it's game time

I'm a competitive person.  I like to be good at something, I get excited when I win, and most of all I hate to lose.  At anything.
During these cold and snowy months, most of our outdoor hobbies hibernate and Roo and I spend our social time playing games indoors--card games, board games, a video game (Shrek Super Party--the only reason we own an Xbox).  And did I mention I hate to lose?  Ask my husband, any family member or friend and they can vouch for that fact.  I also don't give up easily.  If at first I don't succeed, we will play another hand, another round or one more tournament until Shelley is the winner.  Or until Roo threatens to go home without me.  It's a good thing my mom and I won the first game of pinochle last night so Taylor could get to bed on time.
I'm not a very good loser, either.  With every point I fall behind, I tend to get a little grouchier and sometimes downright mean.  It really is a wonder anyone plays with me at all.  Sometimes Roo lets me win and I pretend I don't know so we can all go home happy.
That's why our pastor's sermon on "Taming the Beast" really hit home with me.  Troy said one way to battle envy is to celebrate others.  I hate to lose because I love to win.  I am envious when the other team lays down a double pinochle while we go set yet again.  Perhaps if I spend more time celebrating others' victories and less time dwelling on my own defeat, we can all have more fun.
Not that being competitive is bad or keeping score is wrong.  It drives me to keep improving and to strive for my best.  Winning builds confidence and losing (should) teach us to be gracious.  It's not wrong to dance when I win, but I shouldn't rain on another's victory parade when I lose.
Oh, we still have to play until I win, but my goal is to pout less and toast my hot chocolate to you when I lose.
So, who's up for another game?