Something tells me we're not alone…

by Jennifer on February 27, 2008

I love to watch Ghost Hunters.

There it is. I’ve admitted it. Wednesday night is a big TV night for me. It doesn’t matter what else is on. Unless someone calls to tell me that the local news is showing live footage of ghostly activity, I’m not about to change the channel.

The thing is, I used to be a big fraidy cat. Seriously, if I saw anything on TV about ghosts or the paranormal, I had to change the channel. Or close my eyes, cover my ears, and sing lalalalalalala until it was over. I was terrified that something I saw would give me nightmares. (FYI, I still do the above when a horror movie trailer comes on. I’m not ashamed. Those ads will freak. you. out.)

The turning point for me was just before the movie The Others came out in 2001. I don’t remember what started it, but I decided it was time to toughen up and see that damn movie. So I started a reasonable, well-paced training regimen of Weird Travels and Haunted History. Pretty tame stuff, since it’s all reenactments, but a victory, nonetheless. And by the time The Others came out, I had already survived watching the trailer for it, which–let me tell ya–almost derailed my plan. Remember when the creepy old lady with the weird eyes said, in the girl’s voice, “Are you mad? I am your daughter.”? Gives me goosebumps, still.

So I took a friend and went to see the movie. And I loved it. Okay, so I watched a couple of scenes through my fingers, but still. I loved the tingly, buzzing feeling of being scared and afraid to take a breath. The pounding of my heart. The way I wanted to curl up in my movie seat. All of it.

After, my fears didn’t disappear altogether, but they developed the gumption of a child who’s been picked on for far too long. After that, it was “Bring it on!” I couldn’t get enough of the ghosts.

Then, a couple of years ago, my spooky dreams came true with the premiere of Ghost Hunters. These guys, known as TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society), really know how to conduct an investigation. I appreciate that they go in with the intention of disproving the presence of the paranormal, rather than trying to prove that every bump and knock and flash of light came straight from the other side. Their methods make their findings more believable.

And when I’m watching? I’m a believer.

A few days ago, I came across Sandy’s post over at Momisodes, about the disquieting things happening in her new, very old, house. (While you’re there, take a minute to read this post from Sarah at Imaginary Binky, if you dare.) I read both stories with my hand over my mouth, knowing I would be just as unsettled if things like that were happening in my own house. Yet there’s a little crazy part of me that would love to have some kind of experience with paranormal activity sometime in my life. I would love to go on an investigation with the TAPS team, if they’d have me. I might bring along a portable defibrillator, for after my heart attack, but can you imagine how exciting it would be to have an encounter with something from beyond? (Not everyone is nodding, are you?)

But not tonight. And not in my own house. (Note to self: close the closet door.) I’m rooting for Sandy and Sarah on this one. Everyone deserves a good night’s sleep.

So now that some of you think I’m nuts, I’m curious where my readers fall on the matter of things that go bump in the night? What do you think of possible spirit activity? Please, by all means, if you’ve got a personal story to share, this is the place. And I want to hear from the doubters, too (also known as reasonable people).

And Sandy, if I were you? I’d call Ghost Hunters.

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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }

Tootsie Farklepants February 27, 2008 at 11:57 pm

I’m going to have to click on that link in the morning. It’s too dark right now. And, get a load of this, remember when I said that if I ever came into a tremendous amount of money that I want to buy and old historical estate in England complete with ghosts? It was the movie The Others that prompted that!

I don’t know what I believe but I’ve heard some very convincing stories from people that I wouldn’t doubt.

JCK February 28, 2008 at 12:04 am

O.K. I LOVED “The Others,” too! It was so..spooky and well done. And that twist at the end. Deliciously scary.

I am completely of the belief that there are spirits. Some stick around for a while. Some don’t. There are too many stories and I think that I have a sense for them. I have completely fantasized about being a ghost hunter, except that I am a fraidy cat. (I can’t go read those posts tonight. After all it is after 11pm and the house is SILENT…so far no tap, tapping from ghosts.)

The house my grandparents retired to in Virginia had a ghost. My grandfather used to joke and call him Mr. Blundering. They had a fabulous library, that you would appreciate! In that library you could definitely feel the ghost vibe. It was difficult to be in the room alone.

O.K., scaring myself. Must go.

GREAT post! And I am going to see if I get that show, Ghost Hunters.

liv February 28, 2008 at 12:08 am

i have had a few experiences that have shaken me a bit….

Ducky February 28, 2008 at 4:07 am

There’s a perfectly good natural explanation for these phenomena.

We don’t know what it is yet, but it’s out there.

Sandy (Momisodes) February 28, 2008 at 6:51 am

You are so sweet 🙂 Thanks for thinking of me and our creep-o-rama house situation. So you like this kinda stuff huh? …..Wanna come over? Okay, so you’ve peaked my interest. Maybe I’ll catch an episode next Wednesday night….maybe 🙂

Brenda February 28, 2008 at 7:14 am

I’m sure I shared with you my experience from many, MANY years ago. I believe, and I definitely wouldn’t want to seek the same thing I have seen. I can’t watch such movies–with or without fingers in front of the face!

If you get your haunted house, make sure they’re on vacation when I visit!

