My introduction into the Houston skate scene came about rather interestingly around 4 years ago. About a year after the end of my 22-year marriage, I decided on a lark to put a profile on “match.com”. Along with a bunch of creepy dudes, I kept getting emails from this nice looking guy inviting me to join him on a “bar-hopping skate” in downtown Houston. The emails continued for a few weeks before I became brave enough to try it out. Scared to death to even drive downtown, I couldn’t imagine skating through the streets (especially as I didn’t know how to use my brake)! After arriving, looking around the bar & noticing all the black clothing, tattoos & piercings, I thought, “What the heck is this shy little white bread girl doing here amongst this group?” I soon learned that beneath the sometimes scary exteriors are some wonderfully interesting people. I had the best time. I was hooked!
The match.com guy kind of disappeared but through my new acquaintances I found the Tues night Inline Swine skate group. I have skated with this group for about 3 years now and have developed many new friendships. I even dragged my best bud Mark into the street skating world. At 63 he is one cranky guy but everyone loves having him around and even though he may protest, he loves it too. I am also the official “Watermelon Lady” of the Tues night skate.
So between the Tues night IS skate, the Thursday night killer speed skate (Thanks to Steve), and various weekly bar hopping skates, I am one heck of a busy girl. I never thought I’d see myself dressed up as a Lusty Barmaid Wench skating in a St. Patty’s day parade, a skating Genie in the Art Car Parade or a Zombie Bride for the Halloween skate. So out of my comfort zone! So much fun!
I was having such a great time that I left the suburbs behind and moved to a cute little place near downtown. Now I can skate or bike directly from my house to most places. Pretty convenient after some of the beer drinking skates.
I have a 22-year-old son Daniel, who I am sure thinks I am nuts after hearing of my crazy adventures. He even came to rescue our Thurs night group during a mid skate rainstorm. No need for a taxi when you’ve got a son handy. Just load up Mom & 5 or 6 sweaty guys into the SUV. Isn’t that normal?
By the way, this story continues on a happy note. The match.com guy that got me into skating is now my boyfriend of 20 months. Brock & I met up again on an “After Hurricane Ike Skate” and have been dating ever since. We are looking forward to sharing a wonderful European skate adventure with our old friends & meeting some new friends along the way. Thanks Steve for putting this all together. It will be a trip of a lifetime!
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