Adventures of Sugar Mommy

My own Bully...not any more

2011-09-12T21:01:00.000-07:00

I am Sugar! Hear me ROAR!
I will NOT be my OWN BULLY! I WILL NOT BE MY OWN BULLY!
I will overcome my own personal inner demons and I will come out on top.
I will.
Fuck you. You mean inner BULLY. I am not listening to you anymore.
I am Sugar.
~~I think I can.~~ I KNOW I WILL.

New Beginnings

2011-09-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

Old Capitol City Roller Girls had a night of new beginnings at our Roll Out event Friday night.

New website, new logo, our newest skaters showcasing all they have learned in the past eight months!

It was a great time!
The team as a unit is doing fantastic! We are rolling right along. Almost through our apprenticeship. Kicking ass and taking names.
On a personal note, Sugar is struggling.
I am elated to be back in my skates. Taking and giving hits. Participating in full contact drills and pushing my body like it has not been pushed since last July. That being said. My mind is ready. I want it so badly. I want to be great. To conquer all challenges. To be a force on the track. But my body isn't doing what my mind is telling it to.
Practices are frustrating. Emotionally exhausting. I find myself on the verge of tears many times throughout the course of every single practice, because I feel like I cannot keep up. My endurance sucks. My blocks suck. My balance is off. My feet don't do what they are supposed to do when they are supposed to do it. My penalty count is ridiculous. I am not as skilled as I want to be, as I was, as I feel like I should be. I feel like I am lost. I am my own bully. In the worst possible way. Constantly telling myself "You're not good enough. Try harder, you suck, Sugar." Feeling like I am wasting my time because I will never catch up to the skill level of the rest of the team. I feel discouraged and disheartened.
I feel sad because I know it is the most pessimistic attitude to have. I know I need to be positive. To give myself time. But I find that nearly impossible to do, and it hurts. I know there are people sitting there, reading this, thinking, get a grip, quit feeling sorry for yourself, and you are right. I know you are. However, for some fucking reason, I cannot seem to get out of my damn head.
I just sit here questioning what the hell I am doing.
So what the hell am I doing?

100% clear

2011-08-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

The results are in...my knee looks great!

My surgeon is extremely pleased with my recovery. Everything healing, tight and stable.

I am released to full contact skating.

I am ecstatic.

My appoint yesterday was just a few hours before practice. So last night I went full throttle. It felt amazing! Oh how I missed everything about skating. Really skating.

I have a lot of work ahead of me. But I am determined and dedicated.

I am excited to begin my new journey.

Sugar can skate again!

Sugar is happy.

Just Happy.

Trying not to think

2011-08-20T21:28:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to focus on this week.

Trying not the think about the appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday.

The last appointment I had, my hopes were high. I thought I was going back to skating full force. Only to be "knocked" into reality that my body wasn't ready for that yet.

After two months of being able to be on skates with zero contact, basically skating around in circles, watching my teammates progress further without me, I have found myself to feel more discouraged than when I was unable to skate at all. Strange huh? Ungrateful, maybe? But, I can't help my feelings, right. It has been more difficult to be able to put on the skates and not be able to go full throttle, than to not have them on at all because I have that taste in my mouth. The feeling running through my veins again. I remember the adrenaline rush of lacing up my skates, my wheels under my feet, and I want it all. I want it all. Not half of it, all of it. My brain has made my listen to my surgeon. Only do what I am clear to do-no contact. Only endurance. Listening to my body when it tells me to slow down, or stop and take a break.

My appointment Wednesday will be just two weeks short of one year post knee surgery. One year marking the magical time that my surgeon said he would not clear me for contact/competition before reaching that point on time. My brain understands why they long period of time. My heart argues.

Will that time really be here? I am calm about it right now. My brain is telling me to be patient. It is saying that there is a good chance that he will tell me that my knee is still not ready. That the grafts still need more time to heal. My brain is telling me that this makes sense. That I have to be understanding if this is the outcome of the assessment. My heart however, is racing. Will it finally be time? Will I finally be able to skate? Skate the way I really want to skate. Full contact. Full power. Full Sugar. What does that even mean anymore? My heart tells my brain it is ready. My heart feels that it wants so badly to be in the action, on the track, racing around, really in the game. But is my body really ready for what my heart wants?

I know there is no way to know that answer for sure. There is no true right or wrong answer. I know that when the time comes, I will go with what is in my heart. Because that is who I am. I am just Sugar. Sugar listens to her heart. I always have. In everything in my life, not just roller derby.

But I am scared.

I am trying not to think. I will not think. I will shut off my heart. I will shut off my brain.

At least not until I am sitting in that office on Wednesday...then I can't promise anything, because my brain will inevitably lose to my heart...and my heart will take over.

Killing it.

2011-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Team work feels great.

We worked hard. We practiced hard. We played well. Together. We were on top of our game. Mentally. Physically. The entire game. We went in it to win. To prove to ourselves that we deserved it. We DESERVED it! We brought home the 9th win of the season, bringing us to 9-1 record, with 2 home bouts remaining this season.

We kill kill killed it...

Practice Two

2011-06-15T22:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight was practice TWO.
It felt good. Really good.
I was steady in my skates. I pushed myself hard...but not too far. I listened to my body.
We did time trials again. I did all four sets of five minute intervals. (Sunday I only did three sets.) I wasn't as fast as I was Sunday, which disappointed me a little at first. After I thought about it, I felt better. I still made the requirement number of laps in the time 3/4 intervals. Nothing to be discouraged about.
I feel proud. I feel Strong. I feel determined. I will reach my goals.

The time is now

2011-06-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

Nine months ago, this was me. Sitting in a chair, leg propped high up on a pillow mountain, on ice, in pain...a lot of pain actually.

I have been patient. I have been well behaved. I have followed directions. Done countless hours of physical therapy. I've cried. I've felt discouraged. Beaten. Broken.

I have stood beside my teammates and watched them grow. Become amazing athletes. Fine tuned machines. I've coached from the sidelines, and feel I have done what I could to bring home many victories so far this season. This team is my inspiration. Watching them skate and grow is my inspiration. They have stood beside me too. Supporting me with words and hugs the entire way. I am grateful to them always.

My time is now...Sugar is back.

Last night, after 11 months of being off my skates..It was time.

My time.

I wasn't sure if I should smile or cry. So I did both. Cried with my permanent grin, the entire practice.

This is where I belong, in my skates. On the track. The sound of my wheels spinning under me.

It was a feeling I will never forget. Not like the first time, when I started derby...better than that. I've known all this time what I have been missing, and I really missed it.

I felt alive. I felt free. I felt fantastic. I was skating. I was skating. Did I mention...I was skating.

The time is now...It's my time...finally.

Cheers to me

Sugar is back.

Finding my Place

2011-04-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

My anxious spirit went from anxious to emotional as the appointment with my surgeon didn't go as I so hoped that it would. I saw him on April 12th. Which was 7months and 3 days post my major knee reconstruction.

He entered the exam room and I felt my excitement and hope climb higher and higher as I sat on the table and talked with him about the progress I have made along the way. He took measurements. Had me do several exercises, and then he tested the tightness in the ligaments by doing a series of bends, flexes and wiggles. I'm sure there are much more scientific way to describe it, but that's what it feels like he is doing, so we will go with that description of his critique. He began talking about how pleased he is with the stability in the knee. The ligaments all feel tight and just as they should. He complimented me in the fact that he can tell I have been continuing "diligently" with my physical therapy (as instructed) by him and my therapist. He said he could not be more impressed with my healing and progress since the surgery. I beamed smiles. Knowing proudly inside that I have done everything I have been instructed to do, since day one of injuring my knee. From icing, to resting, to bending in a prone position for months. EVERYTHING I HAVE BEEN TOLD. I waited for him to continue, but he didn't. He looked at me and then said, "I'm sure you are wondering when you can get back onto your skates?" I of course answered his question before he could even finish the sentence. "YES?!"

He began the next part of the conversation slow and concerned, but stern and deliberate. "Before you had the surgery, we talked about the time frame for full recovery. You had a very extensive reconstruction of your knee. One that takes time to heal completely. From the beginning I told you it would be a MINIMUM of 9-12 months before you would be ready physically to be back on your skates. I feel VERY strongly about that 9-12 months. Right now we are only 7 months post surgery and at this point, I will not even consider clearing you medically. You are not there yet, your body is not ready. I will be completely honest with you, I will more than likely not give you medical clearance until you reach that 12 month mark. There is too much risk for rupture to the grafts. Too much risk in re-injury this soon. You have to give the grafts time to heal and continue to strengthen the muscles around it. Aside from the PCL graft, we also completely reconstructed the MCL, it takes time for your body to regenerate and heal the tissue around both of the ligaments. Even though it feels good, it is still healing. I know that you feel ready, but as your doctor, I do not feel that you are."

Crushed. I was crushed. Fighting with everything in me not to burst into tears on the exam table in front of him. Please don't start crying in front of him. Too late.

"I would like to see you again in 3 months and we will reevaluate things at that time. But until then, keep up the great work. You are clear to do anything you feel comfortable doing, except skating. Not pivoting/cutting type motion in the knee."

That was it. I sat in the exam room alone for what felt like forever. Tears streaming. Sobbing. Why did I let myself think that he was going to give me different news? I was so angry at myself for getting my hopes up. Thinking about that stupid new mouth guard I just made. The new laces I just put into my skates. The custom fit knee pads I had been researching for weeks. Talking about playing with my team later this season. Skating at practices again. All for not. Because I still have five months before I can skate.

As I left the office and drove away, I found that I was literally heaving I was so upset. I'm Sugar. I'm a fucking skater. I'm not supposed to be standing on the sidelines. I'm Sugar. I called Matt. He didn't know what to say, so he said nothing.

I know that it all makes sense. I know my body is the only one I have. I know that the proper amount of time is critical in the long term health of my knee. I know that. But it still hurts inside. I'm still sad. Truthfully, the only people that can truly understand that feeling, are the ones that have sat on the sidelines with an injury and watched their teammates play without them. It hurts. I cannot even begin to describe what it feels like, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

It took me several days and lots of tears to digest the fact that the 2011 season will not see Sugar on the track. I can be okay with it because I have to be. My sweet little Chloe is very concerned that her Mommy will not skate again. I promise her that I will skate again.

I don't question my role on the team. I know where I stand. It isn't that at all. I love this team and I know this team loves Sugar. This team is forever a part of my life.

I look at my new role as a line coach and I am proud to be in that position. I know this game. I am strong in the position and confident that I am where I should be for now. I am learning so much and hope that I am a calming face to my teammates, a strong and confident leader off the track. I hope that know how honored I am to be one of their coaches. Just as I was honored to skate beside them.

I look at this amazing group of woman that work so hard to make this team successful. It takes my breath away every single time. We are kicking 2011 in the ass is so many ways and I don't just mean winning. We fit the definition of the word TEAM in every way and I AM PROUD.

So every time I think about not being on skates right now, I am going to stop, think about how far I have come since July 21, 2010 when I was first injured. Think about how I had a major knee surgery and have come through it with shining colors. How things have changed for a little while. Then I am going to think about November 2008, when I first found this team of 5 women, at a time when I needed it in my life just for me. I helped grow and shape it into what it is today. A TEAM of over 50 strong, beautiful woman, I am proud to call my TEAMMATES. I am going to remember why I love this team, why I love roller derby and remember it is a part of me...whether I am on my skates...or not.

Because...

"I am just Sugar"

Anxious Spirit

2011-04-02T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's been eight long moths since I blew my knee. Eight L--O--N--G months since I have been in my skates. Eight months since I have been watching my team play from the sidelines.

We are one month into our bouting season, and what an amazing month it has been.

We began with our home opener on March 12th. We took on the Quad City Rollers. A familiar rival, who were eager and ready for our challenge on the track. OCCRG played strong, as a team. Focusing on strategical game play. Playing smart. Game one was a victory in many ways.

Game two, just one week later, we faced off against the Unholy Rollers of the Mad Rollin Dolls. A WFTDA team. A new set of challenges. A new caliber. We went in giddy with excitement to have been invited. Excited just to skate and learn from these experienced skaters, most of which have been skating for double the time we have been. The game was intense from the first jam until the last jam. We pulled out a win by a mere 2 points. It was by far and most the most difficult one to be standing on the sidelines for. I wanted to be skating so badly. To be a part of that victory so much. Not even the victory, just the experience of it. Our first WFTDA bout experience. A huge deal as a skater to be a part of something so memorable.

Game three, one week later, we take on the Des Moines Dames, in Des Moines. We were ready. Fired up. Ready to go. We took win number three, after a physically tough game.

Going into April. We are off this weekend. Ready for home bout number two. April 9th we host the Kansas City Roller Warriors - Plan B. This will be our first WFTDA league to host. Also a big milestone.

I am still co coaching the line with Tyna. It's going well. We are very strong together. We communicate with each other well. We read each other. Our strong points and weaknesses balance. It's difficult being behind the line. Always afraid to make the wrong call. Send in the wrong combination. Make a mistake. Which unfortunately, sometimes happens. We are human, it happens. Like in Des Moines when I almost had a jammer call the jam when she wasn't lead. Thankfully for me, she didn't see me telling her to call it. However, I still think about it. Feeling stupid. Like I could have potentially had her sent to the box. Really fucked things up. I feel like a fish out of water behind the bench. I know what I'm doing. I know the game. I understand the game. I know the rules, the mindset. I get it. But I feel like I just don't fit "behind the bench." I feel like a piece of my spirit is gone, left on the track.

