Happy Halloweekend, friends of TJL
I spent Thursday night in DC with Shivani. We did everything from trolling Capitol Hill police to scarfing down donuts on a car ride around the city. The last time I was in DC was for a visit to the Chinese embassy. We drove past the hill it sits on a couple of times. I had a blast spending time with Shivani and speeding around the city’s corridors.
Friday, I rode the train back to New York. Shivani’s mother packed me a large lunch to enjoy on the way back. She offered up several dishes, and I took most of them. I declined the cupcakes with a polite smile and a
“I love cupcakes, but I still need to fit into my costume.”
I took the ultra-stuffed lunch bag filled with an orange, rice, salsa, quesadillas, and more. I inquired about a water bottle for all of the food I was about to consume, and she made sure to fill it with ice-cold water. Thank you, Shivani’s mom.
I was dropped at D.C.’s Union Station around 12:50, and before I knew it, the announcement to head to F26 was called. The ride on the Amtrak is about 3 ½ hours, stopping at various cities along the way. Because of the holiday weekend, each train car was packed. I sat across from a lady with a Straykids totebag, iPad cover, and charm. She was cool and didn’t seem to mind the many bags I had in tow.
I got back into New York around 4:45, quickly running down the street to make my haircut appointment. New York’s Halloween energy was already alive, and people lined the streets with their buckets, costumes, and dance moves. I went for a shorter style this time. I enjoy the way it sharpens my jawline.
I spent most of Halloween night hanging around the East Village. Thousands of parade-goers cheered for each other’s creativity. Everything from the White House renovations to a Sour Patch Kid was on display. I was a bumblebee this year, a choice that people found either humorous, childish, or cute. I predicted from the moment that I hit “purchase” on my order that NYC was likely the only city that people would enjoy my costume—I was right.
I received many compliments, and some even pulled on my stinger. The stinger on my costume, of course.
Stay safe, everyone
TJL