Derby derby derby

I am totally in love with roller derby. A few months ago I joined the league here in Lexington, Roller Girls for Central Kentucky (ROCK). I went to meetings to learn about the rules and regs and how the game is played. I attended practices and learned to lay the track, time the bouts and run the penalty box. In order to skate I needed full gear including skates, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, mouth guard and helmet. All in all it takes about $400 to get a good set together; something that has been WAAAAAAY out of my reach. Still I went and watched and learned. I got to know all of the members, amazing women who I love dearly. I know them all by their derby names, so I now have friends with al kinds of crazy names; Bjoink, Ragdoll Ruby, Rainbow Smite, Ellie Slay, Ryder Die, Sue Ture, Jessie Maims, Speedy Jenkins, Paralethal, Sugar Shock, Sharon Moonshine, Kitty O'Doom, Junk Drawer, Boom Boom. December I officially joined he league, paid my $30.00 dues. At that time, Ragdoll gave me her old helmet to use and Paralethal lent me her outdoor skates! I bought the rest of the gear (I got the cheap knee pads, good ones to come later) and got on the rink! Saturday was actually my first real practice, I caved in and got the cheap knee pads so I could get in the action. I love it! I am slow and I know it will be a long long time before I am bout-ready, but I love it. I am sore and bruised and love every minutes of it. The other day I told the vets "I don't mind hurting, I don't mind falling, but I hate sucking." They all insisted I don't suck (I know I do) but I know I will get better with time. After 3 months I get to register my name on the official derby site, my derby name is Salem Slammah, although I think I may just stick with Salem. Everyone calls me Salem, I think may just stick with it. Once I get some good pictures and we get our new website up I will definately post them and a link!