Ode to Smackson Pollock

The family of Greensboro Roller Derby continues to expand, which sometimes means our skaters must head off to other places and spread their awesomeness elsewhere. This hurts me in my heartal area, but I get comfort knowing some of the best people in the universe are out there, reppin' hard in other places.

Smackson Pollock-- formerly MSG, a beautiful Bettie and a Gate City all-star-- is leaving us for the coast. We will miss her. I will miss her. So I wrote her this poem. Please enjoy.

For Smackson

Smackson, Smackson

How I love thee

In my heart, you have always been MSG

Your muscles so ripped

Your booty so big

So pretty and girly, yet you eat like pig

Your laugh is infectious

And your hugs so sincere

Always the last one to wash your smelly gear

Your hits are the worst, but my favorite to get

Getting a hip check from you is truly the pits

I love how we hit each other the entire jam

Or how we help each other achieve a grand slam

Going against you or with you is always so fun

Cause I know we will giggle with each other when the clock says its done

There is something so special about you that I wish I could capture

An afterparty with you is always a delightful disaster

You really are one of the best girls I will ever meet

My favorite to lose to, and my favorite to beat

Smackson Pollock, you are a wonderful and unique woman that makes the world a better place. I will miss your laugh, hugs, and your wonderful approach to life. Hitting you and being hit by you is one of the reasons I love roller derby so much.

Keep being you.

XOXO Miller Lightnin'

Don't drink the Haterade!

Seriously. Put it down, forget it exists. And here's why:

This will surprise no one: roller derby is diverse. There are almost as many kinds of derby leagues as there are derby skaters. Some leagues love epic entrances, while others prefer to let their skating speak for itself. Some leagues use their given names only, while others revel in the opportunity to create an alter-ego. Some leagues like to get rock star wild at after parties, while others like to just chill and talk about the bout. Some leagues like to engage in tension-deflating play on the jammer line before the first whistle, while others completely stonewall their opposition. A few teams focus all their efforts on community building, while others work their tails off to play derby by a traditional sports mindset. Who among us really is perfect enough to say their way is the only way?

Every single derby league is unique in its own right, with its own set of skaters and supporters. Each league has the space to create their own traditions, training schedules, strategies, playing style, uniforms, and opportunities.

That is why this sport RULES.

When I hear of leagues splitting apart, or overhear a teammate or fellow skater hatin' on another skater or league, my heart breaks a little; especially because it reminds me of how much time I have wasted hatin' on chicks I don't know (especially when I could be using this time to be improving my skating technique). Roller derby is a middle finger to the patriarchal machine that is collegiate and professional sports. We were created by and for women. We embrace women on the full spectrum and are a LBGTQ safe haven that highly encourages participants to not only be themselves but to WAVE THEIR FREAK FLAG HIGH.

Seriously, wave that flag!

This is my rally call skaters. Stop gossiping in the middle school bathroom because the other team doesn't do things the way your team does things. Assume the best, because after all, they play roller derby too. Doesn't that kind of guarantee they are awesome?

The world can be a cruel and horrible place, full of heartache, disease, and oppression. Roller derby is the one place women can go and be themselves--any version of it they please. So lets stop the girl on girl crime RIGHT NOW. Lets start rallying behind other leagues because we need each other, build from each other, and can learn from one other. You can not improve or grow as a person if you only surround yourself with people that are just like you, so embrace the variety of derby women with open arms. We are all the better for it.

Say it will me sisters:

WE ARE ALL ONE ON EIGHT WHEELS, FIGHTING FOR GLORY. THERE IS NO LOVE LIKE DERBY LOVE. YOU ARE MY SISTER, AND I AM YOURS.

In love and derby forever and always,

Miller Lightnin'  

EnSUSiasm

My nickname on the flat track is “EnSusiasm”. I love it! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT!

My coach, Colonel Heavage, came up with it after a particularly grueling practice where I remained optimistic and kept yelling “My name is Miller Lightnin' and I love roller derby!” The mantra and nickname stuck, and for two years running I have earned the great honor of being given our league's spirit award. 

