Cat Ears

Halloween is approaching quickly. In years past, I could have cared less. I was not the person who planned out extensive details about dressing up, or collaborated with friends to wear matching costumes. I enjoyed the hub-bub that surrounded Halloween, but never put much thought into it. However, two years ago, I learned that Halloween needs to be big. I work with kids. With kids, nothing compares to Halloween!

My first year teaching I didn't realize this. I decided that simply wearing black pants, a black shirt, and little cat ears from the dollar store would suffice. Not true! My poor students were tagged with the stigma of having the teacher with the absolute lamest costume. Every year we have a parade. My initial impression was that the parade was for the kids. Little did I know, the teachers go all out for it too! As teachers were dressed as everything imaginable, ranging from apples and ladybugs to Sarah Palin, I had dinky dollar store ears on my head. Not cool at all!

But, I learned. Last year I took a trip to Wal-Mart the day before our parade. Way to wait till the last minute! Browsing through the scattered remains of what was once the costume aisle, I realized I was going to need to get creative. Roaming the store, I was trying to come up with something. I saw scrubs, maybe I could be a nurse. I saw a bathrobe, maybe I could be an old lady. I know my grandma is a big bathrobe wearer. Hmmm, what else? It was tough. But, with the help of a friend, here is what we came up with:

Simple to make and very unique! The kids were thoroughly entertained by it. I had a costume they could be proud of, not embarrassed by like a simple pair of cat ears.

In looking toward a costume for this coming Halloween, I turned to the people it is most important to, my students. Some students suggested being a geek or a witch. They claim these are not because that is what they really think of me. I have a feeling they are just being kind. A few got a little more creative and want me to dress up as Shea. And possibly my favorite suggestion was to be a dog bone and to bring Shea with me to the parade. I wish I could. If only Jeff were here to transport Shea (there is no other reason I'd like him to be here for).

So, on that note, I am no better off than before I asked for suggestions. Got any?