I can't believe it is finally here. It doesn't quite seem real. Today, is the first day of October, and I am a bit apprehensive that my alarm is going to go off and it will all turn out to have been just a dream. I will wake up and it will really be November 1st and I will have another whole year to wait.
Happily, that is not the case. I am wide awake, and there is a feeling of October swirling in the night sky. Already the log jam of wonderful begins to queue up in my mind. There are so many things to say, so many new ideas to share. There are old traditions to observe and new ones to implement. I'm so giddy that I haven't even picked out which October movie to watch first.
It has been a wild ride since the last time this month came around, but that isn't the point. The point is, that for thirty-one-derful days there is a special kind of magic in the air. A different way of being. The days have an unusual feel to them in October. I really can't say why. Maybe I am seeing things through orange colored glasses, but October really is a month set apart. It has personality, vigor and more than a little mischief. I have felt it creep into the other months and slip in pieces of itself. A dash of mystery here, a pinch of whimsy there. I have caught fleeting tastes and smells of October in the strangest places, and felt its pull on hot summer days. Ah October, I have missed you.
For those new to the October Thoughts (OT), welcome. For those who are old hands, welcome back. I am so happy that I get to share my love of this wonderful month with all of you. It makes the journey sweeter traveling with friends old and new. Who knows what exciting discoveries we will make and grand adventures we will have this time around. .
For traditions sake, I will now present the reading of the history and for lack of a better word, guidelines. I have always had a love affair with October. Everything about it is heightened (lots more on that later). Then in the early 2000's, I found someone else who shared my love of the orange month. She wrote her own October Thoughts (still does) and graciously allowed me to piggyback off of her idea. You see, October has more than enough wonderful for us to share. Ever since, in one form or another, I have bent the ear of any who would listen, why I think October is the best month of them all.
Being a girl who likes variety, I have much to love in this month. I love the cozy and the scary, the cute and the gory. I like paper Mache bats as much as ridiculously expensive couture costumes. I like the candy and the weather, the scares, the tastes, the magic, the colors and so much more. Not everyone will share in all my delights and that is ok. As far as I know, October doesn't hold any grudges.
For 31 days, I will write about some aspect of October that catches my fancy. Some thoughts will be old, some new. Most will be long, there will be more than a little nostalgia and unless otherwise stated, it will be all my rambling thoughts (you have been warned). For the most part, I write at night. This means that when you awake in the glorious October morning there will be a Thought ready and waiting for you. BUT, life does happen and sometimes the thoughts will be delayed. That just means that you can fill in your own. I am more than happy to take requests or play with comments. You the reader, help me make the magic and what we come up with together, can sometimes be the best part. I look forward to our interaction.
But for now, you get my manifesto on why I think October is so great in the first place. Each year I try to put into words a summation of my October love affair. And each year, I come up with something slightly different. This year my overarching theme is the word cozy. I get a great feeling of inner warmth and joy when I think about October. The nights turn crisp and hold the promise of snuggling under blankets and eating comfort food whilst drinking hot beverages. There are golden glows from the suns rays, and warm, comforting colors in the fall palate. There is a sense of ease in the traditions of the month. By now, life has fallen back into its rhythms and routines from the chaos that is summer. There are things to look forward to and life seems to turn inward. The frenetic pace of the holiday season has not yet hit and there is still a sense of enjoyment in the coming days. For all its mystery and magic, there is something reassuring and dependable about October. I can always count on something wonderful to happen.
In my minds eye, I see October as a sepia photograph or multifaceted jewel. It is nostalgia and friendship. Promise of better days and new insights. And it is never the same upon repeat viewing. October is the best kind of mystery and I look forward to unlocking it with you. So grab a pumpkin spice latte and your coziest blanket and come along with me on the grand adventure that is October!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
The Trouble With Valentine's Day
Ah Valentine's Day. If you believe the media, it is the bane of single folk and men world wide. There is yearly talk of conspiracy cooked up between the money sucking trifecta of Hallmark, flower purveyors and chocolatiers. And really, sometimes I tend to agree. For a holiday that is derived from either a martyred saint or a man speaking up for social injustice, I just don't see where partially naked, fat babies carrying compound bows fit into the picture of me going out to eat a steak dinner. But maybe I'm just wired funny.
My earliest memories of Valentine's Day centered around dragging my mother to the store to pick out the perfect valentines for my class. This was back in the day when food allergies were rare and every child needed to get a card. The old all or none gambit. And woe to the kid whose parents didn't believe in holidays or buying cards and candy for 24 strange children who wouldn't write them a thank you for it later. Hours would be spent at my classroom seat-desk constructing the perfect valentine mailbox to affix to the front of my mini cubicle in training.
