Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Player 1 Arcade marked our fifth of six Desert Dolls Pinball Collective league nights. Going into the evening, I was sitting 7th place overall in the league series, and honestly, I felt good—steady, grounded, and happy to be there.
There was a bittersweet edge to the night, though. Player 1 Arcade is closing at the end of the month, and knowing this was one of our final league nights in that space added a layer of quiet sadness. This place has held so many games, laughs, nerves, victories, and “almosts.”
Still, the energy in the room mattered more than the ending. Seeing the girls, catching up between games, and sharing the night together reminded me why this league is special. Even on nights when the future feels uncertain, community shows up—and that always counts.
Game lineup for the night kept things interesting, humbling, and occasionally magical. I landed 4th place on Foo Fighters (ugh… my nemesis, still undefeated), but rallied hard with 1st place finishes on Tales of Arabian Nights, Bride of Pinbot, and Godzilla. I also pulled 2nd place on The Walking Dead, which felt solid given how unpredictable that machine can be.
Overall, the scores stayed tight and surprisingly low, and honestly, the night could have gone either way. It was one of those evenings where you know you need to play better—but you also can’t ignore that a little luck showed up at the right moments. Not every win is pretty, but sometimes surviving the chaos counts just as much as dominating the playfield.
The Wellness Angle
From a wellness standpoint, the night was minimal—but still meaningful. Standing at the machines added steps, and walking between games added a few more. Nothing dramatic, nothing flashy—but movement still happened, and that matters.
Anxiety management played a bigger role than the step count. When things felt tight, I stepped outside to breathe, did a few simple stretching exercises, and grounded myself by chatting with other players. I kept music in one earbud to stay calm and focused, letting it smooth out the nerves without pulling me out of the room.
It wasn’t a workout night. It was a regulation night. And that still counts.
Closing Thoughts
By the end of the night, I felt tired, centered, and grateful. Sad about Player 1 Arcade closing, but thankful for the time we’ve had there and the community that filled the space. These league nights remind me that wellness isn’t always about pushing harder—it’s about showing up, staying present, and taking care of yourself in real time.
Huge gratitude to the Desert Dolls Pinball Collective, to Player 1 Arcade for the memories, and to everyone who makes Thursday nights something to look forward to. If you’re following along, check back soon—I’ll be sharing more league nights, wellness-in-real-life moments, and all the ways movement sneaks into places you might not expect.
Still counts. 💜🎯
I feel pretty primed for week 6 of 6 and finals. Good luck to all the ladies. It is anyone’s guess how it will all shake down. Still going.