G is for Game

     When my husband and I first bought our smart phones, almost 2.5 years ago, I really had no idea what was being placed in my hands.  When the salesperson started talking about aps and helping us download a couple of the popular games at the time, I did not fully understand what he was having us do.

     Now, I'm wondering if I should blame him or my friend who mentioned my latest addiction on.  Whomever deserves the blame needs to be noodle whipped.

     During one of our away swim meets this past winter, one of the other swim moms mentioned a game that her co-workers are all crazy about.  At the time I was fighting to beat a level of Angry Birds Star Wars (which I still love, btw).  Since I was at my frustration threshold with Angry Hans Solo, I downloaded the game suggested.

     It is the MOST aggravating, frustrating, addictive game there is available.  I hate it and love it at the same time.  I do believe it is programmed to sabotage my game play.  A person I introduced the game to is about 60 levels ahead of me already.

     "What is this nuisance of a game?" you ask.

     It is Candy Crush Saga.   At first glance it looks like a sugar substitute to Bejeweled.  Ha!  Looks can be deceiving.  The first couple of levels are sweet and cute and easy enough.  But, then the tasks get increasingly frustrating.  Holes are placed in the boards.  You have to clear what is called jelly. Just when you get the hang of that they add double jelly.

     Some of them you have to "bring down ingredients."  And, just when you get used to that, they present you with squares that are tied up with black licorice.  Oh, and from what I've seen of the upper levels that I have not reached yet, I will soon encounter evil chocolates that you have to keep from escaping the board.  Honestly, what kind of warped mind makes a game that turns chocolates into evilness?

     This game is so addictive and it has become the bane of my existence.  O.k. so yes that is a bit dramatic, but seriously folks, this game drives me crazy and I cannot stop playing it.  Who would have thought that a cute little game with Candyland type graphics and bright, shiney, sugary looking game pieces could be so freaking difficult?  And, why oh why, when you take too long to make a move does it insist on showing you a move that will DO NOTHING to help your game play?

     So if the Candy Crush Saga Gods are listening, give us lowly mortals a break and add some more moves to the levels that are especially difficult.  When you have to maneuver around four mini boards, 16 moves is NOT ENOUGH!  Have some pity on the sanity of your confectionery connoseurs. 

     Whew!  I think it's time for a nap.  May cooperative sugar plums always dance in your dreams!

 

Blogging A to Z



Basketball Games, Swim Teams and Vet Visits, Oh MY

It was a very busy Saturday for us.  Actually, it was a pretty typical Saturday for us.  I used my actual camera a lot today.  I've been kind of lax in using.  I've been depending on my cellphone camera way too much lately.  But, today I got some good shots.  So, I thought I'd share them.

Our first event of the day was a league game for my son's second basketball team.  Although, this is my son's first year playing for this team, the game was against a team that they had never beaten before.  Today, they beat them.

My son with the ball during the first half of the game

To make it sweeter one of the boys on the team they beat is a boy who abandoned our football team for "greener pastures."  It was an exciting game, too.  Our team ended up winning AT THE BUZZER... literally!

After the morning game, we had to split up.  One of our fur babies had to go see the vet.  She has a swollen, red paw pad and we needed to have it checked out.  So, my husband took her to the vet while my daughter and I headed to the YMCA.  Luckily, there is nothing seriously wrong with Izzy's paw.  Just some cream and antibiotics prescribed and she should be good as new very soon.

Izzy resting on the couch

My daughter's swim team had a pep rally/ swim practice today.  Next weekend is their big area district championships swim meet so they were bonding as a team today.  They had a special relay team practice, made posters to take to districts, and had pizza and worked on their "cheer" they will do on the pool deck at the start of the district competition.

My daughter and one of her swim buddies enjoying pizza

The swimmers all seemed to have a lot of fun.  This time of year is very exciting.  The district competition is when they can qualify to go to the "state" competition two weekends later.  It's also an extremely fun competition that takes place on the campus of Mizzou in Columbia, MO.

When the pep rally was over, my daughter and I had to meet my husband and son at the second basketball game of the day.  This was the last basketball game of the season for my son's first basketball team.  It is the feeder team for the high school that my kids will attend.  

My son in the white jersey

It was another very close and very exciting game.  Unfortunately, our team lost.  My son made a few really great plays, though, that led to scoring points.  They all played hard and received a trophy, but I'm still not sure for what place.  It was never specified.  

At this point we had a little down time.  We came home and hung out for a while.  My daughter decided to make brownies because she's obsessed with that after learning how to make them in her class at school.  

Then, we were off again.  We went to have supper out at a local restaurant before heading to the third and final basketball game of the day.  This one was a tournament game with the second team.  It was to determine who would play for first place and who would play in the 3rd place round.  

My son is #12

It was a disappointing loss.  Our team will have to play in the 3rd place round tomorrow.  The team made some mistakes and they seemed tired.  The refs were not great for this game, either, but I don't think they would have beat this team anyway.  It seemed everyone had fun, though.

Now, we are all home and the day is winding down.  The kids are showered and in bed.  I'm waiting my turn in the shower.   Even the puppies have claimed their spots on the bed.

Izzy in front, Livvy behind looking up

So now, I will say good night John Boy.

Good Night, John Boy!