My husband Michael and his friend James suited up for battle yesterday. They donned their camo jackets, eye protection, and thick pants before they headed outside to kill or be killed. They weren't even mad at each other, they were preparing for an airsoft battle. Before you ask, no, I'm not married to a 12-year-old boy. My husband is 28. I guess he's just young at heart. I love that about him. But I've watched Michael and his friends engage in airsoft games before, and it's the number one reason I don't play. There is no telling what our neighbors think when Michael is crouching in our backyard wearing all camo and firing what appears to be an M4, except it has an orange tip.
One time I agreed to let my husband shoot me with airsoft BBs, which are small, plastic balls. I stood, unflinching and brave, as he fired a BB at my stomach. I was surprised to find that it actually stung a little, but not enough to make me feel tough or cool.
When Michael and his friends play airsoft, they get shot dozens of times. Inevitably, a BB winds up hitting someone in the face, ear, or other uncomfortable spot. This seems like a lot of pain and anguish to go through just to play a game, right? Yesterday, Michael and James walked home after a particularly painful battle.
When I came to the door, I was shocked to see that James' face appeared to be bleeding and Michael had a purple knot on his forehead. Neither appeared to mind or even really notice. “Are you okay?” I asked them. They assured me they were, like getting hit at close range by BBs traveling at 500 feet per second was no big deal. And this is what they do for fun. What activities do they think are unpleasant? Bubble baths? Back massages? Sleeping in?
Playing airsoft is one of Michael's hobbies, along with bike riding and fishing. It gives him a chance to get out of the house and do something he enjoys. I like singing, playing guitar, writing, and hula hooping. We have hobbies we like to do together, like camping, playing music, hiking, target shooting, and, of course, playing with our daughter. We've even taken yoga classes together! When I first got married, it took me a bit to figure out that couples need hobbies that don't always involve each other. I think that discovery could be the secret to a long, happy marriage. And that's why I don't feel bad for declining to play airsoft with my husband.
Until next time!
Want more Mother, Interrupted? Check out the blog that started it all at www.interruptedmum.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/MotherInterrupted or email me: debra.carp@yahoo.com.