My trivia team Miskatonic University Fighting Cephalopods has made some drastic changes during the current trivia seasons for both Sporcle Live and My Trivia Live. In short order, we’ve basically decided to say “f— it” to vying for tournaments in either league. I made this decision for a variety of reasons, but the overwhelming reason was…because it was the best thing to do for my own mental health. I went into a very depressive state leading up to the MTL finals and it wasn’t until after Labor Day weekend that I started to really come out of it. I actually gave serious thought to seeing if I could find a sub for myself at the MTL finals – my heart just was not in going out there and playing. I was in a “let’s get this over with” state of mind.

Because of these things, I decided that stepping back from competitive trivia – for at least the remainder of the year (or prevailing trivia season)  – would be for the best. We’re now a “just play for prizes” team.

As part of this new “regimen,” I’ve made some drastic changes. I’ve cut out playing at a couple of different trivia spots –  (Powell’s Pub – and Oscar’s Sports and Grill).  One of my “key” players told me he didn’t want to play at Powell’s anymore, and when I thought about it for a bit, I realized I didn’t really want to play there anymore, either! As for Oscar’s? Well, I want to try to keep weekends trivia free – and also – truth be told – there’s a certain person tied to that place whom I want to avoid at all costs. I don’t want to get into specifics and am NOT going to name names! Sorry to be all You’re So Vain about it but I’ll assure you that this song is NOT about you! 🙂

Carly Simon’s single You’re So Vain is her only #1 single to date. And honestly…I don’t give a CRAP who the song is about! From what I’ve read, she kind of…(ahem) – got around. I’m not giving you a medal for not kissing and telling, Carly Simon! I do actually like this song, though!

Weekend games are not likely to happen again – unless Kim and I decide to team up at Tony Sacco’s on random Saturdays. We talked about doing this, since our “Face the Music” (name that tune) nights have been discontinued (so sad). Another step I’ve taken is to keep the scores “off the books” at Original Gravity – which is the only place we’ve been playing “fairly” regularly.  My team and I have managed to win a couple of trivia seasons here and go to tournaments. This time, I just want to sit back and see which other team wins the spot. It’s not out of any sense of “charity” on my part (aww HELL no)! I just think it’s better to view each game we play (no matter where it is) individually and not pay attention to standings, league points, etc. The other players on my team have given a thumbs up to this – especially my husband, Mike. I’ve been benefiting from this “kinder, gentler” trivia M.O.  as well. It’s certainly brought back my joy of the game!

Changing routines isn’t just limited to trivia either! My husband and I are trying to hit the bar a little less, for one. Recently at a local watering hole (Aubree’s) a Buzztime player got very bent out of shape when I congratulated him for winning a tough round of  “Six.” He took my congratulations as a sarcastic gesture (honestly – it wasn’t). I may be fairly fluent in sarcasm, but I was NOT being sarcastic! I just congratulated him from across the bar – did not approach him.  He even asked if my husband wanted to “talk about it outside.” So classy…As a result, I’ve said that I want to avoid going here for a while – especially at night (this guy seems to be here most nights). Here I am trying this whole “kinder, gentler” thing and THIS happens! Good lord…

On a lighter note, here are some team stats since mid August:

• Number of different trivia spots played: 8 (Powell’s Pub, Original Gravity, Oscar’s Sports and Grill, The Wurst Bar, Tony Sacco’s,  Plymouth ROC, Corner Brewery and Haymaker)
• Number of total games played: 15 (not including two trivia tournaments)
• Average amount of prize money won per trivia night: $10.66 (I know that’s not much – but keep in mind we usually play with just 1-3 players and we have visited some very, very competitive trivia spots with 20-plus teams)

We’re still looking to check out the Tower Inn (Ypsilanti) when Sporcle Live trivia starts up there (shows will be 8 pm. Tuesdays). It’s a “local” spot for my team, and I want nothing more than to be able to scope out a “new” trivia scene! I’ve always had an adventurous spirit, so saying good riddance to tiresome trivia routines has been a real boon. If I don’t “feel like” going to a game, I won’t go. If I want to check out a new spot, I will! The Haymaker games have been kind of fun, we’ll probably still visit that place from time to time – ditto for Plymouth ROC. That host runs a very fun show – and I like the little “jackpot” things they do (I won a little money in that last game).

I honestly don’t know if we’ll ever be a “tournament” team again. We’ve had a good run over the past six years. Plus, in social media street cred, we have more than 600 likes on my trivia team’s Facebook page – and I have 66 followers on this blog site. I wouldn’t say no to lending a helping hand in tournaments if another team needed a player (if my schedule allowed it). Hey – I can warm up a seat pretty well! 🙂 As for hustling my own players for tournaments anymore? I think I’m officially retired from THAT task!