On the Subject of Abnormal Normality

WARNING: The following post you are about to read may be surprisingly different from previous ones. With this knowledge, you may proceed to read this post. You have been warned.

There are numerous reasons why this post shall be different. Reason Number 1 would be that, considering the number of my followers consists of about 4, all being closely related to me, I should have free rein with my writing regardless of whether or not the topic is popular and/or politically correct. (Strike terror in your heart?) I should be able to state my opinions bluntly, without fear of some random person reading it and being offended.

Because honestly, what are they going to do?

Sign up to follow me, write a nasty comment and then not follow me anymore? Well, my friend, comments can be easily taken care of by that convenient little 'DELETE' button, which I have the power to control. (Moooowwaaahhahhhaha!!!) And secondly, I say without fear that the majority of people in the world are much too lazy to do such a thing. Should someone actually perform the above-mentioned scenario, I would most likely congratulate them on their achievement of overcoming the general slothfulness that so often ensnares the hearts of the people on this Earth.

Or else I would simply chuckle, press the before-mentioned legendary 'DELETE' button, and go on with my life and my writing.

Perhaps you are wondering what caused this sudden, wild, rebellion that is so uncharacteristic of your quiet and polite Author? Well, the answer to that could be many things. In fact, I had planned to start this little 'rebellion' as I imagined that you might call it; weeks ago. But the main reason I chose this early morning is that at present I am quite angry, which in my mind is the only state of mind one can have when starting a rebellion. Of course, mine is righteous anger, which I'm sure is a quite different emotion then those who rebelled before me.

But I shall not say what is the cause of my anger, but only go on the explain Reason Number 2 of this change.

You see, any normal, average, fearful and quiet person can write details of their normal, average, fearful and quiet life. But everyone else has a life just as normal. So what's the fun of reading about a normal life, when it is no different from your own? But there are some distinctly abnormal, unique, courageous, and magnificently noticeable people out there. And likewise, because of their singular personalities, the lives they lead are equally abnormal, unique, courageous, and noticeable. I can see you thinking, 'Man, I wish I could be one of those people. I wish my life were like that. But I'm just average, like everybody else'.

So now I am going to contradict myself. You see, there are very few of those unique and noticeable people in this world. But everyone is unique and noticeable. Confused? Well, let me explain. We are taught that normality is something to strive for. That if you don't want to be looked at funny or talked about too much, you should be normal, just like everyone else. But let's see the very first definition of 'normal':

nor⋅mal

1. Conforming to the standard or common type; usual, not abnormal, regular, natural.

Do you see that? Conforming to the standard! To 'conform' means 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' or, 'to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.'

What I'm trying to say is that everyone is unique, or abnormal. But then the world tells them, "You have to be normal, or people will look at you funny, and talk about you behind your back". So they conform to the standard and become like everyone else.

But tell me, when did being abnormal become a bad thing? Why is it an insult to have someone say, "Oh, she's not normal."? If someone said that to me, I would say "Thank you! You're right, I'm abnormal." Because if being normal is conforming to the standard, being abnormal would be setting the standard. Am I right? What's wrong with that? And yes, if you're abnormal, people will look at you funny and talk about you behind your back. But in my experience, they look at you funny because they're trying to figure out what makes you different. What you have that they don't. And when they talk about you behind your back they're saying, "What is it about her that makes her stand out?"

It just seems so funny to me and yet so sad that people don't want to be abnormal, but then, living they're normal lives, they wish that they could have an interesting, adventurous life. But adventurous lives are for adventurous people. And adventurous people are the ones who escape what's normal.

Now I want you to notice something I wrote up there. One of the definitions of 'conform' is 'to act in accord with the prevailing standards' Do you see that? Prevailing standards. In this world, the standards are prevailing. The standards are becoming dominant, the standards exist everywhere, the standards are becoming superior, and the standards appear to be the most important.
But whose standards are those, God’s or the worlds? If the prevailing standards are the standards of the world, then as far as I'm concerned, the standards can go jump in a lake.

Inside everyone there is a unique, abnormal, noticeable heart. But the world will try to cover it up with standards and fear. Fear is always at the core of everything. If you can overcome fear, you can overcome the world.

