tomorrow, right? - trying to soothe our tired bodies.
Once in Germany, Pixie and I traded places at a gas-station, and we found an eighties radio station to accompany us on our race home. Somehow I had gotten the knack of driving the Twingo and as it was daylight my eyes were okay, so I stepped on it and raced –as far as is possible with a loaded Twingo- getting us closer to the border.
When darkness started to fall Pixie took over again, and I figured it was time to find out whether Bambi, Furrr and I could still catch a train home from Eindhoven. After just crossing the German / Dutch border we found out we had little over 30 minutes to get to the station. If we wouldn’t make it, we would be in trouble, as we all had to work the next morning. Bambi and I even had our annual reviews scheduled for that day. Sleeping over wasn’t an option as all our clothes were smelly and not work clothes and all our files and stuff were at home. While the three of us held our breath and silently prayed, Pixie like a real trooper stepped on it. Hard.
Two minutes before the train rolled in, we got to the station. We ran out of the car, shouting goodbyes, leaving Pixie with a good mess of stuff on the floor, as we emptied her entire trunk trying to get our luggage. We ran to the platform and made it just in time. Due to this rushing I hadn’t been able to get a train ticket, as Bambi and I still panting explained to the train officer. He was obviously in a good mood and not put off by our smell, and he let me stay on the train without paying. Awesome! An hour and a half later I finally got home, where M. awaited me with some midnight sushi and wine. Home sweet home.
Road trip to Malmö; The Battle of the Nordic Light, second day September 4th 2011
I woke up with a hoarse voice, swollen eyes and hair like a birds nest. Yup I’ve obviously slept deep. Slowly but surely the house woke. We all took showers, got hot coffee from Go-go’s boyfriend, had some bread with very good cheese –Pixie and I were smitten- and got on our way for the first bout of that day.
The sleeping had effect and I felt like a million bucks, Handsome was awesome as ever as was Dusty Minefield, player for Malmö who announced the first bout with me. The games were fiercely played and very exciting to watch. The music this day was courtesy of Paulina and DigiDroid who I can seriously recommend for any derby bout. They totally felt the game and chose their music accordingly. They were able to make musical jokes, be courteous in music and knew when the sound levels should change. I was one happy camper.
Roaming around the venue between bouts I stumbled on the cutest kid ever in a Mötorhead shirt. And being Asa Spades, I HAD to take a picture. And yes, I tried to steal the kid. But daddy wouldn’t have it. Understandably.
The last bout of the day I got to sit back and enjoy. It was awesome! I couldn’t possibly have asked for a better closing of this awesome event. Luckily DNN was there both days, so you can watch it all in the comfort of your own home. ;)
When all was over, the entire audience and crew joined hands in helping tear down the floor. It was heartwarming to see everybody lend a hand and thus making sure Swede Hurt and Vix Viking didn’t have to do all that work all by themselves. All in all a very harmonious end to an awesome event. Big ups to Swede and Vix for organizing this!
After a quick drink and saying goodbye to some of the players that had to get going in order to be back at work in tome on Monday, we left for Go-go’s house. But not before catching Handsome Joe Hanson on his bike, with a well-deserved beer.
We took Harry, a referee from Stuttgart with us to Go-go’s home, where Go-go and her boyfriend treated us to delicious home-made pancakes. I bet we had the best hosts there were that weekend. So accommodating and relaxed, I cannot thank them enough.
After dinner Bambi, Pixie and I got ready and wearing our custom made ‘She came to the North’ shirts (Thank you Pixie!) we stepped out and went to the after party.
As it was Furrrocious’ birthday, we tried to bum drinks of off people in order to celebrate. Not to much avail, but we had loads of fun trying. We later moved to another venue that Fist F*cker, a player from Malmö had arranged. Her friends were DJ-ing and the derby party was ON!
After an hour in there I felt really tired again, and found Go-go who was also planning to go home, as she had to work the next day and get up at 7. Bambi decided to join us and Pixie said she would come in later; she had way too many people to talk to, and was still on a roll.
Last thing I remember was waking up to Pixie coming in around 4. But I fell right back to sleep after that. Dreaming of girls on skates.
The sleeping had effect and I felt like a million bucks, Handsome was awesome as ever as was Dusty Minefield, player for Malmö who announced the first bout with me. The games were fiercely played and very exciting to watch. The music this day was courtesy of Paulina and DigiDroid who I can seriously recommend for any derby bout. They totally felt the game and chose their music accordingly. They were able to make musical jokes, be courteous in music and knew when the sound levels should change. I was one happy camper.
