The Parameters of Normal

There is a popular saying around these parts. It materializes on bumper stickers, tee shirts, coffee mugs, and even downtown marques: "Keep Santa Cruz Weird."

  

The oxymoronic insistence of this statement is, for me, a source of great amusement because it implies that anything less than strange would just be, well… strange, not to mention quite utterly unacceptable.

  

It begs the question:  if weird is the norm in this coastal haven, then is it REALLY weird?  And who is to say what is normal and what is weird? Who are these people- the mysterious "they" that keep making up all these rules?  And in what beige cookie-cutter suburb do “they” live?  Not here, that’s for sure.

 

Umbrella Man, downtown Santa Cruz

As the crow flies, my own small beach community is very near to Santa Cruz.  I feel a definite affinity for the uniqueness and diversity of California’s unofficial “Surf City” and the entire central coast.  Perhaps the real question then is this: was I attracted to this area because I am weird or am I weird as a result of living in this area?  Or, is my particular brand of weirdness just so normal it doesn’t really matter? 

  

I’ll let you be the judge. Here are three of my (maybe) not-so-normal norms:

  

1. I typically procrastinate washing my laundry for up to 2-3 weeks at a time. Perhaps it is laziness, a lack of time for what I deem a low priority, or the desperate clinging to the last vestiges of a once-twenty-something self. The point is that it is perfectly NORMAL for me to wait until I am down to last, most threadbare and undesirable pair of undergarments in my wardrobe (or heaven forbid, none at all) before I will rummage the cupboard for quarters and detergent and march myself over to the laundry machines. And yes, I have even gone so far as to purchase new undies just to avoid the wash for a few more days - shameful, I know.

  

2. I am a thief. Well, okay, not really. But I do have a collection of hotel soaps, shampoos, lotions, mini sewing kits, and disposable shower caps - it seems I have a compulsion for pilfering these small items (but really aren't I paying for them anyway with the cost of the room?). And if perchance we order room service, I absolutely cannot resist swiping those tiny bottles of breakfast ketchup and jams. Not only are they adorable, but who knows? They might come in handy one day. Savvy? Yes! Weird? I think not.

  

3. I find television completely unnecessary. Yes, I do have a TV, but I am not connected to cable or satellite of any kind. We receive only two (yes, I said TWO) channels - filtered through a cumbersome antenna perched precariously on the top of the set.  It is not merely an issue of cost (though we do save greatly), but rather one of need.  I do not particularly need the mind-numbing entertainment of 300+ useless program listings.  AND with the advent of wi-fi internet, everything I need or want is available to me within seconds.  Local and international news, weather, the occasional show via Hulu, and all the Netflix a girl could ever want.  Call me crazy, but it makes perfect sense to me!

 

So there you have it. Okay, now it’s your turn.  What are some of your normal idiosyncrasies?  And don’t fear the oxymoron – maybe you’re just keeping your town weird too J

Cheeky smiles,

 

Today's Gratitude List:

• my neck/shoulder/arm is FINALLY starting to feel better
• a new YA novel to check out for next year's literature circle list: The Iron King
• just purchased our tickets to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival - very excited!

 

Whimsical Graffiti

Today I was assaulted with graffiti.  And I smiled. 

Not the reaction one would expect, but this particular act of vandalism was so whimsical, I couldn't help myself. 

There at my intersection, boldly ornamenting a county utility box, was the fanciful proclamation that "Unicorns R Real," creative spelling and heart symbol punctuation included.

I grinned and shook my head, amused, before turning down the street.  I wondered what spray-painting sprite could be responsible for this morning's magic.  In a world lately grown so accustomed to mess and misfortune, it's comforting to know that there are people still eager to spread some joy. 

I am once again reminded of the unparalleled charm of my community.  From artist colonies, to Buddhist temples, banana slugs to begonia festivals, this pocket of the left coast is fearlessly weird, resolutely open-minded, and absolutely whimsically wonderful.

And while, yes, I am quite aware that unicorns are not actually real (please, don't shun the non-believer!), I DO appreciate the cheer-inducing message that greeted me today.  I can only thank the person who left it there and hope that a little more of that kind of magic will find its way into my life a little more often.  And that is positively something worth believing in!

Today's Gratitude List:

• bagels and sun dried tomato cream cheese-yum!
• pretty candles, for power outages AND ambiance :)
• the nostalgic sound of train whistles
• the silly Molly cat who tries to climb on my lap every time I'm typing
• hugs from my sweetheart-always safe and warm

Jumping the Fire

It's a new day. 


I do some of my best thinking during my commutes to and from work.  Thirty-five minutes (on a good day) of just me and the corolla, navigating the beautiful curves and crests of the Santa Cruz mountains. 


I have my rituals.  Trusty travel-mug of coffee at my side and lunch bag occupying the passenger seat, I check my make-up in the rear view mirror.  I scrunch my still-wet hair a few times before tuning in to hear the traffic report and celebrity gossip from my local radio station. In a few minutes my mind wanders... I am on auto pilot.  I've driven this road so many times, she feels like an old friend.  I start ticking off my agenda for the day, visualizing my carefully planned lessons and anticipating potential problems or things I may have forgotten. 


Somewhere near the summit, my mind returns to its task.  I lose my radio station to static and slow down for the descent toward Los Gatos.  I switch over to ALICE 97.3, a popular bay area station, to hear if Sarah and Vinnie have anything raunchy to say.  I'm starting to wake up now, the commute half over. 


Today the DJs announce that it is the start of the Persian New Year, called NoRuz, which means "New Day."  Residents of Berkeley were out in full force last night to kick off the celebration.  I listen as they describe the events.  Apparently, it is a long standing tradition, for young and old alike, to "jump the fire" at the beginning of the New Year festivities.  When a person jumps the fire, they let go of last year's woes.  They "burn" the past and leave it behind them.  The fire takes it all away and they are able to begin anew. 


I am fascinated and inspired. I start to think of woes I could give to the fire. One by one, I imagine letting them go as I leap above the flames. Heated amber tongues consume my worries.  It is so simple, so symbolic, and so very cathartic. The year begins with Spring--when the world is blooming and winter cares are shed. I find myself envious of the Persians and their beautiful tradition. I contemplate changing my calendar.


As I exit onto the side-streets near the school,  I am somehow lighter than when I left the house.  The thirty-five minutes have gone by in a blur and I am ready.  Ready for Wednesday.  Ready for Spring.  Ready for the new year.


Ready to jump the fire.

Today's Gratitude List:

• cupcakes from a sweet student
• yoga pants (especially after eating above cupcakes)
• my diverse and beautiful community