Steering into the skid and eating ice cream

September 2018

This post might be a tad long, but it’s important to some of you who matter to me and who I matter to. I am feeling reflective as I have reached the one year anniversary of getting out of the hospital. So want to share some of what I learned etc. I have to say, talking about personal stuff like this is odd for me, last year once I opened that can of worms, I had to see it through. Though I never fully shared everything, I did share quite a bit. And I am not the only person out there that has health issues related to stress.

ET Phone home? I was overtired and yes, I went there.

For those who don’t know, last summer I was hospitalized with Systolic Congestive heart failure and an array of other issues and partial system failures. My body was shutting down. This situation was a long time coming and began more than 10 years ago.  I suppose a brief backstory is in order, I have always been borderline anemic and did have GI issues when I was 17 But otherwise was healthy.  A few years after having Noah I was having issues, (joint pain, elevated temp, inflammation etc.) which I attributed to a lack of sleep, because I did not sleep for more than an hour or so at a time, and never more than a few hours for several years, due to my old job where I was the boss and on call 24 hours, then having a baby. Anyway, didn’t have insurance, did go to 2 doctors, did get some lab work done, but due to the high costs of labs, they could only get so far with a diagnosis then, based on the results according to the doctors , it had to be an autoimmune disorder like lupus or  cancer. I digress; I wasn’t that sick then, so could not warrant the cost for more tests. So just did my best to be healthy, think positive, that did work overall. Except for when things got very stressful and I couldn’t do the things I needed. Having a baby was one thing, but then having a kid with autism was something else, plus we had financial issues from that, and other things that were beyond our control.  These types of things take a toll, as many people out there know from their own lives.  And when you have challenges and you are sick, or not as well as you need to be, everything is more challenging.

So whatever was “wrong with me” waxed and waned for years. However early in 2016 is most likely  when the heart failure actually began, (though it could have been even earlier). I was just too determined to get to Virginia to allow it to get worse. I felt the time slipping through that hourglass though, which was why I was so determined and sounded so desperate at times about moving.

   





                                           New Path in VA

Leaving behind NJ                                                       

Regardless I made it over a year with the beginning of heart failure, it also improved a bit after moving, probably just because of the love and excitement of dreams coming true. (between moving and getting a job at Busch Gardens, one of my favorite places in the world). At least that is how it seemed, as things weren't as dire as they became in June of 2017. I had some struggles with the hot weather at work, but it was only for a short time it was too warm. And since I was stage managing vampires who LOVED their jobs and LOVED to scare the crap out me, they were practically "defibrillating" me in away.

But moving isn’t without stress no matter how happy you are about it, and neither is life. A few things were going on, that set health issues back on its scary track back in May of last year. Starting over isn't easy, it was stressful of course, even though we were happy about it. Kind of like planning a wedding.  But that, plus suffering a trauma that May, just caused my heart to weaken more, beat too fast and so began a snowball of garbage that started with palpitations,weakness and lead to bloating, edema, insominia, not being able to eat, and system failures.  But I braved my fear of hospitals and being broke and found a place that had a good feeling. And it was. The people there did a good job, as I am alive to type this. 

Echo results from Aug 2016-Jan 2017                                    Discharge Day, "My Name is Earl" Style

It’s funny how you can still learn things you already know. I have always had a “seize the day attitude”, but for many years my seizing of the day was literally spent on Noah and helping him, and any time I had left went to helping a few others.  It wasn’t that I didn’t like fun anymore, (well except roller coasters) in fact there were times it really bugged me when I realized how little fun we were actually having. But being sick made that matter more again, fun, relaxation, basic non-stress and no worrying about money because my life literally depended on it. It meant giving up some of the work I was doing. I still write for Busch Gardens, and I still write occasional "Things to do" type articles for CBS, but I put everything else on hold. Because in the end, none of that, no matter how important I thought it was, isn't as important as everything else.

Today one year later I am much healthier than the day I left the hospital because of those things. This was my Doctor’s advice, since stress was the primary cause. And I may never know any more than that and all of the details from my hospital stay. There are clues there; there are even confirmations of previous autoimmune disease, the anemia etc. But technically the only diagnosis I have is the Systolic congestive heart failure, due to cardiomyopathy. I also learned a lot of medical stuff, and why they call it a practice, because as much as “they” know there is a lot that they don’t.

