Kitchen cat

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Our sweet basement cat has been venturing out into the kitchen, exploring and expanding her territory. She even comes into the room while I’m sitting, watching me carefully and occasionally coming over to let me pet her. She still runs for cover every time company shows up, so guests may never know I even have a cat!

I had a few friends over for Sunday morning mahjong with my new, fancy set, christening it with skilled players I knew would enjoy it as much as I do. They all arrived with breakfast treats and pockets full of change for our games. I’d scurried around the house earlier, trying to get my weekly chores done so I could have the rest of the day free to play. After a full morning of gaming with friends, I headed to my beach club for an afternoon of more mahjong.

The club can be a tough place to play. The majority of players are beginners, which can make the pace of each game painfully slow. Luckily, I landed at a good table, older gals who’ve been playing for ages, and my friend Donna, who’s better than she thinks and just needs more time at the big-kids’ table. I have no doubt the newbies at the club don’t want to play with me, and that’s okay, I don’t really want to play with them either. I get so tired of players who don’t think it’s important to follow the rules, claiming it’s “just a friendly game,” so why bother… ugh.

Imagine me on a tennis court saying, “I know my ball was out, but let’s call it in anyway.” Or taking twenty minutes for every turn on the golf course, it would be frustrating for everyone. So if following the rules makes me “mean,” then color me mean. That said, if I know upfront I’m at a beginner table, I do try my best to be patient, I just don’t want to spend my one real day of play time there.

Our morning games were awesome: no one bellyaching about being called out for rule slips, just fast-paced play without painful pauses. My friend Betsy is a self-proclaimed cat hater, so my little basement cat might be her favorite cat ever… it’s doubtful they’ll ever meet.

All in all it was a full day of playing, but I did at least make it home in time to cook dinner...so I wasn't completely off task. A bit of competition is good for the soul...and who knows, my elusive little cat may surprise us all one of these days and join the fun...she may even steal the show. 

“You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” ~ Albert Einstein