5 Things I Learned at Practice This Week

1. Get up and skate. If you're injured, but aren't bleeding profusely or seeing double, get up and keep skating. Even if you do a face plant into the floor. (This goes double if you face plant as a result of tripping your own ass.) This might even earn you the compliment of "tough chick" (probably the first time I've ever been called that).

   However, if you're actually injured badly, you might end up labeled as "skatarded" (at least by me) if you try to act all badass. There's a fine line between tough and crazy.

2. Don't have expectations. You can work your ass off, but you're never guaranteed a spot on the roster. And regardless of what happens in the meantime, the roster isn't going to change. So don't even try.
3. Use negative emotions in a positive manner. I'm now more determined than ever to make the roster. I see where I've been and where I am now and I'm pleased with the progress, but now it's time to take things to the next level.  I see where I need to be and what needs to be worked on in the next few practices.

   By transforming any emotions of anger and inadequacy into energy, I can focus better at practice. (Plus, it never pays to be bitchy and catty. Eventually you have to work together.)

4. Stick your butt out. It makes everything easier.
5. Practicing in the basement is not a bad idea. It's just potentially dangerous. The operative word is "potentially", which generally means that I don't care.