Why Reality 1.5

Hello out there!

Ever since I first read a blog post I've wanted my very own blog and now almost 6 years later here I am blogging. The main reason it has taken me so long is that trying new things scare me. (Does this surprise you?) Computers especially are frightening. I typically do not try something unless I know before hand that I will excel or at least do better than average at it. And computers are something that I KNOW I will never be better than average at, at least not relative to others living in the Silicon Valley. The secondary reason I have waited this long is because I couldn't think of a title for my blog. How do you sum up who you are or even part of who you are in one catchy phrase? Last night my desire to have a blog finally won out over my fear and I tentatively looked at Blogger. I did not get far before I was asked for the title of my blog. I went to bed. Brad was awake and I suggested many ideas, all of which were lame. Titles about being a mom, or having daughters, or knitting, or being married, or being a Christian, all of which are true, but also were too narrow. I felt pigeon holed. Then after several minutes of silence I said, "reality 1.5" and knew I had it. So here I am typing my first blog and look I even posted a picture! I will tell you about the picture in a minute. But first, the title of the blog.

I wish I could claim to be the master mind behind the phrase "reality 1.5," but that honor goes to Mr. Mark Morris. He coined the phrase for his daughter, Laura--pictured above in purple. He said she lived in reality 1.5. She has said that the same is true of me and I have adopted it as my own and have worn it in my psyche ever since. I am rather proud of being one of the few that lives in reality 1.5, I mostly see it's blessings although there are drawbacks to be sure. Reality 1.5 basically means that my experience of life is a little bit more so than the average person. For example, it is very difficult for me to give something 3 stars. So-So doesn't really exist for me. I either love something or strongly dislike it. (We don't say hate at our house anymore, but that will have to wait for another post.) Brad has learned to appreciate this point of view, he gives a lot of 3 stars. He used to think that I exaggerated my stories, and sometimes I do, but mostly I am just retelling something as I remember it. He then tells me what actually happened and it seems so dull, so flat. I prefer my version of life much better. The lows are lower, but the highs--oh the highs, they make up for all the lows.

This picture was taken while Julie Handel, Laura Saylor and I were listening to a girl sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at a roller skate rink. It was evident by her trills and vibrato that she had been told she was a good singer and believed it. She sang with pride, not necessarily in the nation God gave to us, but for the raw talent God gave her. I have heard many people sing our nation's anthem eager to show off their vocal chops, but never before or since have I laughed. As you can see in the picture, Julie is already smiling.

Thank you Mr. Morris for coining the phrase reality 1.5. Thank you Laura for sharing it with me. And thank you Brad for standing next to me and providing moral support while I started to type this first entry. If you hadn't seen that check box about agreeing to terms I may still have been stuck in that first window. :o)