If Everyday Was Halloween

Well, it's that time of the year again. When ghouls and goblins, princesses, super heroes and other candy fiends take the streets in search of haunt, horrors, and of course that good old sugary goodness. As you might know, I'm currently living in Chile. Although, Chile is starting to embrace Halloween more, and there is candy at the super market, but not to the extent of the US. It's really pretty relaxing to be somewhere Halloween isn't that big a deal. Yes, parts of me are pretty sad, because I really would like to carve a pumpkin, make a costume, and hang with friends and family. But another part of me is grateful, if not relieved. I'm happy to be farther away from the temptation of buying tons of 'things'.

Spring Sing '11

Although we get the day off, it's not because of Halloween. It's for November 1st, All Saints' Day. Yet another 4-day weekend, teaching is awesome! Especially now that it's spring.

It's often said that Halloween is the one day you can dress up in whatever you want. No one can judge you or say anything about it. As I was walking to school, I thought about what I could dress up as or be for Halloween. Well I have this and I have that, I said to myself. No that just won't do. Then I thought, what if I were me for Halloween? If I'm being honest I've worn masks and disguises pretty much every day of my life. Many days it's sarcasm, some times it's confidence, and every now and then it's just me.

What if I was someone with very really insecurities? What if I was the Jameisha Washington who looks in the mirror and sees so many problems? What if I was the Jameisha Washington who, when told by her Chilean host mom, "Eres un poco mas gordita. You've gained some weight", became offended and sad? Since that day, I have talked and laughed about it with my host mom. We even talked about how culture really dictates what's beautiful, and how important it is for parents, teachers, and role models to help youth appreciate more than just physical beauty. What if instead of pretending to be happy, I told people I'm hurting?

This is not a bash on Halloween. I like Halloween and hope you all have the best Halloween ever with family, friends, and complete strangers. As for me though, I'm just going to be me and accept the fact that even though I'm not perfect, I'm perfectly me. Here's to a more honest life.

Happy Halloween!!! Be safe everyone. As for me, this weekend I plan on jumping into the ocean. Wish me luck, it's going to be freezing! Catch you on the flip side.

If human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/halloween.html#t6U2EjZcjmo46wFO.99

So going to Robot Food in this photo!

If human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/halloween.html#t6U2EjZcjmo46wFO.99

If human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear their costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/halloween.html#t6U2EjZcjmo46wFO.99

If human beings had genuine courage, they'd wear the costumes every day of the year, not just on Halloween. -Doug Coupland