I look out of the living room window and notice that rain has started to fall. This, of course, means that I am now trapped inside of a very small house with my parents, plus my four younger siblings - none of whom are even remotely quiet.
Being the cherished and adored role model that I am, four pairs of eyes turn to me. ’’What do you wanna do?’’ the eyes ask.
’’Hmmn...well, we could play video games, but that’s boring.’’
’’Yeah, no kidding, sis.’’
Okay. That idea flopped.
’’Is the satellite dish working?’’
Four pairs of eyes roll up into their sockets. ’’No, dumb-a**! It goes out every time it rains!’’
My younger sister - a sweet, innocent twelve year-old girl - tells me to rent a brain for the weekend.
’’Okay okay, be quiet and let me think already. You can all forget the idea of me surrendering the computer. I KNOW that’s what you’re all thinking - I can see it in your eyes. I’m busy doing some writing.’’ (I have just pulled Sacred Computer Rule Number Three out of my back pocket: If either of the two authors in the house are utilizing the computer for the purpose of writing, then they are to be left alone. You would be surprised at how much writing I do!)
Thus, with nothing electronic or high-tech to entertain the bodies and minds attached to the now-angry eyeballs that are glaring at me, I must think - and quickly, if I wish to save my sanity!
Fortunately, during warm and sunny days in the past - when the children were busy outside riding bicycles, building tree-houses, and otherwise entertaining themselves - I compiled a list of suggestions that I would make when the inevitable cases of Cabin Fever set in. Here are a few excerpts - remember, this is designed to entertain children and teenagers, but I’m sure it could also work for adults:
1. Board Games. Monopoly is a great selection if you want to waste twelve to fourteen hours of your time: It’s a very involved game, and it takes forever to finish. So, if you live in Colorado and are snowed in by the most recent blizzard, this might make a good choice. Otherwise, I recommend Scrabble for people who enjoy words; Chutes And Ladders for children who have yet to reach the fourth grade; and Ouija for those of us who enjoy summoning the forces of evil in our down time.
2. Grab the deck of playing cards. This is a great way to clean out your siblings. For some reason, my twelve year-old sister learned how to play poker like the professional gamblers in Vegas: She regularly empties my checking account and has occasionally even won my CD collection, rights to my bedroom, and my favorite Dallas Stars hockey jersey. Thankfully, I can always make my case to Mom after being robbed blind: ’’Mom, I’m twenty years old! She can’t keep my stuff! That’s not fair!’’ (I think my mother has developed a case of Selective Hearing Disorder, because she doesn’t listen to a word I say.)
Other card games that won’t bring out the shark in your children are: Go Fish, Crazy Eights, Gin Rummy, and Solitaire. Personally, I prefer 52 Card Pickup - that was the first card game I taught my sister, and she’s still trying to get her revenge.
3. Writing and/or story-telling. If you’re with people who enjoy words, you can play a game my family and I perfected which we lovingly call See Who Can’t Tell Stories. In this game, one person begins telling a story - usually a real-life drama that happened to them on their way to the convenience store up the street - and another person jumps in to help finish it. Sometimes the person interjects with something to the effect of: ’’That’s not how it happened, you moron!’’ but occasionally the rest of the family is treated to a very amusing, vivid recollection of recent events.
4. Discussion Time. My family utilizes ’’Indoor Days’’ to discuss practically anything. We talk about the September 11th terrorist attacks; housework; education; who will win the World Series...or, sometimes we gather around the table with our drinks and cigarettes to discuss nothing in particular. Whatever happens, happens, and we’re fine with that.
Generally you will discover that indoor games will create themselves if given the chance. Sometimes all you have to do is guide the participants in a general direction and something very incredible (not to mention cool) will happen - how do you think my family and I discovered that, when I play random blues rhythms on my guitar, the other kids manage to write the most absurd (if not totally offensive) lyrics ever?