R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Find out what it means to me.

Last night, I went to one of Interlochen's finer eating establishments, the Karlin Inn, to hang out with some of my coworkers. Two guys in particular guys spend most nights there playing Sopranos pinball, one of four games at the back of the bar (five if you count the skill crane). Chris and Jason spend lots of money on Sopranos pinball, and have been playing it since the first week of camp (apparently, the Karlin changes the pinball machine every year, and C & J have mastered each pinball game). Chris and Jason are very serious, very dedicated pinball players. They own that game.

Now, I happen to love a little pinball myself. My most favorite pinball game is The Addams Family game, which I mastered during my many years working at the Picwood movie theatre in Russ Vegas, Arkansas. But I'll play any pinball game, and I'll play it well. I don't get nervous or excited. Pinball is like a lover - if you have a new one, it might a take a while to get used to all the bells and whistles, but once you do, you'll know all the right combinations and buttons to push to get the bonus score. Hotch-ha!

Chris and Jason deigned to let me play Sopranos pinball - and I was at the top of my game. Soon, they started saying things "You know, Strong's not half bad" and "Where've you been all summer?" and, my favorite, "She's the best girl pinball player I've seen in a long time" (they have a theory about girl pinball players). I proved myself in their eyes. I earned their respect.

As we left the bar, Jason said, "Strong, the highest compliment I can give you is that I can't wait to play with you again." Well played, young pinball wizard. Well played.

pinball - A+
the respect of my peers - A+
earning that respect through pinball - C- (seriously, shouldn't it have come from my acting skills?)