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Oct 6, 2011

DearJohn XX

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Dear John,

I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t make it to gymnastics tonight.  When I didn’t see your truck I guessed Heather had all the kids and you were off somewhere very important.

Tess did great tonight.  Very enthusiastic about gymnastics, but not so enthusiastic about you not taking her.  Actually her exact words were “Daddy made me go with Heather.  I told him I didn’t want to but he said I couldn’t go to his ballgame.”

Way to push Tesla on Heather, or should I say Heather onto Tesla.  Let me spell this out for you, Tesla should come first and yourself second.  Tesla should always come first, over appointments when she is with you, over playing softball, etc.  You don’t want her pulling further away from you, then show her you have TIME for her.

Otherwise, I predict her requesting living with me at some point.  That is, if I don’t get custody this month.  October 26th @ 1:30 Court Room B.

See you there.  I’m sure Heather will be along for the show.

~P.

 

Filed Under: Divorce, John · Tagged: ,
Oct 3, 2011

York College Fall Festival 2011

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Tesla Delauter attended York College’s Fall Festival on October 1st 2011.  Ms. Delauter identified herself as a future YCP student, in approximately the Fall of 2024.  In the meantime, she attended the activities on campus with her mom, sophomore, Pattie Crider.

Tesla and Pattie

The 2011 Fall Festival was moved indoors at the Field House on West Campus.

The rainy weather did not keep people away.

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Tesla’s first stop was The C.A.B. Rat Race Maze, hosted by senior, Derek Anderson.    Also manning the Rat Race was fellow C.A.B. member Kaitlyn Crowningshield.  A sophomore at York, Crowningshield stated, “Even with the rain, the day was successful.”

Senior Derek Anderson

On her way to the “Lego table”, Tesla was side-tracked by the Ski & Outdoor Club who bribed her attention by waving candy in the air.  Her mom broke a $20 for that “Krabby Pattie” snack.

Buy candy here kid!

Next table was Habitat for Humanity where Tesla bought a Lego block.  Each block  helped to build a Lego house, which raises funds to build a real house for a family in need.  Also at the Habitat for Humanity table was Sara Wing, a junior at YCP.

Senior Eric Bulger

At the Christian Fellowship Organization, Tesla met junior, Jill Irish and senior, Kim King.  They had a box of lollipops and the prize was determined by the color at the end of the stick.

Pop Pull

Senior, Barry Holmes drew the crowd’s attention as he took a pie in the face to raise funds for Theta Phi Alpha.  Holmes enjoyed the attention from the crowd and the women of this social fraternity.

Jester Holmes and his Court

The Biology Club, well-known for Weenie Wednesday, was set-up right outside Field House. They learned at the last moment they could still have their stand, even with the continuous rainfall.  With a tent over their grill and table, the Biology Club had a successful day.  Their new slogan, “Eat a dog, save a cat!” senior, Garvin Durkin said, “Half the proceeds are donated to T and D Animal Refuge.  This refuge takes any animal except Kodiak Bears and water animals.”

Senior Megan Hatch enjoys a dog and helps save a cat.

The Collegiate Engineering Society’s 6-year-old Mini Baja was a crowd favorite.  Currently, the society is working on a Formula S.A.E. or Specialized Automotive Engine and will take the finished project to Michigan in May of 2012.

Junior, Ryan Hershey chillin' in the Mini Baja

The Women’s Club Lacrosse table was hosted by juniors, Megan Otterbein and Katrina Heintz (pictured) and Neena Foster.  Tesla was taken by the recycled soda tab jewelry and snapped one up for just $3 of her mother’s money.

Soda tab bracelets~ Recycled Wear

Outside of Fieldhouse, in the lobby area, Phi Sigma Pi was cheerfully making cotton candy.  Senior, Andy Crimone, spun the fluffy sugar treat, and was backed up by sophomore Katie Warg, junior Amanda Fanizza and senior, Kristina Larmen.  Watching the process of cotton candy making was very entertaining.

Phi Sigma Pi

Senior Andy Crimore

Andy's Candy

An impromptu a capella group broke out in song at the top of the stairs.  A huge crowd gathered to hear the beautiful, blended voices of Spartan students.  They preformed several numbers to satisfy the crowd.

Singing Spartans

Relaxing in a chair, just past the singers, was Matt Wolfe, parent of freshman, Amanda Wolfe.  He found the latest edition of The Spartan and was enjoying some time off his feet.

Do Not Disturb

In the “Reserved for Alumni Dining” area, the Greenwald family gathered for a meal.  Freshman Samantha taught her family a trick she learned on campus.  If the food is free, eat first, answer questions later.

