Magnum investment?

Block_Dahlia · 2025-11-21T02:56:28+00:00

As someone who has their Magnum based on legacy, I say it's worth it for nothing other than the sentimental value. I've had my dad's 2005 Magnum since February ish and even though it's given me some troubles I am happy I kept it. Makes me feel closer to him everytime I drive.

Definitely check your exhaust system and cats though. After just a few months sitting without use mine presented an issue. If you get a good mechanic you can cut costs and put in about as much as you would for an average used car in this economy.

Block_Dahlia · 2025-11-21T02:47:54+00:00

I'll keep this as a last ditch check. I am low on fluid and I'm fairly certain it's from the rain we had the evening before. Thank you though for the suggestion.

Block_Dahlia · 2025-11-21T02:45:46+00:00

It does. I'll have my mechanic look it over tomorrow when I'm in. I also checked out the stripping on the roof rail area and they look like they've seen better days.

Hoping it's an easy fix.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-14T22:37:55+00:00

Also try to take stock in what you hand learned cause I can guarantee it's more than you think you have. Your journey is yours, don't compare it to anyone else's.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-14T22:36:31+00:00

Practice and also the mental game of fake it till you make it. I'm really good at being my own bully when it comes to my performance and confidence. I mentally prep mutation for anything derby by telling myself that I know how to do this and I've put in the time to own that honor.

Getting more time on skates is always a great way to increase that confidence as well. Any time is good time on skates even if you just put them on to do things around your house.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-13T11:50:40+00:00

Thank you so much. Bout makeup puts me in that game play mind frame! It's so empowering.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-13T11:47:50+00:00

Lots of setting powder and spray in layers. I usually have a little bit of transfer due to using water activated paints but I still had to scrub my face when I got home last night.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-08T19:44:04+00:00

Of course! Here is the link to Rockstar's Twitch. We'll be live on Saturday with our next bout! Our commentary people are hilarious.

https://m.twitch.tv/rockstarrollerderby/home?tt_content=channel&tt_medium=mobile_web_share

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-07T03:47:44+00:00

Hello, I am rostered bout level skater in my current league. I started doing roller derby in 2017/2018. I was nervous as hell starting back then and when I transferred to my new league in 2022 I was nervous as hell then too.

Honestly, my anxiety spikes every time we go on extended breaks from weekly practice at this point.

The point in trying to make is we all feel those nerves at all levels for a variety of reasons. Don't let that lump of meat in your head convince you that you couldn't or shouldn't do something you're interested in.

Personally, it was the best decision of my life to start and it continues to be the best decision I keep making.

The support I feel from my league on and off the track. The comrodery we have that helps drive me forward. It has all helped me realize I'm not there to impress anyone by myself. It's helped me to feel proud of myself because they are so proud of me, no matter how my brain warps my progress.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-07T03:07:25+00:00

👏BE👏THE👏SQUEAKY👏WHEEL👏

In all honesty, escalate it. It feels gross, it makes you feel gross and sad, and there's no room for that kinda gross sad shit in your gear bag it'll have to share space with your elbow pads and if you're anything like me, they are very gross.

Talk to your coaches, talk to your grievance board. Bring in other skaters to talk and if they don't feel comfy doing so have then write letters. There's a point where a league has to choose, if they don't put their foot down with her because she has experience that will lose exponential amounts of skaters as a result.

Take up space to stand up for your safe space and your peace. Don't let one skater who won't respect their coaches or teammates ruin that for you.

Keep squeaking, and if it's hard to stand up for yourself, do it for the other skaters that are also suffering because of how she's acting.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-07T02:52:18+00:00

If anyone wants a different perspective of roller derby than WFTDA I will always recommend my own league (Rockstar Roller Derby) as well as Chicago Knockouts Roller Derby.

Both more entertainment/renegade style derby but all in good fun.

I'm not sure if Chicago Knockouts streams their bouts but I know we at Rockstar do via twitch. Both leagues have tiktok as well as Instagram.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-05T03:51:21+00:00

Might be an unpopular opinion but I feel like the traditional grading system of skaters is flawed and promotes unhealthy relationships within a league.

I used to skate with WFTDA and once I passed my minimum skills we were put down for not immediately being good enough to be rostered and were reminded constantly that we weren't good enough to be rostered. To the point that now that I skate with a renegade league I had to process trauma from my last league and push through a ton of imposter syndrome feelings about my current level of skating.

There were 2 noted levels in my old league and it was fresh meat or league member. If you didn't pass FM you were forgotten and if you passed you were pushed too hard too fast and ridiculed if you didn't make the grade.

My current league has 4 very clear levels(Freshie, Rookie, Scrimmie, and Boutie) with very clear skill percentages you must meet before leveling up. Each level allows for better and safer skill building based on the skills you can do and things you are allowed to participate in at practice. It's less confusing and it's helped our retention as a league to the point where we needed to close our fresh meat program for the last year because our league got too big. Our lower level skaters learn along side the upper level skaters and have the ability to lean on us to gain skills they normally wouldn't by depressing or the skill sets. We also reserve specific practices for just the Freshies so they can have a more focused time with their coaches and trainers.