I go back in October to check on where I am at now. But the bottom line is, stress is no joke. The stuff in your life that keeps you from sleeping, eating well, that keeps fun out, and worry and pain in, that over works you, has to go. At least most of it. You really have to decide what is worth risking your life for. People tell you all the time, life is short and it’s true. We all know it, but I really knew it over the past year. Because I knew if I didn’t get better, I wasn’t going to have much more than another year or so. If I do what I need, live well, don’t overdo it, don’t work too hard, get plenty of rest and don’t fight so many battles I can have several years ahead of me. Some of the damage is already done, though I do like the idea of saying…well…maybe I can beat that too.

So if I had any advice to give besides all that,  it would be that sodium is the devil and it really isn’t the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog.  But  don't concern yourself with fighting everything, all the time. Life isn't about fighting, save it for when it matters. Rather, learn to adjust your sails, and steer into the skid.

And eat the ice cream, its low in sodium.

HowlOScream XX 2018 Busch Gardens Williamsburg Full Review

For the past 20 years Busch Gardens has taken its peaceful and beautiful park and turned it into something a bit more sinister and scary for most of September and October. It is just as beautiful, if not even more so with the elaborate lighting and decorations throughout the park. 

HowlOScream, at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg Virginia is a bigger deal this year as it’s the 20th anniversary of the beloved spooky event.  You can visit September 16th through October 28th on select nights (mostly Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but there are a few Thursdays). Park opens at noon on Fridays and 10 on Saturday and Sunday. Closing times vary.

The Following is a full overview of everything at this years HowlOScream (HOS), Houses/mazes; Terrortories, new fun, Bars, shows, treats.

Jack is Back!

For those who have missed the original trickster of Busch Gardens he is back to let out all the spookies at the Witching Hour (about 5:45 at Fest haus) and has his own Escape Room, and area in the new house Vault.

This year they are planning to make the thrills and scares bigger than ever with a "New Era of Terror".  There is a total of 7 Haunted Houses (3 new) 6 Terror-tories (2 New) which means more scare zones, 2 party zones, and 6 bars (5 New), it is shaping up to be bigger than it has in several years. There will also be a new Escape Room featuring Jack, the pumpkin trickster, giving guests 2 escape room choices. (Haunted Hotel is back).

New Houses include Dystopia (indoor at Pompeii, replacing Deadline); Demented Dimensions, and The Vault XX, which will include many past and beloved haunts such as Scarlet and Jack.

New Terror-tories include Fools Court (France) and Garden of Souls (Italy). This scare area in Italy has returned, which most recently was Cut Throat Cove.

The Haunting Hour begins in Oktoberfest  at 5:45 when all of the creatures and haunts are released. And this includes, new this year coaster creepers. Which is exactly as it sounds, creepy ghouls may just wind up sitting next to you on rides.

Goodbye haunts 

We also say goodbye to The Catacombs, Unearthered, Deadline and  the Terror-tory Demon Street, which also means the Demon DJ.  For several years France looked like it was on fire at night, and now its a whole new theme.

NEW Control Lab (Ireland)

One of the coolest new additions is the Control Lab in Ireland. It’s situated in the lobby of Castle O’Sullivan. Guests can scare other guests via a TV system by the press of a button. Dr. Freakenstien hosts over here and is pretty intense fella. There are several TV screens with live feeds to a spot in each of the houses (as well as Fiesta bridge map!). Guests can push the button and it sends a mechanical jump scare off.

For example, in Demented Dimensions a huge furry spider comes to life. There is a small upcharge, which I figure makes sense otherwise people could just sit there all day. 5 scares for $3 or 10 for $5. This could be a good way to get skiddish kids, who may enjoy HowlOScream to help them take control of the fears.

Noah enjoyed this, we bought 2 rounds of scares. (5 scares for $3) all scares go on one specific haunt, as its computerized so it activates a specific button-attraction. Noah enjoyed scaring people in the Vault shown here by activating a skeleton that was hidden behind a tombstone. It was very loud.

You can scare people in The Vault, Demented Dimensions, The Map on the Fiesta Bridge, Dystopia, Frost Bite.

For  the Kids to enjoy
 Counts Spooktacular.

There still is fun for kids. The Counts Spooktacular runs from October 6-28th and families can come have just spooky fun during the day 11-5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Children are allowed to dress up, trick or treat and enjoy a hay maze as well as other activities and shows including the Countdown to Halloween event hosted by the Count of course.

