Mahjong - For the Old or For the Young?
NOTE - I am on my way home from Florida … I probably won’t check in until late, so HAPPY NEW YEAR’S EVE, everyone! I’m going to have dinner with family and friends back in New York and probably be asleep by midnight! Just wanted to update you all … and now for the blog:
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My neighbors/friends have taken up Mahjong. I’ve never played. I never wanted to learn. For one thing, when would I have the time? For another, if I had time, shouldn’t I be writing? So they learned, they play on some afternoons and evenings, and I am not a part of the group. This doesn’t bother me. I’m more a do my own thing kind of person anyway. Then there was someone’s birthday luncheon, and there were seating cards, and I wasn’t at the table with my usual group of friends, because I wasn’t one of the Mahjong group. That was okay too. I caught up with people I haven’t seen in awhile and I had a lot of fun.
My mom, who like me, is also a do her own thing kind of person, has become a Mahjong fanatic. She plays in Florida with two different groups of women, and it has left me scratching my head. If my mother, who is more like me, has joined the group, what’s wrong with me that I don’t want to? She assured me that she hasn’t changed, she just enjoys the game. OK, I thought. she enjoys the game, I enjoy writing.
Then, I started to worry, what happens when I get older and everyone has a Majhong group and I don’t? Yes, this is a stupid thing to worry about, but I’m Jewish. I worry. 
(oy vey!) But still, I didn’t want to learn.
But a funny thing happened on vacation in Florida. My mom had already taught my eleven year old daughter. My sixteen year old wanted to learn. Mom set up the bridge table and four chairs and they pulled me over to learn. I’m here to tell you, folks, IT WAS UGLY. I am NOT a quick study. I can’t visualize well. The Mahjong card stumps me. Why do Flowers have numbers when you don’t call out numbers? That’s just STUPID. And if it’s a Chinese game, why do they have something called Charleston? 
And yet … I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. 
The four of us had an absolute blast. We left the table set up and played when we could. But I still can’t imagine giving up writing time for Mahjong. But maybe if anyone needs someone to fill in and they don’t expect too much brain power from me, I can substitute sometime. Maybe.
What about you? Have you ever played? Wanted to? Are you a group person? Or more of an individual solitary person like me? Do you think it’s an old person’s game? Because I’ve changed my mind …
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FYI I AM HOME FROM VACATION. I AM FINISHED WITH MY MANUSCRIPT! HURRAY! NEARLY KILLED ME, but I am sooooooooo happy! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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I never played Mahjong before, until I got this new computer of mine a few weeks ago, which CAME with the game already installed. I played a few times, and it didn’t take long to get the hang of it. Now, I’m addicted!
Then Don caught me playing it and tried it, too. I ended up getting him a $10.00 game to download on his computer and I can hear him playing it in the other room even as I type this!
Unfortunately, having it installed on my computer and being able to play solo and whenever I want DOES have the potential of taking away from writing time. And that’s not a good thing! Can we say PROCRASTINATION?
So, what is everyone doing for New Year’s Eve? We’re heading to my in-laws to spend the evening playing games and cards.
Comment by Janelle — December 31, 2007 @ 12:57 am
I’m not a game person unless it’s a game of knowledge. I love, love, love Trivial Pursuit and Scene It and Charades, but I’m not big on dominos (the big game in my family). I do like Poker, because there’s strategy involved…same with Chess. I’ll slit my wrists before I play Monopoly, but I love Battleship and Clue.
In my neighborhood, it’s a big deal for the women to play…oh, darn…what’s it called? Bunko? I was hounded for years to join up, but I told them when they started playing five-card stud to give me a call. Bunko is just…so…suburban soccer mom. I know I’m a suburban soccer mom, but I don’t need my games to remind me.
Comment by Julie Leto — December 31, 2007 @ 1:35 am
I occasionally play card games with friends, or board games, or something like “Catch Phrase”, but I’ll admit any games that take long to learn lose my interest, so I don’t know if I’d take the time to learn. Sometimes I enjoy the solitary games, or would prefer to read instead.
