Well THAT changes things, doesn't it?

Ever have a moment where EVERYTHING changes?  For me, life has been SUPER BUSY!  Which is amazing - new job working in the office of a small business, volunteering with COMPASS - a local military spouse mentoring program, the Family Readiness Group in the command, and of course my favoritest sport of all time: Roller Derby....

Admittedly, derby takes up the most time.  I LOVE the sport itself, it's challenging and requires athleticism and intellect and instinct.  The people who play are passionate and encouraging - it's an incredible environment that is empowering and terrifying all at once.

It is, however, a rather difficult sport and can be challenging.  We learn how to start, stop, fall, get up quick... also how to hip check and shoulder check, how to jump and weave and wobble and run on skates, and generally do crazy things on 8 wheels that most people don't do even in sneakers.  It's hard work and more rewarding than anything else I've ever done.

It's also a smudge dangerous.  "Full contact!  On skates!  You'll get hurt!"  I do get hurt - regularly.  I admit it.  Bruises, tweaked muscles, soreness from flying around the track and purposely running into someone else.  We learn how to do things in a controlled manner though - so sure, derby is dangerous. Yanno, like walking can be dangerous when you aren't really focused on what you're doing.

One Thursday's practice, a moment of inattention lead to this:

Well THAT changes things, doesn't it?

Which doesn't look so bad, just a fractured fibula, but my ankle also wound up broken and now, a consult with an orthopedic specialist and an operation later, I am the proud possessor of a Bionic Ankle/Leg/Thing.

I can no longer be accused of having a few screws loose!  I am a few screws EXTRA!  Go me!  I don't have copies of the X-rays yet, post-op, my follow up appointment is Friday.... but life is different now.  It's... odd.

I can't drive, can't walk, and ridiculously stupid things like having to pee take on a whole new significance.  Intellectually, I knew that would be an issue if I got hurt playing derby (as I've seen several friends dealing with said challenges) but it's like knowing that authors struggle when they write novels.  Of course artists struggle to perfect their craft.  Of course having limited access to one of your limbs is hard.

I also, delightfully, know this is temporary.  And I know I can still do my job, contribute to COMPASS, work with the Family Readiness Group, and do MANY things Derbylicious..... but it's weird to see my teammates skate around the track.  Feeling the breeze as skaters speed by you is incredible - and it makes my heart ache.

That said, I'm not going to vanish into the ether - I still want to help my team in any way I can (and make sure they know I'm coming back, baby - save me a spot on the roster!).  It's an opportunity to reassess my priorities and ensure that when I go back through bootcamp, I work on the basics and have a second chance lots of skaters don't get - starting a derby adventure and being aware of what's really needed and why.

Here's to hoping that "taking a break" gives me a chance to strengthen our league, improve myself and my fitness level, all while maintaining some sanity.  After all, my skates will still be there in a few months, patiently waiting... right?

.... too bad I seem to be so impatient!

Dear Leg and Ankle,

Heal faster!

Love,
The rest of me!