Who Is Normal?
It's becoming harder and harder to define. Who is normal? Who do you define as normal? Who do we define as normal? I am not normal. I wish I was, but I'm not. I like being abnormal. Seriously though, everyone has their own definition of normal. My definition is probably different then your definition. And that's what makes this country and world great. I believe in diversity and I think the world revolves around one thing, perception. The way we perceive our lives and the lives of those around us gives us our definition of normal. We're all wired differently. No two people are exactly alike. Not even identical twins. But the solution to our brain chemistry and the way we think is our family. You're more like your brother, sister and cousins then you believe. The apple doesn't fall too far from your family tree. Back to normal. Growing up I thought my family was normal. Around the age of 14 I realized this was not the case. Sure, I grew up in a nice house in a beautiful development in Dix Hills. My parents were always around and still together. I have a younger sister. We had 2 brand new cars, a big backyard...you get the idea. Most would see this as normal. It kind of sounds like the American dream. But inside my house were 4 very unique personalities. Us Gendal's are far from normal. We were 3 lunatics and my mother controlled the mental ward. I mean this in the most loving way. My dad, my sister and I are certainly abnormal. In my house my mother was the definition of normal. But I believe your own personal definition of normal comes from outside the family. I think everyone needs one non family member to be their definition of normal. My definition is my best friend Michael. I will explain why...
My Definition of Normal
My best friend Michael AKA "Spike" is living a great life. One I truly admire. I don't envy Michael, but I wish I was more like him. We've been friends since we were toddlers. We've basically done everything together. Me, Michael and Drew (my other best friend) have basically been inseparable from before we can remember. I don't know my life without them. Besides my parents, they have probably had the greatest influence on me. We are 3 very different personalities . We are 3 very different people and I think that's why it's always worked. We truly love one another for who we are. There's never been a competition between the three of us unless it was on the basketball court. It was certainly never in the classroom. Drew's always been my partner in crime. He's the life of the party. Every night he leaves the bar with 20 friends. When were together your watching a comedy team and I'm playing the straight man. Michael's always been conscience and therapist. He's always even keel and he's always listening. My mind is constantly creating and drifting and coming up with ideas. No matter what I say, no matter how crazy, funny or insane it is, Michael won't judge me. If I say something too abstract, he won't comment. If I say something intelligent or insightful it will start a 20 minute conversation. If I say something really funny, he'll open his mouth wide, laugh once, and then have a funny retort or will repeat what I said back to me in a different tone. He's the perfect ying to my yang.
I went off on a tangent. Back to normal.
When it comes to life Michael's always done everything right. Everyday I'd go to his house after school and always after High School. We basically lived next door to each other. Everyday after High School Michael would walk in his house, grab a drink and do his homework immediately. I'd look at him like he was from Neptune. I'd go in his backyard and get high while he's doing his social studies homework. He had a goal. Michael wanted to go to Michigan where his brother Jeff went. At that point in time My plans were to go on tour with Phish. He's always planned ahead. He was always prepared for the next step. This is why he's my definition of normal. He went to the college of his choice. Got good grades. Got a good job. Got a great girl. Married her, and is now the father to the coolest baby boy. If there's such thing as an American dream Michael's living it. But he's never satisfied, he's always looking to better himself and that what makes him great. Michael's my hero and my definition of normal. Without his influence of normality I'd probably be homeless in Washington Square Park.
The Definition of Abnormal?
So what makes me abnormal. I spend days at a time writing things that I'm not getting paid to write yet, this blog being one of them. I meditate twice a day for an hour each day. I enjoy burning incense and watering indoor plants. I drink bold coffee all morning and drink exotic teas all afternoon. NOW THE INTERESTING STUFF. I don't judge people based on income, only character. I'm non materialistic. I'm non judgemental. I treat and talk to doctors and sanitation workers the same way. I'll go to the ballet and a ballgame in the same day. I generally think everyone is interesting besides me. I like to sit in parks alone, people watch and guess what they do for a living. I'll watch a good subway performer for a half hour and be late to wherever I'm supposed to be going. I'm so scatterbrained that I write down what I have to do for the day every morning. I'm OCD and when outside my comfort zone I become very anxious. Within 30 seconds I usually know if someone's full of shit. I'm all about positive energy. I'm spiritual, not religious. I believe in karma, miracles and the afterlife.
Scott's Real Abnormality:
The route I took wasn't like Michael's. Sure on paper it may look like Michael's but if you read the fine print you'll see it's different. Everything I had in my life came the hard way. Sure, growing up I wanted for nothing. I never asked for anything, it was just given. Clothes, a car, CD's, it was given to me. But I was never there to enjoy it. I could never enjoy the moment. I always felt unfulfilled. No matter what I did, it wasn't good enough. I had no self confidence and I usually felt alone and isolated even when I was surrounded by tons of people. I really didn't know who I was or who I was supposed to be. What was normal? Go to college. Move to the city. Get a good job. Meet a girl. Get married. Have a kid. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of that. Peripherally that's all of my friends lives and a big part of me envies that. All of my friends seem to have taken that path. About 3 years ago I realized this was not my path. Atleast not right now. So in my world this makes me abnormal. And I've learned to relish in my abnormality. I have somehow found a way to fully accept who I am. And I think my friends and people in general love and respect me for that. Characters make the world go round and I'm a fucking character. And I wouldn't want it any other way. So am I abnormal. Fuck yeah! Atleast I am in my world. And your world is your whole world...it's how you perceive it.
Every person has their own definition of normal. I believe we all define normal by a few things but there is one person who truly defines it. Think about who that person is for you. It's food for thought. Remember your definition of normal does not necessarily have to be someone just like you. They could be the complete opposite. I say think different, create your own definition of normal. Whatever that may be. Once you do, nothing will seem that weird...
Normal. Abnormal...It don't matter. I'll still luv 'ya because Scott Don't Care...
