Last night, as I was buried in George R. R. Martin’s third book of his “A Song of Fire and Ice” fantasy series, B looked over at me- from his iPad, no less- and said:
“Look at you. I’ve officially turned you into a nerd.”
Of course I balked, because I’ve always thought of myself as more of a Dork than a Nerd, but upon reflection…
He’s right.
As the all-knowing Urban Dictionary says,
vs…
We watch Legend of the Seeker, Merlin, and Avatar: The Last Airbender religiously. We laughed and cried through all of BSG, mostly when it ended.* I’ve read Ken Follet’s The Pillars of the Earth, World Without End, and three of the George R.R. Martins, all in the past year or so, which are each a THOUSAND pages… when my vacations used to be peppered with US Weekly and Charlaine Harris.
I may not really understand (or care) about the difference between sci fi and fantasy (is it dragons? It’s totally dragons, right?), but apparently my dad did the job instilling the nerd in me all those years ago when we father-daughter bonded over every episode of The Next Generation ever. (Lex, the first man to give you “a funny feeling you didn’t quite understand” was Jordan Knight? Well, mine was Captain Picard.)
So, I guess I’m both now, dork AND nerd. And I’m totally cool with that. I just think it’s hilarious that now B’s the one on the couch with a computer on his lap, and I’m nose deep in a 1000 page book about kings and wights and dragons and catching myself saying things like “folly!!” and “you craven!!” in everyday conversation. (I’m a blast at the office, truly.)
I guess it’s just proof of what sharing two years of fart jokes with someone will do to a person.
I just hope we don’t start to look like each other…
Le sigh.
*Duh! How could I forget BSG and the consumingly-awesome Edward James Olmos?? Thanks, Kev!
P.S. Have you voted on a date for DC Happy Hour yet??
P.P.S. And while we’re District-ing it up around here, check out my round up on DC Blogs.
{ 79 comments }
I had no idea the complexities and differences of nerds, dorks and geeks. Now I know what’s-what and who’s-what around me.
Love your blog! I’m now a follower!
Erin
I’ve only touched the tip of the iceberg on that, too. I’m still a novice, trust.
The Karen Chronicles´s last blog ..Episode 129 – The Results Are In
Mmm Captain Picard…ahem, anyway yes nerds are good, nerds rule
Sexiest bald man ever.
LizSara´s last blog ..Never, ever
I have three things to say.
1. Embrace the nerd.
2. You remember that Boyfriend Number One and I used to have sex to The Next Generation, right? How does that make you feel about your dad, now, huh?
3. My nerdiness borders on the crazy. I know everything about the Bubonic Plague and Scurvy.
I should flay you for number #2.
See?? Flay?? WHO AM I?!
k8´s last blog ..The Rock
So, I’m guessing if you’re ever in a fight with B and he calls you a Geek, you’ll be really pissed at him.
I dunno. Wouldn’t that just make me an all-powerful trifecta of some sort?
littlemsblogger´s last blog ..Rant and Rave Wednesday
I recently discovered that I love sci-fi/fantasy things also. My husband won’t stop making fun of me every time I watch another episode of Doctor Who.
Also, you should totally read The Magicians by Lev Grossman.
Done and DONE. And Dr Who is totally on our “To Watch” list.
nikki´s last blog .."I’d rather be a bum than give up my dreams." or December Stillness
I’m incredibly disappointed in myself for not living in D.C. right now. I’m in lonely, lonely Louisiana.
But you have vampires down there! Right?? Jealous!!
I really thought dorks, geeks & nerds were all the same. Apparently I am a dork & a geek. Awesssomeee. =)
Embrace it, my dear.
Nickie´s last blog ..Epic Weekend.
Nerd, dork, geek… they all rock. Welcome to the club.
I love love Ken Follet and if that makes me a nerd…woo hooo
Those books were AMAZING. No shame.
vodka logic´s last blog ..Birthday Pictures
I facilitate a substance abuse group to teenager, and yesterday’s subject was stereotypes and labels. I learned that stoners and druggies are indeed, two separate things. I had no idea.
God, everything has to be so PC all the time now!
Kristina P.´s last blog ..Marrying Birthdays and Immeasurable Advice
Let me clarify the difference between sci-fi and fantasy:
Sci-Fi: Works based on an actual or stretch of true science and technology, typically set in a time where such science may be attainable.
Fantasy: Me, Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson covered in jello amidst a limitless supply of tequila and Viagra ™.
You’re welcome.
Jello?