Roaming around the venue between bouts I stumbled on the cutest kid ever in a Mötorhead shirt. And being Asa Spades, I HAD to take a picture. And yes, I tried to steal the kid. But daddy wouldn’t have it. Understandably.
The last bout of the day I got to sit back and enjoy. It was awesome! I couldn’t possibly have asked for a better closing of this awesome event. Luckily DNN was there both days, so you can watch it all in the comfort of your own home. ;)
When all was over, the entire audience and crew joined hands in helping tear down the floor. It was heartwarming to see everybody lend a hand and thus making sure Swede Hurt and Vix Viking didn’t have to do all that work all by themselves. All in all a very harmonious end to an awesome event. Big ups to Swede and Vix for organizing this!
After a quick drink and saying goodbye to some of the players that had to get going in order to be back at work in tome on Monday, we left for Go-go’s house. But not before catching Handsome Joe Hanson on his bike, with a well-deserved beer.
We took Harry, a referee from Stuttgart with us to Go-go’s home, where Go-go and her boyfriend treated us to delicious home-made pancakes. I bet we had the best hosts there were that weekend. So accommodating and relaxed, I cannot thank them enough.
After dinner Bambi, Pixie and I got ready and wearing our custom made ‘She came to the North’ shirts (Thank you Pixie!) we stepped out and went to the after party.
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| Pretty Bambi |
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| The Birthday Girl |
After an hour in there I felt really tired again, and found Go-go who was also planning to go home, as she had to work the next day and get up at 7. Bambi decided to join us and Pixie said she would come in later; she had way too many people to talk to, and was still on a roll.
Last thing I remember was waking up to Pixie coming in around 4. But I fell right back to sleep after that. Dreaming of girls on skates.
Road trip to Malmö; The Battle of the Nordic Light, first day, September 2nd
After the Ref and NSO meeting was done and the hugging started (It’s what happens when Derby people get free time, they spread the love. ;)) I realized I had less than an hour to get ready for announcing the first bout. I was stinky from the drive, high on sleep deprivation and all I really wanted was a shower. Lucky for me Swede Hurt, who organized the whole event and still had loads of things to take care of, found the time to direct me towards Handsome Joe Hanson who was the perfect host. He directed me towards a shower, got me coffee –moooore coffeeeee, I was turning into a shaking sleep deprived idiot by then- water and soothing words, and in a Jiffy I was ready to start announcing.
Working with Handsome was a breeze, we had loads of fun, and from the reactions from the audience I think so had the audience.
The day flew by, the three bouts were awesome to see and report. I completely loved being a part of this awesome event. Never once did I feel tired, bored or distracted. Again being so close to the action turned out to be an awesome experience that taught me a lot. I guess in or close to derby you never stop learning.
After the last bout, Bambi, Pixie and I found our designated host Go-go Rillah, who directed us to her house. She had just moved in, so her house was pretty much stuffed with cardboard boxes, for which she kept excusing herself. The three of us assured her that there was no reason for excuses. We were very honored she would have us, and soon enough she got us set with beds, sheets and I even got an interesting plush toy to sleep with…
Go-go took us to a falafel joint, some five minutes walking from her house. When we entered the restaurant we realized we all were starving. Dinner was yummy, but it also did me in. Go-go, Bambi and Pixie decided to go to the after party, but agreed to drop me off at Go-go’s house first so I could sleep. By this time I was so tired I was on the verge of tears, so this was a very wise decision. While getting ready for bed in the bathroom, where I hadn’t closed the door, I heard keys in the front door. I swiftly pulled my pajama pants up and stuck my head ‘round the corner to see who was coming in. It was Go-gos boyfriend. Relieved that I managed to get dressed just in time, I introduced myself and made my way to bed. Where I soon fell into a much needed, deep, deep sleep.
Working with Handsome was a breeze, we had loads of fun, and from the reactions from the audience I think so had the audience.
