Tuesday, October 28, 2008

You know what they say about opinions...(and "operation neighborhood boo" update)

Well, here's mine.

I know I won't make any friends with this, but this is my opinion, as it may be.

I don't understand why some people (my friend and her husband, for example) take their kids trick-or-treating, but won't pass out candy to other kids. In all honesty, it kind of irks me. And I'll tell you why. It seems to me that if you are going to participate, you should reciprocate. Heck, I don't even have kids and I fork out a good amount of money for candy for the neighborhood kids. When I was young, one parent would take us out, and the other would stay home and pass out candy (other than maybe our very first time trick-or-treating). They may even switch half-way through if they wanted to join in on the fun. But the point is, I just don't understand not being a kind neighbor and passing out candy if you are going out and collecting some.



And while we're at it, this bothers me too. The other evening, the school up the road hosted a Trunk or Treat event. I just don't like Trunk or Treat. I somewhat understand the reasoning for it, but honestly, I think it's ruining Halloween. Over the last few years, we've had fewer and fewer trick-or-treaters, but more school/church sponsored Trunk or Treat events. A friend once told me that the reason they do it is because it's safer. It's safer to let your child go up to the TRUNKS of strangers for hand-outs? How is that any different than having your child go to the door of your neighbors? And really, wouldn't it be easier for an evil person to snatch an unsuspecting child and leave in their car than on their doorstep? If parents (or an adult in charge) is taking the kids door-to-door, then how is it that much more dangerous than Trunk or Treat?

It just seems to me that Trunk or Treat is taking away a much-loved, time-old tradition that gets the neighborhood together to particpate in a fun activity. I remember trick-or-treating would also allow us to meet new neighbors. We had a blast! I'm not about to hoof it up to the school to set up my trunk. Not that I could, because it's for parents whose children attend the school. And being that I don't have any, I couldn't participate even if I wanted to. Gah!



In other news, I don't think my "operation neighborhood BOO" has taken off. :( Finally, by Saturday evening, all bags that I had left out on the porches of my neighbors had disappeared. So I assumed that maybe in the next day or two I'd see more signs showing up in windows. Wrong. Only one of the 3 houses I left bags for put their "we were boo'd" sign up. So I take that to mean the other two aren't participating.

Dang it.

And I thought maybe I'd see other houses with signs, you know, from being Boo'd by the one house that I knew was playing along. Nope. Nothing.

Well that really bites.

Maybe I hit up the wrong houses. Here's the funny thing...the two houses that AREN'T playing along have children. The one house that IS playing along doesn't. Hm. What gives?



This week has been a bad week (can't you tell? ha!). I'm on edge (uncertainty at work...layoffs coming soon...no news or hints or anything, so the office environment is darn near crazy). Rumor has it this Friday will be the "big day." Hopefully after 8 years with my company, I'll still be employed. *sigh* So if you can spare any prayers, I'd appreciate it!

I hope the rest of your week is nice! :)

13 comments:

Pleasant Living said...

It does sound like you've had quite a week! I will definitely pray for your job!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, I hate yucky weeks. But you tried & you are in the spirit :). As a mommy to little ones, I am confidant that those homes who haven't participated, do really want to, but I'm sure time has gotten away from them :) I will be praying for your job :)

Shell in your Pocket said...

Poor gal! What pressure with Friday..I hope it all turns out all right for you!!!

I have never heard of taking your kids out but not passing out candy...that's new one!
-sandy toes

Angie said...

I came across you through another blog and have been enjoying reading your past posts. I LOVE that you are involved in animal rescue so I know you are just an awesome person. Post about it anytime because I'd love to hear about it. I'll say a prayer for you and your job situation.

Anonymous said...

praying for you.... hope the rest of the week is better!

Jenni said...

I am so sorry your neighbors are not joining in on the fun...I would if I were your neighbor, I promise! I will also definitely pray regarding your job! That would be very stressful!

I also wanted to tell you that you have been boo-ed (by me) and to make sure to stop by my blog when you have a chance! I hope your week gets better!s

Liz Harrell said...

Oh yeah.. I understand what you're saying. We are 'childless' and pass out candy every year... but the houses with kids are black and closed up tight on Halloween night. What gives?

So sorry about the job situation, keep us posted.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

How annoying about the Boo neighbors! What is wrong with them? So frustrating!
Carrie

Kim P said...

I agree with Halloween losing its 'meaning'. I hate seeing signs that have anything to do with trunks. Happy Halloween!!

AJ said...

Well girlfriend, that work stuff sure stinks! My husband lost his job in July and is still looking for something decent. He's contemplating accepting the next offer no matter how much less it pays. I'm going to be praying for ya! I know it's easier said than done but try not to stress too much:) As for the neighbors with kids not participating, the only thing I can think of is that they are just busy and have set it aside. I know from being room mom for both of my girls' classes that this time of year can get crazy. I always have good intentions but some things get left out. Just last week was the first I had heard the term trunk or treating. I thought it had something to do with the parents that give out drinks to the parents while trick or treating (blush). I still don't understand that but it is done in our neighborhood. Ok, I'm done mumbling:) Come by and see my, you've been Boo'ed:)

Anonymous said...

I so agree with you regarding trick-or-treating. My husband and I always swap duties, whether it's taking our kids around the neighborhood or passing out treats. I used to live next to someone that would actually set a bowl out with a note that said Happy Halloween...please take one. That way he and his wife could go T-O-Ting with their child and not miss out on passing out candy.
Sorry about the "boo"ing with your neighbors. I'm sure that same thing would go down in my neighborhood too.
I'll be sending you employment vibes for Friday. I hope it all works out for you.

Candy

Gwen said...

I tend to agree with you about the trunk or treats. Yes, it's a good idea and a fellowship idea for churches and such, but it can't be that much fun - walking from one car to the next????

We have had a great time in this little town TRTing. It's crazy the number of kids out and houses participating.

Sorry about your neighborhood boo efforts. Killjoys... :(

Lis said...

I totally feel you on the trick or treating. I don't have any kids yet and I do spend (I spent $30! this year) a good amount of money on candy for my neighbors kids. And I don't mind one bit because it's fun - but I don't understand the families with kids who don't also pass out candy.
And I boo-ed 3 neighbors... and nada.. seriously no one wants to participate - we need a halloween term for Scrooge!

Good luck with your job!!