There I stood in line, wondering if this event was a sport, a social gathering or a lifestyle.
I  did whatever my friend did paid my dues and got my 'cards'.  He bought stamps, so I bought stamps. He got extra 'cards', I got extra 'cards' - something called an early bird. He bought odds and even things, not to be out done I did the same. I should of been out done because by time I was done that I spent way too much that I wanted. Bingo will do that to you.
It was a long night - I played 2 sets of cards all night each card had six (6) playing surfaces for a total of 12. I was at least 2 numbers behind the ball caller person from start to the last 2 games of the night where I finally caught on.  I am sure I probably lost  at least 300.00. If you recall I was 2 numbers behind all night. In fact, I really didn't care. I was not there to win money, I was there to watch people, their reactions and to spend some time with my buddy.
I could see the anticipation on the faces of those who were close to fulfilling that game's card. It was a look of satisfaction. Then when the number was called a look of heartbreak. It was amusing, it was also sad. I wondered how many children went hungry that day, that week.  I wondered how many people's utility bills were not paid because of this event.
Everyone that walked through the doors of the bingo hall that night has one thing in mind - it was to win. I was even hoping to win something. Will I go back? Probably not. It was too fast paced for me. Too many people to watch. I'd rather spend that money on my wife and I and have quality time with her.
So the million dollar question still lingers in my thought process: Is this event was a sport, a social gathering or a lifestyle? I'm thinking that it is all three.
Until next time, when I write about bumblebees.