"...take that.... and that.... and this...."

"...take that.... and that.... and this...."

...declared V, my daughter, who was 5 years old back then, as she mercilessly fired her entire arsenal of Draw 4s/2s at me.

[UNO Chronicles part 2/4. Originally published by me on May 3, 2020.]

The wife, V & I were engrossed in a competitive game of UNO. Miraculously, I had a good run and had one last card left in my hand. "UNO!" I yelled, as per the rules (for those who don't know the game, one has to shout UNO when they only have the last card left in their hand. Failing to do so yields a penalty).

V gave me a determined look from the corner of her tiny eyes. Over the next few rounds, she dropped a series of Draw 4s and Draw 2s on me to ensure I wouldn't dare to utter "UNO" anytime soon again. All of a sudden, the number of cards in my hand went up from one to a dozen.

Soon thereafter, she got rid of all her cards and won. So now it was just her mom & I fighting it out. The next thing she does - comes next to me and cuddles up. "Let me help you beat Mom!" The determined eyes had given way to lovey dovey sparkling eyes all of a sudden. "What's the point now? When I was about to win, you bombed me!" I protested. "But that was because I was in the game and I had to do it to win. I gave you so many cards, so now I'll help you get rid of those and win!" She said, matter of factly and just grabbed my cards. 

Learnings:

 - When you gotta be professional, you gotta be professional, but it is very important to switch your hats once the task/goal is accomplished.

- Don't always judge your opponent/peer based on their actions while in the game (or at work). Look at the hat they are donning at the time and judge (if at all you must) the hat and not the individual wearing it. They are probably doing what they ought to.

This drill has been repeating for the last 2 years and I love it when she wins while I am still in the game. It gives her joy to help me next and I am always overjoyed to experience the warm gesture. Erm, once a quarter she helps her mom too in the interest of Diversity & Inclusion.

No offence to the sons, but daughters are clearly the best.