A writting assignment, roller derby & my inspirational father

On June 9th (a few days after my very first roller derby bout) I got an invitation to write an essay for my favorite blog - Art House America. About a week later, I boarded a plane in our little New Zealand town and flew (without any children) to Auckland and then Los Angeles - where I met my sister and her daughter. Together we flew to Columbus, Ohio where we shocked the socks off both of my parents. It was beautiful.

After everyone regained composure, we got in the car and drove to Marysville, Ohio (the town where my father grew up). In January my ninety-nine year old trail-blazing grandmother passed away. There was a memorial service, but her ashes were to be buried at a later date. After the interment service in Marysville and a driving tour of my fathers old stomping grounds - we drove to my cousins wedding in another beautiful small Ohio town.

I hate to miss a good party and this series of family events seemed like the ideal party to crash. Ben was able to take time off and we found a nanny that could help with the kids on the days that he was working. It was a big sacrifice for everyone, but I had a sense that it would be a really special trip. 
It was.

 
The day after my cousins wedding my sister and I hopped in the back seat of my parents car and we took a ten hour road trip... like we did so many times growing up. We ate bad food, listened to good music and smiled as Garrison Keillor told stories from Lake Wobegon. After a long drive, we got back to my parents house and spend the next several days together relaxing and enjoying each others company. I got the initial inspiration for my Art House America essay sitting on my parents dock with my dad.  

On July fifth I returned to New Zealand. On August first I submitted my Art House America essay The Unexpected Joy of Roller Derby. On August twelfth we found out that my dad had an aggressive form of brain cancer (glioblastoma multiforme).

This is the first paragraph of my essay - In my thirty-four years of life, I have spent a good deal of energy planning, managing and orchestrating the details of my days. I have worked hard to ensure likely outcomes, strategically planned for the best and worst case scenarios, studied the habits of highly effective people and self-helped my way through many a season. But in the past year, my joy has come largely in the ability to embrace life's surprises. You can read the rest of the essay here.

Right now I feel like swallowing up all my positive and encouraging words about "embracing life's surprises" and "receiving the unknown with courage and grace" - but my dad keeps pointing me in the right direction and reminding me that God is good and we are blessed - even in light of this tragic diagnosis.  

Here is a guy who knows a lot about planning, managing and orchestrating the details of his days. He spent many years as a strategic planner in the oil industry and one of his greatest career (and parental) successes was his ability to walk into chaos and bring structure. My dad is also a big fan of adventure. Throughout my life I have watched him embrace life’s surprises and even now, in the face of cancer, he is chasing the “hot pink narrative thread”.

This one’s for you dad. Thanks for teaching me how to make wise plans, when to take bold risks, how to be mentally tough... and most importantly - when to let go of control and enjoy the ride. Your derby daughter loves you very much!

You can read the rest of The UnexpectedJoy of Roller Derby on the Art House America Blog.

{Noted Moments}

Family skate
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Taking on Hell's Wives

The lemonade stand will be closed this weekend... in the name of roller derby. The Motley Crew is taking on Hell's Wives in Whangarei. Family road trip. Should be a good time!

New skates

A few months ago I found two pairs of ten dollar adjustable roller blades for Max and Maggie at a local thrift store. After watching my niece Sarah skating her little heart out, I decided to bring a pair of these skates back for Jude.

Unfortunately, I brought the wrong size. Jude was a little bit devastated. They did, however, fit Jonah. You can see how much he loves them. We got an amazon.com delivery yesterday and it was an exciting day for almost everyone.

Slam Rock 2014

As much as  I would like to revel in the glory days of Slam Rock 2014 forever... I fear the time has come for me to move on. In closing - here are some fun shots from Kelly Jane Photography and a fun video from my power jam at the end of the bout.

A few things you should know about derby girls...

About eleven months ago I got a full-on introduction to roller derby, when I decided (quite spontaneously) to join the Sulphur City Steamrollers freshmeat training program. I was new to the continent and looking to try something different.

Despite the longstanding affection I held for Bliss Cavendar (and her Whip It cohorts)... I didn't really know much about derby or the women that make it cool. And like me, most of the people that read this blog (hi mom & dad), are relatively uneducated in the ways of derby. So let me tell you a few things that may surprise you about derby girls.

Number one: Derby girls are organized and professional
Our derby team is run more efficiently than almost any organization I have been a part of. This was perhaps the biggest shocker.
I don't know what I was expecting... but it certainly wasn't organization and professionalism. As it turns out, the ability to hit other women to the ground is just one component in the equation, when it comes to a successful derby league.

I planned events for several years at the University of Texas Medical Branch... and let me just say, (from my semi professional and super bias perspective) Slam Rock 2014 was a stellar event. Here is an abridged list to give you an idea of the time and energy that goes into putting on a bout... get a vision, pick a theme, recruit an opponent, reserve a venue, apply for funding, get uniforms, find raffel prizes, design poster art and programs, PUT POSTERS EVERYWHERE AND TALK TO MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF PEOPLE, do interviews, take photos, sell tickets, coordinate lots and lots of volunteers, organize a half time show, sell merch, find an MC, secure refs, first aid and non skating officials... feed everyone during the event, set up VIP tables, tape the floor, man the lights, bring the gear... and then, after all of these details are taken care - gear up and skate your heart out.

