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Health & Fitness

Big Kids Need Halloween, Too: Chris Brennan

In serious times, Halloween reminds us to never lose sight of our "inner kid".

Of the many things I love about Belmont Shore, its commitment to Halloween frivolity ranks right up there. On an early morning stroll through my neighborhood, with a Peets coffee in hand and my trusted "terdoodle" Murphy by my side, I come across the most elaborate decorations, as well as the biggest fake spiders I have ever seen. And every year they just keep getting better and better and spookier and spookier.

Although I know that Halloween is considered a day for the kids, I can't help but think that the adults creating these wonderful decorations are not only doing it for the kids, but for their own "inner kid" as well. Its one of the few times in the year when we can channel the child inside each and every one of us, and let loose.

In such a serious year however, filled with wars, tragedy and economic troubles, I find it so easy to remain a "serious adult" about it all.(Watching Cable News doesn't help...everything, including the detailed  "McRib" coverage makes me feel bummed.) These wonderful decorations help call to mind the voice of my wise 6th grade teacher, Mr. Weber, who said "never lose the child inside you." Perhaps in the most serious times, keeping track of the child inside you is more important than ever.

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So, in the spirit of Mr. Weber, and all the grown up kids out there, here are 12 encouraging signs that I haven't lost sight of my inner kid:

12: I believe the Sesame Street characters are real: I would give anything for a 10 minute discussion with Grover.

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11. I still think Fonzie is cool: There is really no debate about this.

10. I still play a mean air guitar: Perhaps more subtly than I used to, but I still do use the very important "air whammy bar".

9. Chocolate milk is still better than an ice cold beer, or a fine wine: Duh

8. "Rocky" music still gives me chills: Be it the music at the end of the 14th round, or "Eye of the Tiger", I am still a sucker for all things Balboa.

7. Will Ferrell makes me giggle like a schoolgirl: Whether he is streaking or telling us that "milk was a bad choice", I have a total weakness for him.

6. Alone in an elevator, I like to interpretive dance: Jeez..I hope that's not a camera...

5. I still want to be Bono: Sure he is trying to save the world now, but remember him at Live Aid? The leather pants...the horrible mullet...so cool...

4. I still want to be Dr. J.: So much more elegant than Michael Jordan, or this "Kobe" fella...

3. The following items I still try to jam into my mouth: Popcorn, Gummi Bears, Pringles, and Skittles.  (My dentist loves my inner child.)

2. I still sing like a rock star in my car: In heavy traffic, may I recommend pretending you are on your cell phone.

1. I hoard Halloween candy: You will never know where my Peanut M&M's are stashed...

I really hope I am not alone with this list.

Happy Halloween!

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