Greenwald Family Luncheon

Acoustic singer, Preston Pugmire preformed onstage several times.  His style of singing was unique, especially when using a megaphone.  Pugmire, from Idaho, joined YCP for Fall Fest featuring his musical talents and creative, photographic art work.  His website can be found at www.prestonpugmire.com.

The sounds of Preston Pugmire

Tesla was fascinated by Pugmire’s Tesla Coil on display with his soundtracks and photographic art call cards.

"This is my name?"

At the Lambda table, sophomores Darian Kiger, Ri Ray and Hannah Wagoner sold rainbow-colored bracelets as a club fundraiser and gave out free bumper stickers stating “Just Wear It” in both English and Spanish.

Just Wear It~Condoms & rainbow bracelets

Making a statement without saying a word.

Always entertaining

M.E.N.C. or Music Educator’s National Conference was selling nacho’s and cheese at one end of their table and at the other end, they tie-dyed t-shirts to support their club.  Angela Bowers, a senior at YCP ladled the cheese, and junior, Jeanne Hill tie-dyed a t-shirt and her fingers at the same time.

Cheese and Chips

Just one glove?

S.I.F.E. or Students In Free Enterprise toasted up S’mores as their fundraiser courtesy of their sponsor, Kraft Foods Inc.  The charcoal fire pit also helped take the chill off the day.

Where the cold people with sweet tooths gathered.

Sam Lipson relaxed at the Hillel Club table.  The raffle for the $25 Rutter’s gift card was over and he was chatting with people who passed by about this religious club on campus.  Lipson stated, “Hillel Club celebrates Jewish culture and traditional practices of Judaism.  In November, the club will host a Jewish Fest and everyone is welcome.  You don’t have to be Jewish!”

Javier Skwara hosted the Hispanic Culture Society table.  He said, “The day went well.  We had a lot of people come to our table.  All the handmade scarves sold and we even have orders for more.”  Skwara also made an important point about the Hispanic Culture Society, “you don’t have to be of Hispanic origin to join, everyone is welcome.”

Hispanic Culture at YCP

Sean Jones, father of freshman Narissa Jones joined in on the fun at the Equestrian Club table.  Promising his eyes were closed, he attempted to pin the tail on the horse.

Mr. Jones...not even close!

The Chemistry Society had a profitable fundraiser that drew a crowd every time they “cooked up” a fresh batch of ice cream.  Patrick Benecewicz, a senior, took the ice cream making serious with everyone wearing safety glasses and gloves.  It was a good precaution as ice cream was accidentally spattered in one of the members face during the mixing procedure.

Safety First

That's so cool!

Patrick Benecewicz dishes it out

The Chemistry Society had a large assortment of toppings to add to your ice cream.  When asked how her ice cream was, Telsa answered, “Super Awesome!”

Future freshman, Tesla Delauter

Easy Targets

It only took one shot at Groller

This is not the Recreational Shooting course offered at YCP

Simulated Drunk Driving

Dance Excel pumpkin painting

Tesla orders "blue" from Melanie and Ashley

Ice Guy (aka Trouble Maker)

The Dance Group show began at 2 pm.  The floor area in front of the stage was packed tight but to the surprise of the spectators, the dancers leaped off the stage and danced up close and personal.  Tesla Delauter came close to becoming part of a conga line.

Dancing next to the crowd

The inflatable races remained popular all day.  Children, students and parents joined in, always vying for first place.  The inflatable games also provided an outlet of energy for all who took on the challenge.

Katie Warg races to the finish

That's a long way down

 

John~ Man of Mystery

Finishing up the day for “personal signs” was John, parent of at least one student at YCP.  When asked his name to notate who he was the “Last Person in Line” declined with, “Johns good enough, my kid(s) will think I’m stupid.”  Not to worry John, we don’t think your stupid, just paranoid about coming in last.

YCP’s Fall Fest was a huge success for all who attended.  The Spartan’s know how to kick off the fall season.  For upcoming campus events check the MyCampus online announcements.

Another John who doesn’t want to be known!

~P.

Filed Under: College, York College Spartan · Tagged: , , , , , , ,
Sep 30, 2011

Dear John XIIII

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All hail the king!

Dear John,

I met with my lawyer today.  We had a 45 minute talk about the upcoming hearing.  Most of it consisted of me going over our past.  That just sucks, recalling all those memories.

My lawyer feels confident that I have nothing to be concerned about.  Not that we will arrive in court unprepared.  I don’t find that the courts necessarily get every hearing with due justice but I follow whatever the ruling is.

