Xanthia's MS Life

Today was a punishing day. I made it through MN roller girl try-outs!!! I survived four hours of drills and tests that I could not possibly do justice to in description here. Suffice it to say that it was one of the most physically demanding things I've ever put my body through - ever. After all that, I was chosen to go on to Roller Girl Boot Camp. There are no guarantees that I'm on a team, only that I have a chance to show team recruiters that I have the stuff to play the game. The next eight weeks will determine whether I make it on to a roller girl team or not. I cannot fucking believe I survived today. It was sooo hard! My mind is mush, I cannot feel my legs and I'm a little groggy from the celebratory beers I shared with friends down at the Bull Dog. What a great fucking day.

It's the final count down to roller derby try-outs! By 6pm this Sunday I will know whether I'm a roller girl or not. It will be four long hard hours of back breaking, thigh crushing drills. Do I have what it takes? Hell if I know but stay tuned cuz I'll blog about it later.

At any rate, I have the distinct feeling that whether or not I make it onto the roller girls, this summer promises to be exceptionally profound in many ways: personally, spiritually, physically and professionally. I can sense it - it's so palpable! Can you feel it?

Try outs for roller derby are just eleven days away. I'm in better shape now than when I started but I still have a lot of work to do to get ready - mostly having to do with building up my endurance. The out door skate park where I practice is also the scene of many a speed skater. It's all a flury of spandex, wheels and muscle. I'm thinking I like the speed skaters...

Last Sunday, with the help of some friends, I painted my living room a lovely shade of yellow. I'm still sore and aching all over from it! I was totally wiped out afterwards, it was a challenge just to finish the job the next day. That being said, next month, I'm going to try out for a roller derby team - yes, you read that right. The response from friends so far has run the full spectrum of "You're going to what?!? You're crazy!!!" to "You'd better or I'll kick your ass if you don't." (thanks for the encouragement Jen) I know it's going to be extremely taxing on my body and my energy reserves. I know the risks involved too. Here's the thing - I don't take my life for granted nor do I assume that I'll always be as mobile as I am now. Hell, anybody can walk out onto the street, get hit by a bus and end up a paraplegic! So, my point is, this sport really, really appeals to me and I just know how much I'll regret it if I don't at least try. I think the rewards out weigh the risks so I'm going to go for it. I'm going to go after everything I love no matter how afraid I am, even if it means I might or probably will get hurt. I suggest you do the same!

Alright, two things. First, I realize it's been a long time since I've blogged. I've been busy with work, play and life and it's all good. Second, the following post will have nothing to do with MS.

My dear friend Trisha told me she thought I should write about this topic so this one's for you!

A couple years ago I decided I wanted to find out what life would be like as a blond. Do blonds get treated like air-heads? Are women more catty? Do they get preferential treatment? And the biggest question of all - do blonds have more fun?

The answer is complicated one. As a blond it was quite apparent that men expected me to be submissive and dumb but all I had to do was tell them what I do for a living and their attitudes changed to one of amazement. Like, wow, she's a cute blond AND she's smart. Will wonders never cease? It was easy enough to sus these dupes out. Then there is the problem of catty women. Yeah, you heard me. With my natural shade of auburn, women didn't seem nearly as intimidated as they are with me as a blond. The back stabbing, cold shoulder, bitchiness has been a huge obstacle to get around, because I like making friends ya know? Do blonds get preferential treatment? You bet they do! I found it easier to get tables at busy restaurants even when I didn't have a reservation, or people want to give us free stuff or they want to do things for you.

As a blond, I got way more attention from men. But as any numbers person will tell you, volume does not equal quality. It's a guarantee that when I go out to a party or a bar I will get hit on however it doesn't mean that with the attention and flattery comes sincerity or honesty. So, I'm done with my little experiment. I'm going back to auburn and happily back to hanging out quietly while my other cute, blond friends get the attention. It's been fun but I can live without the blond factor.

It's been all over the news! At last they are getting close to releasing the first oral medication to treat MS. For anyone living under a rock or who hasn't been reading my posts there are NO ORAL MEDICATIONS to treat MS right now. The current treatments are all administered via the needle and that sucks...big time. I've been waiting for this ever since I was diagnosed.

I've also read that this new medication is proving to be more effective than current treatments available but that could just be the hype. At any rate, I feel like celebrating.

My god it's been a long time since I posted anything. No news is good news right? Actually, I'm so exhausted from my new job that by the time I get home I have nothing left to give. That kind of sucks because I'm trying to stay active and keep the extra poundage to a minimum. How can I do that when I'm too tired to work out? I thought about trying a morning routine but I'm just not a morning person.

My new year resolution is not to get in better shape or anything fitness related though. I resolve to start producing and selling more art. Whether it's painting, photography or jewelry that is going to be the focus of 2009.