There are those few who take the step, receiving that stamp of abnormality for all to see. But they are the ones who, straying from the standard path, find the most beautiful one. And though that path has many obstacles and setbacks, we realize that every obstacle we can overcome and every setback makes us stronger. The standard path is wide and easy, and the one we choose to take is narrow and difficult. But without difficulty there is no change, and without change, there is no growth.

So many people are stuck in the standard, with fear barring them in. Us abnormal ones have a job, breaking down the barriers that hold them back, helping them escape. In doing this, the world may think that we are the villains, breaking its fugitives out of jail, and daring them to think for themselves. But the real villain is anyone or anything that keeps someone from reaching their full potential, abnormal as it may be.

Those who keep people locked in the standard are operating in fear. Fear that, should they're prisoners escape; they might do bigger and better things then them.

And so now I say to you, overcome the fear. Dare to go down the narrow path. Escape the ordinary. Become abnormal. Deny the standard. Be yourself. Be free.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; (KJV)

Merry Christmas!

As time may not be found in the near future to write a Christmas post, I decided to take a break from wrapping gifts and do it now.


However, what to say regarding Christmas in this post has yet to occur to me. Oh well, I'm just going to go with it, and perhaps inspiration will come.

Christmas is a glorious time of the year. The atmosphere of it is fantastic, all cozy and bright and warm and fuzzy and colorful...The adjectives are endless.

Christmas trees aglow, fires crackling in the hearth (Or in our case, the wood stove), packages all wrapped up in green and red paper and tied with a bow, snow-covered trees, hot cocoa with marshmallows, and time to sit and contemplate the mysteries of life. Like how they should spell 'marshmallows' with an E, since everyone pronounces it 'marshmellows' anyway, and mellow is totally the mood you're in when you drink hot cocoa, so it would have a double meaning.

Anyway, this usually would be the time when I'd stop and be like, "But you know all those things are nice, but the real reason for the season is Jesus". Which is totally true. People saying 'Happy Holidays' instead of 'Merry Christmas' kind of annoys me. Also, people being all like, "Well, he wasn't even born on December 25th" kind of annoy me as well. I mean, it's not about celebrating his actual birthday, it's celebrating the fact that he was born at all. That he, knowing what his future would bring, came down to earth as a baby, to save us, the sinners. To grow up to be nailed to a cross by the people he came to save. But then, he had VICTORY over the grave! He overcame death itself! And he's coming back again, riding on a white horse. How awesome is that?!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"--John 3:16

Merry Christmas.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

There's something so final about finishing something.

After months of practice, rehearsals, and preparation, our choir preformed the before-mentioned Christmas Cantata.

And it was a success.

Maybe not a complete success, like absolute perfection, due to some technical difficulties, but all things considered, it was quite nice. As for my solo...well, it was, to put it simply,


INCREDIBLY FANTASTICALLY AMAZINGLY UNBELIEVABLY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!


Ahem. Or so I've been told. By numerous people. Like, a lot of people. Tons. Anyhoo, after the two performances, we had some dinner with my friend Jessica at a local Mexican restaurant. And right now I'm watching the Tye Tribbett 'Stand Out' concert DVD. Oh, and if I'm not allowed to say that because of some copyright thing, I'm totally sorry. Please don't sue me.

Okay, yeah so this may not be as philosophical and literary as I said it would be, but honestly, compared to the highlighter-and-fingerless-gloves analysis that was my last post, this is like Plato. So what exactly should I make the point of this post? I suppose I could head towards cheesyville and talk about what I've learned through this latest Cantata experience. Well, that sounds like fun, so here it is:

The Elite List of Things Learned by the Author Through the Act of Singing a Solo in a Christmas Cantata and Singing in a Christmas Cantata in General and Other Such Things:

• Well, I learned to stand up straight and sing through my diaphragm. Which totally requires more effort but also totally works better.
• Not to a wear a turtleneck when standing closely together under hot lights in a building full of people. And especially not to wear a sweater over the said turtleneck.
• That in cantata's and in life, there will be a times when you are recruited to do something, and other times where you recruit someone to do something. But usually more in cantata's then in life will you be recruited to assist a little drummer boy in putting on his costume.
• To know you're part so well that you can do it calmly even in the midst of chaos.
• You never know who may be in the audience who could get you a record deal. ;)
• Always smile. Even though you may not know it, someone is probably watching you.
• Be strong and courageous. Speak positive things into existence.
• Don't scratch your nose when you're being videotaped.
• Don't scratch your nose during you're solo.
• Don't scratch your nose when you think people aren't looking, because someone totally is.
• Don't scratch your nose. It just makes things easier.
• Be proud of yourself when you do awesome.
• Do awesome.

