From "Frazzled to Dazzled": The Best Worst Board Game on Earth; How to Win After Losing Someone You Love
By, Lou-Lou Igbokwe
I met Rob in 06F (freshman fall). We both had signed up to do an alternative break trip for Hurricane Katrina relief, and on that fateful fall night in the lounge of a dorm (McCulloch?) Rob and I were entrusted to raise money for said trip by selling baked goods to inebriated students leaving Frat Row. Both deeply disgusted and greatly amused Rob and I spent the night hawking brownies, laughing at Dartmouth student's carefree DASH spending, and charging John Nolan $33 for a cake made from Betty Crocker mix purchased at Topside. Rob and I became fast friends.
Fast forward to our actual trip to New Orleans--- Much to our chagrin/amusement/absolutely absurd levels of delight we were put in a group of completely unskilled, unaware, unorganized underclassmen. Rob and I bonded over how inept we were at most of our volunteer assignments, laughed at the incredibly awkward group dynamic, and fell in love with a board game that truly encapsulated the trip.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
Answer: Fate
Question: Is it as good as those beloved self help books?
Answer: Better
Question: How do you determine who goes first in this game?
Answer: The official rules clearly state, "the hungriest player goes first"
Bonus Question: Should I buy this as a stocking stuffer this holiday season?
Bonus Answer: Absolutely, especially if your secret Santa is Lou-Lou Igbokwe!
Rob and I had so many beautiful moments together, but playing that game was really what first solidified our friendship. And this year without him, left me afraid that I'd never again feel such joy, enjoy such silliness, and remember to play earnestly while living absurdly. One of my favorite pictures of Rob is him wearing the glasses from the game. It always reminds me of exactly who he was to me.
Rob ever so fashionably sporting Look on the Bright Side Glasses for Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings
So partially in tribute, but mostly as a reminder of my forever friend and how he always made me better, I tattooed those glasses on my wrist.
Question: Did it hurt?
Answer: Yes. I named every college class I took in chronological order to distract myself from the pain
Question: Do you regret it?
Answer: Nope. I actually love it more every day, and find that it fills me with silly joy in a way that looking at a picture doesn't because sometimes that just makes me sad
Question: Does your mother know?
Answer: ... Please no one tell her. I plan to break it very gently to her at Thanksgiving....or wear a long sleeved sweater!
And since this is supposed to be Sweater Week, here is a clip I'm sure Rob would have had STRONG feelings about---
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