Member-only story
I Love Not Being Normal
Why do we think normal is such a positive thing, anyhow?
I am not in any way, shape, or form, normal.
And I am not saying that without proof.
In 2007, during an epic road trip across the Southern USA, I was exploring Santa Fe, New Mexico. From time to time, throughout the day, I saw this guy in a blazer who looked a lot like actor Orlando Jones. He was walking around with a tripod and camera. I thought nothing of this, save that I noticed him more than once.
Then, later, he was walking with purpose straight to me. The camera and tripod are gone. When he’s almost within my personal space bubble, he offers to shake my hand.
Sure, random handshake, why not? Then, he says to me (for real, I am NOT making this up),
“I just had to tell you. You’re an odd-looking fellow.”
He turns and walks away. I had no clue how to respond to that. To this day, I can remember it clearly — and it STILL puzzles me.
I guess I don’t look normal. Odd-looking fellow. Huh.
In the spring of 2011, I started dating the woman who would become my wife. I think it was maybe our second or third date when she said to me,