Once the perfect cards were selected, (sometimes we bought more than one brand because one just couldn't seem to convey all that I wanted to say) I would spend hours (not exaggerating here) with the cards fanned out in front of me behind the couch deciding exactly who got what. You see, Valentine card selection is a science. First, you sort out the cards that are duds and the ones that are too cheesy. You will have an innate sixth sense as to which ones these are. Then you get down to business. In grade school, you need to be cool, but not seem like you are trying. You need to pick out the perfect card that will tell your secret 8 year old crush that you will love him or her forever, or until recess. But the card can't just come out and say that. Good heavens no. It has to say something like "You are the Beary Best" but convey with subtle subtext that you will love them with an undying love that means you will share your hot lunch pizza with them and not think twice about doing it. Once that task is completed, then you figure out which candy heart exactly to stick in the envelope with it. You can't seem like you are trying too hard you know.
And then, there is how to sign your name. Do you write in cursive or block letters? Do you add love or friends forever or just write your name and leave it at that? What if the weird kid who eats paste in the corner when the teacher isn't looking misunderstands the wording on your card and thinks that you want to become a paste eating partner. See, picking out valentines is hard work. I sorted those valentines like some middle aged men sort baseball cards. It drove my mom nuts and dad never did understand why I had to do it behind the couch and why it took so long. (The light was better behind the couch if you must know).
Then you reach those awkward teen years where you don't have to send valentines to everyone. But that makes things tricky. And then they add candy grams, flower deliveries and other things into the mix. I think they really want to give teens mental breakdowns. Then heaven forbid you actually have a boyfriend or girlfriend during this time. Are you a serious couple or just starting out? Do you send something sickeningly cute (for future reference, the answer is always NO) or do you send something neutral that can be taken any way the reader wants it to go.
I have gotten some real interesting things for valentines day from boyfriends. I still have some of them. My favorite though falls under the category I entitled, "Give the gift and then shut up."
My teen squeeze stopped me in the halls between bells and did the classic, close your eyes routine. When I opened them there was the prettiest braided white lace choker in his hand, with a silver heart pendant hanging from the middle. It was beautiful. And then he started talking and ruined it. As he was putting it on me, he mentioned that he had purchased it at a garage sale. (I was ok with that, wahoo, vintage). But he kept talking. He had purchased it a while ago. (Ok, so he had it laying around and still thought of me. I can roll with that.) Then came the kicker, I bought it at a garage sale, a while ago, when I was dating this other girl and meant to give it to her, but we broke up and when I saw it in my drawer I thought you might like it. Ok, he really meant well, and it was beautiful, and it wasn't a regift, but still. Least. Romantic. Thing. Ever.
Just say, oh look, I found this necklace, thought of you and happy Valentine's Day. The End. Sigh, boys are weird. Which leads to my second favorite Valentine's gift. I got it in kindergarten when I was sitting on top of the jungle gym. The boy crawled up, gave me two fake sapphire rings that he had gotten out of a quarter machine, announced that now we were married and then scurried away. It was weird. But they were a really pretty blue. There were two of them, and being married to him seemed to entail that I do nothing different that what I was currently doing, so what the heck. I still have those rings. They fit on half of my pinky finger but I love them and the funny memories that they evoke.
Yup, Valentine's Day for me is weird. This year is no exception. While grocery shopping for the evening meal, I was hugged by a complete stranger in the middle of the produce aisle. I don't think he mistook me for his lady love, I think he was just really happy and wanted to hug someone on Valentine's Day and there I was. Then, when I went to the gas station the attendant who has called me boring and seems put out upon having to wait on me, offered to be my valentine. It was weird. (I seem to use that word a lot this time of year)
Yup, Valentine's Day is kinda strange. But what do you expect from a semi made up holiday. Now that I am older, I take exception to the fact that there is this one day, where as a nation we have to love people more than we normally do. Like for the other 364 days out of the year we can neglect them and just skate by, but come Feb. 14th, whoa boy, you better love someone. And who decided that flowers, chocolate, hotel rooms, restaurants, lacy things, perfume, stuffed bears and copious amounts of the color pink were the best way to express this? Maybe it is because I think we should treat people special everyday. Maybe it is because I don't like being told that I have to do something. Maybe it is because I don't get to sit at a teeny tiny desk, with a chair bolted on and make a paper mail box to get cards from classmates.
I just hate when people feel stressed about a holiday. That takes all the fun out of it. If your wife is overloaded and stressed, take the kids out of the house for a while and draw her a bath before you go. Don't make your husband wear a pink tie and go to a tea house if the thought of that makes him squirm. Do a load of laundry unasked. Leave a note on the driver side seat of the car. Make some cookies. Make the bed. You don't have to buy stuff to make someone happy. Just listen and be there for them. The stuff is just icing.
Case in point, my favorite part of the day came from something unexpected. I baked a cake for my mom to take to a monthly lunch. It came back almost totally uneaten because everyone else had decided that Valentine's Day was a good day to bring sweets and with all the selection it barely got touched. (I promise that was the reason. I am a good cook and the cake was yummy. I may or may not have tasted a tiny bite of it before sending it with mom. Quality control measures don't cha know.) Now I was left with a cake that none of us felt like eating for the next month. So I suggested that she take it back to her hotel and give it to the front desk clerk to share with the night staff. She thought that they might take offense to being offered a used cake. But I pointed out that she was only offering a taste and if they didn't want it, they could pass.