Kelley February 28, 2008 at 7:41 am

I *totally* believe in this stuff. I still have an unnatural fear of ouija boards due to some freaky and downright uncanny experiences. I’m not sure I can define what is out there, but something sure is!

Thanks for popping by my blog! We’re a new little dove, and every click counts. 🙂

we_be_toys February 28, 2008 at 8:24 am

Ghost hunters is a guilty pleasure for me too! I’m fascinated by ghosts, since I have a couple of family spooks who hang over my shoulder most of the time (see my posts “The Ghost Who Haunts Me”, and “Family Dynamics, Part IV”). My cousin and I are forever comparing notes about the vibes we get in old cemeteries (doing family research). she actually took some pictures at Antietam, where ghost balls showed up in her pictures – spooky!
It’s funny, because I was thinking of writing about ghosts today as well – we must be on the same frequency, girl!

Kellan February 28, 2008 at 8:55 am

Hi Jennifer –

Our house is over 40 years old and we live on some land (the whole neighborhood) that used to be Indian land. I have written once or twice about the ghost that lives in my house – he is a cowboy (of course) that lives in the upstairs hallway outside our bedrooms. He wears a dark black hat, long trench coat and black boots. I’ve seen him maybe 30-40 times over the years and my mother is the only other person to have ever seen him (maybe 10 times) – I SWEAR! He only stays in the hallway – he’s nice that way.

I loved “The Others” – great movie!

Have a good day – see you later. Kellan

suburbancorrespondent February 28, 2008 at 8:57 am

I can’t let myself think about these things. Whenever I reach into a dark room to flip a light switch, I expect a cold clammy hand to grab mine and…

My imagination is way too vivid. I love stories about haunted houses, though. Can’t watch spooky movies – too terrifying.

suburbancorrespondent February 28, 2008 at 9:00 am

I just read Kellan’s comment, and I swear my body temp dropped a good 5 degrees instantly. Yikes!

Meg February 28, 2008 at 10:53 am

I am a fraidy cat…and I believe in all that paranormal stuff in the hopes that I never have to have it proved to me that it actually exists! Growing up on a ranch, it is DARK outside at night, sister, let me tell you. To this day, I still hate looking out my window at night. We always had weird stuff happen…mutilated cattle in the snow with not one ounce of blood left in them after a snowstorm and no tracks whatsoever…typical stuff like bigfoot sightings, etc. I never played with Ouiji boards and never, ever watch anything remotely scary on tv, especially dealing with the occult..yikes. I got drug to see the original Exorcist movie and didn’t sleep for a month.

Remind me not to go to Kellan’s house if she ever invites me over…at night, lol!

Melissa February 28, 2008 at 2:32 pm

I confess, I believe. I can’t explain and I don’t attempt to, but I believe. My extremely logical mind hates being scared and hates not knowing answers, but I have experienced and people I trust have experienced paranormal events/situations and to that I can only say, “yeah. There’s something to that.”

P.S. Sorry I didn’t comment before, but your daughter climbing the rope in gym class picture? Too funny. Your imagination before you knew what it was? Hysterical!

marlee February 28, 2008 at 2:58 pm

lalalalalalalalalalalalalalaalalalaa!!!!!

Jennifer February 28, 2008 at 3:39 pm

Thank you to everyone who responded…I love hearing your stories. I have to give Kellan the award for making me gasp.
And another award to Marlee for her enthusiastic denial. (I’ll join in with you, Marlee, if anyone brings out a Ouji board!)

If my plan works, I’ll have every one of you watching Ghost Hunters. Even if you have to TiVo it and watch it in broad daylight. I won’t tell.

Angela February 28, 2008 at 4:39 pm

I used to be a skeptic.

But then, quite a few things happened. Not to me. To my sister-in-law, another skeptic.

And now, I can’t help but believe.

Read The House at Grave’s End…you will love it.

Ducky February 28, 2008 at 7:18 pm

If I ever watch Ghost Hunters, it will be entirely as a skeptic.

Jennifer February 28, 2008 at 9:11 pm

Small victories, Ducky, small victories.

HRH February 29, 2008 at 3:57 pm

I’m with Marlee on this one.

anno March 3, 2008 at 1:23 pm

Once, when I was sleeping, I heard a voice that identified itself as God tell me to roll over. I did, and the next moment, the heavy brass base of the swag lamp that hung over my bed fell right where my head had been. God has never again spoken to me quite so directly. Honestly, I’m just as glad.

Hatchet March 5, 2008 at 6:03 pm

I keep flipping back and forth between believing and not believing,

BTW, a friend if mine is part of the TAPS team in KS! He and his wife have been on several adventures. If you have a local team, you should contact them and ask if you can come along.

I had weird stuff happen with a Ouija board back when I was 19 and that was the LAST time I ever touched one. CREEPY!

And your last comment by Anno? Totally gave me chills. Eee!

imaginary binky March 9, 2008 at 11:08 pm

Thanks for sending folks over to my dark side of night time creepiness! That lady definitely creeped me out. I’m glad Amos didn’t see her.

– Sarah, imaginary binky

San Diego Momma August 3, 2008 at 5:24 pm

Love, love, love this. The Others is one of my favorites, along with Sixth Sense.

I’m going over to click those other links RIGHT NOW!

San Diego Mommas last blog post..Extra, Extra!

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