Monster Mash

One of the funniest things I’ve noticed about starting this blog are the reactions I’m getting from different people. Don’t get me wrong, everyone has been exceptionally generous with their compliments (at least, to my face) but I’m finding that no one quite understands the raw nerves associated with the whole undertaking. The thought that people are actually reading what I write gives me the butterflies previously reserved for the first day of school or an exciting first date (even if both of these things happened a VERY long time ago).

And since today is Halloween Eve (and the 50th birthday of a very fabulous friend), I feel inclined to tell you how I’ve never liked Halloween, even as a child. Of course, I’ve always loved the candy (I am human, after all), but I always hated dressing up and I especially hated anything on my face, like a mask or makeup (for example, I was never a cat… those makeup painted whiskers would have driven me absolutely crazy).  And since I grew up in steamy Miami, Halloween was always a warm weather holiday (my friends from up north have taught me that Halloween & football are both cold weather activities… native Floridians beg to differ). One Halloween, I was my boring ballerina costume (no makeup or mask required) and it was actually COLD in Florida (in other words, it dropped below 80 degrees).  My mother, always the cautious one, made my sister and I take sweaters with us trick or treating (no one in Miami wore protective clothing over their Halloween costumes… it was absolutely unheard of).  Of course, after losing the ensuing argument, we took the sweaters with us, but I have no doubt that they ended up in our trick or treat pillowcases pretty quickly (sorry mom)!  Anyway, after years of self-reflection, I have realized why I hated Halloween (and it’s not because of the sweaters or the razor in the apple scandals of our youth).

Truth be told, I was painfully shy as a child. Despite what my friends will tell you, I suffered from debilitating shyness until I was about 11-12 years old. I didn’t want any attention paid to me and yes, this unfortunately included Halloween costumes.  If you haven’t personally experienced this affliction, let me enlighten you with just a few examples: I was afraid to buy my own movie tickets, I was afraid to make phone calls to people I didn’t know, I was afraid to place my own order in a fast food restaurant and, more predictably, I was afraid to speak out in class.  As a child, it was my own private torture. And, since I was able to make friends and build relationships, I never discussed it at all (hence, why no one but my parents ever believe me when I tell them this story). Eventually, I was old enough to recognize the problem and force myself to rise above it (although I have yet to embrace the concept of karaoke).  In fact, I have distinct recollections of talking myself through certain situations until the shyness became a thing of the past. Sure enough, myself and I have actually had some pretty good conversations throughout the years!

Interestingly, it still creeps up on me every once and awhile (to my friends reading this, stop snickering… it is all true). I’m old enough to feel it, define it and move on, despite what my inner instincts tell me. And yes, I acknowledge that I am now very vocal and opinionated (some of my finer qualities), as well as adept at public speaking. Just know, while it may come natural to me now, it did not always. I will forever consider myself an introverted extrovert (and I don’t particularly care if this is even a real thing). In fact, I have a strong feeling that there are more of us in this category than most of us would care to admit.

Moral of the story, I’m happy you’re reading my thoughts but it also makes me feel like my younger self (and not in the “I can eat all I want and still be skinny” kind of way). Happy 50th Michelle! Boo!

  1. Fred Sherman

    October 30, 2017 at 2:20 pm

    It is unfortunate children become victims of their parents, what I call, genetic garbage dump. True, the majority are wonderful traits, but it is the unfortunate ones that claw at us. I ,too, grew up painfully shy and unlike my fabulous daughter, never truly escaped that scourge. l only felt comfortable at home or where I had the upper hand as my dental office. I still loathe rejection and still won’t do karaoke.I really enjoy mylife and family and leave social decisions to my extroverted wife. Sorry you didn’t inherit that from her, but you have turned into a fabulous adult. Though, still a little opinionated like me, you will always be my baby and friend. At least you have straight hair , like I did when I had some..love you!

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 2:21 pm

      I’m actually lol. You’ve come a long way if you’re willing to post on my blog. Love you so much 😘😘

  2. Michelle

    October 30, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Thank you my fab friend!!!! And I know it would “surprise” you to know that I too have always hated Halloween!!! And I do believe that and introverted extrovert is a real thing!!

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 2:29 pm

      And you married a man obsessed with it!! Go figure!

  3. Tara

    October 30, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    I love Halloween…and Michelle! Happy 50th bday to you!

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 2:36 pm

      You seem like you would love Halloween!!!

  4. Lisa levitt

    October 30, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    I hate Halloween!! Always did even as a kid and thought I’d like it when I had my own kids but nope… still hate it!!! Hate everything about it from dressing up to trick or treating!!! I actually keep my lights off at my house and never answer the door. I’m like the grinch of Halloween.

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 2:49 pm

      Same! I generally go to someone else’s house so I don’t have to worry about trick or treaters!!! So funny, thought I was alone in not liking it

  5. Leslie Halpern

    October 30, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    Love reading your blog Susan! I can relate to being shy. Was very shy until I met Steve who is, as we all know, so the opposite. Guess a little of his personality rubbed off on me but I still have a long way to go. Keep writing!! Happy Halloween and Happy 50th to our Michelle.

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      Thanks Leslie!!! Its funny how many people can relate to this one!! Look forward to seeing you soon! xo

  6. Robyn

    October 30, 2017 at 5:57 pm

    I can’t imagine the shy timid Susan because we have only been friends for a short time. You welcomed my family and I as if we had been friends forever!! Glad to see you came out of your shell. Keep on writing. Xoxo

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 7:12 pm

      love you!!!!!

  7. Tricia Shepard

    October 30, 2017 at 6:24 pm

    I LOVE Halloween, attention, and your dad! What a sweet comment from Fred!!! This was a great one Susan, although I count myself among the friends snickering at that thought … hehehe LOVE YOU <3

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 7:11 pm

      I know.. my dad has quite the way with words!! Love you too!!!! xo

  8. wendi lipsich

    October 30, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    learning so much about you and I find this completely shocking!! one halloween with me and I promise you will never view it the same 🙂 love you and happy bday Michelle!!

    1. admin

      October 30, 2017 at 7:58 pm

      Have I never been with you on Halloween? How strange

  9. Cindy Heller

    October 31, 2017 at 2:05 am

    This is shocking insight Susan. I would never imagine you as shy. I am so glad you came out of your shell or else we may have never met.

  10. Judy Leavey

    October 31, 2017 at 8:32 pm

    I was also painfully shy as a child. I was overly concerned about what others thought of me, and hated being in groups of people I didn’t know. I threw myself into schoolwork, and especially books. I still don’t like to dance because someone laughed at me when I was 10 years old! (Something I’m not proud of. My sister LOVED to dance.) . Thank you for taking a leap of faith and sharing yourself and your thoughts through your blog. I love to read each and every one.

    Regarding introverts, extraverts, and any combination of the two. I heard someone explain it like this: If after you spend time with others you feel drained, and need time alone to recharge, you are an introvert. Extroverts, on the other hand, are energized by being around other people, and so seek out forms of social interaction on a regular basis.
    https://www.quora.com/Can-a-person-be-an-introverted-extrovert-or-an-extroverted-introvert-If-so-whats-the-difference

    1. admin

      October 31, 2017 at 8:55 pm

      Love that!!!! I am definitely an introvert then. My day is not complete without my afternoon couch time (by myself). 😘😘

  11. Elaine

    November 3, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    I so related to your post!! I cried all the way to 4th grade….soooooo shy….lol
    And hated Halloween growing up because I was afraid of the dark….
    But as an adult and a mom I had to grow up and be fearless for my kids!
    Love your posts 😘
    Elaine

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