I am taking it all in stride. Getting closer to meeting with my surgeon for my last follow up appointment. The follow up appointment that should either clear me to put my skates back on OR tell me that I still need to wait, keep doing more PT on my own. Every time I think about that appointment I get excited. My heart begins to race. I smile from ear to ear thinking of getting into my skates and picking right back up where I left off. Then second later I feel like I am going to vomit. My eyes well with tears. Fear overcomes every inch of my body. What if they say I shouldn't skate. What if they say I am clear and I'm too afraid? What if I fuck up my knee again? What if I get back on my skates and suck so bad no one wants me back on my skates? What if I forgot everything? Everyone else has far surpassed where I was eight L--O--N--G months ago. I'm so behind, it's like I am staring all over again? Will I ever get back where I was? Will I ever be as good as they are now? I'm so scared of what is to come. Then aside from all that. Not everyone in my life is super crazy about the idea of me putting the skates back on. "Sugar Daddy" is supportive. He says he backs me in whatever decision I make. But there are a few that are not at all supportive of it. Which will make it difficult as well.

July 21st, 2010 broke my knee. I will prove it didn't break my spirit. I have to prove that to myself.

2011-03-28T22:03:00.000-07:00

Little Milestones

2011-02-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

I graduated from "formal physical therapy" today. Can I get WOOT WOOT!!
It has been 6 months since the dreaded injury of the knee. I am four and a half months post surgery. I am counting down the days until May when I am clear to don my beautiful Quads again and remember what the wind in my helmet feels like. Baby stepping.
It seems like so long ago. But I am cleared to continue my PT on my own. No more supervised visits. Clear to do all that is within my comfort level at a slow and gradual pace. Slow and steady, I promise.

OCCRG is in full swing preparing for our "jam packed" 2011 season. Our first bout March 12th at home. It will be a season full of growth and excitement. I cannot wait to see how things develop over the next year.

Little Gifts

2011-01-12T21:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you meet someone who touches your heart. I am lucky to have several friends that I can say this about. Ironically, many of them are women I have met through derby! I feel very blessed to have such strong, wonderful women in my life. Women who believe in me. Women who push me to be my best. Women who count on me to push them to be their best.
I have looked at derby from both sides now. The side where you look out from the track as you skate your ass off. Pushing through practice drills, or bouting a tough team, as well as the side where you stand in the middle of the track or along the side lines and cheer for your sisters, wishing you could be at their side. Being on the outside of the track is difficult place to be. Emotion eats at your insides. You know in your heart you are a part of the team, however the gut punching truth is that you are in fact "looking in from the outside." It sucks. It hurts. Since the beginning I have have the mindset that I am committed to my team. Good or bad. Easy or difficult. Win or lose. Skater or not. I am committed. It is a feeling that is difficult to describe to someone who has never been a part of this type of sisterhood. How you can love an activity that much. But any derby girl knows that feeling.
I was reminded tonight, from a woman who has been very special to me since day one of my derby conquest.
Long story short, during practice tonight, we were running an endurance drill. It was a tough drill. Lots of sprinting and lots and lots of laps. She told me afterward that I was her inspiration to continue. That she couldn't quit or complain because she looked at me and knew that I would trade places any day to be able to be working my ass off completing that drill. Thanks Bang! I needed that. You are my inspiration too! I cannot wait to get back into my skates...and kick some ass...on the track. I'm sick of looking in from the outside.

Five more months

2011-01-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

I am officially 4 months past knee surgery.
Things are coming along very well.
I am getting that itch to say the least.
I met with my surgeon today and he said everything is looking and more importantly, feeling great!
Mobility (bending) is far ahead of schedule back to full range of motion in the bending department. Lots of tough work, but yeah me! Stability is great. PCL Graft is tight. MCL is tight. Strengthening is going great. I've been doing my PT as directed. I am actually able to cut down to just one a week in office now, doing all the rest on my own at home. My surgeon was so pleased with my progress. So pleased in fact, I dropped the question today...da-da-dannnnn...When can I get back on skates?
He said..."Well, eventually you will be there, but you are not there yet. Still baby stepping. Taking care and precaution to not strain and stretch the graft. No pivoting/cutting motion yet. Too much risk in re-injury this soon. It is my recommendation that you are nine months past surgery before putting on your skates." I can do it. Five more months...seems actually pretty soon. I could not be more happy with the report of progress. Not to mention, it feels really good! I am free to do pretty much anything low impact which is great because I feel like a big fat toad.
I know the next few months will fly by. I count on it flying by. Soon...I will be back on skates with my OCCRG sisters!

2010-10-24T13:35:00.001-07:00

V is for Victory

2010-10-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

I think back to a year and a half ago, June 2009, when we first faced off with the women of CRRG, I remember being so nervous, so fresh, so new. It was our second bout ever and we didn't have much of a chance against the seasoned CRRG. We were still wet behind the ears at the game of derby, still trying to figure out the game.
Last night, we came with our game face on. Adrenaline pumped strong as we took the track. We came in strong and continued strong through the entire bout. We were ready to play hard and ready to prove ourselves in the corridor as a force to be reckoned with.
Old Capitol City Roller Girls took the track in Cedar Rapids against the Helldorados last night and came out with our eighth win of the 2010 season. (We stand at 8-2 with one bout to go in 2010.)
It was a night of high emotion, hard hits and amazing strategy from OCCRG. We have been working hard at playing smart, keeping our eyes open and staying focused, which showed in every aspect of the bout last night. We had solid walls, protected our line, and made sure we were quick to react when CRRG made their moves on the track.
Our ladies in the star panties all made jamming look easy as they weaved in, through and past the pack scoring point after point. Our defense was amazing. Accurate, well timed blocks held CRRG jammers back and assisted OCCRG jammers quickly through the pack. We knew where we needed to be and we executed.
The score at the half was 39 to 107 OCCRG. As we huddled in the locker room, we knew CRRG would bring it strong in the second half with a vengeance, and they proved us right. They came out hard hitting and ready, but OCCRG continued to dominate the track. Sticking faithfully to our strategy, playing smart and uniting as a team.

In the end, OCCRG took the win at 182 to 91.
A very proud victory for all of the Old Capitol City Roller Girls.

Great Customer Service

2010-10-20T13:03:00.001-07:00

Here's the set to the scene...
I am on crutches, still. I needed to attempt a quick errand alone, as we needed a few household staples. I am getting pretty talented carrying one or two things and still managing to get from point a to b with said crutches. After physical therapy, I headed to the ~~always wonderful~~ Kmart.
I entered and headed to the customer service counter. I was greeted by a ~~lovely~~ woman (who looked like she smokes 4 packs a day and uses the tanning bed at least twice everyday.) I politely asked if I could please have a plastic bag to put a few items in. She could clearly see, that I was "walking" with crutches and that obviously I was unable to push a cart or carry one of the plastic handled baskets. As she stood there looking at me as if it was the most outrageous question she had ever been asked, I explained to her that I needed a few things, and could not carry them all and maneuver the crutches at the same time. She replied with "I'm sorry, we don't "give" these bags away." Okay great! I'm not asking you to "give" it away. I'm asking if I may please have one, to place my items in and then pay for them and then my items can be placed back into "that" bag when I check out. She continued to stare at me, and then repeated, "I'm sorry we cannot give these bags away." Really? Really? I'm sorry, how big of a moron are you? I think the tanning bed has fried your brain cells.
I crutched through the store grabbing my toothpaste and deodorant, carrying mascara in my teeth. As I approached another woman she said, is there anything I can help you find? "Actually, yes there is. When I came in I asked for a bag"...long story above. I then noticed that she was a manager. She asked if she could "assist me with gathering the rest of my things?" Nope, a bag to carry them in would have been great, but obviously, your customer service ~~employee~~ ogre would not give me one, so these three items will do, I will continue said item shopping at another store.
More than likely, they will NOT see my face in that shit-hole again. Why can't Target be closer to home? Oh right...because I live in the fricking ghetto.
Assholes.

OCCRG talks with Yale Cohn

2010-10-20T10:17:00.001-07:00

I'm a "covergirl"

2010-10-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks Iowa Roller Derby Diaries!

IRDD Cover Girl for October/November: Toxic Sugar of the Old Capital City Roller Girls

Real name: Kimberly
Derby name: Toxic Sugar
Team: Old Capitol City Roller Girls OCCRG
Position: Pivot (mostly) but I play all blocking positions
Age: 34
Current Town: Iowa City
Hometown: Iowa City
College: Kirkwood Community College
Family: Husband is a police officer. 4 daughters: the "little Sugars" Chloe 6 yrs old. Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie 3 yr old triplets.

Were you athletic growing up? I was a bit athletic growing up. Played softball from age 5 until my freshman year of high school, but no sports other than that.

How did you get involved in Roller Derby? I became involved in derby when OCCRG first began in October 2008. A friend of mine, called and asked me to go with her to check it out. (Fonda Cuffs-retired OCCRG)I had been at home "playing Mommy" since the triplets were born (03/07) It was time for me to find an activity that was "just for me" I went to my first practice and fell in love with everything about Roller Derby!

How has derby impacted your life? Derby has impacted my life in so many ways! Being a mom has been the MOST challenging and most rewarding aspect of my life. My daughters and my husband mean more to me than anything in the world. When I found Derby, I was at a point in my life that I felt I had lost a piece of myself. I was so focused on being a Mommy, that I forgot about myself. A happy Mommy=a happy family. I needed some time away, out of the house, doing all those everyday things, to regain that part of myself. I regained my personal confidence, my athleticism, my courage to take on a new challenge. I became part of something that is so much more than putting on skates and working up a sweat. I found my place within a group of women who are strong, confident, athletic, spontaneous, creative and hardworking. All the things that I am. A group of women, each so different, yet share a common bond, the love of the game. Derby has given me an outlet to express myself. To feel like a strong, beautiful and confident woman. A woman that can kick ass athletically and take part in all the fantastic things that come along with belonging to a team.

What is your favorite aspect of Derby? I have so many favorites about Derby. I love being hands on with so many aspects of the team. Mostly I love the game. What it stands for. Strong, Beautiful, Athletic Women kicking ass and taking names. I love the way I feel when I lace up my skates and play hard. I am proud to be a part of something so WONDERFUL. The friendships I have made will last a lifetime! Another thing that goes into the things I love about derby...the fact that we are a team of women that give so much back to the community! You can always find your OCCRG's doing positive things in the community.

Least favorite Being out injured right now. Very difficult emotionally and physically for me. I hate that injury has to be a part of something so damn awesome!

Best moments on the track: Again, so many great moments, it's difficult to pin point one moment. I always love it when we have a tight wall and are able to contain the opposing teams jammer, while ours is racking up the points, all the while holding that line and working together as a team. And of course having a spectacular block executed at the perfect time is always a proud moment. Moment that made me laugh the most...we were playing MIR and I went down with several of their skaters...I was sent to the sin bin and had lost my skate in the pile up. I had to skate on one foot all the way around the track to the box, I was almost there when I literally fell flat on my face into the suicide seats...difficult and embarrassing, I laughed the entire way there!

How long have you been away from the track? Too long already!
I blew my knee at practice on July 21st. We were working on hitting drills and I took a bad fall. It happened in slow motion I swear. I fell directly on the knee. I heard the tell-tale "pop pop pop crack crunch" and was instantly in horrifying pain. I completely ruptured my PCL and my MCL strained the ACL and dislocated my patella. I have an extremely high pain tolerance and I can say it has been awful. I went through 6+ weeks of physical therapy with no change in the ligaments. I had surgery on Sept 9th. I had the MCL reconstructed ("put back together") and the PCL replaced with a cadaver ligament, screws holding it into place (gross and kind of cool at the same time.) I am 10 days post op today. I can easily say, it has been the most difficult 10 days of my life (Blogger's Note: This conversation took place mid-September). Even more difficult than being on bed rest for 10 weeks in the hospital with my triplets! The pain is crazy. I have to remain straight legged for 3-4 weeks and cannot place any weight on it. Crutches suck! I will begin my PT this week. Very extensive from what I understand. I will not be on skates for a minimum of six months, I am told it will more than likely be closer to eight or nine for full recovery. Everyone is different, so I promise myself I will take it one day at a time.

Will you be back on the track for OCCRG? Of course I WILL! I love roller derby! It is a part of me now! It's in my blood, under my skin. Besides, I could die tomorrow...sure the risk of injury is there, but if I'm going down, I'm going down with a fight, doing something I LOVE TO DO! Besides, my daughters love TOXIC SUGAR too much...can't disappoint my biggest fans! Don't worry Sugar will be knockin' em down again soon.

As you can see, Old Capitol City's Toxic Sugar has experienced almost the entire panorama of what Derby has to offer, from the elation of a regained self-confidence and a feeling of strength to a vicious injury that has interrupted her time on the track doing the sport that she loves. She shows the dedication and the sacrifice that derby girls are willing to go through to play their game.

As a player, Toxic Sugar is one of the major bullwarks of the lethal OCCRG defense and is one of the big reasons why they are in a position to break the single season win record in the state (Currently held by the undefeated 2010 Mid Iowa Rollers at 8). Off the track, Toxic Sugar continues to have her hands on the teams day-to-day operations, serving as league coordinator, doing numerous behind the scenes activities to ensure the smooth running of the OCCRG Team.

As a veteran of Old Capitol City since the beginning, as a stellar pivot, as a woman who is bound and determined to return to her sport, and as a wonderful ambassador for the spot, it gives me great pleasure to introduce Toxic Sugar as the Iowa Roller Derby Diaries Cover Girl for October/November 2010.

To read more about Toxic Sugar's experiences with OCCRG and the derby world in general, read her blog.

Photo Credit: Emily Sherman Photography

Monster's Brawl 2010

2010-10-11T23:11:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for our final home bout of 2010. I still cannot believe we are at the end of our first full season. It is amazing how quickly the year has gone by. We have grown so much as a team. As individual skaters. We have made huge contributions to our community. We have establish a concrete base for our team to continue to grow and expand successfully. We have made life long friendships, and die-hard fans. It has been a year packed full of derby and the memories that come along side. We have had wins, and a few loses. We have had some amazing road trips, after the 2nd annual Monster's Brawl, we will have hosted 6 very successful homes bouts, 1 home mixer and 6 travel bouts in 2010. It makes my head spin just thinking about all of the blood, sweat and tears (literally) that went into it. We have had injuries of many kinds, from bumps to bruises, sprained ankles, banged up tailbones to broken bones and blown knees (all different levels of severity.) But we keep rolling. Lacing up the courage filled skates and pushing ourselves farther than we ever imagined possible. Old Capitol City Roller Girls are strong and here to stay.