We both want Tesla to go to school from our addresses.  In the long run, custody percentages may not even be changed.  We will still share Tesla 50/50 but her school may change.

I’m ready for this to just be over.  I’ve settled into a new house and know I will be here for the full 13 month lease.  The real question is: Will YOU be living in our house for the next 13 months?

Regardless of what has you upset about my blogging, the fact is you haven’t divorced me yet.  You have legal matters that need to be addressed before either of us know if the other has a stable household.  This is a reality that you just keep over-looking.

Join me in the “real world” long enough to handle the divorce proceedings so our child really does have stability in both parents.  I feel damn stable, do you?   I’m ready to get this all over with and I don’t feel I should have to pay the courts an additional $300 to force you in front of the Divorce Master to settle this.

But if I must, I will.

~P.

 

Filed Under: Divorce, John · Tagged: , ,
Sep 29, 2011

Gender roles in New Religions

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One key issue in the study of NRM was gender role.  Historically, most religions were established by male founders with female followers that participated in worship services.  These gender roles have been long upheld, but the emerging NRMs have succeeded in
breaking this tradition.  (Pike p. 215)

The traditional perspective of gender role in religion has been male domination over females.  This view is found excessively in established religions as well as newly emerging faiths.  “Women have accounted for the majority of participants in American religious
groups…NRM are not consistent in their perceptions or treatment of women, but
in this they are no different from mainstream religions.”  (D&A p. 5)

There are two approaches to the study of gender in NRMs.  The first was a “negative evaluation of NRMs as abusive to women” and the second approach “suggests that relations in new religions are complex and rarely reducible to the simplistic image of male gurus and passive female followers. “  (Pike p.212)  Examples of each approach can be found in the course materials.

In a religion based on a “master-disciple relationship” the male often takes the fatherly role, especially over the female disciples.  Abuse is frequent when women followers must obey without question.  Many high profile religions emerged in the 1960’s and 1970’s following the traditional pattern of a divine male figure.  These charismatic males were
able to create their own religions that became labeled as cults.  (Pike p.216)

Controlling charismatic male leaders have caused a negative view on emerging religions.  In 1950, James Jones, an unadorned pastor became the charismatic leader of Sommerset Southside Church.  His service there was short as his zealousness was too much for the congregation.  After several false starts, Jones founded the People’s Temple in 1956.  His charismatic appeal won him favor in the eyes of many established churches and he eventually became an ordained minister.  Jones visions of the future and preaching style enabled him to convince his congregation to move to Guyana after a magazine released horrifying reports of abuse and financial misdealing.  Jones was able to brainwash
his congregation into a mass suicide in 1978.  Information gathered after the suicide shed light on the cult Jones had actually created.  (Smith p.108-109)

David Koresh was another example of a male charismatic leader that was assertive in having control over his female followers.  The Branch Davidians were an established group and Vernon Howell, later known as David Koresh, became the leader.  Koresh believed under his guidance as a loving father figure, the congregation he referred to as his
family would establish heaven on Earth.  Under this charismatic mans leadership, the women, their daughters and even the men were forced to submit to Koresh as sexual objects.    In 1993 Koresh’s congregation perished during a siege by the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.  (Pike p.216, D&A p.262-263)

While men were typically the founders of alternative religions, there are groups that emerged under the leadership of women.  Studies found when
females establish a group and function as leaders, the women disciples are seen
as spiritually superior.  Neo-pagans base their religion on a “woman-centered theology” established by female spiritualist, Starhawk.  Also elevating female leadership is the New Age movement.  Both Neo-pagan and New Agers attempted to balance gender equality and avoid “absolute devotion to charismatic leaders.”  (Pike p. 216-217)  Sexual freedom
is important to these groups and sexuality is viewed as an expression of one’s self, separate from their religious identity.  (Pike p. 221)

Christian Science, Spiritualism and the Shakers were established by female mediums and all three groups have male and female leadership roles.  The lack of a single, male charismatic leader appears to enable these groups to avoid the abuse that often develops in male established religions.  (Pike p. 215)  Other religions based on extraterrestrial and
androgynous races, attempt to view their divine as genderless, removing the
importance of a deity having a gender.

The key issue of gender within NRMs is sensitive.  The abuse of
women by charismatic male leaders is a fact in NRMs.  On the other hand, there are established NRMs and ones that are still emerging that give equality to and even celebrate the females within their group.  In either case, gender will always remain a key issue in religious movements.

Filed Under: College, Religion · Tagged: , , , , , , ,
Sep 29, 2011

Defining Cults and NRMs

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What is a CULT versus a New Religious Movement?

