So, Jenga

is apparently the game of the masses and is rapidly making a comeback among my general age group (at least this week). Who knew? I won't bank on its continuing popularity, but I thought that breaking it out twice in a 5-day period warranted a notation.

When the surprising choice was first made, on New Year's Eve, I was taken aback, because all my memories of jenga take place poolside on a sultry July night, with all participants waving a personal bottle of Wild Vines (I'm strawberry!), aka ghetto wine. I simply had no context for playing the game sober, fully clothed, at home. As we set it up, they remarked on my half-hearted attempts to recreate the "drinking jenga" set (I know they have a version that is pre-marked up now, but I doubt the categories are the same as ours) - instructions to dance, drink, kiss, jump, drink, sing, strip, drink...you get the idea. As we drew out the blocks, we didn't follow all of our marching orders, but the group forced me to honor them with every command performance of the chicken dance. I pulled that damn block 4 times!!! Unfortunately, I believe at least one of the attempts has been captured on video...

It was surprisingly fun. Yes, drinking adds to the playful atmosphere (I think I've played nondrinking jenga a few times and it was much more serious - everyone puts on a frowny thinky face while contemplating and executing their move, plus there is more of a competitive edge - and far less fun), and, in the tradition of silly party games like twister and blind man's bluff and killer in the dark, people get dorky and silly and giggly and have an overall good time.

My personal objective in jenga is simply to Not Lose. I don't feel any need to be a hero and go after the tough ones - you know, taking the blocks that will make people groan because the tower is getting that much closer to teetering. This time, I added a goal of not getting the chicken dance. Didn't work (that would require a functioning memory!).

Giving kisses and back rubs (both personally and also ordering others to) are far less racy when old marriedish couples are playing. Still, same-sex action always raises a few eyebrows and potentially, pulses. The end-of-game crashing action is exciting, too. Very shout- and point-inducing, along with some classic hooting and drink-pounding.

I don't think we'll continue the domination of jenga in game selection as the year grows older, but it was a nice, slightly nostalgic way to welcome the new one! Happy New Year!