This event was made possible by the extensive volunteer hours and creative leadership abilities of a handful of derby chicks that sit on our leadership committee (of which I am not a part... making this blog boast all the more acceptable) AND the generous community support they garnered from individuals and local businesses. 

Number two: Derby girls are loyal
Do not pick a fight with a derby girl. She may not seem tough on her own merits... but you can "bet your bottom teeth" she comes with a pack of wolves that will "mess you up" if you get out of line. I am sort of kidding... but not really. Derby girls are about as loyal as they come. Even though there are a lot of collective differences among us - we love each other dearly. It has been a pleasure joining a sisterhood of remarkably tough women.

Number three : Derby girls are even tougher than you think

The current series at our church is "Small Things Big Difference" (yep, you heard me right... I play derby and pay attention in church). Derby girls understand this truth in an immediate and necessary way. If we don't perfect our derby stance, strengthen our muscles, work on our endurance, practice our stops... come game day, we might have the pleasure of visiting the local hospital.

It is commonly said in derby circles that "anyone can play, as long as they are willing to work hard and keep at it." I am not sure I would believe this statement with such vigor, if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes. One of the loveliest girls on our team started freshmeat training with me... on the first day, she could barley stand on her skates. Every single week she came back and did her best... and guess what (two weeks before our first bout) she completed the last component of her WFTDA minimum skills requirements by skating 27 laps in under 5 minutes. It was awesome.

Derby girls are tougher than you think... not because they smash people on game day.
They are tough because they know that good things take tenacity and hard work.

Photo credit goes to Kelly Jane Photography

Number four: Derby girls are team players

No one in their right mind wants to be a one-man show in derby. It just isn't smart. We need each other for protection, communication, and moral support. A showboat skater can mess things up for everyone.

It has been an honor and unexpected delight to be part of a team again... especially this one. Three cheers for the undefeated, remarkably attractive, highly organized, and surprisingly witty Sulphur City Steam Rollers. Go team! 

Photo credit goes to Kelly Jane Photography

Costumes...

Here is a quick video of homemade costumes and pre game excitement.
On a side note - three days later and the boys still have mohawks.

Pre-game nails and a letter to the Corinthians

Tomorrow is my first official roller derby bout... and I am a little bit anxious. The Sulphur City Steamrollers have an incredibly visionary leader who has done an amazing job with the event promotion, fundraising and marketing... and tomorrow we will be playing for a completely full house. There will be lights, costumes, disco balls, loud music, an air guitar competition... and a little bit of roller derby.

Earlier this week I was kindly gifted a pack of pink leopard stripped stickers for my nails. So this evening after training I turned on some music and did my best to awkwardly apply them. I haven't done my nails with any success... EVER. But these seemed pretty simple, and they didn't require nail polish remover or dry time - so I gave it a go. 

Sometimes I meditate on a few verses when I am overwhelmed or nervous about something. But this evening the only verse that came to mind (over and over again) was 1 Corinthians 2:9 No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him

I am probably taking this out of context a bit, for the purposes of roller derby. But MY MIND COULD NOT HAVE POSSIBLY CONCEIVED THIS SCENARIO... doing my nails... the night before a roller derby bout... in New Zealand!

This evening I am thankful for life's glorious surprises and pink leopard stick-on nails... who would have guessed?

Motley Crew Skater Bio

Motley Crew skater bio

 

How did you come to be a 'derby girl?'
"I have always secretly dreamed of being a derby girl. But as mom of four, I (quite foolishly) assumed that my derby days were long gone. When we moved to New Zealand in July, I had lots of newly acquired free time and was looking for an extracurricular activity. The opportunity literally came knocking, when my neighbor came over and invited me to the Sulphur City Steam Rollers Freshmeat intake meeting."
 

What do you love about derby?
"I love being a part of a sport that wildly supports women of all shapes, sizes and walks of life. We have such a fun and diverse group of ladies who all play critical roles on the team. For me, the best part of roller derby is feeling healthy and strong."
 

How did you get your derby name?
"My derby name (Fearless Fitz) is a mashup of my maiden name and my desire to live this life a bit more fearlessly."

Slam Rock Costumes coming soon...

Slam Rock 2014 is Sold Out

Photo courtesy of Rich Johns Photography

Here is a quick link to an article about it the Rotorua Daily Post.

This is happening soon...

Trying on the new uniforms

I have a derby name...

Three weeks ago when we were on the South Island, I got a facebook message that said "the uniforms are getting printed, time to finalize your derby name". I had been on the fence since December when I passed my WFTDA skills test.

There were lots of great name suggestions, but I couldn't get away from the idea of fear... it has been a powerful presence in my life (in some seasons more than others) and declaring the opposite, in the form of a derby name felt like the right move. I also like the idea of resurrecting my maiden name... because I was a little bit of a fireball back in the day, and that fits with my derby persona.