As we prepare for our final bout of the season, we are excited as always. We take on some of our most beloved derby sisters, The Quad City Rollers. These girls have been a great support to us ever since the beginning. We played so many firsts with them. Our first bout ever (remember, the one we thought we won...oops) our first formal scrimmage and of course our first home bout -Monster's Brawl 2009- It's true, QCR has taken a lot of OCCRG cherries...

We loves skating with these girls. Win or lose...we all have a great time...every time. No matter how many time we have gone head to head, it is always new and exciting. We all OCCRG and QCR bring the A game.

Cannot wait to close the season with this event that will become a staple in the OCCRG season.

There will be a halftime costume contest for all ages with prizes of course.

Our charity organization donation will be going to the Susan Komen Foundation, in the name of one of our skaters, "Killer Baker" and my Bestie "Betty Draper" both breast cancer survivors. They are both very close to this team and close to my heart.

Tickets available now...Come check us out. You be glad you did.

Think you have what it takes?

2010-10-11T23:07:00.000-07:00

Have I told You Lately?

2010-10-11T21:15:00.000-07:00

Eight Years!
Happy Anniversary to my Matty!
What a ride it has been the last eight years.
You have been everything and more to me than I ever could have imagined.
I am more in love with you everyday that passes.
Your heart holds the key to every happiness in my life. In our life together.
You are an amazing father. The love that you give to our four beauties cannot even be put into words. You give them so much and it all comes from your huge heart.
I cherish our marriage. Everything that it stands for. Love, trust, friendship, courage, passion, family, every single part of it no matter how big or small. I even hold tight the tough times we have endured together. The loss of pregnancies. Weeks of hospital bed rest. New careers. Learning how to become parents together, and sometimes questioning the decisions we make, praying that we are raising our children the right way. The difficulties all couples go through in the quest to be good parents, better parents. Not to mention, throwing the triplet card in there, which has been a huge challenge we never anticipated. I think we are doing an incredible job. The constant financial strain of raising four children on one income. The willingness you have to provide; never complaining about overtime shifts, doing anything and everything within your power to make sure that your family is taken care of.
For the last many weeks and those to come, since my knee surgery. Being the constant caregiver to the beauties as well as to me, on top of working long hours.
All of the support you give to me in every facet of our lives together.

You are my emotional strength, my rock. You are so much more to me than my husband. You are my best friend, my love, my partner in this crazy world. My Soul.

Have I told you lately...that I love you? Because "I do" Happy Anniversary Matt.

Oh yes...we did.

2010-10-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

OCCRG has made the next leap! We have been accepted into the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) Apprentice Program. We are so excited, so pumped, ecstatic beyond what words can express.

We are so proud and excited to take it to the next level.

Congratulations to all the teams accepted into the apprentice program, including two of our sister teams the Des Moines Derby Dames and the Mid Iowa Rollers. Go Iowa!

OCCRG 2010 Posters

2010-10-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

Cirque De Slam-August 21st, 2010 vs the La Crosse Skating Sirens.

Our first scrimmage September 26th, 2009
vs the Quad City Rollers.

Malice in Derbyland April 3rd, 2010 vs the Des Moines Derby Dames. (Poster 1 of 2)

Full Metal Derby June 5th, 2010 vs the Stateline Derby Divas

Malice in Derbyland
(poster 2 of 2)

First Annual Monster's Brawl, October 30th, 2009 vs. Quad City Rollers.
Our very first home bout.

2nd Annual Monster's Brawl to be held October 30th, 2010 vs The Quad City Rollers

2010 OCCRG Recruitment!
Wednesday November 10th and Sunday November 21st, 2010. Think you have what it takes? Come check it out. Also recruiting support staff, volunteers and referees.

Rather be Knocked Down than Knocked Up May 8th vs the Cedar Rapids Rollers.

Four Leaf Clobber. Our 2010 season opener.
Saturday March 13th, 2010 vs the Paper Valley Flying Squirrels.

Looking Better

2010-10-05T19:04:00.000-07:00

Looking better, although still looking gnarly. The incision is almost completely healed.

It has been the LONGEST 4 weeks of my entire life. I have 4 more long weeks before I can walk/put weight on/bend it, but I am getting there.

I begin physical therapy tomorrow morning. Looking forward to it, but also very nervous about it. It will also be a difficult journey so I am told by my surgeon. But everyday down is one closer to getting back to my normal life. Back to my normal activity. Back to my children, my husband, work, my home, and also...back on my skates. I miss them, and they miss me too.

BIG NEWS

2010-10-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

Big Big News for the Old Capitol City Roller Girls today!

We have been accepted into the Women's Flat Track Derby Association / WFTDA apprentice program!

What a HUGE step we have taken as a team to be accepted! We have been working so hard.
What an amazing chapter that we have just opened. There are so many wonderful emotions going through my mind.
Also a huge congrats to the other 9 teams that were accepted into the apprentice program. Including two other teams in Iowa the Des Moines Derby Dames and the Mid Iowa Rollers.
What a Fantastic Reward for all of our hard work!

The Knee

2010-09-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

After six plus weeks of intense physical therapy, there was not even a slight change in my knee. So after lots of research, talking with surgeons and many many tears, I opted to go ahead with the surgery to fix my knee.

The long recovery process went from really longer, to really really long.

I had surgery on September 9th.

I went in about noon, really nervous was an understatement. The pre-op stuff went really fast. They went over again what they would be doing. The surgeon told Matt that the surgery would last approx 2-3 hours. He explained that with knee surgery there is always a bit of a gray area and until they were in and could see the extent of things they can never say for sure. He explained where the incisions would be, and a little about what he expected. I donned that sexy hairnet, and kissed my husband and off I went. Tears flowing.

It was a four hour surgery, so I am told, I was pretty out of it when I woke. The replacement of my PCL posterior cruciate ligament was the most extensive part. PCL injuries are not "fixable, the PCL must be replaced. My PCL was removed and replaced with a "allograft" a ligament from a donor (cadaver part in my knee crazy cool and a little icky.) The graft was connected to my body by drilling into my femur and tibia to attach the graft with screws. My tissues grow and connect the graft tissue. My MCL medial collateral ligament was also a complete rupture, unlike the PCL the MCL can be repaired. My surgeon had explained that more than likely he would need to remove and use grafts from my hamstring to repair the MCL because of the amount of time that lapsed between injury and surgery, however, when inside, he was able to reconnect the tissues to themselves, saving me from yet another incision and another area to heal. Bonus! He also found that my meniscus was intact, another bonus!

After waking up, the pain was unbelievable. Those that know me know that I have an extremely high tolerance to pain. But WOW. The pain was bad. Due to the fact that my surgery was 4 hours long and that the recovery unit I was in closed at 7, an hour in recovery was not long enough for any one's comfort, so when they suggested staying the night in the hospital, there was no argument from me. Pain medicine through an iv works a lot faster than waiting for a pill to dissolve in your system.

I went home Friday early Friday afternoon. The car ride was awful, but we made it.

I am not able to put any weight on the leg at all. I am not able to bend the leg at all. If you have ever had to do either of those two things, you know how much it is almost impossible to do anything. So the last 11 days of my life have been very restricted to the chair, elevated, wrapped in the "game ready" ice machine. If you have never had to do that...you would be amazed how limiting it really is.

The first several days after surgery, not only was the knee is constant pain, even high as a kite on pain medication, but I was very sick to my stomach, vomiting is bad enough on a normal day, but when you add in having to crutch your way to the bathroom in a hurry and not to be able to bend over the potty, it's worse. Just ask Matty, who was stuck cleaning up after me. Yuck, awful. I was able to get another medication for the nausea and that seems to be helping. The puke bucket is still at my chair side though, at all times.

Showers are also a huge challenge. The long and short of that...I've had three in 11 days. I feel so damn pretty. Not. I do have to say my wonderful friend Tina came over and shaved my legs. She is wonderful for so many reasons.

I have been doing well not bending or putting weight on it. My body aches. My entire body. I hate sitting in a chair all day. I hate not being able to take care of myself. I hate not being able to care for my Beauties. My home. My normal day to day. I'm not good at letting others do things.

I meet with my surgeon in the morning. I really hope the 34 staples in my knee will be removed, because they suck.

I'm hanging in there. There have been a lot of tears shed the last 11 days. I have had a few pity parties. A few why me moments, and lots of reminders from myself and from others that I will recover and be better than ever. I will hopefully begin my physical therapy this week. My surgeon told me before the surgery that it will be a long recovery. Very intense physical therapy and that I have a lot of hard work ahead. Which I can handle knowing that I am a tough cookie and I will get through it. Full recovery and back to normal activity level is between 6-9 months, sometimes even longer depending on each individuals body and limitations.

So I promise myself to take one day at a time. One day at a time is all I can do.

Photos are 6 days post surgery. Two incisions, one very large and one small. Lots of bruising ans swelling.

2010-09-02T21:39:00.001-07:00

I am just sad. I just want to skate.

It's a-bout time

2010-08-17T10:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday is approaching quickly. Cirque Du Slam is almost here. I am always super excited during bout week. Always. I spend every spare second making sure last minute details are taken care of. This week is the same in that I checking on everything, confirming times, menus, help and typing up vip lists.
But it is different for many reasons as well. This will be Sugar's first bout from the sidelines. Not on the track. The first bout where I am not lacing up my skates. Not pulling on stinky pads. Not nervous for that first jam of the night. The first night where I will be cheering my teammates on from the sidelines instead of communicating with them from inside the pack.
As I type this post, I fight back tears. Tears that I have little control of these days. Tears that I try to swallow during practices, watching my team/my friends skating, where I want to be too. Where I am determined to be again. Tears that come out of no where, and can last minutes or hours. I know that as an athlete, especially in such a physically involved sport, that injuries occur. They can happen at any moment. In Derby you often hear "it's not IF you get hurt, it's WHEN." I know that I am not the only one that has been on the sidelines due to an injury, but none the less, the cut still feels deep. It burns and stings to know that I will not be skating for an indefinite length of time.
I have always been a skater that values my place on a roster, my place within the team. I feel honored and achieved. I feel like a part of something big. Something great. I have always gone in with the attitude that all of the skaters that make each and every roster, work their asses off (literally) to get there. We practice hard, we prepare emotionally and we are team players. I cherish that fact that I have been with this team since the beginning. I feel honored and proud that I have skated in every bout with my sisters. I look back on how far my abilities have come since that first practice in November of 2008. When I was so nervous to fall down. I kind of laugh at being so afraid in the beginning. Comparing it now to my hard hits, the ability to absorb hard hits from other skaters and the amount of times I do fall and get my ass off the floor faster than I ever thought was possible.
That constant fear that my body is making decisions my heart doesn't agree with. The what-ifs. I know that I need to push those negative thoughts far out of my mind. I know in my mind that injuries happen. You recover, you heal, you push through it. But in my heart there is a constant fear of what if I am not able to skate again? Skate the way Sugar skates. Competitive. Hard. I have found so much for "me" in derby. So many things that make me a better person, so many things that were missing for a long time. A calming feeling within my own skin. So much more confidence than I have ever had. A place where I truly "fit in" and something that I love so much in heart, mind and soul.
I WILL be there, with my team, no matter what the outcome. On the sidelines or on the track. I will support them. Saturday will be a tough day for Toxic Sugar, and I cannot promise to keep the tears in, although I promise to try.
KILL KILL KILL! Beat those Sirens! I know you will!
And for the record...I still intend on winning the after bout party...

Cook Kats

2010-08-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

"Cirque Du Slam" Promo Video by the Amazing Left 4 Deadwards

2010-08-13T12:47:00.001-07:00

Animal Mother...skater and writer!

2010-07-29T23:46:00.000-07:00

This is an article written by a fellow OCCRG skater, she is a great friend and a great writer!

'Roller Girls' have fun and give back to community

BY GUEST OPINION | JULY 28, 2010 7:20 AM

The Old Capitol City Roller Girls are Iowa City's first flat-track roller-derby team. We are a group of all kinds of women — mothers you see walking with a stroller, the smiling barista handing you your latte, the woman in the cubicle next to you at work — and we all play roller derby. We are a skater-owned, skater-run, skater-coached team, and our goal is to bring unique, family-friendly, exciting entertainment to the Iowa City area.

When we started our team in October 2008, we began recruiting as many women as we could. We have served chili suppers for charity, served Jell-O shots at IC Ugli's, and played games with kids at free skate events at the recreation center. A lot of what we do is aimed to give back to the community — and help create a good name for our team and the sport we love.

Our team is composed of women ages 21 to 50. Our skaters, referees, and support staff number us at a roster of 40 or so. We play on a flat track that is marked with ropes and tape, so we can play in just about any large venue. Right now, we are proud to call the Coralville Marriott our home. Roller-derby rules are governed by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association — similar to the NBA of roller derby. It's a fun sport — both to play and to watch.

A roller-derby bout is an event that anyone of any age and background can enjoy. There's a lot of thrills and hard hits and flashy moves that can keep crowds entertained. Strategy, penalties, and fancy footwork make the game appealing to cerebral crowds as well. The Old Capitol team is a formidable opponent for any of the nine other teams in Iowa, and we are growing and learning to become competitive with the other 700 leagues in the United States.

