Oooops...

Sorry, no interview this week...they will be back next week.  I may have had a little too much epic craziness this weekend and therefore never got online to edit and post stuff.  Here's a little weekend recap though...cuz, you know me...with the recaps:

It started out like this:

Then there was some of this (cheeeeks!!!):

...and this.

There's something a little familiar about Opryland's carpet...ohh...crap. 

and then...THIS (oh dear):

add that to this (thanks Rambo)...

Followed by a little more of this:

and finally...ahhhh.

The End.

New Hampshire Visit

Hello from glorious and exotic New Hampshire! In case you didn't know, it's the most beautiful place on earth. Yes. It is. Don't question me, I've seen everything-EVER. NH is home, so I'm obviously biased. This is the land of the Old Man of the Mountain, lakes and hidden swimming spots, family farming, and simplicity. It's the mind set of 'Live Free or Die', ya can't get there from here, and sure as shit, it's a wicked pissah. Like I said, it's the best place on earth.

Instead of showcasing my incredible writing talents, I'm going to share a photo journal from my time in NH. *Warning-The following photos are total Rambo show!*

My lil' sister, Amelia and I. Well she's 15, not so little anymore.
We played hooky and went shopping, out to eat, and visited with our Grandparents.

Mumma Rambo and I on Lake Winnipesaukee. So happy her and my Step Dad got together...
otherwise we wouldn't have access to a family camp on the lake!

Meghan (one of my oldest friends) and I goofing off on a boat ride.

A super friendly loon Meghan and I came upon while kayaking.
(This is the only non Rambo Show photo in this set. So the loon's name is Rambo. Nickname, Loon Bo.)

Another bestie, Jim. After we tried to climb Oak Hill-got kind of lost and turned around. No water tower for us.

My Dad and I after a great day of planting on the family farm-Duane Family Farm. After this he beat my ass at badminton and I pulled a hammy slipping on a dandelion. Ps, I'm awesome.

Pixie Howl after her game with Granite State Roller Derby. The next day we skated in the neighborhoods around our old elementary school and had ice cream for breakfast. Ahh perfection!

Myself, my twin sister-Natalia aka Bratalie aka Sis-Turd, Meghan, and my cousin Jen. We were at the local lobsta shack celebrating Meghan's birthday and her cousin's graduation.

I hope you can visit the wonderful Northeast some day. It's beauty, culture, and residents will blow your mind.

-Rambo

Rambo's Quick n' Dirty (Part 13)...

Photo by Alexandra Lee Photography

Quick n' Dirty #13

Regular plank, Right side plank, Left side plank-each hold for 20 secs 

and 50 Russian Twists x3

10 lunges forward and 10 Lunges backward (R&L=1)

15 Star jumps and 10 Push ups x5

X2

Do this in order and repeat! On the lunges do them stationary-not walking. Isolate one leg at a time. It’s only 20 mins--HIT IT AND QUIT IT!!

For definitions and assistance on form, check out the DEFINITIONS page.

Elektra Q-Tion: 25 Questions...

I am such a fan of the Carolina Rollergirls' Elektra Q-Tion...not only for her mad derby skills, but for her wealth of derby knowledge that she so awesomely shares on her blog: You've Picked a Fine Time to Leave Me Loose Wheel.  As a fairly new skater myself, this blog has been exponentially helpful in showing me how to navigate some of the oddities of derby culture.  Also a very talented artist/illustrator/graphic designer, check her work at remdesigns.com. 


Name:  Elektra Q-Tion

Number: 121

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?

Carolina Rollergirls, Carolina Hurticanes

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?

This is my fourth year.

3. How did you discover roller derby?

My husband and my friend Drew went to a CRG bout in 2009 and told me I should totally try out.

4. List your most notable derby injuries:

Haha...I think it would be easier to list what didn't get injured. I've had knee injuries, ankle injuries, possible elbow fractures, a cracked sternum and a broken nose. The nose was pretty impressive, the blood literally poured out onto the track and I had to put a tampon up there for a while.

Photo by Joshua R. Craig

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?

I was playing with a giant "Earth Ball" in college, and someone pushed it into me...I went flying across the room and hit my head on the wall. I only needed a couple of stitches, but once again, the blood was pretty impressive.