She got to the hotel and offered it to the front desk clerk who teared up and wouldn't stop thanking her. It seems the clerk on staff tonight was the manager and he let his employees have the night off. He and his wife LOVE cake and hadn't had a chance to get one or to celebrate because he was working. Now they had a cake to share when his break time came and it just made his day. I teared up as mom told me this over the phone. Without planning it, we made some couples Valentine's Day special. I counted the day a total success just because of that. What a wonderful thing to fall asleep on. You never really know, where a day will take you. And it didn't require hours of pre planning, lots of money, stress or reservations. It was just a nice gesture from one human being to another. That is the way Valentine's and every day should be celebrated in my book. Who's with me!
Happy Valentine's Day! however you celebrate it.
My earliest memories of Valentine's Day centered around dragging my mother to the store to pick out the perfect valentines for my class. This was back in the day when food allergies were rare and every child needed to get a card. The old all or none gambit. And woe to the kid whose parents didn't believe in holidays or buying cards and candy for 24 strange children who wouldn't write them a thank you for it later. Hours would be spent at my classroom seat-desk constructing the perfect valentine mailbox to affix to the front of my mini cubicle in training.
Once the perfect cards were selected, (sometimes we bought more than one brand because one just couldn't seem to convey all that I wanted to say) I would spend hours (not exaggerating here) with the cards fanned out in front of me behind the couch deciding exactly who got what. You see, Valentine card selection is a science. First, you sort out the cards that are duds and the ones that are too cheesy. You will have an innate sixth sense as to which ones these are. Then you get down to business. In grade school, you need to be cool, but not seem like you are trying. You need to pick out the perfect card that will tell your secret 8 year old crush that you will love him or her forever, or until recess. But the card can't just come out and say that. Good heavens no. It has to say something like "You are the Beary Best" but convey with subtle subtext that you will love them with an undying love that means you will share your hot lunch pizza with them and not think twice about doing it. Once that task is completed, then you figure out which candy heart exactly to stick in the envelope with it. You can't seem like you are trying too hard you know.
And then, there is how to sign your name. Do you write in cursive or block letters? Do you add love or friends forever or just write your name and leave it at that? What if the weird kid who eats paste in the corner when the teacher isn't looking misunderstands the wording on your card and thinks that you want to become a paste eating partner. See, picking out valentines is hard work. I sorted those valentines like some middle aged men sort baseball cards. It drove my mom nuts and dad never did understand why I had to do it behind the couch and why it took so long. (The light was better behind the couch if you must know).
Then you reach those awkward teen years where you don't have to send valentines to everyone. But that makes things tricky. And then they add candy grams, flower deliveries and other things into the mix. I think they really want to give teens mental breakdowns. Then heaven forbid you actually have a boyfriend or girlfriend during this time. Are you a serious couple or just starting out? Do you send something sickeningly cute (for future reference, the answer is always NO) or do you send something neutral that can be taken any way the reader wants it to go.
I have gotten some real interesting things for valentines day from boyfriends. I still have some of them. My favorite though falls under the category I entitled, "Give the gift and then shut up."
My teen squeeze stopped me in the halls between bells and did the classic, close your eyes routine. When I opened them there was the prettiest braided white lace choker in his hand, with a silver heart pendant hanging from the middle. It was beautiful. And then he started talking and ruined it. As he was putting it on me, he mentioned that he had purchased it at a garage sale. (I was ok with that, wahoo, vintage). But he kept talking. He had purchased it a while ago. (Ok, so he had it laying around and still thought of me. I can roll with that.) Then came the kicker, I bought it at a garage sale, a while ago, when I was dating this other girl and meant to give it to her, but we broke up and when I saw it in my drawer I thought you might like it. Ok, he really meant well, and it was beautiful, and it wasn't a regift, but still. Least. Romantic. Thing. Ever.
Just say, oh look, I found this necklace, thought of you and happy Valentine's Day. The End. Sigh, boys are weird. Which leads to my second favorite Valentine's gift. I got it in kindergarten when I was sitting on top of the jungle gym. The boy crawled up, gave me two fake sapphire rings that he had gotten out of a quarter machine, announced that now we were married and then scurried away. It was weird. But they were a really pretty blue. There were two of them, and being married to him seemed to entail that I do nothing different that what I was currently doing, so what the heck. I still have those rings. They fit on half of my pinky finger but I love them and the funny memories that they evoke.
Yup, Valentine's Day for me is weird. This year is no exception. While grocery shopping for the evening meal, I was hugged by a complete stranger in the middle of the produce aisle. I don't think he mistook me for his lady love, I think he was just really happy and wanted to hug someone on Valentine's Day and there I was. Then, when I went to the gas station the attendant who has called me boring and seems put out upon having to wait on me, offered to be my valentine. It was weird. (I seem to use that word a lot this time of year)
Yup, Valentine's Day is kinda strange. But what do you expect from a semi made up holiday. Now that I am older, I take exception to the fact that there is this one day, where as a nation we have to love people more than we normally do. Like for the other 364 days out of the year we can neglect them and just skate by, but come Feb. 14th, whoa boy, you better love someone. And who decided that flowers, chocolate, hotel rooms, restaurants, lacy things, perfume, stuffed bears and copious amounts of the color pink were the best way to express this? Maybe it is because I think we should treat people special everyday. Maybe it is because I don't like being told that I have to do something. Maybe it is because I don't get to sit at a teeny tiny desk, with a chair bolted on and make a paper mail box to get cards from classmates.
