Nowadays, gadgets such as mobile phones becomes a necessity little by little already because of the rise of modern technology. You can do almost everything with it. Take pictures, listen to music, browse online and even watch videos with it. It never has been easier each time to get mobile bubome. Downloading bubome has never been so quick and easy. One day, who knows, we can already do the impossible with our mobile phones.

My husband was a football player back in college. But I never get to watch him play the sport. Now he still fantasizes playing the sport. He watches the sports every now and then on TV. I sometimes sit beside him and would always try my best to understand the sport. He sometimes goes football betting with his friends. I always give him this time for himself. I would not squeeze myself into the picture and pretend to understand what they are watching. The only thing that I could do to support him is to prepare snacks for him. I always say in my previous posts that I am not really domestic. But sometimes I would really try to be. I can’t cook so I just buy ready to eat snacks for him. I know he appreciates it. I am not a sport person, but at least sometimes I try to sit beside him and pretend for a while that I am also interested. But most of the time, I let him be. As a wife and partner, I know I have to do this. Not because I am obliged to do it but because I wanted to do it. That’s how I show my husband that I love him.

I wanted to learn to play pool. I never got a chance. I went out one time with my husband and tried playing pool with some of our close friends. I tried holding to the cue but it was too long and too heavy for me. My friends ended up laughing at me. But then, I am not giving up. During one of my rest day, I started searching online if I can find some pool cues that would fit me. I would take into consideration the height and the weight of the cue that I would get. And once I have it, I am going to ask my husband to teach me play pool. It’s so cool when you see women playing the sport. I am not a sport person but I know that it’s never too late to learn. I may not join a league or something but at least there is one thing that both my husband and I could enjoy doing aside from just watching movies. It’s also important to always look for ways or things that a couple should both enjoy doing. It is important in a relationship to always look for fun things to do together and unwind. Another 101 ways to keep your man….

Our last Beautiful Journey’s topic about games is how to design thematic and high impact games.  In this post is the actual designing of the game.

1. Set a goal- think on what is your goal in the specific that you are about to design.

2. Set time- a lot of extra time is needed for contingency.

3. Gather participants- know your audience.  Make sure that the game you will be designing will protect integrity especially teenagers.

4. Decide on what type of game- longer preparation is needed for big events.

5. Decide whether the game should be your invention or your innovation- read and research. Have an element of surprise.

6. Get referees- make sure that your referees can handle people, can core fairly, can be used as props, someone had authority, cool, can pacify others and can take the heat.

7. Prepare equipments and props- you can borrow stuff and create an environment.

8. Make the rules and scoring system- make your last game your biggest game.  Always put bonus points.

9. Troubleshoot- think of possible things that could go wrong.  Play the game first before you introduce it.

10. Do not forget the prize and rewards- it does not have to cost you much.

Some important tips:

1. Play games everyone can win- don’t play games that only athletic and intelligent can play.

2. Group themes in an identifying way- equally divide

3. Ensure high participation level- increase number of player

4. Ensure high spectator interest- make sure that the game is interesting to watch.  Have an emcee to help grab attention.

Remember that to spice up or add flavor is the purpose of the game.  Games should supplement, reinforce, subordinate and should only be occasionally.

Previously is Beautiful Journey, I gave examples on what are the type of games.  But we often ask our self why do really need to play games during parties, team buildings and functions?  There must be a reason why.  Let me sight a few.

1. To serve as an ice breaker- it breaks down reserved, it lessens formality a well.  Laughter is the best ice breaker.  It bonds people because people wants to share laughter. 

2.  To rouse people to participate especially if the people in your workplace are serious types.

3. To serve as illustrations especially if you want to impart a lesson during team buildings.

So the principle in haveing games should be:

Repetition- repeats a message

Association

Senses-people learn more if it involves more senses.

Previously in Beautiful Journey’s last post, I posted some Vital Elements of A Good Game.  Now we go to the types of Games that we can play.  Here some examples of the games.  You can make up your own as well based on these types:

1. Races- eating race (pies, cakes or ice cream eating), drinking race (a liter of lemonade using a shot glass) hobble race (two person with ankles tied will walk or run together)

2. Relay- utensils relay (relaying water using a spoon)

3. Hunt- treasure hunt (give clues or riddles and mark an X for the right spot)

4.Trust- blindfolded games

5. Memory- group concentration (spot the difference)

6. Word-spelling, cut up quotes (unscramble famous quotes or proverbs)

7. Dramatic- charades, paint me a picture, TV scenes

8. Getting to Know you- ID mixed up

9. Tag/Capture- flag capture

10. Water- water bag catch, oily balloon relay, tag of wars, bucket overflow

11. Traditional sports/Game show with a twist

12. Ball Games

and a lot more…Remember that these games are not for you to play but to invest it on others. 

Christmas is fast approaching.  And part of the package is Christmas parties.  One of the challenges in a Christmas party is of course the Games.  We want as much as possible wants everybody in the party to joint the games.  Sometimes people get bored of the same games we play every year.  I am not talking about just kids here because if we create good games, it would also engage others to participate.  So here are the characteristics of a good game. 

1. It should be brief- people will wander off if your game is too long.  Urgency brings out the best in people too.

2. It should be inexpensive- be creative, pull together your resources and don’t invest too much money.

3. It should be participative- make sure everyone gets involved.  Make it a high spectator interest.  Make sidelines that could also involve peripheral people.

4. It should not be overly complicated- make the rules super simple.  Demonstrate before the game for clarity.  Write down rules and distribute it to team leaders.

5. It should use of Props- give out special awards.  Props makes the game interesting.  I could make the game different and makes a good impression.  The bigger, the noisier, the better.  But it does not necessarily cost much.

6. It should be low risk- use safety gears.  Don’t make it too rough.  Your games should also be accident resistant.  Having a first aid ready is not a bad idea.

7. It should be adaptable- good games can be modified and changed to meet an angle.