Noun: A noisy argument or disagreement, esp. in public.
Many people who meet me for the first time think I'm a bit quiet. And at first, I am. I used to be more sociable when I was younger, as most kids are. And while I'm still pretty outgoing, I'm a bit more reserved than when I was a kid. But not by much.
Raised by great parents who taught my younger sister and I right from wrong and enforced rules to keep us grounded in reality (mostly), I still had to push some buttons. And try to have the last word. My husband can attest to the fact that I'm still that way. Yes, I'm stubborn. Sometimes I want to try something and see for myself that it didn't work out, rather than just take someone's word for it. But then I'll admit I'm wrong and get over it. Contrary to what some people may think, I do forgive and forget. But sometimes I have trouble picking my battles. One thing's for sure, I will fight tooth and nail to defend my family.
I'm at a point in my life where I'm figuring out where I want to go, and what I want to do. Most people do this while in college, but after graduating with a graphic arts degree and finding no interships or entry-level positions, I finally took a job in the customer service field. It wasn't my dream job, or even what I want to do for the rest of my life, but it was a steady job and I am good at it. I still illustrate on the side when life doesn't get in the way.
I had dated my husband my last two years in college and we got married shortly after I graduated. I was enjoying married life, and all of our 'firsts' together - like living together, buying our first house, restoring a classic camaro (first for me, not my hubby - he is a long time gear head among other talents). A few years after that, we had our son who is now four. I like to credit him for bringing my creative spark back. One of the best things about having a kid, is you get to see the world through their eyes and become a kid again yourself. Imagination is a wonderful thing.
I found roller derby in October 2010 thanks to my sister, and will shamelessly say I'm obsessed with it. No really, ask my husband and watch how he rolls his eyes. Fun knee high socks, alter egos and being part of something both fun and amazing? I was instantly hooked. Besides, where else can you dress up in fishnets and hit girls for fun? Wait, don't answer that.
But thanks to derby, AlterKATEtion was born. A play on words with my own name, (you wouldn't believe all of the names that are on the international registry already!) I found an outlet to open up and make new friends, relieve stress, make working out fun, and give me more confidence. I'm astonished at my progress so far, the last time I had been on roller skates was when I was in Junior High. Now I can do all sorts of fun stuff, but I still have a long way to go. I'm also amazed at some of the women I've met - there are some pretty remarkable ladies in this sport.
Now this is where you come in. I created this blog to figure things out, brag about my family, post some of my illustrations and when life gets too stressful, yell out loud. Because everyone has an AlterKATEtion inside, screaming to get out.
