Knock Knock UNO!
UNO is a constant companion.
UNO, in Italian or Spanish meaning "one", is a card game invented by American, Merlin Robbins, in 1971. Robbins, a barber who died in 1984, distributed UNO from his shop. He sold the rights in 1981 for US$50,000 plus royalties of 10 cents per game. Mattel purchased UNO in 1992. Hundreds of millions of copies have been sold since.
The drastic circumstances that saturate our daily news' feed depicting bushfires, drought, smoke across Sydney making footage of a Sheffield Shield cricket game eerie, and a volcano erupting across the ditch unleashing extraordinary tragedy are harrowing. Yet, we must look for normality. Not dismissing or ignoring the plight of others, far from it. Rather, reacting to heartache and tough times by relishing the company of family and friends, displaying good humour, and living our best lives.
The festive season offers time. Time is a rare commodity. Time is golden. Perhaps we are busier than our parents; trying to offer our children more opportunities and cramming in multiple tasks before we briefly sleep and the working day rolls around again. Anecdotally, it doesn't appear that we are busier with endless volunteering, our daily lives simply take longer and deliver more pressure than once before. Choice can be a handbrake. Summertime entails beaches and surf and friends and relaxing with the occasional card game. I still have a deck of UNO cards that was gifted to me as a child. The original game has been upgraded with more modern versions including strange wildcards that come with a marking pen. And then there's UNO Flip and an online app. I don't care much for these so-called advancements. Each to their own... UNO can be played anywhere. At the dining table, on the floor, outside with wind the only impediment, at the pub waiting for a counter meal, or in the hospital when keeping loved one's company.
The rules of UNO are clear and relatively simple. Finish first, but don't forget to say either "knock-knock UNO" or wrap your knuckles twice on the table before assertively stating the famous phrase or you will be forced to pick up two. For those keen on 'inventing' additional game requirements, remove the rules sheet from the pack, read in as many different languages as you can, and then enjoy the challenge and learn the strategy of the game before considering what you believe to be an actual rule.
Some may consider me, with a stickler nature for adherence to rules, as over the top, particularly now our son has learned similar behaviour, which will inflict debate on others. However, as I reflect and write some more, I recognise that this is a learning opportunity for me. To let go of the most minor concerns that occupy our brains and embrace a less structured approach. Now don't get me wrong - it will be difficult. But perhaps if I can learn to accept inconsequential changes it may free cognitive space to focus on relaxing.
Not being able to finish with a wild card or draw four or not enjoying pickup-put down or layering draw twos on top of each other without your playing neighbour doing their penance will test my patience. Yet, "house rules" may encourage me to adapt to change; learning to react quickly and astutely to experience a new level of success. The rate of change in our landscape across Australia is extraordinary; I witness it every day. Although some may say it's normal, the rate of change is not. In these challenging times, the rules have been broken. UNO is a metaphor instructing us to adapt. During the Christmas holidays we may even play a full game of Monopoly. Now don't get me started on that ridiculous "house rule" of placing money on free parking...