Seeing a glass half full (or a flat track half full, if you will) has been my lifestyle for as long as I can remember. I was raised by two amazing parents, who managed to keep my two brothers and me out of jail  (for the most part), healthy, and happy our entire lives. We all speak several times a day and actually choose to spend time with one another. Dinner with my family around the table, usually after several beers, turns into a roast of one another and an exchange of awesome stories about our adventures in our lives separate from family. My family has supported my derby endeavors and regularly tell me they are proud of me for the strength and skill I display on the flat track.

I am extremely lucky and grateful for these gifts EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. 

My other family, Greensboro Roller Derby, reminds me of the Williams. Supportive, funny, always up for a beer (or six). I chose this family, and they chose me. How could I not be enthusiastic at practice? I am literally encased by love in all directions. 

Recently, I was asked by a woman on my team how I stayed so positive. “Well,” I told her, “fake it till you make it.” I use to beat myself up after every practice, cry into my pillow “WHY THE HELL CAN'T I PLOW STOP ALREADY?!?!”, and dreaded scrimmage time for fear I would let my teammates down. Derby started to be stressful, instead of awesome. So I made a choice. I decided, to hell with it: I am going to just do me, y'all. 

The best way to stay positive and fulfilled by roller derby is to constantly challenge yourself, on your own level. Try to improve at every practice, with every drill. If you don't get it right the first time, do it until you get it right and then do it some more. Put your derby gear on and look in the mirror and say to yourself: “I am a goddess of the flat track and a supershero to little girls. I can and will be awesome at roller derby.” Really, I say that to myself all the time. Try it. 

Another thing that keeps me so excited about roller derby is that I see the potential for greatness on the flat track in EVERYONE. By everyone I literally mean everyone. Chick sitting next to me in class who rocks motorcycle boots everyday? Awesome pivot. Woman who sells me beer at the gas station? Dang, she would make a great wrecking ball. And then my league! Oh, my league, how I love thee. The recently drafted skaters make my heart swell like the Grinch. I watch them in drills and in my brain thinks “Crap! The student has become the teacher! I can't wait for them to knock me out someday!” (New skaters-I am not the only one who thinks this. Pat yourselves on the back. You are BLOWING OUR MINDS.) 

So, if roller derby has become a source of frustration for you and the flat track seems half empty-remind yourself why you started, do some pushups, and yell: “MY NAME IS -------- AND I LOVE ROLLER DERBY!” 

You won't regret it.

In love and derby, Miller Lightnin' aka EnSusiasm 

The only thing I have to fear is....?

I read a great article recently about letting go of things that hold you back and cause you unhappiness or stress.  It spoke to me loud and clear, especially when it talked about letting go of fear.  I've said this in previous blog posts but humor me.  I was afraid of skating when I was younger.  From time to time, my desire to try something overcomes my fear of it and I face it.  That's exactly what happened when roller derby came into my life.  Now, I no longer fear skating but I've still got quite a few other fears I need to face and have had to face along my journey.

It's sad to admit this, I suppose it was how I was raised but I HATE being in the way.  I know what you're thinking: "That's part of what derby is about!"  For example, when sprinting around the track, I typically get out of the way of the faster skaters.  The only way I can explain it is that it's just my natural instinct.  One of our skaters, the amazing Ka$h Honey, told me that I need to get in their way.  Basically, skate the diamond pattern and stay there.  The better, faster skaters will find a way around me. The idea of annoying people really bothers me(another reason I get out of the way) but I know that the only way I will get better is to push myself, which is what she was saying.  I fight fear every time I'm on the track but I know that while I'm doing that, I'm getting better. 

I would also be kidding myself if I didn't admit my fear of getting hurt. The probability is high and it's not even the pain I worry about as much as being off skates.  The idea of losing ground on my progress as a skater and having to "start over" is scary.  Many people have done it and I admire them because just getting back on skates after a serious injury takes courage.  I've spoken with a few of our injured skaters who are returning to life on the track and getting back out there was not easy for them.  They were concerned about re injuring the same area and being able to get their endurance back where it needed to be. It's a relief to know I'm not alone in my concerns. 

