Hanging at Rutter’s but thinking about India

Now that my life is without internet service, I find myself hanging out at Rutter’s using their free Wifi.  It’s amazing how many people come to Rutter’s that I know…I saw my friend Shae the other day, my best girl Trisha and her granddaughter Keira and even the mayor of Dover, Rick Pope.  Rutter’s is a popular place!

So I’m counting down the days until I leave for India.  I realize most of you all are counting down the days until Christmas.  I’m not that excited about Christmas mainly because: 1. My dad has a wild hair up his ass again and I’m not permitted to go to see my mom   2. I’m broke.

About this shunning, my mom is TORN UP because her and I are tight.  John has the biggest mouth, one that runs like a duck’s ass and he can’t seem to keep himself out of my life.  He loves to call my father and tell him about my personal life, none of which is any business of my father or John and Dale is just a tool who won’t see how he’s getting played by “John the Man” or Heather until he is no longer needed for entertainment purposes…seriously, John doesn’t have any real friends and neither does Dale. (Oh, and LaDonna doesn’t count since she’s getting paid to be there.)  I’m not trying to be mean, just stating the truth.  Both men were always amazed by the number of friends I have.  Hmmm…maybe because I’m a nice person?!  Nothing will make me happier then that day in March 2014 when I’m not longer married to that ass clown.  Well, I imagine I will find the day that makes me happier.  The day I marry Brian will make me happier, but first the ass clown has to exit my marital status.

India will be the furthest I’ve traveled in the world.  A whole new land for me to explore.  I’ve promised Brian I will take as few chances as possible while I’m there.  I tend to enjoy the thrill of danger but I don’t have a death wish.  It’s more like I don’t think God is going to take me off the earth anytime soon.  I promise if I ride a motorcycle in India, I’ll wear a helmet.  HAHAHAHA!  That’s more than I do in Pennsylvania!

Remember, beside my personal blog that you’re reading now you can keep track of all 13 York College students and our professor Dave Fyfe at this blogsite.

http://yorkcollegehoina2013.weebly.com/

Guess I need to start packing soon!

~P.

 

I crawled out from under that rock

Seems like forever since I had the time to post.  Seriously, life has been nearly insane.  Some of that insanity has been, well, horrific, and some of that insanity has been heaven sent.  I guess you could say I’m getting it from both directions.

So here’s what’s been going on–the condensed version.

About 2 months ago, I began talking to my crush from middle school, Brian Copenheaver.  It started out just as chatting on Facebook and catching up on the last 25 years since we graduated dear old Dover High School in 1989.  We laughed online and out of the blue he asked me to lunch which I accepted as the restaurant was right by campus.  Ironically, I cancelled on him that Wednesday because I was sick as a dog and we rescheduled for that Friday.  All I can say is when I saw him in person, I knew I was with the wrong person in life and he said the same thing.  Five days later, we had broken up with our significant others, neither of which took that breaking up very well.

At Brian's family Christmas party.  Brian and his son Matthew, Tesla and I.

At Brian’s family Christmas party. Brian and his son Matthew, Tesla and I.

Mine went much worse than his and finally ended with me filing for a protection from abuse order which was granted and I retained use of my townhouse.  My ex-boyfriend felt it necessary to bring my future ex-husband into the PFA hearing claiming that I was lying about what had happened and in fact I was under no threat of harm.  Obviously the judge did not agree and so with the help of my future ex-husband, my ex-boyfriend moved out using the moving company I helped establish.  Nothing like having to see John walking through my house as I sat across the street taking in the scene.  Now if only Dale would move on in his life and stop bothering my friends and asking out my sister.  Can you say creepy?!

I wish I could say things went much more smoothly after that, but of course, nothing is that easy in my life.  John is still fighting me on seeing Tesla more.  I filed for a modification through the courthouse and then we went to a lawyer mediation.  The lawyer did finally get him to agree to at least letting me see her every other Monday after he has his custody weekend.  John made it contingent on me passing a drug test for street and prescription drugs.  I told him I would pass with flying colors and if he wanted he could test my cholesterol and IQ if that would make him happy.  He told me not to be a smart ass, but I just can’t help myself.