However, we also want to be sure to give back to those who have supported us so enthusiastically. At every home game (and we usually have one a month) we give a check to a charity affecting the community — some of our donations have gone to Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Emma Goldman Clinic, and the Johnson County Animal Shelter. We want Iowa City to see us not only as athletes but also as a community organization here for Iowa City that wants the best for the place that we live, work, and play.

Being a roller-derby skater is just like being any other kind of athlete. We practice hard, carbo-load before games, spend time bickering over which wheels or skates are superior, and spend time icing down sprains and bruises. Unlike other athletes, we get to show our personality putting together names, personas, and put on an event that combines showmanship with gritty athletics. Roller derby is a sport that allows everyone to showcase her personality and unique abilities. The thing that drew me to the sport was the fact that I could play it — competitively — even though my chosen form of exercise for the 17 years prior was ballet. The most important thing with playing derby is passion for the sport — something our team has in spades.

So come on down to the next bout — we love being able to entertain and delight the people of Iowa City and love participating in such an awesome sport in the community we love. Who knows? Maybe you'll be lacing up a pair of skates with us next year.

Quinn "Animal Mother" Dreasler
Old Capitol City Roller Girls

Next Up for OCCRG

2010-07-29T23:41:00.001-07:00

Results

2010-07-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

The complete MRI results were given to me today.
They SUCK...but...I will have surgery and I WILL recover. ~~I will survive~~. I will SKATE.
MCL completely torn. ACL almost completely torn. PCL severe strain.
So begins the road to recovery.

Matty and the Beauties took Mommy to practice tonight. I needed to say hello and get a sniff of that "derby stank." I told myself to take a deep breath, but, it was gonna happen. the tears flowed. Hugs were great. (Sweaty hugs from Deadwards always rock!) It's been a week and I am already missing my girls. They have been taking good care of me and our tummies. I we are taken care of. The OCCRG ladies can cook! Not to mention all of the verbal and emotionally support that comes with these women! I LOVE YOU!
Big THANK YOUS! It means the world to me to have such wonderful peeps in my life!

Derby Hurts

2010-07-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

Ask a Derby Girl, she will tell you. Derby hurts. I've had my share of bruises. Taken my share of bone shaking tumbles. Taken "Derby-Profin" by the handful after a great bout or a tough practice. I've done plenty of sweating tears. But it's all in the sport. Part of the "badge of honor" that we wear so proudly. We do it because we love the sport. We love the thrill, the game.
I took a nasty fall during practice last Wednesday. A fall resulting in instant, horrifying pain. Pain I have never felt before. Pain that left my teammates surrounding my side, carefully removing my gear, telling me to take deep breaths, whispering. I left practice in an ambulance. In the ER, I was x-rayed, given good pain meds and examined. The doctors said nothing was broken, but that I most likely dislocated my patella. It was back in place, as much as it could be with the massive swelling to the area. They told me with this type of injury to the patella, more worrisome would be the joints and ligaments that were injured along with it. I was put in an immobilizer, given a script and given instruction to rest, ice and elevate to keep swelling at bay. Most importantly to follow up with my doc. I have been following orders. Resting, icing and elevating. All the while so worried about my compartment surgery scheduled for Thursday this week. I saw my ortho doc today. He examined (twisted, turned, pulled and pushed) on my knee and surrounding areas. We talked, he ordered an MRI and then he broke the news. My surgery (fasciotomy on both lower leg compartments) would be on hold. (Yeah you know, the surgery I have been waiting months for. The pain I have been ignoring and pushing through since practice 1 of Derby.) I have no stability in the left knee, which, in turn would make recovery after the surgery "not run smoothly." Basically, it will be painful enough and difficult enough to heal and move around with the surgery alone. He was unwilling to add a surgery on top of the knee injury.
I had an MRI today.
Long story short, I tore the ACL. Repair of the ACL...SURGERY. I also messed up the MCL which can be healed with physical therapy. But not the ACL...surgery.
I feel like I was hit with a ton of bricks right in the face. I know that injury is a "part" of the sport. But really, did it have to happen a week before my leg surgery? Really?
The pain is controlled right now. I'm following doc instructions. Wearing a special brace. Icing. Elevating. Keeping weight off it. The thing is, it's not the pain. It's the disappointment. The fact that I am done for the season. The fact that I am now facing not one but two surgeries with lengthy recovery periods. The lump I feel, the tearful thought of not being able to skate for months now, instead of 6-8 weeks. The helpless feeling of not being a playing part of this team, this team that I have been with since the beginning. This team that I have put so much, blood, sweat, tears and time into. It's the fact that this "thing" in my life, something I love doing, something that I am good at, has been ripped away. It hurts. It hurts a lot. I know I'm not the only skater that has been injured, and I know that other injuries will occur. But right now, it's a pity party and I am number one on the guest list. I'm angry. I'm sad. I want to scream. There have been a lot of tears shed, believe me. I know in my brain that I will get through. I will have the surgeries. I will recover. I will be better, be stronger. But right now, it just hurts.

Countdown

2010-07-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on to the 29th. Sugar will be out of commission for 6-8 weeks. Surgery on my lower leg compartments. When I began Derby in October 2008, I started having severe cramping, swelling and pressure in my lower legs. From the knee to the ankle and everywhere in between. In the beginning it was only during practice and also on long stroller walks. So, I would sit, stretch, massage and ice. Over the past almost two years, I have been fighting, struggling, and trying to ignore the excruciating pain. As my skill level has increased, so has the pain. I began physical therapy about eight months ago. Which helped relieve some of the pressure and tightness. After two months of PT, my therapist mentioned compartment syndrome. He told me (short version) what it was and to keep the thought in the back of my mind. As the pain progressed, especially in the last five months, the amount of PT also increased, my endurance level decreased, and the amount of times during practice I had to sit and remove my skates became more and more frequent. the pressure was so high that the tightness in my lower legs is crazy, there is no give at all when you push on the muscles in the sides of my legs. Not to mention the bruising. In May, he referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon. I decided to have the stress test done (which was awful) my resting pressure was more than twice the highest normal number resting and was diagnosed with compartment syndrome in both legs. Only option for relief and cure...surgery. PT wasn't working. Not only is the pain during skating, but now every stroller walk, stairs, and just walking around in general. The tension and pressure has become unbearable. Surgery it will be. they will make three 2-3 inch incisions in each leg, severing the membrane around the lower leg compartments. Yep...gonna have some sweet scars. This will allow the muscles to expand, releasing the pressure and fluid filling the compartments. (If you are into pictures and google, check it out, the pictures are creepy.)
I will admit, I have a very high pain tolerance. I tend to push myself to the limit, and this has been no exception to that. I keep hearing Tyna tell me to sit down, and not do things that my body is telling me not to. I hate feeling like I am quitting, like I am giving in to pain. But, I am so ready to not fight my body. I want to exceed my person goals, to succeed as a strong skater, to become a better athlete in general. I love derby and cannot imagine my life without it. I am really nervous. The entire thing freaks me out. Long term effects freak me out. Losing function of my lower legs, circulation problems, blood clots to name a few. Surgery is my option. I am okay with it. I know it will be more than difficult to be off skates for several months, but, the end result is what I need. It will make me a better skater. Hopefully I will be back up and running for our last two bouts of the season in October. But I feel like there will be so much I am missing. I know it will be worth it. It will be worth it. Look out...Here comes Sugar!

Scars and Stripes Forever

2010-07-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Red White (black) and Blue...A night filled with fun packed Derby Action. OCCRG teamed up with QCR and divided the skaters into two "mixed" teams. Part OCCRG part QCR. I skated alongside the Belles. It was a fantastic night, a little less competitive than usual, but still carried the desire to play hard and have fun. That's what OCCRG does best. The Belles were made up of a strong group of skaters, Benzo Bang, OFX, and Trip to name a few from OCCRG. Also Mexican Monster, Lady Gotcha, El Efino and Ida Stroyder from QCR. We were pitted against some of our best skating partners, Zom B and of course Deadwards. The Belles pulled off the win. Deadwards and I seemed to be on each other's game, it was fun. In the end, I always skate better with a full roster of OCCRG skaters. We know each other, we play together, we should, right? We had a pretty good crowd considering it's the middle of summer and CRRG also had a bout that night. We are building an incredible fan base, which feels amazing. We are growing as a team of skaters, but also from the business aspect as well. the beauties were there cheering loud for Momma (and their favorite skaters...ahem Zom B and Deadwards.) My Dad was quite proud that I was not sent to the penalty box, not even once. He thinks the penalty box is funny.
Once again, the after party was also a HUGE win for OCCRG. Great times had by all. I hear there may even be some video floating around, by not viewable to the public eye. Heehee. Happy hangovers to many of us on Sunday! I LOVE DERBY!

2010-07-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks MckMomma. After reading this I had to make my own...
If I had a nickel ever time I said...I would be a mutli-millionaire.

Please get the cat out of the laundry basket.

Please don't wipe that on me.

Five second rule...it's still clean.

No...don't touch your poop.

Yes, poop stinks.

Is ten am too early for shots?

Stop pulling your sisters hair.

Stop biting your sister.

Get off that table...table dancing is not a great career choice.

Yes those are my boobies.

It's called a baby belly, yes, you might have one someday.

If you sleep in your own bed I will buy you a pony.

Don't squeeze the hamster.

No cannot brush your teeth again.

We do not potty on the floor.

We do not spit the milk on the windows to wash them.

Desitin is not for your face, your arms, your sisters' hair or the carpet...it is for you butt.

Please don't throw your food on the floor.

We sit at the table, not on the table.

Get down.

Get out.

Do not climb that.

Don't eat dirt...or rocks...or leaves.

Shut the refrigerator.

Get out..Mommy needs to use the bathroom.

I love having my teeth cleaned...an hour of peace.

Is six pm too early for the kids to go to bed?

Don't sit on the computer.

Elmo is sleeping.

Please stay in your bed...please.

Don't eat the crayons.

Don't write on the walls.

Yes, they are all mine.

Yes, they are triplets.

Yes, I am very busy.

Yes, I knew I was pregnant with triplets.

You are gonna get your fingers pinched in there.

We have four of everything...stop fighting over it.

Thoughts from Sugar

2010-07-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

When I stop and look into my life from the outside world, it makes me smile.
I am truly amazing by all that I have accomplished. My husband, the rock who supports me so unconditionally. The one who loves me and pushes me when I need it. Takes my hand and pulls it close when I need to slow down. My hero. Our Beauties. Four incredible little girls. Each special and unique in her own way. Each watching every move their Mommy makes. Each looking for approval, guidance and love. Each learning the ways of the world every minute. I am so proud to be their Mommy. I hope that one day when I am old and gray they look at me and know I would do ANYTHING for their happiness. My parents, who have molded me, taught me and supported me even if they didn't always agree with the decisions that I made. For always being there to lend a hand, sometimes both hands. Helping so much in the last few years especially. My mother in law Valerie for also helping so much and molding her son into everything that he is. My bestie, Molly. She is an amazing woman. I love her more everyday. I look up to her for strength. I look of all that she has been through and I am so proud of our friendship. Roller Derby. I went from an out of shape gal, with four small children, shy and very insecure in my skin, and transformed into someone who is beginning to really like herself. The team that I play with is an amazing group of women. Each so different, yet all looking for something more in life. If you are not familiar with the sport, you should learn about it. It has changed my life and helped me find something within myself that I think has always been missing. I know that if you don't play, you may not understand entirely what I mean, but it is a true driving force to belong and to succeed in something so much greater than what it appears to be on the outside. The women that I skate with, have become like a second family to me, my sisters. We count on each other. We work together. We play together. We have welcomed each other into our twisted crazy worlds.
Over the last six years, since becoming a Mommy, I feel like I have changed so much. Which is good. The change from being childless with minimal responsibilities to a Mom of four daughters with arms full of responsibilities. I stopped working outside of the house. I lost contact with much of the reality going on everyday around me. Which is also okay, to a point...
It was almost two years ago (in October) that I stumbled into something. Something in it's baby stage. Tiny baby stage. A Roller Derby team. I have helped build and structure and watched this tiny team grow to over fifty women strong. If I was forced to put the experiences I have had with this team, growing into my place on this team...Roller Derby Saved my Soul. It continues to save me each and every single day.

Iron Diva Challenge

2010-06-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

So you are familiar with the Iron Man Challenge, right?
What about the "Iron Diva?" Heard of it?
Last night the coaching and training peeps came up with a big twist for practice. The 1st Annual Iron Diva. Skate-Crossfit-Core. IT WAS AMAZING.
We began with warm ups outside, getting our mojo used to the paved concrete (it is very different than the polished concrete we are used to.) The contest started with 2 miles of fast paced skating. It continued into a weave line, into a full contact block, then a rules and regulations question. Next on to hopping ropes, another full contact block and right into another 2 mile fast paced skate...followed by repeating the entire first part...following me? After the final set, we transitioned out of skates and full gear and into sneakers and headed to begin crossfit. To begin, it was down and up an insanely steep hill 10 times, following by 100 walking lunges and let us not forget the burpees. 100 of those. Next transition...CORE. Crunches, bicycles, planks, side planks, push ups, cat pose, swimmers. Each exercise done 25 reps x three.
WOW. I went into it thinking I am going to give this my all, the best. Yes my my legs are killing me, just walking around doing the day to day stuff (surgery in 25 days!!) But damn it, I am going to prove that I am strong, a fighter. I am not a quitter!
I did it! All of it! It was so amazing. so raw, so tough. I was in tears several times pushing my body (mostly the legs) to get through it to succeed, and I did. I'm not sure of my ending time, guessing around an hour and 45 minutes or so. I was surely not the first, but not the last. I finished. It was a very proud night for me.
Now I am ready to crawl up in a ball and wait for surgery day to get here.
After my recovery...I will be ready to take on that beast again!

