You Will Always Be Remembered

Wow, it feels like forever since I blogged, but, it is with a heavy heart that I submit this.  We (Team Roller Dome) lost a wonderful teammate recently.  He was a great man, teammate, family man, father, husband, and friend. I know that he is in a better place and we were blessed to have had him touch our lives.  His passing has reminded me to live every day as your last and make sure the ones you love know it.  So to him I bid a heartfelt farewell and remember on that 100 meter track in the sky, go fast and turn left! 

And the Wheels Begin to Turn Again

So, I am really starting to get excited about the coming skating season.  I am still really nervous about skating.  (Haven’t even been back on the inlines since May) But, I am really motivated to help the team build their fundraising events and raise more publicity for the team!

How are you going to do this you ask? Well, this is what I have started planning.  Please let me know any suggestions, changes, or “OH NO, don’t do that’s.  ;)

Fundraising

1.       Dine to Donate – using area restaurants every other month.   We have used Applebee’s in the past and they worked out great.  I am looking to expand our options.

2.       Scrip Program – This looks really awesome.  Great for holiday gifts and if you plan right and buy ahead of time; you can use them for everyday shopping. 

3.       T-Shirt sales at events

4.       Thinking of doing Nelson’s Chicken – I think the corner of Coliseum and Lima is an AWESOME location.  Anybody ever use them?  I have heard good things about them.

5.       Fazoli’s – Have a spaghetti dinner/silent auction

Publicity/Awareness

1.       Create a Facebook Fan Page – That way the community can get information about the team, what we are doing, where we are going, what medals we are bringing home.

2.       Create a Twitter Account – I am going to tie this in with Facebook for instant updates, such as at a meet or during a fundraiser.  

3.       Create a flyer – This is to help promote the team, and also get new members.

4.       Looking for new talent – Start hitting the rink and inviting kids to a practice.

So, this is where I am starting at, I am thrilled, excited, ready to go, and I know this is going to be a great season for Team Roller Dome!

Keep Calm and Skate On

Well, it was a whirlwind trip to Lincoln, NE and back left on Wed, the kids practiced on the floor on Thurs, (Carb’d up all day Thurs) then they raced on Friday and we returned on Saturday.  

Now on to the agony of defeat!  It is so disheartening to watch your child fall (figuratively and literally) during a race.  It takes everything in me to not go down and tear into someone.  Then there is the competition anxiety that just eats all of their energy.  That is what my son has, though he does not want to admit it.  I think he feels it is a sign of weakness, but, in no way is it.  He just needs to find what works for him to calm himself down and not burn out quick.  Okay, so here is how the races went, I will start with my oldest first. 

He unfortunately did not make it out of two of his three heats.  The heat he made it out of is his 500 m, but, I knew he would, why you ask?  That is the only race he has been talking positively about for the last few weeks.  So, he was already defeated in the other two races before he stepped on the floor.  I am not sure how to help him cope with the anxiety; he is just going to have to keep trying different relaxation methods to find which one works for him.  So he made it to his 500 m semi, but, unfortunately this year that was all the farther he made it.  Though, he did get farther than last year AND he did not fall!  So I am very proud of what he has accomplished.  Just being in the top four of his region and being able to compete on a national level says something in itself.  And that is one thing that I have to remind myself and my husband.  

For my daughter, she made it out of all three of her heats; it is the semi-finals that we had problems with.  The first race was her 500 m and she was knocked down, and with only five laps she was not able to move up into qualifying position.  The next semi-final was her 300 m, on this the girl that was directly in front of her did a left kick just as she was coming out of the turn and my daughter was in the process of passing.  Needless to say my daughter went down, slid on her rear end.  She got up quick to finish her laps, but again she was not able to get up into qualifying position to move on.  Even though the skater that tripped her was DQ’d that still does not help her making it to her finals. Now, what I did not realize is that when she fell she tore a huge hole in her suit just below her rear-end.  So after that race we had to scramble to figure out what to do.  Luckily on of the other teammates came to the rescue and was able to score a complimentary pair of bike shorts from Pinnacle Racing!  AWESOME!  I owe them both!  So, she was able to race the third race (without showing her all).  But, I could tell by that time with two falls behind her she had, had it.  Even if she did make it to her final she would not have enough points to podium.  When I went down to meet her after the third race her head was down and she was crying.  It just tugs are your heart to see your children go through so much training and determination to get to this point just to have someone trip her.  But, I will have to give her this much, she told me on the way home that she only wants two weeks off and is ready to get back to training!  She has made it farther this year too, than last and I am also very proud of her accomplishments. 