ScarJo’s a pudding kind of girl. Guarantee it.
moooooog35´s last blog ..My Shampoo is Trying to Kill Me – WITH INTENSE DAMAGE!!
Go for all three. It’s a lot of fun. And yeah, I’d say all-powerful trifecta. Totally.
I knew it!!
Erini´s last blog ..counting down (why June is going to rock)
Is it possible to be a geekdorknerd? I think that’s what I am.
As long as it’s on your business card.
Lindsay´s last blog ..Jay Leno is a Jackass
Truths:
1) I may or may not have one of Picard’s speeches memorized from watching First Contact so many times.
2) Avatar is some of the best television, like, ever. And no, your tweet from the other day didn’t inspire me to rewatch season 1 AND the last episodes of season 3 because that’d be crazy.
3) George RR Martin is like that hot girl that shows up in your life, seems to like you, changes everything, and then leaves to break your heart…except he’s old, a guy, fat, has a beard, lives in Arizona, and writes amazing book series that HE WON’T FINISH.
4) Nerds are awesome because they’re not only passionate about stuff, but they are able to articulate *why* it moves them. In my mind, that’s one of the pinnacles of what it means to be a great person – passionate, capable of articulation, and capable of keeping an open mind.
Top it off with our mutual appreciation of vodka tonics, beers, & wines?
That makes you aces, LiLu.
Dude. Number 4?
NAILED IT.
(Appa growl)
Emil Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 10:53 am
@Berto, regarding number 1, it’s even worse when you know that that speech (“The line must be drawn here! This far, no further!”) was later quoted by Quark on DS9.
*sigh* Where does a Geek fit in the Dork/Nerd spectrum?
Emil´s last blog ..A Letter to All Women… Sort Of.
Oh, thank god you posted those definitions. I was slightly terrified I might be a {gasp} nerd, but I’m not. I’m a dork through and through.
I imagine Sci-Fi novels to be the male equivalent of harlequin novels, the woman’s go-to romance novel (but NOT mine. I hate that shit). My former live-in S.O. of 9 years was always trying to get me to read his Sci-Fi novels and watch his crappy Sci-Fi shows and movies (obviously, I never caved. I have a penchant for horror, which is decidedly more dork-like than nerd-like, right? RIGHT?)
Horror terrifies me. I’m totally craven.
So, probably?
April´s last blog ..Random Shit Tuesday
Aces to you – I got about 40 pages into the first George RR Martin book and had to put it down. I would suggest you pick up Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy, which is just incredible (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin’s Quest).
For a different fantasy style, if you can find a copy of Thomas Berger’s Arthur Rex, it’s fantastic. It’s also out of print, alas, but I bought a hardbound library edition from Alibris.com for .99 (and paid three times that in shipping, such is the world).
Also – don’t buy an Xbox or you might get sucked into DragonAge. I don’t know, I haven’t played it, but you might. Just saying.
When you find yourself buying Wasters on Amazon, though, you’ve got to get B to draw the line. (When you actually know what a Waster is — assuming you don’t already? — you really need to stage an intervention).
Thank the Lord, I do not…
Will… not… google!
Malnurtured Snay´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: Arthur Rex by Thomas Berger
This is good important info. I always thought I was a nerd, but it turns out I’m a dork. Though I know plenty about Harry Potter. When I told my coworker just now about this discovery she read the definitions and assured me I was actually “a dork with a hint of nerdiness.” Still figuring out if that a compliment or an insult.
Oooo. I think that’s probably what I am, too. It’s like those Myers-Briggs personality tests, only way better!
Rachel @ MWF Seeking BFF´s last blog ..I’ve Bin Thinking About Your Ignerince
I can’t wait to make fun of you when you’re drinking wine out of a pouch and reading that stuff by the pool in Vegas. Klassy.
Oh, it will happen. I promise you this.
*sips wine pouch from crazy straw*
Mary´s last blog ..Maintenance
I think *more* people should actually start saying “folly!” and “you craven!” It’d make things a lot more entertaining.
That said, I’m definitely a dork/nerd combo…probably slightly more nerd, though. And I’ve learned to embrace it.
I’m holding on to “folly!” for sure. Love that one.
Liebchen´s last blog ..That’s what you get
STFU!! You and your dad bonded over Star Trek too!? That was the best part of growing up in the late 80′s/early 90′s…. the Next Generation. It was the only thing that could get me and my dad to sit quietly in one place for an hour. Favorite episode? When Data created a daughter for himself. I still cry….
I just fell madly in love with you.