I think this is where the love of something takes over, though.  If derby means enough in your life, then you do what is necessary to keep doing it.  For me, I believe it would mean facing some of my mental blocks over again and maybe even new ones.  That's the risk, though, and I can't fear what may or may not happen.

I could go on but I'm sure you get the point.  I have many goals for myself and the only way I can achieve them is to push myself even further out of my comfort zone.  That's the only way I'll grow in this sport.  I'm proud of the progress I've made and one day I hope to look back and laugh at the things I once feared.

XOXO
The Worst Noel

RESPECT MY AUTHORITY!

When I first began roller derby I was disappointed when I found out there were rules. No fighting?! Really?! What was the point?!

I couldn't believe the structure that was required to participate in a derby league-especially one that I was helping found. Fundraisers, public relations, interviews, finding sponsors...and the rules! So many rules. Most notably: no drinking while skating.

I complained, moaned, eye rolled. I joined committees, yes-but always with the intention to find something, anything to complain about (and there was usually beer involved). I emailed board members with complaints, griped at practices, drank on skates. The only thing that I focused on was my love of derby, my passion for being a great skater.

One day-while on one of my many tyrants-my friend of ten years, Annie Lastwords, said, “Yah know Miller, you would be a lot more productive if you spent time taking action instead of complaining.”

Right on Annie. Right on.

Of course, I immediately took offense to this statement, thought she was being an uppity know it all (lawyers), but then I realized something: offense is taken, not given. I chose to be insulted by that comment, instead of seeing it as a friend saying in more or less words: “Shut up and help out with this league you love so much.”

So, gulp-Miller Lightnin' aka Hater of Authority aka Cammie Complains-A-Lot-joined the training committee by running for captain of my home team, the Elm St. Nightmares. Surprisingly, my fellow teammates elected me (side bar: I had ran before and not gotten elected, wonder if my buttheadness was related?) and entrusted me to fairly represent them on the committee that decides fates like practice itineraries, rules to enforce, skater policies to implement, rosters, etc. Captains, coaches, and trainers discuss skater concerns and sometimes have to make tough decisions to move the league forward that may not make everyone happy. Instead of always saying “damn the man”, I became the man.

Sigh.

So, this“middle finger to the world” kind of gal is now an “okay, I am not entirely sold on rules but am starting to see their intention” has some knowledge to drop.

Here is how to make the most out of your derby experience (no matter what your feelings about rules and regs are), with out making yourself crazy.

1. Like I said before-offense is taken, not given. Still mad coach told you to work on your form? Really? Coach noticed you. If he/she did not care enough to say anything to you-that is when you have the right to worry cause no one is noticing you.
2. Don't make your coach/captain/trainer tell you to do something twice. I cringe when I have to tell a skater on my home team to be quite when a coach is explaining a drill. It literally makes my skin crawl. Telling your peers to do something sucks. Please, don't make us ask you again-and respect that we asked you in the first place.
3. If you are going to criticize something the league is doing-do not do it without some ideas to take its place. You are just being a jerk if you just criticize. Don't be a jerk-be a woman of action.
4. When a coach explains a drill, ask questions if you need help. But never ever ask them to adjust the drill because you do not want to do it or think it is too hard. Also, keep your trap shut when coach is talking. You may not care enough to hear his words, but the skaters around you do.
5. Don't take training committee decisions personally. As someone who has been guilty of this several times, I know how easy it can be. Now that I am on training committee, I see that each decision is made to move the league forward. Nothing is discussed without this intention: What is best for our league as a whole?
6. If you are not put on a roster, do not get to play the position you want, or are not getting a lot of playing time-DO NOT CRY OR COMPLAIN ABOUT IT (I have done this-it gets you no where). Prove to yourself and the training committee that they can not afford to NOT put you in. Bust your fanny, honey, It will happen someday.
7. Come to each practice with this in mind: “What can I do at this practice to be better than last practice?”
8. Even if it hurts, you are expected to participate from 7-9pm each night of practice. Don't sit on the sidelines. There is a difference between “it hurts” and “I am hurt”. You are better than the sidelines. You play freakin' roller derby.
9. If you are worried about how someone else is doing at practice, you are not worried about the person you should be-YOU. Practice is for you to improve. Use the time wisely, darlin-there ain't much of it.
10. Your crappy day at work is not my crappy day at work. Please don't allow your mood to dictate the skaters around you-leave it at the door.
11. Cross train. Duh. (No really, put some sneakers on and run. NOW.)
12. Join a committee and help out. Go to the after party. Ask vets for help. Advertise for bouts. Thank a coach for their hard work. Ask a ref to explain some rules to you. Don't spread gossip about your teammates. Don't be a butthead.

