Taking a break from derby: The long and the short of it

"I can't, I have derby."  Sound familiar?  Ever look at your calendar and think "How am I going to get all of this done and get to those three games, watch that awesome tournament on DNN, get my volunteer hours in, make the league meeting and cross train?"  "Oh wait, I have laundry, work, cleaning, dentist appointments and family time to squeeze in there too?" "How am I going to do all of this?"

When we joined derby, most of didn't think that it would become the time eating monster that it is for most of us.  Yes, we were all warned when we first joined the league that derby was a lot of work, and a lot of time; I'm pretty sure none of us really understood the level of commitment derby can be.  Four years later,  I have come to the realization that the derby monster has pretty much eaten my life.  Just recently I had a long talk with myself and decided that I was going to take some time for my real life.  Instead of traveling up to Richmond to see my Carolina Bootleggers play in Richmond, I stayed home and worked on art, cleaned the house, did the shopping, and went out to eat with non derby folk.  It was weird and wonderful at the same time.  I felt a little guilty, but as the weekend progressed, I felt like I was regaining my center as a person. This next weekend, I'm back in the derby travel mode; our team is taking on the Chicago Outfit in Chi-town.  I think I'm ready to spend another weekend immersed in derby; if I hadn't taken this mini-break from derby, I don't think I would have been as ready.

It eats your time, and money, and knee cartilage, and sometimes your self esteem.

Sometimes you have to take some time off and get away from derby;  whether you're taking a weekend off, an afternoon, or you need to take even more time, it is important to renew the connections to your "real life".  It's important to remember that you aren't a skater 24/7.  Nobody's derby career is paying the substantial bills, or will last a lifetime.  It's your job to make sure that after derby, or A.D. you have a life to return to!  I am lucky that I have friends and family who understand my addiction.