#31: Laser Tag

I previously shared that I detest weapons, so this 40x40 experience was really a leap for me. While water guns and violent video games are banned in our home, I admit I have taken my kids to laser tag several times. However, I’ve always waited outside the door working on my laptop or phone while they played.

I decided today would be different. In fact, it was my idea to go to Main Event for laser tag and my kids, their friends and my husband were eager to go along.   

Once we arrived, we had about 20 minutes before our game started.  This gave my husband and I enough time to enjoy a drink at the bar while the kids played in the arcade.  We then joined the line with 27 strangers and moved into a dark room lit by only the glow of the laser tag vests.  Following a brief instructional and safety video we suited up and were assigned to the blue team.

The two teams were ushered into the arena through separate doors.  As we walked in, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The arena was massive.  It consisted of two levels filled with a variety of glowing arches, pillars and walkways. The only way I could see our opponents at first was by the yellow on their vests.  Now, according to my husband, it was time for combat.

Okay. It just took a lot for me to type the word “combat.” I can’t think of it like that. It was just a game. A game in which I took out as many yellow players as I possibly could. In fact, I tagged them 52 times – meaning my laser tagged the sensor on their front, back or shoulders.  They did the same to me 94 times. OUCH! I’m a little competitive, so I hate to admit that. But, it was my first time and I did place #7 out of 17 on my team. And our team dominated with a final score of over 28K to the yellow team’s 18K. Not too bad, right?

Experience #31 was surprisingly fun. I’ll go back again and have some secret strategies I’ll try next time based on my initial encounter. Yellow team beware!

#30: Home Remodel

My husband and I recently decided to invest in updates to our home. We had tossed around the idea of moving to a larger place but decided we liked our location, neighborhood and schools and could make the space work with a few improvements and some efforts to remove many 1980's remnants. Those included several once popular features such as seashell shaped sinks, lots of gold trim and full wall mirrors - including one in the half-bath downstairs. Yes, for the past seven years we (and our guests) have enjoyed a full wall mirror right beside the toilet.

After meeting with a contractor and balancing our wish list against our budget, we decided to update all of our bathrooms (including two gut jobs), convert the wet bar to a pantry, update the wooden stair balusters, paint the exterior and invest in some much-needed yard cleaning and landscaping.

We've done minor things to the house over the years such as new flooring and paint, but this was our first time tackling such large projects and all at once. I'm happy to report that we survived the six-week long construction zone with only a few mishaps along the way. I learned lots of lessons though that I'll share for anyone considering a renovation/remodel:

• Hire a designer. We were referred to a general contractor who was great at getting things done, but had little to offer in the way of design advice. We managed to fumble through with the help of Pinterest and some consultations at a tile shop, but having a designer on board from the start would have saved lots of headaches and frustration.

• Move out. If we ever do something like this again, we will factor alternate living space into the budget - at least during the demolition phase. For about three weeks, EVERYTHING in our house was covered in thick dust. Every 2-3 days I went thru a 5-step cleaning process on the floors (dust mop, vacuum, wet mop, steam clean, Swifter) only for the dust to return the next day. But I physically could not live there without at least trying to address the dust and I hated that my family was breathing it in. The sanity and peace of mind alone would be worth the expense of a hotel. 

• Cover your belongings. And then cover them again. Furniture, electronics, clothes, shoes, carpet, etc. We had friends reinforce the importance of using plastic over upholstery, but we should have done more. That dust is deadly! One sheet of plastic over our clothes was not enough to protect them. 

• Plan for essential functions. Our contractor did his best to make sure we always had at least one working toilet, but there are things you take for granted like sinks, counters and mirrors. In hind sight, we would have staggered the process a little so there was always a place for doing hair and make-up. My husband was fortunate that the work took place during No-shave November since we were constantly without a functional sink/mirror combination.

But the final results were worth the dust and other inconveniences. We've never had a walk-in pantry before, so that's been amazing. I love the freestanding bathtub and larger shower. Even the kids are working harder to keep their bathrooms cleaned with their new sinks, countertops and mirrors, and although we'll never be up for yard of the month, I'm less concerned about the neighbors hating us for our unkept exterior.

Managing the process and constantly having people in our house was a little draining, but overall experience #30 was much needed and fun to watch unfold. 10 to go...

#29: Top Golf

My Dad

For years I've heard people talk about Top Golf, a driving range-inspired entertainment center, and I finally had a chance to experience it myself while visiting family in Houston over the Thanksgiving holiday. My husband, kids, parents, sister, nephews and I opted to skip the Black Friday shopping madness and a enjoy a friendly golf competition instead.

The Top Golf concept is very cool. The set-up reminds me of a bowling alley with players assigned bays with electronic scoring screens, but instead of rolling balls at pins you choose a golf club and hit balls onto a large green with various targets. Aside from putt-putt I have very minimal golf experience (although I did consider golf lessons as a potential 40x40), so actually hitting the ball was my biggest challenge. I did manage a few good swings thanks to some coaching from my dad and husband and actually ended with one of the higher scores in our group.

Cousins

But the game is really just a small part of the Top Golf experience. I loved the fun, social atmosphere. We were there early in the day to to beat the crowds and get the half price hourly rates they offer before noon, so didn't take advantage of the full service restaurant and bar aside from hot chocolates for the kids, but next time I'll go later. Maybe a couple glasses of wine will help my golf game.

Experience #29 was a fun family outing. I look forward to trying the Dallas-area Top Golf locations soon. Only 11 experiences to go!

My Sister, me and my Mom