Afterglow 2010 - Day 6 Thursday

I've previously mentioned that the Kurutz/Reck/McKissick clan makes up a good majority of Afterglow, so it's almost a certainty that teams from those families will square off against each other in competitively sanctioned events. But when my Mom and I faced off against Dale and Carol we had the crowd on our side, because I'm pretty sure that Kevin and Gary rooted against their parents. That's how they roll.

For the past 4 years or so my Mom Kris has been my horseshoes partner because she's probably the most responsible person at Afterglow. So I can count on her to carry the team to victory. I manage to drop down a couple of points along the way but I mostly ride her coattails, much like I've been doing for my whole life. While I am distracted by sombrero or my drink in hand while I play, Mom is focused on technique, strategy and winning the prize. If only I put down the drink and started paying attention to her, I wouldn't be stuck working for the man in a dead-end job.

I'm all for group or team shots, but if you've seen one you've seen them all because people always do the same thing in them. Which is why I take a page out of Timmy's book and do something goofy or random. While I certainly separate myself from the pack, no one can do it quite like Timmy. I bet you probably didn't even notice him at first in the center of the background. And now your eyes will always focus there. Timmy was the master at this art, and I am grateful to be his apprentice. Although I doubt I will ever perfect it quite like him. It's just not possible.

After beating Dale and Carol in the semi-finals we advanced to the Championship game. That's when we ran into some familiar foes that Mom and I had known since they were born - my cousins Stacy and Tommy. Although as 2 time champions we had the experience and knowledge they possessed something that cannot be ignored - youthful exuberance and unintentional randomness. They could win based solely on the fact that they wanted it more because they'd never been there. Or sometimes beginner's luck just comes into play. Whatever it was, it would factor in.

I'm sure that Tommy and Stacy have won Afterglow's Athlete of the Week because every damn kid up there has won it except for me. Even people like Faith and Beege have hoisted the medal above their heads and rubbed it in my face. I'll admit I'm not the most active one up there, but how does every kid in the history of our week win that shit and I get left outside shivering in the cold? It's just not fair. Damn kids. And speaking of kids, those damn kids Tommy and Stacy annihilated Mom and I  and easily won the Horseshoe Championship. So much for this being a game for old timers, right? I was a little upset at first after being saddled with defeat, but at least the Blue Ribbon and photo card stays in the family.

Home