 Busch Gardens has Sesame street characters in the Forest of Fun, situated just outside of England. There are several rides throughout the park as well as another play area in Germany (The land of the Dragons) which is for kids, typically ages 9 and under. The kid’s areas are closed at 5pm to get ready for the event and at 5:45 the park is then handed over to the ghouls where things will be much more frightening. So if your little ones won’t enjoy being scared and terrorized its best to head out, as the ghouls’ job is to scare the pants off of guest. Which is what guests typically go to an event like this for, and some kids do enjoy a good scare. If you don’t know which your kid is, you will find out.

Noah’s first HowlOscream was in 2010 when he was 8. He was terrified of HowlOScream the first several years we went, but we kept trying so he didn’t develop a phobia. He didn’t. He did eventually learn to conquer all the Houses, for the first few years he just did one a year. But the last 2 years he has been able to do all of them and it’s now a sense of pride. This year he willingly went through all the new houses and even was a bit of a heckler.

Face Painting

Face painters are in a few areas in the park, and always helped Noah with his "scareaphobia" (the fear of being scared).  If you can't beat them, join them.

Haunted Houses

Should be noted there are indoor and outdoor mazes, the outdoor mazes can close in case of bad weather. Typically a steady rain, but not necessary a light rain, always for lightening, which can be temporary. This year there are 4 indoor, 2 outdoor and 1 indoor/outdoor.

4 Returning houses for 2018

Frost Bite (Dark Castle in Oktoberfest) indoor. Inside what was formerly Dark Castle is a chilly walk through a spooky enchanted castle, was run by some kind of monster, but is still inhabited by ghouls. It is cool in here, which is welcome on warmer days which can still happen anytime in October, and most of September. The chill adds to the chills it creeps on your spine. The inside is very cool, but when we went through it wasn't that staffed. So maybe a good option for someone who doesn't want to be too terrified.

                                               

Circo Sinstro (Fiesta Italy) Indoor/Outdoor.  This house was new in 2016 and is hosted by the Ring Master (you may remember him from Scream tweets)  features creepy circus elements, which also match the Terror-tory you will walk through (Side Show) before you get to the tents. The maze/house is partially outdoor and the tents are the "indoor" part. Which are helpful in rain.

Lumberhacked (black forest woods behind Fest Haus/black forest picnic area) outdoor. takes guests to new territory, literally. Situated in the woods behind Busch Gardens’ Oktoberfest village,  LumberHack beckons unsuspecting hikers into a forgotten logging camp inhabited by undead lumberjacks. This has been our favorite outdoor haunted houses over the years. The fact they set it up in the woods adds ambiance of being in the “Black Forest”. The whole thing is instantly believable as far as these things can be. The scares are great, and the effects of chainsaws and saws add some more scare. This is the only haunted house out of all I have been into (and that would make 12 over the years) where I literally ran away from the scare squad. If you can only do one haunted house, be sure to do this one.

Cornered (Oktoberfest near Fest Haus) outdoor. Cornered takes guests to a 1977 farming community where townspeople are disappearing at an alarming rate.  A local corn farmer is the main suspect but everyone who ventures into the maze of maize is never seen again. Every time someone goes missing a cornhusk doll mysteriously appears. We found Cornered pretty cool with the visual illusions, (maze of mirrors has been removed), Rubber rats adorn some of the walls and air cans blow at your feet in spots so you think they are trying to get you. Rats. The cast of Cornered are memorable and awesome! One of them ghouls sounds like a demented Mickey Mouse and as I walked past he suddenly turned into some kind of demon yelling "Don't leave me!". Very cool

NEW for 2018

Demented Dimensions (NEW) Oktoberfest- Indoor back of Dark Castle, the queue is in Germany where Cornered formerly was, behind the shops and before the entrance of Oktoberfest. The story goes; you are entering Sterling Manor, a haunted House on top of a Vortex which opens portals to other dimensions, so the place is full of creatures and aliens. The rooms are that of a mansion and even a city street. This house was donated from Busch Gardens Tampa, it has been slightly changed to make fresh. Since there are these portals and creepy dimensions you will see a variety of demented things, some that seem normal at first.

