Well, after all was said and done... my lab coat had disappeared. So I went without it. Unfortunately, none of my pics show the fantastic job my husband did drawing the spiderweb on for me. (I'm still trying to get it off...) None of my pics show any of the other tattoos either. I also don't have any pics with my "Caf-Pow."

It was fun walking around as Abby all day. I'm not used to catching people's attention that much. It was a little odd catching people "checking me out." (What they couldn't see is that I'm wearing shorts under that skirt...LOL) Even without the lab coat, people easily knew who I was... and THAT was cool. Even if what they said was, "Hey, you're that girl from that show... what is it? (And then gave a string of letters that may have included NCI and S... out of order...)"  

My husband thought it was great and his last facebook status update of the night was, "Happy at the number of heads carrie turned today and proud of the fact that i am the one who took her home." (copied strait off of facebook.)

So, last year I went as myself... with a whole lot of interesting Goth-like makeup. It was fun. I'm still trying to find a neighbor who will give me pictures.

This year, I'm dressing up as Abby from NCIS... big shocker there, right? This will be the third time this year I've pulled something resembling one of her usual ensembles together on purpose. (I happen to like her style so mine is slowly starting to resemble it... though I prefer peace signs to skulls.)

So far, I have yet to add any of her tattoos, but they, along with a lab coat, will make an appearance for Halloween... courtesy of a black fine tipped permanent marker. Nope, don't have a problem drawing on myself with a marker.

Abby has six readily visible tattoos. Three little triangles on her left wrist. R.I.P on her left, inside, forearm. An infinity symbol on her right, inside, forearm. I forgot what is on her right wrist. A smiley face on her right middle finger. And the all important spiderweb on her neck. The others: a stick figure angel and demon on either shoulder blade, a flower? or electron path? in between them, a cross that takes up most of her back, and apparently there is one on her ankle somewhere? are completely unnecessary since nobody will be seeing those bits on me.

So far, the easiest to draw are the ones on the left arm. Being that I am right handed when it comes to drawing (I can write with either hand, but drawing is another story.) I'm having trouble with the stuff on the right... and I have no clue how I'm going to pull off the spiderweb. I think it is on the left side... and that's going to prove problematic to draw on myself. I am seriously wishing that any of my friends with some measure of artistic talent actually lived near by...

It also doesn't help that there are no clear pictures ANYWHERE of that blasted spiderweb. (though that could be beneficial since nobody knows exactly what it looks like and parts of it are covered by her usual collar/choker.)

I didn't have the money for the platform boots I found. I have a pair that will suffice though. This will be the third Halloween costume they've been involved in... and they are a regular part of my wardrobe, so I've definitely gotten my mother-in-law's $15 worth of wear out of them... LOL

So, my costume so far consists of the only plain black t-shirt I could find that wasn't a V-neck. It was long sleeved... not any more. The collar was too tight... not any more. And now it has a collar bone, ribs, and a spine drawn on it in white fabric paint. A purple and black pleated skirt. A black leather belt with multiple silver eyelets and two silver chains that hang off of it. Fishnet thigh-high stockings, with boots. A lab coat complete with NCIS above the left pocket. A black spiked collar. I'm still working on the wrist cuffs she usually wears. My costume budget has been exhausted, so I've got to get creative with it. Pieces of an old belt are proving themselves promising... just need a way to fasten them... perhaps sticky velcro, if I can find the stuff I already have.

I'm also going to go ahead and actually dye my hair black again. I've been trying to avoid it, but eh, why not? It can grow out... shoot half the time, even the permanent stuff fades out.

The only trouble with dressing up as Abby... I'm about six inches too short...LOL

From your perspective, what does it mean to lead like Jesus?

My answer:

To lead like Jesus, in my opinion, is to be completely open to the direction of the Holy Spirit. It means having a level of sensitivity that can be easily overwhelming. It means being willing to relate to people where they are, yet still challenge them to move forward and grow past that point.

It means being patient with even the most frustrating people. It means being kind to even the meanest people. It means not being envious of anyone else's success, and not boasting about my own. It means being willing to accept instruction, help, and other input from others. It means being gracious and courteous to everyone involved. It means that I seek the good of the group, and not just my own advancement or praise. It means keeping my temper in check. It means letting go of any and all offenses that might come my way. It means that I don't tolerate impropriety or treat offensive behavior lightly, but rather guide people back on task. It means that I acknowledge the good in those I'm leading. It means that I look out for the group, taking the hit for them if necessary. It means I trust them to do their jobs and do them well.  It means I believe the best about them. It means I don't quit on them even when things get tough.

Jesus led with love... why should I do any less?