laser night

We signed in, then stepped to the right and logged in our codenames. The game was on! Fourteen of us eased our way into the prep room, geared up and loaded our codenames into our laser guns. The doors unlocked and we filed into the game room. Electronic clicks and tones immediately intruded the quietness of the room as red laser beams fired in all directions. Music reminescent of Terminator blaired from the ceiling of the bi-level structure. Working his way around corners, up and down ramps, over obstacles, Woodstock quickly found his way to the back of the room, away from the noise of the crowd and quietly eased his way back toward them, firing at sensors glowing red on the vests of his opponents as he went. The battle continued for what seemed like hours. Seeking out vantage points, hiding in dark corners, waiting on glowing sensors to pass his way, Woodstock fired sparingly, aimed as accurately as he knew how and in the end . . . came out victorious!

I (codenamed Woodstock) had not played laser tag in perhaps ten years, but when a bunch of friends suggested we play, I was all for it. Albeit, I thought for sure that I would not stand a chance against all the twenty- and thirty-something guys I would be playing against. I surprised myself and had a great time. I think I burned more calories last night than I have in all the hikes of the past month. We were all tired, sweaty and a tad bit shaky when the night was over, but we all had a blast.

I guess I should mention that I didn't do quite so well the second game. Woodstock only made it to sixth place, but I could add that a fifteenth player came into the last game. He looked to be about nine or ten-years-old, about half as tall as the rest of us, and fast as lightning. He (Superman) naturally came in first place, pegging all of us numerous times.

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Song 129: Down on the Corner
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Willy and the Poor Boys
Year: 1969
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Early in the evenin just about supper time,
Over by the courthouse theyre starting to unwind.
Four kids on the corner trying to bring you up.
Willy picks a tune out and he blows it on the harp.

Down on the corner, out in the street,
Willy and the poorboys are playin;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

Rooster hits the washboard and people just got to smile,
Blinky, thumps the gut bass and solos for a while.
Poorboy twangs the rhythm out on his kalamazoo.
Willy goes into a dance and doubles on kazoo.

Down on the corner, out in the street,
Willy and the poorboys are playin;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

Down on the corner, out in the street,
Willy and the poorboys are playin;
Bring a nickel; tap your feet.

You dont need a penny just to hang around,
But if youve got a nickel, wont you lay your money down?
Over on the corner theres a happy noise.
People come from all around to watch the magic boy.