6. How did you select your derby name/number?

I originally wanted to be Betty Rage, but it was taken, of course. Then my husband and Cody Pendant came up with Elektra Q-Tion. They thought I'd be called Elektra, like in the comic book, but Beth Row named me Q, which also works. Qs tend to be quirky...(ha), have a lot of power, or make cool stuff for James Bond, so I'm happy.

Check out more of her work at
 remdesigns.com

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work?

At this point, I'm a freelance graphic artist. For fun, I do derby posters for my league and others, and I'm always looking to do more. Call me! (see pic at left)

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?

Bob Lob Law is highlarious. My league also just played Boston and I heard the funniest thing from the Boston coach; he said "Shark Week! Don't you destroy that pack!" Shark Week might be my new favorite.

9. What is your non-derby first name?

What makes you think I have a non derby name?

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?

I always thought the name Alex was pretty cool.

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?

I love to draw and paint, play the piano, and dance around the house.

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?

I used to collect typewriters, but I haven't been keeping up with that recently.

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday as a kid?

Oh, I've always loved Halloween...I love dressing up and scaring the neighborhood kids.

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?

Ace Frehley. I have no shame.

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?

I think I would really like to hang out with Joel McHale. He's tall and gorky too.

16. Do you have Tattoo’s? What, where, and why?

I have tattoos on my ankles, wrists and shoulders. Most of my tattoos are winged creatures like dragons and phoenixes and bees. Fun fact, my parents don't know about my tattoos, even though they are huge.

17. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?

I'm actually very shy.

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

Blazing Saddles!

19. I can’t leave the house without…?

Diet Coke and Sour Patch kids.

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Salad, tomatoes, chicken breast, Diet Coke...I actually eat a pretty balanced menu.

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?

That tends to change, depending on who I am talking to at the time.

22. What is the last book you’ve read?

I just reread Finch by Jeff Vandermeer. It's from his Ambergris series, and if you like weird steam-punk stuff mixed with Lovecraft, you might want to look him up.

23. Very first set of wheels?

They came with my crappy Carrera skates. I have no idea what they were, except for sucky. Now I love Atom Wheels.

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?

I have been incredibly lucky in my life so far. Nothing has been a cake walk, but there hasn't been something specific that I could point at and say "This has been my mountain to climb."

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?

I want to work on my left hockey stop, get my left sleeve done on my arm, and learn how to be a better cook, because I kind of suck at it right now.

Rambo's Quick n' Dirty (Part 12)

Photo by cwage

Quick n' Dirty #12

1 min jump rope and 10 Burpees x3

100 Russian Twists (R&L=1)

10 Box jumps and 10 push ups x3

X2

Do this in order and repeat. Hell, do it 3 times! One round should take just about 10 mins. Enjoy!

For definitions and assistance on form, check out the DEFINITIONS page.

you'll never crack me, NEVER!!!

So here's an announcement: my arms are free from crutches and I can punch whoever I want!!!  BAM!!!  Check out my rad new boot that I'm in for three more weeks. Why yes, it does look like a Storm Trooper's leg, thanks for noticing.

My gosh I feel so much better being able to stomp around without pre-planning...I feel like I'm getting what little swagger I had back.  I've been going out in public now, BY MYSELF!!  It's so liberating!!  This weekend, if I'm properly "hydrated", I may even take on Santa's Pub karaoke (only cool Nashvillian's can know what this means.)  This has been a shitty experience, but I'm definitely nearing the end of it.  I have a team of Physical Therapists doing everything they can to get me back specifically to skating form!  They are actually helping me build up my entire body so I can jump back in with little strain...how novel!!!  (I have no idea what that original PT guy was doing, other than breaking my screws.)

So, as my sick little mind works, I decided my reward for surgery #2 is MORE PAIN!!  Tuesday, my lovely friend Erin and I spent a pleasant evening at Electric Hand Tattoo in the company of the extremely talented Jason McDonald.

It started out all bloody and awesome like this:

And then we got some color:

And then the grand finale:

   

I'm ridiculously pleased at how it turned out...It's just so damn pretty!  No, there's no big dramatic meaning behind it, other than maybe "F U Surgery #2!!!".  This one hurt so bad, I'm definitely going to take a little break on the tattoos for a while...well at least a couple months.  Hopefully I won't need to commemorate any more injuries in the near future.

  

Scarlett O'Snareya: 25 Questions...