So, in one week we begin training again, and yes, I will be part of this one.  I plan on skating this season and possibly competing this season (don’t tell my Mom she will have a fit).  One last thing I have started creating skate jewelry, because I have not been able to find anything specific to skating for the kids and I have enjoyed making them so much that I decided to sell them.  Please go to this link if you would like to see what I have been up to http://www.etsy.com/shop/RollWithItJewelry?ref=seller_info

 

Also a tip from Nicole Begg on warm-ups and cool-downs http://www.inlineplanet.com/2007-12/warmup.html

And So the Trip Begins

Well, the event that we have been waiting so long for is now upon us.  NATIONALS! I am so pumped for my kids.  Their hard work, dedication, lack of a social life and painful floor burns will all be over with (for a few weeks that is).  The hardest thing is the kids skate all day, from 6 am to 10:30 pm.  They are skating up to possibly 9 races each.  Devin will skate 3 – 5 laps, 15 laps and 30 laps, each at a 100 meters.  Mikayla will skate 3 – 3 laps, 5 laps and 10 laps also 100 meters. As I have been watching the live feed this week at www.skatersplace.com I have been getting more and more nervous and excited.  Packing is done.  Healthy snacks are bought.  In fact, this is what I have for my kids while traveling and competing.  

1.       Water or Gatorade (Devin likes Gatorade/

2.       Sunflower Seeds

3.       Fruit Snacks 100% juice

4.       Apple slices w/Carmel dip

5.       Carrots w/Hummus dip

6.       Sun Chips

7.       Cheerios

8.       Veggie Chips

For Race Day

1.       Beef Jerky

2.       Protein Bars

3.       Water

4.       Gatorade

5.       Fresh Fruits

Do any of you have ideas for healthy snacks you take on the road with you or during a competition for you or your kids.  Any ideas would be welcomed!  ‘Cause let me tell you I am definitely running out of ideas.  I have found a few neat websites to use, and I use Pinterest religiously you can find me at http://pinterest.com/chelshawver/

 

The websites I have used are:

http://monthlymealplanner.com/about.php - also use this site for meal planning 

http://www.familycorner.com/parenting/nutrition/healthy_snacks.shtml

 

So my next blog will be about fundraising.  I have committed myself to help the team raise enough money this year to help everyone get to nationals in Albuquerque, NM next year. So, if any one has any ideas start writing them down, ‘cause I am gonna need them.  I also want to gain more support and recognition for the team and the hard work that they do.  That is why I have started this blog.  Thank you all for reading, and I welcome any comments.

Landscaping Gone to Seed

I am sooooo beyond frustrated with the landscaper that I hired to do my lawn.  I did all the right things, I checked the BBB, I checked references, I received several quotes and compared the landscapers. 

And somehow I STILL get a rotten one! UGH!  So this is how my day went (by the way, I called the landscaper the day prior, no answer, but left a msg on voicemail)…….

My husband and I woke up 6:30 am Thursday morning.  The thought process on this was because it has been hot here (95 degrees) that the landscaper would get here early to start work.  We get the dogs outside, have them do their business (and clean it up).  And now is when we begin to wait, and wait, and wait.  Well, about 9:15 am my husband is saying, “Ah, I don’t think they are coming”.  But, optimistic me is, “well, you know they have to pick up all the plants and material, so maybe that took a little longer”.   So my husband calls the landscaper at 9:30 am, no answer, leaves a message on vm.  He calls him again at 9:45 am, still no answer, leaves another message on vm.   Finally we get a call back from the landscaper around 10:00 am, informing my husband that he tried to call me yesterday 3 – 4 times on my cell and the vm never picked up.  He stated he was trying to let us know that he could not do the landscaping Thursday.  Now, I did not have any missed calls on my phone, and he has called me multiple times on my cell before.   He informed us that due to losing employees that he is running behind and that he “thinks” he may be able to get to my project by next week. 

