Well, I guess that picture might be Clue #1. Actually, now that I think about it, I could’ve done a whole photo post thing here and linked up to Wordless Wednesday. Somewhere – buried deep, so don’t even bother looking – I have photos of me with a stack spelling bee trophies, photos in my Camp Fire girls uniform and many photos with many, many bad haircuts. No braces or headgear, but good grief, just look at those glasses!
Today is Geek Pride Day. And while you might think that would be merely a national holiday, I discovered while doing my research yesterday (Clue #2) that the Day of the Geek actually began in Spain in 2006.
Now, before you go acting like my mom and informing me that “geek” means a circus freak who eats chickens or something, let me just stop you. And say, yes, that is where the term originated. But these days, it’s published on Wikipedia commonly accepted that the “definition of geeks remains that of a person engrossed in his area of interest at the cost of social skills, personal hygiene, and status.”
See? No mention of chickens or other circus-freaky things at all!
When I began considering my geek-hood in preparation for this post (Clue #3? Nah…), a list immediately began rolling through my mind:
- Spelling bee champion – and proud of it (Clue #3 for sure!)
- Honor student
- First – and only – chair of the bass clarinet section in the band
- Captain of the academic team (Clue #4 in a big way. I even wore my glasses to meets to look
nerdiersmarter.) - Valedictorian
(Okay, so that last one doesn’t make me feel like a geek at all. It’s just rare that I get to throw it out there, so I thought I’d take this opportunity. My mom tried to tell me that nobody would care about my class rank once graduation was over, but did I believe her? Nooooo. Did I drop the cool-in-my-school jazz band in favor of the better-for-my-GPA college chemistry class anyway? Yesssss. [I’m going to call that one Clue #5. And sad. Boo.])
But after I worked through my usual list of things that make me a dork, I realized that the definition I was finding elsewhere included a passion and expertise in some area. I started worrying that maybe I’m not a geek after all! (*sigh* I know. Clue #6)
(Okay, so the previously mentioned photos weren't buried so deeply after all...)
Then I calmed down and remembered that while I might not be considered an expert by everyone, I am very geeky when it comes to three things.
1. Grammar. I know I have to call this Clue #7, but the fact is, I love grammar and punctuation and AP Style and using the English language properly. Why is that so weird? Personally, I think it’s normal – and good, yes, GOOD – to enjoy a blog or two about grammar. And to bookmark shops that sell t-shirts with jokes about proofreading. And to put a grammar book on my Amazon wish list. Yep. Totally normal.
2. Blogging. It feels so wrong to say that blogging love and know-how makes me a geek while writing on my blog. But, let’s face it, it’s true. However, considering social media has become a large (and awesome!) part of my life, I’m going to own this, Clue #8, proudly.
3. Television. Okay, so I might still use a VCR, but I am a HUGE geek for TV. (If you’re new here, there’s no “might” about it. I do not have DVR, and I use my 22-year-old VCR on a regular basis. Happily. Despite much Twitter persecution. So there.)
I watch a lot of TV. I read blogs about TV. I write about TV on my blog. I write about TV for other blogs. I listen to podcasts about TV. Basically, I love TV and I know a lot about TV.And even if that doesn’t make me a geek, there’s always what kind of shows I like to watch on TV.
First of all, I love Chuck – a spy show specifically about a nerd. Second of all, I never miss an episode – or rerun, if I can help it – of NCIS, the best show your mom (or grandma) likes. Other (past and present) favorites? Warehouse 13, Firefly, Freaks & Geeks. Need I say more? Clue #9.
As I round out this list of clues that I’m a big ol’ geek, I have so many things competing for #10. I think I’m going to go with my much-documented love of reading. My first job was at a library, and just yesterday I tossed around the idea of going back to school to get my master’s degree in Library Science. (I don’t think that idea will stick, but I’m not completely joking.) I love reading all kinds of books, but lately I’ve been devouring anything involving fantasy, the future, time travel or YA romance – sometimes all in one book.
And in honor of the other holiday being celebrated today, I reserved The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy at the library.
I’m pretty sure that seals it. I am a geek, yes I am. How about you?
This post will be linked to Top Ten Tuesday at OhAmanda.
Honestly, I think you look extraordinarily pretty in that picture at the top. Such a great smile and a wonderful twinkle in your ultra-intelligent eyes.
I was salutatorian, missing valedictorian due to one very stupid mistake. It’s difficult, but I do try to work this fact into conversations about once a year.
Thanks. You might have thought differently if you’d seen the original, color version with my crazy yellow teeth. Seriously, I looked so weird! (Also – bonus points for working it into conversations on an annual basis. Nice!)
I believe geekiness is another term for character. I don’t trust people that don’t have a little geek in them- it’s what makes us interesting!
I am an absolute geek when it comes to books! I’ve been a big reader all my life. In fact, that’s why I’ve been posting my Book Nerds Unite series.
I like that. Character it is, then!
I was valedictorian too! (Along with 13? other valedictorians…sigh. Our school did it by G.P.A….anyone over a 4.0 was valedictorian…)
I’m pretty sure most of your audience would consider themselves geeks at least to some degree if your list was the definitive list. After all, they all like reading blogs, and probably books in general. And probably tv too since it is all over the place here :-D. Although, I must admit that the photo of you happily holding a new dictionary does throw it a little over the top :-D.
And she might kill me for saying this, but that first picture reminds me so much of T-Dog in middle school :-D.
Happy Geek Pride Day! :-D
Yep, T-Dog and I share a big glasses past, that’s for sure!
I think that picture of you is adorable!
Aww, thank you!
Every time I help at the school book fair I come away wondering if I missed my calling as a librarian. How fun it would be to be surrounded by all those good books all the time! Ahh, heavenly.
Fun – and dangerous! Kind of like when I worked at a scrapbooking store! :)
You went to Truman. I think that is clue #11…a place where geeks commune with one anther.
True. But my best friend went to Rolla, so I can’t really say too much about our school!
hilarious post! I totally wrote one myself and linked back to you. I think the blogosphere is full of geeks. And proud of it! :)
We’re all geeks in our own way, aren’t we?
I think if you can own your geekiness, then it’s all good. A TRUE geek doesn’t know it. Kind of like that person who doesn’t know they’re stinky or can’t fathom that the gallon of coffee would give them bad breath. Yes, you’re self awareness makes you just normal.
And I actually went back and put that typo in there to check you.
Yep. I know you saw it.
You’re a geek. That’s why I love you. :)
Oh, you’re so funny, aren’t you? :) Love you too!