Don't Go Outside!

So there might actually be more than one reason that I won't venture outside, particularly after dark. It's not just the praying mantis. (ha!)

It's because of TV. (I know, I'm a dork!) I LOVE watching Ghost Hunters. LOVE! And when an episode (like one last night) is really creepy - I run around shivering and waving my arms going, "aaaaaah creepy!!" So then, when it's time for bed, and I need to do my nightly ritual of taking Chance out to potty and checking the garage side door to make sure it's locked...I freak out and ask Mark to do it. (this may be another occassion where the neighbors might get to see his tighty reddies).

Last night was an AWESOME episode. Oh, I said that already. A lady thought that the ghost of an old employee might have been still in the building. So TAPS focused on contacting that employee. They would sit and say something like, "We're not here to hurt you. Debbie wants to make contact with you...if you would like to let her know that you are here, please say something...this recorder will get it on tape.." etc etc. So then they said, "Jean, do something to let us know you're here"

Later, when they went over the audio - they heard three things that were recorded between them speaking.

1) "Don't be afraid of me"
2) "There is no Jean here"
3) "Please just leave US alone"

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Seriously people, it was clear as day! And it was a man's voice. Or a growly scary sounding voice. It was at this point that I'm running around the living room freaking out and telling anyone who will listen (read: mom, Mark, Chance...) about how creepy this thing is. (My mom is too much of a chicken to watch the show, but she likes me to tell her about it).

But yeah, last night was one of those nights where I was NOT going outside. (not like ghosts can't get through walls, but whatever...this is not a rational fear, people!)

So my questions to you are: 1) do you believe in the paranormal and to what extent? and 2) have you had a paranormal experience?

And I officially declare it to be Scary Halloween month here at Old Guys Dig Me! (stories about black cats count too!) :P