Norms

Today, taking the dog for a walk, I noticed that most of the people driving by or walking had some kind of Charger gear on. Not being a football fan, I felt like I was not part of the norm. Football just seems like another one of those mainstream things that I have never been a part of. This is a theme of my life. I remember when I was eight years old and in second grade I would count on my fingers all the ways I was different than most. The ones I remember counting off were: left handed, buck toothed and Jewish. There were more, but I don't remember them. When my parents separated when I was in fifth grade, I added that to the list. Later, I started making choices that kept me out of the mainstream. In tenth grade I became a vegetarian and still am one. I chose to give birth at home. I put my children in an alternative private school instead of the public school a block away. We limited TV watching and just got cable a year ago. (Not my choice.)
Mikayla called me to tell me that the Chargers won. I already knew it because I could hear the cries of celebration all across town. I said that I was happy for everyone. Sometimes I long to be more like everyone else. At least for a minute.