Well, Tye Tribbett is over and it's 11:11. Make a wish.

The Post Without a Title as a Title Could Not be Thought of at the Present Time.

With consideration to the time and date of the previous post written on this blog, it has occurred to the Author that regardless of inspiration and/or urgent information to be written, it is my undeniable duty to write another post at this present time, as in future days/weeks/months time may not be found to do so. Therefore without further ado, and slight hesitancy, I present to you, my noble Reader, A New Post.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I knew this time would come.

The time where I have time to write a new post, the desire to write a new post, the little text box in which to write the new post already up on the screen, but not a tiny smidgen of the above mentioned 'inspiration and/or urgent information to be written'.

And while it's not like nothing has happened in the past weeks at all, I would hate to bore the reader with news of my adventures cleaning the house, reading, taking care of our horses, or daydreaming aimlessly of things you would not understand. Not to imply that you have a lack of understanding, rather that there are things in my mind that no one but I could possibly understand.

I suppose I could catalog the list of foods eaten on Thanksgiving.

Or I could journal my thoughts on the weather.

I might lament the fact that our telephone is acting quite rebellious.

I could comment on the idea of *Insert idea here as one could not be thought of by the Author*

Perhaps I could compose a poem on my lack of inspiration.

Or not.

This is turning out to be a very silly little post. And the sad thing is, I'm actually going to have to post it.

"........."

My hands are very cold at present. They often are when I type. In fact, my mother knitted me some fingerless gloves so they would be warm. But they're in a basket by the front door right now. I don't want to go up and get them. Oh well. Guess I shouldn't complain then.

I wonder who invented highlighters. They're very nice and yellow. Except for the green and pink ones. Those are not yellow. What exactly is a highlighter anyway? I mean, I know what a highlighter is, but what is the actual highlighter made out of? Highlighter juice? From the neon coconuts in Guatemala? I'm totally going to Google that in a minute.

You know, this totally would be the one time my Mom tells somebody "Go look at my daughter's blog, she's so intelligent". And then they see me rambling on about rebellious telephones, fingerless gloves and highlighter juice.

If your reading my blog for the first time, please don't think I'm some weirdy. Really, I'm not. =D

Anyhoo, hopefully this is enough randomness for one day/post. I can't believe I'm actually going to post this. Whatever. I solemnly swear to follow up this post with something awe-inspiring, philosophical, and literary. You have my word. Farewell,

---Hannah

Here it comes!!!

Goodness gracious, it's almost Thanksgiving!

Here I was, what seems like days ago, wondering if I could find time for a Halloween post (That would have been interesting) when all of a sudden here we are, well into November! Thanksgiving is coming up, then Christmas is just around the corner! But you know what's even closer? The Christmas Cantata. Which means, my SOLO. And that, my friend, is a scary thought. Another scary thing about Christmas coming so soon is that I haven't done any Christmas shopping yet. None at all. Which is totally out of my character. Last year, I started shopping in August. Weird, I know. But maybe that's it. Maybe I'm just now becoming normal and shopping at a normal time of the year. But whatever.

So Thanksgiving is almost here. And since everyone else does it, I guess I'll make a list of what I'm thankful for:

• An incredible Savior who loved me enough that He died just so I could be with Him.
• Everyone in my family, even those I haven't seen or spoken to in years. I'm thankful for you all.
• All my amazing, funny, crazy, wonderful friends!
• Books. All those Egyptians who invented hieroglyphics, and all those monks who had to sit and copy books all day long. I salute you.
• Trees. They have more uses then a Swiss Army knife. It's awesome.
• Humor. The ability to laugh. It's one of those things we take for granted.
• Good food. That's something you become more thankful for around Thanksgiving
• Spell Check. Because otherwise you'd be all like, "Tanks giving what?"
• Indoor plumbing.
• Multicolor-striped, knee-high toe socks. No joke. They are amazing.
• Life Jackets. For those of us who can't seem to float.
• A sister who works at a bakery and brings home doughnuts.
• People who spell the word 'doughnuts' with the appropriate number of letters
• Good movies to watch on rainy days.
• Music.
• Fog, early in the morning. The coolest thing ever.
• Cute, fuzzy animals. The kind that make you go "awww!"
• Polite people.

