Even though the pandemic has implemented guidelines, there are still ways to celebrate Halloween, so I thought it would be appropriate to post my holiday blog. Enjoy… even if it’s 6 feet apart.
I see ghosts, ghouls, witches, vampires, and zombies everywhere. But I am not taking a dopamine agonist, so how am I seeing these scary figures? In the event that the world is being overrun by our worst nightmares, I have prepared a bug-out-bag, so my dog Crash and I can split when things get spooky. But no need to worry just yet because all these creepy figures are expected during one of my favorite holidays. Halloween!
Although my excitement for the upcoming night is obvious, there are a few things that Perky Parkie needs to keep in mind to fully enjoy the holiday. Here are my thoughts on what Parkies shouldn’t do on Halloween. Enjoy… if you’re not a scaredy-cat.
-If you have trouble with fine motor skills, such as buttoning your shirt or putting jewelry on…maybe you shouldn’t grab that huge, shiny butcher knife and attempt to carve out your pumpkin. Granted, if you are challenged by a significant tremor, your Jack O’ Lantern will be one of a kind!
-Whether you chose to dress up as a naughty nurse or an adorable bumblebee, make sure that your costume doesn’t impair your sight, movement, or fashion statement. People with Parkinson’s disease have enough trouble getting around without adding another challenge such as high heels (although incredibly tempting) or a mask that can limit your vision.
-Going trick-or-treating without proper lighting. Be sure to have plenty of flashlights, glow sticks and strobe lights…Ok, so that might be overkill. But it’s important before taking the streets for candy, that you can actually see the ground. There’s no way to make falling and injuring yourself look cool. Not to mention, you have just destroyed your chances of getting the best candy.
-Don’t eat all the candy that you snagged (or stole from your children) in one night. I know that many of us Parkies become sweets addicts, but pace yourself! Allow yourself a little treat after dinner, but don’t woof every piece of candy, because really, where are you going to hide all the wrappers?
-Avoid haunted houses or scary movies. There is something about getting frightened on Halloween that is alluring, but what happens when we get scared? Our bodies release the hormone Adrenaline, which aids in our “flight or fight” response. You’re body doesn’t understand that the monster chasing you is actually an 18-year-old, pimply kid who is just there because he thought working at a haunted house sounded wicked. You can rationalize that you know that there isn’t a threat, but your body is protecting itself. Adrenaline is not a Parkie’s friend. It will make your Parkinson’s symptoms worse and can even invoke pain. If that doesn’t scare you…
-Don’t be a party pooper. Embrace the holiday. Hang some cobwebs, light a pumpkin (assuming that it is plastic, already carved, and electric), or dress up your dog… which is my way of celebrating… that and eating candy till I yak. Fight the Parkinson’s urge to be a recluse and avoid people. Now get out there and have a spooky time! Boo!
Happy Halloween from the Perky Parkie and Crash, the stinker!
Thanks for the reminder about adrenaline.
My costume only has 3 elements this year — 2 pieces of jewelry I made – a white flat round bead with black spiders webs on them strung inside a golden-yellow square frame with a black bead below supporting golden yellow polymer ‘bones’ and a ring made of black beads with 5 graduated ‘bones’ … and lastly, my favorite Steelers hoodie. It has a poster style rendering of the Steel Curtain’s #58 smiling without his bridge (it looks quite maniacal in a Munch ‘The Scream’ kind of way!) and says down the side: When the Bogeyman goes to sleep he checks his closet for Jack Lambert! It’s printed in the same Steelers yellowish gold on a black hoodie.
I live in an apartment building with a small lobby that has a couch and a couple of chairs and a coffee table. The wall and front door of that lobby area are all glass We usually take the coffee table out under the portico and bring folding chairs to sit outside behind it and greet the children. This year we will put the table outside with the bowls or baskets of candy on them as usual, but we will sit inside the glass where we can watch them and wave to them. Our attempt to stay socially distanced.
Have a happy, spooky, fun-filled night!!!
Thanks for the reminder about adrenaline.
My costume only goes has 3 elements this year — earrings I made – a white flat round bead with black spiders webs on them strung inside a golden-yellow square frame with a black bead below supporting golden yellow polymer ‘bones’ and a ring made of black beads with 5 graduated ‘bones’ … and lastly, my favorite Steelers hoodie. It has a poster style rendering of the Steel Curtain’s #58 smiling without his bridge (it looks quite maniacal in a Munch ‘The Scream’ kind of way!) and says down the side: When the Bogeyman goes to sleep he checks his closet for Jack Lambert! It’s printed in the same Steelers yellowish gold on a black hoodie.
I live in an apartment building with a small lobby that has a couch and a couple of chairs and a coffee table. The wall and front door of that lobby area are all glass We usually take the coffee table out under the portico and bring folding chairs to sit outside behind it and greet the children. This year we will put the table outside with the bowls or baskets of candy on them as usual, but we will sit inside the glass where we can watch them and wave to them. Our attempt to stay socially distanced.
Have a happy, spooky, fun-filled night!!!
Norma,
Thank you so much for the spooky wishes!
You always make me smile
Pat,
I’m happy to hear that!
happy Halloween. Enjoy and stay healthy
I’m still taking my avice from Madame Rue, you know, that Gyosy with a gold tatoo,…
Thank you Allison love your suggestion and story have a great night tomorrow on Halloween and see you in a few weeks. MaryEllen and Alfonso Pacheco
You too! Happy Halloween 🎃
Thank you for that info…I didn’t know that about adrenaline
So you are NOT going to Universal Stusios for Halloween ? Remember when we went …. and I had to go home because I got so Scared!! Not you my friend and fearless leader:) Have a great night my chickadee 🙂
Michelle, Lol…… nope.
Another awsome Post girl. Thank you
Thank you! 💕
Not to worry…the Crash-Monstervwill protect you!