Get your skates and show how tough you are

What’s up

Roller derby, that’s what’s up. Who knew that is began back during the Great Depression? Well this wildly aggressive sport is here to stay and you can check it out in just about every major city. Heck, once or twice a year, you can even catch it here in good ole’ Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

Some history for you:
http://www.aetv.com/rollergirls/rg_the_sport_history.jsp

The rules

Roller derby is for any girl over 18. It’s high energy, highly aggressive, and fast paced. You definitely have to wear your big girl pants when getting on the track. The game is based on formation roller skating around an oval track by two teams; points are scored as the designated scoring player (the “jammer”) of both teams each laps members of the opposing team. However, it’s not just a race. It’s girls slamming each other into walls and over rails. Personally, I am pretty sure there are more injuries in roller derby than the NFL.

Don’t be scared

Anyone can participate. When their skates are off, the skaters are just as normal as anyone else. Their jobs range from special education teachers, librarians, waitresses, welders and nurses. Ages range too. Some women are getting out of their marriages, have kids, are just starting out or just don’t know what to do with themselves and need to try something new. This sport is open to anyone who is tough on the outside and has a tough inside somewhere.

If you’re interested in checking one out, there is a bout September 25th in Denver. Check this out for more information:
http://www.rockymountainrollergirls.com/mambots/editors/tinymce/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=151

Check out other blogs on this sport too:
http://guminmyhair.wordpress.com/2010/09/21/how-roller-derby-saved-my-life/

http://guminmyhair.wordpress.com/2010/09/17/anticipation/

Our local Laramie Roller Derby Team:
http://naughtypinesderbydames.wordpress.com/

Tennis no longer the preppy sport

The big picture

When you picture tennis, you imagine men and women with lots of money at the country club with sweaters around their necks; or you picture Venus and Serena Williams looking like body builders, dominating the courts. Do you ever picture a tattooed girl and her husband out there just playing aorund? Today, tennis seems to be more accepted and not just for people with money.

Who loves tennis

My husband and I took up tennis sometime last year. We are pretty awful and can’t quite afford lessons. We started when we had raquetball equipment but the courts were closed, so we took it to the tennis courts to mess around. We liked it so much, we put money into a couple of raquets and a bag of tennis balls. We go out and just hit the balls around as much as possible until we are all worn out. But when you see my husband and I, you don’t see ‘tennis player’. I am covered in tattoos and my husband is an ex infantry guy. Even so, its a great workout and a good way to spend quality time with the one you love.

A sport great for the whole family

So when money is tight, head to your local Wal-Mart. You can get a raquet from about $10-$50 depending on what you are looking for. For a bag of balls, you are looking at about $7. Plus, check out your local YMCA for tennis lesson rates. It is surprisingly high energy based and its great for all ages. You and your family will go home with smiles on your faces after some time on the court.

For more information, check out these blogs:

*http://iwantmysexyback.wordpress.com/2009/08/23/beginners-tips-for-tennis/
*http://tennissingapore.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/how-to-choose-the-best-tennis-lesson/

More on Tennis:
http://www.tennis.com/

The U.S. Open
http://www.usopen.org/