As for tonight’s plans, just hanging out with friends, keeping it low-key.
Comment by Stacy ~ — December 31, 2007 @ 6:55 am
Dear Carly,
But I wouldn’t try it because I simply don’t like these kinds of games. Not that it would be boring but I have my hands full with a lot of fun games to play and books to read. And then there’s that little part of my life called work 
First of all, I want to wish you, the Plotmonkeys and everybody else in the jungle a great New Year’s Eve.
My plans here aren’t much different than those I had last year, the year before…But I know it’ll be special to me: I’m celebrating with my familiy and I can promise, we’ll have a good time.
As for Mahjong: We actually play certain games on New Year’s Eve. But more like card games and I’ve never tried this one before. I don’t think it’s an old person’s game because every game you play can be a funny one if there are just the right people to play with.
Furthermore, it reminds me very much of another Chinese game called Sudoko and I can’t stand that one.
But since Janelle and Don seem to be absolutely addicted, maybe I should give it a try. But I definitely can’t install it on my computer because if I really LIKED it, I couldn’t stop playing. I’m sure of that. And since I’m already addicted to way too much stuff like the Plotmonkeys, your books. the Internet, chocolate… the list goes on and on, I think I’ll pass on that one.
Paula, I guess you’re pretty tired now. I can definitely refer to you cause once I get my hands on I book I can’t stop for sure. The longest time I’ve been reading INSTEAD of sleeping has been till 2.30 a.m. So Paula, comptetition here.
Carly, nice progress with Lucky Charm. And I thought you were on vacation?
Happy New Year’s Eve everybody. Celebrate but take care.
To lots of new Plotmonkey books and another great year with you guys 
See you
Vero
Comment by Vero — December 31, 2007 @ 8:19 am
Goodmorning
and jungle friends…
Carly, this is such a great blog…I haven’t played mahjong for “real”, but I have online…I think it is a lot of fun…I discovered this game when I watched “The Joy Luck Club,” movie based on Amy Tan’s book of the same name…I was enthralled…I discovered that there is a lot of strategizing to do and their is an ultimate purpose, though that may change depending on who you are playing with…that’s the online version…it felt like I was playing the childhood cardcame of matching the cards, but match the tiles/pieces…which sounds boring, but it isn’t…I am glad you tried it…
Now about you being able to visualize something…I think you are much better at it than you feel you are…how was could you write such vivid scenes in your books…or “see” how a plot is going to unfold…I know it is a different sort of visualizing, but if you can do that, you can master mahjong…I definitely think that it is a game for everyone; young and old….
On to the question of whether I am a group person…I wouldn’t say that I am…I am pretty much a loner…that’s why I have the opportunity to read so much…to some I may seem like an extroverted person who is secure in her skin, but that is just who I show everyone…I am very, very, very introverted…don’t go out much, because it takes too long to learn to trust people enough to actually go and hang out with them…I can count on one hand the number of friends I actually have…sad, but true…I live alone, don’t party much at all…thank God for online blogs like these…I don’t have to worry too much about how people view me, so I can be me…yeah…
But, on the other hand…I love to work with a team of people…which I got to experience when I played basketball in school or went for field training with my military unit…that is a different Paula, who is actually in control, but now that I look at it…it was just another “mask” I wore to hide the person I was inside…
I think I may be two different people…crazy, huh? Well, enough of baring my soul…a much bigger response than you bargained for huh?
