I self-indentify as a geek. I may be actually be a nerd as I’ve never been quite certain of the distinction, but I’m pretty sure being a nerd involves math. Math and Prolixity are, like, un-mixy things. Experience tells me that at least one of you will provide clarification and/or a helpful link in the comments to clear the matter up.

The fact is I am not now, nor have I ever been, “cool” and I possess a reasonable depth of popular culture knowledge, as well three Opus toys I can’t part with and a profound love of Kermit the Frog. I didn’t always realise I was geek. I’ve always known I was uncool. High school has a way of sorting that out for you. I cared then, but now I’d rather be able to laugh inappropriately loudly and get disproportionately excited about things.

I became aware I was a geek when I decided to take a Learning Annex type night class in comedy improvisation. I found myself in a room full of slightly awkward, funny people who could quote WKRP in Cincinnati (which ran forever in Canada) and Monty Python. They were passionate about many of the sames things I was and I recognized that these were My People. When I told my best friend of my discovery, she said, “Yes, you always were kind of a geek.” I was taken aback, but how it had escaped my notice is beyond me. It was right in front me the whole time:

As part of my überWASP upbringing, I went to horseback riding camp of the “Though There Is No Change in My Patrician Façade, I Can Assure You My Heart Is Breaking” variety. We rode twice a day, went swimming, and took daily Stable Management classes. I loved it. To keep things interesting, they had themed events, such as costumed ride. I created the following ensemble for myself and Phantom, the horse I was riding for the month:

1. White shirt
2. Vest
3. Low slung belt
4. Stick for a blaster (to shoot first!)
5. Sign for the horse that said “Millenium Phantom”

I was 15 years old. I felt like a hundred dollars.

Please tell us your ultimate geek/nerd story. Provide your bona fides, your geeka fides, if you will.

Comment diversion suggestions, KRP box sets, and wedgies can be sent here.

Next Article

         

What to Watch On Netflix When You Love America So Much it Hurts