Now, my Homeowner’s Association wants my landscaping in like yesterday, and I hate contacting them to let them know it is now delayed.  The yard is dead and barren due to no rain.  I have huge two cracks in the dirt (or what I would like to call concrete) that look like the San Andres fault and the Grand Canyon.  I know my neighbors are tired of looking at my ugly yard, but, I am trying to get it fixed, everything else is not cooperating!  

Now the best part, about 30 minutes after my husband talked to the landscaper he calls back.  He needs the sketch and list of plants that he did for us.  He seems to have missed placed his copy!  WHAT!?!?! REALLY?!?!?!  Now if that right there does not tell me that he completely forgot about us, I don’t know what else would.  Then he had the nerve to tell us that he would call us the day before he can do the landscaping.  REALLY!!! I don’t think so!  I already took a vacation day for this.  I am so frustrated, and have considered changing landscapers, but, I have already paid ½ (which he cashed immediately) of the price and I do not want to go through that fight to get my money back.  In addition, I can’t afford to pursue another landscaper without the money I have already spent.  UGH!!! What to do?  What to do?

But, this is nothing new.  This type of “thing” happens to our family all the time.  This is why I have started blogging.  Last year Kelley Chevrolet tried to sue us.  My car keeps breaking down, and not just the simple things.  Son’s car broke down 30 days after we purchased it and is still sitting in the garage. The list is long and I could keep going on!  

I hope my next blog will be more positive, or may hey, my landscaping is done!

Results from Regionals! My Kids are Awesome!

WOW! What a whirlwind weekend!  The kids skated awesome!  Enjoyed time with the team and family, though this is how it all started out. 

First off, my car is in the shop.  Now normally this would not be so bad, but, my car is the traveling car. So, we took my husband’s car.  Which is cool and all, ‘cause it’s a 2010 Camaro and looks sleek and fast.  But, for room in the back seat, that would be nada!  Now the trunk was a different story.  I had two skate bags, case of Diet Coke, black medical bag, extra wheels, air mattress for Mikayla, air mattress pump, our overnight bag packed for 4 for 2 nights, my box of necklaces (more about those soon), Mikayla’s blanket and pillow, and a lap top.  That all fight nice and snug in the trunk!  With a little room to spare (I took care of those areas later).  Now, in the back seat it was Mikayla and I, the cooler in between us, my purse (which I am rethinking the size on) and snacks for everyone.  Then my husband and son in the front.  Oh, did I mention my knees were to my ears during the drive up to and back from Regionals! Thank goodness it was only 2 ½ hour drive.  

Now a little pet peeve about my husband.  I love him dearly, but, he does not like to use the GPS with the sound on, so it can instruct you (oh so politely) on where to go.  Needless to say, we do miss a few turns.  So as we travel the rest of us watch the GPS and are constantly telling him, you need to turn here or you just missed your turn.  

So we arrive safe and sound, and check into the hotel.  It is on the okay side, not sure if I would stay there again.  Went to practice at Skatin’ Station II, met old and new friends.  Kids rolled several times on the floor, floor felt great, and then off to carb up and rest for the races on Saturday.  

I swear that the parents of kids in sports go through more stress about the sports event than the kids.  We are up and moving early Saturday, check in at the rink and getting the kids ready to race.  They warm up, we have to remind them to stretch and drink water.  My son competed in Senior Man (18-25) Novice he had 3 races: 5000 meter (5 laps), 15000 meter (15 laps), and a 30000 meter (30 laps).  My daughter competed in Freshman Girls (12-13) Novice she had 3 races: 3000 (3 laps), 5000 (5 laps), and 10000 (10 laps).  Both kids skated really well.  The only problem that my son has is he seems to defeat himself mentally on the 30 lap race before he even hits the floor.  So during the last 15 laps of that race he really struggles.  This has been an ongoing battle for him.  He builds up so much anxiety that I think he quick burns through his energy at the beginning of the race causing his legs to “lock up”.  I hope that he can find what will help calm him and allow him to get past this hurdle.  I know he can win the 30 lap, he has the skills and the ability, he just lacks the self-confidence.  Both kids ended up taking 2^nd in their divisions, and now we are home training hard for Nationals in July.  

And thank goodness I got my car back; at least we won’t be traveling 10 hours to Nationals in a Camaro.  I think the 2 ½ hour drive was long enough!  

Regionals Bound!