The Vault (NEW) Oktoberfest- Indoor behind Fest Haus, where Bitten was formerly. The Vault is a throwback to past favorites including Scarlet, Jack, Little Dead Riding Hood from dead time stories, the Wolfman from Hunted, and Pirate from, Mummy from Pompeii. Each room is themed from a previous haunts (both houses and terrortories) and even characters from shows.

So it will take fans on a terrifying trip down memory lane. Upon entering you will notice morgue like drawers with the logos of former haunts. 

Dystopia (NEW) at Pompeii, replacing Deadline.  It’s a similar theme in that it’s a Post-Apocalyptic world. The inside is full of spooky people, not ghouls, but these authoritative members of this 'new society" are indeed scary. There are many long corridors that come into rooms full of creepy and sometimes gross scenes. The ending jump scare is interesting, even if it didn't actually scare us. (We visited Dystopia on member night, it was not crowded, may not have been fully staffed either).

Terror-Tories

6 Terror-tories or scare zones are designated places in the park that are themed and staffed with ghouls and creatures to jump out and sneak up on you. The growl, hiss, scream but they don’t bite..you.  

Favorites are returning such as Ripper Row in England, Side Show in Fiesta Italia, Vampire Point in Germany, Axe Alley. Ripper Row follows the story of Jack the ripper. Side Show connects with Circo Sinstro and is side show people and creatures. Vampire Point is pretty self explanatory, they also have a mini show called feeding time at the top of every hour at the back of Rhinefeld near the ski lodge refreshment shop. Axe Alley is dedicated to vikings, on the loose from InvadR.

Axe Alley

All the terror tories have actors in dedicated areas. Generally they are trained to not bother people who are carrying food, or who are sobbing. But everyone else is fair game.

                                                                       Fools Court
The 2 new areas include Fools Court in France,(replacing Demon Street) and Garden of Souls in Italy which has been empty the past 2 years. Garden of Souls is pretty dark, and not well lit so they can really creep up on you. There is also a cool display of haunts of the past near the grape squeshing station.

Terror-tories are fun to look at and enjoy the decorations and costumed characters as much as being scared. The more in the moment and scared you are, the more you will be scared. They can smell fear.. If you prefer to not be scared then just walk through as such, smiling. They seem to leave you alone then. Well except at Vampire Point, but that might be because they know me.

Bars. Drinks for Fun or for Courage!

This year there are six bars, 5 of them are new. You will find them spread throughout the park. All bars serve bottled beers (some on draft) as well as Wine and Soda. The cocktails will vary for each location, mostly based on theme. Alcoholic drinks are from $7-$12. Below are the names, locations of each bar the specialty drinks they serve.

Cobblestone Ales in England next to the candy shop on the way into the rest of the park serves frozen Hurricanes and Bushwackers

Inoculation Station in Ireland by Castle O Sullivan. You are served by nurses from Fiends. Syringe shots of Jell-O and Vodka. Also serving frozen Green Fiend, and Scarlett's Potion. And for snaking Bacon on a Stick

Chaos Cocktails (France, formerly Demon Drinks, same spot) here you can enjoy the new Jester Juice, and the old Green Demon, as well as the gelatin syringe.

Jacks Night Cap (outside Vampire Point Germany on the way into Oktoberfest) serving Vampire
Martinis.

Last Call (Oktoberfest, formerly Open Casket) Vampire Martini

Restless Spirits- Italy towards the San Marco Bridge, outside of San Marco theater. Skeletons serve up Frozen Hurricanes, Frozen Syringes and Ghostly Potions.

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Frost Drinks is not labeled as a bar, but you can get frozen drinks there. Frost Drinks is near Verbolten.  It only serves frozen drinks.

Other types of Tricks at HOS

Escape Rooms

The Escape Rooms located in Germany, were added in 2016 and guests state they are a lot of fun. According to Park VP Peter Dunklee the park intends for there to be at least a 60% success rate.  The Haunted Hotel is back this year and New is Jacks Nightmare room, haunted by the original Busch Gardens Trickster. Escape rooms are an up charge and can require reservations on busy nights (Saturdays especially) Each adventure is 30 minutes and allows 6 guests at a time to escape the room.

Party Zones

Party zones are dance areas of the park that is hosted by a ghoulish DJ. Extra fun lighting and fog maybe part of the experience.

France where Demon DJ was is a new themed party zone part of Fools Court.

Italy at the San Marco Theater also has a DJ with a dance pit and music.

