It took two weeks, but THE BOX finally arrived Monday. 

In it were my skates, two sets of wheels - one for pavement and one for the rink, two sets of ball bearings, tools to adjust the skates and change out the wheels and bearings, a helmet, wrist, knee and elbow guards, and other skate supplies like specialized oil.   Final price tag:  $600.00 which included shipping.

I ordered from an online business run by two Las Vegas roller girls.  One of the owners got on the phone with me and helped me pick the right skates and other equipment.  She had me pull out a measuring tape for correct sizing and discussed leather versus man made and the relative benefit of steel shanks versus high tech polymers.  What she had to say about the ball bearings and the different types of wheels was so beyond me that I relied on her expertise in picking what I needed at my beginner level.   She even knocked money off the price since I was buying everything all at once.  Even so, $600 hundred dollars is a car payment and I had to resolve not to eat out for the next two months before spending that kind of money.

I still need a mouth guard and have made an appointment with the dentist to get one made up.   Not sure what that will cost.

Insurance wise, I went over my policy and made sure it would cover derby.  I got that in writing.  Then I changed the coverage ratios so that I would be responsible for less of the cost if something happened.  Yes, that means I am paying more per month and yes, I am lucky to have insurance that allows this flexibility.  But I am paying for it.   Once I start with the league, I will also get a special derby policy that is required for membership.

So I am committed.  I've gone all in.  Last night was my first on skates in over twenty years and I'll write about that soon.