Different page…has anyone gone to read Leslie’s Chapter 16? If you haven’t you MUST do it…it is very good, no that is too mild…it is very scintillating, hot, blazing…yeah, that’s it…check it out…
I will talk to you all later…Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 31, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Vero, you are on…have you ever not slept because you were reading so many good books at once? I have numerous times…my being a slight insomniac has nothing to do with it either…lol…You see before I go to bed…I try to read at least three or four chapters in the four or five books that I am reading, but if one gets to be more exciting and starts moving along, I will plug through it until the end…then I go back to the others…before you know it, the sun is up and I have completed two or more out of the four I was reading…and, when I finish one book, I just pick up another one to replace the one I just completed…crazy I know…I don’t require much sleep, 4 or 5 hours…it’s the military training and a whole slew of other things that cause it…
Jules, it is good to see you…I have heard of this Bunko game you refer to…some of my co-workers, we all live at the school, play and they invited me several times, but I know that’s not a game for me…and you are right…all the women who play are soccer moms…go figure…I am more of a strategist, like you….Love chess, Risk and any game that requires me to think, solve things and try to outdo someone else; one way to keep the old brain ticking, and I guess I am a little competitive…I also love Sudoku because I find it to be mentally stimulating and challenging…I started with the single box ones and now I have graduated to Samurai Sudoku…yes, it is crazy…
I have no plans for tonight…probably the usually, trying to get my apartment cleaned up before the New Year rings in…I be reading as well…
The kids come back to school tomorrow…bummer, but life must go on…we start school again on the 3rd, so now I have to get my teacher hat back on…ttyal
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 31, 2007 @ 9:30 am
My plans for tonight? Well, my daughter’s birthday is tomorrow and so far, I have 30 kids coming as well as various and sundry adults. I ordered the cake, pizza and sandwiches yesterday and I have most of the party supplies (table cloths, chairs, tables, paper products) but today I have to run around and pick up a few more things–ice, makings for the “taco bar” and such. I’m also crossing my fingers, toes and various other bendable appendages that my former housekeeper shows up for this one-time shot at cleaning my house! Luckily, only the main rooms need to be cleaned. I’m tidying my office so I can shove everything else in here!!!
Comment by Julie Leto — December 31, 2007 @ 9:41 am
Who has a link for an online down of mahjong for mac?
Comment by Carly — December 31, 2007 @ 9:42 am
It came on my new computer. And I have to say I have become addicted to it. I’ll be 35 ( and no I don’t think its an old person game!!).
Happy New Year!
Comment by Stacy S — December 31, 2007 @ 9:43 am
Janelle wouldn’t have the nerve to tell me she found an online game to play and procrastinate with. She knows I’d
Comment by Carly — December 31, 2007 @ 9:43 am
So I’ve never played Mahjong, and don’t know anything about the game. Sounds like it might be fun, so I’ll look into it.
I’m meeting some of my friends for dinner at their new restaurant tonight. They are running an awsome special for New Years Eve and I can’t wait to see everyone. It will be a really late night for me since I have to work all day first and our dinner isn’t until 9, but it will be worth it.
Comment by Liza — December 31, 2007 @ 9:46 am
I am going out to blow the 6 plus inches of snow off the drives and walks. Then go get my nails and toes done so I can sit at home tonite in my jammies with hubby and daughter and another friend and eat popcorn, drink and watch movies. Live Free or Die Hard is one. Die Hard movies are our tradition on this night. It’s amature night, so we seldom go out.
I play Majong on the computer all the time, at the hardest level the game has. One of these days I will learn to play it for real. I love strategy games, such as Risk, Backgammon and Acey-Deucy. I hate chess and Monopoly too.
Well, off to the white world outside!!
Have a happy and drive safely!!
Comment by ev — December 31, 2007 @ 9:58 am
I’ve never even heard of that game before!
Julie, you need to join a bunko group like the one I belonged to. One time we went to dinner, one time we went to the movies…I never even saw the Bunko game. And to this day have still never played it.
Carly, I’m a do-my-own-thing person too. I struggle with that sometimes becuase I really don’t think I’m anti-social, I just have a really hard time finding “like minded” people. I have no friends - zero - that read romance!
I love, love, love movies like “The Secret” and “What the Bleep Do We Know” and most of my friends have never heard of either of them. That’s why I love my on-line friends so much. I can relate to them like I can’t to people in my real life.
As for New Year’s Eve…hubby was supposed to be off today but has to work. And probably tomorrow too. He can’t drink because of the medicine and since his surgery he really can’t handle a lot of noise and commotion - huge change for Mr. Social Butterfly. I think we’re taking our boys and Son #1’s girlfriend to a nice restaurant and then will be in bed by 10:00. Now that makes me feel old!