Projection Mapping in Germany

Additional delights besides the lavish decorations throughout the park is the new Projection Mapping in Germany on the Wilkomena House every 15 minutes the show begins from dusk to park close.. The house projects creepy elements that seem to just come alive. I need to get better pictures as the few i got, just don't do it justice. (my camera had died so had to take the above with my phone)

Ireland is full of creepy Dr. Freakenstien experiments.  The New ride Battle for Erie is also still running (typically the attraction in this castle is used as a haunt).

There are also a variety of upgrades to enhance your visit. Guided tours allow priority access (no lines) to all 7 houses, and 3 shows (special reserved seating) plus dinner at Fest Haus and includes VIP parking. Price is $75-$125 depending on the day per person.

Shows 
All shows are about 25 minutes and all feature music and dancing in a Halloween theme.

Monster Stomp (England - Globe) PG 13

This popular show was missing from the park for a few years but came back at the request of numerous guests, plus the update in technology the Globe Theater. The projection equipment, increase in lighting and new speakers brings on a more dramatic and darker version of Monster Stomp. There are elements from the original that debuted back in 2002 including the “dance of the skeletons” and a few of the favorite songs which launched Monster Stomp’s popularity. Monster Stomp is loud, but it leaves you wanting more.  The opening scene is a bit scary for kids(Jack the ripper claims a victim behind a scrim so you see him holding a head in silhouette) but you can just have yourself or your kids close their eyes for those few seconds. Monster Stomp is hands down our favorite show, we try to see it as much as possible. It’s just as good (but shorter) than most “Broadway” shows.

Fiends (Ireland – Abby Stone) for Mature Audiences.

Dr. Freakenstien wants to create the ultimate monster. He is assisted by Igor and 7 Nurses. Contains fake but realistic lightening. The music is all familiar songs including Thriller, Eye of the Tiger, Hungry like the Wolf and Be my Frankenstein of course. The show isn’t violent (without spoiling anything even when violence is threatened, it’s silly). All of the dancing, humor and costuming is adult themed and not appropriate for kids. (because of the costuming, not so much the content) With the exception of this bizarre dance sequence to When you’re Strange by the Doors featuring Igor and Swampy the thing from the “Fat lagoon”, a sexy Vampire and a Wolfman. Kids would enjoy this part, but overall they may feel uncomfortable and the show is labeled as Mature. (but it isn't restricted). The choreography over all isn’t offensive, just combined with the costuming because the nurses are dressed in negligee/ strip club type (they do not strip though!) However Freakenstien's creation, more like Rocky from Rocky Horror does strip down to his speedo.

Night Beats (Oktoberfest- Fest Haus) Family Friendly

is a musical revue with Halloween themed costumes, special effects and music. The show occurs in Fest Haus. It is updated each year and performed by the undead members of the Casket Club. Performers sing, dance and play instruments.  This show has been revamped, and guests who have seen it over the years will notice the departure of favorite characters Ulrich and Beatrix, though a nod to them has been included in Tombstones with their names on the stage. 


After all the tricks, don't forget the Treats!

Don’t forget your fall treats! Busch Gardens food is one of the reasons people who don’t ride roller coasters, or like my dad who don’t ride anything but the train and just go here to eat and smoke. The food is good and the return of fall themed desserts, cookie cakes, pumpkin cheese cake, pumpkin crepes and  the colorful Monster cake.

The Freak Shakes are still available at Creamary De Chocolat, you can get Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Cookie Dough and Pumpkin Pie.

Fall comes creeping in rather slowly in most of Virginia, the trees changing as well as the temperatures being lowered. Most of October is nice and warm with highs during the day from 70-even 90 on occasion, but typically lower 80’s, and the lows generally are in the 60’s with some in the 50’s. This provides ideal weather for visiting.

By Day

by Night

You can purchase single day tickets ($90-$120 for 1-3 days) or a membership. There are several levels, and they just changed the program (as of October First) article coming and will link here. You can also learn more on Busch Garden’s Website. It should also be noted if you visit October 11, 18 or 25^th (Thursdays) you can get in for $45 as the park is open half day, opening later from 5-10. Saturday and Sundays the park opens at 10 am, Fridays at Noon, closed the rest of the week. 

HowlOScream each year we have gone (and this would be our 8th year) always seems to have something for everyone, and is fall festive fun.