Show me a good loser . . .

and I'll show you a LOSER!

-Vince Lombardi

It's that time of year again . . . the annual city costume contest, parade, and Halloween party.

It is freezing, it is crowded, and it is ridiculous fun. Before I had a child of my own, I had to borrow my brother's children for this extravaganza.

For years, I've dreamed of winning the costume contest with my very own child.

I've imagined the moment . . . prepared the acceptance speech . . . practiced the "surprised/ humbled" look in the mirror. I knew this year would be "our year." After all, Megan was finally old enough to stand on her own and prance in the circle required by the judges.

Her costume was original, it was adorable, and it was handmade by ME!!!!!

My mouth was dry . . . my hands were shaking.

My gosh, Megan, turn around and smile at the judges!!!!!

Not that I'm biased or anything, but . . .

Yeah, not tryin' to sound like a sore loser, but we were robbed of the title this year by a little elephant boy.

Whatever!

Two little girls in black sweatsuits wearing cat ears (wow, who thought of that) won the most creative not that I'm

feeling bitter or anything.

I'm gonna try to move on, let go of the anger, and move forward with my life.

Colin the shark and Megan the adorable, glamorous (and robbed of the top prize) witch

See, trying to move on but having recurrent, angry thoughts about the contest again.

Katie and I

On the hayride

My mom, Katie, and the shark



Perhaps I should have entered the contest as city councilwoman witch . . .





After the festivities, we went home where I drowned my sorrows in my homemade frankensnacks.






They tasted really, really good but I'm still not over our defeat.



Don't even think I won't be complaining about it at tomorrow night's city council meeting.



;)