Do I Really Say That?

The Imitation Game has many strengths. It keeps everyone seated for longer at the table during mealtimes, it is pretty much guaranteed to get you all laughing, it challenges the whole family and makes you use your creativity. But above all, it makes you realise just how ridiculous you can sound sometimes, and gives you an important nudge to change your ways.

Everyone has a number of pieces of paper, say ten or fifteen each, and a different colour pen. Take a few minutes to scribble down the name of someone you all know - a member of the family, a relative, a neighbour, teacher, celebrity, pet, friend, etc. - one name per piece of paper. Fold all the papers up and chuck them into a bowl, then place them in the centre of the table.

The first player starts by picking a name out of the bowl. They announce the colour of the pen its been written in, so that the author knows to keep quiet for this particular round. Player one then gives their finest impression of the person whose name is on the paper. Whoever correctly guesses first wins the piece of paper and the bowl is passed to the next player for another impression. Keep going until the bowl is empty, then count up all the papers and declare a winner.

So, impressions may include the following:-

1) "That was, quite honestly, one of the worst auditions we have ever seen. Seriously. A nightmare. And your eyes are freaky".... Simon Cowell, naturally.

2) "Philip and I are deeply honoured to be so rich and so horsey".... The Queen.

3) "Right! That is IT!! I am the only person who ever bothers to clean anything in this house!!".... Apparently this is me.

How much do I want to be remembered for this kind of thing? Not at all. Not one itsy-bitsy-bit. It's not even a true statement. The kids do tidy their rooms (every once in a while). It's obviously time for me to chill out about the mess. Or maybe just get a cleaner?