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| Who, me? Said the owl. |
 | |
| BAM! |
After the last bout, Bambi, Pixie and I found our designated host Go-go Rillah, who directed us to her house. She had just moved in, so her house was pretty much stuffed with cardboard boxes, for which she kept excusing herself. The three of us assured her that there was no reason for excuses. We were very honored she would have us, and soon enough she got us set with beds, sheets and I even got an interesting plush toy to sleep with…
Go-go took us to a falafel joint, some five minutes walking from her house. When we entered the restaurant we realized we all were starving. Dinner was yummy, but it also did me in. Go-go, Bambi and Pixie decided to go to the after party, but agreed to drop me off at Go-go’s house first so I could sleep. By this time I was so tired I was on the verge of tears, so this was a very wise decision. While getting ready for bed in the bathroom, where I hadn’t closed the door, I heard keys in the front door. I swiftly pulled my pajama pants up and stuck my head ‘round the corner to see who was coming in. It was Go-gos boyfriend. Relieved that I managed to get dressed just in time, I introduced myself and made my way to bed. Where I soon fell into a much needed, deep, deep sleep.
Road trip to Malmö, I drove all night, September 2nd to 3rd 2011
After saying goodbye to our kind hosts, the four of us piled up in Pixies Renault Twingo and off we were to Sweden! It was my turn to drive, and I really had to get used to Pixies car. For one, I couldn’t for the life of me get it started. Yes, you read that right, I couldn’t even start it. When I finally managed due to Pixies loving, ever patient instructions, I found I couldn’t get it in reverse. Yes, again I admit to my lack of skills. Long story short, it took us some time to get going, and it took me more time to get my eyes semi-adjusted to the dark. As Germany has actual hills –opposed to the flatlands of Holland I know and love- the poor Twingo sighed under our weight and had a hard time getting uphill and getting into gear. Admitted, I had to discover what she liked best when it came to gear shifting and pushing down the gas pedal, but the poor thing had a hard time, as had my fellow travellers who had to sit through various interesting speed levels in which I tried to enter the big world of German highway speeding.
At some point it all clicked, and I happily drove from coffee stop to sausage bar, slowly but surely coming closer to Sweden.
Trying to stay awake for the trip, we soon found ourselves sharing stories, from the hilarious to the embarrassing, from the touching to the scary. If anything, we got to know each other much better, and being the romantic I am, I do believe friendships for life have been made during that car ride.
A little over an hour before we got to Puttgarden harbor where we would take a boat to Denmark, Pixie took over the wheel, and everyone could bask in the silence that followed, as I immediately dozed off. Ah the joy of a silent Asa…
By the time we entered the boat we were all crazy from sleep deprivation, resulting in us cracking up over the silliest of things, and much to the annoyance of other people on deck, constantly trying our fake Swedish accents. Yup, we were tired alright.
At 10.15 we arrived at Baltiska Hallen in Malmö, where Pixie and Furrr had just missed the beginning of the Ref and NSO meeting. Bambi and I, not knowing where to go, decided to follow them to the last bit of the meeting, figuring anyplace where we could sit and not think for a little was paradise. But as it turned out, this was just the silence before the storm.
At some point it all clicked, and I happily drove from coffee stop to sausage bar, slowly but surely coming closer to Sweden.
 | |
| Ha! |
A little over an hour before we got to Puttgarden harbor where we would take a boat to Denmark, Pixie took over the wheel, and everyone could bask in the silence that followed, as I immediately dozed off. Ah the joy of a silent Asa…
By the time we entered the boat we were all crazy from sleep deprivation, resulting in us cracking up over the silliest of things, and much to the annoyance of other people on deck, constantly trying our fake Swedish accents. Yup, we were tired alright.
At 10.15 we arrived at Baltiska Hallen in Malmö, where Pixie and Furrr had just missed the beginning of the Ref and NSO meeting. Bambi and I, not knowing where to go, decided to follow them to the last bit of the meeting, figuring anyplace where we could sit and not think for a little was paradise. But as it turned out, this was just the silence before the storm.
Road trip to Malmö, first stop; Solingen, New Chicks on the Block, first official Pirate Brides bout September 2nd 2011
Though I had known about it for quite some time, the decision to go to Malmö and see the ‘Battle of the Nordic Light’ came relatively late. Triggered by a post on Facebook by Pixie Spankalot, head referee for the Eindhoven RockCity Rollers, in which she asked who was up for an eight hour drive to Sweden. As I am always a sucker for road trips, I immediately jumped the opportunity. And that got the ball rolling.
