Nov 5, 2010

Halloween II

The earliest Halloween I can remember, I was no more than five, since I remember my neighborhood and friends before we moved during kindergarten. I had a bag of candy, we always used pillow cases, and I ate all I wanted and stuffed my lunch box with candy and by day three it was all gone. I had a friend, same name as me, who claimed to still have Halloween candy 6 months later.

Last year was the first Halloween we took the kids trick or treating. I love Halloween. By November 1st the kids didn't remember or maybe didn't realize they had any candy left and stopped asking for it (I think we allowed them each 3 pieces Halloween night) and they didn't get much anyway because they were so spooked and moved so slow. Anyway, again, by day three the candy was gone, Jerry and I ate it all.

This Halloween we are in a DuPont Circle hotel in DC. Jerry and I have been watching slasher movies on cable for days. The house cleaners had the kids' costumes in a bag destined for the dumpster, but I rescued them anyway. Like last year, the kids dress up in whatever I scrounged up from this and that. Since we are within walking distance, since the neighborhood is crawling with homes and kids, since the streets are full of fall leaves, we cruise Georgetown Halloween night. God, what did these people do to get so much money? I couldn't help but stare past the door and the person holding the door, past the candy bowl, and into these prosperous homes. The beauty compels me. (I have to mention that my mom and I and then Jerry and I climbed the infamous M Street steps in Georgetown made famous by the Exorcist and Alfred Hitchcock.)

Tsega as giraffe hybrid, Sira as lion king hybrid, Bereket as the 4 eared puppy dog.





The sun shone when we started in our costumes, so, needless to say, people smiled and laughed as they passed on the streets. This made Tsega nervous, he asks, why are they laughing to me? Funny he cares, since lately they think everybody on the street wants to be entertained by them. Waving, greeting, gesturing, posing, posturing, performing. I am the one in front with the face, looking back and shouting, avoiding eye contact. I'm not exaggerating. I feel bad because I can't control my kids very well, they frighten me on the street (danger! danger!), then a stranger shoots me an engaging smile, means to say through a glance, You've just made my day by exposing to me the cutest damn kids, perhaps triplets, at least twins, that I have ever seen. And that winning smile and bright eyes meet my unattractive grimace. My mouth cracks to smile.

Anyway, Day five after Halloween. Hell of a lot of candy left. Contemplating throwing it away. Kids demanding candy candy candy, crying, insulted, injustice. Unlike my mother, I take their candy bag, hide it, eat it, Jerry eats it, I pretend there's none left, Jerry and I pass each other pieces behind their backs, make loud noises as I tear a wrapper off. I can't keep eating this stuff. They can't keep eating this stuff. Maybe I'll donate it to the hotel lobby. I think it's faded from memory by now, anyway, I just tell them it's all gone now. I love Halloween. Like, spooky.

23 comments:

Cindy said...

Cute kids!!

Unknown said...

I should have been on the lookout for you and your brood. I was in Dupont Circle and Adams Morgan for Halloween, until we left around 7pm. I was up there for the Rally for Sanity/FEAR! it was frightful (the rally and the beauty of that area and sheer $$$ of it all)
I stayed in Adams Morgan 10 years ago when it was a "bad" neioghborhood...wow

Dianne said...

Pup Pup, Liger, and Girafabbit? Sweet! :) Don't forget, as soon as I win the lottery I am moving to Georgetown!

Jennifer said...

I love their costumes. It makes me feel a little less stressed about trying to figure out what my own will be next year. :-)

I loved walking around Georgetown a year or two ago... so cute.

Mama Papaya said...

They are adorable, although I could see where adding a pound and a half of sugar could make the adorable go very very, very un-adorable. With Figs a single grain of sugar will push her over the edge. It gets ugly. Really, really, really ugly. I am so glad I am open to the drink.

Breakup Watch said...

Oh my goodness! I've checked in on your blog a couple of times. Decided to look at it today and was shocked to see you've moved to DC, suffered a house fire, and lost your dog.

I am terribly sorry for your loss and the turmoil you are going through.

I am in DC. If there is anything I can advise you on or help you find, please let me know.

I live in SE, so am not likely to have the good luck to run into you. But if I do, I will be sure to wave.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

Josh, Amy, Olivia, Josiah, Girum, Tarikwa, and Taye said...

missing your posts. come back soon!

Anonymous said...

I just watched your "Meeting the triplets and..." video for the first time. I really liked all the music. I was wondering if you had a playlist somewhere or were willing to share?
semiferalmama at yahoo dot com
Thanks.

Anonymous said...

No posts lately... Hope that you're doing well guys. All the best (although belated) wishes for the new year! Are you already back at home? Is the house fine now after being restored? I was wondering how are you guys getting along. Keep my fingers crossed for you! You're one lovely family who deserve all the happiness and good fortune :) so I'm sending you lots of good (virtual) vibes! ;)

/Just a random blog follower from the 'Euroland'.

LOJO said...

I have been following your blog for a little over a year now and recently there hasn't been any activity. have you taken a break? I hope everything is ok.

Anonymous said...

Really missing your blog.

Anonymous said...

Really missing the blog

4dogmomma said...

Cindy - Will you be in town the weekend in March? Send me on e-mail.

Anonymous said...

I enjoy following your blog. Love to hear what you and the boys are up to.

Anonymous said...

I would love an update!

Lynn
(TTC adoption)

Anonymous said...

How is DC? How are you guys? I miss your posts!!!!!

Marla U-M said...

Cindy,
Wondering if you are back in Kansas. We are planning an Ethiopian New Year's celebration in September at our home and would love to have you come. Hope all is well.
Marla

Christina said...

Come baaaaaaaccccccckkkkkk. :)

paige said...

Just wanted to tell you that I'm missing your voice.

Anonymous said...

Does anybody know what happened? Why are there no more posts? I have been checking regularly... Worried! Tanja from Germany/Madagascar

Anonymous said...

What happened to your blog? As a fellow ET adoptive mom of twins I always felt I could relate. Are you on FB?

RossVix said...

Hi Cindy

Just want you to know that we are missing you and a bit worried about how you are all doing. You ok out there?

Sending you endless blessings and good wishes!

Vicki
Mom of twins out in Bellingham

Magan said...

I'm really missing your blog. Please come back! :(