Now that there's no dog, I'm scared of everything

Yeeeeeah. There's no dog. And by no I mean gone and by dog I mean Zooey. What??! Well, she wasn't ever MY dog, was she? I was merely a steward of an animal that wasn't mine in any way. Sure, she had bits of my heart, but that's the extent of my dog investment. That and the tears I shed as she merrily jumped into the car of her new owners.

That said...

Zooey is gone but she's in a much better place... and I'm not alluding to doggy heaven because that would be sick. I'm alluding to a nice couple with a big house with a big yard that houses another dog as well as the knowledge that one half of this couple happens to have extensive pet care experience via PetSmart. We've also been told that at least one half of this couple is around all day. I'm positive this combination is exactly what Zooey needs. I'm positive she jumped in that Corolla and never looked back. We, on the other hand, may take a week or two.

However, THAT'S not the point of this post.

The point of this post is to point out how I live in a very old house on the borders of a sketchy neighborhood and now instead of blaming the weird noises coming from the back of the house on the dog, I have to accept it may be the robbing/creeper/raper/murdering/zombie/disgruntled ghost I always imagined might enjoy a very old house with very creaky floors.

Perhaps a heavy footed cat is in order.

Shudder.

Let's talk about Halloween

Yes, it's November now. What happened to October? I ask you! It's always a little bittersweet when October ends - it being my favorite month of the year and all. But it also means other such fantastic holidays as Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us! So it can't be all bad to have October end. PLUS! I've also been watching the Walking Dead Season 2 and that will help me keep Halloween in my heart for several months hence.

THAT said, here's some pictures of my October Shenaniganizing. That's, Shen-an-igan-iz-ing. I'm a Shenaniganizer!

Thirller! Every year for the last 4 years I've gone to Odyssey Dance Theater's production of Thriller at Kingsbury Hall. I love it. I love all the great pieces they bring back every year and I always look forward to the new ones they inevitably integrate. I also like any opportunity I get to refer to a performance, writing, or art as a "piece." Makes me so fancy. "Yes, dahling it was a moving piece... a real snapper!"

Next.

I've already discussed how October houses one of the greatest events all year - i.e. my Birthday. BUT! It also houses the SECOND greatest event of the year - All Hallows Eve! That's Halloween to the slow person. I love Halloween. I love Halloween like I love a good book or glitter or Agent Mulder. Or a glittery Agent Mulder reading a good book. Oh stop me!

Why do I love Halloween? There's probably a few reasons - some psychological... some psychotic... and others just plain obvious. Lets start with the obvious: DRESSING UP! I guess that could also fall into the realm of psychological as well. The appeal of "masking" yourself and becoming someone (or something) else for an evening is liberating. Perhaps why there is so much shenaniganizing that goes on on All Hallows Eve... the moon is full.... the ghouls are out... and everyone disregards their inhibitions in favor of some bloody make-up and nylon fairy wings. Under these disguises you can do and be whatever you want - and it may surprise you WHAT you actually do or want when you're not accountable to your own face.

Plus I really love playing with hair and make-up. I'm such a girl.

Observe:

My roomie Alex in her HOMEMADE (that is correct sir!) Robot outfit and me as the wee Tinkerbell. Guess what? Guess what??! I "made' my costume too! Right? Okay... so Alex sewed the hard part (that would be the elastic waist band for the skirt) but I, dear friends, did the "characterizing" - meaning I cut and fitted my shirt, shredded my skirt, bought the wings, and did one wickedly awesome job  fluffing and glittering my hair. It was something spectacular to behold.

Robot doing the Robot - naturally

He's white. No really, he is. I find this costume to be the most "social experiment" worthy as I was very much reminded of the novel Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin. John is a white man who essentially becomes "black" as a social experiment. He artificially darkens his skin in an attempt to understand what it was like being a black man in the Southern United States in 1959. I'm curious how such an experience would be different (or the same) now. As for Eric's costume - it just looks AWESOME!

We are SPARTANS!

Us again? Well we look so stinking good!

Thinking Happy Thoughts! Example: I hope I don't break my ankle attempting to get this flying picture.

Who is the man under the full body suit? No one KNOWS!

Boobs.

We asked Lance what the video would be when we pushed Play. I think we ruined the ride with that question. His expression said, "Isn't this awesomely creative costume enough?" No, Lance. We want you to dance. Dance monkey!

Zooey also attempted to get in on the fun. She got a little carried away with the webbing. Silly Zooey.

So there you have it. A little this and that about why I love Halloween and mostly - a picture heavy post showing off some of this years best! Halloween comes but once a year, and it's important to do it well and do it right. I think we managed both.

Little Zo Zo to Big Puppy Girl

My how time flies...

It was only yesterday she was a wee one...

And now, she's HUGE! And likely will get even bigger. Yish!

Meet Zooey

She's a Mastadore. What's a Mastadore you ask? WELL! It's a Labrador and Mastiff mix. Which also means she will likely weigh about the same as me when she's full grown; perhaps even bigger. In fact, because I've neglected to introduce her for the last 3 weeks, you don't get to see her in her true new puppy form. She's doubled her weight and grown exponentially since we brought the little beasty home. Thus, I felt it was high time to show her off before her puppy years are gone merely a found memory in the shadow of the pony she'll turn into. It's like watching a furry newborn grow at super speed. She's grown out of her food dish, she can almost leap over her gate, and soon the doggy door will be a very snug fit. Thus, we must document that I had the ability at one point to pick her up and tote her around. Trespassers BEWARE!

But for now, before she becomes a Mastardorous-Rex, she is our wee little Zoe Zoe; and I'd like you to meet her:

Look at that FACE! It's ridiculous how CUTE she is! RIDICULOUS!

She plays kissy face! Kissy face Zoe Zo!

Likes to play ye old tug 'o war. I foresee some serious tugging in the future. I better keep boxing.

But in the end, she's just a big old softy.