Storm of Thoughts

Halloween Revisited

Luckily, unlike in the past, this Halloween was not all that scary. In fact, although low-key, it was actually pretty fun. Pete did a good job of preparing before I even got home. He generally gets home from work before me every day, but he’s home especially early on Fridays. Which is why he had time to surprise me by cleaning out our pumpkin and roasting the seeds, two things I was very grateful for/impressed by.

Our jack-o-lantern was not terribly creative (at this point, there was little time for imagination), but he still looked pretty good all lit up outside when we were done.

He did, however, fail to bring in trick-or-treaters, as his little candle was pretty much the only inviting light on an otherwise dark and apparently not very trick-or-treat-friendly block. Which means way too much leftover candy. But I know he tried his best.

Even without a constantly ringing doorbell, it was a fun Halloween. We watched The Shining, ate candy corn, and enjoyed the relatively quiet night. Although I think Pete was a little disappointed that he didn’t get to dress up as Santa. But, then again, there will be another opportunity for that soon enough. (Too soon, maybe.)

I hope you had a great Halloween!

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Happy Halloween! (And My Own Personal Ghost of Halloween Past)

My family was never that big on Halloween when I was growing up. (Which is unusual, since we are definitely holiday people.) In fact, I’d say we were just big enough. Enough decorations to be fun, definitely lots of candy to hand out, and some thought given to costumes. But haunted houses, mechanical figures, and bowls full of grape eyeballs were just too much fun for us. Maybe it was because we don’t really like to be scared. (I’m told some people really do enjoy it, but the reason why is beyond me.) For me, especially, Halloween was kind of scary. When I was about four, I was traumatized by our neighbors. Throughout October (which, in case you weren’t sure, is my favorite month), I would see a monster lounging in a lawn chair in their yard. I’d see him when I looked out the window. I’d see him on my way to the park. I’d pass him by without a thought coming home in the car at night. The monster lived in the lawn, and, though ugly, he was just fine with me.

Until Halloween night of course. (Perhaps you can see where this story is going.) One of our neighbors dressed up as the monster and lounged in the lawn chair himself. The bowl of candy? Sitting dangerously in his lap. When I showed up without a second thought to get my candy, he jumped up. I’m not sure if he expected laughter and fun. Or if he thought maybe I was one of those rare people who actually enjoy being scared. (And, really, what four year old is?) What he got, though, were screams and tears. I ran away crying. He took off his mask. I resisted when my mom tried to bring me back over to him. He offered me more candy…but it was too late. Not only would I not even consider approaching him for more candy (that’s right - I was too traumatized to even accept extra apology sugar), but Halloween was ruined for me. That year, and for many more.

A similar experience occurred a year or two later. This one involved me running an entire block away. It ended after the man tried to come apologize, unsuccessfully, so many times that finally his non-costumed wife came outside, walked all the way down the street, apologized for him, and tried to give me candy. (Again with the bribe of more candy to relieve their consciences.) I always thought it was interesting that these people were so surprised by my reaction. Wasn’t the point to scare me? If it had been me, I would have expected at least one child to be truly frightened by that ever-popular Halloween prank.

I did eventually get over it. Which is a good thing, because last year, my roommates and I had a Halloween party. Some of the highlights:

Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

A well-decorated TV

And, of course, some clever napkins

Plus, Pete dressed up as Santa and, since we didn’t live together then, coming to the party involved some travel on public transportation. Which is how some guy ended up sitting on Pete’s lap and telling him what he wanted for Christmas. Pete’s costume was especially great because he 1. carried around an ipod with speakers in his sweatshirt to play Christmas carols all night and 2. handed out candy canes that he kept in his plastic pumpkin.

I hope everyone has something fun (and not too scary!) planned for tonight. Happy Halloween!

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