After beginning in the basement of a bar, Greensboro Roller Derby is moving forward into the big time. We are becoming a sustainable league that the community counts on for grassroots support, entertainment, and girl power. Respect that to develop as a whole, we have to leave some old ways behind. We have to have...barf...rules.

No more drinking on skates. I pinkie swear.

So, I hope that helps. Basically, treat people like you want to be treated and recycle.

XOXO Miller  

Be the Skate; My Journey in Visualizing

So, I made it happen...now what?  I passed my minimum skills assessments, I'm officially over one hurdle of what I've come to learn will be many.  I suppose I can answer my question simply and not-so-simply.  I suppose I could just say that I'm on to the next step, the next "make it happen" moment.  But what do I want to make happen?  Who do I see myself becoming as part of this league?  What is my next goal? 

I will say this; practicing with our veteran skaters is such an honor and humbling experience.  I am not saying I ever thought I was super awesome but I see now how these ladies strive to be better and continue learning.  During our scrimmage-type drills is where I am most in awe of them and it's also when I often find myself lost and being ineffective.  This leads to a great amount of frustration at myself.  I've been a spectator at a few bouts now and thought I had a pretty good grasp on what happened during a jam but actually being on the inside is a whole different experience.  I see how complicated it can be, trying to implement strategy that incorporates both offense and defense.  Which brings me to the visualization aspect of this.  I do believe in the idea that you can "see" yourself performing a task as you want to and "make it happen."  The result may not be immediate but in time, it will become a reality.  Right now my default vision of myself is more along the lines of a large, awkward bird on roller skates.

The way I want to envision myself is more like a shark, swimming stealthy around and attacking a pack like a feeding frenzy!!  Maybe that's a bit too much but you get the idea.

 It's up to me to put in the work and I know eventually it will "click."  I can only get better and understand the game by going to practice and soaking up as much as I can from our veteran skaters and coaches.  I will probably ask some questions that seem dumb and I know that our veteran skaters experienced what I'm going through(though by looking at them, you'd never know).  This is a journey where I can learn as much as I want, get out as much as I put in, and be as good as I can see myself being.


All my awkward derby love,
The Worst Noel

Jams Don't Last Forever

Recently, for the first time since my roller derby career started, I realized that one day it will have to end. I hope it's not for a long time. I have no finish line in sight, no plans to retire. But one day, this will have to end. I will skate no more.

I started roller derby two years ago on a whim. As I start my third season, I have seen many skaters come and go. The founding members of our league, of which I am one, are dwindling in number. 

To be clear, once again, there's no end in sight for me. When I say I am training for Team USA, I am not kidding. It may be ten years from now, but it's a serious goal of mine that I am not dreaming about. I am actively working on it. Skaters in my league refer to me as a “vet”, but in the larger sense of the sport as a whole, I see myself as just having started this whole roller derby thing. I see myself as roller derby Fresh Meat, a sponge ready to soak up any and all information I can to improve my ability as a skater.

When I started to write this blog, it was going to be a plea for skaters to revive the tradition of the after party. But after doing some “research” (read: drinking beers while watching old bout footage) on our league it morphed into something greater. A call to arms. A plea for us all to remember and cherish this time we spend together.

Because roller derby is not forever.

