Some Derby Stuff

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

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...

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

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

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!

Our Derby Cherry is well...popped

What a fabulous way to spend a Saturday night!
We Old Capitol City Roller Girls played fabulously! We hung with the big dogs!
The final score was 135 to 132. We almost pulled it off. It was a nail biter for sure. The announcers actually thought we had won...and announced it that was! We cheered like crazy...and then found out that one Ref had not sent in points. Quad Cities won by 3!
No matter we did great!
A first bout to be remembered forever!
We are ready for Cedar Rapids this weekend!
We can't wait!

Toxic Butterflies

Tonight is the night! Old Capitol City Roller Girls vs. Quad Cities Roller Girls! Holy cow...our very first Derby bout.

I am so nervous. I am excited too. But wow, the butterflies are kicking my tail right now.

We are ready. Strong, well trained and prepared. Our team is such a strong group of women. The QC team is more seasoned then us. They also are a fantastic group of women! I look forward to playing the track with them!

We have bouts the next three weekends. What a way to break the seal on a new team huh? We will do fabulous, I feel it. If you are in the Davenport area and want to come and check us out...please do! We are playing at the RiverCenter at 7pm. Make sure you yell super loud for Toxic Sugar!

Poor Decision

Do you ever think and think and think about something. Weigh out all the pros and the cons and then make the decision, only to find out, the hard way, that you have made the wrong one?
Well...we made the wrong one. A huge wrong one. Duke is a great puppy...he really is. However, the last week has been horrible at our house. A Disaster.
The littlest Beauties are not adjusting to him at all. They are scared to death of him still after a week. They cry and run to me every time he even looks in their direction. They cry no puppy every morning and all day long. We are trying everything to try to make it work, but I fear that it is not going to. I am so overwhelmed I want to cry. Well okay I have cried a lot actually. I am so angry with myself.
We called the breeder and asked if we could bring him back, of course he said no. I am at a loss. I put an ad on craigslist. I am in tears. I feel so stupid. I feel defeated and most of all I feel like a bad Mommy for making the decision that Matt and I made, thinking it was time for a dog in the house. I pray that we find a good home for him.