Kelly´s last blog ..Curvature of the Spine
Kelly Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 9:57 am
…my obsession would also inevitably lead to a computer science degree and a job in IT all in the hopes that one day I’d be running the bridge of the USS Enterprise. As of stardate 62410, a major hospital data center is as close as i can get.
Kelly´s last blog ..Curvature of the Spine
Don’t forget BSG my dear. I believe you and B powered your way through that entire series on DVD. PotE has been one of my favorite books since, well, let’s just say a long, long time. Just bought World Without End and can’t wait to dig in.
Personally, if I’m ever flipping channels and come across “I, Borg” “Relics” or “The Inner Light” well, I know what I’ll be doing for the next hour. I say let your nerd flag fly.
AHHHHHH how could I forget my beloved BSG?! Fixed!!
Foggy Dew´s last blog ..Happy 52nd!!
I think your next step is to get a World of Warcraft account haha. Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner nerd – at least you don’t … dress like one? That sounds mean, nerds can be fashionable … I guess. Okay, I will stop rambling hehe. My boyfriend’s converted me a little by showing me “The Legend of Drizzt” series … tiny text, lots of pages, but such a great read. GO NERDS! mm, candy.
I’m scared of WoW… scared I might LOVE it.
Did I just say that out loud?
Nikolett´s last blog ..it’s a good thing we’re both creepers.
I’m a dork and a nerd. Proud of it!
Hoo RAH!
Hope´s last blog ..Hoprah’s Book Club and a Giveaway
You are NOT the only one! AP has turned me into a certified Nerd too. I still refuse to watch the last episode of BSG bc I dont want it to be over! I play online roll playing war games with him but I like to balance myself out with my random crappy romance novel. I figure if it keeps me entertained and happy there is no harm!
No harm at all. And don’t watch that last episode… hold onto it for as long as you can!
Katy´s last blog ..Happy Monday
I hate to admit this, but I saw all of The Next Generation as a kid, and “the first man to give me a funny feeling I didn’t quite understand” was William Riker.
Ugh. I can never show my face again.
My mom was all about some Ryker. No shame.
Angela´s last blog ..Ten on Tuesday
Dragons! I can’t sit down with a Fantasy book. Oh I tried so many times but my mind just wanders to other interesting thoughts…ah…
But… but dragons breathe fire! And fly! And you can ride them!!!
The Mercurial Wife´s last blog ..Guest Post: Mind Your Own Business!
My parents had me watching The Next Generation AND Pbs AND the Discovery channel (“shark week! Shark week!”) as a kid. It’s amazing that I didn’t turn into a nerd.
Probably because I’m horrible at math. And hate books that have characters with names I can’t pronounce.
Math is for suckers who can’t work calculators. I just choose the parts of Nerd-dom I want. So there!
J´s last blog ..Some Things Require All CAPS
Does BSG stand for Battle Star Galactica? Or something like that?
If so, oh my.
But don’t worry that won’t stop me from smacking your ass many times in Vegas.
Yes. Don’t tell.
And thank goodness.
lbluca77´s last blog ..As the saying goes, what happens in Vegas……will probably get blogged about
omg those fire and ice books are HUGE!
but they’re also the only books that my husband likes…i might have to check ‘em out
They’re magical.
Literally.
Heyooooooooo!
I never knew the difference between the nerds and the dorks. I guess I’m a nerk.
Wait. That doesn’t sound too good.
Gnetch´s last blog ..Why Are You Getting All So Wedding-y?
Congrats on your realization/acceptance/embracing of your inner nerd. As the spouse of a young lady with 3 BOOKSHELVES full of fantasy and Star Wars novels, I’m well aware of how great nerd girls are.
Now that I think about it, we have an autographed Carrie Fisher picture in our living room now, thanks to the wife. I think we’ve fully embraced it ourselves!
Adam L.´s last blog ..On Poor Results and Frequent Trips
My dad introduced me to Star Trek (first generation – yeah I’m that old) and Star Wars. They are AWESOME.
Just remember, you are a SEXY nerd. I bet there’s a tshirt that says that somewhere.
Marie´s last blog ..Stay Focused
Not to add to all the newfound material that everyone’s throwing your way, but Hulu just extended hosting of every season of Stargate SG-1 until January 2011, and if you want to see how sci-fi and fantasy fit together, you’ll definitely find it there.
Emil´s last blog ..A Letter to All Women… Sort Of.
Oh what the hell: http://amzn.to/d7hTqT
Don’t click the link! But if you do, remember: it’s not my fault if you smash your TV. I’m just an enabler.