Slow Down Sugar

2010-06-16T21:43:00.000-07:00

Matt told me tonight I need to slow down. I need to take the time to see the small things. To take in the big picture. To take a minute and breath and try to relax. He is more right than he even knows. I really don't do that very well. I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. I feel like I work and work and work and never accomplish much. I am constantly doing. It is true that I have a busy schedule. I am a wife, a mother of four small children, I work inside the home and outside the home too. I love my life. But I do feel like I am drowning most days. Am I everything I need to be to everyone who needs me? I try to be. I really truly try to be. Does my husband know how much he means to me? Does he really? Do my Beauties know how blessed my life is because they are mine? Do they know how much I love them? Do they know I would sacrifice myself for their happiness and well being? I wish there were some easy solutions to all the to-dos. I know that there aren't.
I want to feel accomplished and successful. I want to be the best I can be at everything in my life, but most of all the best to my husband and to my daughters.

Good Times

2010-06-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Full Metal Derby was a BLAST! We played the Stateline Divas, a team from Beloit, WI. They were a great group of ladies. Good times were had by all.
Saturday night we will be headed to Des Moines to take on the Mid Iowa Rollers.
If you live in the area, come on down to Hy Vee Hall and check out some roller Derby.

Next Home Bout for OCCRG Full Metal Derby

2010-05-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

It's time to "Kill Kill Kill!"

OCCRG in the Press

2010-05-04T02:20:00.001-07:00

Dangerous Curves

By Yale Cohn • May 3rd, 2010 • Category: Features, In the Mag

I am in a large, crowded and noisy room watching a group of women on roller skates delivering powerful and cringe-inducing hits to one another and taking spills that no amount of protective padding–store bought or God-given–could ever fully protect them from.
By day, they are college professors and paramedics and stay-at-home moms, police officers, construction workers, office workers, massage therapists and college students.
But not tonight.
Tonight they are Animal Mother, Bat R Up, Fannysaurus Wrex, Fonda Cuffs, Furyis Jorge, Hitzy Blonde, Left 4 Deadwards, Joy FullPain, Ophelia Fracture, PsycHo AnalyzeHer, Toxic Sugar, Triple D. Zaster, GLADi8Her and Zom B Blokr, among others.
They are Iowa City’s Old Capitol City Roller Girls, and whatever caring or nurturing or healing or mothering instincts any of them may have were checked at the door when they arrived.
It’s bout night and there’s only one thing they’re here to do, and if it doesn’t involve the kicking of ass and the taking of names, it will just have to wait.
Founded in October 2008, Iowa City’s Old Capitol City Roller Girls are three games into their first full season (with a 2-1 record) and have grown from just five people at their very first meeting to an active roster of 20 “bout-ready” skaters and 12 women comprising their “fresh meat” group of skaters-in-training.
In this time, they’ve planted deep roots in the community, have earned a reputation as one of the most exciting shows in town and have a large, diverse and passionate fan base to show for it.
Made up of women from ages 20 to 50, the team is open to anyone willing to put in the tremendous amount of hard work necessary to join their ranks.
Tonya Kehoe, the team’s co-captain and coach of the “fresh meat” skaters says that they’ll “take people at whatever fitness level they’re at. Most of them don’t have any previous skating experience, and even if they do, this isn’t just skating in the park. It takes at least six months of training before they’re ready to bout.”
That training includes five hours of group practice each week plus assorted “dry land” or off-skate conditioning exercises skaters are expected to do at home to build up their balance, agility and core strength.
“Injuries are common,” she says, “like any full contact sport. So the first thing I teach them is safe falls and safe stops. The concrete floor is hard and isn’t going to get any softer. Our number one priority here is safety.”
Those injuries have included twisted and broken ankles, bruised ribs, broken fingers and “rink rash,” the skaters’ term for the abrasions caused when bare skin slides across hard floors at high speeds.
“But that’s what all this training is for,” she adds, “it’s like a boot camp where we get them in shape and teach them how to play. And we’ll never send anybody out with the wolves before it’s too soon–a lot of people are afraid of that.”
Watching the collisions they endure and hits they lay on each other just during practice, I can definitely see why.
In addition to the half-year commitment just to practicing before they might see action in a bout, each player has to pay monthly dues to participate and has to have insurance coverage that will cover any injuries they suffer.
The skaters are also responsible for purchasing their own “kit” (skates, helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads and a mouth guard) that can run from $250 to $500, a considerable investment just to join the team.
“We do this because we want to do this,” says Laura Claps, the team’s bout-day captain as well as a coach. “This isn’t high school or college. Nobody is doing this for a scholarship or to fit in. Nobody was pressured into this by their parents. Our own drive is what brought us here.”
What is it that drives so many women from such different backgrounds to something so physically, emotionally and financially demanding?
Amber MacMillan, who’s been on the team for just over two months, sums it up best. “It’s the camaraderie,” she says, “it’s amazing. Really like a family. Everyone has been very welcoming and supportive even from the first day I just came to watch.”
I hear an almost identical sentiment from all of the skaters I talk to.
“All sports have a certain amount of camaraderie,” Claps says, “but the bond you make with other women playing roller derby is tighter than any of the other sports I’ve ever played. We come to practice and literally beat the living shit out of each other; we push each other right up to the brink of blowing up. That’s going to create a really tight bond.”
“That’s what’s so great about derby,” Kehoe adds, “It is a sisterhood. It’s inclusive. It’s non-discriminatory. There’s a place for everybody. Big and strong? We’ll use you. Tiny and skinny and fast? We’ll use you.”
“It can be a very tricky thing,” Claps adds, “working with so many strong and independently-minded women, but its also very rewarding.”
To play a fast and (literally) rough-and-tumble sport like roller derby requires a tremendous amount of practice, as well as a very high tolerance for pain.
At one of their practices, held at the Marriott convention center, I watched 30 women of a variety of sizes and ages skate in a circle around the track that’s been marked off on the polished concrete floor in the large empty space.
After a particularly vicious collision–of which there have been many–one of the skaters was slow getting up.
After being tended to by some coaches, she gingerly gets back on her feet and skates slowly towards me while holding her hand to an area just below her hip.
She sits down in obvious pain and picks up a bottle of water.
“What happened?” I ask her.
“I think I broke a fallopian tube,” she says between sips of water.
In all the years I’ve played or watched a variety of sports, this is the first time I’ve ever heard someone complain of this injury. But I’ve never been to a women’s roller derby practice either.
“When it’s bout day, it’s their job to knock people down, it’s their job to hit hard and it’s their job to beat you,” says Claps, “If I can prepare them for that in the most brutal way ever I’m okay with that.”
The drill she’s running, called “Blood and Thunder,” is brutal, but it’s exciting enough that I could watch it for hours.
It’s a “last woman standing” affair that involves all the skaters skating in a circle with kitchen sponges clenched under their armpits as they try to knock each other down with hip-checks. The sponges are there to train the skaters to keep their arms tucked in while they skate.
All artists practice what they perform but I’ve never seen an actor or a violinist covered in the constellations of purple and yellow and black bruises that almost every skater here is sporting.
They’re used to it though it and it shows–these are some truly tough women.
As soon as a skater drops a sponge, falls or gets knocked to the ground, they’re eliminated. But they stay right where they were eliminated, and the remaining skaters now have to skate around this ever-growing group of human obstacles. One by one, the remaining skaters fall and their grounded teammates shout encouragement to those still skating.
“Hit her so hard she pees,” one of them yells.
Mostly though, it’s encouragement. Barked orders softened with positive reinforcement.
Claps is the one of the bigger skaters on the team and one of the few remaining skaters as the drill goes on. Her teammates seem to particularly relish the chance to see her eliminated and enthusiastically cheer on the remaining skaters trying in vain to knock her down.
It doesn’t help though, and once again she’s the last skater standing.
“It’s all fun,” she says, “I’m notoriously hard to knock down.”
When I see her in their first bout, this becomes abundantly clear.
On bout night, what was formerly just a big empty space has been transformed into a bona fide roller derby arena with seating for 600 people.
One hundred percent of this transformation was the work of team members and their families who arrived at noon to start setting up.
“Some of us got here early to set up and some of us will stick around afterwards to help break it all down,” skater Quinn Dreasler tells me. “It really is a family affair. When the doors open in a bit and we start letting people in, my mom will be selling the tickets.”
When I arrive for their first home bout the crowd was numbering well into the 700s–the final tally was actually 831–and with the exception of a couple of Hawkeye football games I’ve been to, it’s the biggest event I’ve ever been to in the Iowa City area.
Although every penny the team generates from ticket sales, fund raisers, sponsorships and selling merchandise already goes back into supporting the team–no player receives so much as a dime for all their hard work–the team is working toward becoming a certified nonprofit organization.
Charitable giving accounts for a big part of their budget and at each home bout, the team presents a generous check to a local charities that have a “pro-women” mission statement in line with their own.
Past recipients have included the Boys and Girls Club, Girls on the Run and the Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP).
Before the bout begins, each player is introduced by the announcer, who reads the fictional bio each skater has created for herself, while she takes a lap around the track giving high-fives to the fans.
Adopting fictional “nom de skates” and bout night alter egos has been a part of the sport for as long as anyone can remember, and it adds a dramatic and theatrical flair to the sport not seen anywhere else except for pro wrestling.
In order to insure that no two players anywhere have the same derby name, new players have to submit their names for approval to the International Rollergirls’ Master Roster, a comprehensive list of nearly 20 thousand names compiled from the nearly 700 roller derby teams now playing worldwide.
I was shocked to learn there were that many teams in action but given the fact that derby is an exciting and fast-paced sport that provides good role models for young girls, plenty of violence and attractive women to appeal to men, and almost no team anywhere charges more than $10 for a ticket, it makes a lot of sense.
This sport is decidedly not pro wrestling, however.
“That’s a misconception a lot of people have,” Claps says, “That this is like pro wrestling on skates. That’s it’s all thrown elbows and tripping each other and kicking folks and all kinds of nasty stuff, but it’s not. Are there occasionally fights? Sure. But that’s not what we–or this sport–are about. There are still some teams like that and that’s how it might have started, but those are teams that play on a banked track not teams playing under WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Derby Association) rules like we do.”
One skater in particular, GLADi8HER, seems to particularly relish the chance to fire up the crowd during her pre-bout intro. Her mouth guard and big infectious smile gives her a Cheshire Cat grin that the crowd will see a lot more of once the bout begins and she starts scoring points.
Claps tells me that this kind of showmanship is “something that can’t really be taught, that’s just who she is.” It works though, and the crowd eats it up.
Don’t be fooled though by their demeanor. Some of the hardest hits and most impressively graceful bits of sneaky snaking I see come from skaters that have the same calm expression on their face while they’re playing as they do when they’re in the dairy aisle at Hy-Vee.
I’ve seen them there, these are our neighbors.
Each bout has a theme. Their first home bout was the St. Patrick’s Day themed “Four Leaf Clobber,” and their second was “Malice in Derbyland.” At each bout all the players, as well as many of their fans, dress in costumes inspired by the theme, and this shared pageantry truly blurs the line between the fans and the players.
Announcers provide a running color commentary throughout their bouts, and they employ a fair amount of double entendres (“look at these naughty, naughty girls slamming into each other”) that put a smile on the face of the adults and sail harmlessly over the heads of the many children in attendance.
Sex appeal has always been a big part of the sport of roller derby, -and the women on the team do look really good in their fishnets and short-shorts, but it’s really just an added attraction, a bonus bit of flair and flash secondary to their impressive athleticism and toughness. (Even the custom wearing of fishnets and stockings had its roots in the physicality of the sport as they significantly cut down on the amount of “rink rash” players will suffer sliding across the floor when they fall.)
After their bouts they mill among the crowd talking to friends and family and pose for pictures with their fans. The ease with which they inhabit the fictional bios they’ve created for themselves even now–off the clock–makes me wonder if, for some of them anyway, the fictional bios are their real identities and it’s who they are the rest of the time that’s the fiction.
It’s inspiring to see the many young girls who approach them for autographs after each bout, knowing that they have real and local role models to look up to, rather than vacuous Hollywood celebutantes best known for leaving the house without wearing underwear.
The crowds they draw for their bouts are unquestionably the most diverse ones I’ve ever been a part of as long as I’ve lived in Iowa.
Local farmers wearing their “Saturday best” overalls and feed caps wait in the beer line behind local hipsters sporting their “Saturday best” piercings and skinny jeans, while teenage boys and girls flirt with each other while ignoring their parents who are, in turn, ignoring them.
Lesbian couples sit holding hands in the “suicide seats” (so named as these are the seats closest to the track where skaters occasionally careen into the spectators after losing control) while on either side them sit folks that are clearly some of the players’ grandparents.
With just over two minutes on the clock during their second home bout, the captain of the visiting team takes a bad fall and lays on the track for a solid 10 minutes, being attended to by coaches and medical personnel.
Although I’ve been told by a number of players that there’s “no crying in derby,” it looked like she was, but, I’ll find out later, she tore the ACL in her knee and will miss the rest of the season so who could blame her?
Everyone cheers when she’s finally lifted onto a stretcher and wheeled to the ambulance that’s on hand for all bouts.
While she’s being wheeled away she raises her hand and gives a thumbs-up signal to the crowd.
They crowd erupts even more when she does this and it perfectly sums up how I feel about roller derby: thumbs up all the way.
Once she’s healed, I have no doubt she’ll don her skates and come down to face off against the Old Capitol City Roller Girls once again, and I have no doubt I’ll be in the audience when she does.
How could I miss it?

