I’m likin’ how this Word Press blog works. I decided it’s time to consolodate my two existing blogspot accounts for one blog that encompasses everything. I’m thinking of it as an on-line magazine. I wanna talk about books, music, fashion, the mind, spirituality, body image, self-esteem and one of my favorite things right now: LA Derby Doll roller derby.
I just returned from the bout vs. San Diego Derby Dolls and the energy in the room was electrifying to say the least. I am hoarse. A couple of times I had to put my finger in my ear because the shrill of screams and whistles was vibrating my ear hairs 
I am gonna post some pictures later from the game. Ira, age 92 was there. She is a big supporter of the Dolls. Krissy Krash’s grandma came in her wheel chair and I’m pretty sure rinkrat got a photo of Myna Threat’s mom and grandma shopping in vendor village.
What I love about Derby is how “real” it feels. Even though everyone is playing somewhat of a persona with their made-up derby names and all, I sense that their personas are more real than the face they wear at their “day job.”
I skate with the Derby Dolls during Fresh Meat practice. I chose the skate name Gal VanIZed. I loved the idea of having a name that said “I’m a woman, I’m proud to be a woman and I am strong.” I swear, having the name has changed me. But it didn’t make me something I wasn’t, It made me more of who I am.
My name was also inspired by the song Galvanize by the Chemical Brothers.
Here are the lyrics:
don’t hold back…
’cause you woke up in the mornin’, with initiative to move, so why make it harder…
don’t hold back…
if you think about it, so many people do, be cool man, look smarter….
don’t hold back…
and you shouldn’t even care, ’bout those noses in the air, and their crooked stares…
don’t hold back…
’cause there’s a party over here, so you might as well be here, where the people care…
don’t hold back…
the world, is holdin back…
the time has come to…
the world, is holdin back…
the time has come to…
the world, is holdin back…
the time has come to…
galvanize!
c’mon, c’mon c’mon….
don’t hold back…
if you think about it too much, you may stumble, trip up, fall on your face…
don’t hold back…
we think it’s time you get up, crunch time, like a sit up, come on keep pace…
don’t hold back…
put apprehension on the back burner, let it sit, dont even get it lit…
don’t hold back…
get involved with the jam, don’t be a prick, hot chick, be a pick….
don’t hold back…
the world, is holdin’ back…
the time has come to…
the world, is holdin’ back…
the time has come to…
the world, is holdin’ back…
the time has come to…
galvanize!
c’mon, c’mon c’mon….
world, the time has come to…
push the button…
world, the time has come to…
push the button…
world, the time has come to…
push the button…
world, my finger, is on the button…
my finger, is on the button…
my finger, is on the button…
push the button…
the time has come to…
galvanize!
I told my husband the first time I heard this song: “This is my anthem.” One of the coolest things about it is that Q-tip drops the rhymes. The words are set to a hip hop, indian/tribal theme that evokes a feeling of unity and world peace.
Here’s the video. I had to watch it a couple of times before I realized the symbolism and hidden meanings in the make up choices and coreography.
I wrote to the Chemical Brothers and told them about why I chose my name and asked if they would send a Chemical Brothers sticker or ideally a Galvanize sticker. They did something very cool: they sent a pack of “Push The Button” stickers. I put one on the front and one on the back of my helmet. Here’s a picture here. If any of the Dolls want one, let me know.
Tags: authenticity, chemical brothers, la derby dolls, music lyrics, self-esteem
That is an awesome story. I’d LOVE one of those stickers.
I have not met you, but have seen you about.
I am a fresh meater to the nth degree.
Love the blog! Love the lyrics, and wish I had a sticker…the words are very powerful. I love it when music really touches our lives.
My favorite part of your blog is where you say that our derby ‘personas’ are probably more of who we really are than our faces at our day jobs. You couldn’t be more accurate, sister! I love my day job, but I live for derby! You’re an amazing addition to the league and derby community. We’re so very fortunate to have you. Keep rollin’! LA Derby Dolls 4 life!
Aileen, be sure to introduce yourself to me next time we see each other.
Jenna, thank you so much for your comment and for “getting it.” You are amazingly dedicated to the Derby Dolls. I admire you for that.
To both of you, or anyone else reading, I’ll keep the stickers in my skate bag so I can give you one next time we see each other. If you want to e-mail me privately, I can send you stickers in the mail.
yes! i’d like a sticker! thank you for your presence and your words, especially these: “it didn’t make me something I wasn’t, It made me more of who I am.”
truer words have never been uttered.
xoxox
You must inspire any woman who knows you to do more with their life… I know you inspire me! Thanks homegirl…
Thanks AC to the PD. I know you know I LOVE HipHopPhilosophy.com Keep spinning the cool discs!
Hey Sheri!
Love the new blog! It’s so cool you are combining both your passions in one place, and they certainly go together!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, and we absolutely should collaborate on No Diet Day next year, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before!
Talk to you soon!
Gillian
[...] To read the lyrics and listen to the song Galvanize, go here. [...]
[...] with the Fresh Meat of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls. To see why I chose my skate name: Gal VanIZed, read my welcome post. I may have found out about roller derby a little too late in life to be competitive but I plan to [...]