New Religious Movements can be defined as religions that society considers non-conventional.  Through-out history, religious groups were developed by means of tradition and followed a religious rational.  The NRMs are formed by people wanting to leave traditional faiths behind in order to develop or follow a new religion.  New movements are developedbecause of people’s desire to view themselves or society in a new way.
(Beckford p. 26-27, Weber p. 46)

A religion’s legitimacy may be based on legal, traditional or charismatic
grounds.  Well known religious groups such as the Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Christian Scientists at their beginnings, were labeled “emergent or alternative religions” and were grouped with “sects, cults, and psychogroups.”(Beck p. 26, Weber p. 46, Daschke & Ashcraft p. 1-2)

Legal recognition has been achieved by past religious movements by collecting and
paying taxes and requiring military service. Because the public fears what they cannot see, NRMs are encouraged to send their children to public schools and have an open door policy concerning their religious services.  Also lessening the wariness of concern is NRMs that do not proclaim the ability to miraculously cure sickness and disease. (Beckford p. 28)  By following these guidelines NRMs are shown a greater tolerance than
those religious movements that seek shelter from the public eye.

Emerging religions distinctly differ from traditional grounds of legitimacy.  Through traditional grounds, obedience is to the person who occupies a position bound by tradition.  (Weber p. 46)  The authority is placed in the position and not the person.  (Dawson Crises p. 81) Examples of traditional grounds of authority would be the Pope, cardinals and the Dahlia Lama.  NRMs seek to create a new “religious world”
by manufacturing a revised version of history, offering new ideals, habitation,
objects of authority and communication. (D&A p. 10-13)  They are formed on adaptations of traditional religions to satisfy people’s wish to view society and the world by
untraditional means.  (Dawson Comprehending p.60)

A common characteristic NRMs share is a charismatic leader.  People are drawn to a person who has charisma and the leader uses this natural ability to attract and gain followers.  Because “charisma can only be awakened and tested, and cannot be learned or taught” the leader is believed to be chosen by a higher power for their position.
(Weber p. 58)  Leaders of this type tend to be volatile and in essence, cause their institutions to be unstable.  It is necessary for the leader to carefully balance their actions to establish and reinforce their authority.  (Dawson Crises p. 85)

Daschke and Ashcraft compared NRM to earthquakes in their book.  It is an excellent way to view religion as a whole because all religions were formed in this fashion.  There was a sudden shaking by an idea or belief and that caused a reaction and this was the ground-breaking period of a religious moment.  Five typologies were introduced to define the qualities of religious groups.

A “new understanding” is formed, opening or awakening people to new thought.  People
tend to live life focusing on the negative aspects they have encountered.  A promise of a better life through religion can be an attractive offer.  A future of harmony in the spiritual life, free of errors they made while on earth, is available.  This life is available to
anyone, at anytime, by simply accepting this new understanding.  A NRM may seek out the young, mentally impaired, low income, troubled or isolated people offering a solution to their miserable existence. (Dawson Comprehending p.49, 61)  A charismatic leader could use charm to recruit members by making them feel “special” or chosen to receive this chance at a new perspective on life.

The second typology was “new self” that lends human-beings to seek growth as a new
type of person.  A person who desires to remove the negativity from their life and forgive themselves for their mistakes has to let go of the “old self” from the past and be able to focus on their future.  With the goal of spiritual perfection, humans develop their faith in a therapeutic way, learning as they grow, to become better people.  The followers of a faith offer support, education and release of past suffering.  A NRM gains credibility as
people shed their old ways and grow into their new selves.  Testimony of followers to new recruits will focus on how this movement has greatly improved the quality of their life.

Followers who leave the group may cause problems as inside information is passed on to
“outsiders” causing the charismatic leaders authority to become unbalanced and
questioned.  This may lead to violent behavior by the leader and/or the group’s members.  The leader may choose to relocate to a more secluded area causing tension within the group.  Outside pressure from anti-cult groups always cause turmoil within NRMs.  (Bromley p. 1,2,5,7)

The third typology was the offering of a “new family” setting.  The world is full of unhappy families.  A person who is miserable with the family they were born into may find a “new family’ highly appealing.  These “new families” may replace a person’s nuclear family. In exchanging a traditional family for fellow members of a religion, a new type of family structure is developed creating a greater sense of community. (Dawson Comprehending p. 51)  The leader of the group may be viewed as a mother or father figure,
fellow members as brothers and sisters and the young as “everyone’s children”
completing the new family setting.