Moving to New Zealand was easily the scariest decision of my life... it also ended up being the thing that got my heart beating again. So right now, I am sort of a big fan of overcoming fear and doing scary stuff.

I have always been pretty emotional when it comes to the topic of courage. I heard the song Live Forever by Drew Holcomb and the Neighbors for the first time in 2009 (video below). It is my favorite. There are only a few times since then, that I can remember NOT crying when I got to the bridge - "Take courage when the road is long. Don't ever forget your never alone."

One of my counselors told me that it is important to pay attention to things that make you cry... I would like to take some creative liberty and add "and the things that make you want to get a tatoo."

I have never wanted a tatoo... until I went to Ponui Island and saw this on the right bicep of new friend. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9. No plans to get inked up any time soon... but I was tempted and inspired.

Derby in itself is an ongoing act of courage for me. It is just a little bit outside of my "middle age, mom of four" comfort zone. Every time I lace up my skates I feel strong and brave... and I love that.

So, without further ado... number six skating for the Sulphur City Steamrollers... Fearless Fitz.

Pirate City Rollers vs Richter City Roller Derby

A few weeks ago I left my kids with a sitter and got on a neatly decorated van headed to Auckland for my first official derby bout... good times. 

It was a bit of moment in New Zealand roller derby history... in fact, it was a   national news worthy moment. Both Auckland and Wellington are now sanctioned to play for world ranking points - as official WFTDA leagues.

I am glad to have been there... for so many reasons. Getting pretty excited for our first home bout. 

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

Photo credit: Alex Kim

{Noted Moments}

New toy
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"Strong" wins the day...

Photo courtesy of Whakatāne Roller Derby League

"Thin" is an adjective I have been chasing (or working to maintain) since I birthed my first human, almost eight years ago.

But a few weeks back, I was skating along (minding my own business) and out of the blue, Terror Satana knocked me to the ground... that's me with the yellow shorts and dorky purple number taped to my back... about to get pounded.

As I reflected on this scenario, I came to a quick realization that "thin" wasn't a very wise or strategic game plan for this season of my life... and then I started wondering what my long standing obsession with "thin" is really all about.

There is nothing wrong with thin... but strong, confident, and healthy seem to be better adjectives... and if we (as a culture) could get beyond physical appearance (for just a moment) we would find a wonderful world of descriptive words that are far more worthy of our time and energy. Perhaps someday the media will follow suit.  

Tea time... one bowl, no butter

In New Zealand we have morning and afternoon "tea"... which basically means that my kids expect higher quality snacks on a more regular basis. Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines haven't made there way to this side of the world so people actually make cake, brownies and muffins from scratch... all the time!

I enjoy baking and am thankful to have the time to do it... but I have two pet peeves - clean up and melting butter. No surprise on the clean up part... I don't really know what my deal is with butter. In this country we don't have nice soft margarine sticks that are labeled with the proper English measurements. The butter is a hard block labeled in grams... and I just can't be bothered with it.

So I have been strategically hunting down one bowl recipes that don't call for butter. Here are two of my favorites that can be mixed up and in the oven, quick as a wink. Easy blueberry muffins and One bowl chocolate cake on the chocolate cake I use a very basic powdered sugar icing (I never measure, just guess and test).

I was inspired by the blue and purple cupcake holders in my multi-pack and decided to whip up a little post training snack for the Sulphur City Steam Rollers. Go team!

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Noteworthy - Roller Derby and Sexual Slavery

At the risk of sounding redundant... I am love, love, loving roller derby.

This past week we have been recruiting women for the next round of "freshmeat training". On Tuesday, I somehow managed to finagle myself into a front and center position for the Sulphur City Steamrollers photoshoot with the Rotorua Daily Post (even though I still have no idea what I am doing and am the least tough and intimidating person on the team).

I channeled my inner mother - put on my best mean face and (as you can clearly see in the photo) "accidentally" pushed my left bicep out with my right hand. Awesome. When I got home I started reflecting on what had just happened...  and got a bit anxious.

So I did what I habitually do when I get anxious or board, frustrated, angry, lonely, unmotivated, etc... check social media (problem. working on it). I got curious about the red X I kept seeing. As it turns out, February 27th was the day designate to "END IT" by shining a light on the fact that there are 27 million men, women, and children around the world trapped in slavery.

If there is something worthy of a REALLY ANGRY face, it is slavery... and perhaps more specifically (in my opinion) sexual slavery. I added an extra does of "crazy" in the photo, for emphasis and dramatic appeal... but in all seriousness - can you imagine anything more horrific than realizing you or your child had been sold into sexual slavery? Let it sink in for just a minute.

There are a lot of ways to get educated on the topic of sexual slavery... but the hardest part is having the stomach to handle the terrible truth of it all. I remember seeing the movie Trade several years ago - shock, rage, horror, disbelief, and physical sickness.

Below is a 40 minute video with personal stories of 3 real-life-human-beings who were slaves and found freedom. Good News. My favorite organization doing work to promote justice in this arena is
International Justice Mission... check it out and END IT!

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