I was talking to one of my RL (real life) friends the other day about my love of blogging. I casually mentioned words like blogosphere, bloggy friends and other bloggy talk. She began to laugh hysterically and said through her uncontrollable giggling "You're turning into a geek!". That didn't really bother me so much. Instead it gave me an idea for this post! Inspiration in the oddest places...The definition provided by Wikipedia definitely was the catalyst that gave me what I'd like to call "geek pride"! According to their definition a geek is:
- someone who "gets it done"
- a person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity
- a person with a devotion to something that places him or her outside the mainstream
Let's take a look at the getting it done description. I've always prided myself with an almost obsession or should I say compulsion about getting things done. I guess that would explain why most nights I go to bed with my lap top nestled across my chest. No task has ever been too large or difficult. I must finish as soon as possible at all costs. Procrastination has no place in this geek's life. Not only is getting it done of paramount importance but getting it done right the first time.
Then there's the second description - a person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity. I would like to think of myself as socially acceptable but my imagination and a quest to learn and apply new things have often made me question my acceptance in some social circles. You see it's not knowledge that's power. It's the application of that knowledge. Most of us (whether we admit it or not) are conformist. We go along with what our families think, what our friends think, what our co-workers think.
We lose our imaginations and ability to dream big in that stage of life known to most as adulthood.
If you don't believe it here's a test. Ask a young child what he or she wants to be when they grow up. Most will have several answers and they all will be BIG! You'll hear everything from Astronaut to Zoolander!
The thing is somewhere along the way we stop dreaming. Our imaginations are zapped by the harsh realities of life we're sometimes dealt. But the geek in me never stopped dreaming, never stopped imagining that I could and will make a difference one day.
And finally, let's take a look at the last description offered by Wikipedia - a person with a devotion to something in a way that places him or her outside the mainstream. In this definition, all of us can claim a bit of geekdom.
Devotion is defined as an ardent, often selfless affection and dedication. This reminded me of the way I feel about my family and loved ones as is the case for most of us. However, there is one group of people that come to mind for me more so than any - our men and women serving our country with such bravery and dedication in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no greater sacrifice than one giving his life for his country. That my friends is selfless dedication. So, celebrating the geek in me has given me a whole new insight on the word. I'm a Geek and proud of it!
