Sorry about Halloween

Okay, so I know I promised a super duper post on Halloween. But A) I didn’t have anyone enter my competition, and B) I had food poisoning. I’m good now, though. Just feeling a little weak.

That’s all I’m posting today. How did you spend your Halloween? Inform me in the comments!

Speeches

Today, I did something I've been dreading for a while. I went to a church to speak to people about how Homosexuality is okay.

This all started when I was asked to do a talk at a local school. It could be about anything, they were just using us to show exemplary public speaking skills (see, I can be a real person!) I chose to do my presentation on homosexuality. Apparently, one of the people who runs the church heard my speech and thought I made a compelling argument, and so asked me to come and do a similar speech at the church.

So, that's how I wound up in the local catholic church trying to tell them about how awesome being gay is (even though I'm not). Honestly, I walked into the church and I would have liked to sink into the ground. I was getting these dark looks from people who clearly thought I shouldn't be there. I resisted the urge to run into the bathroom and hyperventilate.

Eventually, I finished my 10 minute speech (which seemed like it took hours). There were a lot more people smiling at this point. I got down off the podium and started to hyperventilate again. It was time for the Meet and Greet/Q&A (which I felt severely under prepared for, since I only had the statistics. I had no actually idea what it was like to be gay). Everything there went better than expected. I had people come up to me telling me how wonderful my speech was, asking me questions about why gay marriage should be allowed, and quoting their favourite lines to me. I didn't have anyone tell me I was wrong.

I assume that only open minded people were there, but it was a church exclusive event, so everyone there was a member of that church, and we ended up with a full house, including standing room at the back.

That was this morning, and since then I've had 4 or 5 calls from people who heard about my speech and want me to come to their church! Some are a bit far away from me to do at the moment, but I do have time off work in Jan, so perhaps an Australia-wide tour is in order (I'm not exaggerating. I did have a call from a church in perth).

Perhaps I need the straight persons equivalent of a beard. A gay person to join me in my adventure. Any takers?

It's hot (AKA the first not Halloween post since I announced I was doing that)

That is an adequate title. Because it is. Actually, it probably isn't all that hot. But, considering it's Monday and the weather on Saturday was dismal, I think I have a right to exaggerate how hot it is. This will be a running theme throughout the rest of this post.

Jae has made the decision that we both need to be healthier, better adjusted people. I agreed to this because it's easier than arguing that my internet friends think I'm well adjusted (that's an argument that never ends well for me). So, now I have to be up at 5am to go for a jog, because that's the only time of day it's going to be cool enough to go outside for the rest of summer (because, yes, with heat like this in the middle of october, I predict several 40 degree days in real summer). We also made the pact that if neither of us wanted to cook, we would have to run up to the supermarket and buy some of those fancy microwave spaghetti things. This is the new life I lead. Also, we decided we should both go to bed earlier, since it's not healthy to be going to bed at 3am when you're walking up at 5.

I've been catching public transport to work lately, because my car is bust (but can be repaired, and I am slowly getting that done), and my manager has deemed it inappropriate to drive my motorbike. Actually, he said it was inappropriate to park in the staff carpark. Same thing, really. My bus broke down this morning thanks to it's not being prepared for the heat either.

I went to a 21st party tonight, which is the only reason I'm still up at 12:30 (according to Jae's new super plan, we should at least be in bed by 10:30). The theme was "something that reminds you of your childhood." I was Barbie. Jae was a hotwheel's car. At one point in the evening, the airconditioning turned off. With about 200 people in the one room, it started to get really, really hot. Everyone was dying in their elaborate costumes, but I had come prepared. I slipped into the bathroom and took off my clothes. Then I went back into the party in nothing but a skin coloured bra and undies. I was cool, and I later got voted best costume. It's a lot less uncomfortable being that stripped down in front of people when you pretend it's a bikini.

That's probably the end of this post. I am writing one about Halloween candy, but I've hit a memory block with that one, so it will probably be posted late tomorrow. Night everyone!

Halloween Costumes made from stuff in your closet

I love making my Halloween costumes. Every year, I sit for hours in front of my ancient sewing machine, but some people don't have time for that. So, here is a list of costumes you can throw together with common, relatively cheap clothes.

Superspy:

What you need:

Trench Coat. They've been a big trend recently, so many people have them, and if you don't, you can still buy them most places.

Shirt. Anything that is hidden under your coat.

Either a pair of stockings or a pair of dress pants, depending on your modesty and length of your trench coat (for example, mine is just a little too short for the stockings, in my opinion)

Pair of shorts that fit invisibly under your trench coat, if you're going for the stockings look.

Pair of boots.

Hat. You can see the sort I mean in the picture (it's about the only thing you can see). Think Carmen Sandiego and you're on the right track.