Comment by Jodie — December 31, 2007 @ 10:42 am
Tooooo funny! I can actually picture the four of you.
My oldest did a play in high school called Laundry And Bourbon and in it, one of the women (set in small-town Texas) is absolutely panicking because the “rich” women in town are starting to play Mahjong and she just does NOT get it! Very funny.
We played Balderdash last night–I like that one. And I do love Risk, Paula, but nobody in my family will play it with me!! I’m sure we’ll be pulling out the Scene It game tonight when my family all comes here for New Year’s Eve. As well as Taboo, Outburst…fun party games. as for board games, one of my favorites is Masterpiece, where you bid on fine art. I swear I roared when we went to the Met up in New York several years ago and my youngest, who was about 5 at the time, started naming off the paintings. It sounded soooo impressive…but it was only because she recognized them from that game!
Happy New Year everyone! Hope it’s fun and SAFE.
Comment by Leslie — December 31, 2007 @ 10:45 am
Fun blog post. I’ve never played–but I HAVE played canasta and a bunch of “old people” games because I grew up very close with my grandparents. When I was in my 20s, I even used to take the bus rides with them to go gamble or go to the Poconos. I am an honorary old person. :-)
E
Comment by Erica Orloff — December 31, 2007 @ 10:47 am
Good morning all~
Hello, my name is Barbara-Jo and I am addicted to Mah Jongg, I learned about 4 years ago. My sister in love (sounds better than sister in law dontcha think?), who is Jewish, learned about six years ago and taught me to be the fifth person for the group. We play once a week all year long (twice a week during the summer). We have recently taught my two nieces, aged 8 and 13. What a picture they make when they walk into a room carrying their Mah Jongg bags with their $5.00 (which is our $ limit each time we play) and their game cards. That makes the age range of the people I play with from 8 to 65 (I’m 47) Don’t you remember as a kid when your parents had company over to play cards always wanting to join in? When it’s ladies night over - the girls get to play one or two hands at the beginning. Playing on line is just not the same. The online game is more a matching of tiles. The actual game is composing predestined hands. Just when you think you know it all with the game - the hands change. It’s almost time to order our 2008 game cards. (Must order new ones each year)
Happy New Year Everyone!!! It’s been a pleasure chatting with you.
Comment by Barbara-Jo — December 31, 2007 @ 10:56 am
OH Mom. Playing MahJon with you is like pulling hens teeth.
But I will admit, we did have a blast. Hopefully you’ll get better…..
:fourturkeys: :fourturkeys: :fourturkeys: :fourturkeys:
(They dont want to loose their teeth mom!!!!)
Love Jackie
Comment by Jackie — December 31, 2007 @ 10:59 am
LOL, Carly if you go to java.com I’ll bet they have a download for Mac. I play it on pogo.com and love it!
As for New Years we’re doing our traditional family thing at my sisters house minus my daughter.
She decided to do her own thing with friends this year she’s 19, it will be the first time that we are not all together for the New Year….I’m trying to be ok with it 
I hope everyone has a Happy, Healthy New Year!!
Comment by Tina Martinesi — December 31, 2007 @ 11:41 am
Come join the insanity, Carly. Here are some free downloads:
http://www.glennsgames.com/mp/ad.html
http://www.freedownloadscenter.com/Best/mahjong-4-mac.html
http://www.phelios.com/mac/macmahjong.html
http://www.absolutist.com/mac/mahjong/
But like Barbara Jo said, playing the online version is much different than playing it with other people. Still fun, though!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone!
Comment by Janelle — December 31, 2007 @ 11:56 am
I PLY MAJ. GARDEN ON POGO.COM ACTUALLY CLUBPOGO AND THEY HAVE A DELUXE GAME TOO..ITS FUN AND YOU CAN CHGE THE TILES TOO.. HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!! :santawhat:
Comment by donna — December 31, 2007 @ 12:11 pm
I think it could really go either way - but a very cool thing to have the grandkids know how to play - so they don’t complain “they’re bored” when they visit grandma. My ex’s parents played like everyday (in FL). At the retirement community, they have these groups they play for change … men, women, and couples tournaments … it’s serious stuff. I never got the chance to learn how to play … but, they all had fun so why not?
