Being the underdog at every card game

Card games were pretty much what our time "up on the hill" (Meme and Poppy Rumker's) was centered around. It has taken me years to finally admit, but my cousin Beth is the master when it comes to cards. We still have our bantering back and forth sessions about who will win the next match, but about 98 percent of the time the win is hers.

Here are a few things to give you insight into why she is seen as the master of cards in the Rumker family:

1. After a while, Meme refused to play against Beth...especially after she realized her "hex" on her opponent wasn't working.
2. Meme made many rules to make it easier on us kids, but the best and most memorable was when Louie and Jon Paul cried because Beth would go out before everyone at the table was able to play during Phase 10. From then on, Meme said that no one was allowed to go out until everyone got at least one turn on each round. Oh, and she also didn't believe in skips.:)
3. Beth knew how to gloat without actually having to gloat. She would win a hand and have a smirk on her face while gathering her cards...not one word came from her mouth unless you said something first (which was almost every time) and even then it was a calmly stated, sarcastic remark in which you had no words in reply.

Now, even though Beth was seen as the best, there was always something so great about being the underdog.

When the underdog won a hand, that person was given the free reign to gloat as loud and as long as they wanted. There was no "Now be nice." or "Sssshhhh...not so loud." OH NO. So, this makes losing a little easier to take.

Plus, it was like getting a trophy when you won and got to place your star on Meme's calendar. Memories...

Gift ideas for my cousin on MY half birthday

My favorite cousin Beth (B.Rum) has a birthday coming up. Coincidentally, her birthday is my half birthday. This has always been a running joke between the two of us as to who is more important. For instance, on her birthday a few years ago, I was in Kansas City visiting the Rumker family. Since she was unable to show her wonderful face in KC that weekend, my aunts and uncles decided to call HER cell phone and sing happy HALF birthday to me.:)

On August 17 I believe my half birthday should overshadow her actual birthday, while on February 17, she believes her half birthday should overshadow my actual birthday.

Anyways, recently Beth asked me what I would be getting her for her birthday...well, I decided that her present should be unique, pretty and something that could be mailed easily to her since she has decided to live in the dreadful state of Oklahoma.

So I have decided on the perfect gift. I will take a picture.........of myself (unique). I will run it through Photoshop so that it has a (pretty) border on it. Then I will place it in a text message, make her as the recipient and push send (saving on a few stamps to mail her something). I have covered all my bases...I do believe my job here is done!

I love you B.Rum and there is no possible way I would tell you what I am getting you for your birthday - I guess you'll just have to be surprised.:)