I leave for India the day after Christmas.  It’s going to be doubly as hard now since I’m not just leaving Tesla, but Brian also.  Brian has been amazing with his support during such a difficult time.  Dale and John have gone above and beyond to try to break me, but this girl doesn’t break.  I hold my head high knowing I did not lie in court, nor cheat on Dale.  He can say whatever he wants, words don’t hurt me.  As long as I still see Tesla, I don’t care what names either of them call me.  I have an amazing daughter who adores me and a boyfriend who loves me unconditionally.  I can’t ask for much more.

A while back I swore I would never get married again.  I take it back….once I finally get this divorce, a divorce that has been dragging on since 2008, I would be honored to marry Brian, even if I don’t want to change my last name again. LOL

Tomorrow is my last day of fall classes at York College.  I start my final term in the spring and graduate in May 2014 and I am ready to take on life.  I recently was hired on a rotating schedule by the local newspaper, York Daily Record, and my first article will be about my trip to India.  I am pumped for the future and so in love, I feel like I’m walking on air.

Thank God I kept the dog and got rid of the boyfriend!  Ying loves Brian!

Stay tuned…I’ll be gone for a little, but hope to post while I’m in India.

Peace and Love!

~P.

Haunted Attractions in Pennsylvania

Want to scare yourself half to death this Halloween?  Check out these haunted attractions and risk life and limb this year!

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FIELD OF SCREAMS

field-of-screams-logo-77bcc5bfdd1362ec01e7faf93cb7b64f

191 College Avenue • Mountville, PA 17554

https://www.fieldofscreams.com/

When it comes to terrifying thrills and spine-tingling chills Field of Screams in Lancaster, PA gives you more than you can handle. One visit to this world renowned Halloween Horror Fest and you will quickly learn why the horrifying Haunted Houses, Haunted Hayride, and Haunted Trail earn Field of Screams the title of America’s #1 Haunted Attraction. Four world-class attractions at Field of Screams are sure to please by delivering non-stop heart-pounding action that will leave you begging for the end to be near.

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HAUNTED MILL SCREAM PARK

Haunted Mill

 5932 Colonial Valley Road, Spring Grove, PA 17362

http://www.hauntedmillscreampark.com/

TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF IN YOUR FACE SCARY!

Central Pennsylvania’s traditional Halloween attraction brings you another year of sheer terror and excitement. Four terrifying and unique action packed attractions test your bravery and fortitude. If you’re not careful, you will lose your way, or your mind, only at the…HAUNTED MILL SCREAM PARK .

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JASON’S WOODS

Jasons woods

99 STEHMAN RD, Lancaster, PA 17603

When it comes to haunted attractions in PA, the NEW Jason’s Woods explodes with the wildest, bone-chilling, nerve shattering haunted hayrides and horror shows ANYWHERE! An extraordinary combination of live actors, excellent animation, dazzling special effects and sound design promises an exciting roller coaster ride of chills, thrills, laughs, and excitement – beyond expectations!!!

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HALLOWEEN PARK

Halloween Park

100 Hykes Mill Road Strinestown, PA 17370

http://halloweenpark.com/

Halloween Park was founded in 1996 by the Eckenrode family in York County, Pennsylvania. It began as a multi-level haunted house the size of a small garage in the family’s front yard.  Seventeen years later, it has grown into one of the premiere seasonal haunted attractions in the state. It occupies seventeen acres and attracts thousands of patrons each year.