I just hate when people feel stressed about a holiday. That takes all the fun out of it. If your wife is overloaded and stressed, take the kids out of the house for a while and draw her a bath before you go. Don't make your husband wear a pink tie and go to a tea house if the thought of that makes him squirm. Do a load of laundry unasked. Leave a note on the driver side seat of the car. Make some cookies. Make the bed. You don't have to buy stuff to make someone happy. Just listen and be there for them. The stuff is just icing.
Case in point, my favorite part of the day came from something unexpected. I baked a cake for my mom to take to a monthly lunch. It came back almost totally uneaten because everyone else had decided that Valentine's Day was a good day to bring sweets and with all the selection it barely got touched. (I promise that was the reason. I am a good cook and the cake was yummy. I may or may not have tasted a tiny bite of it before sending it with mom. Quality control measures don't cha know.) Now I was left with a cake that none of us felt like eating for the next month. So I suggested that she take it back to her hotel and give it to the front desk clerk to share with the night staff. She thought that they might take offense to being offered a used cake. But I pointed out that she was only offering a taste and if they didn't want it, they could pass.
She got to the hotel and offered it to the front desk clerk who teared up and wouldn't stop thanking her. It seems the clerk on staff tonight was the manager and he let his employees have the night off. He and his wife LOVE cake and hadn't had a chance to get one or to celebrate because he was working. Now they had a cake to share when his break time came and it just made his day. I teared up as mom told me this over the phone. Without planning it, we made some couples Valentine's Day special. I counted the day a total success just because of that. What a wonderful thing to fall asleep on. You never really know, where a day will take you. And it didn't require hours of pre planning, lots of money, stress or reservations. It was just a nice gesture from one human being to another. That is the way Valentine's and every day should be celebrated in my book. Who's with me!
Happy Valentine's Day! however you celebrate it.
Friday, February 1, 2013
February Time Vortex
It's funny how life jumbles you up. One minute you are sure, no, absolutely positive that you will be doing one thing, then BAM, suddenly you are doing something else. Back in October I fully planned on doing an October Thought every day of the month. I thought about the topics all year. I mulled them over all month. I wrote. I made it to the 30th and was feeling pretty proud that this year, I would make it. Then our house caught on fire and everything changed.
Oddly enough, it hasn't been all bad. Sure, precious things were lost. But the people and pets were all ok. True, I live a modified lifestyle that borders on perpetual camping, but it is kinda fun. The loss of the old, makes way for lots of new. And that isn't turning out to be such a horrible thing. It is kind of illustrating the metaphor that has become my life. Out of the ashes, something new and exciting is rising.
Way back in October, when I thought I had life all planned out, (and really, I should know better) I agreed to blog with a friend for the month of February. Looking three months away, sure, why not promise to blog. But last night, while I was lying awake watching the new month roll in, I realized that man, that time went fast.
For some reason February has taken on the traits that I usually associate with January. This might be because I spent all but 6 days of December being sick and January was more of a reprieve than a resolution. I didn't feel like starting new. I just felt happy to be breathing. But February, one of my throw away months (sorry all you February babies) is turning into a month of rebirth and new dedication. I feel like I am finally starting to get my life back in order. Like the newness of January was only a nebulous holding cell for me to wait and burst forth come February. I have never felt anything like it.
I was looking at my various calendars and realized that TONS of amazing things are going to happen in February. There is my 4th favorite holiday, Ground Hog Day! There is Ash Wednesday, a Valentines Dinner to go to, a bridal shower for a friend, the Super Bowl, the Oscars, Psych comes back on...ok, it seemed like there was more going on, but still.
I feel imbued with hope and possibility. I feel shiny and new. I feel like it is a new beginning. Like I said, I am a month off. These are usually my feelings for January. I think it is all a part of the calendar months trying to get back on my good side. See, Normally I find November and February throw away months. Each comes after spectacular months and are a bit of a let down. Kind of like the day after Christmas. But this year I felt a strong good will for November, and suddenly I am digging February. Who knew. February is the new black, and I'm going to wear it proud.
So come on February, let's see what you got!
**UPDATE** So, February proved to be a formidable foe. And only 6 days in. There is a slight change of plans. I will still blog in February, but it will be for Lent. I think a good time of reflection rather than love introspection will be a better blog topic. See you soonish.
Oddly enough, it hasn't been all bad. Sure, precious things were lost. But the people and pets were all ok. True, I live a modified lifestyle that borders on perpetual camping, but it is kinda fun. The loss of the old, makes way for lots of new. And that isn't turning out to be such a horrible thing. It is kind of illustrating the metaphor that has become my life. Out of the ashes, something new and exciting is rising.
