I was more incognito than usual last month, attending Halloween bashes hidden behind a mask, twirling glass stems. You probably didn’t even realize I was there, watching… 

But I was. That’s my favorite thing about this season: the chance to be someone else — someone in disguise. (OK, OK, fine. If you must know, this year, I dressed up as Big Bird.) 

Even before Halloween, October was off to a fabulous start as the city hosted its first Fashion Week. As you know, real estate’s a stylish industry, so I had to attend some shows for inspo. Agent X was in the front row, all over the city. And, I must say, the week’s kick-off at the Cultural Center was especially chic. 

There were also some fun community events last month like john greene Realtor’s annual Family Day at Dollinger Family Farm in Channahon. Outside of the city, too, local agents congregated for some major events: EXIT Realty’s international convention took place in Kissimmee, Florida (Nick Libert provided plenty of updates) and AAREA Greater Chicago was honored as Chapter of the Year at the association’s Las Vegas retreat! Looking ahead, NAR NXT kicks off in Boston on Nov. 8. 

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance got its own party going on Oct. 17 with the aptly titled Night of Illusions. Part-masquerade-mixer, part-association-induction-ceremony, it was all parts fabulous with live performances (including a drag show!), cocktails and a costume contest. And no, before you ask, I didn’t win. I was robbed — by David Thompson, who came as a Rocco Venetian masquerade man. Well played, David.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate continued the party throughout the week leading up to Halloween, too, with themed dress-up days at its Goose Island office. But now, as we enter November, the fun doesn’t stop. It’s time to celebrate the Agents’ Choice Awards winners! Check out all the winners at ChicagoAgentMagazine.com, and try not to be too jealous. I know I’m green with envy over Dylan McDowell’s best-dressed nod. Deep breaths.

Then again, I’m always jealous during Scorpio season. Their birthday parties are the best. First, on Nov. 9, six — six! — of our beloved agents share a birthday: Jim Roth, Ryan Steele, Kevin Green, Mack Alsaidi, Neena Vlamis and Missy Jerfita. The next day, there’s just one birthday, Yoni Pogofsky, followed by this year’s INDUSTRY MVP(!) Alex Chaparro. Let’s hear a double-cheer for Alex. The next day, Craig Hogan and Sandra Snaidauf both turn a year older, followed by birthday twins Jim Miller and Alan Lev on Nov. 14. On Nov. 15, it’s a party all across Cook County for Fritz Kaegi. Then, on Nov. 16, it’s Steve Baird’s turn to celebrate, followed by Ron Ruby on Nov. 18 and Steven H. Baumann on Nov. 19. Rolling into Thanksgiving week, we have Noel Christopher and Jenny Ames on Nov. 26 and Allison Ondrey-Malzone on Black Friday, Nov. 29. And, just to be nice, I’ll include some early December babies on this lovely November list: Maria Davies on Dec. 1, Terrie Whittaker on Dec. 2, Dan Kieres and Erin Mandel on Dec. 3 and Kevin Dembinsky on Dec. 4.