Not only had ‘Showtime’ kindly linked me to Sweden’s head announcer Handsome Joe Hanson, which resulted in me getting the opportunity to announce five of the six bouts in this tournament, it also got me to agree to NSO for the Wuppertal Pirate Brides first official bout in Solingen, Germany.
The road trip was supposed to start Friday afternoon at three thirty, at the Eindhoven train station, where I would be picked up by Pixie and Bambi, the vice president of my league. We would then drive up to Germany. Pixie would ref, I would NSO and Furrrocious would join us there and then we would drive straight through to Malmö. Yup, straight through the night.
But of course things didn’t go exactly as planned. For some silly reason I had not noticed a platform change in trains, which resulted in me getting on the wrong train and thus making us all late for a good hour or so. But finally we were ready to go, though we first needed to get some gas. And that made for the first interesting picture of this trip.
We got to Solingen just in time, some girls were already warming up and the public slowly but surely filled the room.
We made sure we got ready.
It was my very first time as a penalty tracker, and frankly I was super nervous. I read and re-read the instructions, got some consoling words from Furrr who was in charge of the penalty box, took a deep breath and went for it.
It was an awesome experience! It gave me a whole new perspective on the game, and really helped me a lot in understanding more and more of the rules and regulations. My respect for Derby referees has only grown.
The bout, played against the Roller girls of the Apocalypse, was a nice one, no dirty plays that I could see, just two teams really wanting to win. Sadly the hosting party lost the game, but certainly not without a thorough fight! And I must compliment the Pirate Brides on their thorough organization. They’ve done an awesome job (I had never gotten a photo pass before, let alone food, candy, snacks and drinks galore!) and were very hospitable. It really made me want to come back and help them out again soon!
But as soon as the bout was over, Pixie, Bambi, Furrr and me had to get going as we had a long drive before us. So no after party for us. But from what I hear we missed out on a great one! So next time, I sure would like to stay for that!
Not only had ‘Showtime’ kindly linked me to Sweden’s head announcer Handsome Joe Hanson, which resulted in me getting the opportunity to announce five of the six bouts in this tournament, it also got me to agree to NSO for the Wuppertal Pirate Brides first official bout in Solingen, Germany.
The road trip was supposed to start Friday afternoon at three thirty, at the Eindhoven train station, where I would be picked up by Pixie and Bambi, the vice president of my league. We would then drive up to Germany. Pixie would ref, I would NSO and Furrrocious would join us there and then we would drive straight through to Malmö. Yup, straight through the night.
But of course things didn’t go exactly as planned. For some silly reason I had not noticed a platform change in trains, which resulted in me getting on the wrong train and thus making us all late for a good hour or so. But finally we were ready to go, though we first needed to get some gas. And that made for the first interesting picture of this trip.
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| Looking deep into Pixies eyes... |
We made sure we got ready.
 | ||
| Pixie, gearing up |
 | |
| Bambi, kind of lost |
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| Me, being kinda nervous |
It was my very first time as a penalty tracker, and frankly I was super nervous. I read and re-read the instructions, got some consoling words from Furrr who was in charge of the penalty box, took a deep breath and went for it.
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| Official Line-up |
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| Furrr running the penalty box like no other. ;) |
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| A piece of the action |
The bout, played against the Roller girls of the Apocalypse, was a nice one, no dirty plays that I could see, just two teams really wanting to win. Sadly the hosting party lost the game, but certainly not without a thorough fight! And I must compliment the Pirate Brides on their thorough organization. They’ve done an awesome job (I had never gotten a photo pass before, let alone food, candy, snacks and drinks galore!) and were very hospitable. It really made me want to come back and help them out again soon!
But as soon as the bout was over, Pixie, Bambi, Furrr and me had to get going as we had a long drive before us. So no after party for us. But from what I hear we missed out on a great one! So next time, I sure would like to stay for that!
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Asa and the other Asa
When at RollerCon I heard about another Asa Spades. Actually someone even photographed her ass and posted it on Facebook, after which a Dutch friend mistook her ass for mine. Which M. immediately dismissed, saying; 'These are not the buns I know...'
Long story short, I was relieved I had registered and had gotten my name confirmed. And I silently vowed to kick this daring Asa's butt if ever I met her.
We never met. I jokingly told everyone she must be scared of me and went into hiding.