Big sunglasses.

I found this one easy to throw together, because honestly, with a pair of jeans, this is how I look pretty much all the time.

Barbie:

What you need:

A sundress. Preferably something in pink.

Makeup. I'm not wearing any in the picture because I'm lazy.

High Heeled shoes.

Like I said, make up is pretty important for this one. As is a plastic smile, which I didn't quite manage in the picture.

Nerd:

What you need:

A nerdy t-shirt.

Jeans.

Glasses (optional, but recommended)

Thick book.

Any shoes.

I suggest a physics textbook or similar. I'm using JRR Tolkien's Lord Of The Rings Trilogy. Suspenders are a good addition to this outfit, but sadly I couldn't find my piano keys ones.

I may post more, but I'll have to go through my closet first. Good luck trying these costumes out!

Halloween Giveaway!

Okay, in addition to my crazy halloweening, I'm making you guys join me. Between now and Halloween, comment on this post (or email me, or tell me on facebook) about your favourite halloween craft ideas. I'll pick my favourite and the winners idea gets posted in my halloween extravaganza and a box of halloween goodies!

Your entry doesn't need pictures, it just needs to work, since I'll be trying it!

The winner will be announced on Halloween. Good luck, Halloweenies!

Trick or Treating

I have a philosophy. You are never to old for trick or treating. I'm 20, and I still go around every halloween and beg for candy. But, obviously, there are some things you have to consider:

1. What should I do for a trick?
Lots of people still go for the classic egg/tp the house. But, most of the time, these people are your neighbours. I'm friends with most of my neighbours, so I don't want to do something terribly mean, especially since they know where I live.

In that case, it's best to take the alternate trick route. You have to do something impressive enough that they go and have a good look in their cupboards, and possibly give you cash. Singing is always a good one, but you really have to play it beforehand, so that you have a cue signalling when you should start. 'This is Halloween' from the movie 'Nightmare before Christmas' is a good one, as is the monster mash, if you have someone (or several someones) confident enough to sing/speak by themselves.

2. When is the best time to go out?
The best time to leave is twilight. It's dark enough that the vampires with glow in the dark fangs are effective, but light enough that it's still possible to see the costumes. It will be dark by the time you get back, so pack a torch if streetlights are scarce in your neighbourhood.

(I'm going to keep updating this one as time goes on and I think of more things.)

Halloween

Hi guys.

Halloween is my favourite holiday EVER. And last year, a huge number of blogs did halloween craft tutorials. Even the non-crafty ones. This year, I am disappointed by the lack of Halloween posts. It's about 2 weeks away, and I've seen maybe 1.

I'm making it my mission to change that. Starting today, I'm going to be posting the broke peoples guide to halloween. It's going to feature cheap costume and decoration ideas and how to's, many with an estimated cost (In Australian Dollars, of course)! I plan to start today, since I've been creating since the wee hours!

This will all lead up to a mega post on halloween!

So, look for a post later, and HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ALL!

Random Beach Conversations

Being around my friends for a long period of time brings out my evil side. I get snarky, sarcastic and cynical. These conversations may not be the best examples of this phenomenon, but they have been my favourites so far.

Number 1

Friend 1: I need dating advice. Katie, you and Shakespeare are happy, right? How do I get a guy like that?

Me: Be awesome? That's how I did it.

Friend 1: No, I mean, where do I find one? Should I go to a club, a bar, a library? I'll try anything.

Me: Michelle, I haven't been single in 2 years. What makes you think I remember where to find guys. Have you tried the local gay bar? I hear there are men there.

Number 2 

Friend 2: I can't believe it's still raining. How am I supposed to get a tan in this weather?

Friend 1: I know. I was really enjoying the sun.

Me: We could always have cocktails. Drink enough of those and you'll totally forget about the weather.

Friend 3: I like that idea. Do we have alcohol?

Friend 2: Probably. But not cocktail stuff. Just wine.

Friend 4: And beer. Don't forget that.

Me: Okay, look. I'm going to protest the rain! Until this rain stops, I am going to watch kids movies. I will not sleep, watch Doctor Who or even leave this loungeroom until the rain stops! Are you with me?

Friend 2: But if you do that, who's going to walk to town and buy vodka?

Number 3:

Friend 4: Oh god. My boyfriend just texted me, telling me he wanted to break up *tears* How can he be so insensitive? Doesn't he know it's my time of the month?

Me: Yes, Charlie. He is psychically linked to your reproductive system.

Number 4:

*Jae has just shown up to see how we're going, and to give me a break from constant girliness*

Friend 2: Oh, that's so romantic!

Me: Get it right, Bree. When Shakespeare does it, it's romantic. When Jae does it, it's stalkery.