Which is why it has held my interest for longer than any other hobby or physical activity so far.

Everyone has obstacles.  I have several but I always remind myself that everyone has their own.  It’s not JUST hard for me.  This shit’s hard for everybody, just in their own way.

I got to review my assessment with Anya & Blondie on Saturday.  It was disappointing but realistic & fully appreciated.

Obviously, I’ve come a long way but I’m still very far from achieving Level 2 in the Minnow program.  There is a lot of work to do.  Sometimes just because I skate 3 days in row (or whatever) I think I’m doing amazing.  (Because, let’s face it – how many times before derby was I able to get to the gym that many times in a row?)  So, I’m doing good – for me.  But I still need to take the opportunity, every time I skate to focus a little more & be a little tougher on myself.

Side note: One big obstacle I have is that my shins have been KILLING me for the first hour or so of skating.  I’m experimenting with some fixes for this.  If my changes don’t help fairly quickly I will see a doctor to see if they can tell me anything.

The FMDG Award Masquerade Ball was held last night & it was so fun!  I love getting dressed up occasionally & I especially love it when my husband agrees to play designated driver so I can get tipsy!

It was amazing to come together & celebrate with these great people who have affected my life so positively this year.  It is amazing to see how teamwork comes together – whether it’s at practice, putting on a bout, actually playing the game or planning an event like the one last night. I can’t help but think about what all went into this event:  the girls pitched in to make the centerpieces, the food, the pimp chalices(!) & the music list among other things.  Anya Dixon (the bad-ass president) & Coach had a great photo montage made up for each of us of photos from the past year.  It’s really great – I need to find a frame to fit it so I can hang it.  Then next year’s will go in on top of it – kind of like what Mom did with your school photos.

It was major fun to see everyone else dressed up in their dresses & suits & masks.  It was a total success!  I can’t wait for the pictures to come out on Facebook but in the meantime here are a couple my husband & I took before we left for the event.

I got new outdoor wheels for my old skates & am loving them!

I will be keeping track of all skating & other workouts on my profile at mapmyfitness.com.  Hop on & join me!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!  I hope everyone is having a fun time with their families & eating delicious dinners & goodies!

Here’s the weekly update:

Monday – wore the boot to work  and then attended practice wearing it & iced my foot for a bit.  Also got to do some score keeping.

Tues, Wed – also wore the boot all day – foot is starting to feel better.

Thurs – Thanksgiving day – went up to the canal on my skates.  It’s not far but I wanted to see how my foot would feel.  Also, re-tried my heavy orthodics in my skates.  When I used to try to skate with them my feet would cramp up & I decided it was because they wouldn’t allow my foot to flex.  Now I’m thinking that it might have been just typical beginner skater foot cramps.  I’ll have to try them during a longer skate & in my other pair as well.

Last week I skated on my road on Sun, Mon & Tues 1 mile each time.

Skated at the rink on Wed & stayed for practice.  I think we ran 2 laps to start with & then 25 sit-ups & 25 push-ups.  The goal was for everyone to finish in under 6 minutes.  I (as usual) was lagging behind but with the coach’s encouragement I made it in 5 min 55 seconds!  After that I seem to recall some punishing exercises – hopping, squats, push-ups, sit-ups, skating form drills for all of us Minnows.  Overall a good workout.

Saturday was the 3rd Minnow class. They split us up into Level 1 and Level 2 towards the end of class.  I am in Level 1.  I have some things to work on.  Thank goodness that all our teachers are extremely patient.

After that I spent a bunch of time on my feet, shopping, for Christmas gifts and a dress for the upcoming Derby Awards Ball.  Totally found THE dress as well as wrapped up (pun!) my seasonal shopping.

As of Saturday night my foot was killing me so I determined I needed to stay off it & wear my boot.  I am hoping that by Thursday I will be able to skate so I’ll have some in before next Saturday.