Challenges

2010-04-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Challenges
The last several weeks have been a bit more stressful than normal. That being said. Matt is going to the evening shift on patrol soon. No more over-nights, well, except for overtime. (Which I recently learned that he was the number one overtime worker in his department for the last year. Yes, it did feel that way, so it was nice to know that he really was the leader in hours worked and that I wasn't being selfish and crazy.) I will finally have my husband in bed to sleep every night. Even if it is just sleeping, there is a lot to be said about having the one you share your life with at home and in bed every night and not just once a week. It's not a normal shift. But what is normal? Come to think of it, what is normal to us? We are kinda, not normal, I think we may have broke the normal mold. We are both excited and waiting patiently for June 1st to arrive. It seems that time isn't moving very fast.
More challenges.
The Triplets hates naps. Need them, but will not take them.
I went in to check on them this afternoon only to find them all three stripped naked, jumping from bed to bed to bed. Just like the monkeys on the bed book, with the bonus nakedness. All I could do was laugh. I admit it, it was funny, even if I was in desperate need of quiet time.
Yep...more.
I have so much damn laundry.
I cannot keep my house clean to save my life.
My doctor wants me to talk to a therapist, so I can cleanse my inner being of stress. does that really work?
My legs hurt. A lot. All of the time. I am afraid that they are going to tell me surgery is the next step.
That will suck.
There are probably more, but it's almost 0100 and Sugar is sleepy.
Sweet Dreams

2010-04-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some samples of Toxic Sugar's new head shots.

Had a fun little photo shoot yesterday. The Old Capitol City Roller Girls have a new/official team photographer. Emily Sherman. She is very talented and lots of fun to work with. Not to mention, she loves OCCRG!

Famous

2010-04-21T12:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3GEWSFqA7I

Date Night

2010-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Momma's Girl.
Oh, yes she is. I decided that Chloe and I needed some special time. Alone. No sisters. Just us. I gave her a list of potential to dos and asked her to think about what she would like to do on our date. The list included, Alice in Wonderland (in the theater) dinner and ice cream, pedicures, bowling, painting or going to watch a roller derby bout. I also threw in that is there was another idea of something fun, I was all ears to suggestions.
Momma's girl...picked the roller Derby bout.
We had a great time together, she loves the derby girls! Should I be sad that she spent more time on Zomb and Animals laps than on Sugar Mommy's?

Sugar loving Parkles

2010-04-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Lucky Skates

2010-04-10T20:17:00.000-07:00

We battled against the Quad City Rollers Friday night on their home turf. They are some of the best Derby Sisters ever! We always have a blast, win or lose. The first time we played them on their turf in June 2009 it was a one point game! They took the victory. The second was a scrimmage on our turf in September, which they took the title for. Monsters Brawl in October 2009 was a SLAM. Our first home bout and a HUGE win for us. Friday night we rocked it. We brought the A game! We were full of strategy and great communication!
Can't wait to match up again in September!

Malice in Derbyland

2010-04-10T20:14:00.000-07:00

Old Capitol City Rollers are getting dolled up to Derby again this weekend. Saturday April 3rd. We are going up against the Des Moines Derby Dames. If you're in the area...you should check it out.

Malice in Derbyland

2010-04-10T20:12:00.000-07:00

OCCRG hosted our second bout of the season on the 3rd. We took on the Des Moines Derby Dames. It was "Malice in Derbyland." Lots of had hits and stategy. Oh and of course Tough Ladies.

We rocked the house and brought home a win for our loyal fans! It was a great bout and a great after party.

Our next home date is May 8th. We take on the Cedar Rapids Rollers in "Better to get Knocked Down than Knocked up" avoid the Stork!

Polar Plunge 2010

2010-03-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are lots of great ways to earn money for charity. What do Derby Girls and Cops do? They jump in freezing cold water in March. Burrrrrrr. Saturday was the Polar Plunge. This event raises money for the Special Olympics. My Friend "Fonda Cuff" has done it the past several years and lines up some other Derby Gals, Bat r Up and Tynamite to join in the fun. Also my Hubby made his first annual jump this year! I am so proud of him for raising money for a good cause. However, I still think he is nuts. That water was freezing!

Four Leaf Clobber

2010-03-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Even though we did not pull out a win for our season opener on March 13th, you could say that we still came out as winners. Everything went down very smoothly. It was a game packed full of hard hits, falls, points being scored and most of all a GREAT time. The Paper Valley Flying Squirrels traveled from Appleton Wisconsin. We put up a good fight, but in the end they took the victory. We had over 800 people in attendance for our first home bout of the season! Go OCCRG!

The First "REAL" one

2010-03-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

"Real" Derby Girls...Pee with their skates ON

2010-03-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

Sugar can Fly

2010-02-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

Work is going very well. I have things down pretty well and have even started working a bit form home.
This week was a busy one. But, on Wednesday I had an opportunity to do something really out of my comfort zone. I mean really out. I arrived at work and shortly after Bob (my boss) said, how about we take a break today and do something fun? How about we go flying? What? Flying? Are you serious? He was in fact very serious. We headed out the the Green Castle Flying Club. It was a two seat Cessna (ahem...puddle jumper.) Bob prepared the plane and we "boarded." This is where I became VERY nervous. But what is life if you don't live it, right? All I could think of the entire time we were approaching the runway was I have four children and a husband that need me, please let me land safely on the ground. Off we went...into the air...amazing. Everything looked so peaceful and serene from above. It really made me take my mind off everything else for a bit, which was really needed this week.
We flew for a little over an hour, just tooling around looking at different places, the mall, Chloe's school, even our house. Bob even tried to get me to fly the plane, I told him I was not qualified and that flying was not in my job description, and that I would leave the flying up to the pilot.
It was an amazing experience and I am so glad that I did it. Thanks, Bob!

Four Leaf Clobber

2010-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

Mark the calendar! It's time to get down to Derby. The Old Capitol City Roller Girls season opener...

The Four Leaf Clobber
Saturday March 13th.
Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
doors open at 6:15 Bout time 7:00.

If you are interested in tickets, please let me know. Pre-bout are $10 or $12 at the door.

OCCRG will be taking on the Flying Squirrels of Appleton WI.
It will be a great night of derby action.

Scrimmage with Quad City Rollers

2010-02-20T09:52:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was a fabulous practice. Our Derby Sisters, The Quad City Rollers came down to play us in a full on scrimmage. It is just three short weeks until our season opener on March 13th...We are ready for a great season.

Winter sucks (and so does my triplet stroller)

2010-02-09T23:02:00.000-08:00

Winter really seems to be dragging it's feet this year. I have to admit, the Beauties and Sugar Mommy have a serious case of cabin fever. Worse than I have ever had it. It's even worse than when I was in the hospital for 9 1/2 weeks on bed rest with the triplets. Yes...it IS that bad. This winter has produced so much snow. It is so difficult to take the girls out when there is snow on the ground. I know you are thinking, why and maybe stop complaining and do it? Well...Have you ever tried pushing a triplet stroller in the snow? To say it is a pain is an understatement, way under. It is horrible to push without snow, so can you imagine? Then when we get where we are going, which is usually a mall, four huge coats (mine is always left in the van. As if I need a coat, I'm probably sweating bullets before we back out of the driveway.) four hats, eight mittens. Huge bag with three extra outfits. Just in case someone (or three) has an accident. My wallet, because we always have to have money for something. The under carriage of the stroller is horrible! You cannot fit an empty envelope under there. So I always end up trying to balance the coats on the "steering wheel" which sucks, because the damn stroller is so hard to maneuver without coats being invading my space. Next is the matter of trying to keep three almost three-year-olds IN said stroller. It's a miracle if they stay in it for five minutes. No, I'm serious. Sometimes, if I am having a brave day, I will let them "walk" which almost always leads to the three of them scattered...Mommy following fast paced trying to keep up with their "walking". Not to mention trying to be sure they are ALL in my sights at ALL times. Which as you can imagine...it a challenge I have mastered.
You may be wondering why we go to such a LARGE area to get out. I can explain that too. We tried the library twice, both times they were too "wild" to be in a "quiet" place. The second time, the other moms in the toddler story time group made wounding eyes at me the entire time we were there. Yes, the Beauties were having a great time. Standing, dancing, and dropping their snacks all over the carpets. We haven't been back to story time. (We have LOTS of books at home, right?) Oh and the other issue with the library...have you ever been over to our house and watched the triplets select the books they want to read? The entire collection from a nine box shelf on the floor in seconds. This happened in one aisle at the library, right after story time. The second reason why we have not been back.
We have "Tot Time" at a couple local rec centers, however, EVERY SINGLE TIME we go...we come down with some terrible cold, or stomach bug. So I tend to try to stay clear during winter months especially.
If anyone has any suggestions of fun things to do...I am all ears.
I am ready for spring. I am ready to be outside everyday. At the park, on a walk, even just in the back yard.
Spring? Are you on the way? I'm here, but my patience is fading...

Level of Difficulty

2010-01-21T22:11:00.001-08:00

My first week back working (outside of home) is going great. I am learning stuff quickly and my office is almost finished. Yes, they constructed me an office. Cool huh? I went today to pick out some office essentials, you know, stapler, pens, filing cabinets, shredder. All the goods. I also did payroll. I know, exciting, right?
In the past week, I can also tell you...I don't care where you work, how many hours you put in, or what you do for employment...the level of difficulty is so must less than being a full-time Mommy. I am sure my husband is shaking his head right now. Keep shaking it Matty. Also maybe some of you full time working moms may disagree. But, for the last six years (next month) I have been officially a stay at home Mommy (which I LOVE) but, I have felt less anxious in the last week than I have in a very long time. Maybe it is the fresh air and new environment. Maybe it's because the spider webs are blown off of my brain.
I would not trade for the world working for my beauties. However, it is nice to be appreciated. I know the beauties will some day, but they are too little to realize just how hard Mommy works. They know Daddy works long hours almost everyday of the week. They see and acknowledge that he works very hard. And he does. They see Mommy doing laundry and cooking. Cleaning and folding. Shopping and disciplining. Paying bills, budgeting expenses, making appointments, taking beauties to appointments, moving the grass and raking leaves. Along with all the other things a Mommy does. Hugging, kissing, loving, teaching, bathing, comforting, playing, feeding, caring for her babies. Again...things that I LOVE, and I wouldn't change it. That being said...I think Mommy's deserve a pay check to put in the bank every week. You know to show us the validation in our very skilled line of work. True, we do get paid in hugs, kisses and I love you, Mommy's, which. I LOVE. But I should be rolling in greenbacks in my opinion.
I had a point, and the point was, anyone who thinks it is easy, laid back and no stress to "work" at home being a Mommy (or Daddy) needs to send their spouse back to work and see for yourself just how difficult it really can be. Taking care of all the responsibilities, not just spending time with the kids, but the entire list of daily things to be accomplished. Then maybe we can get the appreciation we so deserve. Maybe.

Yay Me

2010-01-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am employed again!
I start on Monday. I am so excited to start.

Nerves mean you are alive

2010-01-13T07:59:00.000-08:00

I once heard the saying that nerves (being nervous) means that you are alive.
If that is the case I am alive and kicking this morning.
I have a job interview this afternoon. The first job interview I have had since I was hired at the Sheriff's Department ten years ago. Yes, I said ten years ago. Where Matt and I met and fell in love. Ten years later, mortgage, vehicles, utility bills, grocery bills, cable, you know the normal married life kind of bills. Not to mention we have four daughters. Which means clothes, diapers, toys, pets, dance classes and odds and ends. As you can imagine, we have a lot of money tied up right now. I began my career as a stay at home mama when Chloe was born. Almost six years ago now. I had a jewelry business (Premier Designs) that was very successful. When I learned I was pregnant with triplets, of course we thought about what that would mean for me continuing to work, and the amount our monthly expenses would increase. We knew we would take it as it came. Just like every family does. I worked until I was put on bed rest in the hospital at 24 weeks for preterm labor, where I remained until the girls were born. Ironically that was three years ago this Friday. Time flies. We have had our struggles over the last three years. Cut back here and there where we could. The loving husband and father has been working as much overtime as he can get his hands on. Working a second job on his days off. Sparing sleep and personal time to support his family. He truly is my hero.
That being said, this living pay check to paycheck is getting pretty old. Oh and stressful on both of us. Which in turn affects our relationship.
It's time to take some action.
Back to the nerves...
I have a job interview today with an private ambulance company. The job would be handling their books, billing and office type things. Most of the work can be done from home, some things have to be done in office. So obviously it would be perfect for us.
Keep your fingers crossed.

Beauty Watchers

2010-01-07T21:59:00.001-08:00

Something new for all you Beauty watchers...
I have created a new blog beautifulbeauties365. I will post one photo each day.
I hope to grow in my photography skills and knowledge.
Happy Beauty watching.

Be kind...Be Happy

2009-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

The stores are crazy. The parking lots are full. The lines are long. In short...the holidays are here. So why are people so grumpy? I just do not understand.
The Beauties and I went to the mall yesterday afternoon. We needed to buy a few last minute things, a gift for Chloe's teacher and of course a gift for Daddy. Chloe was in great spirits, she was my helper, the star getter for the trip. The triplets...let's just say it is a good thing Santa coming to our house is not based upon their behavior in Target. Because if it were determined on that experience alone, he would not be visiting our house. Whining, wanting, crying, whining, standing in the stroller, oh and did I mention whining? People kept staring at me like I had a big green booger on my face. Seriously people...smile...they are only kids. I smiled as I walked through the aisles with my four sweet little crabby pants girls. We rushed around not finding anything we were on a mission for. We gathered our odds and ends and made our way to the checkout lanes. Why is it that is is the busiest time in stores and they still manage to have only four lanes open. Ten people in each lanes with carts OVERFLOWING. At this point the triplets were on their last leg. They were all climbing out of the stroller, whining and grabbing things off the shelves in line. The woman ahead of us smiled as we approached and insisted that we go before her. She shared how she has four grown children and remembers "those" days. I smiled and thanked her repeatedly. The simple things that strangers do mean the world. Too bad it happens once in a blue moon. Which is sad. I am always teaching the girls different ways to be kind, polite and thoughtful of others. Chloe has started to question why not everyone lives by those rules. She asks why people are not smiling, why they don't say thank you. How do you answer that? I just explain that not everyone is as caring as she is, and that no matter what, be a good person. Hold a door, put some change in the Salvation Army bucket, smile, maybe say a kind word to a stranger, say thank you...just small things that can make someones day a little better, and yours better too. Being kind makes you feel good.
Think about what the holidays really mean. Think about how wonderful life is. Be HAPPY.

