The Diabolical Diabolo!

I can’t believe I had never seen or even heard of a Diabolo until last week when Bob introduced me to this odd little toy. At first glance, it may appear to be simple to work, but it’s not.


And because I was able to learn one trick, I'm now obsessed with mastering it.

Working a Diabolo is an almost mindless act once you learn the basics, but it does require a great deal of both concentration and balance... Both of which I have very little of, so I’m drawn to the challenge. (Guess I should have mentioned earlier how easily obsessed I can be. Now Bob is stuck with an employee who wants to spend hours playing instead of working.)

The first trick I learned was tossing it into the air and catching it. It took me a couple of days, but after hitting the dog and scuffing up the ceiling a few times, I can do it with ease. The next trick, the one I'm working on now, is the Grind. Unfortunately, this one is causing a bit more damage than the toss. I can catch it on the stick, but I can’t keep it on the stick. It just flies off in to whatever direction I have the stick pointed in. Luckily, I always have "But you’re the one that got me started on it" to fall back on when Bob complains about the broken knick-knacks and TV.

I've become so hooked on the Diabolo that I’ve decided to share this obsession with my nephew. I ordered him one for Xmas :o) But, I would still like to return the favor and get Bob hooked on something interesting. Do you have any suggestions for weird or obscure toys or games? Something that might break a lamp is preferable!