By: Todd Wheatley
A significant number of rain days has slowed the pace of my day job. More alarmingly, the
number of new jobs has slowed. As is typical with declining work I have more personal time for
my varied interests including the new home and playing THE ULTIMATE GAME. While I never really
stop playing, my perspective changes from time to time. Most recently as a result of some TV
viewing and the start of the presidential primary.
Three days ago Marie & I finished the entire series of "The Game of Thrones" 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. It's somewhat ironic that my perspective would change now that
the TV series is over since the idea to start the ULTIMATE GAME articles originated in
anticipation of the series finale of "The Game of Thrones" (March 2019).
Season 8 launched on HBO a month later (April 2019). Marie & I waited until the dvd was available
since we don't have cable, satellite, or internet TV. So we purchased it after the new year, added
it to our 4000+ collection, and started watching from the beginning. Given the rain, my extra "free
time", the start of the presidential primary, and the completion of "The Game of Thrones" I've
changed my outlook on THE ULTIMATE GAME.
It's NOT advancing to "high office" (aka "The Game of Thrones") as I once imagined. But winning at
THE GAME OF LIFE. Fortunately I can still win at both with the right circumstances.
I'm writing today after watching the movie "Nerve" and find a similar thread in my thinking. I
realize I had pushed the "PLAYER" tab around the age of 13 and never looked back. Consequently I
have never been a "WATCHER". Though recently it seems I have landed in the third category:
"PRISONER".
Right now if this were the old board game of Monopoly, I have drawn the card that says "go directly
to jail - do not pass GO ; DO NOT collect $200"! It also seems that I have no "Get out jail FREE"
card. It's going to take some time to get happy again ... plainly spoke for those who do not
understand my cryptic references - lack of work is causing some financial distress that is forcing
a re-evaluation of my priorities in LIFE :-(
(edited 2-14-20; 2-15-20; pic problem 12-31-20)
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