The Game of Life

No it isn't some catchy title for this entry. I'm not very good at those anyway. I am talking about the Milton Bradley game: The Game of Life.

Little Man discovered it in the closet today and wanted to play. John, being a good sport and having an overwhelming amount of patience today decided what the hell. I watch him set it up expecting Little Man to implement his own crazy rules after the first couple of spins. I mean what 4 year old isn't going to be instantly bored by the Game of Life.

Not mine. Granted, John did most of the work acting as his financial trustee but the kid stuck it through. He even announced right away that he wanted childrens (his word): 2 babies and 2 childs (again, his words. Mrs. Poole would be lecturing me on my lack of skills when it comes to teaching this child the English language). After all he had already obtained his college degree (doctor) and being a 21st Century child, why bother with the whole marriage thing first?

He convinced me to join in right as he was hitting retirement. I quickly became a teacher. Switched careers (on my husband's advice) and became an accountant. Then I promptly lost my job and had to start over as a professional athlete. Let's just say by "professional" they were talking the minor leagues based on my salary and I never made it to the Majors.

It was funny to watch the dynamics of the game play out. John and I, being somewhat seasoned at the real Game of Life, weren't willing to take too many chances. It panned out somewhat OK for each as we both retired with over a million (me barely, he was just shy of 2 million).

Our darling son? Cleared well over 2 million even after the gamble of the risky path didn't quite pan out. It was a minor hiccup in the grand scheme. As the first to retire, he played it smart and chose the option which would protect his assets in retirement. One that wouldn't allow the rest of us the opportunity to take advantage of the elderly. Fool... not this kid.

Typical of a normal day in this house. The parents weigh all the options and chose the safe route while the 4-year-old with little life experience to dim his optimism, jumps in feet first, eyes closed and steals the day.

Here's hoping it pays off in the long run for you kiddo.

Since your parents will retire one day.

And decide your house is the perfect retirement spot.

Just makes you all giddy with excitement doesn't it?