A little over two years ago, I joined a brand newborn Greensboro Roller Derby with my best friend, Shrimp n' Grit (who was also my co-worker at the time). We went from talking about Real Housewives and boys to discussing bearings and bout plays. Our friendship grew in a way that was so special, so intimate, so sincere. We got to be best friends and teammates (and sometimes competitors). Being a teammate with someone is not to be taken for granted.

Because sometimes they move away.

Roller derby is not forever.

Roller derby may be the most intense experience you ever have in your life. It is time consuming, bank account draining, sanity stealing, and...it hurts. There is something almost every weekend: a party, bout, fundraiser, meeting, etc. Your non-derby friends and family miss you. Derby can also be frustrating and hard and sometimes you may never really catch on to things that seem so easy to other skaters. Roller derby can drain you of your very last inch of normalcy. But it is also so much more than that. It is a life experience that will fill you with pride and happiness until your dying breath. You did something awesome.

When “researching” for this blog I came across some bout footage that made me cry into my beer.

This video made me miss so many of my roller derby compatriots who are not in my derby bout-to-bout life anymore. I miss you Moloko Violet, AnneMaRIOT, Goodie Two Bruise, Molly Flogger, Ann What?!, Betty Rumble and (I am so glad computers don't get tear stains!) Shrimp n' Grit. I miss all the retired skaters, all the coaches who needed to move on. I miss you. I miss you. I miss you.

Teammates move away, retire, get too injured to return. Some join for the average 1-2 year commitment, others push for the long haul. Either way, your roller derby career has a finish line, whether you plan for it or are planning on creating a league in your retirement home. My call to arms is to enjoy it for all that it is worth. You can not get this time back, and jams do not last forever.

Both of my grandmothers are very ill right now, and they have both been very nostalgic with me during my weekly visits. Their stories fill my heart with love, and sometimes they break it. Neither of my grandmothers played sports. Neither had lots of girlfriends. Both loved men injured (mentally and physically) by war. My grandmothers- two very different women- never knew the joy of sharing a bench with beloved teammates, celebrating a hard-won victory, or the self-respect that comes from handling a loss with dignity. 

Hearing my two greatest influences pass their legacy on to me, their granddaughter, reminds me that life is fleeting. I will not live forever. One day, I will be lying in my death bed (hopefully surrounded by tons of hot men) reflecting on my life experiences.

I will know with my old lady pride that not only did I live an awesome life filled with adventure and friends...

I played roller derby. And I did it well.

Derby love,
Miller Lightnin'

Derby Crushes

Just in time for Greensboro Roller Derby's Lonely Hearts club bout... we're going to talk about DERBY CRUSHES!

When you skate derby, you hear it all the time...”I have such a crush on [insert awesome skater's name here]!" The awesome skater could be Bonnie Thunders, Suzy Hotrod, Kelley Young, Beyonslay, Smack Daddy... the list goes on and on. These girls ARE amazing, and I wouldn't kick any of 'em outta my... bench.

But lovin' the stars is a given. They set the bar, rock the house, blow our minds with their phenomenal talent. I get that. Sometimes, I watch YouTube clips of Bonnie Thunders for hours and take notes. Her moves make me have to wipe drool off my chin. I danced in my apartment for ten minutes when she requested my friendship on Facebook (stalkin' paid off!). To me, she is Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, Venus AND Serena Williams. She is the best of the best of the best sport.

But when I thought about what a derby crush really is, I realized I have derby crushes on girls I skate with every single day, women I play against during inter-league bouts, girls I regularly whiskey slap. I am so lucky that I am surrounded by skaters who challenge me, frustrate me, and cause me internal injuries.

I posed this question to my league crushes and also asked my fellow league mates to spill their secret: who makes your heart leap on the flat track?

The answers made me fall in love with my league all over again. It was like that dream trip in Paris with your partner that you already love, that reminds you while you fell for them in the first place.

Although I am not going to reveal everything I learned about who crushes on who in our league (since some of it was told to me in confidence), I do recommend sharing with your crush your feelings. They will make her day and make her a better skater. She won't wanna let you down!