I prefer my quad skates

2009-11-21T12:27:00.000-08:00

Roller Skating vs. Ice Skating?
Roller Skating wins by a landslide with me!
Matt and I took Chloe ice skating last night. We all had a great time.
I will say that my ankles are very very sore today. I will also say I will be sticking to my quad skating talent. I stunk at skating on ice. Chloe did great. We skated for almost two hours and she was really getting the hang of it by the last 30 minutes. She didn't want to leave. But the hockey players were taking over the ice. It's safe to say that we will go back, Chloe agreed too that she would rather roller skate. Yes...my little clone.

A Success

2009-11-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

The Old Capitol City Roller Girls pulled off their first win at their first home bout! Can I get a Woo-Hoot! We played fantastic! The crowd was fantastic! The sales were fantastic! Did I mention it was fantastic? Because it was...If you weren't there, you missed out.
Stay tuned for some photos of the 185-91 win over the Quad City Rollers...

vote

2009-10-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

Check out Mutual of Omaha's Aha Moments. www.ahamoment.com
The gal who created the "Feel Your Boobies" campaign has a commercial.
Vote today to help spread awareness on Breast Cancer Awareness.

Feel your Boobies

2009-10-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Save Second Base
Touch your Tatas
Feel your Funbags
Massage your Mountains

Whatever you want to call it...
Please do your breast exams.

October is Breast Cancer awareness month.
I will remind all my loved ones...mothers, sisters and friends, to check yourself or get checked.
We always think things will never happen to us...truth is...we never really know.

My best friend Molly is a survivor...she is 33 years old. She was diagnosed in May 2008 with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. She found the lump herself while doing a breast exam. She went through surgeries and chemotherapy, radiation and now hormone therapy. She is a survivor. She is a strong woman. A beautiful woman. A daughter, a sister. A loving wife and wonderful mommy. She is a survivor. She is my hero everyday. I love you Molly!

Feel your Boobies.

He's a Cop

2009-10-14T08:06:00.000-07:00

I had to post this on the blog kt...Thanks for making my day...I feel the same about you.

October 13 at 12:35am

I have no idea why this is on my mind. Maybe I have said this to you before. Do you remember the first time I met you? Mercer park with Katie Stirling and Molly. You had Silvie, Jocelyn and Farrah in the stroller (in baby legs) and you were wearing sunglasses. Someone, for the life of me, I can't remember who said "Whoa, you have triplets AND stay home, what does your husband do for a living?" Without batting an eye, you replied "He is a cop."

I remember laughing in my head and being in awe of the audacity of such a remark.

Anyways, I just thought it was time I tell you that from the moment I met you I envied you.

You are incredible. (In case no one told you today.)

oxo
kt

A First for everything

2009-10-06T20:29:00.000-07:00

I did something I have never done tonight.
I ordered a product off the Home Shopping Network.
Sammy Joouge Hair Fiber.
From the models' hair on TV...this stuff if amazing!
Yes, I realize that you cannot trust everything you see, especially on TV.
That being said, Do you know how fine and thin my hair is?
Exactly.

Studio 13 Scrimmage

2009-10-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

The Old Capitol City Roller Girls are ready for the first home bout. The big one.
Last weekend we had a fundraiser/scrimmage against our good buddies the Quad City Rollers. It was a great turnout. We held it in the gymnasium we practice in. Not much seating, but we still managed to make over a grand on admissions alone. Not too shabby. Especially when we were competing with a Iowa Football night game against Penn State. We learned a lot and are ready to put on the real deal.
The date is October 30th. Monsters Brawl. The Marriott Hotel/Convention Center is the venue. Bout to begin around eight pm. There will be fun, food, adult beverages, a costume contest and music...oh yeah and roller derby girls! All ages welcome. Come check it out.

Whip It

2009-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

http://blog.redbox.com/redblog/2009/10/real-roller-derby-women-take-on-whip-itmeet-the-hardhitting-ladies-of-the-old-capitol-city-rollergir.html#more

Thanks again Locke!

2009-09-11T09:57:00.001-07:00

Monkey packs-trial run

2009-09-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

I had high expectations for the monkey packs. The Beauties have been wearing them around the house for the last several days. Happily leading each other around form room to room. We decided to give them the true challenge and use them outside the home. The Beauties and I went to pick Chloe up from school yesterday. They started out so happy to walk "free."
I literally felt like I was being strangled by the monkey tails. The girls still went three different directions. The packs didn't help me much there. In fact it made things more difficult. Oh well. I also have to say, I felt really weird using them. I know they will be used again...just maybe not for a while. I think I will stick the the stroller for a while longer. If nothing else they each have a really cute backpack...or a new lovey to cuddle with.

Life Lessons

2009-09-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

I must like to learn lessons the hard way. I must like a challenge so to speak. Maybe I like torture. Not sure what you want to call it...Check out the evening I had. Glad it's over...I hope.

Tell me...honestly...

2009-09-03T19:43:00.001-07:00

Have you seen these? Monkey Buddy harness for toddlers. They are a safety device. A backpack style monkey.
Please give me your honest feedback...
I have seen them on many different occasions. The beauties are entering that "I want to be a big girl" stage. They love to walk, and be free of the stroller. Which is great, I am happy about it. However, when I am by myself, it is very difficult to hold three toddlers hands, and they aren't very good at keeping a hold of each others. Especially with Chloe being in school everyday. They would hold her hand most of the time. But...when we are out and about, it makes me so nervous that one of them will let go and run across the street.
We have three monkey packs, but have not used them yet. I need some feedback. I would never want to make it seem like I am treating my beauties like I am a dog-walker.
Please give me your honest opinions.

Snotty Mom Club

2009-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Snotty Moms...I don't understand them. I can honestly say I am not a member of their posse. In fact I wanted to throw a "hip check" at a couple of them today.
Let's start at the beginning...
I decided yesterday that the triplet beauties and I would hit story time at the local library this week. They LOVE books. We have not taken a trip to the library since before they were born. I felt it was past due. So we went. Story time began yesterday at 10:30. After I took Chloe to school, we had breakfast and packed up and headed out. When we arrived, there were mostly older kids there. Four and five year olds. The librarian at the desk said that we could give it a try and also informed us that the "tot" story time was on Mondays and Tuesdays. We decided to give it a try. The librarian reading the story, made a comment directed toward us and a few others with younger kids, that she would begin with a short book, and see how "things" went. Funny because the triplets were paying more attention than a majority of the older kids. Hmmm. We headed out after the second book to explore the library, they had a great time. We even checked out some new books to take home.
Yes...back to the snotty mom club...
Since yesterday went well, I decided to give it another shot. The other library in town has "WEE Read" on Thursdays. This one geared to toddlers. Right up our alley! We arrived and the beauties were very excited. We went in and the librarian in charge of the story time greeted us with welcoming smiles. Commenting on never having triplets at story time before. She gave them each a name tag in the shape of a bunny and we took a mat on the floor. We were one of the first to arrive. More Moms and toddlers were coming in. The triplets were having a great time placing mats on the floor and looking out the windows. I will say they were not exactly using their "library voices" however, this is a toddler story time...not exactly the most quiet audience with or without triplets. I am always cheerful to others, for the most part. I smile and comment and talk to other Moms kiddos, it is a natural thing to me I guess. None. None of the other moms there smiled. Not one. In fact, I received several frowns, glares and stares my direction. The Beauties were not misbehaving. They were being normal, curious toddlers. There were two moms in particular that really rubbed me the wrong way. They were rude and very unwelcoming. Both had only one child with them. I attempted smiling at the them. I attempted to start a friendly chat. They literally stared at me. Apparently I had a booger in my nose or something. Or maybe they were jealous because my kids were obviously way more beautiful and smart than theirs. Seriously. I do not get it. What is the point of being a stuck up, snooty, bitchy Mom? What are you teaching your children about being friendly with others?
That being said, we had fun at story time. We sang and bounced and listened. The librarian even did each of the verses of the songs three times, so I could do them with each beauties. She was really sweet. I think we will go back. Maybe next time, I make a point to sit right next to those two stuck up moms...and teach the the art of being friendly.
To end the story, we went to the mall for lunch afterward, I let the beauties run free, pushing the stroller behind them as they frolicked. As we were leaving a woman walking by us made a comment. the comment I hate the most of all the ones I hear over and over. "Ugh, I feel sorry for you." I smiled and looked at her and replied, "I feel sorry for you too...because you will never experience something as wonderful as this every single day." As I walked away, I added "and because you are ugly." How's that for being nice? Hey, I said I was cheerful most of the time.

The City Slickers vs. The Farmer's Daughters

2009-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a team divided.
The City Slickers took on The Farmer's Daughters during Cosgrove Pork Days.
It was a close match, but in the end the Farmer's Daughters took the victory in a 46 to 43 final score. The floor was slippery to say the least. It was good fun, great practice for our first home bout coming up on the 30th of October.
It was a great turn out for such a small town. Lots of Fans and Family came to cheer on their favorite IC Derby Girl.

I just peed myself

2009-08-22T19:16:00.000-07:00

Thanks McMommy!

Random Thoughts From People Our Age

-I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

-More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can
think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

-Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you
realize you're wrong.

-I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

-Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're
going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.

-That's enough, Nickelback.

-I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

-Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?

-Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.

-There is a great need for sarcasm font.

-Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and
suddenly realize I had no idea what the f was going on when I first
saw it.

-I think everyone has a movie that they love so much, it actually
becomes stressful to watch it with other people. I'll end up wasting
90 minutes shiftily glancing around to confirm that everyone's
laughing at the right parts, then making sure I laugh just a little
bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the
only one who really, really gets it.

-How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

-I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

- I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear
your computer history if you die.

-The only time I look forward to a red light is when I’m trying to
finish a text.

- A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the
spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

- I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

- Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

- Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart",
all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

- How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

- I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a dick from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

- Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in'
examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete
idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and
said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies"

-What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

- While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and
instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.

- MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

- Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

- I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the
shower first and THEN turn on the water.

-Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty,and you can wear them forever.

- I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

-I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

- Bad decisions make good stories

-Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their
profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

- Is it just me or do high school girls get sluttier & sluttier every year?

-Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go
around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

-You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything else productive for the rest of the day.

-Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't
want to have to restart my collection.

-There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are
going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

-I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

- "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

-I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people
watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will
they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't
watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and
leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'

-I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello?
Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and
goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

- I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not
seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

-I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle,
then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

-Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising
speed for pedophiles...

- As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.

-Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still
not know what time it is.

-It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

-I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

-Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what do to with it.

-Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car
keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the
Donkey - but I’d bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze
button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time...

-My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would
happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?

-It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and
the link takes me to a video instead of text.

-I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they
drive behind obeys the speed limit.

-I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

-I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or
Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lites than Kay.

-The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words,someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat bastard before dinner.

Nasty.Gross.Yuck

2009-08-18T21:22:00.000-07:00

I was watching TV last night. Not something I do often, but every once in a while I channel surf. I started watching a new show on A&E called obsessed. It was about two woman who are pack rats so to speak. It was an in depth view of their lives and issues that have caused them to be "hoarders" of stuff. I will continue by saying that my home is by no means...neat, tidy or even mildly organized. It was once upon a time...before I married Matt and had four children. Hey I try to keep things in order as much as possible. But after watching this program, I realized that our home is really clean...no...I mean really really clean. I will also say that I am not one to judge. People keep their homes the way that is best for their personal lifestyle. That being said...these woman...their homes...made me throw up in my mouth. Sick.Nasty.Gross. These woman were living in utter filth. I have never ever heard of or seen anything like the homes on this show. Garbage. Rotting food. Fly papers hanging everywhere. Clutter. Animal poop. How could anyone live like this? The people from the show were literally walking around in haz-mat suits and masks because it was so bad. They were cleaning out basically everything from the houses. the one woman would not let them throw food that was in the refrigerator with an expiration date of like 2007 and some older. Ewwww. She was literally having a fit about throwing it. Why? Why would they put a show like this on? Who would agree to have it televised on national television? I am dumbfounded. I vow to no longer be hard on myself if laundry goes unfolded/put away for a week, or if my vacuum doesn't get run. Eww. Gross. Nasty. Oh did I mention Yuck?

The big day...almost here

2009-08-18T21:02:00.000-07:00

The countdown is on. The before school ice cream social...
Chloe met her Kindergarten teacher tonight, Ms. C. She was everything we could have hoped for in a first teacher for Chloe.
To begin, Chloe received a letter addressed to her yesterday. The letter, from Ms. C, was inviting her to the classroom before the ice cream social. A time where the children could come and see their room, meet their classmates and of course their teacher. What a wonderful idea!
When we arrived, Ms C greeted Chloe at the door, she knelt to introduce herself. Chloe smiled bright and big and returned the handshake saying "nice to meet you too." She quickly found her table with her name on it and then began exploring all the fun new things to look at and of course touch. It made me feel warm to see her talking with other children and looking so at ease with her surrounding.
After time in the classroom and chatting with Ms. C, we headed to the ice cream part of the social.
It is safe to say that Chloe is very excited for Thursday. What was her favorite part? The ice cream...of course. Oh and the playground.
Mommy and Daddy are too...kind of.

More trouble in the hood

2009-08-13T22:24:00.000-07:00

In the last week...two armed robberies and another shooting in a bar. All in a 2 mile radius of our home. You'll be happy to know the shooter is in custody. The bar is being closed down...for good.

Police Presence

2009-08-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Things in the neighborhood have been unusually quiet since Wednesday night. Which is fantastic. In fact, more than fantastic. The city is beefing up on the amount of units in the area, and so far it seems to be helping. Let's hope that the serenity continues.