Way back in October, when I thought I had life all planned out, (and really, I should know better) I agreed to blog with a friend for the month of February. Looking three months away, sure, why not promise to blog. But last night, while I was lying awake watching the new month roll in, I realized that man, that time went fast.
For some reason February has taken on the traits that I usually associate with January. This might be because I spent all but 6 days of December being sick and January was more of a reprieve than a resolution. I didn't feel like starting new. I just felt happy to be breathing. But February, one of my throw away months (sorry all you February babies) is turning into a month of rebirth and new dedication. I feel like I am finally starting to get my life back in order. Like the newness of January was only a nebulous holding cell for me to wait and burst forth come February. I have never felt anything like it.
I was looking at my various calendars and realized that TONS of amazing things are going to happen in February. There is my 4th favorite holiday, Ground Hog Day! There is Ash Wednesday, a Valentines Dinner to go to, a bridal shower for a friend, the Super Bowl, the Oscars, Psych comes back on...ok, it seemed like there was more going on, but still.
I feel imbued with hope and possibility. I feel shiny and new. I feel like it is a new beginning. Like I said, I am a month off. These are usually my feelings for January. I think it is all a part of the calendar months trying to get back on my good side. See, Normally I find November and February throw away months. Each comes after spectacular months and are a bit of a let down. Kind of like the day after Christmas. But this year I felt a strong good will for November, and suddenly I am digging February. Who knew. February is the new black, and I'm going to wear it proud.
So come on February, let's see what you got!
**UPDATE** So, February proved to be a formidable foe. And only 6 days in. There is a slight change of plans. I will still blog in February, but it will be for Lent. I think a good time of reflection rather than love introspection will be a better blog topic. See you soonish.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Awesome: OT Day 29
For once this won't be a long post. Why, because sometimes you just don't need to mess with perfection. The way it is, is enough. And today I present you with....the perfection of enough.
Today, or rather yesterday was a wonderful October day. It was almost perfect. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if I had suddenly developed amazing pumpkin carving skills and hadn't dropped an entire pumpkin pie blizzard all over my lap. Other than that, perfection!
I got to converse with friends about pumpkin carving preferences and find out that small children are more adept at carving than I am. I sat underneath an almost full and hazy October moon while listening to frogs croak and owls hoot. I listened to my Sounds of Halloween tape three times through and by the end I was full on singing. I finished my zombie book and didn't scare myself silly. I worked on Family Fun Night stuff and was very productive, and I am about to snuggle down and watch one of my October films. Ahhh. This, this my friends is October bliss.
Tomorrow, or rather today, I get to decorate for a party, carve a pumpkin or two, drink a pumpkin spice latte and watch more spooky movies. October, I am kinda in love with you.
I'm curious, what would be your perfect October day?
Today, or rather yesterday was a wonderful October day. It was almost perfect. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if I had suddenly developed amazing pumpkin carving skills and hadn't dropped an entire pumpkin pie blizzard all over my lap. Other than that, perfection!
I got to converse with friends about pumpkin carving preferences and find out that small children are more adept at carving than I am. I sat underneath an almost full and hazy October moon while listening to frogs croak and owls hoot. I listened to my Sounds of Halloween tape three times through and by the end I was full on singing. I finished my zombie book and didn't scare myself silly. I worked on Family Fun Night stuff and was very productive, and I am about to snuggle down and watch one of my October films. Ahhh. This, this my friends is October bliss.
Tomorrow, or rather today, I get to decorate for a party, carve a pumpkin or two, drink a pumpkin spice latte and watch more spooky movies. October, I am kinda in love with you.
I'm curious, what would be your perfect October day?
Family Fun Night: OT Day 28
I am starting to go into my “October is almost over” panic. There are still so many things that I want to do before the month ends and I know I just won't make it. But that is ok. October is a no fault month. Besides, if I can't do it in 31 days, then I will just appropriate some of November for other October related purposes. Ah, now I feel better. Finally, November is good for something.
Today it seems, many people decided to have their Halloween fun early. I saw people in costume, read about people in costume, and heard about people in costume. So many parties and gatherings. I hope they save some of the merrymaking for the actual day.
Parties are one of my favorite things about October. Scary movie nights. Costume parties, harvest parties at school, pumpkin carving parties, trick or treat sleep overs, and the best of all, Family Fun Night.
Family Fun Night was the best day of the school year for me. Even better than the first day, and that is saying something. For years I thought the event was indigenous only to my school, but since then I have found otherwise. For one night, our gym and surrounding classrooms would be turned into an October wonderland. Rooms that were dedicated to learning, morphed into photo studios, game booths and face painting way stations. The library turned into the cafeteria and the halls were filled with excited children who had parents in tow.
But the gym, the gym was amazing. Professional looking carnival booths lined every wall and took up any available floor space. And for the most part, the floor plan didn't change from year to year. The fish pond was always on the right back corner near the cake walk stairs. The cake walk was always on the stage. The ticket booth was always out of the gym teachers office. The rope climb with its big spongy mat was always in front of the cake walk in the middle of the room and the cotton candy was always out the right side gym doors turning the entryway into a shiny sugary mess.