Here are a few of my own derby crushes:

To start, I have a confession. I love a truck drivin', foul mouthed shorty named Ka$h Honey. She busted into our league like a bat outta hell, and went from “Fresh Meat” to starting jammer in T minus ten seconds. My crush started when she first made the team, when I first heard her tell me what to do. I loved her confidence, her take-no-crap attitude, her hatred of slow derby. Ever since then, she has sealed my love for her by continuing to play by the same motto as I do: “GO BIG OR GO HOME”.

Ka$h Honey

Like many girls on the league, I have a crush on General Sew for more than just her skating ability. But, it is her skating that makes my heart leap (and those red sequin shorts). I love watching her lap other skaters, seeing her go so fast the wind blows through the back of her jersey. I love how humble she is, how calm, how she can turn literally ANYTHING into derby shorts. General Sew is the glue that holds our league together, the voice that makes us know everything will be okay-unless, of course, she is coming for yah hips.

General Sew

Sigh. AlaBAMison. Our very own home town version of Bonnie Thunders. BAM is one of those skaters that earned her stay, played for keeps, fought her way to the top, made people notice that SHE WAS HERE. BAM is a crush of mine because you think you got her- oh, you think you got her so hard, and then: BAM, she is already through the pack, smilin' that she just tricked you (again). BAM skates so effortlessly, so fearlessly, and still manages to stay classy and adorable at the same time. She is a rarity. She is GSORD.

AlaBAMison

One of the things that makes me LOVE local derby crushes is that you get to ask them questions like: What makes you so awesome? So, in an effort to “humanize” my derby heartthrobs, here are their actual answers, after much prying:

“Cus I got Skills, Thrills and Dolla Bills! Sike just playin – I’m awesome because I push myself - sometimes it can be my downfall because I push too far but I love motivating people and how can I help my team push to be better if I don’t better myself.” -Ka$H Honey (derby crush: Minimum Bruise)

“Well thanks for thinking so, but often times I am pretty hard on myself...The one awesome thing that derby has taught me though is that if someone tells you can't or shouldn't do something then prove them wrong.  Who says you can't play roller derby? Who says you can't pass assessments after skating for only two months or that you can't be on the A-team?  Who says you can't skate in a bout, and then compete in a sprint triathlon the next day after driving four hours and getting three hours of sleep? Which by the way is a really bad idea!! You can do anything you set your mind and heart to. You can amaze yourself with what you can accomplish if your really believe you can do it.  If you want something bad enough you'll do what it takes to get to your goal.” -AlaBAMison (derby crush: Betty Rumble)

“I got to this level of skating from a combination of hard work, cross training, and genetics, and dumb luck. I was a skating rink rat in the late 70's and early 80's. My parents dated at the skating rink, and I spent a lot of time skating. Although I took speed skating lessons when I was 7 and artistic skating when I was 8, I was never really good at it, but it did give me a sense of comfort with having skates on my feet (and I'm pretty good at Galaga from all that time spent at the skating rink too!) I'm doing some running and I teach yoga, and I try to stay active, and make it to almost every single practice, but I'd better kick it up a couple of notches because there are some awesome and ambitious folks out there. My biggest piece of advice for other skaters out there is to come to practice (as often as possible), give it 100% all the time, and pair up with the biggest, hardest hitting girl out there. Watch how they move their feet, watch where their strength comes from when they hit, and watch how they absorb or counter a hit. Also, read those rules. To me, they're like poetry, and they make more sense, once I've got some personal application for them.” -General Sew (derby crushes: Molly Flogger, Schoolya Childs, Smackson Pollock, Pickle Joose, Ka$h Honey, AlaBAMison, Minimum Bruise, Snarl Young, and Miller Lightnin' [thanks General!])

So you see, derby crushes can be the very same women you see everyday. They are your resources for improvement. That extra push when you think you can't push anymore.

So go ahead ladies, tell your crush why you love her. You never know...she might just feel the same way.

In love and derby always,

Miller Lightnin'

PS: Because GSORD fans love to think we hate each other, I did not mention my favorite person to hit and be hit by: Smackson Pollock-you complete me.

