This Side of Lost

I had my first roller derby experience last Saturday. Or, as perhaps I should phrase it: I'm no longer a roller derby virgin. And man did it feel good.

My friend Mari skates derby back where she lives and was in town for our professional organization's big annual conference. We managed to slip away for a while to catch the first day of Battle of the Banks, a big two-day tournament hosted by the LA Derby Dolls. It was a great introduction to the sport for me, as I was able to watch almost four full bouts and six different teams. I was pretty lost for the first one, but finally picked up on all the rules for the second bout, and was cheering my voice out by the third.

Mari and I were rooting hard for Team Awesome (some photos NSFW), a group of WFTDA all stars from various leagues around the country, including two skaters from Minnesota (Harmony Killerbruise and Biscuit). Despite being unfamiliar with banked track skating, they more than held their own and just barely lost two close bouts with the Derby Dolls top squad. Biscuit did a fantastic job jamming, but not as good as another jammer named Jackie Daniels, who I've decided is my new derby crush.

It was a great, great time. I would definitely go back for more bouts. You know, if I wasn't leaving the state in two weeks. Good thing there are leagues popping up all over the country. CT RollerGirls, here we come!

In other news:

• The aforementioned conference was a good time, especially hanging out with Mari. We took off a little early on Monday to see Venice Beach, stop by an awesome ice cream place (I had pistachio lemon) and catch a showing of WALL*E at the Arclight (excellent movie, but left me feeling very strange).
• My trip to San Diego to see the Twins and the Padres was very successful. Petco Park is a wonderful place to watch baseball, I got a picture taken with Joe Nathan, and the Twins trounced the Padres 9-3. Thanks to my colleague Eric for coming along and driving!
• Planning for the move continues. I'll be flying out on July 17th. We are tempting fate and hiring movers again (noooooo!) despite our poor experience two years ago. The cats are traveling in style, the same way they did two years ago. Stay tuned...
• I'm in the process of planning a happy hour for my birthday/impending departure from LA. How does the 12th or the 14th sound? Let me know.
• I never filled you in on my recent Amoeba haul, did I? The bounty: Ciao, Baby by theSTART, The Bird and the Bee (eponymous) and Night Falls Over Kortedala by Jens Lekman. All have been very enjoyable in very different ways.

My days are numbered here in California... it seems like I still have a ton to do, but I know these two weeks will race by. Thanks for coming along on the ride.