The Dynamic Duo

Okay, much as I hate to do this, I have to admit something. I am really not a very nice person!
I have this competitive streak that rears its ugly head and makes me behave in a manner….....well let’s just say I’m not going to win any Miss Congeniality awards, if you know what I mean.
As you become more and more knowledgeable about this enigma we call UltraMom, you may realize that I LOVE to play games! Especially ones where I shine; where I can show off my store of useless trivia or familiarity with arcane words. Especially ones where I can be the gracious (and only slightly condescending) winner.
Well, my husband despises most games. Especially the ones that involve useless trivia or anything with a timer. In fact, usually, he despises games that involve other PEOPLE; Computer Solitaire is his game of choice. Hour after hour. In fact, some nights I can hardly get in a few rousing rounds of Bookworm! Once in a great while, I can get a game of Rummikub out of him, or a bit of Phase 10 with the boys. Oh, and he will play Pinochle if his brother invites us over.
Well, a couple of days ago, I reminded him that we used to play Canasta once in a while, and have fun doing it, as I remembered. Wouldn’t he like to try it? No, he wouldn’t. He was tired, and didn’t feel that great.
Then last night he decided to give it a try, more to shut me up, I think, than anything else. Well, he firmly and repeatedly TROUNCED me. I don’t know how familiar you are with the game, but he seems to have this uncanny knack of knowing when to “go out” to leave me high and dry. He gets ALL the red 3’s, all the Jokers, and always picks up the stack when it’s worth picking up. On the other hand, I always manage to get myself in the situation all I can do is give him the cards he needs to further his nefarious schemes. And he did the same thing tonight. Sounds like great fun, right? Oh, DD readers, you would NOT have been proud of me. I believe the words “I hate you” escaped my lips several times; also “YOU keep score for a change” “NO, I dealt the last 3 times, It’s YOUR turn” I also sighed, looked bored, and once slammed my cards down on the table.
Well, I was planning to end this post with a few homespun plattitudes, ending with a vow to be a better loser, but UltraHusband just informed me that I’m already quite a good loser; that I have it down pat. Of course, I can’t ignore a challenge like that, and if Canasta is the only game he’ll play, I’ll keep at it til I have him whipped. For now, I have the comfort of knowing that Canasta is, basically, the luck of the draw. I just hope my luck changes soon.—-UltraMom