Can I use my five XP to increase a stat point now, or do I have to wait?

Stats can be increased anytime, vouchers and traits must wait for the Inventory.

Alright - First, I shall use my five XP to increase my Body score to 6.

Then, I shall leap into the air and perform a dance maneuver intended to intercept the barrel and knock/throw it back at the fast zombie that threw it. (Body; Attribute: Lord of the Dance Champions)

I can do both of those in one turn, right?

Indeed. Care to specify what sort of dance maneuver you will attempt? Or shall it be dealers choice?

Hmmm...I'll try to think of a particular dance style or move, but if I don't before the turns are taken, I'll go ahead with dealers choice.

Man, look at all those actions... Do I blame the weekend, or the game?

I'll try to leap out of the way just in time so that the barrel hits the tackling Wade, and I evade both. (Brains)

I'm going to convince Mr. Stranger that he isn't poisoned at all (Smarm) Attribute

Wait, wouldn't that just mean that I think I'm not poisoned but still am?

I'm hoping for a mind over body effect.

Jawa leaps into the air, and as if he had been dancing with barrels his entire life, fluidly catches the barrel at spins, sending it flying back at the skinless beast. The barrel strikes the zombie in the head, sending it flying in a backwards somersault, before the headcrab detaches from the zombies head and lies still.

Saved from the barrel, but not yet from Wade, Stranger prepares to leap to one side, woozy though he is. Just as he is about to dive to one side, he is distracted.

"Hey! Stranger! You aren't poisoned, k?"

Stranger turns and glances at Pax, who gives him a thumbs up. Stranger is just starting to think that he does in fact feel a bit better, when he is blind sided by a tackle by Wade.

While all this occurs, Sky stares dimly into space, right up until he is hit in the face by another black head crab thrown by the hulking zombie. The hulking zombie is much closer to the group now, and is likely to begin attacking the group directly next turn.

Jawa, Wade, and Pax earn XP, and Sky has been poisoned, his body stat reduced to 0 for 2 turns. Stranger is no longer poisoned.

Is the barrel still nearby within a useable distance?

I will wolf fang fist the zombie hulk! (body)

I'll drag Sky behind Wade so both he and I are using Wade as a human shield. (Brains)

Actually, I could see if I can compel Sky to attack, or at least act as a distraction. Probably a better use of his abilities than both you and he doing nothing, effectively.