I often call myself a geek. 

Years ago, labeling someone a geek meant something a bit different than than how I have intended it today.

Geeks were otherwise known as nerds.  These were the people in our high schools that were a bit awkward.  They were not always the most popular kids.  They were not the most athletic kids.  Despite those facts, they usually excelled in academics, arts, or theater. 

Today, the word “geek” can mean a person who is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about something.  A geek can have a particular skill set or knowledge base that goes well beyond ordinary.

I use the word “geek” to describe myself in a few ways.

Despite how people see me, I am initially uncomfortable in social situations… especially those where I am the new kid.  I push myself to be outgoing and reach my hand to others in greeting.  This has taken years of practice.  Sometimes, I still see the girl with buckteeth and braces when I look in the mirror.  THAT girl is quite shy and lacks confidence.  Geek.

I love knowledge and learning.  I was not the kid that hated school.  I still love to read books, delve into a new project researching online articles, and am certainly not afraid to take something apart to try to fix it.  I would rather spend time learning than doing my hair or trying on makeup.  Geek.

I am passionate about my hobbies.  I have an eclectic mess of toys and books at the homestead that speak to this.  I have bikes (yes, more than one).  I have electronics.  I have fly fishing and fly tying gear.  I have fitness equipment.  I am acquiring photography toys.  I have books upon books.  Geek.

Sometimes, despite my best efforts as a geek, I fall short and need to find another geek for support.

I am surrounded by great geeks.

This past week when the computer issue flared up, I did my best geek work to try to make it better, with support from my friend in Low Places who a computer super-geek.  Despite his long-distance instructions to guide me through a solution, we just could not get things back on track.  It was time to employ the services of a hands-on computer hardware super-geek.

Off I went to a local computer repair shop.

Super-geeks are a breed apart.  These are the masterminds.  They are the technicians that can work wonders with our computers, our cars, and even our bodies when we are sick.

In society, these kids may have been overlooked in school.  What a shame!  Today, they are the brains we turn to when we are in crisis.  They have taken “geek” to a whole new level.  They are experts in their respective crafts.

The super-geek at the computer repair shop did not back down to the challenge I presented.   Although my brand of computer posed some new issues for him, he researched and worked and picked through each twist and turn.  He was methodical.  He saved all of my data and was able to return the machine to optimum working order. 

I applaud him. Hence, he has earned the title super-geek from me.

He gets it.

Geeks. 

I am glad to be part of such a fraternity.

I am a geek.