"Roller derby is too dangerous!"

Age 14. Where am I in this picture? Hint: Right next to Aaron Mutchie.

Age 17. Jumped off the back of this Bronco while it was moving. My tough-guy friends laughed.
Then they were sickened by all the blood and wouldn't help me wipe it off. (I know, Mom, I said I just fell on the gravel. I know you didn't believe me, but I didn't want you to worry.)

Age 18. Climbed into this closet and was stuck about 15 minutes while my friends pointed and laughed. Much photo evidence of this nature - climbing into small spaces and getting stuck.

Age 19. I used to ride my bike a lot. My favorite was riding over rocks and sticks and curbs and slanted surfaces to see how much air I could get. (This, with like a $10 yard sale bike.) A little too ambitious this day, but I did ride another 3 miles or so back into town after busting my face.

Ages 16, 18, and 20. Ran marathons.

Age 20. Swam across this river to climb into a cave on the other side, in March, while camping. It had snowed the night before.

Age 21. Climbed cell phone tower in winter in Minnesota without gloves.

Now, someone tell me that roller derby is too dangerous and that I'm going to seriously hurt myself. I'll take that (much more) calculated risk.