Today is my last day of my vacation from work. I know that most of you feel the same way I do about work and are dreading heading back into the office/field/shop or what have you. I for one, love the company I work for, love the people I work with (for the most part), enjoy getting out of the house daily, and most certainly love getting paid. But I am sure you would agree that its hard to find the meaning behind it all. Sure, in my job I take checks from customers and apply the payments to the proper invoices, for the service they acquired, for the business that makes something or provides a service to someone else and thus employing others along the way and in the end we all get a paycheck. But I suppose its only human to want to see some kind of greater good come out of the 2080+ hours we spend each year typing away at a keyboard, pushing a mouse, and shuffling papers.
One of the things I have done recently to fight this feeling of monotony was to become involved in my local roller derby team. I mentioned earlier in this blog that I had started attending the Ref U! course taught by the Detroit Derby Girls. I have since completed the course and am now an actual staff member of the league. I have started working a few bouts, doing NSO positions like Outside Whiteboard, Penalty Box Timer, and Scorekeeper. It has been fun and exciting so far. I have met a lot of new people and have been building new friendships all along the way. It's honestly amazing just how busy derby will keep a person. I am just a volunteer staff person, without the obligations of mandatory practices, however, in order to make sure I know how to do my job well, I have to practice, obviously. But its even more than that, its the social events, and the ever changing and evolving business of the DDG. I came into this thinking that I would get to understand the game better, and that I would get to help out. For anyone that is out there and looking to get into NSOing, make sure you have the time and the ability to travel.
Now knowing what is exactly required of me, I now have some decisions to make. How much do I want to dive into this? Am I happy just wading in the kiddie pool, or would I like to be come certified and eventually work my way up to being a lifeguard? (My apologies for the weird swimming metaphor). Derby to me right now is still overwhelming. It seems that any time I have a break from the madness, I start doubting if I want to get back into it again. But as soon as I show up to practice, the fun floods back and and I am totally geeked all over again!
I am missing my first, and hopefully only, bout this weekend, and I am sad. Sad that I will miss watching some of my friends play their first game of the season, and sad that I wont be there for any silliness that goes down or to help Stat Army win the after-party. But part of me knows that if I want to be in control of my own life, and not feel like I am being overwhelmed or giving too much of myself to this crazy sport, I have to say no every once in a while. I know, you are probably wondering how I could feel overwhelmed when I haven't been around derby much in the past few weeks. And honestly its more because I have heard the stories of other staff members being burnt out and that is one thing I want to prevent from happening from the get go. I want to take this at my own pace, and provide as much of myself as I can, but under my own terms and conditions. Its volunteer work. I will do what I can to meet the requirements of my league, but it will be up to me how much more I give.
Sounds crazy right? I mean how have I gone from super fan to cautious volunteer in just a matter of months... Trust that things happen on a derby league just as fast as they do on the track. Am I happy I got involved? Absolutely! But I am taking it one day at a time, one practice at a time, one bout at a time, and one season at a time. There is no sense in making this fun job as painful to go back to as my real job.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
A New Year, A New Start
I know resolutions are only ever set so they can just be broken, and I'm probably not the first person to say this, but this year feels different. Maybe it's because this could be the last year before the zombie apocalypse/end of the Mayan calendar. Whatever it is, I want to take advantage of this feeling and really get some things done this time.
One thing I would really like to do is write more. And I'm thinking I really don't have any excuses to not write at least once a day. For instance, right now I am writing from the passenger seat of my car as Mikey, Diesel & I are on our way home from up state. Smart phones really are changing the way we live.
While we're on the topic of smart phones, I should really start using my Noom app again. I need to really focus this year on eating better, exercising, giving up soda, and losing weight.
Another thing I want to do is post a board in my room with things I want to do this year, one side for things to do and the other for completed items. Simple things like go to the zoo, household chores like finally finishing the molding, and more serious stuff like losing 10 lbs. And fun things like go to the UP, and to Boston to visit my aunts. Saving some money will also be a nice goal to set too.
So many things to do, and why not have some fun doing it. I hope everyone has a great 2012. Be safe, have fun, be yourself, better yourself. :)
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Where Do I Begin...
You are probably used to me saying this by now, but its been too long since I last wrote on this blog. I have been keeping myself quite busy lately with another blog, Diesel Stomping, where I write about walks that Diesel and I have been going on. It's been a lot of fun and its getting some good reception. I have also been attending the Detroit Derby Girls Ref! U course and trying to volunteer my time with them as much as possible. And last but not least, I am trying to get back into shape again. Something you can read about in my other blog, Back to Little.
So what's this about the Detroit Derby Girls, you ask? Well, about two years ago, a co-worker of mine hung a poster for the DDG in her cubical. We started talking about it, and that led to Gabby and I heading up to Flint one day to check out the Flint City Derby Girls. That piqued my interest in derby, I had to learn more! A few months later, Gabby and I headed down to the historic Masonic Temple in Detroit and that's where I fell in love with the sport.
