Halloween is one of my all time favorite holidays of the year! But this year celebrating it comes sooooo easy for me. My friends and I usually sweep the costume contests every year. We spend a few weeks piecing together our group costumes from scratch…no mass produced, costumes in a box for us, no sir!

In years past we took first place as, The Munsters, The Scooby Doo Gang, Gilligan’s Island Castaways, Fat Albert Kids and Willy Wonka and the Oompa loompas.

But this year, I didn’t have it in me… it’s been a crazy, stressful year and the thought of going through all of the rigmarole just didn’t do it for me like it usually does.

But then it dawned on me; this would be my easiest year yet. When would I have an opportunity like this again?????

So here it is ladies and gentlemen…..without further adieu, here is my first place prize winning costume for Halloween 2008 as well as first place in group category. And all it took was a pair of glasses and a red suit!

Watch out Tina Fey! If Governor Palin is elected (no political opinions, please) I just may have a NEW career for 4 more years!

Happy Halloween!

Have a great time begging for candy, candy, candy! From all of us in the Shakadoo family, we hope your Halloween is scary and fun!

I took Erin and her friend Erika out to lunch today since school got out early.  While we were sitting there – and while I was praying they wouldn’t burp out loud – Erin saw Erika’s pupils shrink.  I told them that if they covered their eyes and move their hands, they could make their eyes do that anytime.

They quite enjoyed it until one of them decided, "Ewww!  That’s weird!"

Heh.

Image: Failblog

My oldest daughter Annie is 18-years old.  Late last school year she decided she wanted a job. She wrote on an application where they asked, "WHY?":  "I’m tired of freeloading off my parents."  I thought that was charming.

She was hired to work a dream job at Arby’s.  She covers front line, washes dishes, does drive-thru window, and sometimes helps in the back by throwing sandwiches together.  Some weeks she gets a lot of hours, others she just works one day a week.  Annie has learned to love those days off she gets, but during lean times she rues not having a good paycheck.

I’m very proud of her for her willingness to work, especially since I’ve told both my children that their jobs in school are to "Pay attention in school and learn everything you can."

But what really makes me happy is when my daughters – both of them – jump out of bed early on a Saturday morning to volunteer to give back to the community – FOR FREE.  This past Saturday was "Make a Difference" Day, a national phenomenon in October in which people volunteer in their local communities to perform charitable work for others.  My daughters and some of their friends joined me in helping senior citizens wash windows, clean ceiling fans, and change smoke detector batteries.  There was no fighting to be seen… just willingness to work.

Today I received a card from one of the elderly couples,

It was such a pleasure to see so many beautiful faces on Saturday morning. You were such a blessing to us.  We appreciate all that you did and the spirit in your group.  The attitude of the girls renews hope in the young generation.

Glad to see you and Thanks again.  In God’s love, Don & Eunice.

I love today’s youth and feel confident that we’re going to leave this world in good, caring hands of our next generation.

Early voting is all the rage in my county right now. Not wanting to be untrendy, I dashed by the SportsCom where they were holding early voting.

When I got in there, the line was long, but it seemed to be moving fairly quickly. Until….

The power went out. Not once, but twice. The election official told us it might be awhile before they could get all their computers rebooted. Lovely.

So I remembered my husband had early voted at a local civic auditorium and he said he was able to get in and out in about ten minutes. Civic auditorium, here I came.

And luckily, I was able to get in and out in about 10 minutes myself. But I didn’t get an "I voted" sticker. I feel robbed.

I carpooled to Erin’s baton class with another Mom and her daughter yesterday.  The other Mom offered to take the girls to see the opening night of High School Musical 3 and both teens were excited.  Because I have access to a computer and because the Mom was worried the show would sell out, I ordered the tickets online for the girls (and the Mom).  Non-refundable, one show only.

Erin came bee-bopping off the bus all excited that a BUNCH of kids from her middle school were meeting tonight at the bowling center to hang out.  I reminded her that she already had plans to see the movie.  She begged, cried, and pleaded for me to change the tickets to tomorrow.  When I tod her no, she wanted me take her to the bowling party first, then she could just leave early for the movie.  Being the mean Mom I am (and the Mom going broke with all these extra-curricular activities), I told her no.

So now my 13-year old hates me yet again.  I know because she told me so… a number of times.  Please please someone who has raised an emo daughter to adulthood, tell me that they grow out of this.

And by the way when she left with her friend – who she is spending the night with – it was all smiles and happiness.  She hugged me and said, "I love you Mom." as she walked out the door.  Confusion!

God, I love this song.

God, I love this song.

Opishposh on Flickr