I Never Said it Would be Easy, I Only Said it Would Be Worth It

This year I am helping with my ward's Halloween party so I have an occasion to dress up. I started thinking about costumes in September. Obviously, this is the year to dress up as Michael Jackson. I was leaning toward something a la Smooth Criminal when Dumbledore came to mind--another appropriate costume because his [untimely and heart wrenching] death was commemorated in film this year. Then I realized the most fitting tribute would be to dress as Snape. The key to a good Snape costume, as I understand it, is The Matrix underneath and Graduation on the top.

But--let's be honest--that hair doesn't look good on anyone. Fortunately I am cursed with indiscretion when it comes to flattering Halloween Costumes. (Exhibit A: Hamm from Toy Story costume of pink Hanes sweats and a latex pig nose circa 2001.) So I was willing to brave the hair. But then I found a pair of high-heeled, pointy-toed, lace-up granny boots at DI. Bellatrix Lestrange it is!
Putting my costume together has been quite a journey--and I'm not even finished yet (need leather corset and wig). But I'd like to share a few of the highs and lows.

I found a perfect gown at Halloween USA and some accessories for Ben's Danger Mouse costume. And then my credit card was denied and I couldn't pay for my goods. (It was a mistake and they wouldn't take checks--I swear I'm not poor guys!) I don't know if this has happened to you before--Maybe you were buying milk or formula or even a much-needed winter coat for an unexpected snow storm. But imagine, if you will, just how it feels to leave your eye patch, mouse ears, and polyester witch gown on the counter and walk away in shame. It's like they wanted to rub it in that I'm spending foolishly. And to think, just days before I had been mesmerized in an intersection by Halloween USA's pumpkin-headed mascot. HONK! HONK! This, my friends, was a low.

But I went back with my head held high and I bought all that junk AND MORE! Including the perfect fish-net arm warmers. It was definitely a high, if not a tender mercy.

As I was searching the internet for various costume sundries I found myself on many Wiccan sites. This was kind of a low, but mostly a reality check.

The perfect rosewood wand with a bend in it (Like Bellatrix's) was on sale for 7.99! This is a huge discount, you guys. I don't know how familiar you are with wand prices, but it's like 70% off. HIGH!

Christian seemed apprehensive when he found out I was getting a "real" (his words) wand. High!

I really hate Bellatrix Lestrange. Dressing up as her is kind of a low because I hate what she stands for. She killed Sirius Black, you know. I would prefer to personify someone admirable, but it's just Halloween. That's what I keep telling myself. And when all is said and done [spoiler], we wont' have Bellatrix Lestrange to kick around anymore. If you know what I mean.

I know I'm kind of ruining it by telling you this in advance but since you probably won't be at the Halloween party, I've been studying Spells from Harry Potter so when I'm setting up for the party and we have to find the lights or open a closet I can bust the wand out with lumos or alohomora for some precious nerdlaughs. Prediction: High!

And so you see, Halloween is not all fun and games. You might even think it's a cake walk, because that's what happens at Halloween Carnivals. But it's not that either.