The fourth typology was a “new society” for the newly formed families.  By gathering all the families in one place, a society is formed encompassing the accepted social and moral values of the group.  The group focuses on improving their society’s quality of life as a whole and working to develop it to perfection.  Pamphlets proclaiming the
“miracle” of The Peoples Temple, distributed by leader Jones, described family
life as a rare opportunity for “deep relationships” to all who joined them in
Jonestown. (Smith p. 116)  The desire to achieve a utopian life on earth is powerful in motivating the religious followers to uphold high ethical standards and social relations.  This can cause the group to appear zealous during and after seeking new members into their society.

Encompassing the first four typologies was the fifth, a “new world.” This will be the
apocalyptic transformation of the earth.  The followers of a religious movement view this as the final step of their faith.  Judgment is passed on human-kind and for those who believed in and understood the previous four typologies; their reward would be an ever-lasting life either on Earth or in heaven.  This “end of time” scenario is believed to be
the moment when the good people are sorted from the evil.  NRMs have made the error of announcing the day the world will end.  When the Day of Judgment passes with no changes on earth, the followers of this leader feel doubt.

The definition of NRMs as “alternative religions” seems vague, but applying
religion to Daschke and Ashcraft’s typologies does clarify how and why new
religions are formed.  The drawback to these typologies could be misunderstanding or misinterpreting their meanings.  NRMs that have questionable recruiting methods or membership guidelines will continue to exist.  Using these typologies while studying
religions can be a guide in understanding NRMs.

Filed Under: College, Religion · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Sep 29, 2011

York County Mushrooms

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Definition essay for Writing in Professional Cultures class

York County Mushrooms

Mushroom- Any of various fleshy fungi including toadstools, puffballs, coral fungi, morels, etc.  The reproductive part (fruit body) of the fungus organism develops and distributes the spores.  Dating back to 1440, the origin of the word is believed to be French and the surname of John Mussheron, from 1327.

Mushrooms are referred to as the “meat of the vegetable world” and are primarily used in cooking.  Purchasing commercial mushrooms for consumption would be the safest way
to enjoy their nutritional value.  There are only a small number of deadly mushroom species, but several species may cause toxicity to humans if cooked improperly and consumed.

Historically, mushroom extract has been used for medicinal purposes including cancer therapy.  Psychoactive mushrooms have been used in native traditions for mental
and physical healing and to induce visionary states.  This type of mushroom is commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms” and is available in many parts of the world, both legally
and on the black market.

Mushrooms can also be used to dye natural fibers, though that practice has been replaced by synthetic dyes.  Dried mushrooms can be used to start a fire.  Scientists have used mushrooms to create completely biodegradable packaging (replacing petroleum based products) and as a filtration process to lower the bacteria level in contaminated water.

 

Filed Under: College, My Photography · Tagged: ,
Sep 27, 2011

Wolf Heart Fund

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My best friend from middle school has a very sick husband.  They are struggling to make ends meet by selling off their possessions, including her wedding rings.

Dawn has been an awesome friend since we were about 13 years old.  Some friends come and go, others remain in your life forever.  Dawn is the forever type of friend.

Here is Dawn’s story about her husband Scott.  If you are touched by her story, please consider helping them by using this link I created.  Wouldn’t you want your friends to help you, if you were down and out?  http://wolfheartfund.chipin.com/scott-and-dawn-wolf

It began in June of 2005…

He was having very bad abdominal pains, so I rushed him to the Hanover
Hospital ER thinking it was his appendix.  A CAT scan did not show a problem with his appendix, but the doctor said that Scott’s blood work was not right.  The nurse drew more blood and we waited.

The doctor came back and by this time Scott had enough waiting.  He
was begging to smoke a cigarette.   This made the doctor mad and he told Scott to go home.   If he still had pain in the morning I was to take him to our family doctor.

The next day he was still in pain, so we made an appointment with his family doctor and he saw him the same day.  After looking at Scott’s blood results, Dr. Ton asked why he was not admitted into the hospital.  I told what happened the previous day and Dr. Ton was amazed.   He was referring Scott to an oncologist and Scott never should have left the hospital the day before.  It would take the oncologist about 2 weeks to
get Scott in for an appointment which was fine with us, but we were worried.

Our concerns were realized as we were leaving Dr Ton’s office.  A nurse from the oncologist’s office called and told us to get to Hanover Hospital as soon as possible.   Scott needed a phlebotomy.   I was like…okay.  I had no clue what that was at the time, but boy do I know now!

Dr. Mohan had him scheduled for phlebotomies for 5 days straight.  If you don’t know what a phlebotomy is, let me enlighten you.  A doctor drains a pint of blood out of you.
Normally a person can only give a pint of blood every 6-8 weeks but Scott needed to have a pint a day for at least 5 days straight.

