Wanda Whompya and her Skates of Truth

When Staci left Dallas a few weeks ago, she took Wanda Whompya with her -- kicking and screaming, I hope.
Anyway, I promised readers of Circle30 that I'd continue the story of my friend Staci and how I became a HUGE roller derby fan again, and how Wanda Whompya and her Skates of Truth became my hero.
My love of roller derby isn't a new thing, really. I used to watch it with my dad when I was a kid. It was something he and I did together. We'd go to the wrestling matches at the Municipal Auditorium on Wednesday nights, and on Saturday nights, we'd watch a horror movie and then roller derby, without fail. (This was before I started driving and spending weekend nights out and about).
I met Staci after she moved to Dallas last year to work at my former newspaper. It wasn't long afterward that our core group of friends who hung out was introduced to Wanda Whompya. We started going to see her bouts. She skated for Assassination City Roller Derby. She was a Lone Star Assassin.
Today's derby is not like I remember it growing up. Girls in fishnet stockings, mini skirts, tattoos. Knee, elbow, wrist pads. Helmets. Mouth guards. Crowds of fans in attendance. BYOB as long as it's cans.
It's pretty sweet seeing girls on skates kick ass up close and personal. How I wish my dad could have been seated on the second row with me (because chances are good a rollergirl will knock your lights out if you sit on the first row) to watch Wanda. He'd be tickled, especially doing shots with her afterward at Lee Harvey's.
So Wanda and I got pretty close. She tried and tried to get me to try out for derby. I came close, I have a sweet pair of skates that rival my best running shoes. Two hours of skating feels like running a 10K! Rollerskating is great cross-training for runners, you just have to, like the ACDerby people say, watch your head -- and feet and knees and ankles and arms, etc.
Wanda's a tough broad who fights fair, watches your back and is as loyal as the day is long.
Kinda like Staci.
I'm not convinced this was really a relocation for Wanda. Or Staci. It's just a detour.
So Staci/Wanda gave me some goodies before they left Texas. There was a message in the bag.
Inside was purple fishnet stockings, a black skull bandanna, knee highs with guns blazing (ode to the LSA's), Band-Aids and candy roller derby girl cigarettes.
What might she be trying to say?!
Wanda, you're friends and fans will miss you. Derby won't be the same without you, and you won't be forgotten. I'm hoping you can come, visit and guest skate or something, have a Lee Harvey's burger, a shot of tequila and a Tecate.
I await word on your next team and vow to fly wherever I need to go to see you skate again.

Here's, rather, cheers, to Wanda Whompya and her Skates of Truth.
Oh, and take care of that bony shoulder.
xoxox, MUAH. :-*

Quick catch up

A very busy Memorial Day weekend, folks.
Friday night: Flew into Denver, rented a car and drove to Florence, Colo., for a bachelorette party for my friend Paula, who is getting married at the end of June (wrote about this earlier).
Saturday: Whitewater rafting at Royal Gorge. Awesomely beautiful. The water was frigid, but it was one of the most fun things I have ever done.


We didn't lose anyone -- meaning, not one of the girls in the party fell out of the boats. We took up two of them.
Sunday: Drove to Denver and Evergreen, Colo. Evergreen looks just like it sounds.
Monday: Ran the Bolder Boulder 10K, then flew back to Texas Monday night.
Tuesday: Work. Sigh. I'm really sleepy.
It was great seeing the girls, though. We don't all live in the same cities, but it's nice to be able to catch up where we left off. We cleaned up pretty good, too, after a day of rafting Royal Gorge.
Notable: Nailed the time I thought I would for a leisurely 10K -- 1:30. That's good, considering that I haven't run since the Austin Half Marathon in February. My IT bands are sore, especially the Austin knee (right one).
It should be interesting since I've got my eyes on the San Antonio RnR marathon in November. My training should officially start...about right now!



QoD: What are you training for?

So long...for now

We had dinner and drinks tonight, and talked. ... This is someone who has become my friend -- one of my very best friends.
She's moving away this week.
I'm very sad. I want to acknowledge the moments we've shared.
Sorry, Staci, this is gonna be sappy...
You make me laugh, think, dream and allow me to chill in your presence.
You braved the cold in December to go cheer me on at the White Rock Half Marathon.
You match me drink for drink, and we enjoy TV, the couch and watching our dogs chill.
Niki will miss Skippy lots, and I will miss you more than you know.
You've brought me comfort and joy when I have and haven't needed it.

There was never any judgment, just the moment. From the beginning.
For readers of Circle30, more later on this. It's quite the story, and part of the journey.
But for now, I cry for the friend I'll miss, and just look forward for the times when we'll see each other and until then, my shot glass is empty until we fill it and toast again. To fun times, love. Always.
See. You. SOON.
I believe that.
xoxox, MUAH.

Third anniversary

May nineteenth is a big day.

Congratulations to Sarah, who celebrates three years as a breast cancer survivor today, May 19.

I'll never forget that day three years ago when we spoke on the phone after a friend called to break the news to me. I called Sarah, and all we could do was cry. What else do you do when you find out someone you love has cancer?

Well, Sarah's tough as nails.

We ran the San Diego Rock 'n Roll Marathon together last year. I wore her name on my Team in Training bracelet as my hero.

Sarah, I hope where ever you are, you are thanking God and shaking your fists in the air in celebration of your life. Happy Breastfest III.

Godspeed.

A different way to celebrate

As you can see, I'm trying to catch up on some blogging...
This weekend, I'll be attending a white-water rafting bachelorette party. My friend Paula is getting married next month. I am so glad she decided to do this instead of going to a strip club.
Seriously, how many half naked men does one need to look at and throw money at?
Anyway, here's to Paula and the girls who will be hitting the frigid Colorado water this weekend.
At least two of the about 12 of us are running the Bolder Boulder 10K on Monday.
That is if we aren't too sore. Or hung over!

That's Paula on the left. She's one of my 'girls.' We were doing what we do best -- shots -- during her last visit to Texas.

upcoming events

oh, before i forget...
i'm considering training for another marathon, this one in november in san antonio, my hometown. any TNTers going to do the inaugural rock 'n roll san antonio?
lets do it!
this might be my last full, as i'm thinking of making the change to cycling or -- drum roll -- triathlons.
god help me.

QoD: when we run, are we really running from something, or is that just me?

it's been a while

Greetings, Circle 30 visitors.
Lots going on lately, lots of change that I promise I'll write about this week.
Commenters to my last posting, thanks. Especially to anonymous, who made me think -- what am I running from?
Good question.
I'll have an answer later.