Fun with Derby Girls

2009-08-08T09:52:00.001-07:00

A little after practice fun.
Bat r Up, Tynamite, and Ophelia Fracture.

The hood

2009-08-06T13:26:00.000-07:00

Warning...this post is of pure and uncensored vent. Read if you want to. Remember...my blog...my opinions. Read on if you like.

It seems that the neighborhood in which we live in is by and far getting worse. Last night shortly after 11 pm...where was a drive by shooting. At the end of our street. Three houses down on the corner. I am so angry I have smoke coming from every hole in my body. I am frightened. My children do not deserve to be in a place like this. We do not feel safe in our home. No more walks outside, or playing in the yard. This followed another incident a week prior, where shots were heard at the other end of the street and shell casings found. Two weeks ago, a co-worker of Matt's fatally shot a man that was stabbing another man. He dies. The city and the freaking liberal assholes that live in it continue to question the officers decision. WTF? Every time law enforcement attempts to start doing something...racial profiling gets brought up. How about it is not a racial thing...it's a culture thing and surprise...look around...who are the ones causing the problems? The kicker is...the crap that this city continues to welcome here with open arms. Giving section 8 housing, food stamps and monthly welfare checks. What happened to the honest working class families? Where is the concern for our well being? The city officials need to pull their fucking heads out of their asses and ship these people back where they came from. They do not belong or deserve to be here corrupting this community. I still remember when this entire area was a wonderful place to live. Small town, Midwest, the heart, the homeland. I used to walk and play outside all over town..alone. I wouldn't even let my girls play in our fenced back yard alone.
I am sick. SICK. I cannot stand it. I feel trapped and confused and I don't know where that leaves me.
Matt an I have talked several times about putting our home on the sale market. We have to. Scary thing is...will it sell? Will it sell for what we need it to? We are so strapped financially that it hurts, on a daily basis. I haven't worked since I went on bed rest with the triplets, which means a family of six on one income...the income of a police officer. A mortgage, 2nd mortgage, 2 vehicles, utilities and food. One paycheck doesn't go quite far enough some months. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure may buy safety. Doesn't matter. We have to make every attempt to find a home that is safe for our children to be. We will do anything and everything we have to do.
I really hate living in the ghetto. Why?

New Thing

2009-08-01T18:27:00.000-07:00

The Beauties have begun a new nighttime ritual...I guess that is what I would call it. They used to lay right down and chatter a bit before falling asleep. They don't go down so easy these days. Jocelyn cries...repeating "Mama, need you. Mama, need you." Farrah cries...for the lights and all the extra pacies in the drawer. Even when she all ready has a hand full of them. Silvie cries and wants to be covered with ten or more extra blankets. They continue this for different amounts of time. The last three nights have been horrible. I have reverted back to the sleep training direction. Go in and check them after a certain amount of time. No talking to them. It's heart breaking. Jocelyn cried for over an hour and a half last night and is headed in that direction tonight again...as we speak. Just when I think that I have things under control, they pull a switcheroo. We have been loving on the weather lately, but seriously, I am ready to set the clocks back so it gets dark at night sooner.
They were super crabby again today. I thought that since the ear infections were gone...the happy beauties would return...I thought wrong. Not sure what the deal is. We are spending lots of time outside. They are napping pretty well. I just do not understand the crankiness. I can say that it is really beginning to wear on the Mommy. I keep questioning what I am doing wrong? What could I be doing differently? I still have not come up with any answers.
The other behavior which I have seen progress in all three...naughtiness toward each other. They tease and taunt each other all of the time. They hit and pull each others hair, the biting has returned. They fight for Mommy's attention and do not want to share it with each other or their big sissy. That has become very difficult for me. Sometimes they are so loving and sweet to each other. Giving kisses, sharing toys and books, hugging, getting each other things. That is so wonderful, they really do love each other...but...when they are mean, they are so mean.
I am so blessed with my beauties. I never take it for granted...I never forget how wonderful they are and how truly blessed I am to be their Mommy. That being said...I am emotionally wiped. Drained. Tired.
By they way...they are still crying...time to check on them. My wonderfully grumpy Little Beauties.

Biggest Loser Challenge

2009-07-31T12:11:00.001-07:00

It's official...
Sugar Mommy is joining the Brown Girls Biggest Loser Challenge.
It begins tomorrow and goes until October 31. The winner will take the pot and the bragging rights...not to mention...lose weight! The last being the best of the winnings!
I am ready...taking it full on! Look out Brown Girls...hahaha.

Outlook

2009-07-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

A new chapter...a positive self-loving chapter. I love my husband. I love my Beauties. I love my life. I love me. Who cares about the small stuff. I will get there!

Brave Sugar Mommy

2009-07-17T20:09:00.000-07:00

Can I get a whoop whoop?
I took four Beauties to the Zoo today...
Alone...
Just me and the beauties.
Check out Little Beauties for some great photos of our "beauties only" outing.

Head Bounce

2009-07-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Practice was great last night. Hard workout with lots of endurance and drills. I took a very hard fall with one of the fresh meat. We were in a pace line, running a whip drill and somehow she grabbed my back and took me down with her. My head bounced really hard off the floor. Guess it is a good thing we wear helmets. I felt so bad for her. It was so unintentional, she felt so bad for taking me with her. I of course know this is part of the game and that we have to roll with it. I was very lightheaded and turned pale. Had a hard time catching my breath. After a few minutes I was fine, but I do admit, it was a little scary. I still have a headache today. That part does suck.

A day

2009-07-11T15:40:00.001-07:00

It has been one of those...so Sugar Mommy is headed out with some of the Derby girls to catch the Cedar Rapids vs. Chicago bout...maybe a few adult beverages too.
Chloe girl is spending the night at Grammy Pam and Papas...she said home isn't fun (ah the trials of coming home from a vacation.) Grammy Val has the triplets. Everyone is in good hands.
Cheers to Sugar!

Lately

2009-07-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

I have been having the strangest dreams lately.
I wish I knew how to interpret them.
My stress level seems to be high. So many things to do and not enough hours in the day to get them done. Oh and not enough energy either.
I need a vacation.
Chloe is home. She had a great time in Florida. I am happy to report she is as white as she was when she left. Grammy Pam did a great job on the sunscreen and the reapply. Thanks Grammy.
Matt has been working tons of hours.
I miss my man.
Derby is going well. I think we are headed in great direction.
My house is a mess.
Bella is still missing. Chloe looks for her everyday. She handled the news of the escape very well.
Happy summer.

still mia

2009-07-05T11:12:00.001-07:00

Chloe is due back tomorrow evening...yeah...however, still no locate on Bella...

A little lame

2009-07-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday America!
What a wonderful day to reflect and be grateful that we live in a wonderful country.
Thank you to our troops...past and present.

It was a rainy Saturday here in Iowa. We had planned to take the girls to a parade or two. However, the rain began in the night and continued pretty much the entire day. So...we skipped candy gathering. Matt is working overtime and I had intended on taking the triplets to see the fireworks. Yep, another however, they have been so crabby today that I could not see messing up their sleep schedule and keeping them up WAY past their bedtime.
I'm lame I guess. Call me the 4th of July party-pooper! No parades, no candy, no bbq, no fireworks. There's always next year, right?
I miss Chloe. She is due back from sunny Florida on Monday night. Still trying to figure out how to break the news to her that Bella is running around the house somewhere.
Happy 4th of July! Hope you and yours are out painting the town red, white and blue.

Cocoa Puffs...

2009-07-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

While in an attempt to clean my piggy's den, you know the one we call home...the littlest beauties were having fun on the porch...a little too much fun if you ask me...I realize why our home is always a mess...I have four tiny tornadoes whirling around this place. So if you stop by my house, just close your eyes. I can't help it. On a side note...I can get the stomach flu now...because the potty is sparkling clean! At least there is one room in the house that is really clean. Thanks to my hubby for running the vacuum and scrubbing the floors today. You rock!

Some Derby Stuff

2009-06-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

We began the weekend on a Derby road trip to Davenport. As severe weather moved in, Mother Nature had a different idea. It began raining before we even left home. Two cars of derby gals got into an accident (with each other) needless to say, not starting the trip off very well. It poured rain the entire way. Wondering how possible the demo-bout at Sturgis on the River really was...as it was scheduled to be outdoors under a pavilion. We learned when we were about five minutes away, that it was in fact canceled. We arrived there and stopped in to say hello, just in time for the 80 mph winds and torrential downpour. We watched a huge tent come down on about 30 Harley motorcycles, a beer tent come down on a huge crowd and the area in which we supposed to skate on, fill with water. We were all safe and decided to have a few drinks at the local Old Chicago. Good times.
Sunday was the Gay Pride Festival. We skated in the parade and then hung out at City Park at our vendor table. We chatted with locals about our team, listened to music, and felt the love.

Overhaul

2009-06-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

I remember a time when I was so organized. Everything had a place. In the past few years, however, I feel like we have accumulated a lot of things that do not seem to have a place. JUNK. Out home is not large. Less than a thousand square feet in fact. For a family of six, I guess that actually is pretty small. However, with one income, we are not going anywhere for a few more years. I have decided that it is time to do a little overhaul. The problem is, where do I begin? We have more toys that most toy stores. Oh and did I mention the amount of clothing? Well, let's just say I have four little girls...enough said. On any given day the house is strewn from one one to the other with clothes, shoes, toys, dolls, and books. Not to mention, my wonderful hubby is not what you would call a neat freak. Then there is me. I have piles of photos downstairs, waiting to be scrapbooked or put into albums. Paperwork to file, clothes that need to be taken from the closets. Kitchen and bathroom closets and cupboards that I have no idea what is really in them. Wasted space. Dust bunnies under every piece of furniture. I want a relaxing family room to be in and hang out together. At this time the family room seems to be a catch all and is in no way shape or form safe for the triplets to be in. They are in to everything! Basically, there is a lot of crap that just needs to makes it's way right out the door. Our back porch has a corner designated for things to sell at the "garage sale." You know, the one I have been "planning" since last year, but haven't pulled off yet. Then there is the garage and shed! Like I said, my hubby is not a neat freak, nor is he even the slightest bit organized. Seriously, where do I begin? Our home could be really nice. But clutter is overtaking it at this time. What do I get rid of? What do I keep? What's the best way to store and organize? HELP I have become one of those people on TLC...I need suggestions and I need them fast. I think de-cluttering and organization would really help me in my everyday zen...

Not my business...but...

2009-06-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am normally a "to each their own" on matters of family and opinion.
Not a normal view for me, I watched, Jon and Kate plus 8 tonight. I normally cannot stand this show. I hate it when strangers ask me if I watch it, simply because I have multiples. First of all, I don't have time, usually. Not to mention, this show is not the true life of parents/families that have multiples. I think it is great for them that they turned their family life upside down by letting the world into their home to view their "everyday lives." I think good for them that they found a way to support their family. I think good for them that they get to go and do things that even families of one child often cannot afford to do. Things like Disney for 10, Colorado ski trips with private ski lessons for toddlers and luxury trips to Hawaii. Ah the glamorous life.
I will however stick my 2 cents in here, take it or leave it...
Their family has been ripped apart. Infidelity, tabloids, photographers following their every move...more importantly the moves of their innocent children. They sat in individual interviews during the show, talking about how none to this was ever for them. It was all for their children. Hmm, that doesn't add up to me. Kids don't care about monetary gratifications. They just want to be loved. Especially at that age. What are they doing? Who are they kidding? They kept repeating how they do not "hate" each other. How they only want what is best for their children. Um...how about cancel the show? How about take the bull by the horns and get to the root of the problem? Kate continues to state that things have been bad for a long time. Well, hmm I have seen other episodes of the show, and from what I saw, they plainly treat each other like shit! Both of them. They obviously do not communicate or care enough to attempt to communicate. When you live day and night not respecting each other...what do you think will eventually happen? Exactly.
Life is not easy. Being married is not easy. Having children and parental responsibility is not easy. However, each of these things takes time, commitment and energy. It takes a willingness, it takes respect. There will be ups and downs. No matter how many children you have. No matter how long you have been together. No matter how much money your bank account has in it. You have to work at it to make it.
It makes me sad for their children. I hope they both pull their heads out of their rich asses and get it together. If they care about their children, as much as they claim to, they better figure it out. Seriously...figure it out.

The second bout

2009-06-14T22:53:00.000-07:00

The OCCRG vs. CRRG bout last night went great.
We played hard, blocked hard, jammed hard, oh yeah, and fell hard.
The final score was 132 to 90 CRRG took the win. However, I think we were short quite a few points on the score board. No matter. We had a great time and walked away smiling and happy to have kicked tail in our second ever bout. It only gets better.
Friday we are at it again in the Quad Cities for Sturgis on the River. We were invited by our friends the Quad City Rollers and are very excited. It is an outdoor event and from what we have been told a huge crowd in past years. We are pumped.
This week practices will take on new shape. Getting more tough. Focusing on some things we have learned in our first two bouts. Look out for the OCCRG. We will be practicing hard and building strength and more endurance. We will be ready for a home bout in August or September and the planning has begun.
We had team photos tonight on the steps of the Old Capitol. It was fantastic. We are full of vigor, energy and determination. In due time we will take the bragging rights to the corridor. All in good time. We will conquer.

Gearing up

2009-06-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

I am gearing up to skate my second derby bout this weekend. We are taking on Cedar Rapids Roller Girls for the title of the corridor bragging rights. There team is in it's second year skating together and have skated many bouts. They are an intimidating team, kind of. The gal who began OCCRG used to skate with them and she left on not so nice terms. I hope the bad blood has not carried over to the rest of the team. As of last Saturday, there were more than 3000 tickets pre-sold. YIKES! It is a big match because we are so close in area. Also the proceeds are for the victims of last years flood in this area! If you are in the area...come check it out! It will be a great match!