Skating update + Handmade Arcade

In my last post, I spent a lot of time analyzing my goals for skating. As often turns out to be the case when I overthink things, the situation resolved itself, though not in the most favorable way. It may have been skating, or it may just be my lifelong crappy posture, but not long after the roller derby bootcamp, my initial soreness went away and constant back spasms took its place. My neck, shoulder blades, and upper back were in non-stop pain; TMJ symptoms (another chronic issue) came back with a vengeance, and I got daily headaches that felt like a burning sensation at the back of my head. After the pain caused a full week of insomnia, I saw my doctor. Turns out, I'd injured my trapezius, a huge muscle that -- you guessed it! -- runs across the shoulder blades and from the base of the skull to the mid-back. All my problems could be traced to this issue. I was prescribed a heavy-duty anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxers, which knocked me out for the majority of a weekend -- the very weekend of roller derby tryouts.

You know where this is headed, right? I didn't try out. And I don't feel any regrets. A month later, I'm still dealing with the repurcussions of this strained muscle, going to PT twice a week, and still not feeling up to much physical activity. There's no way I could've tried out and made it -- and if I had, I would be in such excruciating pain, it's doubtful I would've stuck with it for long. But still... I feel a void. I really miss skating. I even dream about it occasionally (last night's dream involved tracking down someone who stole my wheels -- and trying on replacement teeth?!) I'm hoping I make enough progress with my therapy to get in a couple outdoor skating sessions this summer, at the very least.

I felt like an update on the skating was due, since I left everything hanging last time (I'm big on closure.) But I really wanted to write today about how I've been passing the time without skating -- namely, promoting & preparing for Handmade Arcade.

Since 2006, I've been a vendor at HA, and since 2009, I've been an organizer of the event. The spring show will be the biggest and best Handmade Arcade yet! 120+ vendors will fill Hall D at the David L Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The show runs from 11 am to 7 pm. An Early Birdie Pass (available for $15) grants you access to a less-crowded shopping experience. Early Birdies get first dibs on amazing handmade items from 10 - 11 am; only 200 Early Birdie passes will be sold, so get yours today! This year we also have an impressive roster of live craft demonstrations and make-and-take activities in the Hands On Handmade area. And of course, disCARDS will be there, selling the usual (cards, stickers, jewelry), plus a few surprises. Hope to see you there!