Once I entered the building I didn't see my parents again until I either needed more tickets, had to drop off prizes because my hands were full, or needed food. Sometimes I saw them at one of the booths playing games, but really, I can’t tell you what they did with their time other than hold my winnings and keep the cafeteria chairs warm. It was pretty much a given that I would win 3 or 4 baked goods of some kind and bring home a fish or two that wouldn't last till morning. At some point during the night I would have the little kid melt down of NO I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YET, and the begging and pleading of just one more booth.
Eventually, after a few years, my parents got wise and curtailed my cake walk participation. No more participation after two wins. And I was forbidden to play the fish game. Which was fine with me really. Perpetually dead fish really are not much fun. Now that I have had the opportunity to plan my own Family Fun Night, I realize how much work went into making things look how they did and run so smoothly. I wish that I could have a time machine to go back and appreciate with new eyes all that was going on. But maybe not, maybe I am content to just let it live in my imagination with all the sparkle and wonder that an elementary school child can conceive.
I still have mementos from those wonderful days. They make me smile every time I see them. Instantly I am transported back to a waffle floored gym and the sounds of merrymaking on a cold October night. I wish everyone could have such a wonderful experience. I wouldn't trade those memories for the world.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Bunnies of Doom: OT Day 27
In my short time on this earth, I have come to realize that there are some things I find scary that other people simply do not and visa versa. For example, I think poster people are looking at me. I find the Stepford Wives frightening beyond belief. I think older people in white cars are out to get me and that USA made for TV horror movies come true. But there is one thing that trumps all these fears, and that is bunnies. Bunnies are dangerous creatures all dressed up in fuzzy hippity hoppity fur to lull one into a sense of false security. But I am on to them.
I used to be one of the mindless "aww bunnies are so cute" masses. That is until two things happened. One, my friend got a pet bunny and it turned out to be a madly hopping psycho. I think it was really a werebunny. I have never seen a rabbit with that much shaggy fur. I have also never seen another rabbit actively chew its way through dry wall in order to escape confinement. That thing freaked me out and with good reason. I woke up one morning, turned over in my sleeping bag and there is was right next to my head with its evil nose a twitching, munching on computer cables. It had escaped from its cage and hopped over to me. I think it was trying to decide how best to eat my brains. I took one look at those little red beady eyes and screamed. That rabbit was not of this world and I never spent the night again.
The other thing to make me scared of bunnies was a kids book. Yes, I said a kids book. I have a rather overactive imagination if you haven't already guessed and this was enough to push me over the bunny paranoia edge. The title character goes by the name of Bunnicula. He is a white rabbit that was found in a movie theater (my kind of bunny so far) He has a black back (looks like a black cape) and a widows peak of black fur on his head. He doesn't like sunlight and sleeps most of the day (also like me) and likes to suck the juices out of the vegetables that he eats. When the family wakes up in the morning the carrots will still be whole and sitting in the cage, but they will be white in color because all the inside carroty juice has been sucked out via two little tooth holes. See, what did I tell ya. Bunnies are out to plot our doom.
Bunnicula is really not the main character though. He doesn't talk and the action doesn't revolve around him. Rather the family cat Chester narrates the whole thing. Chester is a bit of a conspiracy theorist and thinks that Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit (I tend to agree). The books revolve around all his crazy Wil-E-Coyote like plots to get the bunny out of the house. The poor rabbit never does anything except for drain veggies, but this just unnerves the cat.
I got started on these books way back in elementary school when we had book order days. After all, who wouldn't want to read a story about a supposed vampire rabbit that was found in a movie theater. And with titles like "Howliday Inn" and "The Celery Stalks at Midnight" I was a goner for sure. The books are not even remotely scary, but when I was a kid I had this habit of reading them on dark and stormy nights and I could get myself worked up real good. Bunnies after all can be very scary things. Like Anyanka pointed out in the musical episode of Buffy, "and what's with all the carrots, what do they need such good eyesight for anyway?" Yeah, why do bunnies to have to have good night vision and such sharp teeth. Hmmmm. Anyway, I still enjoy the series and read them every October.....sometimes other months too. After all, one can never have too many good books in October.
But I'm getting off track. The point is, forget about not letting a black cat cross your path. Beware of bunnies. Beware. If I really did see one in the corn maze the other day, I was lucky that I escaped with my life. Just imagine running into a werebunny in the middle of a corn maze at night. No thank you. So yes, I do enjoy reading about a vampire rabbit every October. But call it more constant vigilance and homework than reading for fun. When the werebunnies finally attack, and I fend them off, you can thank me later for all my selfless reading ;)
I used to be one of the mindless "aww bunnies are so cute" masses. That is until two things happened. One, my friend got a pet bunny and it turned out to be a madly hopping psycho. I think it was really a werebunny. I have never seen a rabbit with that much shaggy fur. I have also never seen another rabbit actively chew its way through dry wall in order to escape confinement. That thing freaked me out and with good reason. I woke up one morning, turned over in my sleeping bag and there is was right next to my head with its evil nose a twitching, munching on computer cables. It had escaped from its cage and hopped over to me. I think it was trying to decide how best to eat my brains. I took one look at those little red beady eyes and screamed. That rabbit was not of this world and I never spent the night again.