Within a week the oncologist, Dr. Mohan, was able to get Scott an appointment.  She was baffled and had no clue to what was wrong.  All she knew was Scott had way
too many red blood cells and she needed to get them out. A bone marrow biopsy
was performed and another test where they drew a test tube of blood, mixed it with
radioactive dye then injected it back into his veins. I cried while they did
this because I could see on Scott’s face how much it hurt.

The next 3 months were terrible.  Scott had just started a job, but was unable
to work until the doctor cleared him.  We had no income except my babysitting pay and that was not much.  The company he worked for was awesome and held his job for him.  They also did a fundraiser for us and the company owner wrote us a check for $2500.   The office staff raised about $100 and donated lots of food.

Scott was finally diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera.  This is a rare blood condition affecting bone marrow and over-producing red blood cells.  It is also pre-stage leukemia.

In 2006, Scott had a Deep Venous Thrombosis (blood clot) in his left calf.
Next, a mini-stoke in 2009 followed by him passing out at work.  Our family doctor sent him to a neurologist for tests but those came back normal. The doctors were stumped  and started more tests to figure out the problem.

In September of 2010 our family doctor sent him to Gettysburg
Hospital for an echocardiograph.  She figured we would start working our way down his body until she could figure the problem out.   We arrived at the hospital
on Oct 1st at 9 am.  We were told the echo would only take about 20 minutes and we would get the results from his family doctor in 2 days.  I sat in the waiting room with 3 toddlers under the age of 3 for over an hour.

The waiting room door opened and a doctor asked me to come with him.  I told him I
couldn’t because I had 3 toddlers and no stroller.  We went into the hall and he proceeded to tell me that Scott has a large mass growing inside his heart and he needed to
go to York Hospital NOW!!!!!

It took me two hours to get from Gettysburg Hospital to York Hospital that day.
Imagine a frazzled woman with a sick husband and three toddlers trekking
across the county.  Not a pretty sight.

Sometime after 7 pm Dr. Taylor came and explained that Scott had a golf ball size mass growing on his mitral valve. The doctor had no clue if it was a blood clot, a tumor, or just deposits of an infection. So again we waited, this time all weekend.

On Monday, Scott had a heart catheter done to make sure there were no surprises when the doctor went into his heart.  Scott’s open-heart surgery was scheduled for Tuesday
early in am.  That time frame came and went.   Then it was scheduled for Tuesday
afternoon….that came and went also.  Next, it was scheduled for Wednesday early in the morning, but again was rescheduled for Wednesday mid-morning.  Finally they came to prep him for pre-op and then they wheeled him away.  Again, I waited and waited.

He was placed in open-heart intensive care unit and Dr. Taylor came to tell me how it went.  He said it was a blood clot and he also discovered a hole in Scott’s heart, so he fixed that too.  All along, I had thought Scott only had a hole in his head.

Scott’s nurse told me to go home and get much needed sleep.  I had slept on a
chair beside Scott’s bed from Friday until Wednesday.  I arrived at the hospital at 6:30 am Thursday and walked into 3 doctors, multiple  nurses and all kinds of machines.  A nurse took me from the room and told me to sit, “A doctor will be over to talk to you shortly.”

Never believe that line from a nurse.  A doctor never came and when
everyone left his room I ran in to see what was going on.  Scott’s ICU nurse said that he had trouble breathing in the middle of the night and they had to put him on a bypass
machine.  Eventually I learned his right lung had collapsed.

Scott was sent home on October 12th with 13 medications and on oxygen.  A
visiting nurse came to our home every day for 4 weeks.  On November 9th we went for his 4 week follow-up appointment with the surgeon.  This appointment did not go well.         Dr. Sheers listened to Scott’s heart and immediately sent him for an echocardiograph at
Gettysburg Hospital.  After the echo, a “white coat” (as Scott calls them) came into the room (this is never a good sign) and told us to go back to Dr. Sheers for an explanation.

We went back to Dr. Sheers office and he met us at the door.  We were told to
go to York Hospital NOW!!!!  Boy, that was way too familiar.  Now what?????

We’re at York Hospital now and a nursing assistant told us that his heart rate was 204.  He needed to relax and get into bed. (Relax? Oh sure, no problem) A doctor came in later and
explained that Scott had fluid building up around his heart and the fluid was
crushing it.

The next day we went for another heart surgery, his third within 5 weeks.  After his surgery I went in to see him and was surprised he was awake, and very mad. He told me that he was conscious for the surgery.  I nodded and thought he was on some good drugs and was talking crazy. What surgeon would do heart surgery when the patient is awake?!

