Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
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TITLE: Strike Two | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sheri Gordon
01/16/08 -
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I knew I had to be at the top of my game to be successful. Well, that and a whole lot of luck. At t-minus two hours, I launched into my pre-game routine. First, I hit the treadmill for some power walking. I read somewhere that aerobic exercise increases oxygen levels in the brain. The frenzied pace of the upcoming activity required that I have all the extra brain oxygen I could accumulate.
Next, I ate a protein-packed breakfast, followed by eighteen vitamins and supplements taken in various forms. I took three times the daily recommended requirements of everything, just to be sure. Finally, I jumped into the shower – very hot, followed by very cold – to ensure blood was flowing freely to all areas of my body.
Thirty minutes before the official starting time, I was in position. Two computers sat in front of me, both on the designated web site. I diligently practiced my typing skills, and could hit every key I needed – blindfolded.
Fifteen minutes to go, and I checked in with my teammates. My sister was at her computer, my brother-in-law at his. (Though he’ll deny it if his boss asks.) My husband, while on the road, was ready with his cell phone. (I briefly contemplated trying to simultaneously manage two computers and two phones. However, after a quick risk assessment analysis, I decided the increase in potential error on my part was too much of a gamble.)
The game plan was simple. ‘Take what you can get, and we’ll figure it out later.’ No time to think – it had to be gut reaction only.
The official web site clicked over to 9:00 a.m. PST, and the race was on. The goal? Anaheim Angels World Series tickets. I started stroking the computer keys and clicking those mices (what is the plural for more than one computer mouse?) as fast as my vitamin/supplement-enhanced, oxygen-boosted, cold shower-invigorated body could go.
Sorry, no tickets available. Sorry, no tickets available. Sorry, no tickets available. Back and forth I went, sick and tired of seeing that message, until finally …
We are holding 4 tickets to Game 1. You have 3 minutes to complete the transaction.
“Oh, shoot. I didn’t want Game 1, but I’ll take what I can get.”
With expertise finger movements, I started typing in my information. Name, address, credit card – ooh, more expensive than we talked about, but hey, how often does this happen?
Final step. These seats are classified as ‘partially obstructed view.’ Please click to confirm that your information is correct, and to acknowledge that you have read the above statement. If you do not complete the transaction within 2 minutes, the seats will be released.
“Oh, no. Now what do I do? I don’t want ‘partially obstructed’ seats. And what does that mean, anyway?”
I tried to call my sister to get her input, but she didn’t answer the phone. I tried to call my husband – no answer there either. I was on my own.
The rule was ‘take what you can get and we’ll figure it out later,’ -- except we hadn’t discussed ‘partially obstructed’ seats. If I accepted these tickets, I could not try for more. Seats were limited to four per customer.
Okay … at least I had seats. No one else had called to say they scored. But … if I got lucky once, maybe I’d get lucky again. Or … maybe someone else was in the middle of buying tickets, and that’s why they hadn’t answered the phone. But … I did have tickets, and they were really hard to get. Then again … I didn’t really want ‘partially obstructed view.’ I let them go.
Sorry, no tickets available. Sorry, no tickets available. Sorry, no tickets available.
A few years later, and the Angels have a new system for buying playoff tickets -- email lottery.
Ding. You’ve got mail.
Congratulations. Your name has been selected in the Angels’ lottery. You have the opportunity to purchase 4 tickets for Game 3. You must act quickly, as there are a limited number of tickets available.
“Game three? I don’t want game three.”
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Great picture!
I think it would have been a stronger ending if you stopped earlier.
good writing