Life is tough. And at times, seeing life play out on a board game can be even more difficult.
Insert college story.
The setting: We’re playing “Life,” because this is what you do at tech schools. You drink alcohol and play board games and you like it. Three of us are in classes together. The 4th player (let’s call her Rachele) is currently going down the “I don’t need college because I make more money waiting on tables” route. We’re all between 20-25. Nobody is exactly ready for success judgment day (a.k.a. the 10 year reunion) just yet.
As you are likely aware, the first major decision in the “Life” board game is between taking out loans for college or skipping college to start making that paper. This of course plays a role in which profession you will later land.
Eerily similar to real life, right? Kudos to the game creators.
Personally, I enjoy skipping college and becoming a rock star when I play “Life.” I usually end up living in a tent and driving around six babies. But I play for entertainment, not life advice. So if I am amused, I win.
However, in this particular game, Rachele chooses “no college” as well.
Coincidence? Whatever.
Well, then she starts landing on things that are expensive, picks a bad house. Her damn blue and pink kids are costing all kinds of money. She’s broke.
Suddenly “Life” is two steps ahead of life. The board game decisions are lining up parallel to her real life decisions.
We’re all like, “Hahhaha. Another kid. GEEZ. I suck! But your split level house looks like a piece o’ shit!”
She’s all like, “Oh my god, oh no. No! This is real. Ahh!! F*ck you Warner Bros! This is crap!!!”
And then we’re short two people.
The board game is on indefinite pause until the eerie similarities can be explained away by Rachele’s boyfriend. During the pause, the successful people quietly discuss who should buy the next 12-pack of Natural Light.
“Not it!” I declare while quietly placing my index finger on the side of my nose. “I bought the last one and now my checking account only has $3 in it ‘til my parents send next month’s rent money. I’ll set up the beer pong cups though.”
P.S. Check out my participation in the Interviews with Up and Coming Bloggers over at The Skool of Life today. Had a great conversation about blogging, Hugh MacLeod, Twitter and mcuh more.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I used to love this game when I was a kid. I guess playing it t could be a metaphor for real life. Funny post.
Thanks Srini! I was more of a Trouble fan… but in college I developed more of an interest in Life.. and becoming a rock star while drinking Natural Light.
I enjoyed your post except for the ending. I thank Srin for the cab ride here. However, you left me wanting more! I wanted someone to turn the damn table over or something exciting. Seriously I felt it sorta ended….w/out and ending. Guess I was expecting too much. I’ll be back for more though don’t worry.
Lee
Ahh Lee, the end of that post would have been so much easier if that chick had gotten all “Real Housewives of New Jersey” with it. But no luck! You know, I looked at that post for a few minutes and wondered if it needed something more.. good call! Please do come back, I’ll deliver a better ending next time, I promise.