Later that day Scott’s heart surgeon, Dr. Taylor, came in the room and sat down with us. I immediately began to worry because Dr. Taylor never sits. He proceeded to tell us that he was sorry he had to do most of the surgery while Scott was awake.  I almost fell out of my chair. WHAT?????? He explained when they tried to intubate him, he flat-lined.   Thinking fast, Dr. Taylor pulled the tube out of Scott’s mouth did CPR.  Once Scott was conscious and breathing he cut him open and put the tubes in to drain the fluid around his heart. Afterwards, they intubated him so they could shock his heart back into rhythm.

The next day, his chest started to fill with fluid and his right lung collapsed again.
He was at York Hospital from November 9th to the 18th was sent home on oxygen again.  He was taken off of oxygen in January of 2011.  On March 25th we were out with some friends for dinner and a little dancing (for me not Scott.)  Suddenly our friend came to me and said something was wrong with Scott.  I ran to him and he was visibly in pain, holding his chest and gasping for breath.  I called 911 and friends got him out to our truck.  One of our friends, an EMT, did what he could until the ambulance arrived.

At the ER they did test after test. Thankfully, it was NOT a heart attack, but he had an episode of AFib.  He was admitted and cardiologist, Dr. Schuler, came to see him the next day and telling him he needed to wear an event monitor for 21 days.  When we went for his appointment with Dr. Schuler he told us Scott had a Supravascular Tachycardia SVT and
needed another heart surgery.  This would make his 4th surgery in less than a year, on a 39 year old man!

Scott was on short-term disability from September 10th until May off 2011.  He still
had 4 weeks left but he wanted to go back to work.  Dr. Schuler said it was ok for now and that he would schedule the surgery when Scott was ready.  On June 30 2011, Scott’s boss came to him and said the township was out of money and making cut backs in all the departments.  We have found out since that NO other departments had cut backs and no one else lost their job.  Things that make you go hmmmmmm!

On Sept 19 2011, Scott had his 4th heart surgery in 11 months and he is doing ok. We were told that because of all of his ER visits the past 2 weeks and his surgeries; Unemployment Compensation feels he is unemployable.  Scott has been the moneymaker in our
family for as long as we have been together (17 years) and now I am trying to
figure out what to do.  I still do child care in our home, but I only make $60 per week.  I cannot get a “real” job because then Scott will lose his medical assistance and we cannot have that.  He needs medical insurance and I have to take him to his appointments, which are quite often.  We applied for SSI back in August and as we all know, that takes forever.

For now, we just sit here worrying and waiting, trying to sell pretty much everything we
own to pay our bills.  We have some great friends and family that have helped us with what they can.  I cannot thank them enough!

Dawn Wolf

Thank you Dawn, for sharing your story.  A big thank you to those who have already made a donation to the Wolf family through this link. http://wolfheartfund.chipin.com/scott-and-dawn-wolf  Scott is one tough bird and he is greatly loved.  Please keep the Wolf family in your prayers.

Showing heart,

~P.

Filed Under: Friends, high school days · Tagged: , , , , ,
Sep 25, 2011

Define Criders

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Dale was bored while I was working on my never-ending Spanish homework.  He went on the Urban Dictionary and searched “Criders” and this was the result:

criders
Definition: A place where men are men, and the sheep are scared.
The only things you need in Criders are Velcro gloves and tall rubber boots. 😉
by biscuit_ehhh Jul  6, 2009
Very amusing biscuit_ehhh.  Dale and I got a giggle out of your definition.  I also found it interesting that directly under the Criders entry was “Pattie Crider would be the next entry if defined”
That could be a very interesting definition, depending on who submits it!
Search your name and post its definition in the comments! 🙂
Undefined at the moment,
~P.
Filed Under: Dreams · Tagged: , , ,
Sep 25, 2011

The Ultimate Odd Couple

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Heads vs Feds

On September 21st the Campus Activities Board sponsored a debate over legalization of marijuana.  The Heads vs Feds debate featured Steve Hager, Editor-In-Chief of High Time Magazine versus veteran drug enforcement administrator, Robert Stutman.

Hager opened the debate with five reasons why marijuana should be legal.  In his opinion he gave these reasons.

“It’s good medicine”  Currently marijuana is a schedule 1 drug meaning there is no medical use.  Steve gave a long list of conditions that marijuana could be used for medicinal reasons.

“Hemp is good for the environment”  Hemp can be used to make an endless list of products, from clothing to paper and can be grown anywhere in the world.