The other thing to make me scared of bunnies was a kids book. Yes, I said a kids book. I have a rather overactive imagination if you haven't already guessed and this was enough to push me over the bunny paranoia edge. The title character goes by the name of Bunnicula. He is a white rabbit that was found in a movie theater (my kind of bunny so far) He has a black back (looks like a black cape) and a widows peak of black fur on his head. He doesn't like sunlight and sleeps most of the day (also like me) and likes to suck the juices out of the vegetables that he eats. When the family wakes up in the morning the carrots will still be whole and sitting in the cage, but they will be white in color because all the inside carroty juice has been sucked out via two little tooth holes. See, what did I tell ya. Bunnies are out to plot our doom.
Bunnicula is really not the main character though. He doesn't talk and the action doesn't revolve around him. Rather the family cat Chester narrates the whole thing. Chester is a bit of a conspiracy theorist and thinks that Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit (I tend to agree). The books revolve around all his crazy Wil-E-Coyote like plots to get the bunny out of the house. The poor rabbit never does anything except for drain veggies, but this just unnerves the cat.
I got started on these books way back in elementary school when we had book order days. After all, who wouldn't want to read a story about a supposed vampire rabbit that was found in a movie theater. And with titles like "Howliday Inn" and "The Celery Stalks at Midnight" I was a goner for sure. The books are not even remotely scary, but when I was a kid I had this habit of reading them on dark and stormy nights and I could get myself worked up real good. Bunnies after all can be very scary things. Like Anyanka pointed out in the musical episode of Buffy, "and what's with all the carrots, what do they need such good eyesight for anyway?" Yeah, why do bunnies to have to have good night vision and such sharp teeth. Hmmmm. Anyway, I still enjoy the series and read them every October.....sometimes other months too. After all, one can never have too many good books in October.
But I'm getting off track. The point is, forget about not letting a black cat cross your path. Beware of bunnies. Beware. If I really did see one in the corn maze the other day, I was lucky that I escaped with my life. Just imagine running into a werebunny in the middle of a corn maze at night. No thank you. So yes, I do enjoy reading about a vampire rabbit every October. But call it more constant vigilance and homework than reading for fun. When the werebunnies finally attack, and I fend them off, you can thank me later for all my selfless reading ;)
Friday, October 26, 2012
Through Linus Colored Glasses: OT Day 26
I felt a bit of October melancholy today. I think it was mostly to do with Christmas creeping in. And it isn't being subtle about it either. Don't get me wrong, I like Christmas, but it needs to quit co-opting October. At McDonald's today as I was getting my Scooby Doo pumpkin bucket I noticed the menu board advertising Christmas drinks. Then later in the evening while watching an October themed show and drinking my cider Target had a full on Christmas is coming add complete with snow and presents. Plus, I got two Christmas coupon catalogues in the mail. Arghhhh. I am no fan of November, but come on. If you are going to skip Halloween, at least give Thanksgiving a fighting chance. Poor fall holidays, it seems that your days are numbered.
So while I was in my pre Christmas funk I found a way to cheer myself up. Yes, I bought another plush Frankenstein doll. No, I did not buy another pumpkin. But I really felt like it. I also bought something called a Ghost in a Jar, which I find greatly superior to the creepy Elf on the Shelf. There are three different ghosts in jars and I have had so much fun with this one, that I may have to go collect the other two tomorrow.
But what really cheered me up was my purchase of an interactive sound book of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I usually watch it on TV when it rolls around, and if I happen to miss it I pull out my copy for holiday viewing. But the book just called to me. So this evening after everyone was asleep, I opened it up and went on a Halloween journey with Charlie Brown and his pals. I know I already mentioned this story a few times this year, but when I settle down to do October Thoughts I never quite know what will stick. Today it is this, and it isn't repetitive so bear with me.
Now of course I like Snoopy. He will always be my favorite. I am kind of partial to his happy dance and the sound he makes when he laughs. But my favorite kid is Linus. He is the character that most resembles myself. He is a kid and not ashamed to be one. While his friends go out and party he is content to follow the beat of his own drum and wait for the Great Pumpkin.
I don't know if someone (cough cough his parents) told Linus that there was a Great Pumpkin or if he imagined it. Either way I respect him. If someone told him about GP, then I admire him for sticking to his guns. His friends ridicule him. His own sister calls him names, but he never wavers, even when the Great Pumpkin doesn't show. If he imagined it, then I am in awe of his creativity. I mean, what on earth does a sincere pumpkin patch look like anyway? I have gone round and round about that one for years. I think a sincere pumpkin patch is a bit wild. It might not be in neat rows, it will have a variety of pumpkins and it won't be fenced. Beyond that I couldn't really say. I guess my imagination isn't that great. And how on earth does a really big pumpkin fly, let alone hand out presents? What a creative mind.
I love that Linus is willing to dream big. He has a goal and by golly, he sticks to it. He actively searches out what is the most sincere patch. He writes letters to GP, he misses parties and trick or treating just to catch a glimpse. If Linus were a real boy, I would want him for a friend. I would know that I could count on him. If he said that he was going to do something, then he would do it. I would also hope that some of his youthful innocence would rub off on me. That some of the wonder and magic would find its way into my bloodstream.
