Loading ...post #117
Years ago, Martha Katz explained to me why it can be difficult to keep and maintain friendships with non-bridge players; I didn’t get it. It took years of missing luncheons and Bunco and book clubs and play groups and investment clubs before I realized that choosing to play bridge means choosing to be a bridge player.
I know some regular people. One or two of my closest friends are regular, non-bridge players. But in general, those friendships are few and far between, and very difficult to maintain. I wish it were different.
To play at all confidently or well, I need to be playing fairly regularly. BBO is fun, but it doesn’t really help me at this stage; for the practice to count, I need to be at a club or tournament, holding the physical cards. Shannon very kindly pitches in — we generally play 2/3 or more of some regional every month. In the late summer and early fall we don’t need teammates, it’s the season of gritty pair games. The rest of the year I celebrate and play almost exclusively IMPs. Between tournaments I edit our notes, practice bidding and defense on BBO, work on counting and so on.
When I’m not working on bridge, I’m hanging with my kids and working on my manuscript. Or updating the blog. Or chipping away at the home-improvements list. Managing the travel calendar. Working out. Going to ballgames. Once in a while I manage a bit of shopping … by the time I’ve done that stuff, it’s bedtime. I read a few pages and pass right out. Over the years, all but the most dedicated of girlfriends have given up in the face of my chronic unavailability. I regret that.
September 12th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Red - I love that statement: “I know some regular people.”
That about captures it, no? There are the Regular People - and then there is US!
LOL!