Back when I was about ten, I went trick or treating as a witch doctor. I got to a house that I didn't know who lived there and was greeted by a kindly looking old lady. When I routinely and without much enthusiaism stated, "Trick or treat," she responded by handing me a piece of religious literature. Now I was a recovering Catholic at the time and had had just about enough of Jesus' minions at private school that I was going to take for that day. I thought it was rather cruel to give me an inedible scrap of paper informing me that Jesus saves. I read it and responded that the only thing Jesus apparently saved was the $3.00 at the grocery store where He didn't buy any candy. I've changed a bit since then, matured maybe a little. I'm going to go out with the girls tomorrow night and try not to come home with a bagful of restraining orders.


Seven Replies to Happy Halloween

Amy Austin | October 31, 2009
Lol... I love to hear the stories behind the legend... ;-D Did you really say that to the Church Lady???

Lori Lancaster | October 31, 2009
[hidden by author request]

Steve West | October 31, 2009
Sadly, I am ashamed of myself. Again.

Amy Austin | October 31, 2009
Aw... don't feel bad! Obviously, the lady was trying to scare you with tricks instead of treats -- you had every right to be upset. ;-D Just wait until Jesus gets a hold of you, though...

Steve West | November 4, 2009
The Obamas got into the Halloween spirit. They handed out dried fruit to 2,000 trick or treaters. And just like that, they created 2,000 more Republicans. - Jimmy Fallon

Scott Hardie | November 25, 2009
Dressing at the witch doctor may have pushed the lady's buttons, but I would have liked to see her face if you had shown up the following year dressed as Jesus.

What did the girls wear this year?

Steve West | November 25, 2009
I wasn't yet that irreverent. Today, I would go dressed as Jesus and sing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me". Lauren was Spiderwoman and Olivia was a fairy princess.


Web Junkie

Steve West scours the Web searching for interest or absurdity and then shakes his head ruefully when he finds it. Read more »

Catching Up On 2011

Not that I think my life is that interesting but writing about stuff is a little therapeutic. Highlights in a nutshell: Both girls are routinely making Honor Roll. The work Brenda and I have to do to help make that happen - not routine. Go »

Christmas Post #4: I Want A Piece Of Uranus

A former boss of mine once said something similar to me but not in those exact words. This site claims to be selling the planet Uranus. The text is presented very tongue in cheek but they do appear to be actually selling stuff; bumper stickers and mousepads that claim "I own Uranus". Go »

The Magic Kingdom Is, Well...Magic

We just flew in from Orlando from a week's stay in Kissimmee, Florida. We had an incredible vacation that included the Magic Kingdom, Aquatica waterpark, a resort stay at Oak Plantation, Hollywood Studios, and Universal Citywalk including the Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and the Blue Man Group show. Go »

The Texas Chili Cook-Off

Recently, at a Bowie Baysox baseball game, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a Texas chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last minute, and I happened to be standing there at the judge’s table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans, probably) that the chili wouldn’t be all that spicy; and besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge #3. Go »

Out of the Closet and into the Stratosphere

So Tom Cruise wants to go into outer space and meet aliens. I think I can scrounge together a few bucks for a one-way ticket. Any other takers? Go »

Stay-cation Week III

Leave it to Amy to call it what it is. She's 100% right so far but wait till Friday. Today's schedule was a little tight because we used up the morning clothes shopping for school. Go »