Getting to know you....getting to know all about you (2019 edition)

That's more or less how I count them. Airport layovers definitely do not count - although I've been in the Amsterdam airport so many times I feel like maybe after the 10th trip it counts, LOL - just kidding.

I did count the state of Washington, because I spent the weekend in Portland, and I drove over the border to Vancouver, WA. I spent about an hour waking around downtown, stopping in a few shops, etc. Then I had lunch and left. That might be borderline.

And I also agree that if you drive through a good chunck of the state, it counts. Some might argue, but that's how I see it too.

I feel the same way about Germany -- I've been through Frankfort so many times...a few years ago, it looked like we were going to have to stay overnight in the airport and I updated my personal rule set from "must leave the airport to count it" to "unless you end up sleeping in said airport". Fortunately, they got us out and that did not get counted.

I gotta get North Dakota.

Not missing too much in Oklahoma. I miss the wide open sky.

48 states for me, Em. I went to Oklahoma for a football game. North Dakota and Mississippi are my two states left.

Hi friends, I'm Julie, and I'm trying really hard to get back into the boards and back on track after some time away.

1.) If my profile picture didn't make it obvious, I play roller derby! Basically, it's full-contact racing on eight wheels, and it's AWESOME. While derby is a really size-positive sport, there's no way I could have had the energy or strength to do this at 300lb.

I'm not the strongest skater out there (yet), but what I lack in skill I make up for enthusiasm. Obligatory pre-practice selfie from yesterday's scrimmage:

2. I'm definitely looking for more accountability on the forums. Last year, I gained 20lb after changing up my meds for bipolar and slipping into bad habits. I want to lose that weight, plus the weight I gained after having my son... 3 years ago. While I'm definitely still better off than I was pre-VSG, I want to get back to a healthier place!

I love your roller-derby! I think it sounds so fun (but so intimidating!). You rock!

That is so amazing! What a unique way to get physical activity. They had women's leagues in Alaska but I have never lived anywhere else that the sport was SO huge, how did you get involved in it?

I've got a friend from college who lives in Portland and skates for the Rose City Rollers-- they're the #2 ranked team in the world! She posted skate pictures on Facebook and I always thought she looked like a total badass, so I decided to see if my city had a team. Turns out that Tucson has the 3rd oldest women's derby league in the country!

Derby has really exploded in popularity over the past several years, so pretty much every major city has a big league, and there are lots of smaller teams all over as well :)

As always, you inspire me, so so much, J !!!!

Julie, you are amazing!