The surprise geek

I am a geek.

But though it comes as no surprise to many, I can't just drop that and walk away because my brother reads this, and he's the only person in my life who confronts my word abuse. So, I tried Google and a smattering of online dictionaries for a definition, but most of what I found was too specific - centered around either computers or biting heads off of chickens.

My friend Heather was surprised, and shocked me by wondering out loud when I'd "become such a geek" after I gushed on Facebook about Google Voice and syncing my cell contacts with Google. I know Heather from my second career (I'm on number five) as the Director of Operations (DOO) at a non-profit camp and conference center. And I was surely a geek back then. I once drove hours to attend a seminar on floor cleaning and proper use of entryway floor mats. More importantly, to this day, I'm excited about that seminar and how I applied what I learned. I still have the handouts, and I haven't been responsible for the condition of an entryway mat in ten years. Here's my point: Even though this joy in knowledge was not computer-y, it was deeply, deeply geeky.

That's why this definition from Wikipedia grabbed me - "A person who has chosen concentration rather than conformity; one who passionately pursues skill (especially technical skill) and imagination, not mainstream social acceptance."

There are all kinds of geeks. Any skill can be learned, but there is a best way to do everything. CARING to look up, discover, or even claim the best way, defines geek. Wait till Heather finds out she's a cooking geek.

So wherefore the blog? My mission is to make your life simpler, cheaper, and funner so that you can focus on making the world a better place. To that end, I'll post all manner of "hacks" or tricks or systems that I discover or run across (both computer-y and noncomputer-y). On the flip side, the geeky systems that I create for myself can be handy, but they can also become an end in themselves - a distraction from the relationships that make life worthwhile - so, there will be posts about relationships and personal growth. Cheaper than a therapist, so thanks in advance. I'll post a couple of times a month - more if I get around to it or start writing faster.

Out of curiosity, I found and took this test on line and rated around 30% or "Total Geek" which was only the third of eight levels of geekiness. I think I'm geekier than that, but I also think the test was skewed toward computer geekiness. And if you're wondering if that critique is fair, you're a candidate - so just go take the test. Full disclosure: I did answer "Yes" on "I exaggerated on this test to score better", because I also said "Yes" on the question about owning a lightsaber, when, in fact, I own a Stormtrooper blaster. Which is mounted on the wall. In my office.