Over the last 4 weeks, I've noticed similarities in my frequent conversations. First of all, I'm giddy with excitement as I tell my friends that I got a new "job" and that I'm a "Professional Pinball Player." Anyone that knows me understands that I use humor to make people feel good and break ice. The facial expressions I get, as the word "pinball" rolls off of my tongue are priceless.
Pure hysterics usually ensue and the people that enjoy a good round of pinball are eager to hear about every excruciating detail of how I stumbled upon this new "job", what the criterion is to become a "professional", what IFPA means (International Flipper Pinball Association) and how "league play" goes down.
I've decided not to participate in the league play for Season 4 because of cost constraints and that I am studying for my U.S. Customs Broker Exam (next article). I have enough distractions in my life and I really want to pass this exam and eventually get a Masters degree, so I have to remain focused on that. Pinball is going to serve as a "quick fix" solution, when I need to blow off steam (errrr. steem) and having a few tournaments on my calendar will give me something to look forward to, in the future.
There are two ways to earn points towards a ranking in the IFPA : by participating in tournaments or by being in a league. The ideal situation is league play because that's where the points add up, but my time constraints prevent me from doing that. The tournaments will help me figure out whether I have a true passion for this or whether it's a nice "phase" I'm going through. Either way, it should make for some fantastic article content and I hope to discover new arcade venues and meet some cool people.
The main reason I choose to participate in these "professional" pinball outings is to breakup my normal routine. I find myself getting into ruts and doing the same boring things. It's good to meet new people, from time to time, and change up the pace. I've had a love of pinball, since the 1970s, and I figured this might be a great way to blow off steam, meet people and have some great stories to tell over a meal.
Life is what you make it. You only get one shot at it (unless you're me and get spared). I like to use a hashtag #jolt
My real name is Joe.
#JOLT was not only a delicious cola from the 80s and 90s, it's also a moniker for my life moving forward.
J oe
O nly
L ives
T wice
I have to throw humor at that whole event because if I don't it can become dark and I choose joy, rather than live in the dark and be a miserable bastard. I want to be a joyous bastard, dammit! Anyway, I play pinball because I choose joy. Technically, we only have one life and I'm going to follow the Shawshank Redemption Creed :
"Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying"
