Whack-a-Mole, my gift... my curse.
Ok, I admit it.
I have a slight addiction to Whack-a-Mole.
Every trip to Canada's Wonderland or any other park included a mandatory trip to Whack-a-Mole. For some reason, I've always seemed to kick ass at this game, putting little 8 year old kids to shame with my lightning fast reflexes, making them cry when I walk away with my stuffed animal or novelty sized hammer/sword/etc. I had to start giving away my prizes at Wonderland since I my 'trophy case' at home was already full of booty. (There's actually a cute story there, but it'll have to wait.)
Before yesterday, my last performance was at Wonderland against my brother and his wife. I was talking smack the entire time leading up to the big moment... then I proceeded to get my ass handed to me by my diminutive sister-in-law. She won she pirate-themed Spongebob Squarepants that I wanted so desperately. I immediately challenged her to a rematch... and lost AGAIN. This time, she walked away with the pirate-themed Patrick (Spongebob's buddy). Needless to say, I was shaken.. bewildered.. in disbelief.
My sister-in-law to this day still reminds me how much she 'loves Whack-a-Mole now', waving Spongebob and Patrick in my face. I've been living with a lot of self-doubt since then, wondering if my own hype was just that. Did I really have the skills to dominate this game?
Enter the Carp Fair yesterday. As soon as I was on the grounds, I saw the Whack-a-Mole game. It felt like it was taunting me. I wasn't going to play, but near the end of the day Jade looked up at me and gave me that "Daddy, I believe in you. I also want another stuffty. Go play Whack-a-Mole!" look. (I'm sure you're all familiar with that look.) Who am I not to listen to my little girl?
I walked up to the packed game, looked the Whack-a-Mole guy in the eye and declared "I'm in", handing him my Twoonie. I cautiously sized up my competition: a tough looking mix of adults and 8 year old girls. It wasn't going to be easy. I zoned in as the guy counted down "Three... two.. one... whack!"
I was suddenly thrown for a loop. The moles were not coming up fast and furious. Instead, it was a slow game unlike any I encountered before! I adjusted my strategy on the fly now clutching the mallet furiously, the suspense between each mole almost unbearable. Time seemed to slow down, since it felt like I'd been playing for hours.
All of a sudden, a siren sounded. The game was over, someone had reached 150 points. With a mix of fear and exhultation, I looked up above the board..... to see my siren flashing!!!!!
I had done it! The 'Mole Guy' came over to me, carrying both my prize and a look of envy. I held my stuffed lion high in the air for all to see.. basking in the glory of the moment.
Amongst all the excitement, I heard Jade ask: "Can I have it?" I proudly handed her the lion, which she hugged fiercely.
And seeing that made me happier than winning any silly game.
I have a slight addiction to Whack-a-Mole.
Every trip to Canada's Wonderland or any other park included a mandatory trip to Whack-a-Mole. For some reason, I've always seemed to kick ass at this game, putting little 8 year old kids to shame with my lightning fast reflexes, making them cry when I walk away with my stuffed animal or novelty sized hammer/sword/etc. I had to start giving away my prizes at Wonderland since I my 'trophy case' at home was already full of booty. (There's actually a cute story there, but it'll have to wait.)
Before yesterday, my last performance was at Wonderland against my brother and his wife. I was talking smack the entire time leading up to the big moment... then I proceeded to get my ass handed to me by my diminutive sister-in-law. She won she pirate-themed Spongebob Squarepants that I wanted so desperately. I immediately challenged her to a rematch... and lost AGAIN. This time, she walked away with the pirate-themed Patrick (Spongebob's buddy). Needless to say, I was shaken.. bewildered.. in disbelief.
My sister-in-law to this day still reminds me how much she 'loves Whack-a-Mole now', waving Spongebob and Patrick in my face. I've been living with a lot of self-doubt since then, wondering if my own hype was just that. Did I really have the skills to dominate this game?
Enter the Carp Fair yesterday. As soon as I was on the grounds, I saw the Whack-a-Mole game. It felt like it was taunting me. I wasn't going to play, but near the end of the day Jade looked up at me and gave me that "Daddy, I believe in you. I also want another stuffty. Go play Whack-a-Mole!" look. (I'm sure you're all familiar with that look.) Who am I not to listen to my little girl?
I walked up to the packed game, looked the Whack-a-Mole guy in the eye and declared "I'm in", handing him my Twoonie. I cautiously sized up my competition: a tough looking mix of adults and 8 year old girls. It wasn't going to be easy. I zoned in as the guy counted down "Three... two.. one... whack!"
I was suddenly thrown for a loop. The moles were not coming up fast and furious. Instead, it was a slow game unlike any I encountered before! I adjusted my strategy on the fly now clutching the mallet furiously, the suspense between each mole almost unbearable. Time seemed to slow down, since it felt like I'd been playing for hours.
All of a sudden, a siren sounded. The game was over, someone had reached 150 points. With a mix of fear and exhultation, I looked up above the board..... to see my siren flashing!!!!!
I had done it! The 'Mole Guy' came over to me, carrying both my prize and a look of envy. I held my stuffed lion high in the air for all to see.. basking in the glory of the moment.
Amongst all the excitement, I heard Jade ask: "Can I have it?" I proudly handed her the lion, which she hugged fiercely.
And seeing that made me happier than winning any silly game.
5 Comments:
DUDE!
Whack a mole is MY game!!!
I challenge you to a duel. I moley duel!!! You're going DOWN EMILY!
The time: Next Summer
The place: Canada's Wonderland
The event: Whack-off 2007
Order now, on Pay-per-View.
Sara, don't sing it. BRING it.
Did you take a close look at your opponents? Did you notice the nametags and the fact they were all roped together? Yes, you barged in on the "special needs" childrens field day to the fair. The game operators specially modified the game so the poor kids would have a chance - that is why it was so slow! The prizes had been donated by the Make a Wish foundation... one of which you now have while some poor child has to do without.
Dude, what's next - karate vs. three year olds??
Never mind the others Henly...I challenge you to a duel of the whack-a-gator game at the Midway here in Ottawa. I've named the place, you just name the time!
Dear Anon,
If I ever wanted to pick on someone with "special needs", I'd just come visit you.
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