Malnurtured Snay´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: Arthur Rex by Thomas Berger
Malnurtured Snay Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 11:10 am
To my shame, I am probably going to buy this myself. Although it’s not like my apartment is big enough to do anything with it except pretend it’s Excalibur, and that my chair is the eponymous Stone (as in, “Sword of”, but even then I can’t pretend to lift it triumphantly, because, y’know: ceiling.
Malnurtured Snay´s last blog ..Teaser Tuesday: Arthur Rex by Thomas Berger
Huh, I always wondered what the difference was between a nerd and a dork. I am very much a dork-thanks for clearing that up for me.
silverneurotic´s last blog ..On the Road
I didn’t know there was such a distinction between nerd/geek/dork… the more you know.
Also, when I was little (like, 6 or 7) I actually sent LeVar Burton a fan letter, based on my admiration of him on both Reading Rainbow and TNG. I requested that he become my pen-pal. He graciously declined, yet sent me an autographed 8×10 glossy.
i was waiting for you to use the definition of dork as a whale penis *crushing immature disappointment*
but yay for being a bibliophile nerd-bomber! can’t wait to see you at the DC get togethers soon! i have tons of urban fantasy / paranormal romance to recommend to you!
Lusty Reader´s last blog ..On Series
sounds to me like.. being a dork.. could be kinda cool!
Randi´s last blog ..good buys baby!!
I was a fan of all the Star Trek series. I always wanted to know if Dax’s tattoos went all the way down…
Skylers Dad´s last blog ..Bad Tat Tuesday: It’s a Foot Fetish!
Awww, how cute!
Wonderful´s last blog ..I’m such a rebel
I think I’m a dork… slooowly becoming a nerd. It happens
Taylor´s last blog ..Music Monday: Jay Brannan
HOLY FRAK. I just started Season 4 of BSG and it’s amazing I’m able to get anything at all done besides, you know, watching Season 4 of BSG. I will mourn it when I reach the end…
Marissa´s last blog ..respect to the man in the ice-cream van
I love Picard and my fav Halloween costume ever was Trek Girl.
Colby´s last blog ..Show me sand the floor
I love it! I’m almost as proud of you as when you finally openly admitted your deep love for country music!
That’s so interesting. I was certain I was a ‘nerd’ but I know nothing about nobody nowheres. Maybe I’m a ‘spaz’? Definitely fit into the ‘dork’ category though. Agh existential crisis incoming!! Thanks a lot LiLu.
Wow. This was a scary and complex post. Like a TMI Thursday on a Tuesday. This will take a bit to digest.
Margarita´s last blog ..Healthy BBQ Pulled-Chicken Sandwiches
Love this post
I’ve always debated the difference between dorks, nerds and geeks but I’ve never bothered to research them.
I think I’m a combination of a dork and a nerd. Hmm …
Kara´s last blog ..Ten on Tuesday
Sounds like you are either a Nerk which is 50% Nerd/Dork
a Nork which is 51+% Dork the rest being Nerd
or a Derd which is 51+% Nerd with the remainder being a Dork
Just remember cross breeds take the best of both world so embrace and enjoy your Nerkiness.
BlackLOG´s last blog ..Owl spotting proves not so much of a hoot for Mrs B
The Pillars of the Earth and World Without End are 2 of my most favourite books. Does that make me a nerd or a dork?
“I guess it’s just proof of what sharing two years of fart jokes with someone will do to a person.” Sniffle, I might cry. True love.
Girly´s last blog ..How’s That Work-Life Balance Going?
I love being a nerd
Ashley´s last blog ..The Elusive 4.0 Semester
I got a good laugh out of this. I love the definitions you posted lol.
Katy Mary´s last blog ..Fashion Post: My Weekend Style
Yeah, we lay in bed at night reading books about black holes and string theory. TO EACH OTHER.
Stevie´s last blog ..Haunted – Part 3
Were any of these Pricard fantasies freakish threesomes with Wesley Crusher? Man did he know how to work the cover of Tiger Beat!
Elly Lou´s last blog ..Mary Mac Knows Her Way Around a Pole
nerds RULE. i mean, uh, i wouldn’t know because i’m clearly not one. haha. (except i totally am. *pushes glasses back up on nose*.)
siovhan´s last blog ..ruler for a day: the recent grad
Well, shucks. Welcome to the Internet (:
danielle´s last blog ..Book Review: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
You’re not a nerd until you spend 8 straight hours discussing the dedicated physics patterns of the deLorean and how it could be fueled so easily.
Don’t look at me. I’m hideous.
