Archive - Chasing Normal

Being Pimped for Weed

“Hey, can I crash at your pad for a couple of days?” Trish asked me, as she sat down across from me at Burger King. She knew my parents were out of town…

Apr 6 •

March 2024

Parents, Palm Sunday, and a Period

It was the weekend before Easter in 2005. Chris and I had been dating for a couple of months and had already talked about getting married. We were in…

Mar 24 •

Ladyhawke Coke War

It was Friday, April 12, 1985, (I know this through the magic of Google) and I was thrilled to be at the movies with my friends Theresa and Marilyn…

Mar 22 •

“My face is falling!”Chasing Normal is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid…

Mar 9 •

December 2023

How I became a Grinch

Reasons I hate Christmas

Dec 24, 2023 •

Perpetual Panic Attacks

I remember feeling like something bad was going to happen when Hillary’s mom dropped us off at Six Flags Atlantis. Hillary and I were 13 and we were…

Dec 11, 2023 •

November 2023

All Dookies Big and Small

I have had poop issues for as long as I can remember. I think it started with the whole shitting myself on Main Street in Disney episode. I used to get…

Nov 27, 2023 •

Netherlands Near Dookie Experience

OHMYGOD I’m going to shit my tights right here in old-timey Amersfoort! That’s what I was thinking while standing next to my husband Chris, our…

Nov 17, 2023 •

October 2023

Take it easy on me

We were on his bed. The door was closed. The Eagles Greatest Hit CD, our go to make-out soundtrack, was on the stereo and RJ’s mouth had found that…

Oct 18, 2023 •

Happy Birthday, Mom!

A look back to a last minute surprise party

Oct 4, 2023 •

September 2023

A Crappy Wednesday

Chris sat in a gray plastic chair and turned away from the exam table to avoid what he was about to see. We’re not chocolate starfish players, so he…

Sep 7, 2023 •

August 2023

Middleaged Muscle Building

“You’re stronger than you think!" That’s what Shay said to me, over the booming gym music, as he helped me lift two 15-pound weights while I was in an…

Aug 31, 2023 •

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