Men's Roller Derby: Oh My!

I am so excited that men's roller derby leagues are becoming a conversation in the world of derby. The more people that play roller derby, the better. I truly believe in roller derby world domination, and that the benefits of playing the sport can positively influence all people.

Full disclosure, though: men's roller derby brings out the skeptical feminist in me. I am slightly wary of a potential take over. Roller derby was male-dominated at times during its long history, but the modern incarnation of it has been all about female empowerment. Roller derby is the one place in my life where I am not treated as a second class citizen because of my gender. Roller derby empowers my female force, has increased my sisterhood, and has freed me from the burden of self-body hatred.

When roller derby began in the 20s, it was played by men. Female skaters were added to the sport later as a way to sell tickets. No one could have guessed then how roller derby would evolve into the feminist movement it is today.

Modern roller derby is not just a sport, it is a feminist movement.

I need the men who are creating leagues for themselves to say that out loud. To believe it. Do they truly know the world they are entering? Are they entering it with the full knowledge of their male privilege? Do they know that to women who skate, this means a whole lot more than just hitting one another and wearing cute outfits?

Are these male leagues prepared to embrace and make room in the sport for male-to-female transgender skaters? Do they truly know what a sport created for, by, and with all women means to us? As women?

I say yes. But then again, I am a hopeful, trusting, heart on her sleeve feminist who truly wants a massive social change in terms of gender and sexuality equality. This is what I bleed for.

I am in full support of men's roller derby leagues, and look forward to witnessing my first male derby bout in the upcoming season. All I ask is for these leagues to mention the elephant in the room-the big, giant feminist elephant in the room that is just double checking your intentions.

Sorry guys, thousands of years of sexism and lack of equal treatment will do that to people.

Lookin' forward to seeing you on the flat track, gentlemen.

XOXO

Miller Lightnin'  

New Year, More Derby

Ah, the New Year.  A time to reflect on the previous one and plan or make resolutions for the new one.  I myself don't like to look back too much.  I like to be in the now.  However, I'm proud when I look back at 2011 and see how far I've come as a skater.  The fact that I even refer to myself as a "skater" is a big accomplishment in itself.  I'm able to say that I'm much more confident with wheels strapped to my feet.

I'm not big on resolutions, either.  I feel like it's too easy to dump on yourself and give up if you have a slip up.  Not only that, but I prefer to keep the momentum going in the areas I've improved on in the last year and make them even better.  Setting new goals for myself is something I do throughout the year, so I don't feel the need to make them a resolution.  This year, though, I've decided that I will have a theme: Make it happen.  BAM!  Pretty simple, huh?  Well, not really.  They're definitely not magic words, though, I wish they were.  This outlook couldn't come at a better time as our fresh meat assessments are zooming towards us.  So, at the end of this month, I'm going to make it happen.  I want to pass these assessments, so that's exactly what I'm going to do.  There is no debating with myself, no excuses, no "well, I guess I'll see how it goes."  MAKE. IT. HAPPEN.  Once I do that, I'll set the next goal and same thing; make it happen.  See the pattern? 

So what does that require?  Well, obviously, I have to practice as often as possible.  I need to fine tune the skills I find more difficult and make better the skills I can do more easily.  I want to execute them with confidence and better than just enough to pass.  Truthfully, it will probably take longer than the time I have before assessments and I hope I'm never as good as I can get.  I want to always seek to improve my skills.  I think everyone should want that.

The trick for me is the mental blockages.  I do it to myself every time.  Things I know how to do, I will some how mess up because I am being watched.  I guess it's like stage fright.  I know I can do it but because people are paying attention to me doing it, I start second guessing myself.  It's silly, I know, but I can't help it.  In my journey to make it happen, I have to do what it takes to achieve my goals, even if it's completely against my nature.

This is how I'm going to approach all of my goals in every aspect of my life.  I hope everyone has a year full of goals achieved, dreams realized, and most of all, more derby!  Make it happen, friends.

Derby <3
Katie Overstreet