So I did get to play at Saturday's roller derby bout. Not for long, but long enough to really like the adrenaline, and appreciate all the practicing I've done up until this point. Lucy Crabapple was indeed, in the house (rather, on the track) for a brief moment in time.
Over vacation I was reminded about the choices I make when I eat in two ways that inspired me to rethink things once I got home. In addition to seeing the documentary Food Inc. I finally had a chance to read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, Barbara Kingsolver's book on her own family's attempt to eat locally for a year. It was a fantastic read, and inspired me to do what little I could to support local food and cook seasonally. The latter isn't totally unfamiliar to me, as I did just that when I lived in Paris many moons ago. However, it's something I've become less accustomed to, as the produce specials at the local supermarkets don't always reflect the seasonality of Northern California, but that of South America (i.e. asparagus for $1.50 a pound in December) and other parts of the world.
I just learned this evening that I'll be on the roster for tomorrow's (final) home bout for the Tahoe Derby Dames. I'm stoked, but also a wee bit scared, given that I've not skated a whole bunch in the past few weeks, and as such, my skating, hitting and blocking skillz aren't quite where I'd like them to be.
However, it's my last chance of the season to play, so despite my confidence issues, I figure if I channel all my anger about the ignorance and stupidity surrounding this health care debate (don't get me started on the death panels thing and the retarded men who feel they need to carry friggin GUNS to these town halls) I should be able to take down a few roller girls.
That's my secret weapon - hating stupidity. I figure it can easily fuel my adrenaline for a few 2 minute jams. 'Cause that's the only option I've got right now.
Vacation - time away from the place I call home - is so important to me, as much to get away from the work grind and recoup my creativity and drive as it is to recognize how lucky I - we - are to live where we do. This trip definitely reminded me of the latter, and made me all the more grateful for my life here.
Our 2+ week road safari was chock full of new places, new and old friends and family, good eats, and more adventure than I bargained for. I'll be posting some of the more interesting anecdotes soon enough, but thought this photo would serve for now.