So here's a little story for you:  Way back in the magical 1990's, in an Amish laden farm-ish town in Northern Indiana, lived a couple of angsty 14-year-olds named Kate and Christina. Kate and Christina joined a drama group at a church...MIME drama. Oh yes, I said mimes...there was face paint and music and white gloves... And that's as much as I'll tell you about that. Summarizing the rest...life happens, mimes started talking and got weary of the county fair circuit and moved on, and I (yes, Kate) lost touch with Christina somewhere around early college. Then sometime last year through the mighty powers of social networking and sweet, sweet derby we were reunited as BioniKate and Scarlett O'Snareya ready to kick all the asses on skates. Scarlett is such a beautifully fascinating soul and I am so, so happy that I have this blog platform to introduce my friend. She's a teammate of my first interview subject, Hello, Sailor, skating for Mad Rollin' Dolls' Unholy Rollers. I freaking love this team and their broad presence in the derby community. Check them out...       

Name: Scarlett O'Snareya

Number: noV5

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?
Mad Rollin' Dolls-Madison, WI

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?
2 years

3. How did you discover roller derby?
I was at St. Vinney's looking for a Halloween costume when I came upon these sweet brown & cream 70s booty shorts.  My friend Stephen worked there at the time and so I asked him whether I should be a 70s bowler or a 70s roller derby girl.  He said, "You know they do that here in Madison, right?"  That planted the seed and then my friend Andrea took me to a bout a couple of months later.  I loved it!  The sheer athleticism, the theatrical nature of the uniforms, and the SKATING!  I had been trying to get various friends to go skating with me for a while b/c I always loved to skate, but they had one excuse or another.  Now I have no shortage of people to skate with.

4. List your most notable derby injuries?
Pre-patellar bursitis in both knees and a now a lumpy chin...hopefully that deep tissue bruise will go away eventually.

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?
My brother through a baseball straight at my forehead when I was a kid.  Not only did it hurt like a bitch, I had the indentation of the threading to show for it.

6. How did you select your derby name and number?
My hair is red and my goal is to trap.  My number is inspired by Guy Fox from V for Vendetta.  He left a Scarlett Carson rose at the conclusion of every murder.  He was held against his will and genetically experimented with until emerging through the flames with a politically righteous vendetta.

Photo by Papa Mouse

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work (company can be kept anonymous)?
I am a pizza slinger for Glass Nickel Pizza Co. in Madison, WI.  They are a local mom & pop style shop with the best pizza in the state as well as the best regard for the environment and giving back to their community.  I just got into graduate school for occupational therapy at UW-Madison and will begin in June.  I also work with people with disabilities in the community.

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?
Peter Pannies, Fox Sake, Nacho Sleez, Rita Slayworth

9. What is your non-derby first name?
Christina

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?
Melody

Interviewed skater Hello, Sailor (foreground left) kicking ass with Scarlett.  Photo by Papa Mouse

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?
I am an aerial dancer for Cycropia aerial dance in Madison, WI.  It is the greatest thing ever!  It is also known as low-flying trapeze in addition to other apparatuses such as aerial silks, wall-running, long bar and others to numerous to list.  I was in my first show with them this Spring.  I also enjoy Acro-yoga with some of the greatest people I know, running, hiking, traditional yoga, biking, and dancing to Blues, Funk, Bluegrass, Hip-hop and much more.  

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?
Tights.  I went through a lot of tights before I discovered that Vera Wang is where it's at.  They are the most durable, though they don't come in all the colors that my little heart desires, so I have quite the collection.

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?
Trampoline!  I used to spend hours flippin' around on that thing!

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?
Johnny Depp in Crybaby and that guy with the brown hair from 90210

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?
Martin Sexton.  If you don't know who he is, you should really look into that.  His vocal range is phenomenal and he sings and plays a widely eclectic array of music with more heart than I can describe.

16. Do you have Tattoos? What, where, and why?
I have a tattoo that begins just above my left toes and winds gracefully up my ankle to the bottom of my calf of a peach tree.  I had been considering getting a tattoo of a tree for the past 5 years or so as a personal reminder of how one's life grows and evolves and that happiness always comes back to find you even after the darkest depths.  My grandmother passed away last summer.  She was one of the most influential people in my life and we were very close.  She used to call me her little peach.  So, in remembrance of her and to remind me to that the buds will bloom again, I permanently affixed a peach tree to my source of stability: my feet.  Props to Tailor Made Tattoo in Madison, WI.

17. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?
I did mime for seven years throughout middle and high school.  It taught me musical timing and choreography as well as how to say more than I'd sometimes like with my face alone.

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?
Green Mile, Shawshank Redemption, Lars and the Real Girl

Photo by Papa Mouse

19. I can't leave the house without...?
lip balm, preferably Burt's Bees

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Mango Slices, Eggs (I like to have a poached egg almost every morning), the best turkey lunch meat ever made with parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?
Right on.  It helps when you aren't prepared to pass judgement in any way or need some time to reflect on something someone has just said.

22. What is the last book you've read?
Game of Thrones-A storm of swords

23. Very first set of wheels?
red tricycle and adjustable size plastic skates

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?
Rediscovering what truly makes me happy and achieving my ability to harness that

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish/have accomplished so far in 2012?
-Skate my heart out with the lovely ladies of Team Unicorn
-Perform in Cycropia's annual aerial dance show in the giant trees at Orton Park Festival
-Choreograph my own solo trapeze piece and present it to my aerial dance friends for feedback and enjoy the process along the way.
Got one more:  Get a research assistantship at the UW-Madison and start off strong in my studies

Nashville Vs. ROSI & Santa Cruz Recap (BioniKate Style)

(As per usual, this will be a very Nashville Rollergirls biased and quite poorly written bout recap.  In, fact, I wouldn't even call it a recap so much as a semi-snarky spew of quippy (<--I made a new word!) gushing about my favorite team.)

I'm not much for a long play by play of every jam and to be honest, I kinda sorta missed large chunks of the two bouts as I was having myself a raucously entertaining time volunteering in the ticket booth.  But really all we need to know are the scores, and I'll fill in the rest:

Nashville Music City Brawl Stars: 167

Rollergirls of Southern Indiana: 107

Nashville Music City All Stars: 171

Santa Cruz Derby Girls: 49

Jammers, thanks for all those points.  Y'all did a phenomenal job, but you know what?...you usually get all the credit.  Let me tell you a little story I will entitle, "Holy Blocking, Batman!: The Story of Why NRG Won Both Bouts as Told Through the Lenses of a Bunch of Badass Photographers."  Now this is just a summary, the Kindle version will be out in June of never.

Starting with the Nashville Music City Brawl Stars vs. Rollergirls of Southern Indiana, Exhibit A:

Photo by Alexandra Lee Photography

The ROSI jammer is very successfully trapped by a Hippy-Ki-Yay/Rocco Sock'em power sandwich.  First I just have to point out that Rocco's hair is always so beguilingly tousled and so damn shiny in every bout photo.  How, Rocco...really, how do you do that?!?!  Second, it is so thrilling to watch the Brawls finding their groove as a team.  I've mentioned it before, but over half of them are rookies this year...it's vets like Hippy and Rocco serving as solid anchors making this team become so powerful.

Next we have a fine demonstration from the illustriously badass, Cindy Lou Ferrigno:

Photo by Josh Vaughn

Yes, this would be Cindy Lou of the infamous Vette City Ass Slap incident.  Miss ROSI jammer there is bracing for the inevitable...Cindy Lou is a freaking legend of fury.  Aided by team co-captain Electra Cal and veteran Brawl Suzy Ho'Maker... I just wish there was a photo of the aftermath of this hit.

Forget the aftermath though, now let's talk about a wind-up, shall we?

Photo by Daniel Whitaker

As I promised in her interview, Devask8Her showed up in all her glory and knocked some bitches down!!  This photo demonstrates a simple lesson in physics, about the "transfer of energy".  BAM!!!

Finally, the pièce de résistance...

Photo by Josh Vaughn

OOoooohhh Girrrrllll!!!  Demoness you are a freaking goddess.  I don't even need to say more about this photo.

Brawls win.

Moving on to the NRG Music City All stars vs. Santa Cruz Derby Girls...here's a story within the story called, "How to Gain and Maintain a 100+ Point Lead in 7 Not Entirely Simple Steps."

Photo by Daniel Whitaker

Step 1:  Get a saucy Brit to join your league.  Union Jack-U-Up of the stripey blue socks is an unassuming powerhouse of whoop-ass.  See that girl's shoulder all taped up?  Jack was the cause of that earlier in the bout. (yeah, that last part's not true.)