When you first walk into the 85 year old building, its like you are taking a step back in history. Through the revolving doors, into the magnificent main lobby, and onto the ancient elevators up to the 4th floor. From there you hand off your ticket, go down a corridor, have your hand stamped and walk through the doorway that opens up to the uniquely designed Drill Hall. The Drill Hall was constructed with a "floating floor" so that the drill marches would not disturb the rest of the temple, and also give relief to the feet of the marchers.
There is not a lot of room in the drill hall, unfortunately, but seating is available if you get there early, or you can brave it and sit on the floor in the "suicide seats." Feeling the rush of the skaters as they skate pass, and hearing the crowd go crazy at every grand slam, is completely worth the experience. You feel like you are participating in some underground activity like Fight Club or something. The skaters all have fun aliases and they wear fun uniforms that show of their unique personalities. And even though they are playing against one another, you can still feel the comradery between them.
The next season I went ahead and purchased two season tickets. They were so popular with the fans the season before, that nearly every bout would sell out. I had to be sure I was going to get tickets! Of course, that was the season that the DDG moved to Cobo Arena. They had many more seats available, and I was able to get some pretty good size groups to come with me to many of the bouts. I was geeked to even start making some friends within the teams and I prided myself on getting "the wave" started at a few of them as well!
Once the season came to an end, I knew what I had to do. The first opportunity that came along for me to sign up and be a volunteer, I did so! Would I love to play the game? Sure, but I need to get in shape, and besides that I am a bit of a dork, so why not add my mad number skills to the Stat Army.
I have been taking the course for a few weeks now, and I am really starting to learn so much more about the game. And let me tell you, watching the game from the inside of the track is amazing! And on top of that, I am also making new friends. I am hoping that once I am officially part of the team I can start traveling with them and making some of their appearances as well. This might just be the chance I get to see this great country before I'm too old to enjoy it!
As I get more involved in the DDG, I will be sure to check back and let you all know how its going. :)
So what's this about the Detroit Derby Girls, you ask? Well, about two years ago, a co-worker of mine hung a poster for the DDG in her cubical. We started talking about it, and that led to Gabby and I heading up to Flint one day to check out the Flint City Derby Girls. That piqued my interest in derby, I had to learn more! A few months later, Gabby and I headed down to the historic Masonic Temple in Detroit and that's where I fell in love with the sport.
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| Masonic Temple Detroit |
There is not a lot of room in the drill hall, unfortunately, but seating is available if you get there early, or you can brave it and sit on the floor in the "suicide seats." Feeling the rush of the skaters as they skate pass, and hearing the crowd go crazy at every grand slam, is completely worth the experience. You feel like you are participating in some underground activity like Fight Club or something. The skaters all have fun aliases and they wear fun uniforms that show of their unique personalities. And even though they are playing against one another, you can still feel the comradery between them.
Once the season came to an end, I knew what I had to do. The first opportunity that came along for me to sign up and be a volunteer, I did so! Would I love to play the game? Sure, but I need to get in shape, and besides that I am a bit of a dork, so why not add my mad number skills to the Stat Army.
I have been taking the course for a few weeks now, and I am really starting to learn so much more about the game. And let me tell you, watching the game from the inside of the track is amazing! And on top of that, I am also making new friends. I am hoping that once I am officially part of the team I can start traveling with them and making some of their appearances as well. This might just be the chance I get to see this great country before I'm too old to enjoy it!
As I get more involved in the DDG, I will be sure to check back and let you all know how its going. :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Getting Creative
It has been quite a while since I last posted on my blog, which seems to be the norm. I had signed myself up to make something homemade this year for a few lucky Facebook friends, and just remembered that I have to get on that as well. I have all this time now that I am not at school, yet I can't seem to get motivated. Although, I did convince myself to buy a new printer the other day, maybe I can start making some buttons again. And really, I should get back to making my hemp necklaces and stuffs. The one thing I do really want to get done is a fan shirt for my derby gal, Joy Stixxx. I have to get started on that design. Speaking of design? Anyone know any good graphic design programs? I usually make my buttons with MS Paint, but I am starting to have some limitations that I can't seem to get around. Well, just thought I would get some thoughts out of my head... Thanks for listening. Follow me! www.littlepitz.blogspot.com
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wintertime
Wintertime.
And the snow is bright.
Seeping through my blinds at night.
Keeping my eyes closed but knowing,
On the other side of my eyelids
Is light so blind.
Wintertime.
And the snow is bright.
Seeping through my blinds at night.
Keeping my eyes closed but knowing,
On the other side of my eyelids
Is light so blind.
Wintertime.
posted from Bloggeroid
Thursday, November 11, 2010
I Heart My Sarcastic Boyfriend
As some of you may know, I have quite a guy. Every now and again, he will respond with a cute little quip that just serves as a reminder as to why I love him so.
