(02-11-2020) THE ULTIMATE GAME ** DR-KNOW : Todd Wheatley

By: Todd Wheatley

For me, rain and time walk hand-in-hand. Now, as in many times past, a significant number of rain days has slowed drilling operations (my day job). While seasonally atypical it's not out of the ordinary. The decrease in jobs over the winter months is very typical, but more alarming than a rain slowdown. Coupled together it means excessive personal time for reflection and my varied interests.

Many people find the uncertain work volume unnerving. Though for me it's just the opposite. I enjoy the abundance of (unscheduled) free time. On one hand it forces an evaluation of priorities while providing ample time to complete unfinished works. Ultimately it means participation in THE ULTIMATE GAME ... in other words, time for mixed martial arts, advancing my aviation skills, computer programming, writing, information research, and more ... everything I need ... to win "the game".

Despite the juvenile connotations, I see my life a bit like the remake of the movie "Jumanji" (2017) ... with one major difference ... I get to choose and build the "traits" of my "avatar". Unfortunately I never had the "smolder" trait of Dr. Bravestone and my fear of heights is a definite weakness. But any additional free time allows me to build STRENGTH, STAMINA, AGILITY, INTELLIGENCE, and more ... again, everything I need to win "the game". Consequently those who take this path never really stop playing. Even in the absence of free time.

So despite the repeated "game" reference, it's more than that. It's a serious endeavor and part of my personality. It's who I am. An identity shaped over years and like all things personal, subject to change from time to time. The most recent change resulted from watching TV and the start of the presidential primary.

If you've read the first article in this series, "Advocate For The People", you know I have entertained the thought of a presidential run. This series, which I have dubbed "THE ULTIMATE GAME", is my public recognition of that long running mental preparation. This, however, is NOT a formal declaration of candidacy. It's a public acknowledgement of my participation in "THE ULTIMATE GAME". While it's likely very few know what that means over time I suspect more people will want to "play". While the rules of the "game" remain the same this article imagines a new outcome.

For those who haven't followed ... there were a number of connections that prompted this series. The most prominent may be familiar with most Americans: the TV series, "The Game of Thrones". It's ironic that my perspective would change after watching "The Game of Thrones" (Jan.2020) finale since the idea to start the ULTIMATE GAME articles came just before the start of final season (Apr.2019). At this writing it's been almost two years since HBO launched Season 8.

Three days ago Marie & I finished the entire series from episode 1, season 1 straight though to the last episode of season 8. Given our busy schedule and moderated TV habits it took about a month to complete. As usual, Marie & I waited until the DVD was available to add to our 4000+ collection. Then just as we have done with every great series we watched the entire series from beginning (S1,E1) to end.

Perhaps you've read posts regarding our proclivity to collect the best movies and TV series. Now more than three decades in the making. We were instant fans of "The Game of Thrones" and started collecting from the first season. By the 8th season the DVD was a must have. Marie and I caught highlights online in addition to my step daughters acting as spoilers. Still we were excited to finally watch the end of the series and purchased the final season just after the new year (2020).

After watching "The Game of Thrones" and the start of another presidential primary, I changed my outlook towards winning THE ULTIMATE GAME. I no longer see advancing to "high office" (aka "The Game of Thrones") as I once imagined. Now I'm leaning more towards winning THE GAME OF LIFE even though that realization has always been at the back of my mind. Fortunately I can win both "the game of thrones" and "the game of life" given the proper circumstances.

That said, I'm writing today after watching the movie "Nerve". Obviously it's far less epic than "The Game of Thrones", but it's about a game to be won or loss ... IF PLAYED. In the movie "Nerve" the rules for "players" are very specific and must be followed without deviation. "Watchers", on the other hand, control the game. They decide who is worthy.

Today my second viewing of "Nerve" sent me back to my youth. It became obvious that I had pushed the "PLAYER" tab around the age of 13 and never looked back. Given my 4000+ movie collection it could be argued that I'm as much a "WATCHER" as a "PLAYER", but the vast majority of my "watching" time has been multi-tasked with software development or building my website. Now, however, the longevity of my efforts seems to have landed me in the third "Nerve" category: "PRISONER".

Something like drawing the Monopoly card that says "go directly to jail - do not pass GO ; DO NOT collect $200"! So with nothing to do and nowhere to go I'm stuck without a "Get out jail FREE" card in this non-stop, non-paying, pointless pursuit ... I opted to participate in THE ULTIMATE GAME rather than seek more lucrative employment; A job that pays. Something of status to afford a house ... and a car ... with some left for retirement.

Mostly the lack of work is causing financial distress ... distress that produces doubt ... and doubt that forces an evaluation of priorities ... It's going to take time to get happy ... This feeling goes way deeper and extends into my spiritual life, but that's a topic for another day :-(

(edited 2-14-20; 2-15-20; pic problem 12-31-20)

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(addendum 04-09-21) Shortly after this was written the Covid pandemic became a global phenomena. It looked like the apocalypse was upon us. The early days of the Covid pandemic deepened the financial pinch I mentioned in this article. Inexplicably the broader economy rebounded and my financial trouble eased. The new house was refinanced to a lower monthly rate, but I'm still at odds towards the disposition of my 20 year old Ford Explorer. On the plus side the pandemic isolation and lack of options forced me to put all my effort into landscaping. Hour upon hours of physical labor got the endorphins flowing. Enough that I'm finally approaching happiness. The spiritual trouble always starts when I take up writing "Dirty Nasty Hell..." which I stopped after getting the disease. Completion of that book would enhance my "game" standing, but considering the trouble ... may be never.

Also in specific reference to this post, adding "images" to this website is still giving me fits. Moving from simple HTML programming into CSS offers a advanced "cleaner" web page, but also adds considerable planning and effort. Right now I'm just looking for the code to make it work.