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PENNHURST ASYLUM

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100 Commonwealth Drive
Spring City, PA 19475

http://www.pennhurstasylum.com

The Pennhurst Haunted attraction includes the Pennhurst Asylum, a hospital themed walk through attraction featuring many items and artifacts that were part of the original State School. Located on the upper floors of the old Administration building, which dates to 1908, this attraction features a combination of high tech animatronics, digital sound and motivated actors, as well as fine detail and realism. We have added lots of new props, and made many changes for the season.

I’ll give you a ride

KARMA BUS

Last Tuesday, Dale and I picked up my son Jarrid from work and headed to The Glad Crab.  Jarrid and I had a pitcher of beer between us. Dale and Jarrid shot a game of pool then Jarrid and I took a turn.  This was the first time my son and I went out for a drink and the first time we shot a game of pool. I beat him when he dropped the eight ball ahead of schedule.  I’ll take that win. 😉 We split that dive and headed to Frank’s Theater to see Machete Kills.

I was feeling pretty good…and a bit loud as we entered the theater. I saw a dude with a mohawk and I I yelled, “Dude!  Nice mohawk” as I waved my hand over my head imagining that I too had a mohawk. He grinned and said, “thanks!” and I said, “no problem!”

Jarrid turned to me and said, “you don’t drink much do you?”

“Pretty obvious huh?” I replied.

“Very” he answered.

I was impressed they had a bar in the theater, but I saw no reason to give myself a hangover.

The theater was nearly empty. How do they make money?!

As the previews finished up and the piracy warning came on the screen I had the urge to read it out loud. This greatly embarrassed Jarrid for some reason, and I felt satisfied in creating that embarrassment. My opportunity to make up for all the times he embarrassed me in public as a child.

The movie was pretty cool. Lots of familiar faces and Lady Gaga half dressed to boot. I got a kick out of her part. After the movie I hit the head and Jarrid went outside to smoke a cigarette.

When Dale and I joined Jarrid outside, he was talking to a young, black girl.  She asked to borrow his phone and was trying to reach someone to pick her up. She said her friends must have left thinking she had found a ride after work when actually, she was mopping the floor.  No one answered her call.

I felt bad for her and said, “I’ll give you a ride home.”

Jarrid and her both said, “really?” at the same time and I laughed.

“Yes really. Where do you live?”

She lived in an apartment by Penn Park and that sealed the deal.  There was no way I was letting this girl try to walk home after midnight.

We piled into my car and she began to sneeze at the sight of Ying. The dog with no hair was causing her allergies to act up. Well, things can’t be perfect, I suppose.

Lucky for her that was the worst of the situation. Three white folk and a hairless dog….but a safe ride home.

Go out of your way to help someone in need.  Pay it forward and perhaps the karma bus will break when she barrels down your street.

~P.

Paul Baughman Benefit

On Easter morning 2013, Paul had climbed a ladder to change the scarf to white on the cross outside of New Bethel UM Church and fell. He seriously injured his shoulder and needed surgery and physical therapy following the accident.  Because Paul is a self-employed he did not qualify for unemployment. He quickly fell behind on his financial obligations. His church sponsored a fundraiser, held today, to help him and his wife, Hope, with their financial situation.

Paul has regained most of the movement in his shoulder and is slowly getting back to work. God bless him and all those who came out today to stand and support their brother in Christ.

The benefit was held at the Warrington Township Municipal Park in Rossville, PA.

Special guest performances was provided by The Dietrich Brothers, Walt Crider and the Old Time Way, and Donna Jean Foster.

Vegetable soup, chicken corn soup, chili, hot dogs and a never ending array of deserts were sold all day.

Also held were 50/50 raffles and several auctions of donated items.

If you would like to help Paul & Hope in this time of need, donations may be mailed to New Bethel UM Church, 1485 Kunkle’s Mill Road. Lewisberry, PA 17339. A letter of acknowledgement will be sent for your donation.

