I leave the house dressed as a pirate approximately once a week. At first, the new neighbors just nodded and smiled. I mean, it was the first week of October. It's possible that I just had a really early Halloween party to go to.
The next week, they said something, "Another costume party?"
"No," I replied. "Why?" They indicate my costume and I reply, "Oh, because it's Friday."
"But why are you dressed like a pirate?" They implore.
"Because I can" I reply.

I have this conversation with someone almost every time I am in costume. "Because I can" is sometimes replaced with "Why aren't you?"

Ok. Yes, I am being a jerk. But it usually makes them laugh. I do this not because I am obsessed with pirates, but because I get hired to do it. And also because it is fun. You would be surprised how excited people get about a gaggle of pirates walking down the street.

Speaking of which, I am about to do it again. It's First Thursday and we like to stage a raid on the posh Pearl District here in Portland. Mostly, we just hit up some of the bars, entertain passersby, and occasionally engage in some pirate-themed karaoke. Because, well, because I can.