Rahul´s last blog ..That Guy In Memento Had It Good
I smell a Lord of the Rings themed wedding! Shave your cats and they can be Gollum ring bearers
Nikki´s last blog ..Build your dream home
I am definitely a nerd – I’m learning how to calculate baseball statistics. The things I do to be a cool mom
You are a Nerd and a Dork, and that’s why I love reading your blog.
meleah rebeccah´s last blog ..Tina Fey, Liz Lemon
I never knew Merlin was a tv show. Do you also quote Lord of the Rings to each other at night?! Love it!
See, this is why I come here. The knowledge and learning I get when I come here is unparalleled.
Tee aka The Diva’s Thoughts´s last blog ..What I Did Yesterday
I’m a total dork. I accept and embrace it. Also, if you were to start looking like each other it wouldn’t be that bad of a thing b/c you are both delicious looking people.
That being said. Make a baby! Then you’ll have someone who looks like the both of you!
(Sorry. That is my lame attempt at forcing others to procreate since I am knocked up myself.) Luvs!
I’m with you all the way. I grew up watching Star Trek-Next Generation with my Mom. I pretended like I didn’t like it in school, but I totally did. I was completely in love with Jean Luc. Star Wars is my favorite movie, for goodness’ sake, and I’ve seen every episode of Avatar-Last Air Bender at LEAST twice. Our parents did this to us…
And it’s totally dragons.
Heather Rose´s last blog ..Reach Out & Touch Faith
You know that 1000 page book would be so much lighter on the Nerd and Dork approved iPad.
restaurant refugee´s last blog ..In Which I Almost Get into a Fight with a 15 Year Old
i definitely fall under the dork category on that one.
katelin´s last blog ..A hankering for Hollywood.
Not only do I love that you love urbandictionary definitions, every time I see you reference one in your posts, I wet myself a little.
Um, not really, but close
You read Pillars of the Earth? Isn’t it one of THE best books ever?
Yeah, I agree.
Can’t wait to meet you in…3 days! HOLY CRAP.
Ali´s last blog ..It’s Friday, I’m In Love: BIRTHDAY EDITION
I enjoyed this blog, I’m sure my viewers would like this as well, I’ll be sure to link to this and bookmark it, thanks
LOL This post is so cute. I know someone who used to keep a bag of her favorite things by her bed in case the Enterprise beamed her up.
Wow. I am sooooo a dork. My picture should be right by that definition there. As for being a nerd, hey at least you are educating yourself?
So, do you play World of Warcraft too?
Herding Cats´s last blog ..On my mind…
i’m very glad that you have cleared up the whole nerd vs dork debate for me.
now i need to ponder which one exactly i am..
alexa – cleveland’s a plum´s last blog ..vital juice bikini body challenge
I say embrace the nerdiness!
We’re all nerds in our own ways.
I feel you on Picard. The first guy to give me “a funny feeling I didn’t quite understand” was Warren Beatty in the Dick Tracy movie (which now kind of disturbs me). To me, he is the only man who will ever look good (sort of good?) in a yellow trenchcoat. Good to know that we both had a thing for the old dudes.
Skinny Dip´s last blog ..Where I get Sexually Harassed ..by a WOMAN
AH! George R.R. Martin. The BF and I exchanged book lists (nerd alert, for sure). I gave him 5 suggestions, and vice versa, and one of his was Game of Thrones, and he got all horny about it. I haven’t read it yet, but I will! Glad to hear your knee deep in them. Nerd bf’s pretty much rock imho.
Lollygagger´s last blog ..workout in the park.
I look at more that you had latent nerd/geek ability and he just brought it out; it happened to me too.
cassey´s last blog ..The weekend
I totally consider myself a professional computer geek. Not that I know everything lmao but I am paid to do my geeky job.. and isn’t that difference between a profession and a hobby?
Veronica´s last blog ..This Weekend…
super jealous! have so much fun. & (crazy mom alert) be careful! i would be ever so upset if I didn’t get to read about all the debauchery eventually ;D
maddy´s last blog ..just a little update.
well i clicked to comment on the vegas post but it somehow ended up here. whoops. I guess I will try and be relevant: I like being a nerd. I also want to read Pillars of the Earth.
maddy´s last blog ..just a little update.
You should use some of your fabulousness to convince Martin to finish the series. *sigh*
If I get published and I give you a copy, will you totally pimp me on here? Provided you like the story, that is…
MJenks´s last blog ..The Bridge to…Somewhere
By those definitions I fall somewhere between geek and nudist.
Zach´s last blog ..The Ultimate Collection of Hilarious News Bloopers
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