Last night I received this e-mail:
Hi Asa,
I tried to message you on Facebook, but we all know that doesn't always work. Anyway, I'm really sorry that I didn't get to meet you at RollerCon. I did try, but it seems our schedules conflicted. I did get confused for you a few times but that's not exactly the same thing. :) Well, I'm sure you know, as do I, that we currently share the same derby name. I know that you know how I feel, because my friend Blanca told me that you two spoke about it. I am currently using the name as well. Please understand that I mean no disrespect. Unfortunately, I did not expect for this name to be rejected and all of my derby clothing, scrimmage gear, helmet, etc, say "Asa" on them. Until I get a new name, I am kinda stuck with this one for now. I actually didn't buy anything with my name on it for several months, even though everyone in my league was calling me "ASA". But, with RollerCon on its way, I needed to use my derby name. So, a month before RC, I broke down and got gear with my derby name. I triple checked twoevils before I did this.
I would love to have your permission to continue using it. We are in different countries, so I'm REALLY hoping you'll say yes. If by chance we play each other or attend the same function, I'm happy to change it for those situations. Otherwise, I'll just be San Diego's version of Asa. I'm not a high profile skater, other than in the local area, so I don't think anyone will confuse us.
I respect your decision, if you choose not to allow me to continue using it. However, I am hoping (and praying) that you will. I promise not to get famous or do anything stupid to make the name look bad. I am considering other names, its just hard because I've been Asa since February. My friends and family (and few fans) know me by that name. Everyone is telling me to keep it, but I don't feel right about that unless I have your permission (please!).
On a side note, I have met a few other girls named Asa. I think we should all get together, from all over the world, and form a challenge team for next year's RollerCon. The "Smok'n Asas". Thoughts?
Thanks for reading this, I hope to hear from you.
Penny
Asa Spades (2)
This got me thinking. Hard. About how I had felt when I had to give up Rheality Check. About how I still dream of one day moving to SD and becoming a Roller Derby Queen in the US. About how I was entitled to this name, dagnabbit! So I answered her this;
Hey you!
Ah, I was wondering where you went! I even jokingly asked Blanca whether your were hiding from me, afraid that I would kick your ass.
I understand the pain of losing a name. Asa is my second one. Things pretty much went the same for me as they went for you, so I really understand where you're coming from.
There are so many things that go through my mind. Things like; I have a lot of friends in SD and I am there regularly, and somewhere in the back of my mind I have always had the plan of moving back there. What if? And my league mates tell me to tell you, you are simply too late, and that I am rightful owner of the name. All I think about, when I go over my name sharing cons, are selfish things.
But you know what? I am not an asshole. At least I like to think I am not. So what if you have the same name? So what if we, in some far away future, end up playing against or with one another? We'll deal with it then. As a kid I wished to find someone with the same name as me. That never happened. So I will embrace this as my childhood dream come true. I share a name with someone far away that must be awesome or at least have good taste, otherwise she wouldn't have picked the same name. ;P
So Asa, miss Spades, congratulations on your name. And next time, don't run from me, but find me and we'll have a drink to celebrate awesomenameness. :)
And about that RollerCon challenge team; HECK YEAH! Sign me up!
Love,
Asa Spades (the other one)
Ah, I was wondering where you went! I even jokingly asked Blanca whether your were hiding from me, afraid that I would kick your ass.
I understand the pain of losing a name. Asa is my second one. Things pretty much went the same for me as they went for you, so I really understand where you're coming from.
There are so many things that go through my mind. Things like; I have a lot of friends in SD and I am there regularly, and somewhere in the back of my mind I have always had the plan of moving back there. What if? And my league mates tell me to tell you, you are simply too late, and that I am rightful owner of the name. All I think about, when I go over my name sharing cons, are selfish things.
But you know what? I am not an asshole. At least I like to think I am not. So what if you have the same name? So what if we, in some far away future, end up playing against or with one another? We'll deal with it then. As a kid I wished to find someone with the same name as me. That never happened. So I will embrace this as my childhood dream come true. I share a name with someone far away that must be awesome or at least have good taste, otherwise she wouldn't have picked the same name. ;P
So Asa, miss Spades, congratulations on your name. And next time, don't run from me, but find me and we'll have a drink to celebrate awesomenameness. :)
And about that RollerCon challenge team; HECK YEAH! Sign me up!
Love,
Asa Spades (the other one)
World beware, there are two of us now! And strength comes in numbers! :)
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