So today, I had to have Mikey replace the breaks on my car, again. Seems to happen too often. Later on this evening, we're watching TV and one of those gushy Kay Jewelers commercials comes on. I chimed in with an "Aw, isn't that cute!" to which my my ever loving boyfriends says under his breath, "So are cars that stop."
So today, I had to have Mikey replace the breaks on my car, again. Seems to happen too often. Later on this evening, we're watching TV and one of those gushy Kay Jewelers commercials comes on. I chimed in with an "Aw, isn't that cute!" to which my my ever loving boyfriends says under his breath, "So are cars that stop."
Monday, June 7, 2010
Homeward Bound
It was a pretty nice day out today, cooler than it has been, so I figured it was a good time to grab the leash and take Diesel for a walk. I threw on a light weight sweatshirt and queued up some Jack Johnson on the iPod and hit the trail.
About an hour into our walk as we were on the last leg home, Diesel and I came across a scared, wet, little dog just trotting along the side walk. I stopped and checked the poor things tags and was baffled to find out she was from Bloomfield Hills, she was a bit far from home. I called the number on the tag, but got an answering machine. Soon as I had left my number, wouldn't you know the battery on my cell went dead. Not knowing what to do with our new friend Lillie, I hooked her to Diesel's leash and started heading towards home.
I came across a woman mowing her lawn so I stopped to ask if she recognized the dog. Being a dog lover herself she came over and immediately started to help. She called the number on Lillie's tag too, and left a new message. She went inside to get a bowl of water and figured it would help to do a reverse look-up on the phone number and maybe see if she could find an address. Sure enough, there was an address listed in Bloomfield. She got the MapQuest directions and tried calling again.
After considering it for a bit, my new friend Dawn and I decided to take a drive over to the house to see if we could deliver Lillie back to her owners or at least to a neighbor. So, Dawn, her daughter and I dropped Diesel off home and we headed all the way to 16 and Lahser. And across Woodward!
When we got to Lillie's home, there was no one there. Dawn went across the street and the couple who lived there informed us that Lillie's owner was a single, elderly lady, who was in poor health. The fact that we had found little Lillie so far from home and so late at night really concerned them. The nice gentleman from across the street came by with a flash light to see if the lady was home and had maybe fallen or become ill. Meanwhile, his wife called the police.
The police came and they couldn't find any signs that she was at home, but they new the resident to be elderly and of ill health so they were concerned as well. Somehow or another the neighbor got a hold of the lady's nephew and he advised us that she had been out looking for the dog earlier in the evening. She had taken Lillie to the groomer and she had gotten away.
The police thanked us for returning Lillie, and they took possession of her until the nephew could come over or until he could reach his aunt.
In the end, I made a new friend, Lillie found her way home, and it sounded like the elderly lady was okay after all. It was definitely more of an adventure than I thought I'd have.
Follow me! http://littlepitz.blogspot.com
About an hour into our walk as we were on the last leg home, Diesel and I came across a scared, wet, little dog just trotting along the side walk. I stopped and checked the poor things tags and was baffled to find out she was from Bloomfield Hills, she was a bit far from home. I called the number on the tag, but got an answering machine. Soon as I had left my number, wouldn't you know the battery on my cell went dead. Not knowing what to do with our new friend Lillie, I hooked her to Diesel's leash and started heading towards home.
I came across a woman mowing her lawn so I stopped to ask if she recognized the dog. Being a dog lover herself she came over and immediately started to help. She called the number on Lillie's tag too, and left a new message. She went inside to get a bowl of water and figured it would help to do a reverse look-up on the phone number and maybe see if she could find an address. Sure enough, there was an address listed in Bloomfield. She got the MapQuest directions and tried calling again.
After considering it for a bit, my new friend Dawn and I decided to take a drive over to the house to see if we could deliver Lillie back to her owners or at least to a neighbor. So, Dawn, her daughter and I dropped Diesel off home and we headed all the way to 16 and Lahser. And across Woodward!
When we got to Lillie's home, there was no one there. Dawn went across the street and the couple who lived there informed us that Lillie's owner was a single, elderly lady, who was in poor health. The fact that we had found little Lillie so far from home and so late at night really concerned them. The nice gentleman from across the street came by with a flash light to see if the lady was home and had maybe fallen or become ill. Meanwhile, his wife called the police.
The police came and they couldn't find any signs that she was at home, but they new the resident to be elderly and of ill health so they were concerned as well. Somehow or another the neighbor got a hold of the lady's nephew and he advised us that she had been out looking for the dog earlier in the evening. She had taken Lillie to the groomer and she had gotten away.
The police thanked us for returning Lillie, and they took possession of her until the nephew could come over or until he could reach his aunt.
In the end, I made a new friend, Lillie found her way home, and it sounded like the elderly lady was okay after all. It was definitely more of an adventure than I thought I'd have.
Follow me! http://littlepitz.blogspot.com
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