Photo by Daniel Whitaker  

Step 2:  When in doubt, shoulder someone in the boob!  Okay, that probably didn't happen on purpose, but I just have to note, Maulin Monroe is terrifying.  If I ever get into one of those situations, where I'm a little tipsy and start accidentally getting a little too friendly with a guy who may or may not be attached to a beefy blonde with fakies and she starts clawing me with her acrylic nails...I'd want Maulin next to me to put the beatdown on Titty McGee.

Photo by Mark Duncan

Step 3:  Recruit a former speed skater with mile-long legs to sit on some jammers for you.  Rambo Sambo's off having herself a nice little stroll into lead jammer position thanks to the mad ninja blocking of my buddy Curse Practitioner.  Curse is just a modest surprise of human wrecking ball badassery.  "Hey, look how sweet and innocent I am...and now I'm going to hurtle my razor hip into your quad....DEAD LEG!!!"  

Photo by Mark Duncan

Steps 4 & 5:  Slammylou Harris...Oh sweet lord, yes, she was so crazy she gets two photos.  She's a NRG legend anyway, but this night in particular she was so damn feisty, she decided to just go ahead and attempt to destroy everyone...and she did so, successfully.  The sheer frustration, on the Santa Cruz faces at her perfectly legal and effective antics was priceless.

Photo by Josh Vaughn

This photo stunningly demonstrates what is a Slamster signature move.  She mohawked her little ass all over those jammers so effectively, one sat down in the middle of the track and cried out of vexation and another stamped her damn truck in half (of course, I might have made that up.)  Regardless of what really happened, an eloquent direct exclamation from our very own Rambo pretty much sums it up: "Seriously though, Slammy was f*cking amazing!"  Indeed, Bo...indeed.

Photo by Josh Vaughn

Step 6:  Speaking of ol' Rambo, who threatens me with violent maiming if I don't discuss her awesomeness (not lying this time....except, I am.)...let's take a moment to reflect on the wonderment of the dual function jammer.  She's a freaking animal, this one.  "Oh hey, opposing jammer, you think you want to score points in my wake?  How about I give you a shoulder Heimlich instead?!"   (I <3 her, it's true.)

Photo by Daniel Whitaker

Step 7: The Scrapper.  At the end of the 2011 season, Stampeedee Gonzales was faced with the overwhelming challenge of being a last-minute fill-in for the All Stars at the WFTDA regionals and champs.  Peedee didn't just fill the roll, she created her own significant groove as a blocker for the All Stars.

A fantastic night of winning for Nashville, that I'm told continued well on into the after party pub crawl.  Naked Karaoke anyone?  As always, though, the whole roster should be mentioned in this recap for their phenomenal work...  Onto the next!!!

Injured Quick 'n Dirty Recap and Other Mumbo Jumbo

Hello from the Baltimore airport! What should I do to waste time until my teammates arrive? Other than eat an amazing ahi tuna sandwich and get a stair workout in? Blog to you fine people of course! This post is a hodgepodge of thoughts and things to come. Enjoy!

I hope you all enjoyed my injured QnD series, it was definitely a challenge. I found myself pretending that certain parts of body did not work which was a rather comical trial and error. BioniKate was a great resource and was a nice guinea pig--thanks! My goal was to inspire you and give you some ideas while you're going through a momentary set-back. Best of luck and heal up, my friend! Next week we'll get back into the regular Quick n' Dirty's. I have some great new ideas and sequencing planned- so stay tuned for greatness!

This weekend the Nashville Rollergirls All Stars take on the number 3 and 2 in the East (Baltimore and Philly respectively). You can catch our Saturday bout against Charm City on DNN. If you're local to Nashville you should head down to Chattanooga to watch the Brawl Stars take on Chatty!

After we play Philly on Sunday, I head to my homeland of granite and purple lilacs. Yes, I am giving my Mum myself for Mother's Day! While I'm vacationing in the great 603 you can expect derby and non derby blogging from me.

Cheers!

Injured Quick n' Dirty: Lower Body Injury #2

Lower Body Injury: Workout #2

Tabata Plank Twists

50/10x4 Tricep Dips

(If you can't support your body, sit or stand and hold a weight in your hands above your head, biceps next to your ears.  Drop the weight behind your head.  Keep your elbows forward and tight to your noggin!)