And the list could go on and on and on and on and on and on. (And it kinda did already, didn't it?) But that's just the way I am I suppose. But I'd like to add, that if I have any new readers/followers, I'm very thankful for you too! Aww, isn't that nice? But anyway, I will write more later!

Happy Thanksgiving!

---Hannah

Time Flies...

It's funny how time slips by.

I always find it hard to believe that its been over five years since we left the city and moved down here. It's weird looking at pictures from a year ago and saying, "Man, I look so young there!" It seems to me that every year goes by faster, more stuff to do and less time to do it all. Time in general is just a very strange thing.

It just doesn't seem normal for a girl my age to say, "Remember back in the day..." and yet I find myself doing that more and more lately. I'll have sudden deja vu and remember things from my past that I'd thought I'd forgotten. Sadly no brilliant and philosophical memories, but rather things like the kind of yogurt I used to eat when I was little. :)

If you were hoping the brilliant and philosophical thing, you might as well stop reading. I just needed something to write about and that's a good excuse for a flashback. And though my memories of things like two flavors of yogurt in one cup may seem a bit superfluous, I assure that back in my day, two-tone yogurt was the coolest thing ever.

And there I go again. 'Back in my day...'
Seriously, if I start going on about having to walk 24 miles to school uphill both ways and having to do my homework on a shovel, please stop me.

But even though 'my day' really wasn't that long ago, it was definitely a lot different. After all, Pluto was a planet back then. 'Yield' signs were yellow. And vampires were actually scary, what a concept. Ferbie was an amazing scientific discovery. And we actually survived without Hannah Montana. We watched actual cartoons, like Recess or Doug. We rode our bikes. We climbed trees. We ate mini corn dogs. We went rollerblading.

And we lived to tell the tale.

Life was so much simpler back then. It seems as though with every generation comes more technology, more inventions, more opinions, and more things that are supposed to help you deal with the more technology, inventions, and opinions. It's a vicious cycle.

So in an attempt to make sense of all this gobbledygook, I say all of that to say this: Don't complain that life is too complicated. Because someday you'll look back and say,
"Life was so much simpler back then..."

-- Hannah <3

An Important Lesson and Update

I am quite upset with myself.
I, the one who hates to see a story unfinished, has neglected to write on here for not one, not two, not even three, but FOUR months! All I can say is it's a good thing I don't have many followers, otherwise I'd have a mutiny on my hands.

But what excuse can I give? I could say that my last post was quite true and that summer was incredibly hectic and crazy. But we are now well into the month of October, which, as you know, brings us into the season of Autumn, which is much less hectic for the average person. So with no excuses I can only let this post be a lesson to you; a lesson in forgiveness.

As a general update, life is as crazy as always. Practice has been going for a while now for the choir's Christmas Cantata. And you would never guess who got the solo---yup, Hannah the Soloist, that's me. I guess that's better then dancing--but that's another story.

The Great American Novel is still in progress, though still at the 'almost done' stage that it's been in for about a year. I know what's going to happen, I just don't have that much time to write. I'm not deprived of writing, though. I couldn't stop if I wanted to. As long as I've got a notebook (of either the paper or laptop variety) I'll be writing.

I'm still singing with the Youth Group; amazing the congregation with my skills of singing harmony. Oh well, that dream of being a pop star was pretty short-lived. Besides, Hannah Montana totally stole my name...

And that about wraps it up for now. I'm proud of myself for finding the time to write this. I'll try my best to continue posting all my new adventures and discoveries. Speaking of which, I'm totally addicted to recording my voice on our camera and then speeding it up so I sound like the Chipmunks. Three words: Coolest. Thing. Ever.

I'd also like to give a shout-out to my friend Emily; looking at her blog was really what got me writing today. Thanks for the inspiration!

Well, time flies and there are horses that need fed--I'll write more in the promising light of a new day. AKA, whenever I'm not incredibly busy. Double AKA, it might be a while before I post again. :)