Happy New Year’s Eve everyone - be safe and have fun!
Comment by Yolanda — December 31, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
Happy New Year ladies!
Carly I’ve only played online…never in real life. But I’ve vowed to spend more family time with the kids so I’ll definitely be picking up SOME games this year–even if it’s just Uno LOL
Julie YIKES! Good luck with the party. My baby turned 12 yesterday but I always wait until mid-January to do something. Less stress.
Comment by Amie Stuart — December 31, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Carly, I’ve always wanted to learn to play Mahjong! I had no idea it was featured on new computers! I just got a new computer a few weeks ago. I’ll have to check and see if it’s there. I don’t think it’s an old person’s game at all.
I was invited to check out the Plotmonkeys blog back in July when I was blessed and lucky enough to have lunch with them at National. I look forward to checking in each day to see what’s happening. It’s part of of my daily routine.
Thank you Plotmonkeys for inviting me.
Take care all and have a safe, happy and prosperous 2008!
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 31, 2007 @ 1:10 pm
My mom plays Mahjong every week and loves it. She’s so funny because they play for money too and I’ll ask how she did and she’ll tell me she was the big winner with seventy-five cents.
One day she gave me instructions for the game so that I could play too. Umm, it was like the size of a novel so I didn’t even open it. But now you all have got me intrigued. 
Paula and Vero, I’m often up until 2 or 3 in the morning reading too. Lately I’ve been reading whole books in one day - like Seduce Me - Carly it was great! I really enjoyed it! Couldn’t go to sleep until it was finished.
Happy New Year everyone!
Oh, how about backgammon? Does anyone like that? I loved it as a kid and just bought one so I could teach my boys to play. We’re a big poker family, and monopoly (the Star Wars version), and Yahtzee.
Comment by Robin — December 31, 2007 @ 1:23 pm
Oh and Julie, Happy Birthday to your daughter!
I hope you guys have a great day!
Comment by Robin — December 31, 2007 @ 1:24 pm
Julie, Happy Birthday to your daughter.
Barbara-Jo, loved the way your post started!!
I’ve never played Mahjong & don’t know a thing about it. Not sure why it would be considered an old person’s game!! My game is Scrabble, although I haven’t played in years. Last time I played was with the two younger grandkids! It isn’t the same but we had fun! When my kids were growing up we played Yahtzee, great game to help them with math & they don’t realize it is learning!! Scribbage is also fun, again a word game. Card games don’t do much for me but I’ve played many a game over the years.
For the most part I am a very social person but the last few years have spent a lot of time alone! Just the way it is now! Tonight I will watch a DVD or read, maybe make some popcorn! Nothing to exciting but I’m okay with that. For dinner I am going to make Clam Chowder, yum! Tomorrow I will indulge myself in reading & just doing whatever I decide to do. The sun is out but it is cool. Later I want to take a walk as I’ve really been slacking off!! Got to get back into a routine.
Has anyone seen Charlie Wilson’s War? I saw it yesterday, enjoyed it. Tom Hanks really played the role well in my opinion. The friend I saw it with didn’t like it quite as well. Julia Roberts is good as the society matron! I’m curious to see what others think.
That is all folks! Again Happy New Year!
Comment by Donna M — December 31, 2007 @ 3:18 pm
Happy Birthday to your daughter, Julie
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 31, 2007 @ 4:08 pm
Carly, I am glad you made it back safely…congrats on finishing your manuscript..
