So what’s my plan? How do I protect myself?

Paul did a frightfully good job carving this pumpkin one year.  

Step 1. Remember the good times when there were no Zombies in sight.

Over the years, I’ve had some really fun Halloweens. I’ve dressed up as often as I could. (Never as a Zombie…)

Oh Christmas Tree, A California Grape, The Cowardly Lion

Not pictured, but just as fun:  

• Half of a pair of dice (Tip – don’t ever use a box as part of your costume and go to a party. People will set their bevys on your corners, especially if you are short.)
• A Mime (That only lasted until my second beer…)
• Lily Munster (I took advantage of my waist-length hair and a super tall boyfriend in college who dressed up as Herman.) 

Step 2. Be aware of how Zombie-dom can creep up on you. 

News numbness is real. So is “doom-scrolling“. 

At the 3:20 mark of this recent clip from SNL/Saturday Night Live, Kate McKinnon steps out of character as Dr. Wayne Wenodis (“We know this.” – Yes, I had to sound it out…) to share her struggle of grappling with current affairs:

Step 3. Distractions only work for awhile. Take action.

Voting early counts. Last week, Paul & I masked up, delivered our mail-in ballots to the County Clerk’s office, and dropped them in the locked ballot box. We exercised our rights. 

Love the confirmation. 

Step 4. Speaking of exercise… 

Yes, it’s good for us. Paul & I “restarted” our 30 day pushup/plank challenge, and should be done right after Election Day. #MovingForward

Step 5. Spend time in nature. Fresh air wipes the slate clean. The wonder and majesty of trees lift my spirits. 

Seen in my neighborhood…

Step 6. Don’t forget to use moisturizer. Exactly. Have you ever seen a Zombie with good skin?

Step 7. Don’t take yourself too seriously. 

Once an inquisitive nature nerd, always an inquisitive nature nerd.
Once a ukelele-playing surfer boy, always a ukulele-playing surfer boy.

Step 8. Stay connected with your friends and loved ones. Whether it’s through phone calls, texts, safe visits, emails, mail, Zoom, social media, and/or blogs, keep in touch. We all need to make sure there are no Zombies stalking one other. 

Steps 9 & 10. Last but not least, have a guard dog to scare away Zombies. 
And don’t forget the back up.

She may be older now, but she’s just as scary. 

He’s seriously ready.

Though it will be different this year without trick-or-treaters, we’re still counting down the days to Halloween and our own chocolate stash.  Boo to any Zombies! ~ GJDB

“Smiling is my favorite exercise.”