Paul Baughman

Paul Baughman

The Dietrich Brothers

The Dietrich Brothers

Walt Crider and the Old Time Way

Walt Crider and the Old Time Way

 

 

Walt Crider

Walt Crider

Donna Jean Foster

Donna Jean Foster

An audience member joins in

An audience member joins in

Hope Baughman

Hope Baughman

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Walt & Paul

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Walt, Faye & Pud

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Drawing for prizes

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Crocks while riding a motorcycle?!

Crocs while riding a motorcycle?!

 

 

 

 

 

Bike riding and sand castles at Pinchot Park

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Gross Toes & Sign Language

For whatever reason, Zeth and I became engrossed in the difference angles we could bend our toes. He also realized his feet are huge next to his sisters baseball cleats.  He was especially happy to show me the snake head with and without a tongue he could make with his fingers.

We are easily entertained.  ~P.

Zeth can make his big toe point up.  I can't.

Zeth can make his big toe point up. I can’t.

I can give Zeth the middle toe, he can't.

I can give Zeth the middle toe, he can’t.

Big foot and the wee baseball player.

Big foot and the wee baseball player.

SNAKE!

SNAKE!

Snake with tongue

Snake with tongue

9/11 a Tragic Day

9_11_sign

Several tragic events happening on September 9th have touched my life.

  • The terrorist take-over and the events that unfolded in 2001 will forever be in the memory of all.  God Bless those that lost their lives, their families, co-workers and friends.
  • The electrical fire in 2011 that caused my friend and neighbor’s home to burn to the ground.  Thank God they weren’t home and no one was injured.  A new home, bigger and better was built to replace their destroyed mobile home.
  • Going back to a period of time between those tragic moments, I met the father of my daughter in 2004.  I am torn on an adjective to describe that event.  Perhaps fateful.

And now, in 2013, I celebrate a small victory of personal consequence.  After five years of medically supporting my brain to process and handle the depression I suffered from, I am now anti-depressant free.

Ironically, the need for anti-depressant medication was necessary due to that fateful meeting nine years ago. Go figure.

A stigmata is attached to people who are prescribed medication to adjust the levels of stuff in their brain that keeps them feeling that the weight of life will not crush them into a deflated pile of human rubble. The stigmata attached to depression could be that one is: crazy, lazy, stupid, weird, needy, sad, suicidal, etc.  Don’t fall for the misconceptions quickly associated with depression.

Life is deep and feels like it will suck you down in a dark hole with no way to pull yourself out. People pass by and see you there suffering, but they can’t help you.  You have to want to help yourself.  Not in just finding and sticking to a medication that works for your symptoms, but to also seek a form of counseling or therapy.

Talking things out with a stranger qualified to listen and understand what your words mean, makes the process of healing the wounds on the inside much easier to achieve. I know, because I’ve been there. I went to counseling for four years, and it was time well spent.

There are many more days in my life to enjoy and explore. I welcome each day with open arms because nothing can bring me down again.

Nothing.

~P.

FDNY Pumper Truck #233 in Biglerville PA

On my second trip to my friend’s cabin, I made a stop at this road side station to check out the fire truck.  It’s a Mack truck and while I didn’t look for an exact date, I’d guess it is from the 1960’s.  If I’m wrong and someone knows, write it in the comments! 😉

The old pumper truck is in bad shape.  If someone had intentions of restoring this once beautiful truck, now wrecked and rusting away, they never got around to to.

The vintage Pepsi machines and gas pump was cool to see also.

Click the first thumbnail to open the gallery…Enjoy!  ~P.

Hey, You Dropped Your Money

I was out late this afternoon snapping some photos as the sun was setting.  I had my eyes on a few particular buildings, but I am easily distracted by anything that looks out of the ordinary.  Some might say in York, that is everything.

Click on the first thumbnail to open the photo gallery.

Just a little slice of York through my camera lens.  A big thank you to the complete stranger who told me I dropped a $20 bill walking across Jo-Jo-Ma’s Polish Sausage parking lot.  He could have said nothing and in less than a minute, been twenty bucks richer.

Who says people aren’t honest?!

~P.