Tabata Spiderman planks

7 minute burn: 10 Leg lifts, 10 Push ups, 10 Crunchy frogs

(Do as many rounds as you can in 7 minutes)

50 Bicycle Crunches and 50 Russian Twists 

(Right and Left = 1 rep)

Hit the intervals hard!!  "Hey, Rambo, what's 50/10 mean?"  "Oh, hi, super awesome workout machine!  It's just like the tabatas we've been doing, but you work longer and rest for the same amount of time.  So, 50 secs work, 10 secs rest.  It's awesome and very challenging!" After the intervals, take a 1 minute break and then finish with the 7 minute burn and 50/50 ab suck at the end.  If your lower limbs get soft during your injury healing process, you can at least have a hard upper body!  Enjoy!

For definitions and assistance on form, check out the DEFINITIONS page.

-Rambo 

Lou's Derby Gruels: Number 5

One Minute Flax Muffins           

 Source: thebellyfatcure.com  

Cocoa Flax version, with fresh raspberries

I came across this recipe on Dr. Oz of all places. It's an amazing power-meal full of protein, fiber, and omega-3's, and it's also gluten-free. The basic foundation for these muffins are 3 ingredients and a quick 1-minute zap in the microwave:

1/4 cup ground flax seeds

1 tsp. baking powder

1 egg

From here you can add whatever you want...fruit, nuts, seeds, etc. Kate adds chia seeds and protein powder to hers usually. Below are several recipes from Dr. Oz's website, but you can even just eat this plain with the three ingredients above as a bread replacement. I've mostly been making the sweetened varieties, but some savory versions I've tried are spinach & feta with garlic, or ham & cheese with peppers. 


The coconut oil included in the recipes below is not necessary unless you just need a little extra "good" fat in your diet. You can also replace the one egg with two egg whites. Experiment away! Feel free to comment and let me know what you've created.


-LOU


RECIPES


Skinny Blueberry or Raspberry Flax Mug Muffin
1/4 cup ground flax
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 egg
1 packet Stevia or 1 tbsp. agave nectar/or other sweetener
2 Tbsp. blueberries or raspberries

Combine all ingredients in a coffee mug. Microwave for 50-90 seconds. Pops right out. You don’t need to grease the mug.



Cinnamon Walnut Skinny Muffin
1/4 cup ground flax
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 egg
1 packet Stevia or 1 tbl. maple syrup
2 Tbsp. walnuts, chopped
1 Tbl. raisins or 1 tbl. unsweetened coconut (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a coffee mug. Microwave for 50-90 seconds. Pops right out. You don’t need to grease the mug.
                                                                                                                  

One Minute Skinny Cocoa Flax Muffin
¼ cup ground flax seed
1 egg
1 tsp. butter or coconut oil
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cocoa powder
1 tbl. agave nectar
½ tsp. vanilla
5-7 chocolate chips (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a coffee mug. Microwave for 50-90 seconds. Pops right out. You don’t need to grease the mug. Serve warm with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of agave nectar if desired.

Angel VonDevilish: 25 Questions...

Thank you again to ICT Roller Girls for your unbridled derby passion (unintentional horse reference!)...I love these interviews so much.  Just through reading this interview, I can see that Angel VonDevilish is just such a tough and compelling woman.  She's fought through her personal demons and has come out of it with a mission to love and help others battle their own and kick some derby ass in the process.  I'm so inspired...  

Name: Angel VonDevilish

Number: 9139

Photo by Fresh Takes Photography

1. What league(s) are you/have you been affiliated with?

I am with, and started with, the ICT Roller Girls.  I did have about 3-4 months with the Salina Sirens when I was living in McPherson, KS. 

2. How long have you been skating (derby)?

I have been skating for 3 years on March 30th, 2012

3. How did you discover roller derby?

Fellow teammate, Dogpile Diva, asked me to join back in 2006-2007 when ICTRG was starting out.  Due to other commitments, I couldn't join until 2009.

4. List your most notable derby injuries:

I had bruised, with a possible fracture, ribs.  We did the Big Boys Toy Show a few years back and our team made friends with the motor cross guys that were there to perform.  One of the guys offered to hold our hitting pad, but was unaware that he just needed to hold it, so when i went in for the hit, he returned the hit, jamming my arm into my ribs in an upward motion and knocking the air out of me. 

5. What was/is your oddest non-derby injury?

When I was in Jr. High Track and Field, I tore the tendons and ligaments in my ankle because I slipped on wet grass. 

