I've got a Derby Mind.

    I walk into my work building on a Monday morning with a heavy sigh as I stare down the seemingly long hallway to the stairwell. Every morning I think to myself, "This would be much easier to just skate." I think this several times a day in fact, in almost every place I am at. Side effect of derby: serious addiction. You start seeing derby everywhere, wanting to skate everywhere, buying panties and too short skirts when you walked into a store to get jeans (that you still need), etc.. It becomes difficult and boring to hang out with people NOT involved in derby, because you can't really talk about derby with them. The obsession gets ridiculous.

     It has gotten even worse recently with the addition and training of the "Fresh Meat" or new recruits in the derby world. Seeing derby through their eyes makes it all brand new and exciting all over! I think perhaps even more so, because for the first time, I'm on the other side and helping them along in their endeavor. Every time they perfect a new skill, find a new product, website, slogan, etc., they share it and it becomes thrilling again! Their  dedication and passion is infectious to say the least. Their victories become my victories, become the trainers victories and league victories. It's like falling in love and discovering derby all over again when experiencing it through someone else's eyes.
     I am still by no means a seasoned veteran skater. I still have a long way to go in developing my skills, instincts and athletic physique just to be where I want to be. That's what people don't get about derby girls. The drive we all have. Fanatical perhaps. This sport definitely has the tendency to take over how you think, move, what you eat, people you surround yourself with, right down to how you dress. The confidence, camaraderie, excitement, exercise, challenges, entertainment and of course, the blood, sweat, bruises, and tears, will overtake your life. And you will love every minute of it.