What ever happened to roller derby?

As many of you remember, when I first arrived in Japan I participated in roller derby. I have been asked several times if I still participate and the answer is "not actively."

Why?

I simply don't have the time. As many of you may know, my husband is on shore duty here in Japan. It means for the first time in our seven years of marriage I get to have him home every night of the week. In 2009 (our last year in San Diego), he was gone a total of 350 days for deployments. Due to the nature and type of craft he was on, his schedule was extremely demanding. When he was home, he was often too tired to go out or do anything but melt into the couch and sleep. Finally I get to know what it's like to have a husband at home every night. In one year, he'll return back to sea duty and I'll go another four years (or more) without seeing much of him. I am very much cherishing the time we have together in Japan.We spend every weekend together being a couple, going to the movies, skiing, snowboarding, and making memories. It's been pretty awesome.

Don't get me wrong, if he was on sea duty in Japan I'd be doing roller derby every day they'd let me. I loved it, I loved the people, and I loved my team. The team here is a wonderful, positive group of women (and men) who have really contributed to the growth of roller derby in Japan. I will continue to support them in any non-skating manner I can.

I encourage everyone out there who wants to try it to go for it. The team is helpful, inviting, and I have many wonderful friends I met through our mutual interest in roller derby. I wish the team nothing but the best in the future and you'll see me as an NSO or a spectator in future bouts!