Now all we have to do is wait…it would be ironic if it came out in March…
Hey Carly, now you can really celebrate the new year without any worries…
Leslie, what is Slow Hands about and I can’t find Trouble or Nothing…can you tell me where I can get that one please? It’s bugging me that I can’t find it…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — December 31, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
Carly…I didn’t know they had a person to person version of the game (I love the computer version, long time ago they called it TAI PEI). Ditto to Julie’s first comments. I don’t get Bunko. I tried it once and don’t get it. That’s okay, though, I am glad that others enjoy it.
I don’t play games with my in-laws or husband. Frankly, I would be divorced because I am TOO competative. Hubby is colllecting games based on the SID AND MARTY KROFFT
Julie: good luck on getting the house clean. I am doing that, too. Son #3’s birthday party (he is sort of having a ‘rolling parties’ this year) is next Saturday, then I have to keep the house clean for his party with his playgroup on his real birthday (the following Thursday). I just ordered the cake for next weekend and the sandwiches (and the cupcakes for his playgroup friends). Even when they are only 3, there’s stilll a lot to do (what can I say)
Comment by katie — December 31, 2007 @ 5:45 pm
Yikes, I hit the ’submit’ button…What I was trying to say is hubby is collecting games based on the SID AND MARTY KROFFT shows (like Electra Woman and Dyna Girl and Land of the Lost). He’ll probably play with our 5 year old, or we’d be in divorce court!
Comment by katie — December 31, 2007 @ 5:47 pm
Carly,
Glad you’re back home safe and sound.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Cher
Comment by Cher — December 31, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
Zoey is so excited she won yesterday Janelle!
She tells me she is going to do her own book tour for you,
when the book comes out.
Carly, not much of a game player anymore.
I use to be a social person now I read books and hide out in the
woods when I have time off.
Leslie, I have tomorrow off and I am so going to read you
newest treasure.
Happy New Year Everyone,
I am going to diet, diet, diet.
Comment by zoey and jeannie — December 31, 2007 @ 6:21 pm
Have never played Mahjong.
Comment by Estella — December 31, 2007 @ 7:14 pm
Carly….just started SWAK….very good (not hot yet, but I am not that far into the book). I learned that Hunter’s real name is Daniel Hunter (didn’t know that).
Comment by katie — December 31, 2007 @ 7:35 pm
Carly,
Happy New Year and to the
I read Seduce Me yesterday
Have never played Mahjong. :
Comment by Cherylann — December 31, 2007 @ 7:49 pm
Have a safe new year everyone!
Comment by melissa — December 31, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Congrats on finishing, Carly!!
I have played mahjong before–we’re Chinese, so my parents taught us (extremely patiently, I might add–we were pretty easily confused by the whole thing) when we were kids, and I haven’t played much recently. I also haven’t played in English, so I don’t know if the rules are exactly the same and what things are called in English…
Happy 2008!!
Comment by Fedora — December 31, 2007 @ 8:28 pm
I also have played Chinese mahjong. I often wondered how the Chinese and Jewish versions differ.
Comment by Jane — January 1, 2008 @ 5:55 am
I’ve played Mahjong Garden on pogo.com. I love the game. I also play canasta, backgammon, and rummy. I learned when I was a teenager, playing with the family. I also learned how to play spades from some former neighbors who would get together several nights a week, all of whom were senior citizens. I was at least 30 years younger then most of them. I loved playing with them. Very fun.
Comment by bluecat — January 1, 2008 @ 10:59 am
Wow. I grew up playing Mahjong. Also Pan. But I think I learned what cracks, bams, winds, etc were along with my ABCs. It was intense in my house- my mother had these groups, two, I think. If they ran a person short I would actually stay home from school to fill in. ::sigh:: It was great.
Comment by Jo Leigh — January 1, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Hi everyone,
My name is Pam and I live in SW Florida, just read the blog about Mah Jongg. Like you when I first came here everyone played Mah. I thought I didnt want to learn, but I joined in and I love it, what fun, we chat and play, more chatting than playing though. There is a great web site, MahJEZ@yahoo.com where tablecloths are sold. These tablecloths show instruction about the game etc. FYI I found this so great to help learn the game, and then it helps when you are playing. Check it out ! Keep playing it is lots of fun…and you can make such good friends.
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