6. How did you select your derby name/number?

Angel has been a nickname of mine since I was younger.  VonDevilish is a spinoff of Kat VonD, because I thinks she's a spectacular artist!  (I hope someday I could have her do a portrait of my Grandmother Jolene and Uncle Richard who passed away.) Plus adding the Devilish cause I can be a bad girl sometimes. ;-)

7. When not being a derby badass, what do you do for work?

I work in the Behavioral and Medical fields.  I have done over 6 years, working with mentally and physically disabled adults who have extremely dangerous behaviors, learn how to control their anger and communication to continue to function in society.  I now work at a Level 6 lock down Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility with Juvenile girls, 5-23 years old.  I am also a Certified Nurse's Aide and Certified Medical Aide. 

8. What are some derby names that you find particularly funny/clever?

Oh geez... There are so many!  A couple favorites of my teammates would have to be Carmen Ejectya, Fergavicious, Wizard of Owz, Rachel Rage, ScotLand A Hit, Afternoon Delight

Photo by Fresh Takes Photography

9. What is your non-derby first name?

Crystal Jo

10. If you could have chosen your own non-derby name, what would it be?

Jolene

11. What are your non-derby hobbies/activities/hidden talents?

Hobbies/Activities: I like taking pictures and scrapbooking/journaling and other crafty things.

Hidden Talents: I use to dance and since I don't anymore, I stay close to dance by choreographing.

Photo by Angelz Photoz

12. Do you collect anything, if so, what/why?

Pictures.  I take lots of pictures.  I have a poor memory, so it helps me remember things.  I put them in my journal too. 

Stickers. I am like a kid, I know...

I started collecting Roller Derby mementos about three years ago.

13. What was your favorite Holiday or Birthday present received as a kid?

Tie...A motorized Barbie Jeep and my first "big girl" bike...it was purple.

14. Who was the object of your most embarrassing teenage celebrity obsession?

Brendan Fraser

15. Which celebrity would you like to be friends with?

Tyler Perry

16. Do you have Tattoo’s? What, where, and why?

Oh, my... I want to see Jackie O'Jaw fill this out now!!  LOL

I have "Angel" in my handwriting, when I turned 21 on my upper right shoulder blade...because I wanted to. ;-)

I then got "Angel" on the base of my neck in Kanji so I can argue that I am an Angel, I have Angel in two different languages and in black & white...can't argue with that!

I have the ICT Roller Girls logo with my derby name and number on my right arm.  I got this one because regardless of what happens in my life, I am grateful to this league for bringing me back to sanity and I am very proud to say I am part of this league. 

I also have a partial upper sleeve with rainbow stars and stuff on my right arm that is my PRIDE tattoo.  I am an openly proud lesbian on our team and in my community. 

On my left leg, side calf, I have a heart with wings on it with Jolene in the middle.  Jolene was my grandmother; it's a memorial for her. 

Then with the next two months, I am getting my BFF tattoo with my best friend of 13 years, Rita Wright.  It's going to be purple sugar skulls.  :-)

Photo by Fresh Takes Photography

17. What is something that most people don’t know, or would never guess about you?

I am actually kind of shy.  Once I warm up to you, it's a whole different story, LOL, but I am not one to just start random conversations or just walk up and ask someone a question. 

18. What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

Princess Bride, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Wizard of Oz, Secret of Nimh, and Disney movies like Robin Hood, Cinderella, Little Mermaid, and some Pixar.

19. I can’t leave the house without…?

Shoes.  I am very picky about where I go barefoot at. 

20. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

There is always ranch and soda pop in my refrigerator...don't lecture me, I am working on my addictions day by day...lol

21. What is your most over-used word or phrase?

Bite Me Apple ;-)

22. What is the last book you’ve read?

I am currently reading Crank, Thirteen, and Hunger Games...I never just read one book at a time.

23. Very first set of wheels?

It was a purple and white bike with streamers!

24. What is the biggest life hurdle that you have overcome?

Ya know...I just sat here debating on answering this question, but I have been answering this survey like I have been talking to you, so to be open and honest in Derby <3...My biggest life hurdle was beating my addiction to Ice.  I was an addict for 4 years and I am sober and beautiful 8 years now.

25. List 3 things that you plan to accomplish in 2012?

-Make a difference in my league

-Get lighter on my skates.

-Make someone I love smile every day.