My Arch Nemesis, The Claw Machine

My dad is a racist, compulsive-gambling sack of douchebaggery, but there is one life-lesson imparted by him that I am grateful for:

He taught me how to kick ass at claw machines.

I know... great resume fodder, right?

But you know what, it is a fun little vice of mine.

Sort of like my cigarette.... because when I see one, I almost always have to play.

Malls, restaurants, ballparks, and yes, even in hotels.  If there is a claw machine, I'll be feeding it quarters.

Of all the addictions to have (drugs, alcohol, Arby-Q's) I think this is a fairly safe one to have.

And like I said, I'm pretty good at it.

For example, there is a claw machine in the current hotel I'm in.  I've only spent $1 so far, and walked away with these:

2 stuffed animals for $1?  Not too shabby.

I usually only spend $1-4 at a time, and almost always walk away with a few things.  Sometimes I give them away to nearby kids, sometimes I take them home and let my dog shred them to bits.  I don't need them, but I like to win.

And I win a lot.

However, I refuse to play the 'bling' claw games, because it's cheap plastic jewelry and almost impossible to win.  Stuffed animals, balls, hats, etc is the way to do.

Side note, I was surprised to see the necklace to the left in a claw machine.  It's a square and compass, the emblem of Freemasonry.

The Masons are a fraternal organization that requires a little bit of work to get into.  I should know, I used to be one.  Yet, in this machine, for as little as 50 cents, you could wear this snazzy piece of jewelry.

It makes me chuckle to imagine a 4yo girl wearing this.  "The G stand for Gina, my name!"  Ha, sure doll.  Whatever you say...

Do you have any addictions?  Video Games?  Meth?  World of Warcraft (one of my old favorites...)?  Please share below...