So the kids had practice last night and of course both of them fell!  I am hopping they are just getting it out of their system before Regionals.  And Regionals, oh my gosh!  It has come up so fast, it seems like just yesterday the kids competed in Nationals last July.  Where does the time go.  Well, I know, skating practice (as I say sarcastically).  But, to be truthful, I wouldn’t give any of it up.  To watch my kids grow and develop through this sport has been a great enjoyment!  And I am not just talking about their skating skills, but also their sportsmanship and self-confidence.  How to handle defeat and how to learn from their mistakes.  

I seriously think I am more nervous about Regionals than they are.  By the end of a meet I am soooo exhausted you would’ve thought I was the one that raced!  While I watch them race I find my legs moving back and forth, like I will be able to help them or something.  But, I am that way on video games too!  Moving the whole controller and my body, like it’s gonna make a difference.  

So to this I say to my kids’ good luck.  You both have but in a lot of hard work this last year and sacrificed a lot of social time to practice.  I am proud of you both no matter the outcome at Regionals.  Your drive and determination has shown through your practices, your injuries and your successes.  Your Father and I will be there this weekend as your biggest fans.  We will support in the triumphs and there to lean on if you need a shoulder.  But remember this, no matter what placement you get; you are still #1 in our hearts!  

Wow this turned emotional!  Didn’t expect it to go there, but, had to say what was in my heart and my fingers just typed.  I hope to update my blog again before we go, if not, it will be immediately after the meet.

Hitting the Floor Hard

So, last night at skate practice, one of the skaters went down hard.  Unfortunately, he split his eyebrow open, needed stitches with a possible concussion. Thankfully this morning he is doing better and the fall could have been worse.  Believe me, I have seen worse. 

As I was running out to our car to get the medical kit we carry, that made me start to think.  What do you think is important in a medical kit?  What I have is basic.  Scissors, Neosporin, medical tape, athletic tape, large Band-Aid’s (because floor burns are never small!), Duraplast Spray, New Skin (love to put this on my kids blisters), one time use ice packs (I get the CVS Brand they come in a two pack for cheap), VetRap (I love this stuff, works well to hold large bandages in place and it also comes in lots of colors and designs), Kinesio Tex Tape (for shin splints),  Benadryl, Pepto Bismol, Tums, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, anti-itch cream, I also have a gel that is for burned skin, that I also use on floor burns.   I try to cover as much area as I can.  If you can think of anything else to add, please leave a comment. 

On a side note: The skaters helmet was not tightened securely which allowed it to slip back when he hit the floor exposing his eyebrow/forehead area.  There have been many times that I have seen my daughter fall and swear she smacked her face on the floor.  And me standing there knowing that she is going to get up off that floor with missing teeth.  Fortunately, every time the helmet has saved her from any marks on her beautiful face.  So just as a reminder it is very important to always double check your equipment and make sure to wear it properly.

Wheelie Crazy

Well, here I am a wheelie crazy Mom, one of a thousand people that are starting their own blog today.  Computer literate?  I would like to think so, though as I dig through the information out there (on the internet) I feel more and more illiterate.  So, a little about myself and my family.  We live in Leo, IN, a small town outside of Ft Wayne, IN.  My husband and I (high school sweethearts, awww) grew up here and have now returned to our homeland (Brrrrr!!!) after his service of over 21 years in the USAF! We have two beautiful children, Devin, 20 and Mikayla, 13.  They both compete in inline speed skating and have for the last 2 ½ years.  What a sport!  I have to say, we have been involved in soccer, basketball, and inline hockey.  And the camaraderie and sense of family when you go to a speed skating meet does not compare to any other sport.  I love this sport.  So much so that I have finally put on a pair of inlines myself.  So what that I can’t go any faster than a 20 second lap, but, I am determined to do this.  Though I have to say, I would not have tried it at all if it was not for the support of the other skaters, parents on the team and Coach Brian, Team Roller Dome.  Practice is hard, but, if you love to go fast this is the sport for you.  I hope to continue this blog to get as much attention as possible to this silent sport.  Everyone knows what ice speed skating is, but very few have heard of inline speed skating.  As a side note most ice speed skaters got their start on inline skates and transitioned over.  These kids work hard skating 18 – 20 miles a practice, in addition to training and conditioning off the rink floor.  So I am creating this blog to get the word out about how awesome this sport is!