“Marijuana has built the largest prison system in America”  A person arrested for growing marijuana to treat their glaucoma condition is held to a mandatory sentencing while murderers and rapists are not.

“Legalization of marijuana will stop funding corruption”  The illegal sale of marijuana is connected to a much larger problems, from murder to dirty cops.

“Marijuana is part of culture”  It always has been part of culture and always will be, regardless of its legal status.

Stutman opened his side of the debate stating “recreational use of marijuana will never be legalized” and gave his reasons backing this statement.

There have been 19 attempts to legalize marijuana and all have failed.

There are no regulations of THC content or dosage regarding marijuana.

Smoking of any kind is unhealthy and causes cancer.

If marijuana would be legalized there would be 2-3 times more users.

Marijuana affects depth perception and mathematical abilities.

14% of users become dependant on marijuana’s effects.

Hemp is not reasonably priced, even in countries where marijuana is legal.

There are 4,532 legal drugs, none of which can be legally produced in a private household.

Stutman believes strongly that prison sentences for drug users is “stupid” and that rehabilitation and treatment is the answer.  His opinion concerning a person who receives a mandatory sentencing for marijuana use will exit prison in worse condition than entering.  After serving a prison sentence, this man will forever be labeled a criminal and encounter difficulties finding employment.  Had he been in a relationship prior to conviction, most likely that relationship would have dissolved while he served his sentence.  There are generally no good results for people sentenced for marijuana possession.

Hager and Stutman have grown to be close friends over the ten years they have been traveling together and debating the legalization of marijuana.  Referred to as “The Ultimate Odd Couple” they seriously debate the pros and cons of marijuana use and its legalization.  While sticking to the issues at hand, they try not to get personal and attack each other.  That was easier said than done, but no hard feelings seem to be held following the debate.

There were a few points Hager and Stutman did agree on.   Smoking anything is harmful.  Hager strongly suggested marijuana consumption be in the form of vaporizing, tea or brownies.  He quit smoking marijuana three years ago.  Driving under the influence is unacceptable as vision and reaction time are impaired.  Marijuana is not a “gateway” or “stepping-stone” drug, cigarette tobacco is.

Following the debate, Hager and Stutman took questions from the audience and afterwards joined students in the lobby for more personal conversation, pictures and book signing.  During this time, a petition was started to form a campus club  supporting the legalization of marijuana.

Steve was a funny guy!

Just reporting.. not consuming,

~P.

Filed Under: College, York College Spartan · Tagged: , , , , , ,
Sep 21, 2011

Dear John XIII

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Drama

Dear John,

No, I didn’t forget that Tesla had an appointment with a counselor today.  I was under the impression a parent was to be there to fill out the paperwork, not sit in during her session.  I find it appalling that you would take Heather along and think it would be acceptable for her to sit in during the session.  I’m her mother and had no expectations or desire to invade Tesla’s private time with her counselor.  I’m GLAD the counselor made Heather leave as she had no business attending to start with.

I have an appointment next week to speak with Tesla’s counselor.  The counseling appointments are not to have a professional decide who Tesla should live with, they are to give Tesla the opportunity to talk, in private, to a third-party.  She should feel safe and free to talk about her feelings without having the concern of upsetting her parents.

The LAST person who should have shown up for this appointment is your current girlfriend.  I will share my thoughts and opinions with this counselor, as you did.  I can’t imagine that us sitting together would have accomplished anything anyway.  To date, we have yet to sit down together, alone or with a mediator, and reach any type of agreement.  Why is that?  Because, if it’s not what you want, you will not even try to reach a compromise.

Give our child some breathing room.  She has a brain, her own thoughts and opinions.  While you may not want her to voice them, she will eventually.  You may not like what she has to say, but it’s not about you.  It’s about her and her future.

Promoting freedom of thought,

~P.

P.S. As Tesla told me tonight, you are still playing softball.  What happened to Tesla being in bed at 8 PM?  That schedule you insisted we should follow….guess it doesn’t apply when you’re out having your extra curricular activities.  At 9:28 PM she still wasn’t home, much then yet in bed.  Roll your activities and the ones you have taken the liberty to enroll Tesla in, when does she have time to be a kid?  Dad plays softball, runs a business, gives estimates, (still bowling?  Playing poker?)  Tesla takes gymnastics and dance lessons.  You wanted her to take swim lessons and mentioned her taking riding lessons next month and tonight Tesla said she will be old enough to start T-ball next year.  Talk about over-filling a childs schedule!

Filed Under: Divorce, Heather, John, Tesla · Tagged: , , , ,
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