I also am a bit in love with the fact that Linus carries his blankie wherever he goes. I did that for years and a man who is confident enough to carry his blue blankie with him, gets my vote. I also love his sweet naiveté. His friends come tromping by on the way to a party and he assumes that they are coming to see him and sing pumpkin carols. I love that in his mind that is the only option. I also love that someone other than me knows that there are such a thing as pumpkin carols.
While the gang goes off to bob for apples and listen to Schroder play the piano, Linus is out in the pumpkin patch having his own fun. He is his own man. He doesn't let anyone's opinion of him get him down. When he is being teased or when things don't go his way, he is positive and looking forward to the next time. My favorite line is "But Linus still wasn't ready to give up." What a guy.
I love that when he thinks the Great Pumpkin is about to appear, he does the manly thing and faints. He is so overcome with excitement, anticipation and joy that he is full to the brim and can't contain it anymore. But I think the bet part is that even though he is teased, even though he potentially missed the Great Pumpkin, as the gang leaves he shouts, "If the Great Pumpkin comes, I'll still put in a good word for you." He is willing to share his magic and wonder. He is willing to believe enough for all of them.
When I grow up, I want to be a Linus. And I don't think that is such a bad thing to aspire to. I even know where there might be a really sincere pumpkin patch ;)
Which Charlie Brown character is your favorite?
So while I was in my pre Christmas funk I found a way to cheer myself up. Yes, I bought another plush Frankenstein doll. No, I did not buy another pumpkin. But I really felt like it. I also bought something called a Ghost in a Jar, which I find greatly superior to the creepy Elf on the Shelf. There are three different ghosts in jars and I have had so much fun with this one, that I may have to go collect the other two tomorrow.
But what really cheered me up was my purchase of an interactive sound book of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. I usually watch it on TV when it rolls around, and if I happen to miss it I pull out my copy for holiday viewing. But the book just called to me. So this evening after everyone was asleep, I opened it up and went on a Halloween journey with Charlie Brown and his pals. I know I already mentioned this story a few times this year, but when I settle down to do October Thoughts I never quite know what will stick. Today it is this, and it isn't repetitive so bear with me.
Now of course I like Snoopy. He will always be my favorite. I am kind of partial to his happy dance and the sound he makes when he laughs. But my favorite kid is Linus. He is the character that most resembles myself. He is a kid and not ashamed to be one. While his friends go out and party he is content to follow the beat of his own drum and wait for the Great Pumpkin.
I don't know if someone (cough cough his parents) told Linus that there was a Great Pumpkin or if he imagined it. Either way I respect him. If someone told him about GP, then I admire him for sticking to his guns. His friends ridicule him. His own sister calls him names, but he never wavers, even when the Great Pumpkin doesn't show. If he imagined it, then I am in awe of his creativity. I mean, what on earth does a sincere pumpkin patch look like anyway? I have gone round and round about that one for years. I think a sincere pumpkin patch is a bit wild. It might not be in neat rows, it will have a variety of pumpkins and it won't be fenced. Beyond that I couldn't really say. I guess my imagination isn't that great. And how on earth does a really big pumpkin fly, let alone hand out presents? What a creative mind.
I love that Linus is willing to dream big. He has a goal and by golly, he sticks to it. He actively searches out what is the most sincere patch. He writes letters to GP, he misses parties and trick or treating just to catch a glimpse. If Linus were a real boy, I would want him for a friend. I would know that I could count on him. If he said that he was going to do something, then he would do it. I would also hope that some of his youthful innocence would rub off on me. That some of the wonder and magic would find its way into my bloodstream.
I also am a bit in love with the fact that Linus carries his blankie wherever he goes. I did that for years and a man who is confident enough to carry his blue blankie with him, gets my vote. I also love his sweet naiveté. His friends come tromping by on the way to a party and he assumes that they are coming to see him and sing pumpkin carols. I love that in his mind that is the only option. I also love that someone other than me knows that there are such a thing as pumpkin carols.
While the gang goes off to bob for apples and listen to Schroder play the piano, Linus is out in the pumpkin patch having his own fun. He is his own man. He doesn't let anyone's opinion of him get him down. When he is being teased or when things don't go his way, he is positive and looking forward to the next time. My favorite line is "But Linus still wasn't ready to give up." What a guy.
I love that when he thinks the Great Pumpkin is about to appear, he does the manly thing and faints. He is so overcome with excitement, anticipation and joy that he is full to the brim and can't contain it anymore. But I think the bet part is that even though he is teased, even though he potentially missed the Great Pumpkin, as the gang leaves he shouts, "If the Great Pumpkin comes, I'll still put in a good word for you." He is willing to share his magic and wonder. He is willing to believe enough for all of them.
When I grow up, I want to be a Linus. And I don't think that is such a bad thing to aspire to. I even know where there might be a really sincere pumpkin patch ;)
Which Charlie Brown character is your favorite?
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