Why be average? It’s what I respond when people ask me why I can’t “be normal” and just live in a house like anyone else. “Why can’t you be normal?” Well, isn’t it more helpful to say, “Why be average?” That’s what “normal” is after all - AVERAGE. If you like being average - be normal.

I drive a white van right now. It “blends,” and doesn’t attract attention. I hate the whiteness and blandness of it. I’d rather paint a wrap around mural on it, but the trade-off is that I’d be a neon sign driving down the road. I don’t want that kind of attention. Still…I can dream. Living in this “RV” would be the same - very much attention attracting. Trade-off? You spend your time saying no to people who want to see the inside, or you became a tour-guide everywhere you go and have to keep things picked up, if not clean.

I live in a friend’s driveway now. I’m allergic to the three cats who run the house. I shower at Gold’s Gym, and work out there as well. I hit the library for wifi and writing comfort and either eat out or cook in the house. Like everything in life, there are trade-offs. I trade-off space and my own apt. for not having to pay rent.

I trade off setting down roots with the freedom to travel.

I trade off security with a 9-5 job with the freedom to set my own hours and schedule.

I trade off a lot of things, don’t you? For those envious of the lifestyle - traveling and vandwelling, I say, “Make a choice.” Think about your trade-offs. You can alter your life. It’s easier when you’re young, but even as you get older, you still have choices. Working, making money expands your choices - but even with little or no money, you have choices.