A Fitting End

Each night a ritual ensues. Without discussion the board is pulled out, the cards shuffled and the train cars lined up. What follows is intense-- hand-shaking as trains are laid, heart-pounding as routes are considered and temper-flaring as tracks are stolen, intensity. Our immediate family and a handful of friends will recognize what I am describing: the addictive game Ticket to Ride. It could be argued that we are spending quality time together, but mostly we just end up mad and frustrated with each other at the end of it. You could argue that what I am about to tell you is pretty impressive, or you could just pity us for being super-nerds. The best way I can think to end a wonderful week with Mom and Dad is to publish our weekly scores, the culmination of 7 games.

Dad (bringing up the rear as the caboose): 699 points

Jen: 918 points (just a 2 point difference from 2nd place I feel compelled to point out!)

Mom: 920 points

Dave: 1,134 points (Yep, that's an average of about 160 points a game. He's an unstoppable locomotive!)