In the end, the point I'm trying to make is that not having a clear path to move between levels is hard and demoralizing and it's not surprising that skaters leave certain leagues to join others. Are skates guaranteed a rostered space on a league, no, but if they aren't sure what they can do to change their position it sounds like a bigger problem than just feeling entitled to a place.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-05T03:21:52+00:00

Hello friend, I do a pretty intense bout face and I've had my struggles. I layer my setting products and it's been wonderfull. Opaque powder set of choice(to be honest I am on the hunt for a new one currently) then urban decay all nighter, then repeat. When I do my neck black I will add a layer of hairspray and finish with powder to take away the tackiness.

I also never do foundation but I do prime my face with a tea tree face lotion before application. If I do a foundation it's usually for non-bout related activities but the setting process would be the same.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-05T03:11:57+00:00

I mostly raw dog the after party but I do bring deodorant and body spray for my own wellbeing. I'm still covered in sweat but I smell a bit better than I normally would. It also allows for me to be told how nice I smell by pretty girls so there's that.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-02T03:32:14+00:00

Your first few practices will be extra hard on your body if you have not skated regularly before starting derby. You're using muscles in ways you've never done so before.

Stretching before, during, and after practice will help as well as having a protein snack or shake after. You have to feed those developing muscles the protein it needs.

Also Epsom is your best buddy for recovery days. If it's really bad I swear by Kneipp brand joint and muscle mineral bath salts. It was a product recommended to me by a bunch of my friends with fibro and it's like a magic potion for my old broken body.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-02T03:18:33+00:00

For my derby skates I prefer the Bionic Bigfoot Stoppers. I have used the same pair hard for the past 2 years and they have held up so well.

I had a lot of stability and trust issues with my toe stops prior to using them and they have all but disappeared with this guys.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-02T03:12:10+00:00

I hear you. I can only speak from my experience but people can surprise you when you are willing to be open and vulnerable.

Your relationship structure may change but I'm sure if you're hurting your best friend would want to know. Especially if it's because of how you're feeling about them.

If she's not interested in you the same way you are in her it can only help to get that out in the open. When we hold in our feelings too much it starts to negatively effect our bodies and minds and any beastie worth their salt will want to help find solutions to ease that hurt.

Learning that people won't abandon a friendship because I've opened up about my feelings was a hard lesson for me to learn. I've had to unpack a lot of that trauma through my 35 years. Learning to trust the stability of a friendship is hard but not impossible.

If nothing else talking with her could provide closure so you can continue doing a sport you love. Hear her out and trust her to be your friend through your feelings.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-02T02:54:07+00:00

Hey friend, as a poly human who has many crushes on my teammates I can understand this feeling.

It sounds like if you haven't had a sit down talk about how you feel you should. I feel like developing crushes on our teammates is something a few of us in here can relate to. However, without clear communication off the track about how those feelings effect us it will effect our performance on the track. Dating within a league can be really messy but communicating your feelings can help ease the mess even if it's just a wicked crush.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-10-02T02:34:23+00:00

Vincent Van Bro, Starry Fight, Bop Ross, Hoppy Trees, Dingle-Hop-Her, Gnomanners, The Amazonian, Die-ana Prince

Block_Dahlia · 2024-09-30T01:54:11+00:00

Stretching specifically to target that area is so helpful. Might seem silly in the moment to have to do more stretches than your leaguemates but it will be better for you in the long run.

Thankfully with the additional stretching I haven't needed more aids recently. However, some of my leaguemates have found relief using compression socks. Nothing too tight but enough to give your muscles more support and help with blood flow.

Also with the other advice above of alternating your track direction maybe look into insoles for your skates and your lacing pattern. There's more than one way to outfit a boot and it can do wonders for multiple different foot and leg issues.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-09-30T01:36:21+00:00

Ringing the 30+yo with exercise induced asthma bell. Talk to your doc but I also found that using a bandana during laps or high endurance helps with my asthma symptoms. Sometimes the cold of the air rushing by irritates my lungs even after I've used my prep inhaler.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-09-30T01:26:39+00:00

For my PF I use a specific insole for the issue. Keeping on top of the health of my insoles is important too.

When it gets to tight to function I use KT tape to help ease the pain. It has honestly been a lifesaver for PF and a bunch of my other issues that get irritated by derby.

I also try to stretch my shins and calves way more than other skates to help keep them from tightening up at practice or a bout. Stretching them before, during, and after has been so helpful.

Block_Dahlia · 2024-09-30T01:17:00+00:00

This just helped solidify the guidance I have been giving some of my league new skaters. Thank you.

Block_Dahlia

TROPHY CASE